Olive Press Gibraltar Newspaper Issue 11 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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February 3rd - February 16th 2016

Family fights back

Olive Press meets new Prior Park head Page 15

Gib 1-0 Spain By Joe Duggan GIBRALTAR is celebrating a thumping victory after Spain was forced to overturn a ban on the Rock’s hockey clubs. It comes after the Olive Press confronted the Spanish government over why Spanish teams had apparently been told to play no friendly games with any Gibraltar teams. The retreat by the Spanish government’s Consejo Superior De Deportes (CSD) came after further pressure from the Gibraltarian authorities. The Gibraltar Hockey Association (GHA) was informed of the u-turn late on Friday night by the Royal Federation of Spanish Hockey (RFEH). “It’s fantastic news,” GHA president Carl Rammage told the Olive Press. “Everyone is very happy and looking forward to playing again. I have spoken to representatives from Spanish clubs over the weekend and we are all looking forward to getting on with it. “I am surprised at how quickly this has been resolved.” The European Hockey Federation (EHF) was also happy that the issue was dealt with so swiftly. Its director general Angus

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DEMAND: (From left) brother Martin, sister Helen, mum Catherine and brother Craig want truth about Lisa (second from right and inset)

EXCLUSIVE: “It’s a hoax... we don’t believe Simon Corner has been to Spain”

Page 2

KEEP HIM SAFE Mother launches petition to keep disabled son fenced in to stop him ‘hurting someone’ EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan A DESPERATE mother is campaigning to have a fence erected around her property to protect her profoundly disabled son. Susan Ignacio fears 18-yearold Liam is a danger to himself and others. Suffering from autism, epilepsy and Parkinson's, Liam also has severe behavioural difficulties which his mother claims could lead to him ‘hurting someone’. And after having eight opera-

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DANGER: Mum Susan and dad Ernest feel son Liam is a threat while (below) the estate tions on her leg, Susan’s own physical disability means she can no longer stop Liam from wandering out of their home. She has applied to the government to construct a gate and fence for the past five years

but the housing department has rejected her application each time. “Liam tends to go out of the house on his own and I can no longer stop him,” Susan, 45, told the Olive Press. “On

a good day he is fine, inquisitive and just wants to talk to neighbours. “However, on a bad day he is a danger to himself and could end up hurting someone.” She added: “I am no longer physically able to stop him when he wants to leave, I have to call my husband home from work to deal with Liam.” Susan and her husband Ernest, 57, have been applying to the housing department for a fence to be installed since they moved into the Mid Harbours Estate five years ago. Declined every year, letters from the housing department (seen by the Olive Press) state that the work would ‘change the aesthetics of the building’. In addition it adds that the ‘encroachment of common areas’ could lead to problems with drainage. The Ignacios however continue to fight the decision on the grounds that neighbours have similar gates to what they are asking for. Their most recent applica-

tion was declined last month, leaving them with ‘no choice’ but to take matters into their own hands. Yesterday, they launched a change.org petition addressed to the government. “I do not care if the fence looks ugly,” she told the Olive Press. “I just want to make sure my son is safe.” On the day the petition was launched nearly 1000 signatures were collected. A spokesman for the government promised last night that it would look into the case.

Opinion Page 6

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

CRIME NEWS

‘a sham!’

Highspeed cannabis hunt

Rifle arrest A 35-year-old man has been charged with the possession of an air rifle. Gibraltarian Aaron Barrera was also charged with three counts of possession of a controlled ‘Class C’ drug. The .22 calibre air rifle was seized during a police operation which saw officers executing a search warrant alongside Crime Scene Investigators, firearms officers and the dog section.

By Tom Powell

PICTURE: Twitter

A HIGH-SPEED water chase has resulted in the seizure of 12 bales of cannabis resin worth £1.8 million. RGP Marine officers pursued a RHIB crewed by four occupants on the Rock’s eastern side in the early hours of Saturday morning. It began when the RGP Interceptor Sir John Chapple detected the boat south of Europa Point during a routine patrol. Officers gave chase and the boat jettisoned the bales while performing evasive manoeuvres and eventually fled east into the Mediterranean. The 12 bales – weighing 360kg – were recovered from the water by officers.

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ARRIVAL: Corner reportedly came to meet police

THE brother of missing Lisa Brown has claimed that boyfriend Simon Corner’s reported trip to Malaga is a ‘hoax’. It comes after a legal representative claimed the expat ‘businessman’ had flown back to Spain to answer questions over Lisa’s disappearance in November. However, brother Craig Douglas (pictured right, with Lisa) believes a photo circulating of Corner, 33, allegedly arriving at Malaga Airport is ‘bogus’. He says the Liverpool man, who has supposedly been in the Far East pursuing ‘busi-

Mystery deepens over Corner’s visit to Spain with family of missing Lisa claiming it’s just a ‘hoax’ ness interests’, has not set foot in Spain for months. He told the Olive Press last night: “My family have been told for certain that Simon Corner never came to Spain, it’s all a sham and he’s playing games with the family and the authorities. “We have proof that he didn’t come, and we don’t know where that photo came from.” However, when confronted

Smuggler’s confessions A MAN dubbed ‘Britain’s gentleman drug lord’ has revealed how he launched his multi-million pound drug empire from Gibraltar. In his autobiography, The Art of Smuggling: The Gentleman Drug Trafficker Who Turned Britain On, notorious upper-class smuggler Francis Morland details how he skipped bail in the UK and headed to Gibraltar under a false name in 1971. From there he and two accomplices loaded up a boat with a tonne of cannabis resin hidden beneath spaghetti bolognese before heading across the Atlantic to the Caribbean

and then onto the USA. While in the Caribbean, Morland recalls burying hundreds of kilos of resin – which he adds may still be there today as he never went back to dig it up. However, Morland’s success in the drug trafficking world was hit-and-miss to say the least. Despite making a sizeable fortune, he was busted six times and spent more than 15 years in jail. As well as detailing his criminal past, Morland recaps his upper-class upbringing in Somerset as well as revealing he had an affair with one of Nazi-Germany officer Joseph Goebbels’ mistresses.

with the exact proof, he remained tight lipped and insisted he was ‘unable’ to reveal it. The picture in question was sent out on Twitter by legal advisor Jason Coghlan, of JaCogLaw, insisting that his ‘client’ would answer all questions from the police and ‘clear his name’. However, Coghlan later sent out a cryptic press release adding that he was no longer representing him and they had broken all ties. The Olive Press has been unable to contact Coghlan despite numerous attempts. In the picture, allegedly taken at Malaga airport 10 days ago, people in the background are dressed in shirts raising questions over whether the photo was really taken in January. Algeciras police are refusing to confirm whether or not Corner has turned up for questioning. They are known to have wanted to question him ever since he vanished to Thailand a week after Lisa was reported missing.

Opinion Page 6

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NEWS

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February 3rd - February 16th 2016

Model behaviour

Madge in Malaga

ONE of Gibraltar’s hottest imports has been causing a stir in her home country. Irish model Georgia Penna, who has a home in Gibraltar, has slammed the Irish media for publicising that her newborn twin boys were adopted. Now Penna - who appeared in Celebrity Big Brother has confirmed that she and her husband Joe used an American surrogate mum to give birth to their twins. The model who splits her time between Gibraltar, Marbella and London has since said she will never publically share photos of her newborn babies with the Irish press. The family are currently holidaying in Dubai to ‘escape media attention’.

THE Queen of pop may have been in the public eye for almost four decades, but the 57-year-old rocker shows no signs of retiring yet. Short of visiting the Costa del Sol in person, a photography exhibition of Madonna, tracking her transformation as a teenage star to style icon, will appear in Malaga until May 15. The show, at La Termica, consists of 50 images from photographers Deborah Feingold, George DuBose and Peter Cunningham.

Caine-ing it! Teenage strongman pumps iron with classmate who has Down Syndrome

November 12th

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from housewives EVERYONE will be crying to football fans ng after TV into their stocki Shepherd preheartthrob Ben nced a Christmaturely annouRock. mas visit to the caused havoc ter The presen viewers on ITV’s when he told that he was set This Morning Christmas lights to turn on the year. in Gibraltar this ter, who also d In fact, the presen Sports, jumpe works for Sky ing a caller’s inthe gun, mistak e request. vite as a genuingovernment and The Gibraltar have both conShepherd’s agent Press that no firmed to the Olivebeen made. official invite had

LA CALA

Slide away

over-worked Holiday time for Elliott Wright

- 25th 2015

of me living it the odd photo YOU may see and beautiful women and up with celebsone long holiday. think my life’s are having an exclusive inBut although weBond dinner on November vite-only Jameswith a few celeb guests - my 19 - hopefully more of a grind. real life is much I have spent every hour Since the spring g at Olivia’s, which is I have had workin my first real holiwhy I have taken– to a spa hotel nd day in four years a with girlfrie in the Gambi Sadie. en route to I stopped off with the spend some QT and took kids in Dublin some them to throw local shapes on the to fair ice rink. It’s pretsay they were no ty impressed, outs serious wipe or broken limbs!

Inspiration

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ashes scleman sm Teenage mu s world record E

EXCLUSIV an r-olds are accusMOST 15-yea up PlayStation By Rob Horg tomed to liftingsmart phones… controllers or Roeck. an option’. ‘failure was never I am but not Leon de the moon that s but muscleman has The teenage records at the “I am over breaking record . been smashingtlifting World not just he added smashing them,” Cyrus WPC Weigh in Portugal. hile mentor Championships bench press Meanw told the Olive Press the to Licudi ing Break for his age by that he expects de Roeck world record records in the de Roeck world tarian more tes set 15kg, Gibral ible 155kg coming days as he compe benched an incred . Maia. the in more events at the event in lifted 235kg “No one can believe boy a for setLater on, de Roeck her va-vaability again event, strength and told the Olive have reclaimed ni the deadlift reord. y appears to ie campaign after a string 15,” he ELSA Patak de of only “Leon continues to ting a new world y linger at 103.6kg, y feels sexy’. who is voom in a skimp Weighing in Olive Press that Press. new records. He sure is saying she ‘rarel model, break of interviews Spanish actress and Hemsworth, Roeck told the tar proud.” hips making Gibral good company, The stunningHollywood star Chris underwear d Champions in lace up Worl to ht the black ied Broug re marr Leon at in Palmones for her new in barely-the STRONG LAD: de Roeck trains s strongest smouldered of tousled blonde hair alongside Spain’ Heredia. and a mane t campaign.39-year-old mother-ofman, Juan Carlos the Women’s Secre also regularly TV advert, figure. In addition he In the new wowed Male Mr Olymoff her trim QUEEN Letizia trains with six-timat his Marvisit. three showed aga during a royal pia Dorian Yates and King Fegym. The monarchthe capital for bella lipe were in Awards for Inthe National Design. novation and o ras has Letizia ANTONIO Bande Mother-of-tw regal best in versy by reiew courted contro lous-soundlooked at her blouse and Madrid interv of an awkward leasing a ridicu supporting a cream bowedwith slashed marched out adJUSTIN Bieber a black top ing perfume andry, all in the ed as interviewers 40 minutes late. after arriving wild child seemed irritat sleeves. the Israel milita hair in a braid, iating The Canadian Spanish. Wearing her main attracspace of a week. r-old acafter the excruc dressed him in versial star got up and left . Letizia was the s gathered First, the 55-yea crowd not return increasingly restthe contro his own per-y for did ed And and tion ge Cerreleas tor exchan Teatro cringeworth eight-minute interview shows Bieber getting outside the fume with the of Seduction the questions. of the back, of . video : Bieber A tion come vantes transla , King FeBieber to name, King RADIO RANT attending less at the broken pales hosts called for Purpose. During his speech a as a ‘city Absolute, before The Los 40 Princit performing new single the Israel Delipe praised Malag innovation’. a Friends of (IDF) gala in but he left withou of science and fence Force which helped : In Malaga Los Angeles, million for the ROYAL VISIT

Hot stuff

Harding

TOWN ROYALS IN

ER-ABLE UN-BELIEB

Photo by Geoff

That stinks!

