Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 117

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A anMand Diluqvaue, Sasabinillas From stunning Manilva to lively Duquesa, WORLD check out COLLID S E our free T supplement inside Vol. 13 Issue

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Vol. 5, Issue 117 www.theolivepress.es March 4th - March 17th, 2020

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Head Office

‘Trust women’ ‘WE need to trust women’ was the message from the wife of the Chief Minister as she gave an impassioned speech at Casemates Square.

Justine Picardo (above), herself a lawyer, was one of a number of top speakers who spoke in favour of a Yes vote at the March 19 referendum.

The marchers walked from the Piazza to Casemates Square brandishing banners and chanting, ‘Home, safe, legal’.

“We have the opportunity to vote for something meaningful that will improve the lives of women to come,” said Picardo.

“Being pro-choice doesn’t mean we are pro-abortion or anti-life.

“It is not something we ever wish to have to choose but it can be a necessity for a number of women who find themselves in unfortunate choices.”

“This referendum is about whether we should trust a woman about when to have a baby to choose for herself what to do with her body and her life.”

Extreme

She told the crowds of when she had a miscarriage which could have needed an abortion so as ‘not to risk death’ for herself.

Picardo scoped that even in the scenarios of rape or casual sex the Pro-life group would suggest these babies were given for adoption.

By John Culatto

TRAVELLERS from coronavirus risk areas will have a ‘legal duty’ to report to the Gibraltar authorities.

A raft of new measures have been brought in to tackle COVID-19 in Gibraltar where the threat level is still ‘low’.

A number of possible arrivals from the Far East have been put into self-isolation for 14 days but no case has been reported to date.

The government has revealed it is checking people coming to the Rock after having been in the hardest hit countries, mainly in the Far East and northern Italy or Iran.

In February, the Government set up the Coronavirus Co-ordinating Group to ramp up its response to the global crisis with the Gibraltar Health Authority.

“These active measures include the publication of regulations imposing a legal duty for travellers arriving in Gibraltar within two weeks of travel to an at-risk country to report to authorities on arrival,” said the Gibraltar Govern“The anti-choice group does not realise the mental and psychological trauma of carrying a baby for nine months only to give it up for adoption,” she said.

“How can we as a society believe that it is acceptable to force a pregnancy on women against their will?

“We need to be able to trust women.”

She said that passing a law just for incest or rape was a non-starter.

“Such a law would take us to the other extreme,” continued the

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Simulations and battleplans being drawn up to prepare for coronavirus on the Rock

SPOTTED: Medical staff in hazmat suits have been seen assisting members of the public in Gib ment.

“They will be contacted by a Public Health professional who will advise on the best way to protect themselves and others.”

A couple of simulations have already been held to practice for the discovery of a coronavirus case on the Rock.

“Repeat practices ensure that all

lawyer.

“Women would be accused of claiming false cases of rape in order to have an abortion.

“No-one has been able to produce a law only for rape and incest, because they know no such law is possible.”

daughters to have access to safe medical treatment to have safe medical treatment under any circumstances.

“Voting no is telling society that we are not to be trusted by having free will over our own bodies and do what is right for ourselves.

“I don’t understand how any women has any right to vote against this law or how any man has any right to vote no. Vote yes because you have empathy,because you are compassionate, because you can sense her fear, because you can walk in her shoes.”

Together Gibraltar said she was concerned that the ‘social bonds’ could stop people from voting in the referendum.

“The referendum is here and we need to vote,” said Marlene Hassan Nahon.

“We need to make people understand what is at stake here.

“We need to trust women, get out and vote for Yes.”

Compassion

Picardo concluded that the March 19 referendum was an opportunity that the people should take to modernise the law.

“Gibraltar now needs to step into the 21st Century,” she continued.

“We need to have a choice law, not because we are pro-abortion but because we are pro-women.

“We want our sisters, daughters and grand-

Both sides Page 5

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staff are thoroughly prepared and the procedure is streamlined, and ready in case it is ever needed,” said the GHA. “The global spread of COVID-19 is being constantly monitored and is under continuous review.

“The risk to Gibraltar currently remains low.”

Minister for Public Health John Cortes said everything was being done to protect the public.

“In the meantime, it is always good practice to keep good hand hygiene and use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes, and throw them away as soon as possible,” he added.

“Anyone travelling outside of Gibraltar is asked to pay close attention to the changing situation worldwide, and contact Gibraltar authorities as soon as possible if they are in an at-risk area.

Proud “All travellers returning from an at-risk country within two weeks of arriving back in Gibraltar have a legal duty to report.”

For his part, Paul Balban, Minister for Health and Care, said: “I am extremely proud of the GHA for their work in preparedness and planning, and I am happy with the progress to date.

“It is up to all of us to do everything that we can to protect ourselves and others by keeping our hands clean and fulfilling our duty to report any travel to at-risk areas.”

Opinion Page 6

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NEWS IN BRIEF

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You’re don TWO businessmen who illegally extracted water from Donana National Park have been jailed for two years and banned for a subsequent year of exercising any profession related to the agricultural sector.

Blunder A DOCTOR has been caught red-handed stealing 13 boxes of clinical face masks, amid fears over the spread of coronavirus, at Malaga’s Hospital Clinico.

Drunk idiot A DRUNK driver in Sevilla has been arrested after causing two accidents an hour apart, with one of the 53-year-old tourist’s victims a 92-year-old woman who was crossing the road.

Pervert A SICKO has been arrested in Ronda for exhibitionism, with the 49 yearold accused of masturbating in front of children and following three girls aged between 13 and 14.

Black magic THREE women have been arrested in Andalucia on human trafficking charges.

The three Spanish women of, 41, 52 and 56 years were arrested on money laundering and human trafficking for sexual and forced labour charges.

The victims were allegedly threatened with black magic in order to subdue and intimidate them. Those arrested had organised a prostitution ring with the victims from South America, confirmed by police after discovering advertisements displaying prices of various sexual acts.

Surveillance of the properties culminated in the raid of three homes, one in Algeciras and two in Jerez de la Frontera, where seven alleged victims of sexual exploitation were released.

Exploitation

The group worked from several ‘dating houses’ in Cadiz which were monitored and controlled with security cameras.

The victims were apparently forced to work 12 hour days from Monday to Sunday and subsequently locked in the house through the night.

During the raids, cash, card transaction receipts and accounting books related to sexual exploitation were seized.

In addition, evidence of the occult along with photographs of the exploited women were found indicating that black magic was being practiced.

The ringleader known only as MMPR has been sent straight to prison without bail.

CRIME

March 4th - March 17th 2020

Speak up!

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

THE family of missing Scottish expat Lisa Brown has vowed to continue their search for justice after her ex-boyfriend Simon Corner was jailed for 12 years in the UK. Once the prime suspect in the case, Corner, real name Dean Woods, was one of six sent down for operating a drug trafficking ring in England last week.

“We are not surprised he was involved, it was only a matter of time,” Lisa’s sister Helen

Missing Lisa Brown’s family pleads for new clues offering €120,000 reward after exboyfriend and main suspect jailed Jordan, 52, told the Olive Press this week.

“Hopefully him being jailed will work in our favour, our work isn’t done yet in trying to find Lisa and get justice on her behalf.”

Woods, 37, who worked as a luxury yacht dealer in La Linea, vanished after mother-ofone Lisa, 32, went missing on the Costa del Sol in November 2015.

He was treated as a fugitive while a manhunt was launched to bring him back to face questioning.

He was arrested at London Heathrow in April 2018 but a few weeks later the case in Spain controversially fell apart.

The case reopened six months later and investigators said they would analyse Woods’ phone - which he had dumped in Copenhagen harbour - before deciding whether or not to prosecute, but no charges ever materialised.

It since emerged Woods had become involved in a €10 million drug trafficking oper-

ation in Liverpool by acting as a courier on at least six occasions.

The body of Lisa has never been found but police fear she may have been dumped at sea.

There have been several searches of the woods and river near her home in Guadiaro, near the border with Sotogrande.

She had been dating Woods, described as a ‘wheeler dealer’ who had various yachts and did frequent trips across the Med to Morocco.

Helen insisted last night that the €120,000 reward for information is still active.

“We believe and know that there are quite a few people who know what happened to Lisa but up until now haven’t come forward. Maybe now things will change.”

Do you have information that could shed light on Lisa’s disappearance?

Contact us anonymously at newsdesk@theolivepress.es

End of the road

A MAN has been banned from driving for four years after subjecting police to a Hollywood-style car chase on the Rock in November.

Francis Lima, 29, will also spend 10 weeks behind bars after failing to stop for police in a bid to protect his eight grammes of hashish. He was charged with failing to stop for police, possession of the drug and dangerous driving. Judge Ramagge said that while luckily there were no injuries, his ‘reckless disregard’ for others and his two other dangerous driving convictions warranted the four year driving ban.

Fine time

SIX Spaniards have been arrested after trying to pay a £10,000 fine with ‘black money’.

The four women and two men were immediately cuffed while trying to use the cash to pay off the fine, which had been issued to four of their pals for importing an illegal boat into Gibraltar. They were arrested at Windmill Hill Prison. RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) are illegal in Gibraltar since 1995 because of their use in drug smuggling. “The money is suspected to be proceeds of criminal conduct and as such was seized by police officers,” said the RGP. The six people are currently on bail as the probe continues.

www.theolivepress.es

Defying dwarfism

NEWS

March 4th - March 17th

Fortress mentality

3

Exhibition held last week showed off military and popular cultural models PERCEPTION: Winner Zulaika lost for words

By Diexter Thomas

A LOCAL student was lost for words as she scooped the £1,000 first prize at this year’s Young Art Competition.

The competition saw 15 awards being presented to young artists who put forward 60 paintings, sculptures and drawings.

“I feel amazing, but at the same time I can’t believe it’s actually real,” Zulaika Vallance told the Olive Press.

“I think it’s such a cool achievement to know that a lot of people appreciate your art and the message behind it.”

Vallance had submitted her work for her A-level art coursework, trying to challenge popular perspectives on Little Persons.

“I chose something that was ‘abnormal’ but I was really ignorant about,” the 17-year-old added.

“I found this artist back in the 1600s called Velazquez who portrayed people with dwarfism who worked

Competition winner tries to shatter myths about dwarfs with winning painting in royal courts in Spain.

“It was not painted in a mocking way like how a lot of TV does now, but they were portrayed as confident people.”

Competition judge Sebastian Rodriguez revealed: “I had no doubt in my mind about the winner from the first moment I saw it.

“Its title, ‘How dwarfs were perceived in the 1600s’, is very telling of how dwarfs are perceived now in the media and the comedic role that they play.

“I also really enjoy how the artist looked at the differences between then and now on the subject.”

The exhibition is open to the public until March 7 at John Mackintosh Hall.

THE Rock’s passion for its military past was on show in an exhibition at Casemates Square recently.

It included handpainted models of a number of British regiments as well as other collections of more varied topics.

“Normally we only show military figures so any other theme is exhibited as a guest,” explained Alan Montegriffo of the Gibraltar Modelling Society, formed in 1981.

