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Dali perhaps the most exciting Surrealist. “It reveals his obsession with Freudian psychology as much as his obsession with his great lover and muse Gala,” said India Phillips, Global Head of Bonhams, in London, where the auction will take place on Thursday. Its most distinctive feature is a burning giraffe, likely linked to the Spanish Civil War, which was raging at the time it was painted. Currently, the auction record for a Dali piece is €15 million.
Russian expat link to Maddie
German police would like to locate Spain-based ‘brothers’ who could be involved in mystery snatch of toddler
TRADING BEYOND THE HORIZON WITH BINCK
Mijas Costa
Dig deep for Dali diptych
A PAIR of Russian expats based in Spain have been linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The two men - believed to be brothers - may have been involved in the buying and selling of yachts both in Portugal and Spain. According to an investigator for Portuguese national TV, German police are ‘looking for these Russians’. Prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, who is leading the investigation for SMILING BOSS: Vittorio was Germany’s BKA, confirmed to RTP snared in Spain programme Sexta-as-9 that they may have been involved in the snatch of the British toddler from Praia See page 15 & 23 da Luz, on the Algarve in 2007. The sensational claim c o m e s after a t o
voice in Spain
AN original, off-the-wall painting by one of Spain’s most famous artists could fetch up to €11 million at auction this week. The diptych, in art lingo, Couple aux têtes pleines de nuages (1937) depicts the Catalan artist and his wife Gala as framed silhouettes with their heads full of storm clouds. “It is full of the highly personal imagery that made
HIS nickname means ‘Out of stock’, which is entirely appropriate for Italian Vittorio ‘Esaurito’ Raso. For the leader of one of Europe’s biggest crime gangs has been finally snared in Spain. The smiling boss of Italy’s notorious 30,000 strong Ndrangheta gang was picked up by cops in Barcelona at the weekend. Raso, 41, is a notorious cocaine-trafficker and long sought by European police. His arrest came after two years of intelligence, when cops swooped on his home in his upmarket neighborhood of Diagonal Mar.
j e c t
expat
Vol. 13 Issue 354 www.theolivepress.es October 14th - October 27th 2020
FREUDIAN: The portraits of Dali and lover Gala
The leader of the infamous Ndrangheta - the main rival to Sicily’s mafia, based in Calabria since the 19th century - was preparing to flee on a ship bound for Brazil. Cops in Italy meanwhile detained many of his gang, seizing weapons, drugs and €360,000 in cash. The arrest of Raso marks a coup for the authorities, who long suspected the mafia kingpin had been hiding out in Fuengirola. His gang allegedly turns over €43 billion a year from people smuggling, prostitution, drugs and extortion. This would make it Italy’s fourth biggest company.
Your
3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .
? ?
EXCLUSIVE by Jon Clarke, in Vilamoura
former friend of key suspect Christian Brueckner revealed he had been grilled about the Russian pair last year. German, Manfred Seyforth, told the programme detectives had brought up the pair in relation to a ‘murder case’. “Police visited me in 2019 and asked about a murder (Madeleine’s) and asked about two Russians in Spain and if I knew them. “They picked me up in Frankfurt and said it was a homicide case and then asked if I knew two Russians in Spain... two Russian brothers,” he said. The Olive Press can reveal the interview came in December just days after Seyforth had testified against Brueckner at the rape trial of American pensioner Diana Menkes. The German, who saw a series of videos of Brueckner raping and torturing women, helped to convict Brueckner of the attack on the 72-year-old, in Praia da Luz, in 2005. He told the court in Braunschweig,
21/6/19 13:30
SUSPICIOUS: Authorities are on the hunt for two men, believed to be brothers
Germany, how two videos involving an older woman (although not Menkes) and a 15-year-old tied to a post - were kept at Brueckner’s Portugal LINKS: Nicole Fehlinger and Brueckner probed home. He said over Maddie he had found them after he had been asked to clear the Algarve. out the rented home in Praia da Luz, A Portuguese woman, who employed while Brueckner was locked up in pris- her as a babysitter, told the RTP proon in 2006 for petrol theft. The Rus- gramme she often talked about Russian connection has intensified after it sians as being her best clients. was revealed that Bruec- She said they were mostly involved in kner’s girlfriend at the the yacht industry in the area adding time, Nicole Fehlinger, that Fehlinger worked as a dancer at allegedly mixed with a the casino in Vilamoura and was also series of Russians while involved in ‘photoshoots’. working at a casino on The Olive Press first revealed in June how Fehlinger ran an operation for troubled teenagers on AUTHORISED THE SKY the Algarve from her home in DISTRIBUTORS Foral, 40 minutes inland from DOCTOR Praia da Luz. ALL AREAS COVERED FREE GIFT WORTH 199€ We revealed how Brueckner had been a regular visitor to her +200€ discount KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! 4G UNLIMITED rented home and how she had on new alarm installations!* INTERNET been paid thousands a month Special Anti “Okupas” Before 26th October IDEAL FOR for looking after the difficult alarm offer STREAMING TV German teens. English language We also reported how Fe24/7 monitor ALSO IPTV, Immediate Police hlinger had called in police SATELLITE TV Europe’s No.1 security company when one girl, 15, ran away for response *offer only through contact below two weeks and was eventually tel: (0034) 952 763 840 brought back by Brueckner, Call: +34 611 475 892 Call: +34 611 475 892
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CRIME
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Russian Maddie link From front page
who was armed with a gun. Intriguingly, in police documents seen by the Olive Press, the 15-year-old had been socialising with Russians at their local restaurant O Foral, in the village, the day she vanished. One of them was called ‘Ivan’ and they apparently lived on the Algarve at the time. Despite police reports being made about the disappearance, it is not believed detectives ever located or interviewed the Russians. Meanwhile, a dangerous British paedophile also linked to the case claimed on his deathbed she had been taken to Russia. Long time suspect Raymond Hewlett - who was imprisoned three times in the UK for child sex offences - allegedly told police in 2009 that he had not only seen Maddie close up twice, but that she was ‘taken by Russians’. The former soldier, who was married to a German and lived between Aachen and the Algarve, died of throat cancer before police could properly interrogate him. Hewlett was said to be an hour's drive from Praia da Luz in May 2007, living on a campsite with his wife and six children in a blue Dodge truck. Brueckner was also living in his VW campervan at the time Maddie went missing, frequently moving up and down the coast staying at different camping spots.
AN Irish pensioner has been arrested in Benalmadena for allegedly grooming five local kids. The sicko allegedly asked them to send him intimate pics in exchange for phone credit, cinema tickets and cash. Police said the 69-year-old targeted children from poor families and convinced them to text him indecent images and videos of themselves in
Sex groomer return for gifts. The investigation began last December when the mother of a child complained to police about the perverted exchange. The expat lured his first victim in a park and asked a waiter to offer him
October 14th - October 27th 2020 a drink. Officers this week raided his home and seized a number of items including his computer and phone. He is also believed to have physically abused at least one of the victims. The man has been bailed by a judge, who placed him under official investigation for child pornography offences, corrupting minors and sexual abuse of a child.
VICTIM: Ben Nesbitt
A MAN was rushed to hospital after being shot twice on Sunday afternoon in Estepona. He was found in a flat in the town’s Hacienda Beach complex, shortly after the shooting, and is now being treated at the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella. The bullets struck his left leg and upper left arm, causing a fracture. A trail of blood led from the complex’s car park to the living room in which the victim had been left for dead.
jailed for his part in the vicious attack. The man was arrested in Girona as he headed for the French border, which lay just 40 miles away, and remanded in custody by an investigating judge. He is being probed over the fatal stabbing of Nesbitt, 21, after a party over 400 miles away on the Costa Blanca. The victim’s father Michael, told the Olive Press:, “I tried to block it all out, hoping that I’d wake up the next morning and all of this was just a nightmare - but it wasn’t.” Nesbitt’s family are waiting to cremate Ben and return his ashes to his native Southport.
