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1 GibraltarMarch 1st - MarchGibraltar 14th 2017 food & drink classifieds
The Rock’s original community newspaper
Brexit Bale out Real Madrid star urged to join expat battle by leading British journalist Giles Tremlett Page 6
Gibraltar culture
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EXCLUSIVE
On the up for Kayley Miss Gib Kayley Mifsud is set to take a stiff Med Steps challenge for charity PAGE 3
Vol. 3 Issue 39 www.gibraltarolivepress.com March 1st - March 14th 2017
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www.century21gibraltar.com Century21 Tele: 00 350 200 51020 202-204 Main Street Mob: 00 350 56523000 Gibraltar info@century21gibraltar.com
From spas to bars Ex-Marbella Belle banged up over Gibraltar fraud charges
EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan
A FORMER TV star has been charged with six counts of fraud. ITV Marbella Belle Louise Marriott, 51, has been refused bail, after being charged with false representation and declarations. The close pal of Lady Diana’s former lover James Hewitt was arrested over her running of Gibraltar’s City International School of Beauty, at City Spa, in City Mill Lane. She is accused of conning clients out of £15,500. The reality TV actress, who moved from Marbella to Gibraltar a few years ago, is accused of running spa classes without correct accreditation. "There are six complaints that she is not accredited to run these courses," said prosecuting lawyer Sharon Peralta at a magistrates court hearing. "Full accreditation can only
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FACING TRIAL: Marriott at City Spa and (right) with James Hewitt come through the correct strength of an address that was previously involved exams which were due to does not exist. with a health business happen later this year when Her application for bail was in Marbella called Posh, an examiner comes to Gi- denied and the case was ad- alongside her ex-partner, braltar." journed until March 21. a wealthy British restauraMarriott's bank account "If she is convicted she teur, now based in Malaga. with £2,000 in it has been could be looking at a con- Marriott, the former partfrozen by the police. siderable prison sentence," ner of a senior figure of the The court also heard that said Peralta. coast’s Ferrari club, she Marriott had applied for The Olive Press can reveal drove a Mercedes 4x4 and a Gibraltar ID card on the that the mother-of-three is believed to own property in Sotogrande and the UK. A former co-star of the hit ITV show Marbella Belles, described her as ‘stylish and outgoing’. “Louise was always out with the high rollers,” said Barbara Fawcett, 55. “She always had her hair done immaculately.” She continued: “It was no surprise when she ended up growing close to James. He was then the manager of the Polo House restaurant in Marbella and she was there quite a lot. “They seemed to get on very well.” One former Gibraltarian co-worker of Marriott’s said he was ‘surprised’ at her arrest’. “She was as good as gold and very reliable,” he said.
Our moral duty THE UK government has a ‘moral responsibility’ to Gibraltar during Brexit negotiations, a crucial House of Lords report insists. The 39-page study ruled that Downing Street should work hard to protect both the economy and sovereignty of the Rock. In the Brexit: Gibraltar report the European Union Committee insisted that at no point should No.10 ‘enter sovereignty discussions’ against Gibraltar’s will. The peers also urged the government to ‘remain alert’ to Spanish ‘encroachment’ over sovereignty and to clarify how a potential loss of EU funding could be compensated. “The Government has a moral responsibility to ensure Gibraltar’s voice is heard, and its interests respected, throughout the Brexit process.
Negative
“We strongly endorse the Government’s commitment never to enter into sovereignty discussions against the will of the Gibraltarian people.” The report, compiled over several months, comes after the Lords heard evidence from leading figures, including Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Port Authority chief, Bob Sanguinetti. In particular it stressed the loss of single market access would ‘have negative consequences for Gibraltar’s economy, at least in the short term’. The Lords peers called on the UK, Gibraltar, Spain and the EU to ‘work together to secure an agreement that reflects all their economic interests’. It added: “The Government should give early thought to how such a structure might be established, what role the EU might play, and should seek agreement on this in tandem with Brexit negotiations.” The report noted Gibraltar will have received €60 million in EU funds by 2020, but it was unclear what would happen afterwards.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Heritage restored NATIONAL heritage will be better protected thanks to the rebirth of a new government board. Several departments will work together to conserve important structures through the Heritage Action Committee.