Bond ambition

Patience “My figures are quite small and come without arms so they take ages to put together and paint.”

Montegriffo put together over a hundred tiny figures from five regiments he produced over the last 30 years set against Buckingham Palace.

“You need to have a lot of patience but when you love your modelling it really is a labour of love,” said Montegriffo.

“I was in the army myself and I know some of the regiments I painted have been A £3,000 prize will be up for grabs at the Spring Visual Art Festival in May. Entries are being accepted from Gibraltar residents for paintings, sculptures, photography, videos and installations. There will

LABOUR OF LOVE: Alan shows off his figures in Gibraltar for some time.”

One of the guests this year was Henry Pinna, who presented a number of modelling clay figures as gifts.

“The models are all about different aspects of life, from historical figures to people in a carnival, car-

toon characters to workers,” said Pinna.

“Each figure takes on average an hour, depending on how elaborate they are.”

He says the inspiration just ‘comes to you’ in different situations, just like an artist would say.

also be individual prizes for each artistic medium as well as for Gibraltar-themed and youth entries.

Only original works are being accepted for the competition with more information available at the John Mackintosh

Splash for cash Hall, where the event will be held on May 20-30.

BEFORE making her name in Tinseltown, ambitious Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas packed her bags and moved to Madrid to pursue her acting career where she landed appearances in the tv series El Internado (The Boarding School).

Ana now joins the high-profile cast for the latest Bond saga No Time to Die, although she admitted that before taking on the role in the 007 franchise she found the female characters ‘unrelatable’.

However, the 31-yearold was reassured by the script, co-written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, describing her character as a ‘real woman’.

It’s not the first time Ana has worked with Daniel Craig, recently starring in Knives Out alongside the Hollywood heartthrob.

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NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF

Monkey Talks YEAR Two pupils at Governor’s Meadow Primary School recently learnt about the Gibraltar monkeys in a talk by local expert Brian Gomila.

Working class hero THE seafront walkway linking Camp Bay with Little Bay will be named after much-loved GSLP minister Juan Carlos Perez.

Breaking the mould MINISTER for Justice and Equality, Sama ntha Sacramento, heard about the need for gender equality in a Commonwealth conference for women in the UK and Mediterranean parliaments.

Biking blocked CYCLING along Main Street and Irish Town will be banned completely from March 31 after the authorities deemed it was not going to work out and new solutions needed to be found.

Leading on all fronts THE Speaker of the House of Commons has been announced as the new chancellor of Gibraltar University.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he would ‘treasure’ the position after being confirmed by Minister of Education Gilbert Licudi.

The Labour MP has been a staunch defender of the British territory and the interests of its locals.

“Gibraltar is one of the UK’s overseas territories to which we owe a great duty of care,” he said. “To become Chancellor of this magnificent university in a place I have an acute interest in is a privilege I will treasure for many years to come.” Hoyle succeeds Lord Luce who has held the position of Chancellor, a nonpaid honorary position, since 2015. “I want to reinvigorate our relationships with the overseas territories and some of Britain’s most remote outposts to show them how important they are to us in Westminster,” Hoyle added.

Hoyle succeeded the previous House of Commons Speaker John Bercow in November 2019, who resigned after 10 years in the chair.

“We could think of no better person to take over from Lord Luce – our first Chancellor – who has been a great source of advice and assistance since 2015,” said Licudi.

Soft border still possible FRONTIER fluidity with Gibraltar has been the main demand from neighbouring border towns as the first round of talks between Gibraltar and Spain begin.

The Gibraltar Government reported the ‘spirit of goodwill and cooperation’ in the first meetings held in Algeciras between Spain, UK and Gibraltar.

Committees on citizen’s rights, the environment and the police and customs cooperation all met on February 26 and 27.

Trust

Attorney-general Michael Llamas led the Gibraltar delegation which included a UK representative.

They met with figures from the Spanish central and regional governments as well as the mayor’s association of the area.

Shared use of the airport, employment, training schemes and fishing rights are also being discussed in the talks.

The regional mayors had earlier told Spanish foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya that frontier fluidity was key to the economy of the area.

La Linea mayor Juan Franco has called for a ‘Schengen-style border’ similar to what was

Mayors keen on low checks at the frontier as negotiations with Spain begin proposed by Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

“The Gibraltar team has reported to me that they found their counterparts respectful, positive and engaging,” added the Chief Minister.

“We look forward to continuing in this spirit to improving cooperation and the building of trust.”

All the participants agreed to hold the next round of talks in Gibraltar.

TALKS: Michael Llamas

March 4th - March 17th 2020

Goodbye, Gib!

THE Governor of Gibraltar has said goodbye to the Rock with a final walk down Main Street.

After a week of parties and ceremonies Ed Davis and his wife were moved to tears as they left the Rock for the last time.

Got our backs THE Rock’s Chief Minister said he was ‘very pleased’ at Gibraltar’s inclusion in the UK negotiation mandate on the future EU relationship.

After the EU had excluded Gibraltar from its own negotiating guidelines, this news was a big boost to Gibraltar concerns.

The UK mandate states that the negotiations will be carried out ‘on behalf of all the territories for whose international relations the UK is responsible’.

“The UK Government will seek outcomes which support the territories’ security and economic interests and which reflect their unique characteristics,” said para-

graph 11 of the mandate.

“I am very pleased to see confirmation today that the UK Negotiating Mandate includes Gibraltar, exactly as we had agreed with the United Kingdom,” said Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

“It is just as the UK’s Permanent Representative in Brussels set out in November 2018 when the EU first suggested it would seek to exclude us from any future agreement.”

Picardo noted he wants to improve ties with Spain ‘for the benefit of the people who live and work on both sides of the frontier.’

OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Ceded (7) 9 Wear away (5) 10 Creatures (7) 11 Scowl (5) 12 Remove dirt with a broom (5) 14 Cosmetic brand (7) 16 Permanently inactive (7) 18 Aegean island known for its sweet wine (5) 20 Gaiety (5) 22 --- Ffestiniog (7) 24 Form of address for a woman (5) 25 Late (7)

Down 1 Road around an obstruction (6) 2 Dregs (8) 3 Notion (4) 4 Acts (8) 5 Game played on horseback (4) 6 Minute (6) 8 Miller’s nickname (5) 13 Wide view of an extensive area (8) 15 Fruit drink (8) 16 Bivouac (6) 17 Forbidden (5) 19 Shallow dish (6) 21 Whirlpool (4) 23 Peak (4)

All solutions are on page 22

ABORTION REFERENDUM

5

O PR IFE L

All humans are equal, but some are more equal than others

March 4th - March 17th 2020

With the referendum on abortion set for March 19, Gibraltar barrister Amber Turner (left) defends the rights of the unborn This article does not refer to cases where the mother’s life is at risk, but to cases of ‘abortion on demand’, which is what current proposals to changes in Gibraltar’s ‘Child Destruction and Abortion’ laws will allow, following the 50-plus years’ experience in the UK.

W

HAT if I told you that all humans are equal, but some humans are more equal than others? Would you agree this should be the way we experience life together? Or does this statement sit uncomfortably with you?

It sits uncomfortably with me;

so I rise and support the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, minority groups, largely vulnerable and underrepresented, being bullied by larger, more powerful forces that reject them, abandon them, discriminate against them and cause them pain and suffering.

O CE PR OI CH

Follow Ireland and Europe for safe and legal abortion Mara Klein Clarke of the UK Abortion Support Network gives five reasons in favour of legalising abortion this month 1. Abortion is not about right or wrong but about rich or poor When abortion is against the law you don’t stop it. It just means women and couples with money can have abortions and women without money can have babies or try dangerous things to end their pregnancies.

Let’s just stop talking about abortion being right or wrong.

When you ban it you change it from being an issue of morality to being an issue of class.

one can have sex until both people consent to having a baby.

You can use every type of birth control and still get pregnant, including the morning-after pill. This is a fact. If you think that someone is ‘too irresponsible’ to use birth control but they’re responsible enough to raise a human, then maybe you need to change your thinking.

4. Judge not, lest you be judged.

Some of us are religious and some are not. Some consider 2. Parenthood should not abortion to be a sin and some do not. But in a democratic sobe a punishment ciety it is up to the individual Being a parent is important and to make this decision for themrewarding but it is not a role you selves. should give to somebody who It is incredible the number of doesn’t want it. It shouldn’t be people who call our network a penalty for a broken condom who were totally pro-life until or a lapse in judgement and not their sister got pregnant, until having €500 to €2,000 in the their daughter was raped, until their wife got cancer, or until bank.

People need to stop thinking of their husband lost his job.

They were all pregnant womtotally against en as irresponabortion until sible. The maOne in three they needed an jority of women who have abor- women will have abortion. I am not calling them tions already an abortion, you hypocrites. I have at least one child and if they can only stop safe am just saying, judge not, lest decide that now you be judged. abortion is not the time We are not God to have a baby and we cannot or another child, judge another then that is a reperson. sponsible and moral choice.

3. Accidents happen.

5. What’s the alternative?

It is easy to say that if you do not want to get pregnant and don’t want to have a baby, don’t have sex. I would like to see all those people who say that go out and ban non-procreative sex, so no-

When you ban abortion women with money will find a way and women without money will have a baby they can’t afford or don’t want. In some cases they might do something dangerous.

These are just some things our

PROTESTS: Women at a recent Gibraltar pro-choice rally clients have done to get an abor- the border of my body. I would tion. not force them to have an aborThey have not got the brakes tion but they cannot force me to fixed on the family car, sold the have a baby. Not affording an kid’s Christmas presents, tried abortion should not be a reason to self-abort with a knitting nee- for someone to become a parent. dle, attempted suicide.

Pro-choice is the middle ground There’s no reality when all the of the two supposed extremes women in crisis pregnancies of the argument that no-one have the baby and everyone should have an abortion ever lives happily ever after. and that everyone should always have an abortion.

Conclusion This referendum is not about right or wrong. It is about who Abortion has been happening makes the decision. We make for thousands of years. One in the decision for ourselves – not three women will have an abor- the church, not the state, not the tion. You can’t stop abortion, Pope, not the Chief Minister and you can only stop safe abortion. not a 150-year-old law. The inI respect the beliefs of anyone dividual makes the choice. On against abortion, but I just stop March 19 please follow Ireland, respecting them when they Northern Ireland, the Isle of think they can make that de- Man and the rest of mainland cision for someone else. Their Europe and allow for safe, legal faith and their morality ends at abortion in Gibraltar.