However, the police are uncertain of whether the shooting occurred in this building or whether the man was taken there afterwards. Meanwhile, police have recovered a submachine gun thought to have been used in another Estepona shooting earlier this month. Five police officers were slightly hurt in a chase following the incident before they arrested two British citizens. No one was hurt in the shooting.
Second bite
THE alleged killer of a British expat had been involved in a knife attack on the same victim in the UK three years ago. The Olive Press can reveal that Ben Nesbitt, 21, who was stabbed to death in Quesada on the Costa Blanca, on October 1 was hospitalised when three men attacked him in 2017. In the vicious assault in
Slain expat, 21, had been attacked by the same assailant in 2017 Southport, near Liverpool, he was left for dead after being knifed while he was asleep on a sofa. He later recovered after a long stay in hospital. But it would appear that the violent incident was not the
end of the matter. Sources have told the Olive Press that the man detained the day after Nesbitt’s death was one of the three men involved in the 2017 assault. He is thought to have acted as a driver and was later
Head shot
Gold mile thieves
A MAN who was shot in the back of the head as he drove has miraculously survived. Police say that the victim, in his 30s, is still in hospital but is not in a critical condition and is expected to recover. The incident occurred in the Bailen-Miraflores district of Malaga. Police said the victim was driving his car when someone opened fire from the street and shot him in the back of the head. No arrests have been made so far and the investigation is continuing to try and shed light on what happened. The initial hypothesis is that it is a settling of scores.
POLICE have scored a major success in their fight against robbers after arresting a gang who allegedly snatched over €35,000 worth of goods from properties across Marbella. The operation was the culmination of a three month long investigation, which saw detectives link a spate of robberies across the Golden Mile and San Pedro de Alcantara. Cops leading the probe revealed two men and women, aged between 18 and 38, have been arrested and charged with 21 alleged crimes against property.
Blood trail
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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.
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 Yao Min and Queen Rania of Jordan, will
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He’s not Messi-ng about
TOP SCORE: Messi takes lead as Spain’s most followed star
Swinging in Shakira to join forces with Prince William and David Attenborough to help save the planet
October 14th - October 27th 2020
SPOTTED: Holland in Spain
Friends of the Earth
WHENEVER, WHEREVER: Shakira has pledged to be there to help Prince Will choose ‘the most prestigious has been likened to a green work tackling major probglobal environment prize in Nobel Prize, and which will lems across climate and ensee a total of 50 environmen- ergy, nature and biodiversihistory’. The Duke of Cambridge, 38, tal pioneers each awarded ty, oceans, air pollution and launched the award, which a €1 million prize for their fresh water. In the video announcing the council, pop star Shakira spoke of her own passion for the environment alongside Brazilian footballer Dani AN upcoming thriller has sparked controversy Alves and the Japanese astrofor casting Penélope Cruz as a Columbian psynaut Naoko Yamazaki. chologist. The star, who has launched Tongues are wagging following the release of her own charity for impoverthe trailer for The 355, with critics slamming the ished kids, said: “I personally Spanish star for taking a role they say should feel it is my duty as a citizen, have gone to a Columbian actress. as a human being and as a The major blockbuster, directed by Simon Kinmother of two young children berg and set for release next year, will tell the stoto bring attention to this issue ry of a group of international spies forced to work before it’s too late.” She addtogether to recover a top-secret weapon and see ed: ‘Your children, my chilCRUZ CONTROL: Penelope takes the Cruz star alongside Lupita Nyong’o and Jessica dren – they have to find ways Chastain. lead in new film to reduce carbon emissions.”
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.
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NEWS
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Equal Footing
Joint winners SPAIN’S and Portugal will form a bid to host the 2030 Football World Cup. The two countries confirmed the bid ahead of a goalless draw between the two countries, last week, in Lisbon. Initially, a three-way bid was considered with Morocco, but that was eventually ruled out. The bidding process begins in 2022 with a decision being made
October 14th October 27th 2020
by FIFA two years later. Morocco are also forming a bid, while a four-way effort is being launch by Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.
SPAIN has made a giant step forward in gender equality with a new law that will heavily fine companies using outdated pay structures. The government will now require all companies to disclose pay structures for their individual staff, with any company failing to do it facing a fine of up to €187,000. Minister of Equality Irene Montero explained: “The message is very clear, women must be paid the same as men for doing the same jobs.”
Equality
Floody hell AN alarming 40% of Spain’s coastline is at ‘a high risk’ of flooding from heavy storms. A report from Spain’s Sustainability Observatory reveals that areas with recent and substantial urbanisation are most vulnerable. This includes many parts of the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, where 12 and 11 towns respectively are particularly at risk. It comes as the storm season - which left a number of people dead last year in Spain - is set to begin. According to the report, coastal municipalities since the 1950s have been transformed from rural undeveloped communities to large
Up to half Spain’s coastline at serious flooding risk due to overbuilding from tourism By Simon Wade
tourist resorts that have had a negative impact on the local ecosystem. Some 48 localities out of the 50 studied had seen excessive construction for tourist use, mainly in the form of homes, hotels and golf courses. Flooding after storms is generally caused by ‘a lack of suitable drainage, because traditional floodplains have been built on
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without planning’. Also, man-made storm drains are often badly maintained and easily clog up with flora and ‘other detritus.’ The report looked at the ‘most artificial municipalities’ on the coast, with 10 each in the Canary Islands and the Balearics, two in Catalunya and five in Galicia, plus the ones in Valencia and Andalucia. Marbella on the Costa del Sol was highlighted as the most urbanised, with the report claiming it is the ‘most impacted by intensive tourism in Spain’. Next are Calvia, in Mallorca, Denia, on the Costa Blanca, Estepona, on the Costa del Sol, and Puerto del Rosario, in Las Palmas, in the Canaries. In terms of development close to the shoreline (under 500 metres) Benicassim (in Castellon) is the worst offender with 82% of its coastline developed for tourist purposes. Also criticised are Orihuela Costa, Mijas, Torrevieja and Benalmadena. The proliferation of golf courses was also pointed out in the Observatory’s findings. It claimed that the construction of greens and fairways has far exceeded the land area used for public parks and playgrounds.
Spain stands out as one of the leaders when it comes to improvements in gender equality. The country made the top 10 on the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Report, leaping 21 places since 2018 thanks to an increase in women's rights. Sanchez's government has had a large part to play in this, creating one of Europe's most female orientated cabinets, with 11 out of 17 ministers. This echoed by the Spanish congress, which is the most equal in the EU, with 47.4% of the members female. Sanchez has also made significant leaps towards finally overturning Spain's outdated sexual violence laws. Opinion Page 6
School Spike THE number of youngsters with COVID-19 in Andalucia has tripled in just one month The numbers of kids up to the age of 14 testing positive for coronavirus has shot up from 2,216 in August to 6,909 in September. The spike in numbers has coincided with the start of the school term. Since the beginning of the school year, nearly 1000 classrooms or schools have been closed around the region.
Worried sick RESIDENTS of Malaga and Sevilla are the country’s biggest hypochondriacs. They suffer more registered anxiety disorders than even residents of Madrid, a recent study has revealed. Residents of Madrid, Valencia, Murcia and Barcelona come in a close second, according to Lenstore. The number of people who are overwhelmed by the slightest pain thinking that it could lead to a serious illness has shot up due to Covid-19. The study discovered that 88% of the population visits Google for a diagnosis before going to a health professional.