HE may be the strongest boy in the world but he also has a huge heart. At just 16, Gibraltarian strongman Leon de Roeck has been teaching a classmate with Down Syndrome how to lift weights. And Leon has been nothing but impressed since he started working alongside Caine McWilliam, 15, in his school gym at Bayside Comprehensive.

to raise €35 military.

IN THE GYM: Caine and Leon and (inset) our story

“He continues to blow me away,” Leon told the Olive Press. “He is always in the gym training hard, his squat form is impeccable, it is flawless. “All respect to him.” He added: “I am always helping out whoever I can. “Bettering people gives me the same satisfaction as bettering myself does.” Caine meanwhile, is clearly benefiting from the support of his classmate. “Leon has been a great inspiration to me,” said Caine.

Stalag-mighty performance AN all-star line-up of Gibraltarian artists is taking over St Michael’s Cave for a unique concert. Paul Isola, former lead singer of Breed 77, has chosen the spectacular venue for his first ever solo concert on February 27. The stripped-back, acoustic show will also feature a host of Paul’s talented friends, most members of local bands. Loyal Breed 77 fans will be making their way from the UK – and even America – for the show, along with busloads of fans from Spain. Tickets are available from Music Corner on Main Street for £15.

PARTY PEOPLE: Cadiz celebrates annual Carnival

Carnival capers

FORGET Christmas and the Three Kings. They should be a fading memory in the face of Andalucia’s most hedonistic landmark on the calendar: Carnival. Cadiz Carnival, the biggest and most prestigious in Spain - and one of the biggest in the world - with ten days of wild partying and excessive drinking, will run from February 4 to 14. Meanwhile, festivities in Malaga kicked off on January 30 and finish with a bang on February 7 with the ‘anchovy burial’, a Spanish tradition symbolising the end of indulgence. Dressing up and even cross-dressing are a large part of Carnival, as well as music all around the city, outlandish theatre and political and religious satire. ‘Carnaval’ in Sitges, near Barcelona, is Spain’s second biggest.

EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan “He deserves all the praise in the world.” Leon rose to fame last year after smashing six weightlifting world records at the World Championships in Portugal. He is now preparing for the European Championships in Manchester, UK, in June and then will compete at the World Championships in Louisiana, USA, in November.

SHAPING UP: Caine

Penny’s from heaven OSCAR-winner Penelope Cruz is as philanthropic as she is beautiful. The 41-year-old mother of two has directed a documentary on childhood leukaemia, following her film Ma Ma last year, about a woman fighting breast cancer. ‘Soy uno entre cien mil’ (I am one in one hundred thousand) is Cruz’s first documentary and follows several kids suffering from the disease, as well as their parents and doctors.

NEWS

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF

Holocaust silence CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo joined Gibraltar government officials in commemorating Holocaust Day with a minute’s silence on January 28.

Port call THE Gibraltar Port Authority has been forced to deny rumours on social media that the allocation of berths to the public at Mid Harbour Marina has started.

Crime crash DETECTION rates by the Gibraltar Police Authority have dropped to to 57%, the lowest rate since records began in 2006.

New recruits TWO new recruits from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment passed out at the Infantry Training Centre, Private Knox, 19, and Private Moffat, 18.

Hockey victory Continued from page 1

Kirkland told the Olive Press: “The EHF is very pleased that the Spanish Hockey Federation has resolved the issue.” The unexpected decision came after outraged Rock officials, including the government, slammed the Spanish ban. A high-profile game between Gibraltar’s Grammarians Hockey Club and Spain’s Club Hockey San Fernando in October is believed to have sparked the dispute. Following the match, Spanish clubs were told to sever ties with their Gibraltarian counterparts, a decision the RFEH claimed was approved by the EHF, which is vehemently denied. It led to an appalling situation where no Spanish clubs would play in tournaments or games, in which Gibraltar was in any way involved. In December, the GHA was sent an email that Andalucian clubs had received from the RFEH banning ‘any tournament or friendly game in Gibraltar, in Spain, or anywhere a team from Gibraltar participates.’ The ban included friendlies as well as official competitions and included all clubs, players and referees. “It is sad and I think it is very unfortunate that politics is mixed with sport,” Rammage continued. “We play regularly. A lot of Gibraltarian kids compete in Spain and they bring their kids here.” When the Olive Press contacted the RFEH last Thursday to ask why this ban had been put in

place, a spokesman said: “The reason is very simple: Gibraltar is not a state recognised by the United Nations or the International Olympic Committee. “The rule applies to all federated sports, not only hockey.” But following a meeting between RFEH and the Spanish government representatives OPINION on Friday, the decision to ban Reef rage friendlies was overturned. Official games - in European competitions, for example are still prohibited however. Oil for what? RFEH Secretary General Jose Antonio Gil told the Olive Press: “We want to keep good t London ligh relationships between Gibraltar and the Spanish clubs, especially the clubs in Andalucia.” 6

January 20th

February 6th

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Campaign success press.com

2016

olive www.gibraltar

Patient approach FEATURE

r, regenernmental saviou tar. to be an enviro Bay of Gibral IT was meant e life in the way. sucating marin , politics got in the ts been a greatnt reby all accoun But as always al reef has back sealife - but consta to accept The artifici g bring hat ians who refuse cess - ie helpin Spanish politicrial waters have somew from marks right to territo old man the Rock’s off. across to an going to taken the shine to get a message is not s; Gibraltar It’s like trying to Spain! deaf for decade who’s been in and hand itself over to give up and save ’t needs simply give Landaluce stay. But the grief needn to Algeciras mayor reef is here the s, his blushe be.

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gton He was from Kensin He returne 6,000 patient from Kensin and had to ing its doors, over House. Hundreds are bad condition. ty STONE’S throwthe side of a five- very with that terrible news Calpe week. &B for another r Health Authori recovered at Gardens, on a sign welcomes stay in Londonthrough that misery referred by the Gibraltavictims, people restorey house, House: Giand “He lived ons and kidyear, with cancer g anybody visitors: “CalpeHome In not knowinshare his grief each g from cardiac operati who stay. From coverin couldn’t among those House is it braltar’s Home y.” transplants of Calpe with anybod by his ney London.” the benefits Poggio. 30 years, Deeply moved Poggio, “One of r who For more than therapy,” says g has plight, offers from Gibralta greetin friend’s ne et someo patients Margar this warm thousands who counts Tony Blair “We have any bad news. The minutes comfor ted Gibraltarcan impart for about 10 will start Thatcher and met this , of vulnerable g to Lonabout they will talk among his friends Gibraltarians, prominent ians travellin hospital with other to discuss then, being home. to sit don for urgent do not have talking about Gibraltarians do. House, they treatment. the builded “At Calpe what they could But space in And for ed Gibraltaron their own.” was launch Princes A campaign for a London thereloneliness of the displac old saying goes. only too ing at 47a to 12 has been their at home, the can The something Poggio knows to raise money being Square is limited , Calpe House Gibraltarians after buying Ireland after ian is CHARITY begins base where home dug deep well. Born in Northern war, he was sent sing times. funded by of Gibraltarians families. AndLondon properthousands home’ during distres back to ts was t came during the three new House Charitable stay. People rcial suppor build- evacuated r to London by his parents12 ‘home from n hub for Gibraltar patien 30 years ago.reign now was One ties, Calpe while comme he almost campa Gibralta nity. help hnts when sing to Londo from ion e This of Rock reside r of Gibraltar House Trust’s fundrai £5 million for refurbis o- from the business commu e his educat d a Westsid hthe generosity gov- continu er even donate , the directo at some point. Calpe aims to raisecan continue to accomm ing developto raffle. Joe Bossano’s for years old. g at City of London Polytec illness tarians in As Albert Poggio 1965 ments so it rians during difficult times. everyone has r of apartment to those Gibral donate a pound After studyin the Gibraltar Group in minds us, arriving date Gibralta (above) OBE, Directo air- ernment promised toted. a helping hand he set up of fellow expats says nic, genera flow House offers us,” the Albert Poggio in London, is vice-ch pound to assist e are very genero ental in setting every need. charities . Gibraltar House trust. Instrum what spurred “Gibraltarians are lots of together in London live through Franco’s blockad ’t stand man of the s to Poggio. “There couldn he recalls charitie Mr “Having the people House, up Calpe We got all their activities for one of Gibraltar, a lot of bers. friend of mine there. truly a him into action. ign. It was it,” he remem ago, a good to see a con- and they ceased campa years our na “Thirty as a patient year to join project.” Purple, Estepo came to London are - Jaipur Ronda says. mouth. community g companiesbusi- - Reservatauro, ain.es sultant,” he he had cancer of the THE followin arsinsp to do O ALEGRIA “He was told Press - Webuyc RI no longer allowed the Olive - Motor Trader ness with t Media SL - CIF Coches - Best (Luke Stewar due to long d in being publishe that B91664029), ies The details are other companproblems standing debts: ents Ltd support of of the la g - MWM Investm may be unaware Coins, Marbel faced by providin - Petersham that might be to the businesses - Investor Spain credit facilities individual owners. - Simple CareManilva and their present as one tional lists - Autotunes o, Arriate g ment interna ies that spon- Podem- Hotel Embruj

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Calpe House fundraiser sees law firm raise campaign flag CALPE House vice-chairman Albert Poggio has praised Gibraltarians for backing the charity’s ‘excit-

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stake after reputation at Pablo Iglesias’ the Iranian govern

ations damaging alleg

RID MADTE RS MAT

to of the countr os Pablo with international sanc-– sored terrorism. e, fnance their the schem encial while ODEMOS leader still in placed spend his Venigns, El Confid According to Iglesias’ may in Con- tions were to wider implica- Iran, with the help of TV – campa d. reporte passed up Hispan debut debate himself. could lead news The information was ezuela, set ing d tions. Law of Parties, in- a Spanish-language a. h authorities gress defend ions, outline along to SpanisEnforcement The allegat investigation, Spain’sed to keep radical network in Latin Americ invited the US Drug (DEA). n in a police conclude he troduc sque independence Iglesias had been of pro- by Administrationot publicly repro-Ba a series purpor tedly to conduct s of euros groups, such as BaIglesias has s, but received million d, sponded to the charge PSOE grammes. nts made tasuna, from bereceive payme in he PP, from Iran The money €13 million, the leaders of the arty coun- ing legalised, said through third-p an alleged rred to him and Ciudadanos have f ically speci answer to transfe were tries. was charges mands third-party that he will have in ConThe explosive week by the d e all poin Spain via the allegations its first countries. dly used to revealed last El Confiden- that organwhen it holds Iran reporte to help gress s. news portalpublished parts litical s that , the debate HispanTV cial, which ed by isation to regg Still in its infant stages off compil -comin up-and scared Po- want as legal of the report l e f t i s t investigation has h National Socialist the Spanis ic and Financial ister gs must inside the any pacts groups many groupin lice Econom (UDEF) last Nos u c h Party from joining show they have Crimes Unit a s with Podemos. ly no connec anti-austerity vember. to have alleged Iglesias’ made certain The findings over to prose- tions grouping has past few days te r ro rr been turned the whethe ine m offers in z, who is cutors to determ be brought i s to to Pedro Sánche re himself charges shoulds and others activiunder pressu Podemos. ties. against Iglesia n stay away from in Podemos. Iglesias may I r a d is in his court. But the ball Even though entary immu- h a enjoy parliam ness of the beenn nity, the serious – dealing o alleged crimes

THE new Governor of Gibraltar has vowed to see out his full term on the Rock, unlike his predecessor. Lieutenant General Edward Davis was officially sworn in after arriving with his wife on board RFA Mounts Bay. The Keys to Gibraltar were surrendered to him by Acting Governor Alison Macmillan and Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. He delivered a speech in which he set out his hopes for a ‘long and enjoyable’ relationship with Gibraltar as well as sending greetings from the Queen. The previous governor, Sir James Dutton, resigned his post less than two years into the three-year term, citing disenchantment with the largely ceremonial role.

ing’ campaign. The ‘Calpe House Needs Your Help’ campaign is aiming to raise £5 million to refurbish the new London premises. And with government and local business support, work is due to start in Norfolk Square imminently. “The public have been great and we have had our first site meeting with all the professionals,” Poggio told the Olive Press. “They are getting the building ready to start next month and we should see progress on a weekly basis. It’s very exciting.” He added that legal firm Isolas had, in particular, pulled out the stops to help fund the refurbishments. “The staff are contributing £2 a month each with the wages department donating the money straight to the fund.”