PROTECTION: For the unborn baby is vital cause her life has been brutally It sits uncomfortably with me; ended. Abortion ‘on demand’ so I rise and empower young is the ultimate, extreme act of girls and women in their right to abandonment, rejection and equal opportunities, to smash destruction. This is sex discrimithrough glass ceilings and rise nation against girls and women. above sexist comments, paving With latest Non Invasive Pre Nawhatever pathway they choose; tal (NIPT) testing at 10 weeksas stay-at-home-mums, as caplus gestation, babies with (posreer women and everything else sible) Down’s Syndrome are in between. being screened out and 92% It sits uncomfortably with me; aborted in England and Wales, so I rise and inform and edueliminating these beautiful cate about ‘one disability, many souls who bring peace, smiles abilities’, for respect and the and happiness to this world. dignity of the entire disabled This is disability discrimination. community, be it disability from And I question, where are the the womb, or through accident ‘equal and inalienable rights’ or injury in later life. I am ALL IN of the unborn humans who for equality and human rights are aborted? Who gets human FOR ALL MY HUMAN FAMILY. So rights? then, how ‘equal’ is the baby in Isn’t the necessary criterion the womb being treated comthat you be human, no matter pared with the rest of her huat what age or stage of develman family? Is the baby in the opment? Be you an unborn womb a human being? Yes, we baby, a toddler, teen, adult or have no doubt. Her parents are elder? Does protection against human, so she must be human. age discrimination apply only She has been alive since fertilto some humans but not othization. She is alive, living and ers? growing, or else there would be This is age discrimination. no need to ‘terminate’ her life.

So does abortion treat the baby If allowed to continue growing, in the womb as an equal? No she will be born. She has a due it does not. It treats babies date. There could be a baby as subhuman. Does abortion shower to welcome her arrival. mean protection, freedom, jusIs she equal? Yes, we have no tice and peace for the baby in doubt. She is a human and the womb? therefore part of our human No it does not. It takes away family, protected by the Uniher fundamental freedom to versal Declaration of Human live; abortion fails to protect Rights which recognises, “…the her and is unjust to her. inherent dignity and… the equal Abortion is not peaceful, it is a and inalienable violent act, causrights of all ing pain through members of the crushing, dishuman family is She is fully membering her the foundation formed by 12 body piece by of freedom, juspiece, or suction tice and peace weeks’, sucking and poisoning in the world”. her whilst alive her finger and The law refers to in the womb... her as a ‘child’. wriggling images no one The UN Decwants to watch, laration of the because it sits Rights of the very uncomfortably. A wanted Child 1959 says the child, “… baby, an unwanted baby, is still needs special safeguards and a baby. Her heart started beatcare, including appropriate leing 16-21 days after concepgal protection, before as well as tion just like yours, no different. after birth...”.

She is fully formed by 12 But much like the LGBTQ+ comweeks’ gestation, sucking her munity, she is a minority in her finger, wriggling and kicking environment; she is alone in the about. womb, maybe accompanied by So who shall rise for her? her twin or triplet.

I will rise and I invite you to She is vulnerable and underrise too, as you rose for other represented. Her quality of life, human family minority groups, indeed her very life, is in the to protect her inalienable equal hands of larger, more powerful and human right to life. forces; that of her mother and Rise and stand for equality and the abortion industry. This is human rights for all our human discrimination against minorifamily, so that we can celebrate ties and the vulnerable. The in freedom and peace, that all baby is a girl or a boy. With ‘genhumans truly are equal. der-selective abortions’ and girls being aborted over boys, Amber Turner BSc (Hons) LLM there won’t be any ‘equal opporis the former Chair of The Gitunity’ rights to protect, or glass braltar Women’s Association ceilings to smash for her be-

6

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than one million people a month.

OPINION

The World’s End CORONAVIRUS is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment, no matter where you are.

The outbreak started in December but it was not until last week when it hit Italy, that everyone started freaking out.

Yes, it’s a lot closer to home and the number of patients are increasing constantly, but people don’t need to stress as much as they are doing.

It’s definitely more serious than a simple virus because it’s something new that the World Health Organization (WHO) needs to get its head around, but so far it has only killed 2% of those who have caught it.

Those most prone to dying are older and therefore more vulnerable. Could it have been contained better at the start? Of course, but that’s not the average Asian person’s fault and it doesn’t give people the excuse to be racist just because you may think every Asian has the virus or because they should have self-quarantined. Is the world going to survive this? Of course it is, and the mask manufacturing-companies will have made billions in the meantime.

The fight goes on IT’S 2020 and yes women’s rights have come a long way and one could be forgiven for thinking the fight for women’s rights should finally be over.

But alas, this is not the case, the fight goes on...let’s look at the facts: In Spain, there have been 1,047 victims of sexist violence since records began in 2003.

In 2020, at least 14 women have been killed in gender violence attacks so far.

Every four hours there is a report of gender violence in Spain.

However, the forthcoming celebration and promotion of International Women’s Day is not only to highlight gender violence but many other aspects such as equal pay and access to jobs and even just the simplicity of being able to leave fear at the front door and enter the outside world carefree, equal and accepted. So we have taken the opportunity to join in the celebrations and to highlight that we are backing the fight for women’s rights and look forward to more positive headlines such as: ‘Spain has no further gender violence attacks in 2020’, ‘Women succeed in fight for equal pay and status’ or ‘International Women’s Day no longer necessary’.

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features

MAGINE the scenario: You are walking on one of Andalucía’s beautiful public trails, it’s a walk you have enjoyed many times, but today is different.

A brand new gate blocks your way. You are used to passing through gates in the sierra, which hikers know to close behind them to prevent livestock escaping, but this gate is chained with a padlock.

On a high fence extending as far as you can see, a sign now says: Propiedad Privado. Entrada Prohibida (Private property.

No entry).

You have two options: turn back or break into private property and risk being threatened by an angry landowner, even one brandishing a shotgun. It has happened (see later).

The closure of these public trails has upset hikers and local communities alike. Landowners are taking it upon themselves to shut off what are, in essence, public rights of way.

The question is - are public trails that pass through private estates really private? Can landowners simply block communal pathways used by locals and their animals for centuries?

The answer is no. Yet this is what is happening in Andalucía and, sadly, throughout Spain. but which was controversially According to José María Guerre- blocked near Ronda in 2006 by ro, President of the Asociación developers. por los Caminos Públicos de la The blockage (in part) led to Serranía de Ronthe setup of da, caminos púthe Olive Press blicos are publicly newspaper, owned trails for One landowner which in its communal use. very first issue They have been blocked the path splashed with established as with barbed wire the disapfree passageways pearance of a due to their longand showed up newly-installed term standing and footpath sign with a rifle historic by the Los Meimportance. rinos estate, In Spanish law, where develpublic trails cannot be pro- opers planned 2,000 houses scribed, seized or transferred. and a double golf course.

They are untouchable.

A few months later in 2007, we reported how 40 protesters faced fines of up to €30,000 for Closing down history organising a ramblers-style proThe historic town of Ronda, had test when they broke through more than 200 public trails in- a wall and walked through the cluded in its 2004 registry, a re- estate. cord all town halls are obliged Their action led to what was to keep, although few do in described by a judge, as ‘mafia-style tactics’ against anypractice.

It’s also the responsibility of one attempting to fight to keep the local authorities to main- open public tracks or protest tain these trails. The municipal corrupt, illegal developments. code states they should be protected and the public must be The tracks to protect informed about their rights at The caminos publicos were all times.

An independent study in 2016, once Spain’s only road network however, discovered that 48 along which everything was of Ronda’s public trails were transported on foot or by mule. illegally blocked, deliberately And they go back forever... obstructed or so poorly main- Indeed, during the Peninsular tained they were impassable or War in 1813, Napoleon’s forces mapped out these vias to dangerous.

A similar investigation conduct- plan their attack on Ronda. ed by the Olive Press with green Several have become ‘green corridors’ while others have group Silvema Ecologistas en Accion a decade ago found taken on dual use as roads at least three dozen paths which must coexist with vehicles. blocked by big gates.

So it seems to be a growing Usually these trails are given lowest priority, with road fenctrend. ing impeding and endangering pedestrians.

Public fight back When roads and trails meet, who is the losing party?

Other public trails are the pro- “There were no laws to protect vincial GR routes (like the Gran the public trails in the past, Senda de Malaga), and the ter- because people knew they ritorial Vías Pecuarias. belonged to everybody,” says From the grand 75-metre-wide Guerrero.

Cañadas Reales to the rustic In the nearby Genal Valley, four-metre wide Veredas, these where trails still connect rural tracks, originally for herding villages, locals see them as livestock, are of great historical communal property. In bigger importance. towns, however, people do not The GR routes are usually na- have this personal link anytionwide and sometimes cut more. across Europe, for example in Only the Basque Country has the case of the GR-7, which ‘servidumbre’ - the right of uniruns from Tarifa to Athens

Tra

Nature lovers are waging war against barbed wire fences and locked gates to keep Andalucia’s public trails open. Karethe Linaee reports from the frontline

versal passage anywhere.

In rural Andalucia, it is increasingly the opposite case.

Property owners insist that, as they own the land, they also own the public trails crossing it. But, says Guerrero, “When a public road crosses your property, you cannot block it and the same goes for public trails.”

Wild bulls and bees not an idle threat Walkers, runners, bikers and horse riders are increasingly affected by trail closures, a problem that only began a couple of decades ago, and fines are not enough to deter landowners.

On a public trail leaving Ronda, one foreign landowner blocked the path with barbed wire and showed up with a rifle when locals came to protest.

Only when the authorities intervened did he allow extremely narrow, fenced-in access.

Farmers have resorted to devious tactics, ploughing over public trails so they can no longer be seen. Pathways near rivers are at times so narrow that walkers have to hang onto illegally placed fences to be able to pass.

Traditionally trails had to be wide enough for a loaded mule to pass, though these days walkers are lucky to have half a metre of clearing.

And if locks and dangerous detours won’t deter you, other landowners scare away walkers by adding signs such as Coto de Caza (hunting ground), Toros Bravos (wild bulls) or Abejas Salvajes (wild bees).

Endangering anyone on a public trail on your land is illegal, but all walks should be treated with caution… as most of us do not want to risk being mistaken for a deer or charged by a bull.

Speaking from personal experience, cows with horns can look as menacing as bulls and when confronted by them, you do not hang around to check for dangly bits to verify which sex you are dealing with.

Saving public trails

SCARY: Guantanamo-style screening on this Ronda walk

In 2003, a platform was created to defend the public trails.

The Asociación por los Caminos Publicos de la Serrania de Ronda represents hiking and cycling clubs, as well as environmentalists and human rights groups. Their mandate is to promote conservation, protection and safe access to trails.

“First comes the fence, next the gate, then the chain and

7

March 4th - March 17th 2020

railblazers

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AGGRESSIVE: Sign barring entry (left) and (above) the footpath scandal in Issue 1 of the Olive Press

BATTLE: Open and closed trails around Ronda and one path (below) shut near Encinas Borrachos

Photos by Karethe Linaee and Association por los Caminos Publicos

lock. It is much more difficult to reverse this process,” says spokesman Guerrero.

For 17 years the association has organised volunteer cleanups, catalogued trails and proposed practical, cost-effective trail maintenance – all without costing the town one centimo.

For areas depending on rural tourism, it is imperative to keep public trails open and functional. In fact, Ronda could risk lawsuits if accidents happen on the steep and perilous public trails beneath the town.