Slow go FIXED speed cameras and on-the-spot fines could be in force from this month. Tower Road, Europa Advance Road and Rosia Road already have the devices, which have been installed as part of a new government policy.
Ne ws
March 1st - March 14th 2017
Russian roulette 360m superyacht took four years to build
Accommodates 20 guests and 54 crew
Three 300ft masts taller than Big Ben
Hear them roar A FUNDRAISING group will celebrate two major anniversaries from march 13 to 17. The International Lions Clubs of Gibraltar will mark both its 40th year and the 100th anniversary of the umbrella organisation with several events.
143 metres
468ft long, making it 1.5 times bigger than a football pitch
Seized superyacht sails again after Gib court case
Flavours that feed your dreams
96 metres
Unforgettable Gastronomy
A RUSSIAN billionhelipad, swimaire’s €450-million suming pool and unper yacht has set sail derwater observaagain after a Gibraltion pod. tar courtroom battle The yacht left its came to an end. German shipyard Lawyers thrashed in Kiel two weeks out a deal to release ago for final tests Sailing Yacht A, before it was seized which was seized by the Gibraltar on The Rock afPort Authority. ter German shipNobiskrug claimed builder Nobiskrug it had been owed filed a €15.3 mil€9.8 million since lion claim against January 27, with an the 143-metre-long additional €5.48 vessel’s owners Valmillion for subla Yachts Limited. contracted work, Sailing Yacht A, plus €4.7 million which has one mast costs and interest. over 100-metres After a few days tall, is reputedly of negotiation the owned by Russian yacht was allowed industrialist Anto leave when €9.8 drey Melnichenko. million was deposThe futuristic vesited in an escrow sel, described account in Lonas the ‘most addon. vanced, sail-assistThe rest was being ed superyacht MASSIVE: Masts dealt with priever built’, is lonvately, with the ger than 13 buses bigger than Big costs also negotiBen and contains a ated.
Paedo Parody guilty A PAEDOPHILE has been found guilty of two counts of sexual assault of a child, 4, in Gibraltar. Frederick Parody, 71, was convicted in the Supreme Court after the jury took two days to consider before returning a 7-2 verdict. Parody of Montague Gardens was accused of various crimes. During the trial, Parody claimed ‘all I’ve ever done to the girl is love her’. Following the verdict, a relative of the victim told GBC: “Justice has been served”. He has been remanded in custody and awaits sentencing.
Pannick stations ONE of the UK’s most respected QCs is set to be hired again in the latest stage of the Isaac Marrache court saga. Lord Pannick - who recently won a high-profile Supreme Court case against the British government over triggering Article 50 - is expected to be hired to help the government in the controversial ongoing case. Judge Adrian Jack, who is presiding over the case, had insisted that the government was wrong to discontinue an appeal against the lawyer’s release. Now Justice Minister Neil Costa is set to challenge this, using the services of Pannick, one of the top QCs in the UK. In his fourth judgment on the Marrache case, Jack said the Court of Appeal would query whether Costa’s appeal ‘serves any useful purpose’. He described the additional expense over the case as ‘regrettable’. The hearing has been set for March 27.
Jyske case LAWYERS for Jyske Bank and the Marrache & Co. liquidators have made their closing statements this week. Liquidators Edgar Lavarello and Adrian Hyde are suing the bank for £6.7million plus interest, accusing them of knowingly allowing the Marraches to go overdrawn on client accounts. The monthlong court case heard evidence last week from a key witness who said bank staff had no ‘no obligation’ to report clients’ account transactions. Gibraltar Financial Services Commission’s David Parody said: “I’d not necessarily have expected Jyske Bank employees to know about solicitor account rules.”
GJBS back Calpe House
Calle Sevilla, 17, 11201 Algeciras, Cádiz – T: 856 12 72 90
The Managing Director and three Senior Managers of Gibraltar Joinery Building Services (GJBS) have presented Calpe House’s Albert Poggio with a cheque as part of a three-year deal which will see GJBS become a corporate sponsor of one of the charity’s suites. The room will be named the ‘Glenn Pearce Suite’ after the late General Manager of GJBS
who passed away after a short illness several years ago.