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October 15th - 28th

FEATURE

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

OPINION

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Gibraltar WANTS TO STAY IN GIBRALTAR is strongly against a Brexit. The possibility of losing privileged links to a market of half-a-billion people is a major concern to its leader Fabian Picardo. Plus it could give Spain the opportunity to ramp up its continued claims for sover-

Hockey horror show POLITICS and sport don’t mix, the old saying goes. The ban by Spain’s hockey authorities on Gibraltarian clubs and players was certainly a shocking piece of political foul play that has backfired. The Spanish government’s edict from on high forbade friendlies at all levels. Ridiculous. Teams from the Rock and Andalucia enjoy a healthy relationship both on and off the field of play. So to deny these friends and neighbours the opportunity to compete against each other was an outrageous affront to fair play. If countries with fraught diplomatic relationships - Iran and the USA, or India and Pakistan, for example - are expected to play one another in the sporting arena, how could the Spanish government possibly argue that friendlies in Gibraltar are unacceptable? The overturn of this ban is a victory for common sense.

eignty. Certainly, it is set to be one of the biggest talking points on the Rock this year, and some have gone so far as to say Britain leaving the EU poses an ‘existential’ threat to Gibraltar. However, the Chief Minister is not quite that worried. He has

stated that Gibraltar would push for a ‘different degree of membership’ should the UK opt to leave the EU. He said: “The only existential threat to our economy is one where we are pulled out of the EU against our will and denied access to the single market.”

Uncertain times lie ahead as the UK gears up for a referendum on its EU status, possibly as early as June. As business boss Paul Drechsler throws his weight behind the ‘stay in’ campaign, Rob Horgan weighs up what Brexit would mean to European expats

On the fence

FOR 18 years Susan Ignacio has dedicated her life to ensuring the safety of her disabled son Liam. Now that she needs help it is sad to see her struggle on without the support she so desperately needs. Regardless of the ‘aesthetics’ of such a fence, surely the wellbeing of a disabled man should be put first. And while putting up a fence up may seem to limit Liam’s freedom, it will give him the liberty to enjoy the outdoors without risk of danger, as well as giving his mother the peace of mind she deserves.

Strong friends IT is fantastic to see the Rock’s celebrity strongman giving up his time to help others. He has clearly developed a close bond with Caine McWilliam through a shared love for the gym. People with Down syndrome can often make us slow down, relax and appreciate the simple things in life. Long may their friendship continue, as they equally benefit from it.

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GIBRALTAR

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or admin@theolivepress.es or sales@theolivepress.es A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly on a Wednesday. Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 (+34) 951 273 575 Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5 Calle Espinosa 1 Edificio centro comercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Tom Powell tom@theolivepress.es Rob Horgan rob@theolivepress.es Iona Napier

iona@theolivepress.es Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Admin / Distribution / Accounts: Maria González accounts@theolivepress.es Mirian Moreno admin@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: Chris Birkett Head of Sales (+34) 652 512 956 Stephen Shutes (+34) 671 834 479 Amanda Bennett (+34) 692 725475 Spanish Sales Juanjo Gonzalez (+34) 678 096 765

Brexit breakdown DON’T GO: Drechsler’s warning

T has been dubbed the ‘most important issue of a generation’. But what would Britain leaving the EU better known as a ‘Brexit’ - really mean? And what would an independent UK mean to expats in Spain? It all depends on who you listen to and more importantly - who you believe. Eurosceptics talk about a brave new world with the UK cut adrift from the EU, while Europhiles (EU supporters) warn of a dark and isolated existence should Britain cut ties with Europe. Now the boss of the UK’s most powerful business body, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has thrown his weight behind the ‘stay in’ campaign, arguing that ‘nothing’ about a Brexit ‘would be better for economic growth’.

In no uncertain terms, Paul Drechsler added there was ‘not one benefit’ to leaving, dealing a massive blow to those hoping for a Brexit. “We have to be careful we don’t think there’s a great new world out there for us,” he warned. “Brexit means a significant period of uncertainty.” And that is exactly it. Drechsler hits the nail firmly on the head when he talks of ‘uncertainty’ as nobody seems to know the true economic or social fall-out should it happen. The problem is there are so many contradictory theories and opinions in the media, and even the government itself, it is hard to build up a clear picture. While questions remain unanswered (and they must be answered before a referen-

dum is held), scaremongers have been insisting that a Brexit would be bad news for expats. According to former attorney general Dominic Grieve, an EU exit could make ‘two million Britons abroad illegal immigrants overnight’. And it is easy to see what all the fuss is about. But, in reality, it is very unlikely to happen. While Europhiles claim it could lead to a mass exodus of Europeans from the UK and British expats from Europe, their claims have no legal grounding. In fact, it is quite the opposite. According to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties 1969 expats have now ‘acquired rights’ in their home countries, which they should hold onto in the case of a Brexit. Generally speaking, expats should retain their free movement rights within Europe and will retain all their rights following a withdrawal. That said, this has not been confirmed in the European Parliament - and will need to be discussed should David Cameron set a referendum date but precedent suggests that all EU citizens should keep their rights after any Treaty changes. This, in fact, was the case when FULLY AIR CONDITIONED Greenland withdrew from the EU in 1985 and it can be safely FREE WIFI AVAILABLE assumed that the same would apply to a Brexit. The most obvious problem therefore would not be Brits already living abroad, but Brits wanting to move abroad - which, of course, would have Varied Lunch & Snack Menu · Salad & Quiche Bar an impact on expat businesses as the steady stream of Brits Regional Specials & Pasta · Home-made Cakes · Afternoon Teas heading to Spain to live could Busy Local Atmosphere & Arts Venue. All in a converted 19th become in danger of drying up. Only time will tell the true imCentury Merchant’s House on the “Old Commercial Street” pact of a Brexit.

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If you run a business or just want your say, send your opinion of what a Brexit would mean to you and your business to newsdesk@theolivepress. es

FEATURE

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

EARTH-SHATTERING Gibraltar was shaking in its boots after Monday’s earthquake, Joe Duggan does a little digging to find out if Mother Nature could strike again?

KNEW immediately what was causing my five-storey block of flats to sway. Not the wind. And certainly not the amorous endeavours of energetic neighbours. ‘Oh dear,’ I thought. ‘This is an earthquake. Do I need to get out of bed?’ Turning to Twitter after this rude awakening, I saw that the same reverberations pulsing through my bedroom had been felt by people from Gibraltar to Granada and as far inland as Sevilla. Minutes later a second, less-powerful tremor coursed across the walls. I met my flatmate in the hallway. “Did you feel that?” “Yup.” “Ever felt one that strong before?” “Nope.” And he’s Estepona born and bred. We laughed nervously. But as I crept back to bed, Spain suddenly felt a lot less safe. At 5.22am on Monday, January 25, the earth moved for thousands of Gibraltarians and Spaniards and didn’t stop for 12 seconds. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, seven large tremors struck in the Alboran Sea, the first and most powerful registering 6.1 on the Richter scale. Spain’s National Geographic Instituto measured it at 6.3. Thenorth African enclave Melilla was worst-hit, with one 12-year-old boy suffering a fatal heart attack and at least 26 people injured.

Tremors

Three days earlier, a quake of magnitude 5.1 shook the same area. So what makes the region susceptible to such regular tremors? Gibraltar is not subject to the planetary convulsions that have laid waste to parts of Japan or Chile. But the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates means the Mediterranean seabed is seismically active. As a result, each year the Iberian peninsula experiences 1,200-1,400 tremors, most too small to be felt. January’s quake was the biggest to hit for half a century, but the Iberian peninsula’s deadliest in recent times occurred in May 2011, when 11 people were killed and more than 400 injured in the Murcian town of Lorca. The Lorca tremor was of lower magnitude at 5.1, but it struck at a depth of just 3km. This month’s struck at 33km below sea level, caused by the movement of tectonic plates along the strikeslip fault crossing the Alboran Sea from Cabo de Gata to Al Hoceima in Morocco. That’s the same kind of fault as California’s San Andreas, although this one, the Trans Alboran Shear Zone just off Gibraltar’s

Spain’s worst earthquakes

5.2 Lorca, Murcia, 2011

Nine people died, including a pregnant women and a child, when this town of 90,000 people was ravaged by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. Some 324 people were injured and around 20,000 buildings destroyed by the quake, which was felt 350 km away in Madrid.

4.7

Zarcilla de Ramos y la Paca, Murcia 2005

5.0

Albolote, Granada, 1956

7.0

Durcal, Granada, 1954

6.5

Arenas del Rey, Granada 1884

RISKS: Map shows quake hotspots and (left) emergency instructions

A 4.7 magnitude quake wrecked 800 buildings and left dozens of families homeless on January 29. Although nobody was killed, five hundred aftershocks caused panic in the days afterwards and locals endured 35 quakes in that year alone.

Twelve people lost their lives, 70 were injured and five hundred buildings were destroyed in Albolote, Atarfe and Granada when this factor five quake broke.

Up until last Monday, this quake, which measured seven on the Richter Scale, had been the most powerful to strike Malaga in the past 50 years. It’s epicentre was 650km below the town of Durcal and its great depth meant nobody was killed.

On Christmas Day, a 6.5 magnitude quake destroyed this part of Granada province, taking just 10 seconds to kill around 839 people. Over 4,400 buildings were destroyed and 13,000 more damaged.

6.6

Torrevieja, 1829

8.5

Lisbon Earthquake, 1755

The popular expat spot, which lies on the Bajo Segura fault line was levelled on May 21, 1829 with 389 people killed, 375 injured and 2,000 homes totally destroyed.