Access to public trails also comes with certain public responsibilities. The onus is on users to follow rules - keeping dogs on leashes, etc.

Digital battle New technology is changing things. There are great sites such as Wikiloc (see feature online) and how engineer David García Hernández from Gaucin is developing a mobile app which allows walkers to immediately report public trails that have been illegally closed or pose threats to users.

“Safe public trails are essential

to be able to walk in the mountains,” says Fernando Ruiz, President of Andalucía’s hiking association Pasos Largos.

“Thousands upon thousands of people enjoy this natural pastime every week.”

Municipalities like El Burgo and Jimena de la Frontera are col-

laborating with the community to keep their trails open and safe. It is a win/win situation.

The public keeps its trails and the town saves money and gains support.

The public trail association hopes to collaborate with all municipalities to protect and

safeguard the trails.

“We must continue to denounce illegal blocking of public trails so future generations can enjoy our communal heritage. It is the best legacy we can give our children,” adds Ruiz.

Toffs vs citizens – El Duende

HERITAGE: Medieval bridge on El Duende property, used by locals since time immemorial

One of the most disputed properties in Ronda is El Duende.

This 200-hectare Ronda estate is said to have been in the same Marques de Salvatierra family since the redistribution of lands to Spanish nobles after the Catholic re-conquest.

We are talking centuries.

The public pathways crossing the stunning estate are even older, having been used without controversy since the Middle Ages.

According to historian Carlos Gonzalbes Gravioto, the bridge on the land is much older than Ronda’s famous Puente Nuevo and was the historical connection between two Roman trails, with ‘proven use’ from Medieval times.

The trails stayed open until 2016 when the owners of El Duende blocked a number of them, claiming they were private.

They even won in court and the trails were removed from the municipal inventory.

However, trail defenders refused to accept this and fought to reopen them, presenting oral testimonies, historical maps and documents, as well as aerial photographs from 1945 onwards. This January, Ronda Town Hall voted unanimously to reinstall the disputed public trails in the town inventory.

While further legal action may take place, the law is on the public’s side. Trails can always be reinstated, IF there is political will to do so.

THE Olive Press website continues its march across Spain.

Our online portal www.theolivepress.es is entering uncharted territory as it soars up to 460th position in Alexa’s official ranking for the country’s top sites.

The most trusted English website in Spain, we are also making huge in-roads in both the UK and Ireland, where we also sit comfortably inside the Top 500 sites for each country.

We put this down to proper relevant content.

Carefully researched and compiled, we stick to our remit of covering the key stories that matter around the peninsula and its islands.

We are not interested i n Eamonn Holmes’ tax bill, a shooting in a Manila shopping mall and, particularly, the death of the Monkees singer some 12 months late!

And nor are the 1.5 million visitors who came to our site in the short month of February.

According to Google analytics, they were treated to 2.1 million ‘hits’ (or pages read) on everything from the sustainability of patio heaters in bars to tax increases for British homeowners in Spain, and from the march of the coronavirus to a man who lost his view to a giant pile of rubble.

The site has become the only resource expats interested in Spain need to use, not to mention tourists arriving here in their millions each month.

Visit www.theolivepress.es and see how much content we # have... and if you’ve got a business just how much exposure we can give you. #

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Here are the top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: BREAKING: Family isolated for possible coro1- navirus on Spain’s Costa del Sol after returning from Italy trip (70,843 visitors) Four new coronavirus cases confir 2- BREAKING: med on Spain’s Costa del Sol (66,316) REVEALED: A Place in the Sun is filming across locations on Spain’s Costa del Sol and inland 3-these Malaga THIS WEEK (35,995) warning for Spain’s Malaga and Costa Sol as Storm Karine to bring strong winds and 4-delWeather rough seas (26,830) Hundreds of workers sent home on Spain’s del Sol due to possible coronavirus exposure 5-Costa (26,124)

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8

Shocking stats

ELECTRIC vehicles make up just over 1% of all Gibraltar’s four-wheel private transport.

Under 500 electric cars are being used on the Rock out of nearly 44,000 four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles registered last year.

By 2030 Gibraltar wants to reduce carbon emissions by 50% with other countries like Ireland planning to ban all fossil fuel vehicles by that year.

“I think that at the moment we are at an early stage of the development of this product,” said Minister for Transport Vijay Daryanani about electric cars.

“It’s a question of time and perhaps a little bit of patience before starting to realise that driving an electric vehicle is much better than driving a petrol or a diesel one.”

OPTIMISTIC: Daryanani

Face lift ONE of Gibraltar’s historic squares will soon be looking a lot more stylish.

The ‘Piazella’ in Governor’s Parade between O’Callaghan’s Hotel and the Theatre Royal Park has been in dire need of a facelift for years.

And now the government has promised new benches with wheelchair access, as well as better flooring, lighting, trees and bushes.

Works will start soon to replace four False Acacias trees with six mature plane trees, like those in Commonwealth Park.

John Cortes, Minister for Urban Renewal, pointed out that not much had changed in the last 50 years at Grand Parade.

“I remember this square was last refurbished many years ago when I was a child, as I used to walk across it on my way to school,” he said.

As a keen environmentalist, Cortes highlighted the increase of trees that will provide shade in summer and revive businesses in the area.

“I am especially grateful to the proprietors of the establishments in the square who are fully supporting the refurbishment,” he concluded.

“Once the works are completed I am sure Governor’s Square will once more become another hub of social and cultural activity in the heart of our City.”

It followed the completion of work to equip John Mackintosh Hall with recycling bins, cycle racks, a water fountain and dog zones. “Users can now leave their pets outside temporarily whilst visiting the Hall,” said the Gibraltar Cultural Services, that is based at John Mackintosh Hall.

March 4th - March 17th 2020

Historic plaza in Gibraltar to finally get some much needed upgrades “Cyclists will be able to park their bicycles in a designated rack, located in the alleyway between the Hall and the Gibraltar International Bank.”

Cortes added: “It is important that public buildings lead in all aspects of sustainability, and the John Mackintosh Hall is our main cultural hub.”

Sewage screw-up

UPGRADE: The Piazella will become a social hub

THE cleaning of a pipe to increase its strength accidentally spewed raw sewage into a luxury marina on the Rock, it has been revealed.

Sewage flooded out of a storm drain as the Main Sewer which runs along Line Wall Road and Lover’s Lane was cleaned.

A Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) liner was being installed to strengthen the sewer and increase flow.

But before the GRP was installed, the liner had to be cleaned so it was free of dirt.

“In order to achieve this, the sewer is blocked at both ends and the sewage diverted through other pipes,” said the Gibraltar Government.

“This is achieved with large industrial pumps using the three black hoses which can currently be seen on the footpath along Lover’s Lane.”

The main way to prevent sewage overflowing onto the road via the manholes are connections to the storm drains.

These are normally blocked off during this process, but the high pressure forced one of these plugs to give way.

“The breach has now been resealed and all overflows reinforced to prevent this from reoccurring,” concluded the Government.

“We apologise for the inconvenience that this unfortunate incident has caused.”

Work on the Main Sewer will be finished at the beginning of next month.

A

ll about

Issue 117

Manilva, Sabinillas and Duquesa

www.theolivepress.es

March 2020

HISTORY: The Castillo de la Duquesa takes pride of place, keeping watch over the unspoilt Mediterranean coves and beaches that stretch all the way from Sabinillas to Cadiz province

Worlds collide Breathtaking coastline meets inland adventure. Joshua Parfitt finds bags of Spanish tradition and plenty of expats in Manilva, Sabinillas and Duquesa

T

UCKED down a side street in Sabinillas, McGuinness’ Irish Pub was always a cosy, welcoming, if unassuming local pub.

However its stellar reputation was relatively unknown further afield, until it was launched into TV stardom in an episode of Channel 4’s A New Life in The Sun. And its patrons, expat couple Micheal and Danielle, typify the get-up-and-go spirit of Sabinillas, Duquesa and Manilva.

Just around the corner is Kinsale restaurant in the heart of Duquesa port, where you can order a fantastic homemade pie washed down with a Guinness.

This local favourite recently had its moment in the spotlight too, as ITV News descended for Brexit night as the UK left the

FUN IN THE SUN: For local families and McGuinness patrons Micheal and Danielle in Sabinillas

EU. It is no surprise as Manilva officially has the highest percentage of Brits on the padron in Spain. There are some 4,000 of Brits in the 12,000-strong municipality.

And it isn’t just those from Blighty. Other settled expats help make up 42% of Manilva’s population, according to Dean Tyler BRUNOS Shelton, Manilva local, and one of the only British politicians on the Costa del Sol. Most in these parts inhabit either the coral-white marina of La Duquesa, which sits at the end of the mile-long beachfront of San Luis de Sabinillas or up on the hilltop lookout of Manilva itself.

Though the Brits and the 180-odd other nationalities come CAR RENTAL .COM

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from all walks of life and occupations (Ed: Some have even set up a newspaper here!) they all have something in common.

Like Manilva’s first health tourist, Julius Caesar, who visited the Roman baths around 60BC, it seems that people come here for a temperate life beneath the jaw-dropping mountains, fed by the fruits of the sea.

Walking around the yacht-dotted marina I meet expat John Jackson, a 74-year-old Scotsman, counting the fish in the shallows, watching them eat crumbs from his pan flauta, or Spanish baguette.

“It’s a really well maintained port, friendly and safe too,” the former business consultant told the Olive Press, which is also Continues next page

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March 2020

Manilva, Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa

From previous page

Super Sabi

coincidentally based in Manilva.

John moved to la Duquesa in 2012, where in the winter months the marina remains virtually untouched by tourism.

Wandering the cozy, pedestrianised streets, it’s clear that this place is small enough for everyone to know everyone - and while collecting my chips and curry sauce from a takeaway, a local waiter pops in to practise his English.

Nearby, San Luis de Sabinillas offers another take on coastal living with its collection of ‘chiringuitos’, where the salt sea air is flavoured with the aroma of ‘pescaditos fritos’ - fried fish, Spanish style this time.

These informal beach restaurants often open around Easter in preparation for the holiday season, and in the winter lie dormant like a grapevine, waiting for the sun.

February is exactly the right time for British expats Peter and Jackie, who have had a holiday home here for the past 12 years.

Bustling

They say they come to ‘Sabi’ - as they affectionately call the town - in winter to escape the biting cold of England and to avoid the bustling crowds of summer.

On Sundays, however, the famous flea market Rastro de Sabinillas proves that the Spanish do not hibernate and there is still much to see and to do.

Held weekly at the fairground off the Camino de los Banos de la Hedionda, the Rastro is a bargain hunter’s paradise stretched across 300 stalls piled with jewel-coloured fruit and veg, antiques, local handicrafts and second-hand designer wear.

Running further west the other side of Duquesa, the coastline gets wilder and less and less developed.

Here, you will find an extensive nature zone and golden beaches edged with wild grasses and flowers.

The Punta Chullera area is a rock-pool potterer’s paradise and offers the occasional curious sight, such as fresh squid hanging on washing lines to dry.