A spokesperson said: “Glenn is gone but never forgotten. GJBS is proud to continue to support this most worthy Charity and congratulates the committee and all those involved for the progress on this most important community project which has proven to be a home away from home for so many Gibraltarians during very difficult times.”
Ne ws
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JOKER: Fabian in paper
Fabian’s Mundo mania CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has spoken of his love for Liverpool Football Club and his Spanish granny in an interview with a Spanish national newspaper. During the light-hearted Q and A with El Mundo - which contains the odd expletive Picardo insisted: “God Save Letizia Queen Of Spain and British Gibraltar.” When asked if it’s possible to be a Socialist and ‘defend a colony’ Picardo responded tartly; ‘ask someone who defends a colony’. He added: “It is stupid to propose to Gibraltar that the price for remaining in the EU is to be Spanish. “They say co-sovereignty would be good for Gibraltar. Coño - if it’s so good, why don’t we offer it to the Campo de Gibraltar, Algeciras, San Roque and La Linea.” Picardo was also bizarrely asked what Gibraltar’s Barbary macaques know about him. He said they ‘think we are advanced and come from the neanderthals’.
BARING ALL: Elliot
Full Monty
ELLIOTT Wright is set to bare all for ITV show The Full Monty. The Only Way Is Essex star, who owns La Cala de Mijas restaurant Olivia’s, will strip naked along with McFly singer Harry Judd, dancer Wayne Sleep and Olympic swimmer Mark Foster. Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden will also get his kit off for the show. The TV show, to be screened in April from the London Palladium, will mark the 20th anniversary of the box office smash, which made over £200 million. The six stars have been rehearsing in London with dancer Ashley Banjo for the show, which will support charities Movember, Cancer Research, Everyman and Prostate Cancer UK.
March 1st - March 14th 2017
Beauty and the beast
EXCLUSIVE: Miss Gibraltar gears up for Med Steps challenge with Olive Press keepfit king Paul MISS Gibraltar Kayley Mifsud is swapping beauty pageants for an ‘extreme’ Med Steps challenge. Kayley, 24, will go up the Med Steps ten times on May 1 and hopes to raise £4,000 for Calpe House. She has even enlisted the Olive Press’s own personal trainer Paul MacGregor to prepare for her gruelling bid.
Extreme
“I’ve grown up doing the Med Steps as a way of keeping fit.” said Kayley. “I have done it five times in a day before for charity, but I wanted to do something more extreme. “I announced what I was going to do in an interview, so now I have to do it.” She added: “Paul did the Med Steps ten times for Cancer Relief, so he seemed the obvious choice to help me train. “The training programme is pretty hardcore, and maybe I hadn’t realised
how hard ten times would be.” Paul completed his task
in nine hours 55 minutes, drinking nearly eight litres of water. “Ten hours in the heat of May will be a big test,” said Paul, who also works in sales for miss skiing in Granada and the Olive Press. shopping at Morrisons, in Gib. “We have eight “Malaga city is also amazing weeks to get her and I’ll miss the golf and skiing, but we are missing family and fit . friends back home. My sister “This challenge has just had a kid.” is as much about He continued: “We always had mental endura three-year plan and we didn’t ance as it is about think it would be forever.” physical fitness. The ex-footballer, who also “Kayley seems played for Blackburn and Spurs, like a very deis also hoping to get work as a termined young TV pundit and as an agent lady, so I hope when he returns home. that she can dig And if that’s not enough, he deep, and then has had a call from the team she should be at BBC show Strictly Come able to complete Dancing. the challenge.” “I’ve spoken to Strictly To donate, visit but I just don’t know www.justgivif I want to go down that road. We’ll have ing.com/crowdto see.” funding/missgibraltar2016.