Europe’s worst earthquake wiped out 60,000 people on All Saints Day. Many churchgoers were killed in the disaster, which saw a 15-metre-high tsunami laying waste to Lisbon, Cadiz and Huelva

AFTERMATH: In Spanish enclave of Melilla

coast, is not known to have produced anything over a magnitude of 6.3. Although the aftershocks following this year’s quake caused a degree of panic among the public, experts

weren’t alarmed or surprised. And seismologist Marc-André Gutscher explains that another similar-sized quake is unlikely to hit any time soon. If it did, he says, it would most likely

be 10-40km north of Al Hoceima. “Alternatively the next segment north, adjacent to Alboran Island (90km from Almeria), might produce an earthquake of comparable magnitude. “This would be closer to Gibraltar than January’s earthquake but still sufficiently far away – 80-120km off the Spanish coast – that ground shaking wouldn’t be much stronger.” Other seismologists agree. “We have had earthquakes like this throughout history,” Juan Vicente Cantavella, a seismologist at Spain’s National Geographic Institute, told the Olive Press. “When there is a lot of energy released, like in January’s earthquake, it is very unusual to have another of the same size. “I can’t say for sure that it’s not going to happen, but the probability of this event right now is low.” Nevertheless, there are those who are unhappy about the measures Spain’s authorities are adopting to guard against further problems. Following the Lorca tragedy, Luis Suarez, President of Spain’s Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Geólogos (ICOG), sent a list of 10 recommendations to central government and the autonomous regions to improve safety. Most have not been adopted, which Suarez labels a ‘disgrace’. “It’s much to our grief that they haven’t been implemented,” he said. “This isn’t California, Chile or Japan but you have to bear in mind there is a risk. From time to time, there are

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big earthquakes and it’s important to take preventive measures.” The southern Iberian peninsula has certainly felt the brutal power of Mother Nature in the past. On Christmas Day, 1884, some 839 Spaniards perished when an earthquake hit the town of Durcal in Granada. But the worst of all struck 129 years earlier – a quake estimated to have measured between 8.5 and 9 on the Richter scale. Off the Strait of Gibraltar there is a unique subduction zone, a zone in which which one tectonic plate moves beneath another with the potential to cause powerful earthquakes. Although debate still rages among seismologists, it is believed that it was a subduction zone beneath the gulf of Cadiz and Gibraltar which, In 1755, caused Europe’s deadliest earthquake.

Tsunami

The Great Lisbon Earthquake, as it was called, killed up to 60,000 people in Portugal, Spain and Morocco, triggering a 15-metre-high tsunami that destroyed the Portuguese capital and engulfed parts of Cadiz and Huelva. ‘The size of the unique subduction zone of Gibraltar is very small and its movement is very slow’, wrote Gutscher in a paper that appeared in the earth science magazine, Eos. ‘It is probably the narrowest subduction zone in the world, at 120 miles wide, and it is moving less than a centimetre each year’. Thankfully, this snail-like pace means any chance of a similarly brutal quake ripping through Gibraltar in the near future is highly unlikely. “Given the very slow motion of the faults in the area, you need many centuries to build up enough slip to generate such a great earthquake,” explained Gutscher. “An earthquake of magnitude 8.5 or 9 is pretty much out of the question, since those last such tremendous events happened just 250 years ago.” So Gibraltar is safe from another big one. For now.

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF

Roman record THE archaeological site of the Roman town of Baelo Claudia recorded a record 151,624 visitors in 2015.

Car find THE Guardia Civil found four vehicles which had been stolen hidden in bushes in the Sierra del Arca, near San Roque.

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CAMPO DE GIBRALTAR

Gandhi day VARIOUS events were held in La Linea to mark the School’s Day of Nonviolence and Peace on January 30, the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s death.

w Ne

Green groups fight back against Iranian oil refinery

Let us breath! EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan

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OVER 2,500 people have signed a petition to stop plans for an Iranian oil refinery in Algeciras. Addressed to Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Garcia-Margallo (above), green group Destruccion del Medio Ambiente has launched a change.org petition to stop the action. And after just two days of launching the petition, over 2,000 people had already signed up. “People who live in Algeciras are tired of pollution,”

OUTRAGE: Green groups slam oil refinery plan a spokesman told the Olive Press. “We already have the highest rate of cancer in this

Port pride THE port of Algeciras had a bumper 2015 as 98.2 million tonnes of merchandise passed through its docks. The figure was up 3.4% on 2014 when 94.9 million tonnes of goods were handled. More than 4.5 million crates were loaded at the port, with Algeciras Port Authority (APBA) aiming to carry 100 million tonnes of cargo in 2016.

country, so is it really worth the money to put more people’s lives at risk. “Enough is enough, let us breath.” The reported deal comes as world leaders lifted sanctions on Iran’s oil in exchange for the regime hauling back its nuclear programme. Iran wants to produce 200,000 barrels a day at the Algeciras site, according to the state-run National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company. Fellow green group Verdermar Ecologistas en Accion also slammed the plans to build a refinery in what is already the most polluted part of Spain. “With the contamination that there already is in the area, these plans are ludicrous. What a disgusting country,” said spokesperson Joceleyne Kammerer. “I can’t believe it.” Garcia-Margallo, however, is supporting the plans, saying it will boost the economy and bring jobs to the area.

Up in smoke

A HUGE drug consignment has been seized by police. The 850-kilo hash haul was discovered on two boats near San Roque. A police helicopter spotted one of the boats about to offload the bales of drugs close to the beach at Punta Carbonera. The smugglers fled on SUVs after being discovered.

It’s a steel

A CAMPO de Gibraltar steel company is ploughing €140 million into new green technology. The investment was approved by the Acerinox board of directors for its Los Barrios plant. The site, which employs 2,600 people, will have the new equipment installed by the end of 2017. The modifications will improve production and significantly reduce the plant’s volume of emissions.

CAUGHT: Drug haul

Bull fever A CAMPO de Gibraltar bullfighting school has opened its doors for the new season. Thirty budding bullfighters from San Roque’s Escuela Taurina Comarcal got their 2016 course underway at El Algarrobo finca, owned by president Francisco Ruiz Miguel.

Anuncio 256 x 342 Olive - Mena V2.indd 1

1/2/16 9:47

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

POTTED POINTERS

Not giving up

EMERGENCIES Police 199 Medical service 190 Fire 190

Simon Corner has a lot to answer for (Corner set to fly in, issue 10). I am sure there is more to this case than the police are letting on, that is always the way in Spain. But we must remember the most important people in this are not Corner and the former criminal he briefly hired as legal adviser. The people who matter are Lisa’s family, especially her son Marco. If Simon has a heart the least he can do is put all his effort into finding this boy’s mum.

EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.09 American dollars 0.76 British pounds 1.53 Canadian dollars 7.46 Danish kroner 8.47 H Kong dollars 9.49 Norwegian kroner 1.55 Singapore dollars ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 60.70% Same week last year: 78.09% Same week in 2005: 57.99% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000

DEAR OP,

Steve Bradshaw, Sotogrande

No precedent LEAVING the EU could have big ramifications for British residing in Spain, especially on residency rules, paperwork and taxes. Bigger issues include healthcare and human rights. There is no precedent, so Spain really has the UK over a barrel on this one, should it happen of course. Overall, a Brexit would not be an incentive to buy in Spain at all. Fred Smith, Marbella

Dogs life FAIR play to Morris Figuer-

LETTERS as for teaching his dog to count to ten (How much is that doggie? issue 10). It takes persistence and dedication to train an animal and only certain people have that in them, so well done. I’m a massive animal lover and have trained many dogs myself. One time I even trained a horse to do the can-can to music. Harriet Waite, La Linea

Police praise I HAVE often heard a lot of negative things about the Spanish policing system. However, I have to say that I have only ever had good experiences from the Guardia Civil and I feel that they get unfairly criticised. I’ve been pulled up on many occasions (and sometimes even fined), for having no lights on my motorbike, for not wearing my seatbelt, and one time because my dog was not harnessed in. Now I’m not saying I am happy about that but the officers have always been courteous and professional and in these uncertain times I’m glad they are there doing a good job. Michael Mansell, Marbella

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

Digging the dirt Dirty accusations

olive press online

October 2015

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THE accusation that Gibraltar has moved a million tonnes of ‘hazardous waste’ into Spain is preposterous (Digging the dirt, issue 10). This is just a classic case of Spanish bitterness. There is no way the Junta would fail to monitor what Gibraltar is dumping in Spain. No way. I am a great fan of Verdemar and think they do a tremendous job on the whole but I just do not buy this theory at all. Even if the Junta was failing in its job to monitor the waste, I seriously doubt Verdemar has been checking what has been coming across the border. Anon, Gibraltar

Green peace

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IF Gibraltar truly is dumping this amount of waste into Spain then it should be held accountable. I struggled to believe the accusation at first, but then again Verdemar is a very respectable group and its accusations must be taken seriously. The lack of a comeback from the Gibraltarian side is as much of a worry. Maybe they don’t even know how much waste they’ve taken into Spain? Whether or not Verdemar’s claims are completely accurate, a full investigation needs to take place and the Junta need to install stricter checks ASAP.

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13 13 13

Education Special February 3rd - February 16th 2016

Choosing the right schools for your kids can be a puzzle of algebraic proportions. But problem solved we’ve done the homework for you

School daze

JUMPING FOR JOY: Girls at Sotogrande International School and (below) in tune at the British School of Marbella

ENCIL cases to fill, textbooks to buy, packed lunch menus to plan weeks in advance, sleepless nights of nail-biting worry during the build-up… the first day of school can be as big a deal for parents as it is for their kids. For newbie students themselves, those first tentative steps across a schoolyard filled with strangers is also a crucial rite of passage. Making sure it’s the right school is a test all parents want to pass with flying colours. But negotiating the interactive whiteboard jungle – blackboards went out with BBC’s Grange Hill – is an even tougher call, as you’ll be spoiled for choice. Of course, your selection will depend on certain key factors: distance from home, budget, academic standards, teaching style and wordof-mouth recommendations, to name just a few. So where do you start? The first item on your checklist should be Public or Private – do you opt for an international

college or a state school? It’s generally an easier decision to make for younger children, as primary schools throughout Europe are more or less comparable. Around 80% of expats in Spain send their children to local state schools – called ‘colegios’ (primary schools) and ‘institutos’ (secondary schools). If you decide against the Spanish state system – either because you fear educational standards will be low (according to reports, Andalucia does indeed come well below average), or because you prefer to have your children educated in English – then you will have no choice but to go private. Budget is a major consideration but many expat parents say an international school gives their child a gentler introduction to education in a foreign country, with smaller classes taught in English. Most international schools even follow a UK curriculum, with GCSE and A-levels, with a number of local schools regularly seeing their

pupils getting into the top British universities, including Oxbridge. International schools have very different personalities and philosophies, and it’s very much a matter of personal preference. But with more than two dozen on the Costa del Sol alone, there are more than enough to choose from. Marbella – with more than 40,000 resident foreigners – has the largest concentration of international schools after Madrid and Barcelona. Malaga, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Estepona, Almunecar and Sotogrande all have their own options. The rise of international schools in Spain can be traced back to former dictator General Franco, who introduced tourism to the Costa del Sol. Since then, a torrent of foreign visitors settling along the coast has turned it into a melting pot of cultures, providing endless opportunities for education start-ups. British schools are now said to account for twothirds of the international schools on the coast. The oldest is Swans International School, esTurn to Page 14

www.theolivepress.es

January 20th - February 6th 2016

Education Special

Learning curve From Page 13

tablished in 1971, and named after its legendary headmistress and founder, Tessa Swan. Others include Sotogrande – established in 1978 – and Aloha College, which dates back to 1982. The newest kid on the block is the British School of Marbella, which opened in September 2010 and has already become a popular and respected addition to the coast’s school community. Indeed, it is soon to expand to bigger new pastures. Most British schools are members of the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) and are inspected regularly by the group, a setup similar to the UK’s Ofsted inspections. A great advantage for many parents is that international schools often have a more multicultural environment than state schools. Most have some 20 different nationalities attending and offer a bilingual study programme. To tie in with this, many of the top schools are increasingly offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, as well as the local secondary school qualification, the Bachillerato. The IB – which may be unknown to some English readers

LEARN HARD, PLAY HARD: Teacher plays to kids – is the normal route to university for European students. The main difference is that IB students take six or seven subjects – which often include elements of community work and public-speaking – as opposed to just three or four at A-level. As well as a more up-to-date, relaxed approach to teaching, international schools are generally considered to offer a better learning environment. The most obvious downside, of course, is the cost. Schools range from basic to luxurious but, take note, they come at a price. Fees range from €3,000 a year for primary school to between €6,000 and €17,000 per year for secondary schools. This generally does not include the cost of books, school trips or

uniforms. A further downside is that children may find themselves in something of a Spanish vacuum, unable to integrate with the local community outside the classroom. But international schools are beginning to fight this effect, with many more Spanish extracurricula activities available, more access to local culture on school trips and after-hours classes such as flamenco dancing. Just one final tip for parents who decide to go with the Spanish system: learn the language yourself. How else will you chat to your kids’ teachers at open days? And, more important for your kids than that, how will you help them with their homework!