Here is where I meet Belgian biker Robert Vermeulen, who winds down to the rocky headland ‘to do nothing’ but enjoy his retirement.

The 69-year-old makes the journey to the beach from his Casa-

TOWERING: A lifeguard tower and the real McCoy in Duquesa

res pueblo apartment by motorbike to take long walks and soak up the sea air.

“I think the coastline is just beautiful,” he says, in his leather biker’s jacket as the sun pokes out.

The local fisherman still have a place in the community, he tells me, pointing out the numerous vessels parked in front of the promenade.

Next to the gin palaces bobbing at anchor in la Duquesa’s pleasure port, he appreciates that Manilva has not lost its authenticity.

If resting on your well-earned retirement laurels is not for you, then you can still head for the rugged hills of Manilva, which unfold like a fan along several walking and off-road trails.

These capillaries are ever more deeply etched into the landscape by the coast’s growing number of biking and walking enthusiasts who enjoy the trips into nature.

Adventurers should also make a pilgrimage to Manilva itself, which traces its roots back to 16th century vineyards famed throughout the world for their sweet wines, known locally as ‘vino mosto’.

Vineyards

The story of its thriving wine industry is beautifully told at the Nilva Wine Museum where you can also take a vineyard tour.

While meandering through the resting vineyards I bump into Dave and Nicki, who say they only make the trip now for old-time’s sake.

Having run their own property business for 15 years on the Costa de la Luz, they came to Manilva to open up shop and capitalise on the throngs of holiday-home buyers eyeing up the area.

The 2008 economic crash changed that and their business suffered in the ensuing years.

“People stopped coming, even the Brits,” recalls Nicki.

Despite a tainted experience, the couple say that Manilva is back in business and shows

RURAL: The fecund valley between Manilva and Casares is awash with crops

no sign of slowing down, with ‘more Brits here now then there have been in previous years’.

Indeed, in the town centre I see both Spaniards deftly opening salty ‘pipas’ - sunflower seeds baked in shells - in one bite, and two mums with thick Yorkshire accents keeping tabs on their skateboarding children.

Nearby, on the border with Casares, you can go back in time to one of Costa del Sol’s earliest recorded new arrivals: the Roman baths of Hedionda.

The cloudy blue pools reposing beneath arched brickwork allow you to take in the sublime atmosphere of hundreds of years of history, where medicinal sulphur spring flowing out of from the limestone is said to cure a whole host of ailments, including sunburn.

In fact, that is what brought Julius Caesar to Manilva when he was governor of southern Spain to cure a nasty skin infection.

Apparently, it worked.

Whether here for work or for pleasure, the sun, the sea and the fresh food are never far from people’s reasons for residence Spanish or foreign.

Somehow it still feels as if a certain spell hangs over these hills, attracting people here from near and far.

11 March 2020

The Olive Press talks to Manilva mayor Mario Jimenez Rodriguez What is the biggest draw to Manilva?

I’m a big fan of the green spaces and the fantastic expanse of coastline, some 8 kms in total.

We are working really hard not to over-develop the coast and have actually dropped density levels since I came to power What about the history here?

Well there is actually an incredible amount to enjoy, such as the castle, near Duquesa, and the fascinating Roman archaeological site we are currently exploring beside it. The Romans had a key base in Manilva and we understand they made a lot of the celebrated fish paste Garum here, which was exported back to Rome. I am also fascinated by the Fortress of Los Castillejos de Alcorrín, an eighth century castle - and much older settlement - which was only discovered in 1989.

Why did you run for mayor?

I’ve now spent 17 years in public office, and have held posts such as councillor of sport, youth and infrastructure, as well as working

Everyone welcome in our green paradise in the technical office in the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol. But as I am from here I wanted to come back and help my village, where I originally ran a plumbing shop.

spaces and gardening, etc) while also lowering taxes for three years in a row.

After two years in office, what have you achieved?

We’re very lucky that Manilva has a lot of potential in terms of tourism, sport and culture. My plan for the future is based on creating new infrastructure projects and aiming to get 5% of the cultural tourism that comes to the Costa del Sol.

I am happy with the changes we have made to the historic centre, as well as the covered pool in Sabinillas and the improvements with the wine museum. I think we have bettered the local quality of life (better cleaning, more green

What steps are being taken to get the type of town you want?

How would you define yourself politically?

VINE TIME: View from village north-east and (above) a mural of grape pickers

While initially from the IU (United Left) party I am much more central in terms of my views today. I live in the heart of town, near the town hall and feel like just another member of the community, leaving my door open to everyone.

Any future projects you want to highlight?

We’ve been further improving the historic centre of Manilva, in particular with four streets and with more works on the church. I want to encourage more people to come up to

the old town.

Any message for the foreigners here, particularly with Brexit looming?

We are very proud that so many foreign residents have chosen Manilva as their home, in particular the British, who number 3,168 out of our official census of 17,500. We know there are many thousands more, perhaps 5000 who come and go and we hope they continue to enjoy our town. And we will certainly make you feel welcome whatever happens with Brexit.

12 March 2020

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Manilva, Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa

Once upon a time Manilva was among the richest and bestconnected places in the world

R

OMAN roots run deep throughout the Iberian Peninsula but this westerly corner of the Costa del Sol really tickled Roman legion fancies for the climate, the fishing, the farming … and for its strategic position at the gateway to the Mediterranean … and home.

Stone Age man and many later invaders liked it too but it was the Roman Empire - to which it once belonged - that really put what we now call Manilva and San Luis de Sabinillas on the map.

What did the Romans do for us? They made the region rich, they brought work, they built roads just like in the Monty Python sketch.

The area was as well-connected then as it is today.

They left behind fascinating ruins and a working Roman health spa you can still check into. And it’s free.

First, a little history …

Baetica, the Roman name for Andalucia, became one of the most dynamic and economically developed regions in the far-flung

Empire days VIA ROMANA: Roman bridge at Banos de Hedionda

Roman Empire, rich in re- ern-day Cadiz province and sources and modern in out- along the the entire Costa look, even welcoming liber- del Sol to Almeria. Casares, under the Roman name ated slaves.

Before the legions arrived of Lacipo, was a strategic in the second century AD gateway from the valley life was hard and simple, to the mountains of Cadiz the land dotted with small and Malaga. Manilva and and isolated agricultural Casares boasted road links settlements. However the as good as EU funding has provided tod eve l o p m e n t day. They were of a fish saltconnected by ing industry Where Julius one of Baetfuelled by inmain Caesar himself ica’s creasing Rothoroughfares man presence is said to have to Carteia on the Iberian (currently San Peninsula saw cured a skin Roque where most of these complaint the Roman rusegmented ins of Carteia populations still partially moving to the coast, settling in the town survive), Corduva (now Corwe now call San Luis de Sa- doba) and the city of Baetica, together with Italica and binillas.

At that time, salt curing Hispalis, both in the Sevilwas the best method for la region. Some of that preserving fish for export amazing infrastructure still by sea to Rome and other survives. Roman remains parts of the Empire. Ma- can be found in Sabinillas, nilva became known as Haza del Casareño, LagunSaltum and came under etas, Manilva and Castillo the administration of Con- de la Duquesa which showventus Gaditanus - a vast cases the remnants of a region stretching from mod- Roman Baths, town, curing

HEALING: Taking a swim in the Banos de Hedionda

factory and even a necropolis. However, undoubtedly the most popular ‘asset’ is La Hedionda, the Roman baths.

Running things well

LEGEND: Jose Carlos Gomez Santos is running from Nerja to Manilva in 24 hours for the environment

MARIO Jimenez is still beaming from ear to ear, weeks after his town was once again rewarded for its green credentials.

The Manilva mayor was overjoyed to receive a Blue Bow Tie award – Pajaritas Azules – Spain’s top recycling honour.

Manilva was among just 35 Spanish municipalities to scoop the gong, which recognises ‘excellence’ in the collection and processing of paper and cardboard. A total of 21 indicators are used to assess local authorities, on everything from emptying the blue recycling containers, to public awareness and waste treatment. But Jimenez is not just the mayor of another small Andalucian town. He recognises the part that everyone – big and small – has to play in the climate emergency.

“Pajaritas Azules is a demanding program, which contributes to achieving the recycling objectives and advancing the path of the circular economy,” he said.

“This is among the priorities to combat global warming, set out in the climate emergency declaration of the Government.”

But those who know Manilva will be aware that this latest achievement is by no means environmental window dressing.

Duquesa port for example, is not just a popular expat watering hole, but is actually one of two pilot sites for a pioneering national anti-marine pollution programme.

The popular port was chosen along with Girona’s port to take part in the BAJUREC project, launched by the Clean Landscape Association. Researchers installed special containers in the port to measure the presence of ocean carbon caused by fishing vessels. One Manilva resident who also does more than his bit for the planet is long-distance runner Jose Carlos Gomez Santos. The Cordoba-born dad-of-one inspired the Costa del Sol last October by completing a mammoth run from his adopted town all the way to Nerja in just 24 hours.

Local recycling firm Reciclados Jurado partnered with the athlete for the insane challenge, over some 180 kilometres.

The event not only raised awareness of the plight of ocean plastic, but also made a real change as hundreds joined Jose at different stages to help clear up beaches.

Jose will repeat his feat this October, running the reverse journey from Nerja to Manilva.

For now at least, it seems that Manilva is a shining example of how to look after the environment.

When it comes to the environment, Manilva is leading the way

14 March 2020

A

ll about

End of

the line

Manilva, Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa

There is more than just good fish restaurants in the seaside resort of Manilva, writes Jon Clarke

B

EING the definitive wife in the kitchen have never Wild West of the Costa rested on their laurels. del Sol, you definite- Indeed, the pair have been ly take your chances serving an excellent mix of inwhen it comes to eating in ternational dishes for nearly Manilva... Believe me, I’ve two decades, since they arhad some shockers! rived in Spain, via Italy, from But thankfully among the Argentina. dross are a dozen or so excel- Expect to eat delicious lent spots to eat fine food, if prawns, tender rabo de toro you know where to go. and succulent steaks, and reOne of the true chestnuts - at member to book, particularly least if you are after seafood at weekends when it gets in- is Ramos restaurant, which credibly popular. set up in pole position on Sa- Another good place nearby is binillas sea front in 1962.

Miel, run by friendly Belgian Run by brothers Manuel and Kaat Buelens, who for many Juan Antonio years played a for over two dekey role at the cades (one front emblematic Her beach of house, one in but now shut the kitchen), it Roman Oaspot though is has the perfect sis in nearby very much an location with Casares every stunning views institution with summer. up and down Her beach high standards spot though the coast.

It is famous for is very much its ‘espeto’ (left) an institution skewered sardines cooked with high standards for breakon a boat outside, as well as fast and lunch and is very ofany other fish you fancy and ten full. it’s not only good value, but Other nearby spots to eat inits staff are incredibly friend- clude legendary long-standly. ing pup O’Callaghan’s, run Just around the corner sits by friendly expat Rob and his another institution, La Casita, where Gabriel and his

HATS OFF: To team at La Casita and (below) Kinsale’s view

dad, as well as McGuiness Irish pub and Bella Italia, which does exactly what you would expect.