Bye bye, Bentley DAVID Bentley is jetting back to the UK after three years on the Costa Del Sol. The former Spurs star - who has shares in the La Sala restaurant in Ocean Village - is heading back to England to work with the group’s Essex branch. But while it’s adios for now, Bentley said his family will keep their house on the coast and plan to return around once a month. “We have had a great time here,” he told the Olive Press, while having a kickabout in the park with his three-year-old son (‘He’s quality’, he says). “It’s one of the best places in the world. I love it.” In particular he said he would
Model award for Balti BIANCA Balti has been named Sports Illustrated’s 2017 Rookie of the Year. It comes after the Marbellabased model, from Italy, said she
found balancing motherhood and dealing with her post-baby body while working as a swimwear model a ‘challenge’. “It is a challenge, but
it’s also a pleasure, because we are lucky to have these problems! As soon as I gave birth I had like 20 kilos,and I realised, oh my gosh, in one month I have my photoshoot,” she said, “But it empowered me a lot, because I was training twice a day, and then going back to my baby, sleeping with the baby, and I did it and I felt empowered like I never felt before.” Bianca added that she wants this achievement to show to her daughters that anything is possible. “They can do whatever they want, if you really want something, you visualise it and you go for it, and with me it happens all the time.”
GEARING UP: Kayley working hard with trainer Paul MacGregor
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POSER: Fran Suarez
Oh, matron! A SPANISH nurse has been dubbed the ‘sexiest in the world.’ International media has gone crazy for Madrid hospital worker Fran Suarez, who was recently discovered through his popular Instagram account. Pictured with a stethoscope around his neck and holding a newborn baby, Suarez, 27, now has over 92,000 followers. The Canary Islands native, who even takes photos of himself at work, also considers himself to be a model and an actor. He is now having to juggle a hectic schedule of work, gym training and responding to dozens of TV and other interview requests.
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Dog & Cat Grooming Salon Boutique Dog Hotel & Cattery Pet Grooming Courses Pet Transportation Shop
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NEWS
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high time! THE cannabis-based medicine Sativex has been approved for use in Gibraltar healthcare. MS patients can now access Sativex to alleviate symptoms after the drug regulations were amended. It comes after the government’s advisory council met with medical professionals to discuss the changes. The move comes after doctors in Gibraltar expressed doubt as to whether they were permitted to prescribe the drug. Minister for Health Neil Costa said: “I am assured that the change in legislation makes it crystal clear that Sativex may be prescribed by the appropriate specialist in Gibraltar for its licensed uses.” But campaign group Equality Rights Group (ERG) urged the government to go further in its legislation. They want the government to decriminalise marijuana, as is the case in some American states and other parts of Europe.
March 1st - March 14th 2017
EXCLUSIVE Gibraltar mum and friend hounded by thugs on WhatsApp group
WhatsApp hell A GIBRALTAR mum is being hounded by local thugs on a WhatsApp group after stepping in to help a neighbour. Janine Suetta (right), 26, was added to the group, called ‘Lo Loko de la Roca’, and sent a torrent of vile messages. And in one vile phone call, recorded and which she says she reported to police, her two young children are threatened by one of the
group in Spanish. I n another message, a foulmouthed yob threatens to punch her. “It’s outrageous,” Janine told the Olive Press this week. “It’s very intimidating.” She continued: “They threatened to steal my kids and sell them, break down my door and cut my
hands off. It’s appalling.” Janine, who lives in Laguna Estate, says she became a target after an incident in Casemates Square before Christmas when a local man allegedly threw a coffee over her. It followed an alleged domestic incident involving a neighbour in which she bravely intervened. Meanwhile, her friend, 21-year-old Mariam ElChal, who is of Moroccan origin, has also been on the receiving end of racist and homophobic abuse
on the same group. “It feels awful and is very hurtful to receive these,” said Mariam. The group, which astonishingly had 256 members, sent 1,196 abusive messages to Suetta in one night alone. Police confirmed that Janine had lodged a complaint on February 21 about the group, who allegedly span both sides of the border, and had been to their Casemates Square station after the abusive call.
Border battle on trading GIBRALTAR Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with La Linea to slam the ‘disproportionate checks’ on goods crossing the border. It was joined by APYMELL to criticise the ‘unacceptable level of delays’ to commercial goods coming into Gibraltar. Both bodies are calling on Brussels to investigate, claiming the issue is causing ‘considerable cost’ to local businesses in
Spain and in Gibraltar. “Both organisations are receiving multiple complaints from businesses on both sides of the border which have experienced frequent and repeated delays caused by Spanish customs officials,” said a spokesman. “The Chamber and APYMELL expect common sense to prevail and request that customs controls be conducted in
an appropriate manner and at a level which does not damage the commercial interests of businesses on both sides of the border.” The Olive Press delivery has been frequently slowed down due to the draconian checks. “It has often held us up for hours, even half a day,” said publisher Jon Clarke. “It really shouldn’t be this way.”