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NEWS FEATURE
www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.
OPINION Mind the pay gap IT is almost astonishing that in 2020 the government has to intervene to ensure that women are given the same pay as men. Equal pay for equal work sounds so simple (as does creating equality of opportunity for all, irrespective of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation) but somehow some of the biggest brains in business still struggle to grasp the concept. As we face another economic downturn in the wake of coronavirus it is clearer than ever that our old systems are failing us at every turn. It is time to challenge the status quo and do away with outdated modes of working - and women need to be helping to usher in the new dawn right alongside the men. Women are just as productive and determined as their male counterparts, and businesses need to recognise this. And not just because of quotas but to build better businesses and a better future for everyone. Speaking of the future, one that continues to pay women less than men or discriminates against anyone way is a discredit to us all. Businesses should of course be making gender equality and equal pay a key foundation of success. It is the right thing to do. It is a shame that companies are now going to have to report how they are doing to make sure that they do the right thing. Our brilliance is in our diversity. Celebrate it. Reward it. And reward it equally. That’s just good business sense.
Squat a lot SINCE last week’s article on squatting (Our Squatter Hell, Issue 353) we have been inundated with messages from our readers sharing their own horror stories. Most ended their emails asking us what they can do to prevent illegal occupiers from taking over their homes. In a bid to help, we have taken their pleas to heart with a special report starting on this page. After all, that’s what a responsible newspaper does. Publisher / Editor
Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es
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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
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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.”
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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
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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
(leftt), while (right) the CAUGHT: CCTV of troublemakers Press journalist squatter who attacked on Olive
“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
King and country
2
CRIME
www.theolivepress.es
Please help us! EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
Your reporters, here to help on the Costa Blanca
Introducing News Editor Laurence Dollimore and Reporter Joshua Parfitt
Contact them with any stories or news on 951 273 575 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es
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.
(Personal contacts on page 6)
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’.
NO NEED TO PAINT!
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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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.
No way
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.
Look out
GOOGLE Maps has introduced into Spain a new function that warns users of the location speed cameras, both fixed and mobile. The function is available on both Android and iOS, but only Android users can report mobile speed cameras.
Dog’s life
PETS now outnumber children under 15 in Spain, with 13 million registered at the end of last year. Dogs make up 93% of all registered pets.
Email: info@jennifercunningham.net
how she was punched in the ‘eye and the gut’ by a gypsy woman
Olive Press how they were fleeing after the eight-month pregnant wife was ‘hospitalised’ due
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to stress. “The squatters will be €60 gone by September, thank the Lord and thank you Olive Press for covering the story,” Linda Brown, who lives with partner
byshire, described how the couple were forced to sleep with the ‘burglar alarms on’ as the stairs up to their penthouse apartment were barricaded by an iron gate.
Arnene, 72, “They have no choice “When they finalnow, they said. THIS is the second pig to have trotted “There were 23 defendants in must all now leave,” a spokesperly had a lawyer, into a British-run rescue centre on son for Japsa, the urbanisation’s court and 22 lawthe he managed to Costa Blanca. promoter, told the yers, it was bedThe Olive Press previously reported find a misprint Olive Press. lam. how Rupert the pig ran 3km from ble began when Tina bought the in the escritura “Our police force “But the public ‘filthy, dirty shed’ where he was the is excellent, but house, which sits just across a dried which he claimed prosecutor was and wandered into the Easy Care living the courts were very passionate out riverbed from her own home, suggested the inRescue Centre near Torrevieja last Horse not giving them and firm in sumin Competa, Malaga, at the end of heritors might (inset top right). The clever pig month. warrants to act. trotted in ming it up.” ‘as if he knew where he was going’ 2018. not have had the “In Spain, squatThe success comes in what Easy Care owner Susan Weeding The previous owners, who she was right to sell the ters are given ocfollowing a ‘coup describe as ‘a nearly impossible could only cupancy rights if very close to, had died, and the in- property, but it feat’. d’etat’ after a But that feat was repeated when they are not re62-year-old gypsy heritors of the property decided to was just a typo.” pe the pot-bellied Vietnamese pig Penelomoved within 24 ‘patriarch’ moved turned up sell it to Tina. To make mat‘completely out of the blue’. hours of entering. in, bringing his Susan admitted she has ‘no idea’ “I wanted a home for my daughter ters worse, Tina “But now all of 10 sons and their SHOCKING: Squatter how far this one has travelled in search of freedom. them have been Kristine, she is often ill and needs had to find a new wives and children. damage “Obviously someone has been given an eviction watching Babe, or A reign of terror hospital treatment or looking after, solicitor after SCARED: Tina Cackett and daughter maybe Kristine (left) flicking through the pages order and a month saw young children, many not atso the setup was ideal,” Tina ex- discovering her Susan told the Olive Press. Susan of George Orwell’s Animal Farm - the pigs are rising!” tending school, shouting ‘sons of to find a new place to live - if they 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 b*tches’ and ‘we will kill you all’ don’t leave, the police will kick them onto the streets.” Tina claimed, “even their child was But while waiting for the deeds to be hours not worked. up at the British pensioners. put into her name, which took sev- She now has the documents in or- shouting death threats, it’s just horLinda, an ex-copper from DerOpinion Page 6 eral 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 UK BASED 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 TRAVEL 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? INSURANCE 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 for Spanish is only around 12 years my property and driving around in Javea - Denia VENDORS GUIDE residents 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 www.globelink.co.uk 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 96 626 5000 www.vacationvillasspain.com Avda. Madrid, 24, 03724 Moraira - Alicante her case. +44 (0) 1353 699082 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 Javea 966 461 690
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Fatal Hug The devastating fall that costs the life of two British holidaymakers
Gibraltar Christmas Cancelled We uncovered why no formal festivities would be allowed to go ahead on the Rock
voice in Spain
Vol. 1 Issue 24 www.theolivepress.es October 1st - October 14th 2020
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. Call: +34 611 475 892 “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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Perfect storm
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A ‘PERFECT storm’ is brewing with the combination of Brexit and COVID-19, according to the Deputy Chief Minister. Joseph Garcia said the consequences of this scenario could be felt ‘for years to come’ in a recent video conference call. The conversation on Sunday was part of the Liberal Democrat party conference held online from September 25-28. Garcia explained the challenges of a small nation like Gibraltar to deal with the pandemic and Brexit at the same time. This was made even tougher by the fact that the same ministers and officials were involved in decisions on both issues. He gave a basic outline of Gibraltar’s discussions with Spain and the UK over the future relationship with the EU. The DCM stressed how he thought isolating the elderly saved lives and how the Golden Hour had been given approval by international experts. “Dr Garcia went over the success of the aggressive testing and contact tracing regime in Gibraltar,” said the Govern-
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ment.
Uncertainty
“He told the panel that over 45,000 tests had been carried out in a population of 32,000 and that this placed Gibraltar third in the World. “He went on to highlight the serious economic impact of the pandemic and pointed to the provision of £150 million in the budget extension on Friday.” The leader of Gibraltar’s Liberal party told Orkney and Shetland LibDem MP Alistair Carmichael how both Scotland and Gibraltar had voted to remain in the EU. “Europe is in unchartered territory, in the sense that we face a pandemic with a threat to life and Brexit at the same time,” said Dr Garcia. “This is a time of uncertainty. “However, we can be certain that the economic, social and political effects of the situation we find ourselves in will be felt for a long time to come.” The meeting was chaired by CHRISTMAS Director of Gibraltar House in are cancelled celebrations on the Rock, London, Dominique Searle. it has been revealed.