A few other good fish restau-

BROTHERS GRIN: Manuel and Jose at Ramos

rants worth taking a look at include Bar Playa and Restaurante Marymar, which is something of an institution here.

Another exciting new addition to the food scene here is Susi’s gastro tapas joint, while Florita is the new dawn of legendary Floria restaurant, which got washed away in floods a few years ago.

Beccy’s is a top spot for a ‘banging breakfast’, as well as a mean Sunday Roast, while Lo de Andres is the place for hanging out and meeting pals in the heart of town.

Finally don’t forget Cafe Nenit, where Jose and his team serve breakfasts and pastries from early morning, tapas for lunch and bar snacks into the evening.

And over the road, if you love chicken, you will be (and I mean this) amazed at how good the poultry is at Las Brasas.

While winning no beauty prizes sitting on a roundabout with no views apart from the N-340, it nonetheless draws in punters - and hundreds of them on busy days - from many miles around for possible the best chicken on the Costa del Sol. Heading up the coast to the port of Duquesa, I rarely venture past Kinsale and it doesn’t matter when or at what time, as this institution has been serving good-value food for decades and for an amazing 365 days a year!

“And we stay open late, often very late,” explains manager Tom McNeil, 25, from Berwick-on-Tweed. “Put it this way I often bump into the cleaners coming in when I am locking up for the night.”

A bar/bistro it has an excellent range of dishes, and always some superb specials including great homemade pies, as well as paella.

Service is always fast and efficient and you won’t miss a game of football or rugby with

15 March 2020

MOUNTAIN ESCAPE: Sarmiento

around a dozen big screens. thing from his father.

You might also want to check Last, but not least, if you are out The Quays Irish bar looking for something amazand tapas, which is a good ing inland, head inland past place for breakfast or lunch Manilva to the neighbouring in pole position. village of Casares.

In Duquesa you have a war- You cannot fail to be blown ren of other good places to away with Sarmiento, which eat including the decent La sits above the most photoTaberna 2, as well as Cap- graphed white town in Andaitanos and Parapiros, two lucia, with views AND food to of the longest-running Italian match. restaurants on Run by capable the coast. brothers Juan For Manilva’s and Miguel this The restaurant best fish and is one of the is ‘based on the true Dining Sechips you need to head up the of Andaessential pillars crets road a little lucia. to track down of the Andalucian Its chefs have Marlows, on worked at lifestyle’ the main road, some of the which first plied world’s top its trade in Gichains and braltar in the 1960s. the food is always deliciously A true institution, owner fresh and tasty.

Steve Marlow, has run restau- The restaurant is ‘based on rants around the world and the essential pillars of the Anis a classically trained chef, dalucian lifestyle: authenticiwith a good knowledge of the ty, spontaneity and the enjoybusiness, having learnt every- ment of friends and family’.

Quay to eating well IF you’re looking for a taste of home but with a Spanish twist, then look no further than Quays Irish bar in Puerto de la Duquesa.

Quays describes itself as tapas with a twist, serving Irish food the Spanish way.

Because of the fact that they serve both Irish tapas but also traditional Spanish food, Quays is an environment welcome to people of all nationalities, tailored for all, with an Irish atmosphere.

They pride themselves for having fresh food every day and for being family and pet friendly.

Rated 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, Quays caters to all your needs, be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or even afternoon tea. Once a week you can also dance the evening away with live music.

tel: 952 89 21 73

LA CASITA

BA R R E S TAU R A NT Serving lunch and dinner

International style USA - Spain - Italy - Argentina OPEN: 11.00 - 00.00 Closed Monday Calle Fernado Pessoa, Local 2, San Luis De Sabinillas, Andalucia, Spain

March 4th - March 17th 2020

18

March 4th - March 17th 2020

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Lifting the Val It’s been dubbed ‘the world’s best ski resort’ and ‘gee, even bigger than Vail’... Jon Clarke (right) takes a trip to Baqueira and the Val d’Aran and finds a lot more than just snow-plough fun

W

E’RE at the top of Baciver ski lift, some 2,610m high in the Pyre-

phone, is my wife having an entirely different day out.

While also enjoying the mountains, her relationship with the snow is visual, not tactile, as she hikes just below the snow-line with a friend and a packed lunch at the ready.

Not a fan of skiing? No worries, Baqueira Beret is part of Spain’s wonderful Val d’Aran, a totally independent fiefdom of fun and festivities, where there’s more to do than you can shake a ski-pole at.

The Pyrenees only East-West facing valley, this impressive mountain redoubt counts 33 towns and villages and even has its own language.

Some 3000 local souls speak Aranese, but don’t worry they also speak plenty of English, along-

side the obligatory Catalan ers and sisters, nephews and Spanish. and nieces, explains the reWhat’s more of relevance sort’s marketing chief Pep. to the traveller though is “The Bourbon family were nees. the rich local given the villa There’s a light dusting of culture... and, in 1984 by repowder snow and the kids particularly, the sort chiefs and Where the are itching to go. food. only they can We’re in Baqueira, southern The region’s use it,” he exKing of Spain Europe’s largest ski station, architecture plains. counting 161km of runs over is distinct and chooses to hone The former disfour distinct areas and six the local au- his turns, minus graced PP party soaring peaks. thorities (the treasurer Luis his wife Letizia Barcenas also Some 1,000 metres beAranese have low, at the end of a mobile their own govcoincidentally ernment, it has a villa here. turns out) have done well “But we try to keep that quito maintain the integrity of et,” adds Pep. their villages, which could Described by the Daily Telehave been ruined by modern graph as the ‘perfect ski blocks a la many European resort’ and by the Financial ski resorts.

Times as ‘Spain’s true seBut then this is where the cret’, there really is someKing of Spain chooses to thing incedible charming hone his turns, minus his about Baqueira. wife Letizia, who - like mine Local American business- is not a fan of the winter man/writer/estate agent sport.

Keith Kirwen arrived as a He has a splendid villa, ap- snowboarder two decades propriately just above the ago and totally agrees. main lift up, and pops up a “I found this small paradise few times during the season by accident and couldn’t bewith friends, as do his broth- lieve it was bigger than Vail, Colorado,” he reveals.

Coming from an American, that is something.

But the statistics are certainly impressive, even when compared to the best US resorts and those in France or Switzerland.

The ski area extends from 1,500m to 2,610m and counts 99 runs and 35 lifts.

Opened in the 1960s, it has 161km of marked pistes, seven kilometres of marked off-piste runs and seven kilometres of cross-country runs.

It’s laid out in four separate areas; Baqueira, Beret, Boniagua and the recently-opened Baciver, which has created half a dozen new pistes.

Due to its north facing aspect and close proximity to the Atlantic, it has some SCENIC: Typical Val d’Aran village and (above) Jon’s kids get set to ski of the best snow in Europe

and, should the snow gods French resistence smuggled not shine, there are 50 20,000 Jews through the snow cannons to help things high mountain passes to along. safety here and en route to We certainly found plenty to Portugal. entertain us; the snow park You really get a feel for this, for the kids with its myriad heading up into the Rio of jumps, being a highlight, Verde mountain pass above as well as the wonderful Eth the wonderful medieval vilCoret run that snaked its way lage of Bagergue, which at through a pine forest.

1419m is the highest in the Classes were easy to arrange valley. through the Era Escola, who This is part of the celebratprovided the wonderful Aly- ed (Grand Route) GR211 cia for the kids, while I even footpath and is a lovely tried a couple of advanced walk, often below the snowsessions with local lad Fran- line, where you should spot cis, who took us off piste eagles, vultures and even, and even taught us a bit of if lucky, one of the brown Aranese. bears reintroduced a few But the key to a successful years back (don’t forget, they family holiday are the nearby hibernate). mountain villages, that each Best of all, when you get offer a cornucoback to the pia of churches village - voted and museums among Spain’s Should the to visit, as well most beautiful snow gods not - there is an inas numerous local restauteresting arteshine, there rants. san museum, a The history of cheese factory are 50 snow the area is fasand shop, and cannons cinating, being four superb a key mountain restaurants, pass used by each with its Repulicans to escape during own specialities. the Spanish Civil War as Other villages of note are well as a later base for the Salardu and Arties, which Maquis (the guerillas who has a river running through continued to fight on against it and a stunning church, Franco well into the 1950s). plus the famous Urtau tapas During World War II, the joint, where punters queue

Let the train take the strain One of the real joys of getting to the Val d’Aran was the train.

The high-velocity AVE takes just over four hours to get from Malaga to Lleida, thanks to a recent spur opened around Madrid to the East.

The scenery is wonderful as you head through the Sierra Morena, where we spotted deer and wild boar, and later the Zaragoza desert, where we spied fields of saffron and wide expanses of cherry and almond blossom.

In Lleida we hired a car for the two-hour drive up to the slopes, which is a wonderful drive into the Pyrenees foothills and made an hour quicker since the five kilometre Vielha tunnel was finished in 2007.

Another alternative is to fly to Toulouse, and hire a car, or to drive, which takes around 12 hours.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

19

March 4th - March 17th 2020

VARIETY: Local highlights include Arties village. churches, cheese and artisan products

Where to stay

outside before a 7pm opening time and it’s elbow-room at the bar from 7.30pm.

The capital of the region is Vielha, a bustling town, with plenty to write home about.

Take a stroll around keeping an eye out for the San Miqeue church, which is a 600-year-old gothic gem, known for its 12th century bust of a very haggard-looking Jesus.

Take my advice, hire a car and have a really good poke around the valley when you fancy a break from the snow... you never know you might even decide to pop across into France, with Fos, some 25 minutes away!

For more information visit www.visitvaldaran.com or www.baqueira.es

For classic village charm stay in Hotel Seixes in Bagergue, the highest village in the Val d’Aran. This great value hotel (left) has wonderful views and best of all has four excellent restaurants within a two minute walk. www.hotelseixes.com For five star luxury, it’s hard to beat Hotel Pleta, which sits at 1700m and counts on its own pool, spa and gourmet restaurant.

There is a separate cigar room, a shuttle to the ski lift and easily one of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten. www.lapleta.com Looking for a villa or apartment, the best local company is Feel Free Rentals, which has hundreds to rent from isolated farmhouses to centrally located in the heart of Baqueira. www.feelfreerentals.com.

Buy AND cash in

Looking to enjoy skiing holidays in Spain’s top resort AND make money from an investment there?

Specialist real estate company Feel Free has decades working with owners in Baqueira, who both use their properties, as well as rent them out for many weeks during the year. The holiday rental company, based in San Sebastian and the Val d’Aran, locates, manages and rents hundreds of villas and apartments across the two key areas.

“We are experts in these types of projects and many of our owners are foreigners, as we speak all the main languages, English in particular,” explains CEO Roberto Jimenez. they have a big range of new-build projects for sale, as well as quite a number of off-plan schemes.