Student loan query MARLENE Hassan Nahon has called on the government to explain Gibraltar’s ‘staggering’ £2 million student loans debt. The independent MP has been contacted by graduates voicing ‘concern and confusion’ that they are being chased by the Student Loans Company for repayment of tuition fees.
Confusion
It follows a Facebook post from Chief Minister Fabian Picardo in which he mentioned the debt, but alluded it ‘was the GSD’s doing’. Hassan Nahon said: “I ask Government for an explanation of this debt, and that if it is, in fact, a debt from the days of the GSD, why has this administration not managed to keep on top of it in the last five years.” She added: “I also ask government whether they intend to settle this debt and how. An SLC spokesperson told the Olive Press students must provide the SLC with evidence of their income annually, then pass it to the government to make the repayments. “If, for any reason, a customer fails to meet their student-loan obligation the SLC will contact the customer directly,” the spokesperson said.
NEWS
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March 1st - March 14th 2017
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www.gibraltarolivepress.com The Rock’s only investigative
local newspaper
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly.
OPINION Give it a rest WHEN will Spain stop using the border for political maneuvering? Too many innocent businesses - on both sides - are being negatively impacted. Gibraltarians and Spaniards living in the campo rely on the crossing everyday, it is grossly unfair to punish them for the sake of making a point to the British. It’s high time Spain stopped taking their sovereignty beef out on people who are just trying to make an honest living.
S
PRING is finally here. And with it comes the promise of the start of Spain’s sun-kissed music festival season. The Olive Press has scoured the land to find the must-attend events in 2017. Grab your cervezas and sombreros and begin the party.
Primavera Trompeta, March 31 It may be best known for its sherry, but Jerez de la Frontera will get everyone into the festival spirit this month. Hip-hop talent Mala Rodriguez, flamencorockers Fuel Fandango and rappers La Raiz are just some of the big names who will play at this easy to get to local event. Tickets: €40, with camping
South Pop Festival, Sevilla, April 15-16 Discover the infectious sounds of some of Spain’s best-liked alternative acts. Alt-rockers La Bien Querida, Catalan-singing Manel and Standstill are among those set to play. Tickets: €40 weekend pass
Stepping up KAYLEY Mifsud has proved to be a fantastic ambassador for Gibraltar on the global stage. And closer to home, she has been one of Calpe House’s most ardent backers. Last year, the 24-year-old parachuted 15,000 feet in a tandem skydive, raising thousands of pounds for the London-based charity. If that wasn’t impressive enough, this year she is putting herself through an even more rigorous ordeal - ten times up the Med Steps. We wish her all the best. And with the Olive Press’s Paul MacGregor putting her through her paces, she’s in capable hands.
Festival Interestelar Sevilla , Sevilla, May 19 to 20
Publisher/ Editor
Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Admin (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es
Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618
Accounts Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es
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AWARDS
Womad Caceres, Caceres, May 11-14 A free sister event to the renowned British Womad festival, it was founded in 1980 by Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel to introduce music lovers to sounds from around the globe. Expect memorable performances from musicians specialising in sounds and genres you have never heard of before. Tickets: Free
Gibraltar World Music Festival, St Michael’s Cave, June 6-8 Travel the world through sound at this boundary-pushing gathering. Headlining this year are Malian blues musician Bassekou Kouyaté, funk-fusion singer Gili Yalo and bassist Yossi Fine of Israel. A film showcase, street party and peace conference will run alongside the main concert events. Tickets: £35 for the main headline event.
Maria Angeles Vázquez mangeles@theolivepress.es Admin and account assistant Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es
Clarke Media Ltd. Registration number: 113878 Suite 2B, 143 Main Street, Gibraltar Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A.
2016 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.