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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.”
VENDORS
colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com
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
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
Maddie TY LINE OF DU Guardia Civil source: Squatters ‘live
AN OLIVE PRESS SPECIAL REPORT: SEE PAGE 3
Royal sweep
expat
voice in Spain
September 12th- September 25th 2019
MEET THE STARS IT’S OFFICIAL: AT SAN SEBASTIAN
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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.
Vol. 1 Issue 13 www.theolivepress.es
expat
tel: 966 46 38 45
Your
As Gibraltar counts 46 active COVID-19 cases, Fabi- No formal festivities will be allowed to go ahead as an Picardo’s government the Rock battles coronavirus has already announced that there will be no fesstudents have been found Linea, tive events this winter. By John Culatto to have been in close con- Roque Los Barrios, San The move is an attempt and Tarifa have all tact with the positive cas- recorded to keep contagion of more cases than es and all have been told ever COVID-19 as low as possi- breaks at before. Westside School to self-isolate. ble in the colder months. have put It comes as three out- 11 staff two classes and Close contact is defined as members into proximity Deal within a closed self-isolation. Another case was also re- area for longer than 15 Although more than 1,100 THE SKY ported at St Anne’s Upper minutes. have recovered since Primary School with four The authorities have told March, new cases are beDOCTOR staff members and nine all Westside School stu- ing identified every day. dents to go to school as Although ALL AREAS COVERED pupils sent home so far. these towns have The incidents have seen normal if they have not a higher population count the contact tracing team been contacted by the than the British Territory, 4G UNLIMITED working with school staff Contact Tracing Bureau. they have also had more INTERNET and the Department of Gibraltar now has 46 ac- deaths from COVID-19. Education to find out who tive COVID-19 cases while Ten schools with classes the nearby area has nearly were has been affected. placed in self-isoALSO IPTV, Staff members and stu- 600. lation since September dents were interviewed The Rock’s efficient test- 10 when they re-opened SATELLITE TV to find anyone who had ing and isolating system in the region. In a recent ‘close contact’ with the in- has helped keep cases un- deal the St John Ambutel: (0034) 952 763 840 der control while the Cam- lance signed an agreement dividuals concerned. info@theskydoctor.com As a result, nearly 20 staff po de Gibraltar suffers. with the Government to www.theskydoctor.com members and around 30 The combined popula- transport asymptomatic tions of Algeciras, La COVID-19 patients.
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Vol. 13 Issue 353 www.theolivepress.es September 30th - October 13th 2020
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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 Gibraltar, Mallorca and the Costa Blanca, all of which you will find on our website which sees an average of 20 stories a day. The
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Vol. 4 Issue 90 www.theolivepress.es October 2nd - October 15th 2020
Best Strokes An interview with a British cancer patient determined to Best strokes swim the coastline for charity, plus news that racing driver Schumacher has moved full time to his Mallorca home. 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.
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.
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.
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 colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com port Group, Mallorca’.
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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NEWS
Purr-fect
World’s rarest wildcat makes dramatic leap in numbers By Cristina Hodgson
THE once seriously endangered Iberian Lynx is making a dramatic comeback. The world’s rarest wildcat is now ten times stronger in numbers than it was two decades ago. Its population has hit a historic high of almost 900 cats across southern Spain and Portugal, up from just 94 in 2002. According to the latest statistics, which are released annually, there are 894 of them in the wild around the Iberian Peninsula. Best of all, a record 188 of these are breeding females. The total is 509 - or 57% - in A BELT of inland towns are to get a €32.6m injection of capital to help boost the struggling economy. The money will be invested in a series of 82 olive oil projects around Andalucia, in particular focusing on the marketing and modernisation of the industry. Large companies are set to receive money to modernise
SINGLE IMPLANT
Andalucia, with a further 105 around the rest of Spain. The largest colony is in the Andujar-Cardena area of Jaen, where a total of 145 cats are breeding, closely followed by 71 in the Guarrizas area of Jaen. The more traditional Donana-Aljarafe area, in the provinces of Sevilla and Huelva, has 97 specimens, while the Guadalmellato area of Cordoba has 46. The rest are scattered around the rest of Andalucia.
Oiling the wheels
their facilities, improve quality control and become more environmentally friendly. In Cordoba, some €5.76 million is going to 17 towns, including Lucena, Castro del Rio and Rute.
IMPLANT BRIDGE
Castilla-La Mancha is home to 84 lynx (17.7% of the total), distributed between the Montes de Toledo and the eastern Sierra Morena areas, while 58 (12.2%) inhabit Extremadura. A number of programmes, such as Life Lynxconnect, are focused on connecting the different existing lynx nuclei, as well as developing new lynx habitats. These include one in inland Murcia and another in the Sierra Arana, in the north of Granada province. The Olive Press reported recently how lynxes are also apparently living in the Serrania de Ronda area, in particular around the Genal Valley. A German guest staying at a hotel in the valley actually filmed one, while touring a vineyard. The findings were backed up by ecologist Javier Dominguez, who told the Olive Press that a number of farmers out of 60 he spoke to claimed to have seen lynxes.
October 14th October 27th 2020
Immigrant armada MORE than 1,000 migrants have arrived in hundreds of boats in Spain in just 48 hours. Averaging just two immigrants per boat, the armada sailed from Morocco to the Canary Islands over the weekend. A combination of closed borders and tightened security on the Mediterranean coast is understood to have led the immigrants to take the far more risky 97km Atlantic crossing. The Red Cross reported 1,015 people aboard 485 small boats made it to the Spanish islands over two days. Mostly adapted fishing boats, they were met by hard-pressed rescue services who transferred the migrants to shore. Migrant arrivals have actually fallen by 5.8% between January and September on the mainland, while they have surged by 523% to the Canaries. A total of 6.081 people arrived up to the end of September, according to government figures, which is the highest total since 2006 when 30,000 migrants made it to the Canaries. The International Organisation for Migration estimates that at least 251 people are known to have died on the Canaries route between January 1 and September 17.
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The Olive Press all editions FP (342mmx256mm) October 14
LETTERS
10 Check out our issues online at www.theolivepress.es Mallorca Issue 90 OLIVE PRESS
The
MALLORCA
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Your expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 4 Issue 90 www.theolivepress.es October 2nd - October 15th 2020
ROAD TO RECOVERY
ISLAND HOPE: Move to €35m Andratx villa could aid Schumacher’s 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 garden and stunning western views over the Balearic Sea. According to Diario de Mallorca, pion was taken to their Spanish the seven-time world chaminjuries sustained from his skiingholiday home to recover from Although updates surrounding hisaccident in 2013. health have been rare, the ex-wife of Formula 1 boss and former QPR co-owner Flavio Briatore, Elisabetta Gregoraci, recently made comments on his
condition. Speaking on the Italian version of “They moved to Spain and his wifeBig Brother, Gregoraci said: has set up a hospital in that house.” She later added that ‘only three people can visit him and I know who they are’. It comes after reports were made that the Formula 1 legend was spending his winters at the multi-million euro mansion with round-the-clock carers.
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
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 also swims for his daughters. He said: “I swim so I can one day walk my daughters up the aisle on their wedding days and that I can one day have the privilege of becoming a grandfather to their children.” If you would like to support Philip on his challenge, please visit his fundraising
page on Facebook – ‘Philip’s fundraiser for Cancer Support Group, Mallorca’.
AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR
KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! Special Anti “Okupas” alarm offer Immediate Police response Call: +34 611 475 892
colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com
Gibraltar Issue 132
TOGETHER: Philip and Meg
with daughters Farrah and
OLIVE PRESS GIBRALTAR
The
Perfect storm
The Rock’s ONLY free local paper
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A ‘PERFECT storm’ is brewing with the combination of Brexit and COVID-19, according to the Deputy Chief Minister. Joseph Garcia said the consequences of this scenario could be felt ‘for years to come’ in a recent video conference call. The conversation on Sunday was part of the Liberal Democrat party conference held online from September 25-28. Garcia explained the challenges of a small nation like Gibraltar to deal with the pandemic and Brexit at the same time. This was made even tougher by the fact that the same ministers and officials were involved in decisions on both issues. He gave a basic outline of Gibraltar’s discussions with Spain and the UK over the future relationship with the EU. The DCM stressed how he thought isolating the elderly saved lives and how the Golden Hour had been given approval by international experts. “Dr Garcia went over the success of the aggressive testing and contact tracing regime in Gibraltar,” said the Govern-
Alexa
September 30th - October 13th 2020 Vol. 5 Issue 132 www.theolivepress.es
Sent, tracked, missing Dear Olive Press,
had the courTHANK goodness, at last someone has Grapes, all ediage to complain about Seur (SEUR ral in Spain. I tions) and the delivery service in gene dder through ordered my husband a new garden shre in Germany. eBay from a very reputable company as Alziva and far as got it ing, track the According to email saying never made it further. We just got an lack of adthey couldn’t deliver it because of theSpanish) and dress. Not only do I include our GPS (in our address, telephone number incorporated into must ring us but I also leave a message to say theyif they cannot when they get to the village and that acia and colfind us, we will come down to the Farmcompany belect it. We had a full refund from the Correos lady cause it had been returned. Our ownlive in a small is very helpful and because we only village, she knows all of us personally.. They make no I know how the man feels in your story though we effort whatsoever to try and find us, even the village. In from road the down tes minu five live ce! And would this day and age, it’s not rocket scien ish? Span the to they also ‘lie’
inson From a very disgruntled Sonia Higg from Parcent Alicante
ment.
Uncertainty
“He told the panel that over 45,000 tests had been carried out in a population of 32,000 and that this placed Gibraltar third in the World. “He went on to highlight the serious economic impact of the pandemic and pointed to the provision of £150 million in the budget extension on Friday.” The leader of Gibraltar’s Liberal party told Orkney and Shetland LibDem MP Alistair Carmichael how both Scotland and Gibraltar had voted to remain in the EU. “Europe is in unchartered territory, in the sense that we face a pandemic with a threat to life and Brexit at the same time,” said Dr Garcia. “This is a time of uncertainty. “However, we can be certain that the economic, social and political effects of the situation we find ourselves in will be felt for a long time to come.” The meeting was chaired by Director of Gibraltar House in London, Dominique Searle.
CHRISTMAS celebrations are cancelled on the Rock, it has been revealed.
As Gibraltar counts 46 active COVID-19 cases, Fabian Picardo’s government has already announced that there will be no festive events this winter. The move is an attempt to keep contagion of COVID-19 as low as possible in the colder months. It comes as three out-
to go ahead as No formal festivities will be allowed the Rock battles coronavirus San By John Culatto
Benefits Consultancy
Or you need... If you suffer from... • Help with • Mobility problems washing /dressing • Pain / Breathlessness • Supervision • Falls / Stumbles
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students have been found to have been in close con-
tact with the positive cases and all have been told breaks at Westside School to self-isolate.is defined as have put two classes and Close contact within a closed 11 staff members into proximity longer than 15 area for self-isolation. Another case was also re- minutes. have told ported at St Anne’s Upper The authorities School stuPrimary School with four all Westside go to school as staff members and nine dents to they have not normal if pupils sent home so far. by the The incidents have seen been contacted Bureau. the contact tracing team Contact Tracing staff Gibraltar now has 46 acschool working with cases while and the Department of tive COVID-19 area has nearly Education to find out who the nearby 600. has been affected. efficient testStaff members and stu- The Rock’s isolating system dents were interviewed ing and keep cases unto find anyone who had has helped while the Cam‘close contact’ with the in- der control po de Gibraltar suffers. dividuals concerned. populaAs a result, nearly 20 staff The combined Algeciras, La members and around 30 tions of
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KIM CLARK
Linea, Los Barrios, Roque and Tarifa have all recorded more cases than ever before.
Deal Although more than 1,100 since recovered have March, new cases are being identified every day. Although these towns have a higher population count than the British Territory, they have also had more deaths from COVID-19. Ten schools with classes were placed in self-isolation since September 10 when they re-opened in the region. In a recent deal the St John Ambulance signed an agreement with the Government to transport asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
Costa Blanca Issue 40
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AT LEAST 40,000 jobs have been in Alicante Province for the time saved sliding scale of up to 100% depending being, By Alex Trelinski on after the national government extended their size and the time of the year. the ERTE furlough scheme until Speaking to the Olive Press, San Fulgenthe end of January. cio councillor, Darren Parmenter (September 30) but will now run said: until at “This is The news came on Tuesday as excellent news as so many around least January 31. 600 vehicles took to the streets nesses in the area, including ones busiA last-minute deal between the owned governBenidorm to demand the extension of ment and trade unions saw authorities by expats, are related to tourism includwith thousands of local tourism and hospitaling bars and restaurants. This will climb down over plans to drastically help ity jobs on the line. help to struggling tourist-related cut them get through the winter.” The motorcade was led by a tourist and hospitality businesses. with a banner proclaiming ‘ERTE bus CEV president, Salvador Navarro, OR Extension DEATH’. “Common sense has prevailed andsaid: The Valencian Business Federation effect the on the Alicante Province economy Though the ERTE extension has been (CEV) says that 27,567 workers are universally welcomed, calls have cur- would have been barbaric.” already rently getting ERTE benefits. started for more to be done. Payments to laid-off staff will be They estimate that an extra 12,500 at 70% and new benefits will startkept Nuria Montes from the Benidorm-based ple across Alicante Province will peo- short-term for Costa Blanca Hotels Association(Hosbe able seasonal workers who would to claim as the area moves into the ‘low’ not normally qualify for unemployment bec) said: tourist season. “We need payments to continue until benefits. we The scheme, which was launched can return to normality and that in Business owners will have their social ERTE means March, was scheduled to end yesterday running until June and the start security contributions subsidised on a of the summer season.”