Visit www.feelfreerentals.com or call (+34) 943 56 36 54

Where to eat

The real beauty of Baqueira is its proximity to the Val d’Aran and its collection of excellent eateries. Every village has a good choice. Take Bagergue, whose 107 local residents are spoilt with four. The cuisine is a good mix of Spanish and French, plus a few local chestnuts, such as an Olla Aranese, a lovely rich bean and pork stew that warms the cockles after a hard day on the slopes.

The cheeses are excellent, as are the lamb chops and steaks.

I particularly liked the trio of places I tried in Bagergue, each quite different in style and flavour. At Casa Rosa, I loved the cheese plate as a starter, while the pate and tortilla espanola was delicious. Jardi dels Pomers has a charming garden for spring and summer, while in winter a big log-burner to aid the ambience. Here, definitely have the beef consome, as well as the cep mushroom-filled ravioli with truffles. Meanwhile, Unhola is Basque and you appropriately sit under a large

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SERVICE: At Casa Rosa copy of Picasso’s Guernica, chowing down on some excellent crab and wild mushroom crepes, cabone, plus an intriguing wild seabass burger.

I would also recommend a trip to Urtau, in Arties, but get there early as you cannot book, if sitting down is essential. If not, you can perch at various tables or at the bar and graze on the dozens of creative tapas, that are remi-

niscent of San Sebastian at its best, if not quite up there for quality.

The Vinoteca Eth Cerer, in Unha, is a long-standing favourite for the apres-ski crowd and it is certainly a well-oiled machine, with two great-value set menus (€15 or €18 a head) and a good wine list. Make sure to get there early to have a poke around the village.

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PROPERTY

International Rescue

Chartered Financial Planner Jonathan Holdaway reveals how he helped one client save £10k a year

ONE of the aspects of my job which gives me the most satisfaction is helping clients extricate themselves from bad products and portfolios they have previously acquired from another adviser.

You see a lot of older Pension or Investment products that had high ongoing charges applying to them and were often invested in costly, low-performing ‘active’ funds.

I met a new client called Peter three years ago and at the time could only take THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO: Jonathan changed a client’s life with his own rescue mission over the ongoing servicing of his plan – you will see and these reduced over the I also identified that some ly aggrieved at this as he why later – but this gave first 10 years to nothing on of the funds had paid an hadn’t exactly had any! me the time to plan a suc- a sliding scale. additional amount of com- By selling the bond and cessful ‘exit’ for him. He Even though he was pa- mission to the adviser, and reinvesting the funds into had invested £720k in a ying a 1% per annum char- subsequently had not per- a similar product with anoSelf Invested Pension Plan ge for the lifetime of the formed well compared to ther provider it left enough (SIPP) with a Life Assuran- product, it was too much of their sector – partly due to commission to pay Peter ce Company’s Investment a bitter pill to swallow and the additional cost but also back the 0.75% surrender Bond as the underlying pay the penalty. because the managers penalty and pay me an product.

Basically this was desig- were poor. agreed amount to suffiHe had used ned to recoup The average annual mana- ciently cover the cost of my this to buy a the conside- gement fees of the Portfo- time. portfolio of rable amount lio of funds was 1.9% pa.

This not only meant a more Quality funds funds recomof commission I removed all the rubbi- limited establishment pemended by his from household paid to the sh from his portfolio, re- riod of five years but an adviser, but names you would adviser at the placing it with cheaper establishment charge of which had not of the ‘passive’ index tracking only 0.45% pa – less than no doubt have start been reviewed plan, and pro- funds, and rebalancing half what he would have since they met heard of yourself tect the pro- everything in line with paid to the existing Bond six years befoduct provider his current attitude to risk provider – and for the rest re. And when if the bond which was now lower as of his life, not just for five he tried calling the mobile was encashed in the first a result of his experience years. number on the business 10 years. and nervousness about fi- So overall with changes card he had kept, it was I therefore restricted my nancial markets.

I made to the SIPP’s un‘unobtainable!’ advice to the underlying This reduced the ongoing derlying investment proPeter had been introduced portfolio of funds for the fund management fees to duct and the funds, I had to me by his accountant time being, which had not an average of 0.55% pa. reduced his annual costs who felt he was in need of been ‘rebalanced’ since he Now, although only in the by nearly 2% per year – or some professional financial had invested. ninth year of the ‘bond’, around £10k based on the planning.

Some of these had per- Peter had had enough, and current value.

Peter was drawing heavily formed acceptably – qua- the surrender penalty was Needless to say Peter is on his pension fund during lity funds a more palata- very pleased with his new a particularly volatile pe- from houseble 0.75% of arrangement and also riod for world stock mar- hold Needless to names the fund. really appreciates the rekets – £280k to be exact, you would no If he stayed, al- gular advice I give him resay Peter is including the 25% ‘tax free doubt though the su- garding changes to asset have cash’ sum, and as a result heard of yourvery pleased rrender penal- allocation and, occasionahad severely depleted his self. ty would cease lly, funds in his portfolio. with his new fund to £490k.

However, at the end of Incidentally this is at half arrangement He had therefore only made the adviser the year, the the cost (0.5% pa) of the around £50k over the pre- had also re1% ongoing ongoing fee paid to his ceding six years; that’s just c o m m e n d e d product charge previous advisory firm for under 10% of his invest- some ‘structured products’ would have applied for the no service. ment of £540k after the which, because of the vo- rest of his life.

Next on my hit list is his lump sum had been taken. latility in world stock mar- This was in addition to the SIPP provider whose trusI discovered that there kets, meant that these 1% pa he’d paid to the ad- tee fees I consider to be were ‘surrender penalties’ were then worth nothing viser’s old firm for ongoing fairly excessive compared still applying to the Bond, at the end of their term. service. He was particular- to others I know.

Jonathan now has an office Malaga, which can be found here: Alameda Colón, 9, 1, 7. 29001 Málaga, Spain. Phone: +34 951 579226 Contact me for a no obligation investment product and/or portfolio review and at my expense on +34 654 898 303 +44 77230 27864 or email me at jonathan.holdaway@chasebuchanan.com I’ll even buy the coffee.

it’s a Big Issue

HEALTH

ALMOST 25% of people in Spain are overweight, according to a new study.

The figures obtained from a study undertaken by the European Association for the Study of Obesity also suggest that by 2030, half of Spain’s population will be overweight.

The Spanish government is trying to curb this trend, considering increasing IVA on high calorie products, such as fast food, pastries and soft-drinks, with the aim of reducing their consumption.

According to a report by UNICEF’s Spanish Committee, up to 40% of young people between the ages of eight and 16 are overweight in the Iberian country.

21

March 4th - March 17th 2020

Life sentence

Death rate for those with depression in Spain revealed as 50% higher than those without

PEOPLE suffering with depression in Spain are 50% more likely to die early, a new study has revealed.

Research has shown that depression is associated with a higher rate of mortality. According to results, the risk for 18 to 64-year-old men is six times higher.

Various international studies have shown that suffering from depression is associated with premature death, not only due to specific causes of death such as suicide but also to higher overall mortality.

But this is the first study of the Spanish

adult population.

The most vulnerable group was found to be men between the ages of 18 and 64 years old. Researchers from the CIBERSAM department at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) carried out the study.

Stigma

“The study allowed us to calculate that people suffering from depression in Spain have a 50% higher risk of dying in the next six years,” said research

History, adventure and romance.

That’s just the setting.

leader Jose Luis Ayuso.

He added: “It comes as a surprise since depression is more frequent in women and the elderly.”

According to the work, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, young men and adults could be the most affected in terms of mortality due to less healthy lifestyle habits in men with depression and the stigma around seeking professional help.

Butt out

SPAIN’S ban on smoking in public spaces and workplaces has made a huge dent in tobacco sales in Cordoba.

Spain joined its European neighbours in banning smoking in public in 2006, in line with EU regulations.

The move was a clear statement of intent to improve the nation’s ever increasing problem with lung and heart disease.

Before the ban, 72 million packs of cigarettes were purchased throughout the province, but since then, figures have steadily dropped to bring the 2019 figure down to 31.5 million packs.

The numbers were released in a recent report by the Tobacco Market Commission of the Ministry of Finance.

In 2007, the figures steadily declined to 66 million, before plummeting to 30.9 million in 2018, the lowest figure on record, with a slight rise to 31.5 million then recorded in 2019.

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A year of Culture

Bring hearts, minds and souls

March 4th - March 17th 2020

Holy heist THE Spanish Catholic Church earned a record €284 million from taxpayers last year, figures show.

Some 7.1m people opted to make a contribution on their tax returns, 26,885 more than 2018.

The amount earned was a 6.2% increase on the year before and the highest since the tax system was introduced in 2007.

The system allows Catholic taxpayers to tick a box which donates 0.7% of their personal income tax (IRPF) to the religious body, at no extra cost.

The percentage was previously set at 0.5%.

BUSINESS

American dream

RENFE has been awarded a giant €5.56 billion contract to operate a high-speed AVE railway line in the US. The Spanish state-owned company will run the line between Dallas and Houston in Texas in what is the biggest ever contract won by a state company outside Spain.

According to Cinco Dias, the deal will be signed with Texas Central Partners, which is looking into extending the line between Austin and San Antonio.

Renfe will not be involved in the construction nor provide the trains for the project, which will create some 11,500 jobs in total.

The line will transport travellers between Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth (386km) in less than 90 minutes.

Air bust

AIRBUS employees have rejected the company’s plans to cut more than 600 jobs in Spain.

A series of walkouts are being planned, while bosses of the aerospace giant have called for unions to attend talks set for this week.

Proposals include axing 630 jobs across Madrid, Andalucia and Castille, while Airbus has planned 2,362 job losses across Europe by 2021.

Staff up in arms as Airbus slashes hundreds of jobs

No further specifications have been given but it is thought that the plan will affect 332 direct jobs, workshop operators mostly, and 298 indirect jobs.

The European manufacturer has not broken down the number of job losses in Spain by department.

It has urged unions to

enter negotiations, a proposal that the unions have ‘unanimously’ rejected, according to the UGT union.

Unions will not negotiate this adjustment until the end of July, when the legal period of the consultation ends.

However, they have said that they do not accept the proposed dismissals because they have not been justified by the company.

Airbus employs TRAINING is to be provided for Gibraltar government about 12,600 departments on financial sanctions after a recent critical staff in Spain, of report. which 7,560 work Together Gibraltar leader Marlene Hassan followed up in the area of Dethe Moneyval study with a strong rebuke about the aufence and Space. thorities not being tough enough on financial crime.

“This two-day interactive workshop is designed to build xxx capacity, increase awareness and collaboration for all According to the who work in financial sanctions,” said the government. plan 829 jobs will The training will be run by UK Treasury officials and the be lost in GermaForeign and Commonwealth Office with the Gibraltar ny, 357 in the UK, Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU).

404 in France The Government Law Office, Royal Gibraltar Police, HM and 142 in other Customs, Office of Fair Trading, Gibraltar Financial Sercountries. vices Commission, Gambling Division and the GFIU will A number of all take part.. demonstrations Financial sanctions are normally put in place by the UN, are set to be EU, UK or Gibraltar to achieve certain policy or security called in the week goals. before Easter.