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January 20th - February 6th 2016

15 15 15

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

A school for Gibraltar Preparations underway and registrations pour in for the Rock’s first Independent mixed-gender secondary school, writes Iona Napier

T is a hive of activity in the airy offices of Prior Park School Gibraltar, overlooking Main Street. The first day of term is not until this September – but headmaster Peter Watts has plenty to prepare for Gibraltar’s first ever independent co-educational secondary school. The faith school, in the beautiful old Sacred Heart campus, will cater for 240 boys and girls at capacity, starting with Years 8, 9 and 10 this year and sixth form twelve months later. Some 30 teachers will be employed, roughly a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio, and an online classroom will video-link some classes from Prior Park College in Bath. When we meet, Peter has spent the morning negotiating school lunch options with caterers and studying some of the 260 staff job applications which have flooded his mailbox. “I’m enjoying the preparations, but I can’t wait for the school to open,” the 47-year-old Physics teacher explains. “It won’t feel real to me until I have to

tell the first child off for running down the corridor!” he jokes. Although discipline will be important, Peter is adamant pastoral care and balance are key to a great education and that ‘valuable homework doesn’t have to take forever to do’. On popular parental demand, a homework club will mean children can enjoy quality family time at home, and Peter also wants student action in the community. There may well also be English language support for interested parents. “A big element of what a Prior Park student will be what they do for other people,” he continues. It is the first big adventure for Peter since he and his wife, Diana, ‘very irresponsibly’ took their children out of school for a term for a round-the-

world-sabbatical-trip in 2010. The ‘amazing, eye-opening’ trip started in New York and finished in Calcutta, via Zealand, Australia and India, seeing them travel parts of India on public transport with their children, ten and eight at the time. “I still maintain that they learnt more at their age than they would have learnt in ten weeks of school,” he says. It is this lateral approach to education that indicates Peter will be an excellent headmaster. That, and the fact that he was a housemaster for 11 years and more recently Deputy Head at top UK school Sherborne, in Dorset, taking the wishes and ambitions of the children under his care seriously. Until now, Gibraltarians wishing to educate their children on their Rock have not had the option of a mixed gender secondary school. And expats wishing for a tradi-

STUNNING: School building and (inset) Watts family tional British education had to ship their children away to the UK or try one of the schools on the coast. But thanks to a Gibraltar parents’ organisation that collided with a Prior Park alumni jaunt, the idea for the school was born and there are now over 100 children registered, and many more planning to attend. “Registration is not nearly as ‘done’ here as it is in the UK, but parents wishing for their children to come here should register for their own peace of mind, and it also helps us plan.” He will be joined by his local government officer wife, Diana, and children William, 15, and Emily, 13, who will move out following William’s GCSEs this summer. They will live in Gibraltar’s old town, just three minutes’ walk from the school, and they desperately hope their four-year-old border collie, Lottie, will join them.

Opening September 2016 Prior Park School, Gibraltar will be the fourth school to join the Prior Park Schools community and the first Independent, Catholic senior school in Gibraltar. Our aim is to inspire and challenge every child by offering stimulating educational opportunities and to build a school of which all of Gibraltar can be proud. To find out more, including details of how to register your child, please visit our website www.priorparkgibraltar.com

We look forward to welcoming your child to the Prior Park family.

An Education for Life

www.priorparkgibraltar.com Find us on social media: priorparkschoolgibraltar

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January 20th - February 6th 2016

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16 16 16

Education Special www.theolivepress.es

Former headmaster of three different schools including one in Gibraltar, Alcaidesa-based Stephen Coventry reveals his five secrets of the most-improved students

HAT do you need to do to turbo-charge your grades? Perhaps you or your children want to jump from a D to an A* or an E to a B? What better way to find

out than to ask students who’ve done just this what advice they have for others? Here’s five of their secrets, with examples from real student blogs posted online.

1. They think about their strengths and weaknesses

eachers spend a lot of time marking and providing comments – good students use them. They contain really important advice about improving work. And when their work is below their target grade these students find out why and repeat the work or make sure the next piece doesn’t have the same faults.

Student: “I have spoken to my teachers and the same issue keeps cropping up: applying my knowledge in an analytical way. I also tend to panic and have a mind block in exams and this tends to have an impact as I go off topic in the exams.”

TOP OF THE CLASS: Five-step gu

2. They have a plan 3. They use y recoga plan and stick to it. The he best students have be put aside for study and divided nise that time needs to ts and topics. sensibly between subjec work is listed e form of calendar where The plan is usually som nt times. They may create this manuand allocated to differe study planner. ally or use a web based ays allow for ible – they should alw But the plans are flex change. lot. It is a great ision timetable helps a Student: “Creating a rev dy time and boosts your motivation way to organise your stu towards each subject.” ls, you guys r using web based too “I make my study planneyour studying more organised. I print should use it as it makesmorning so I have a plan set for the mine off every Monday whole week.”

papers and schemes

o one would take a take a driving test without practising driving a car and no one is likely to be successful in exams without practising some questions from past papers. Mark schemes for most papers are also available. These are written in examiner language but they do show how examiners mark work and the skills

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on any special requirements, and have been known to offer to take on a bit of ironing or cleaning while they are there. So it’s no surprise that carers often become trusted and reliable extensions of the family. Trust and reliability is key, of course – all staff have been professionally trained and policechecked, and the management team holds qualifications in the health and social care sector, primarily in social work, youth work and elderly services. The founder of the company has regular meetings and inspections through the Care Quality Commission. There is growing demand for Kangaroo Carers’ services, and the company is always on the lookout for more exceptional, kind, reliable individuals to join the team. Anyone with time to spare who enjoys working with both the young and elderly should get in touch. For more information on the services Kangaroo Carers provides call 952 797 213 or visit us at www.kangaroocarers.com

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January 20th - February 6th 2016

17 17 17 17

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

ormula...

WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS

4. They know how to make (really) useful notes

hat’s the point of notes? Students keep makin and teachers keep expecting them but they areg them useless without a clear idea of their purpose. pretty

Just copying isn’t usually very helpful, nor is highlighting more of a comfort blanket than a method of learni ng. Top students personalise their notes by annot colours and being careful about headings and ating, using subheadings, always filing them away carefully.

uide to aceing exams

e past d mark

Good notes have double value: you learn from and then you learn more by reviewing them as making them proach, maybe creating flashcards or sets of the exams apquestions from them. Student: “Re-read Biology notes, make sure I have got tant information, complete Physics notes and all the imporannotate. - Re-read and annotate Chemistry notes. - Practise Romeo and Juliet lines for English the - Pack my backpack with all the things I need suchnext day. ogy notes, which I will look through again and as my Bioldo summary questions.”

5. They’re flexible

D and knowledge they’re looking for. The best students use mark schemes and past papers to identify their strong and weak areas, focusing their attention on improving their weaknesses. The blog extract below is a great example of using past papers and mark schemes Student: “1. Complete exam papers and mark using the mark scheme. Did I get an A? If yes, go to step 2, if not, read over notes. 2. Identify weak areas from mark scheme. Note how questions are marked for that part of the specification. 3. Read over weak areas, do practice questions. 4. Complete exam papers and check improvement. 5. Have any weak areas persisted? If yes, go back to step 1, if not, go on to another area.”

ifferent subjects need different kinds of knowledge and skills. The content is different and exam papers, coursework and assessment vary. There is no one way of working that will suit every course and every subject. At the same time people learn in different ways. Some like to make notes of their notes then make flashcards while others prefer big, colourful mindmaps. The best students know how they work best but are able to adapt their working methods to suit different subjects and assessment methods. They use different approaches in Maths and History for example. Student: “I use different methods of revising. Mostly, I just read what I’m trying to remember and memorise it. In Maths I answer questions on what I’ve just learnt, as memorising won’t help. Practising hard, by revising past papers also helps as I get used to the style of questions. “I also like to collaborate - helping others will always help you in some way. This is because no one is flawless, everyone has weak areas that other people have as strengths. Usually, I help people in Maths and they help me back with English.” “Also, taking study breaks helps me as constant revision makes me forget what I just revised - my brain just can’t take all that information.”

SUMMER LOVIN’: Interns Caitlin and Nina (middle two) with OP reporters

The Princeton diaries Two students from one of America’s top universities recall their newsdesk education at the Olive Press

T’S a far cry from the pomp and decorum of Princeton University, but every summer two students swap their New Jersey campus for the Olive Press’ Costa del Sol newsroom. The two-month training scheme - now in its sixth year - is part of Princeton’s International Internship programme, allowing budding hacks the chance to experience a real newspaper, working alongside trained journalists while also practising Spanish. The Olive Press is always a popular destination with the Princeton students and up to a dozen normally apply. The tricky part is selecting just two! In recent years their tasks have included visiting the poorest and richest places in the country, reliving Hemingway’s experiences of Pamplona and tracking down criminals in Marbella. What more could you want from a summer holiday! Here, the 2015 interns discuss their Olive Press experience. Caitlin Quinn, San Antonio, Texas SUMMER in southern Spain: the perfect mixture of sun, sand, sea, and…investigative journalism? The job description promised lots of journalism experience and plenty of after-hours time on the beach — right up my street. In the end, the experience turned out to be every bit as exciting, challenging, and fulfilling as I’d hoped. When I wasn’t out on assignment, I spent my days at the Olive Press office, where I worked closely with the other journalists and staff. I quickly picked up the tools of the trade: ‘Write in the active, not the passive, voice’, the boss kept telling me. ‘Always ask an interviewee’s age’. Use the British spelling for words like ‘favour’ and ‘programme’ etc. Besides honing my journalism skills, I improved my Spanish, learned to navigate a foreign cul-

Learn an Instrument. Get involved in Acting and Singing. Let your creativity flow. For students of all ages. 63 Flat Bastion Road, Gibraltar · Tel: (+350) 200 71622 · Email: info@gampa.gi · www.gampa.gi

ture, and made some truly marvelous friends. It was the experience of a lifetime, and now that I’m back in snowy New Jersey, I cherish my memories of last summer all the more. There is no doubt a work experience placement like this is invaluable for any student considering journalism, but also to help you develop important life skills in general. I had an incredible experience. Nina Chausow, New York City THE original, tongue-in-cheek job description for interning at the Olive Press was, I quote: “Occasionally fanning senior members of staff on particularly hot days... and sharpening the pencils on a Monday morning.” To my dismay, I discovered neither pencils nor fans upon arriving, and realised I would actually be responsible for the work, thought and dedication expected of a reporter. Working abroad is a much more complicated process for American citizens compared to those fortunate enough to hold an EU passport, as the work visa process can be long and arduous. Therefore, coming to the Olive Press as a student offered a unique on-the-spot learning experience that never could have been taught inside a classroom. My experience working at the Olive Press provided me with the most important skill set I utilized in my following university semester: Enrolled in the University of Granada, I took a class on newspaper translation. Not only did my new knowledge of British spelling keep me out of trouble with my professor, but my understanding of the structure and tone of British news articles really helped me succeed in the class. Furthermore, we actually ended up using an Olive Press article as background for an assignment we did.