SEUR GRAPES
SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea
96 649 1883 www.moraira-hamiltons.net
By Eugene Costello & Kirsty McKenzie
The company is accused of lying deliver parcels by enraged expatsto customers and failing to
ders were lost by SEUR. The electrical items that he ny.” bought for his car were not A Mac Air ordered of huge value, but David said utable company from a rephe refuses to order another eBay recently in the UK via went missing. Amazon item until the online The UK company retailer switches to a different tracts its deliveries subconto DPD, delivery firm. who in turn subcontract SpanHe said: “I have had a nega- ish deliveries tive experience with deliveries On company to SEUR. reviews website from SEUR, even to an Ama- Trustpilot, SEUR receives zon locker. 4,423 ratings. “SEUR stated the item was de- – 96% – give Of these, 4,250 livered but no access code for worst possiblethe company the the locker was sent. It is fairly star or ‘bad’. rating of oneAnother 2% rate obvious what happened to the them ‘poor’ or ‘average’. Less Amazon order. than 2% rate “Another item which was sup- Comments them ‘excellent’. posed to be delivered to my worst delivery include; ‘The company I have house have also gone missing.” ever seen’, ‘they lie in your He added: “I will not be order- face… I can’t believe Amazon ing from Amazon again until uses them,’ ‘The worst service they change delivery compa- ever!!!’ The Olive Press tried to ring the number listed on their website; a recorded message advised that the number does not exist. We then tried to email them; it came back as ‘undeliverable’, advising that the address does not exist. And we tried to fill in a form on the site; the ‘submit’ button AUTHORISED did nothing. DISTRIBUTOR Contacted by the Olive Press, an eBay spokesperson told us: “eBay does not have a role in KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! deciding the delivery service used on an international order YOU WHAT?: The delivery service Special Anti “Okupas” is accused of deception as this is the seller’s responsi- on an alarm offer bility. However our eBay Mon- tact order, they should conitems and ditching delivery the seller and request an ultrasound machine. ey Back Guarantee ensures alternative slips. prior to purchasImmediate Police that if something goes wrong ing.” The Olive Press investi- The latest of the disappearancwith the delivery and an item It comes gation revealed that over es at the Los Boliches branch, response after dozens of packdoes not arrive, the buyer can ages €1,000-worth of goods had appear to be part of a widemysteriously vanished be quickly refunded. gone missing at Fuengirola spread problem across Spain. Call: +34 611 475 892 from “If a buyer would like to opt fice, an Andalucian post ofpost office over the last eight colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com with expats accusing out of using a certain courier Correos months, including an expen- Have you lost your packagof stashing high value sive plasma pen and a €500 es to SEUR? Contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es
AFTER SEURS Olive Press readers respond to the news that postal service SEUR is letting down people across the country (Online, September 24)
Training wheels WE find all couriers almost impossible. They don’t seem to understand the use of postcodes, clear instructions or photos. It would appear that there is either none or very little training given to the drivers.
Always on time
Señor Siempre Alegre
I HAVE always found the SEUR service to the San Cayetano area to be very satisfactory. The driver who delivers my parcels always arrives on time and shows concern if there is any sign of damage to the packing. Always cheerful, he greets me with ‘Hola, mi amigo’ and I call him, much to his amusement, ‘Señor Siempre Alegre.’ Drivers for other delivery firms have, on two occasions, claimed the parcel was undeliverable because the address did not exist! I wonder just where the ‘thousands’ of disappointed expats live. Certainly not here. M. Eskdale, San Cayetano
Time for change
WHY does the law protect the takers and not the people who work hard for what they have? (Olive Press front page, issue 353). These squatters are scum. Hann Mcconnell, via Facebook
Ena Cummings, Madrid
Poor laws
Jane Murray, Sorbas
I HAVE received many deliveries from Seur to my property in Benissa and have never had a problem with the company. In my experience, Seur is the only courier company in Spain that sends a one-hour delivery time slot notification and the man who delivers is always on time, cheerful and polite. Peter, Benissa
THE law needs to change bigstyle. It’s designed for squatters and not law-abiding citizens. Squatters should have no rights and be thrown out. This is happening all over Spain - owners getting beaten up, death threats, owners having rocks thrown at their property, etc.
Your
expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 1 Issue 40 www.theolivepress.es October 1st - October 14th 2020
Costa jobs lifeline
THOUSANDS of expat customers of eBay and Amazon UK living in Spain claim they are having their parcels stolen by Spain’s leading delivery company. Droves have taken to review site Trustpilot to slam SEUR as a ‘scam outfit’, with one Olive Press reader refusing to shop anywhere that uses the firm for deliveries. The company, which is part of the DPD group and self-professed ‘leader of the sector in Spain’, is accused of lying to customers, failing to deliver parcels, providing a phone number that doesn’t work and an email address to which an automatic reply says the package does not exist and is therefore not deliverable. Expat David Bullock told The Olive Press that he was left fuming then two Amazon or-
SQUATTER HELL
COSTA BLANCA
The
tel: 966 46 38 45
WWW.JAVEABLINDS.COM
IDEAL FOR STREAMING TV
October 14th - October 27th 2020
CANNABIS BUSTS
Waste of resources
THEY need to stop criminalising marijuana and legalise it to help stabilise the Spanish economy and free up resources to fight cocaine, meth and human trafficking. Marijuana is a healing plant.
SPAIN could solve its unemployment problems and fix the economy overnight if they legalised cannabis, as will inevitably happen in the next five to 20 years. Such a ridiculous waste of police resources when there are plenty of real crimes happening.
Robert Delgado-Perez, via FB
Simon Johnston, Valencia
A healing plant
LA CULTURA By George! Do you have a what’s on?
Harry Potter and the children from Spain
YOUNGSTERS from Spain are being invited to audition for Cinderella Live. Aspiring thespians aged 11 to 16 from around the globe can apply now for their moment in the spotlight with PantoLive. The pantomime will star Harry Potter actor Chris Rankin, who played Percy Weasley in the globally popular films. “We wanted to give some young people the opportunity of being in the ensemble,” said director Daniel Coll. “We felt it right to make it as international a cast as possible. The selected winners will record everything from home and be shown in the live performance.” Cinderella Live will be the world’s first interactive live pantomime and will be beamed into viewers’ homes via live stream this Christmas.
Live
“I am over the moon to be working on this innovative international show that will give the audience the feeling that they are sitting in the theatre itself as the actors perform Cinderella Live,” said Rankin, who will play the Fairy Godfather. Simply send an MP4 video singing a few lines and a chorus of any song to dan@goinglive.tv or visit the website www. pantolive.com to apply.
INVITE: Chris Rankin
Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Covid Concert
Boy George protégé from Marbella releases folk rock album
A MARBELLA musician who has worked with the likes of Boy George has just released his latest album. Sami James splits his time between the Costa del Sol city and London and describes his signature sound as a blend of Noel Gallagher
By Lydia Spencer-Elliott
and Ben Howard. After studying at BIMM University in Brighton, he went on to tour and work with many notable musicians and producers including Boy
George, Martin Glover, Mikki Nilsen and Bryan Wells. Now he has released his new album Found and Lost, a compilation of songs written and recorded in Spain and the UK. “The launch of the album is a mix of old and new songs,
Art attack GUARDIA Civil have reclaimed 474 works of art left to the Spanish people by businessman Julio Muñoz Ramonet. Priceless paintings and sculptures intended for the residents of Barcelona, have been kept by his two daughters for the past 29 years. The collection was found in various homes in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante. It included 376 paintings and drawings, 87 miniatures, four sculptures, four ivories and three tapestries and dates back to the 14th century. Muñoz - described as one of the biggest business ‘magnates’ of the Franco era left the works to the public in the city of
some recorded in the UK and others here in Spain - hence the title Found and Lost! Many of the songs on the album I have also written and recorded in Spanish,” Sami told the Olive Press. The songs detail Sami’s life experiences and have hope, love and escapism and their heart. His songs range from rocky tunes to more haunting melodic anthems.
Mansion
RECOVERED: Some of the art found
Barcelona in 1991 along with his Muntaner Street estate. Recovered were paintings by Fortuny, Eugenio Lucas, Winterhalter and Frederick Morgan. But lawyer for the Julio Muñoz Ramonet Foundation, Marc Molins, says the most important works are still missing.
Recorded in an abandoned mansion in Marbella, Sami recently released the music video for his lockdown single Life Has Just Begun. Next on the cards for the performer is the formation of an innovative flamenco indie fusion band. The Rabbit Holes band is a collaboration between Sami and other Spanish artists who will start performing and release tracks in the early Autumn so watch this space.