Working out sanctions

GIBRALTAR-based operator Addison Global has lost its licence for Moplay after being declared insolvent. The Gambling Commissioner said the licence was removed after ‘the promised financial support from the shareholder failed to materialise´.

According to the Gibraltar Government, Addison Global’s owners were working on ‘restructuring proposals’.

No mo’ play

“It is most disappointing that as the firm has not received the financial support it was projected to receive when first licensed,” said the Gibraltar Government.

“Whilst the Directors will have to address the solvency issues, a decision has been made to suspend the relevant licences to protect consumers from any further detriment.”

Rumours of a new owner being found for the company have not yet been confirmed. “Due to financial difficulties, we are unable to process withdrawals,” said Moplay. As its terms state, ‘funds would not be considered separate to the other company assets and you may not receive all your funds back’.

ASK ABOUT OUR LONG TERM RETALS NO HIDDEN SURPRISES OR EXTRA COSTS AT MALAGA AIRPORT

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Yielded, 9 Erode, 10 Animals, 11 Frown, 12 Sweep, 14 Yardley, 16 Extinct, 18 Samos, 20 Cheer, 22 Blaenau, 24 Madam, 25 Overdue.

Down: 1 Bypass, 2 Sediment, 3 Idea, 4 Performs, 5 Polo, 6 Teensy, 8 Dusty, 13 Panorama, 15 Lemonade, 16 Encamp, 17 Taboo, 19 Saucer, 21 Eddy, 23 Apex.

SUDOKU

22

SPORT The king is back

23

March 4th - March 17th 2020

Staying on

FACTORY Honda rider and multiple world champion Marc Marquez has signed a new contract with the Repsol HRC Team.

The Spanish rider will now stay on at Honda until 2024.

The news emerged ahead of the first round of the 2020 MotoGP Championship that the six-time world champion extended his current contract for four years.

“I am very proud to announce my renewal with Honda Racing Corporation for the next four years,” said Marquez.

Alonso returns to McLaren For shot at motorsport’s prestigious Triple Crown

FERNANDO Alonso has returned to McLaren for a shot at the Triple Crown.

The Spanish pilot has reached an agreement with the British

team to return to the Indy 500.

Arrow McLaren SP’s signing of the Asturian was made official through his social media

Start your engines

MASERATI has been named as Spain’s most popular supercar for 2019.

The Italian brand comes in top spot with 230 models purchased.

No other luxury brand came close, with fellow Italians Ferrari coming in second with 73 models purchased and Japanese company Subaru in third with 62 models.

Head to www.theolivepress.es for the full Top Ten list.

Do you know if you need or how to exchange your driving licence? Liberty Seguros answers your questions.

There are many questions being bounced around about the consequences of Brexit and what effect it will have for those in Spain and other parts of Europe. And, of course, nothing is certain yet. One of the most recurring doubts is about the validity of driving licences. In this regard, you must know that all driving licences issued in any member state of the European Union and the European Economic Area are valid for driving in Spain while they are in force and have not been removed for any reason.

While you have your permit in force, the ex-

change for an equivalent Spanish driver’s licence is completely voluntary. However, don’t forget that once you obtain your legal residence in Spain your licence will be subject to the Spanish regulations regarding its period of validity, control of your psychophysical aptitudes and assignment of a points credit. In those cases, where the driving licence is not subject to a specific period of validity, this will have to be renewed after two years since establishing your legal residence in Spain.

However, from January 1st 2021, the general regulations on non-EU countries will apply to the

www.transmatic.es

account.

“Now I can share with you that we will be in May at the 500 miles! I look forward to it,” the Spanish pilot wrote online.

With this return, Alonso will attempt to achieve motorsport’s prestigious Triple Crown, which includes a win at Indianapolis as well as Formula One’s Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car endurance race.

The only driver to have completed the treble is Graham Hill.

Alonso will be in a third car entry from the team alongside their two regular drivers Askew and O’Ward, attempting to make the field of 33 for the May 24 race.

The Asturian has expressed his enthusiasm to be back with another shot at Indy 500 and attempt to take the

crown.

According to the two time F1 champion, the Indy 500 is the ‘greatest race in the world.’

Despite the Spaniard’s return to McLaren for a shot at the event, a return to F1 with McLaren is unlikely, at least for the foreseeable future as explained by Zak Brown, McLaren’s chief executive.

He said during a press conference that McLaren and Alonso, 38, were in a ‘different place now.’ Brown committed to the young pairing of Norris and Sainz, calling them ‘two great young drivers who fans like’, with a connection and rhythm that McLaren does not want to ‘disturb.’

In addition to his two F1 titles, Alonso has won the World Endurance Championship, the Rolex 24 at Daytona and has twice won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

permits issued by the British authorities and you will be allowed to drive in Spain for only six months from your entry in Spain or from the date of obtaining your legal residence.

Therefore, if your driving licence was issued in the United Kingdom and you have been residing in Spain for a longer period than 6 months this will no longer be valid for driving in Spain from that date.

To continue driving on Spanish roads without problems, you must exchange your permit to a Spanish licence before the said date.

To do so, you must arrange an appointment with your nearest office through https://sedeapl.dgt.gob.es

ALL MAKES SERVICED, REPAIRED AND RECONDITIONED, 12 MONTH GUARANTEE

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SHORT AND LONG TERM CAR RENTAL SERVICE

C/Juan de la Cierva, 26. Poligono Industrial, Estepona E:info@transmatic.es • T:952 796 166 or 615 834 322

You still might use your Spanish licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK. What do you need to exchange your licence? · Official application form available at the Jefaturas de Tráfico (Provincial Traffic Departments) and on the DGT’s website (www.dgt. es) · Proof of identity and residence: National identity card or passport; your residence card, national identity card or passport and your certificate of registration in the Central

Roaring into action THE Circuit de Cataluña in Barcelona saw rubber hit tarmac for the first time in 2020 for the first Formula One test of the year.

The test give manufacturers a chance to show off a full off season of developments and also gave viewers a chance to see the cars in their new 2020 outfits.

After three intense days of testing, the Mercedes duo of Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets putting the brand new Mercedes W11 in first and second, setting an ominous tone for the rest of the season.

Bottas took control of the third session early on as he lapped his C5 shod Mercedes at a near race pace of 1m15.732s.

Hamilton took over in the afternoon using Pirelli’s softest tire available but couldn’t top Bottas’ time, ending the session 0.784s off his teammate's benchmark.

The third day was littered with red flags as both Kevin Magnussen and Daniel Ricciardo took trips into the tyre wall.

Red Bull’s Esteban Ocon finished the test in third in his brand new RB16 after putting in a marathon stint, focusing on race distance performance and setting the second most laps over the entire three days.

Register for Foreign Nationals if you are an EU national; residence card for non-EU nationals. · Foreign driving licence to be exchanged in force. · Up-to-date 32 mm x 26 mm colour photo · Number or proof of payment of having paid the fee II.3: 28,30€ There are three methods of payment: online www.dgt.es, by bank card at Traffic Departments and by direct debit from a bank account or in cash at financial institutions (model form 791 available at Traffic Departments and on www.dgt.es) All our over 300 agents and brokers are highly qualified with extensive experience and will be available to assist you with any questions you may have. And very importantly, this is done in a personal and friendly way, face to face, in an office environment and not by telephone, unless you so wish.

Liberty Seguros excels for the quality of its services, something very well valued by drivers, since they know that they can turn to their insurer at any time to discuss any queries they may have. Liberty Seguros is a very reliable and professional company that has the backing of one of the most important insurance groups in the world: Liberty Mutual.

Don’t forget Liberty Seguros not only offers car insurance but also home, life and funeral, amongst others, so you can place all your insurance needs under one expert roof!

To find the location of your nearest broker/agent, please visit www.libertyexpatriates.es. or simply call 91 342 25 49

The

OLIVE PRESS Dirty cops

House of horror

GIBRALTAR

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Tesco surprise

FINAL WORDS

THE Food Co., a firm that sells Tesco products is opening a store on the Fuengirola to Mijas road.

Speed demon A GUARDIA Civil investigation has been launched into a man who allegedly raced a Spanish train at 220 kph in Zaragoza after police spotted a video of his antics, which he posted on social media.

Granny cool BRITISH woman Becca Keeley, 21, has become the UK’s youngest ever step-nan, after getting engaged in Tenerife to a 56-year-old grandad.

FREE

Vol. 5, Issue 117 www.theolivepress.es March 4th - March 17th 2020

By Laurence Dollimore

POLICE on Spain’s Costa del Sol don’t have enough money to wash their own vehicles.

Penny-pinching police cannot afford to clean their own cars

That’s according to the notice board at Estepona’s Policia Nacional station which said it

did not have the budget to pay for the essential service.

“As of today, February 10, and

Mixed messages TECH company FNAC has been left red faced after selling €700 mobile phones for just €125 online.

The retail giant made the costly error on its online store, while advertising the brand new Huawei P30 Pro for just €139, and €124 for loyalty card holders.

Eagle-eyed consumers were quick to take advantage of the apparent ‘bargain’ and snapped up the phone, with nearly 13,000 orders for 18,500 units in the space of a few days.

The error in pricing was picked up by the chain and was quick-

ly removed, with orders being revoked and messages sent to consumers explaining the situation and full refunds given.

A spokesman for FNAC explained that the difference in price was clearly a typo due to the disproportionate savings and that the public should have been cautious of such a reduction.

However, the National Consumer Arbitration Board of Spain disagreed, and insisted that the retailer must fulfil the orders or if there is no stock, an alternative model must be supplied with a similar saving.

until further notice, official vehicles cannot be washed due to a lack of budget,” the notice reads. Miguel Millan, chief of Policia Nacional in Malaga, told El Mundo that Estepona could be the first of many to stop washing their cars.

It comes after the Automotive Department received a significant budget cut.

“There is no money at all,” he told the respected Spanish paper, “the cars are in an unfortunate hygienic state.

“Of course officers clear away their food etc but there is also lots of dust, dirt, glass…many of the vehicles have never seen a vacuum cleaner.”

He added that the most worrying aspect is that they are not being disinfected, labelling the situation as ‘outrageous’.

He said he would be submitting a request to have the budget restored.

THE house which saw the mysterious death of Marta del Castillo a decade ago sits unwanted and unsold.

Following the murder of the 17-year-old at the Sevilla property in 2009, the house was repossessed from its owner, Miguel Carcaño for failure to pay the mortgage.

Apparently, the bank has tried to resell the house but without success and it is now no longer being advertised.

As the Calle León XIII property (above) became quite infamous through media coverage of the girls disappearance and murder this could be deterring the bank from putting the house on sale.

Carcaño was convicted of the murder of the young Sevillian on January 24, 2009, and sentenced to 21 years in prison.

However, there is still much mystery surrounding the death of the 17-year-old a decade later as her body has never been found. Marta’s parents recently convinced courts to reopen the case as new evidence arose.