Top Dollar

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF

What’s up, dock?

Legal boost JUSTICE Minister Gilbert Licudi has said he is confident that Gibraltar will have a new Legal Assistance scheme by the end of the year.

In the news

AN American nuclear submarine arrived in Gibraltar as part of a scheduled operational tasking. But the USS Newport News, a Los Angeles-class launched in 1986, stayed longer for some unexpected repairs. The sub made headlines in 2007, though, when it hit a Japanese tanker while submerged in the Arabian Sea. Newport News suffered damage to its bow and was escorted to Bahrain for repairs by the Guided Missile Destroyer USS Benfold while being shadowed by Iranian warships and aircraft. It’s safe to say the Gibraltar visit was slightly less tense.

Debt help THE Citizens’ Advice Bureau has claimed there will be an increase in the number of people seeking help with debt problems in the post-Christmas period.

Green city PLANS by Chinese investors to turn Gibraltar into a globally recognised model ‘green city’ have been welcomed by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. Hong Kong’s Good Resources Holding Ltd intends to help Gibraltar showcase ambitious energy technologies from LED lighting to electric vehicles. The firm plans to set up

Chinese investors to make Gibraltar a model for environmentally-friendly technologies

a Gibraltar company through which to export green technologies to Europe. Good Resources is part of a

Ready when you are, Dave UK Prime Minister David Cameron appears likely to call a referendum on European Union membership this year or in early 2017 – and the Gibraltar Parliament is ready. Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Garcia brought the legislation to Parliament, praising Attorney General Michael Llamas and his team for drafting it. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo is vocal in his support for the UK remaining in the EU, although he admitted that Gibraltar would not be facing an ‘existential crisis’ if the UK voted to leave.

Business boost

larger Chinese consortium led by Go Scale Capital which sources and develops some of the world’s leading energy technology. Picardo said: “Gibraltar strives to be a leader in clean energy efforts, and our partnership with our Chinese investors will help showcase to the world that we can and must use all means possible to do the right thing for our people and our planet.”

Up for an Oscar THE Euronova Smaller Companies Fund is a contender for the financial world’s equivalent of an Oscar at the Eurohedge Awards in London. The fund is advised by Gibraltar-based The Europe Company. Its CEO Henry Reid said he was ‘delighted’ with the nomination amid fierce competition, adding that Gibraltar is an ‘excellent location’ from which to run the business. THREE new Rock entrepreneurs are celebrating after being awarded government startup grants. From dry cleaners to stationers and from sports medicine to events tourism, seven budding businesses have now shared £250,000 in Gibraltar Business Nurturing Scheme Committee funds. Up to 30 people will now be employed by these Gibraltarian firms. Government minister Neil Costa said: “I strongly encourage businesses wishing to expand or individuals who have a good business idea to apply.”

Time to Act A FINANCIAL Services Ombudsman will be created following the publishing of a bill setting out its powers, functions and duties.

Fund work THE Gibraltar Financial Services Commission held workshops with European Investment Fund directors with case studies.

Top Dollar 20

20 February 3rd - February 16th 2016

Going Dutch

Le Breton’s Briefing

Ian Le Breton discovers what Amsterdam thinks of Gibraltar in his bid to promote the Rock abroad

ROWING up in the 1970s, I used to enjoy listening to Alistair Cooke’s ‘Letter from America’ on BBC Radio 4. It all sounded so very enticing given America’s international power and influence – and while transatlantic flights were still the preserve of the rich and famous. It was a bit of let down when, some years later, I finally got to know America well while living on its doorstep in Nassau. Sovereign has this month given me the opportunity to write my own ‘Letter from …’. America? No. Perhaps then from one of our exotic outposts in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean or Middle East? Again, no. This month my dispatch comes instead from Amsterdam, where I have myself been dispatched on secondment. I am learning the Dutch way of doing things and, more particularly for our business, how useful Dutch companies can be. So if a Netherlands company set up is on your bucket list, you know who to ask! I’m here to do a job but my colleagues have been less than charitable. Since my arrival, I have been the subject of

Email: gib@SovereignGroup.com Tel: +350 200 76173 www.SovereignGroup.com

a steady flow of comments concerning tulips, canals, ‘coffee shops’ and the ‘red light district’. My responses have by now shifted from the jocular through to the exasperated. By way of compensation, however, Amsterdam is justifiably known for its galleries and museums so I will admit to indulging my passion for art – when not working hard of course. I have also been pleasantly surprised at how knowledgeable the Dutch are about our little Rock. Several recommended that I view the massive painting of Heemskerk’s Defeat of the Spaniards at Gibraltar, which hangs in the Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum. It is hugely impressive but, in the interests of balance, I should probably remind readers that the Spaniards reversed the result 14 years later. I couldn’t find a picture of that one though. Most Dutch people who know anything about Gibraltar also want to talk about our airport. It seems frightfully amusing, in their collective opinion, that the runway bisects a main highway. Or is it the other way round? Perhaps, given that Amsterdam has more than 1,200 bridges, they feel that this is a wasted opportunity, but I am a guest in ‘Koninkrijk der Ned-

erlanden’, so I smile and agree how very odd it is. And of course there’s the football. Quite a few seem to know about UEFA’s Country 54 – although they are less complimentary about our team. It might seem churlish to point out that the Dutch team, like Gibraltar’s parttimers, will not be at the European Championship finals in France this year. Perhaps they could combine a holiday on the Rock with a friendly fixture instead? More fertile common ground is shipping, trade and business. After all, Amsterdam and Gibraltar both enjoy illustrious mercantile histories. We also both have robust and economically significant finance services sectors. Our financial centres may be very different in terms of their offerings – the Netherlands has one of the world’s the largest and most effective double tax treaty networks – but both have carved out important roles in the global market. I am not sure at present how long my temporary absence from Gib will last – I am definitely missing the Mediterranean climate – but, rest assured, here in Amsterdam I continue to promote and talk about our home at every opportunity.

AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Setting up solo

Seven things you should know about starting a business in Spain: S.L. or going self-employed

he one-man band company: If you are a singer, a real estate agent with no employees or a dentist and you set up a limited company to pay less tax, you have a problem. The Directorate General of Taxes has stated that a company –consisting of a single shareholder who also is the director- that is unable to trade without the direct participation of owner/director, is in fact a shell or ‘simulated’ company. The main consequence is that the Tax Office will deem the person acting through company as self-employed, for tax purposes. To avoid this, a company must have enough human and material resources to operate irrespective of owner/director. In 2014, the Tax Office initiated 1.919 full enquiries in connection to this type of fraud.

Limited vs personal liability: the acro-

nym S.L. stands for ‘Sociedad Limited’, which suggests companies will protect the entrepreneur should things go wrong (save for fraud). Self-employed do not enjoy such protection and are personally liable with present and future assets for losses incurred in the course of the business activity.

Growth expectations: an entrepreneur that intends to grow cannot operate as a sole trader. As the business increases

its turnover, so do the associated risks. Selfemployed operators without corporate protection will risk less and, as a consequence, expand at a slower pace (which may not be a bad thing after all).

Dealing with monies: Sole traders will have direct access to the proceeds of the business activity whereas in a company, the director (or the shareholders) cannot just dip into the account when in need of cash. In the latter case, it is important to note that any money received by the company belongs to the company and legally, to draw cash out, the director will have to issue a salary (“nomina”) or take out a dividend, both of which are taxable. Costs: Setting up as a sole trader will not at-

tract cost whereas a company will cost anything from €600 to €1,400, depending on various variables: share capital, legal assistance, choice of Notary Public etc.

Professional Image: In some

businesses and industries, having a limited company will provide a more professional image. If you are doing business with larger companies, you may find that they prefer to deal only with limited companies rather than sole traders or partnerships.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

The modelo 720 and Fiscal Residency.

- By Chris Pickering/ International Financial Adviser at Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd one way or the other, “residency is a matter of fact, not a matter of choice” as we like to say at Blacktower. The introduction of the modelo 720 has brought the issue of residency to the forefront of the minds of many expatriates whom previously hadn’t given it too much consideration. As a consequence, being correct about where you are a fiscal resident is more important than ever. The jurisdiction in which a person is fiscally resident can often be considerably more complicated to establish than might be presumed. In the UK for example there is roughly a 3 step process in which a person is assessed in order to establish whether We are fast approaching the time of they should in fact be paying UK tax. year again when any fiscal resident of This process starts with the Statutory Spain that meets the criteria for having UK Residence Test which basically sets to submit a modelo 720 is required to out the conditions in which a person do so. To be more specific, they have will automatically be classed as nonuntil the end of March to submit the resident in the UK. If an individual declaration. Just to recap, the modelo doesn’t meet any of these conditions 720 obligates any and all fiscal residents then the screening process will move of Spain to disclose the assets they hold onto a set of conditions that if met will outside of Spain that exceed €50,000 in automatically deem the person fiscally value in any of the 3 designated asset resident of the UK. Failing a conclusive classes – those being bank accounts, result from these first 2 stages, investments and property. An overall residency is determined according to value in excess of €50,000 across the 3 the sufficient UK Ties Test which in asset classes but lower than €50,000 in itself is quite complicated but becomes any single asset class doesn’t create the even more complicated due to the fact need to submit a modelo 720. that the test is applied in different ways depending on the persons residency So, now we have established the for the previous 3 years. financial circumstances which give rise to an obligation to submit the modelo The parameters which if met deem a 720, let’s have a look at what is most person fiscally resident of Spain are certainly the more contentious part of simpler than their UK equivalent but still the criteria – residency. The issue of not as straight forward as they may first residency seems to be an area of great appear. uncertainty. Unfortunately for those trying their best to argue their residency The main issues over fiscal residency

stem from the fact that there are scenarios in which an individual can be deemed a fiscal resident of more than one jurisdiction at the same time. If such a person’s residency was ever looked into by the authorities then where a double taxation agreement exists between the 2 jurisdictions, the 2 fiscal bodies of each jurisdiction will review the individuals’ case and deem that person resident of the jurisdiction in which there is a stronger claim. The potential for uncertainty over your own residency coupled with the potential for massive taxes and fines for failing to submit a modelo 720 when obligated to do so make taking financial advice absolutely imperative. Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd will be holding a seminar in collaboration with the Citizens Advice Bureau Spain in the Tamisa Golf Hotel on Thursday the 25th of February on the topics of fiscal residency and the modelo 720. For more information or to book your place then please contact me at chris. pickering@blacktowerfm.com

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain.

Looking for peace of mind? • Expert wealth management • Effective tax planning • Tailored investments • International Pension Transfers • Private Banking • Discretionary Fund Management Contact the Marbella or Gibraltar Office: O T +34 952 816 443 | +350 200 42353 E info@blacktowerfm.com Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited is licensed by the Gibraltar FSC Licence 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain. Blacktower Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.

www.blacktowerfm.com

Property

the Olive Press June 25th - July 9th 2015

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

Finishing touches Construction resumes at Sotogrande development for first time in eight years GROUNDBREAKING news: construction is underway at La Reserva in Sotogrande for the first time since 2008. Generating 175 jobs, completion of the final stage of infrastructure and addition of an internal road system is scheduled to be finished in June. Once done, says Marc Topiol, CEO of Sotogrande S.A., La Reserva can start ‘integrating the community into one defined area which is fully accessible without having to exit the perimeter’, thereby enhancing

‘security and ease of use’. There will finally be direct access to ‘La Gran Reserva’, an area overlooking the entire development and golf course and boasting panoramic sea views. The work follows the recent renovation of La Reserva Golf Club House with its revamped restaurant. Construction firm OHL was selected as general contractor, winning the €8 million contract after a lengthy bidding process.