SALA Apolo in Barcelona will stage an experimental concert to test the spread of COVID-19. Spanish researchers led by Bonaventura Clotet (President of the Foundation for the Fight against AIDS and Infectious Diseases) and expert Boris Revollo Barriga, have organised an experiment to simulate a real concert scenario preCOVID to study the risk of virus transmissions in large and enclosed events. This pilot experience is being carried out by the hospital of Can Ruti in collaboration with the organisation of the Primavera Sound Festival. More than a thousand people will attend the concert, all participants will go through a swab test to ensure they are healthy and will be required to wear an FFP2 mask. A follow-up on the participants will be done post concert.
what’s on
G
rab a mic
CALLING all songbirds. The 37th National Flamenco Singing Contest in Carmona begins this month and will last until November 22, with the final being held at the Peña Amigos de la Guitarra
Just Like You
B
H
D
older person. Lucy is a white 41-yearold single mother and schoolteacher. Joseph is a black 22-year-old part-time butcher and aspiring DJ. They have absolutely nothing in common. They are from different backgrounds and social circles and yet love blooms. It is the idea that opposites attract, but it is not always
looming lovely
FLOWER power return to Córdoba this month as the beautiful blooms take over the patios and alleys as part of the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba, running until October 18
by Nick Hornby
O R N B Y takes his time to release new work, but when it eventually comes it’s worth waiting for. This time round Hornby lends his wit and wisdom to the topic interracial relationship during the run up to the Brexit referendum and switches up the age gap cliché by having the woman as the
11
easy for opposites to stay together when family and friends disapprove. Hornby, as always, tackles some quite difficult issues with warmth, compassion, and a fair amount of humour.
€16.90 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es
ancing Queen
FLAMENCO lovers are invited to enjoy a night of music and dance with performers Rocio Bazan and Hugo Toscano at the Huber art and food venue in Estepona’s old town on October 16 and 30.
A
rt attack
GET yourself some artwork - and a bargain - at renowned artists Joy Fahey’s Make An Art Offer sale at TRH Mijas Hotel in Mijas Pueblo on October 22.
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LA CULTURA
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.
LA CULTURA B Catalan cool
October 14th October 27th 2020
ARCELONA has been named as one of the 10 most cultural cities in the world, climbing the rankings thanks to its architectural flare. The Catalan capital has more landmarks per square mile than any other place, according to research. Famous destinations include the Gothic architecture at Monestir de Pedralbes, Park Güell, the enormous Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família and spectacular Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Barcelona. Meanwhile Los Angeles was named as the city with most hometown music artists, while Tel Aviv in Israel was revealed
to have more art galleries per square mile than any other city in the world. The most dramatic city was Paris, with 3.59 theatres per square mile but Barcelona wasn’t far behind, securing second place on the list 1.17 arts venues per square mile. Buenos Aires City, Milan, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Prague and Dublin made up the rest of the top ten most cultural places. Inkifi ranked the world’s most
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20th Anniversary! – 20 years serving you from our Mijas Shop
Barcelona named as one of the most cultural cities in the world By Kirsty McKenzie
creative cities, looking at a number of different things each city has to offer, including the number of music clubs, comedy clubs, theatres,
street art Instagrams, architectural buildings and statues. Paul Mosley, founder of Inkifi said: “There is no doubt that people are missing the thrill of travel and exploring all the cultural hotspots the world has to offer. While not all cities are able to welcome back visitors yet, it’s great to see where in the world is going to be top of the list for culture-lovers, when planning their next trip.” “From music clubs and theatres, to architectural buildings and art galleries, these cities offer a huge wealth of attractions to explore, allowing visitors to learn more about the country’s history, and fully immerse themselves in the culture of the city they’re visiting.”
Splash Pools Mijas S.L. (just below the restaurant Valparaiso)
Large shop and office just off the Carretera de Mijas Easy parking for collection of chemicals Extensive stock of pool accessories, pool toys and games and equipment FREE test of pool water at the shop – just pop in with a small sample Professional maintenance service – tailored to suit your needs | Pool Construction Specialists in leak detection, repairs and renovations New pool builds with 10 year guarantees Installation of pool heaters and automatic covers
Open 8am to 3.30pm Mon to Fri Tel: 952 591 053 / 667 788 291 For directions go to: www.splashpoolsmijas.com
CULTURE: Sagrada Familia (top) Catedral Basilica and Monestir de Pedralbes (left)
2 for 1 glasses from 69€ Something to smile about
Fuengirola Avda. Ramón y Cajal, 6 Tel. 952 467 837 Marbella Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 12 Tel. 952 863 332 2 for 1 from 69€-229€. Cannot be used with any other offers. Second pair from the same or lower price range, and to the same prescription. Both pairs include standard 1.5 (or 1.6 for 199€ Rimless range) single-vision lenses. Varifocal/bifocal: pay for lenses in first pair only. One pair with free sun and UV tint – usually 40€. Additional charge - Extra Options. Excludes SuperDrive, SuperDigital varifocals, and safety eyewear. ©2020 Specsavers Ópticas
Olive Press Costa del Sol – 170mm x 256mm – Colour
-
14th October
PROPERTY Hot wheels 14
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
CJ515
100.00€
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.
Fuensanta de Martos, Jaen 4 bed, 2 bath Build: 136m2
This semi-detached cottage has its original wooden double door, enter into the lounge with curtained archways, one leading to the kitchen, dining room and out onto the patio, the other to the double en-suite bedroom.
Envy
Martos Office +34 953 704 319
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.
info@inlandandalucia.com
Calle Lope de Vega, 6, 23600 Martos (Jaén)
www.inlandandalucia.com
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.
TRENDY: Could you make this van your home?
October 14th October 27th 2020
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.
MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola
Market bounceback
T
HE general consensus amongst the public at large seemed to be that the coronavirus crisis was going to mean a big hit for the property market in Spain. But amongst property professionals the outlook was considered nowhere near as grim as the doom-mongers suggested. Here at The Finance Bureau we felt right from the start of the crisis that although there was a huge amount of uncertainty, the situation was in no way comparable to the financial crash of the mid to late 2000s. Back then, finance dried up as banks struggled with bad debt and bad investments. Even then we were able to secure funding for many prospective purchasers who were unable to get loans from other sources by utilising our in-depth local knowledge and expertise in the Spanish mortgage market. Although it is true that some lenders have been looking for ways to mitigate risk, primarily by reducing loan-to values (LTVs) and increasing the ratio of net income to monthly loan repayments, with the present crisis, the problem of liquidity in the banking sector is not an issue. The Finance Bureau under-
House sales and mortgage approvals up more than 6% in August stood that lenders are much more willing to lend than in the years of financial turmoil – and this would be a major factor in keeping the property market solvent. While lockdown certainly affected the property sector, the data seems to be showing very little let up in demand in the longer term. When lockdown was imposed in March the initial figures held up well as many deals already in the pipeline were completed, although there was a dip in sales and approved mortgages towards the end of the second quarter. But this seems, in our experience at The Finance Bureau, to not have had a significant impact on demand over the succeeding months - in fact quite the opposite. Latest figures from the Spanish College of Notaries confirm our experience. According to the college, the number of houses sold in Spain in August grew 6.8% year-on-year, with the number of new mortgages approved for buying a principal residence rising 6.5%. Overall, mortgage loans for the purchase of a property increased by 5.2% year-on-year in August (18,572 loans) a figure which in-
cludes those looking to buy a second property. Loans for construction showed a year-on-year increase of 3.4% in August, at an average amount of €492,611, reflecting a yearon-year rise of 9.4%. Not only are more mortgages being completed, but the transaction prices are higher. This all points to pent-up demand from the lockdown period being released in the form of a surge in deals. In other words, coronavirus lockdown merely put sales temporarily on hold, with many purchasers completing as soon as they could. This, in our opinion, shows that people have recognised that the mid to long term prognosis for the market remains healthy. For those seeking a loan it remains highly advisable to approach a qualified and experienced professional to guide them through the entire process. At The Finance Bureau we have many years of experience at saving our clients inconvenience, time and more importantly money when applying for a loan.
To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670
BUSINESS
October 14th October 27th 2020
15
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 insisted. 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.
TM
952 147 834
*Based on third par ty. Offer valid for new customer s only. Subject to conditions. Ends 31/12/20.
TheOlivePress-256x170-CAR0720.indd 1
20/7/20 13:08
16
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.
Available between 1-6pm ~ Prices include VAT ~ A La Carte also available.
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
la sala y l r ! a g E n i in
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
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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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.
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October 14th October 27th 2020
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HEALTH
Lisa Burgess
October 14th - October 27th 2020
21
Abortion Toxic friendships rule repeal damage your health
THE Spanish government says it wants to change the law to allow 16 and 17-yearolds to seek an abortion without parental permission. Politicians have been debating changes to the country's abortion laws as ministers seek to repeal a 2015 bill that made parental consent for those aged between 16 and 18 mandatory. Equality Minister Irene Montero said women should have the right to ‘decide about their bodies’. Abortion is legal in Spain in the first 14 weeks of a woman's pregnancy. It was first legalised in 1985 in cases of rape, or when the
The Spanish government says it wants to change the law to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to seek an abortion without parental permission. life of the mother was at risk and it wasn’t until 2010 that the law extended abortion rights to any woman until 14 weeks of gestation. In 2015, the ruling Popular Party (PP) changed Spain's abortion laws and established the obligation of parental consent in the case of girls between 16 and 18-years-old who wanted to end their pregnancy. Montero, a member of the
Jabbed in Spain THE first Spanish prototypes of the vaccine against COVID-19 will be ready before the end of this year, Spanish scientists have revealed. Luis Enjuanes, who heads the coronavirus laboratory at the National Biotechnology Centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), said this Sunday that the first
prototypes will be ready if they win the approval of drug regulators in time. However that is more likely to happen in the first or second quarter of 2021. But Enjuanes did not rule out the possibility that regulators will authorise doses in people who are more exposed to contracting the virus, such as health professionals.
left wing party Unidas Podemos, told Spain’s lower house of parliament that the reform was ‘more than necessary’. She added that other measures would be introduced, including a greater focus on sex education which she described as a ‘vaccine’ in the fight against gender violence. The law change would also include the right to the ‘newest forms’ of contraception, the minister told a parliamentary commission. For the move to be approved however, Montero will first have to submit the proposals to the public then negotiate the details with the country’s Ministry of Health. An absolute majority of the Congress of Deputies - 177 or more votes in the 350 seat chamber - will be needed to approve it. Currently, the coalition government does not have an absolute majority and the far-right party Vox has already said it will not support the proposal.
But it cost Lisa Burgess a battle with cancer to cleanse her life of them for good
T
HE one thing cancer taught me was the need to get rid of 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. My dear friend and fellow breast cancer From a mental health perspective, it is survivor Kay Chickie Shaw, a witty and lov- equally damaging, making you more guardable Mancunian from La Cala, echoes my ed, pessimistic and emotionally exhausted. sentiments with her own advice about peo- It breeds negativity all around you. ple: “They should fit in or fook off.” A damaging friendship can destroy your If you need to identify a toxic self-esteem, hinder your perperson then lookout for these sonal growth and distort your Toxic people tell-tale signs. idea of a healthy relationship. Toxic individuals will spread Before cancer, I had a different will spread negativity, criticise, waste outlook with a softer, more lenegativity, your time, play the victim, nient attitude. But how things be jealous and are wholly have changed! I now realise criticise and self-centred. time is of the essence, and I They simply do not care about waste your time refuse to spend one precious anyone else and will keep disextra minute of it agonising appointing you. over anyone who isn't worth it. Enduring a toxic relationship has adverse I sincerely hope you have had a toxic waste effects on your health and happiness. spring clean this year but if not, then contemStudies show that it can cause heart prob- plate these wise words from an unknown aulems, high blood sugar and blood pressure thor: ‘Don't let negative and toxic people rent problems, a weakened immune system, space in your head. Raise the rent and kick low energy and fatigue. them out!’
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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 the temptation of daily larder visits, the process is reversed. The aver-
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Bears do it
As autumn arrives and coronavirus rates surge, it’s time to hibernate AGAIN, writes Belinda Beckett age 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 ten-
dency 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...
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 MUSCLES: Prowse was most popular with mums 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
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BIN MAN: A start for the Keep Spain Tidy campaign?
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, began swearing loudly. 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 acquired a new nickname, in the style of Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves. I was now Shouts at Bin Bags.
Rubbish
Although picking up rubbish may be something of an alien concept, there is one area of public sanitation that the Spanish really excel at. I refer, of course, to leaf blowing. If leaf blowing was an Olympic sport, Spain would have an unbroken run of gold medals. No early morning is complete without the sound of a worker with a leaf blower, complete with safety goggles and ear defenders. I have often wondered if the ear defenders would be better employed if those in the vicinity were allowed to use then instead to block out the din. Or perhaps they aren’t ear defenders at all, and the operator is instead listening to a relaxing chill out playlist on his iPod as he works…
MOTORS
October 14th - October 27th 2020
Young woman co-driver killed when car hit tree
A YOUNG woman rally co-driver has died after an accident in a Portuguese race. Laura Salvo, 21, died following a crash in the first stage of the Rally Vidreiro in Portugal. Medics arrived at the scene within two minutes of the accident. Despite their efforts to resuscitate the woman from Valencia, she died before she could be air-lifted SEAT has begun work on a pioneering electric battery laboratory in Martorell, Spain, as part of its commitment to electrification. The construction of the future Test Centre Energy (TCE) will cost €7 million and is due for completion in April 2021. Its facilities will include climatic chambers for testing batteries and modules
23
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If your car breaks down it can be an upsetting experience, especially if you don’t have roadside assistance cover. But they are also the most common type of problem on the road.
STAY SAFE
If you break down, stay calm and safe until rescue support arrives. Remember that Socias left the road and hit a while you wait for help, your priority is to pine tree within 600 metres safeguard yourself and any fellow passenTheOlivePress-256x170-CAR-4.indd 1 of the start. gers. Línea Directa policyholders simply call Laura was trapped in the 919 171 171 and inform the emergency howreckage and quickly freed tline where you are. Línea Directa provides but could not be saved. emergency roadside assistance anywhere Peugeot Sport said in a statein Spain 24/7 and 365 days a year, with a ment: “Peugeot Sport wishnational network of operators and recovery es to express their sincerest vehicles. condolences to the family and friends of co-driver Laura Salvo.” On Twitter, Spanish Formula One driver Carlos Sainz wrote: “Very shocked by the news... All my support and affection to her family and friends.”
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Killer revenge SCIENTISTS say a pod of killer whales are attacking Spanish vessels in response to injuries sustained from boat rudders in August.
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Chick rescue ANIMAL rights’ groups are trying to find homes for the surviving 3,200 chicks after 26,000 were found dumped at Madrid Airport.
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Vol. 13 Issue 354 www.theolivepress.es October 14th - October 27th 2020
Dog-gone!
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
Spanish podenco leads airport workers on a merry chase
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.
Andalucía
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?