Off-plan driver A GIBRALTAR property specialist has claimed the driving force behind the Rock’s market is the sale of off-plan units, rather than available stock. Louis Montegriffo, managing director of BMI Group, added that the lack of real ‘available’ stock continues to cause an increase in prices. His firm had an average of 110 units in its portfolio throughout 2015 THE redevelopment of Rosia Bay which he admits is ‘not has been stalled by the Departa great selection’ but still ment and Planning Commission. ‘one of the largest portfoThe commission agreed that lios on the Rock’. more checks must be undertaken Writing in Property Into ensure the project is viable besight magazine, Montefore moving forward. griffo said: “The overridThe £4.5 million plan would ing factor over the next transform Rosia Bay into a public few years remains the beach with an indoor waterpark lack of availability in the and rooftop restaurant. market and the effect this The plan also includes six apartmay continue to have on ments, in order to keep it finanprices which have, over cially viable according to the dethe past five years, only velopers. seen increases.”

More checks needed

BEAUTIFUL: La Reserva Golf Clubhouse

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ALL PROPERTY MATTERS

RICS SURVEYORS & VALUERS BYBUILDING CAMPBELL FERGUSON

For peace of mind follow

these property buying rules Rumour and abandoned proposals can also have an effect upon the value of a property

Find Your Property

E’VE all seen the battles in the Wild West films over which direction the railroad was going. It could make the landowner a fortune in increased value or leave him with empty scrub land as he watched the smoke trail passing through the parallel valley. These were days when no action was too bad to satisfy men’s ambition, pride and greed. In Spain I’m sure that there were similarities regarding where motorways were built or the AVE station was to be placed, with some not being decided purely on technical engineering matters. Whilst in the Costa del Sol the major road routes are largely decided - except perhaps for the daft Ronda motorway, proposed to go through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area and then what? Parking is a chronic problem in Ronda as it is, so whilst the trip there will be 20 mins shorter, that time then will be spent circling the town trying to find a legal space! But I’ve gone off track(!). There are two major proposals that could radically affect the area. One is the goods line proposed from Algeciras to join with the national network near Antequera; and the other is the coastal rail line extension westwards from the existing terminus at Fuengirola to Estepona and eventually San Roque to link with the Algeciras line. (Originally proposed in 1871 – now that’s a long wait for a train!).

Both could substantially affect the value of the land they pass through (or under). Instruct Instruct Recently, I looked at a Building property near Surveyor Lawyer Ronda and only at the last moment remembered the goods rail proposal. One favoured route would have had heavy trains passing within 200 Buy m&with ofKnowledge the Confidence house. Not ideal for somebody wanting an oasis of peace and beauty in the +34 952 923 520 country. admin@surveyspain.com So this proposal, if it eversurveyspain.com comes to pass, is an example of where the good of the country as a whole (and no doubt a few businesses!) has to sacrifice the peace and value of the few. The Coastal Rail Link seems much more identifiably beneficial to the general public as individuals, but with the country as a whole swithering over the cost. It’s proposed to build the bulk of it underground, with stations popping up every few kilometres. The locations of these will be important as they will generate traffic, commercial use and raise the values of the homes that are within walking distance, but far enough away or blocked from the disturbance both of building and operation. And just by these schemes being publicised, no matter how loco(!), remember that rumour, hearsay and abandoned proposals can also have an effect upon the value of a property. So keep your ear to the ground for anything locally that might affect your environment and thus the value of your property.

Contact Campbell and the team on +34 952 923 520 or email info@surveyspain.com

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Property

www.theolivepress.es

the Olive Press June 25th - July 9th 2015

23 February 3rd - February 16th 2016

Kitchen calamity William Amey of 101 explains the potential problems with buying your kitchen in Spain

UYING a kitchen is one of the biggest and most important steps homeowners make. The home improvement industry in Gibraltar is about to get extremely busy, but we keep hearing that the Rock cannot compete with Spain on price. Now this may sometimes be the case, but before rushing out to spend your money across the border it is essential to look beyond the immediate financial saving. There are a number of reasons why it is better to invest in a kitchen in Gibraltar over Spain. Firstly, all of the kitchens at 101 are manufactured in the UK with an environmentally responsible attitude, meeting and exceeding all UK standards. Fittings such as handles and hinges are top-quality items which won’t drop off after a year. Meanwhile, the appliances are made for 240v plugs and therefore tend to cope better with Gibraltar’s electrical system. But arguably the biggest benefit of buying in Gibraltar is the fact there will be a person there for you to turn to if anything goes wrong. And, let’s be honest, it sometimes does. There is an office you can call, a member of staff to speak to and even a government who will back you up with

GREAT KITCHENS: Require careful planning and quality investment, not bargain hunting your claim. They cannot back you up against Spanish companies. IKEA provides a 48-hour warranty if something is broken and the item has to be taken back to the store in Malaga. While if you deal with a Spanish company then legally the warranty is null and void in Gibraltar, meaning they won’t exactly be eager to swap pieces or send fitters over the border. Now, this is not a rant about Spanish companies. There are some good products available in Spain, of course.

But my warning is that you get what you pay for and quality will always stand out. Picking the cheapest can end up being the most expensive option in the long term. Finally, buying in Gibraltar supports the Rock’s economy by putting your hard-earned money back into it. In turn, this domino effect allows companies to expand and create more jobs, spreading money throughout the Rock and helping Gibraltar grow. If I can make one last plea, it is that people look at a quote twice, ask

Parking boost MORE than 100 parking spaces will be available to the residents of Glacis Estate following the construction of the new Ocean Village Spa Plaza. The Tenants Association previously complained that they would lose spaces due to part of the estate being sold to the Ocean Village Group. However, the government confirmed to GBC that ‘well over a hundred’ spaces will be made available. A spokesman said Ocean Village Spa Plaza will create 591 car parking spaces, with 125 for the area’s residents. There will also be 200 spaces for public use.

about the warranty and inspect fittings. In short, make sure you get everything you wanted. For any help or advice call our office. We offer free quotes and will gladly answer any questions. We can create great packages of kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and flooring meaning you only have one company to deal with through the whole process. 101 Gibraltar, Unit 100, New Harbours Tel: (350) 200 41019 Fax: (350) 200 77053

PARKING: At Glacis Estate

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25 February 3rd - February 16th 2016

Life on Malbs Barbour jackets and chocolate labradors almost tempt Giles to move to Malborough

TOOK a trip back to the UK last month, my first for a couple of years. Not having flown for two years I was a bit like an excited puppy on the plane going over, and even more when I discovered that the flight had free Wifi. Unfortunately all the fun went out of that when I turned on social media to discover that David Bowie had died, and I glanced out of the plane’s window to see if I could spot the Starman ascending past 33,000ft. On this trip I was helping a friend move house – she was the brains and the beauty, so I was obviously the brawn. My friend moved to Malborough, situated in an exceptionally beautiful part of the UK. (Since returning I have had

MARBELLA TO MARLBOROUGH: But Giles is left pining for Spanish supermarkets

to explain to Spanish friends that it is not spelled Malboro, and it’s not where the ciga-

rettes come from). It didn’t rain while I was over there (news reports gave

Indecent proposals ty If you thought Valentine’s cards were getting frui you haven’t been propositioned by a piropo

‘Y

our eyes are like grapes, your mouth like an apple, what a great fruit cocktail we’d make with my banana.’ Let’s face it, if a guy shouted that out to a woman in the street these days he’d be had up for sexual harassment. And that’s one of the tamer piropos – chatup lines rooted in Hispanic courtship culture but still bandied about in Spain today. Derived from the Greek ‘pyro’ meaning fire, in centuries past they allowed a young swain to express admiration for a member of the opposite sex. But if you’re thinking of trying one out on Tracy in accounts this Valentine’s Day to show her what a cultured romantic you are, don’t. The only flames you’re likely to ignite will be the ones you’re shot down in as you crash and burn. The dictionary definition of ‘piropear’ is ‘to pay a compliment’ but in these PC times I’m not so sure. I wouldn’t want to guarantee the public safety of any man who was to shout ‘¡Eso son carnes y no lo que echaba mi suegra al cocido!’ (loose translation, ‘That’s real meat and not the kind my mother-in-law cooks…’) … or ‘De qué jugueteria te sacaron, muñeca?’ (‘What toy store did they get you from, doll face?’) Even at their least offensive – ‘I wish I was cross-eyed so I could see you twice!’ – the object of your affection will be searching for the sick bag. While at their tackiest – ‘I wish I was a pirate so I could plunder the treasure between your legs’– you’ll be lucky to get away with your own family jewels intact. It’s no surprise there’s pressure from womens’ movements to criminalise the practice. Most piropos use metaphor and food is a popular motif for flattering a hot woman, as in the popular Andalucian saying: ‘Pepper is small and spicy and seasons stews; you are small and spicy and my body is unseasoned’. Although I’m not sure what the ra-

cial equality lobby would have to say about the Mexican piropo: ‘Hey black woman, if you shake it as you move it, what a chocolate!’ Perhaps to be expected from a nation where ‘me caga en la hostia’ (‘I shit on the communion wafer’) is a curse still in common usage, scatological humour is another strong theme of the piropo. In the interests of not grossing out OP readers I will quote the following example in the vernacular: ‘Estás tan buena que te comería todo y me cosería el culo pa no cagar te.’ Even if you say it in Spanish, you feel the need to wash your mouth out with soap. As for ¡Ay, hija mía, si fueras lavadora, cuántos polvos te echaría!’ – safe to say, it has nothing to do with washing powder. Spain’s President of the Observatory against Gender Violence, Maria Angeles Carmona, has declared the piropo ‘an invasion of a woman’s privacy’. “The piropo has always been permitted and assumed to be normal but no one has the right to make a comment on the appearance of women and it must be eradicated,” she says. She may have a point. Mind you, she hasn’t seen this season’s crop of English Valentine’s cards, beside which even piropos seems tame. With apologies to this paper’s esteemed editor, it’s amazing what you can still get away with in print!

the impression that certain parts of England were sinking) and, being the middle of Wiltshire, I didn’t spot hordes of migrants (as again, news reports gave the impression that the sheer weight of migrant numbers were causing the aforementioned areas to sink). The town was looking particularly beautiful on the Saturday morning when I popped into the shops. Everyone seemed to be driving a Land Rover Defender, wore Barbour jackets and Wellington Boots and had at least one Chocolate Labrador in tow. I found myself musing that if I did ever decide to move back to the UK, then this was the kind of town that I could see myself settling down in.

Miracle

And then I went shopping. At the local upmarket supermarket, I picked up four items and strode up to the queue. There was an elderly gentleman, resplendent in Barbour Jacket (probably with a Land Rover Defender complete with Chocolate Lab in the car park) in front of me. As he was loading up his weekly shopping at the till, I did what I always do in Spain and asked (very politely) if I could hop in front of him as I only had four items. I was unprepared for his reaction. “What! WHAT!” he bellowed, “The shopping basket till is over there you fool!” I was so stunned by his reply that I meekly said ‘Thank you’ and shuffled off. But as I stood in the shopping basket queue, my anger began to rise. It was, perhaps, a minor miracle that he drove off before me, or Malborough might have been treated to some of my choicest Andaluz swear words!

Top Salud 26

FITTING IN: School sport campaign gets underway

www.theolivepress.es February 3rd - February 16th 2016

On your marks, get set, go fit! A HEALTHY living programme launched by Bayside School has made the Chief Minister green with envy. The ‘Go Fit’ campaign aims to encourage pupils to exercise and eat healthily, while also teach them about lifestyle choices. It is incorporated into PE lessons and boys will undergo six weeks of fitness tests in order to track their results. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo posted on Twitter:

“Brilliant Go Fit initiative from Bayside School! Wish they’d done this in my day for those not so good at ‘games’!” The project aims to highlight the benefits of sport for both physical and mental wellbeing, as well as a social tool to boost confidence and meet friends. Various experts from across the community have had an input, including nutritionists from the Gibraltar Health Authority.

Back in check

COULDN’T face visiting a dentist, since my last one Nina King hot-footed it from Marbella to Dubai when the recession really started to bite (groan) on the Costa del Sol three years ago. She had done a sterling job keeping my teeth in check and I simply couldn’t face the uphill battle of finding someone else to trust with my rack. After all, there are so many charlatans around, one in particular the Olive Press has written about, who still practises in Alhaurin despite being struck

Jon Clarke gets his teeth inspected properly for the first time in three years at the Dent Quality clinic

off the UK dental register a decade ago. So I just carried on scrubbing, morning and night, comforted by the memory of my grandfather, who died at 91 with not one single filling… and, before you ask, with all his original teeth. My dental routine was set in stone from a young age with my parents insisting I spent two minutes every morning and night hanging out with Colgate. Of course, I had my fair share of treatments thanks to being cursed with far too many teeth to jam into my surprisingly small gob (yes, I know, some of you will find that hard to believe). It meant tugging a fair few out and then sticking a brace on the top deck for a couple of years, although luckily not a ‘railway track’ that I only wore at night.

Apprehensive

We would like to know you.

A check up once a year had always been my frequency and I carried this on, through my career in Fleet Street and right up to arriving in Spain in 2001. And that’s when it all started to go wrong, getting out of my routine and only booking in when an emergency sprung up and normally when away on holiday for an urgent filling here or there. So it was a joy when I came across Dr King on the Golden Mile of Marbella in 2008 and until 2013 everything went swimmingly with no fillings at all. So I was extremely apprehensive when I was invited for my first check-up in three years at the Dent Quality clinic in Marbella. It is based centrally on Avenida

Sotogrande, Cádiz C.C. Sotomarket A7. Salida 130 Puerto BanúS Inside Hospital Banús (Humanline) MarBella Av. Severo Ochoa, 12 Bloque 4, 29600 T. 951 050 049 / M. 601 376 202 recepcion@clinicadentquality.com

www.clinicadentquality.com

FLOSS BOSSES: Dental team

ALL CLEAR: Tooth-tastic Jon poses with the lovely Triana Severo Ochoa, next to Michelinstarred Messina restaurant and conveniently has its own free parking underneath, as long as you mention you need it in advance. There is also another clinic in Sotogrande, with the exact same team. I was soon chatting to dentist Triana Lozano Huertas, a warm Gaditana from La Linea, who quickly made me feel at home. She showed me around the fantastic practice, which has a big waiting room and a separate play area for children. Each Dentquality Clinic has two dentists, two dental surgeons and one orthodontist at hand the majority speaking excellent English.

The second clinic in Sotogrande has a similar number, all with proper qualifications and many years experience working in dentistry. They offer all sorts of treatment, including the Damon System, which helps you get the straightest possible teeth, in the most advanced way possible. Best of all, there is a special apparatus that gives patients a safe gas which helps them relax. Of course, I didn’t need that when I was finally sat down with dentist Triana, who made me feel incredibly at home without it. A quick poke at top and bottom and she led me off to a side room where my teeth were xrayed to have a closer look at any possible cavities. Beamed out digitally to a screen in front of me, it was soon apparent that my teeth were in ‘excellent condition’. ‘There is nothing for me to do,” she explained somewhat sadly, “Apart from reminding you to scrub them after lunch as well.” Fat chance of that, but hey, if going the dentist is this easy every time… I might come back and see Triana every six months! Visit www.clinicadentquality.com

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If you answered YES, come and try something different! Somatic movements are very relaxing and easy to do; they are also very effective at releasing pain and tension in the body. In class you will learn skills to help you take care of yourself for years to come! Classes will start 11th January, visit www.somaticsgibraltar.com or call Sarah 00 34 678 968 954 for more details.

what’s on

ibraltar Horticultural Society, February 4 Green-fingered Rock residents can exchange garden tips and learn a few new techniques at this meeting at the John Mackintosh Hall from 7pm. Info: 00 350 54011677

hinese New Year, February 10 See in the Year of the Monkey with a Lion Dance Celebration parade from City Hall to Casemates from 15.30 pm.

ibraltar Backgammon, February 1114 The qualifying rounds of this tournament take place on the Thursday and Friday, the main on Saturday and the semi and final on Sunday. Info:www.gibraltarbackgammon.com/

A *Special first time offer!* 5 classes for the price of 4 (£40!)

la cultura

Tribute to David Bowie, February 12 The Rock on the Rock club hosts this celebration of David Bowie’s music, a month after the legend died of cancer. All proceeds to go cancer research. Info: 00 350 200 60061

February 3rd - February 16th 2016

youth workers rock

BONDING: For the Youth Service

THE Gibraltar Youth Service has enjoyed a team building and training weekend at the Europa Retreat Centre. Two highly experienced Youth and Community Work trainers from the UK were on hand to deliver an actionpacked schedule of group activities. It was designed to challenge the workers and provide them with transferrable skills. Trainer Moira Smyth said: “It has been a fantastic weekend. Gibraltar has sound youth work and doesn’t have to look to any other nation.”

Mum’s the word Gibraltar’s first parenting e-zine successfully launched

MUMS in Gibraltar now have their own parenting bible. Launched late last year, website Mum on the Rock is Gibraltar’s first parenting e-zine. Written by parents for parents, it provides local news, reviews, and deals relevant to parents, and in-

formation on activities for families. Founder Polly Lavarello told the Olive Press: “When I became a parent, I was more aware than ever that time is a precious commodity. “I wanted to put everything that any local parent could need on one website. “It’s a gradual process, but with time I plan for the site to be the ultimate parenting resource for anybody living on the rock.” Mum on the Rock already has GIBRALTAR’S cancer charities are teaming up in aid of World a list of 15 contributors with Cancer Day on February 4. specialties including beauty, Together with the GHA, the seven charities are set to host an health, nutrition and current awareness event at the Piazza with a hands-on collage. affairs. The global event hopes to unite everyone in the fight against The website has so far had a cancer under the tagline ‘We can. I can’. terrific response and looks set Its aim is to explore how individuals and groups can do their to expand throughout 2016. part to reduce the global burden of the disease. Lavarello, originally from For updates on the Gibraltar event, visit the ‘Gibraltar World Brighton, is also speaking at the Cancer Day’ Facebook event. GibTalks event on February 13.

United against cancer

la cultura

29 February 3rd - February 16th 2016

Right to learn

Gib charity aims to help Moroccan schoolgirls access education BOMBING: Onlookers

Words of war THE leading authority on the Spanish Civil War will be part of a forthcoming symposium on Gibraltar’s role in the conflict. British historian Paul Preston is attending the talks, organised by Unite the Union at John Mackintosh Hall on February 17. A documentary made for the event will examine how the Rock helped refugees from both sides. Historians Dr Gareth Stockey, Dr Chris Grocott and Professor Pepe Algarban are among other guest speakers, with Professor Preston contributing a recorded interview. Local speakers include Tommy Finlayson, Tito Benady, Denis Beiso and Tito Vallejo. July will mark the 80th anniversary of the military uprising that sparked the war.

A NEW charity has been launched to help girls in a poor Moroccan village access education. The Taourarte Education Charitable Association aims to provide funds for girls to attend boarding school, as well as to repair, expand and improve the existing school. Taourarte is a small village in

the Rif mountains, northern Morocco, where school education stops at the age of 12. After that, children must travel to boarding school but this opportunity is usually reserved for boys. The charity’s first public AGM was attended by 21 people, and trustees were confirmed for one year.

Introducing our first-ever music columnist

FUNDS: For girls

Tuning in Gary Beaumont with

There’s more to it than flamenco and Europop

New year, new tunes

CHESS STARS: At Caleta Hotel

Kings and Queens CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has praised the Gibraltar chess tournament for inspiring generations. The tournament is currently underway at the Caleta Hotel, with the final being played on Thursday. Speaking before the third round, Picardo said the tournament inspired locals to think about playing chess.

LTHOUGH I’ve always been interested in music it was a throwaway comment by a friend of my daughter’s that led me to delve into the local music scene. She dismissed all Andalucian music as either flamenco or Europop and I wanted to see if she was correct. Fortunately for me, she was wrong, and wrong in a spectacular manner. For just a light scratching of the surface revealed a wealth of musical talent covering every conceivable genre, from death metal to hip hop. Another phenomenon that soon became evident is just how many of these bands and artists have added an Andalucian twist to a vari-

ety of genres, creating a sound you just don’t hear outside Spain. In future issues I will be looking in depth at these bands and their music, as well as bringing you news of forthcoming gigs and festivals. In the meantime, for all you classic rock’n’roll fans, this year’s Rockin’ Race Jamboree will be held at the Auditorio Principe de Asturias in Torremolinos from Thursday February 4 to Sunday 7, with a packed lineup of international artists. Chill to a great selection of local music on Gary Beaumont’s radio show, on Castle Radio 89.2 every Wednesday from 10pm, repeated Saturday at 11pm, or visit www.andaluciamusic.com

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November 12th - 25th 201511th 2015 October 28th - November

FOOD & DRINK

Cereal offenCE SUGARY breakfast cereals have been named and shamed as part of a campaign to improve children’s diets. In her Sugar Snub food guide, nutritionist Claire White outs Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut Chocolate Curls as the worst of the worst, containing three teaspoons of sugar per serving. It is closely followed by Morrisons Ice Flakes and Kellogg’s Frosties, both of which also have super-high sugar content.

Farmers see red SPAIN’S fruit and veg sellers have blasted Morocco for flooding Europe with cheap tomatoes. Trade export body FEPEX denounced Morocco at the European Commission for not respecting EU trade agreement limits. Morocco exported 25,471 tonnes of tomatoes to the EU in the first two weeks of January, a 75% increase on the same period last year. “This is causing serious damage to the sector,” says FEPEX.

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Bloody good sausage Morcilla madness: Three top tips

Morcilla with potatoes and paprika Boil potatoes before frying on moderate heat with thick slices of morcilla. Serve with generous sprinkling of paprika. Morcilla casserole Simmer vegetable stock with potatoes, carrot, peppers, garlic, oregano and cumin for 20 minutes. Fry morcilla chunks and fold into the bean stew. Garnish with pepper. Morcilla and chicken Roast cuts of chicken with peppers, onions and hunks of morcilla splashed in olive oil. Serve with Rosemary and a glass of red wine.

Morcilla hailed as superfood alongside blueberries and kale

ONE of Spain’s top tapas dishes has made a surprise appearance on the world’s ‘superfoods’ list. Morcilla, or black pudding, is being lauded for its nutritional value and has been included on a list of superfoods by British nutritionist website MuscleFood. The humble sausage, principally made from pigs’ blood, joins the likes of avocado oil, seaweed and black beans on the exclusive list. Loaded with protein, potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as being practically carb free, morcilla is expected to fly off the shelves in 2016. It is also rich in iron and zinc two minerals frequently missing from modern diets. MuscleFood spokesman Dar-

ren Beale said: “2015 saw healthy eating reach a new level and this year we predict

SUPERFOOD: Morcilla

this trend is only going to get bigger. “Some of the foods have been on the up for a while like avocado oil and maca root, but others like mushrooms and black pudding have been a total surprise to us. “It’s great to have this new research available to find out the hidden qualities in food and we can’t wait to see how these new trends take off.”

sport