2012 - 2017
Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.
music March 1st - March 14th 2017
festival guide 2017
Discover the must-attend events of the season in Andalucia and beyond die festival is small in lineup but big in quality. Discover some of the best cutting edge European bands such as Basque group Belako and Norway’s Airbag. Tickets: €27.50 weekend pass, €43.50 with camping
Enjoy one of Andalucia’s most beautiful cities to an awesome musical soundtrack before it is overcome by its notorious stifling summer heat. The line up boasts a mountain of top class Spanish groups such as Love of Lesbian and Leon Benavente. Tickets: From €24 weekend pass
Stamp it out THE diatribe of abuse hurled at good samaritan Janine Suetta beggars belief. No one should be subjected to such a cruel and frightening verbal assault. Least of all mum Suetta, who has been hounded simply because she was selfless and caring enough to try help a neighbour caught up in a domestic incident. Let us hope that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to swift justice. And going forward, let us all band together to stamp out this abuse on the Rock. Our Gibraltar should be a safe place for all, not one where people fear for their lives.
Fe at u r e
With Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kasabian, Foals and Liam Gallagher topping the bill, beachside Benicassim could be the perfect choice. Tickets: €149 with camping
Starlite, Marbella, July 13 to August 26 Elton John is the big booking at this glitzy month long showcase in his only 2017 concert in southern Spain. The Bootleg Beatles and Anastacia are among the other performers who will grace the stage of the Starlite venue. Tickets: Pay per concert
Weekend Beach, Torre del Mar, July 5-8 Twisted firestarters Prodigy will bring the heat to one of the hottest events on the coast. The British ravers are the headline act at the three day event, which will also include performances by a wealth of top class Spanish artists spanning electronica, rock, reggae and more. Tickets: €45 weekend pass, €60 with camping.
Alrumbo, Chiclana, July 10-15 Attracting 150,000 people last year, hip-hop heavy Alrumbo, must be doing something right. Previous events have included Cypress Hill and the Asian Dub Foundation, while this year will bring top Spanish acts SFDK, Natos y Waor and Estricnina to the stage. Tickets: From €35
Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival, Victoria Stadium, August 5 Celebrate the height of summer on the Rock with one day of back to back tunes and dancing. So far four acts have been announced, including Austrian duo Who Knows, English Jax Jones and Gibraltar’s own Basscake. Tickets: £25
Dreambeach Villaricos, Cuevas de Almanzora in Almeria, August 10-15 Set in stunning, desert surroundings, Dreambeach is a festival for those who seriously like the heat. The lineup is just as hot, with dozens of global dance acts such as Carl Cox, Chase and Status and David Guetta booked to perform. Tickets: €60, €80 with camping
Los Alamos Beach Fest, Torremolinos, July 13-16 Dance until you drop in one of Costa del Sol’s best-known party towns at this beats-heavy bash. Nervo, Borgore and Axwell Ingrosso are headlining the bill. Tickets: €38, €53 including camping.
MTV Presents Gibraltar Calling, Victoria Stadium, September 2-3
Sonar, Barcelona, June 15-17 Founded in 1994, Sonar is one of Europe’s premier electronic showcases. Nicolas Jaar, Nina Kraviz and Soulwax will join up and coming acts at the festival’s two night and day hubs. Tickets: From €125 for two nights.
Ojeando, Ojen, June 30- July 1 Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, this in-
Benicassim, Castellón del Plana in Valencia, July 13-16 Want a lineup to rival the best British festivals without the mud and rain that comes with them?
Formally known as Gibraltar Music Festival, this year’s rocking event will be broadcast live on the famous MTV music channel, who are hosting the event. An announcement on some artists who will perform is due on Wednesday March 1, but previous stars have included Kings of Leon, Madness and Paloma Faith. Tickets: To be released on Wednesday March 1
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Gibraltar’s four snooker players prepare to take on the elite at the World Snooker Gibraltar Open, writes Joe Duggan
I
T’S a blustery Monday afternoon in Gibraltar. Inside the handsome Crucible Club, the quiet is broken by the satisfying clack of snooker balls dropping into pockets. At this week’s World Snooker Jojobet. com Gibraltar Open, the eyes of the sport will be fixed on the Rock. The tournament, to be screened live on Eurosport, will be watched by thousands of fans around the world. Green-baize wizards Mark Selby, Jimmy White, Shaun Murphy and Barry Hawkins are just some of the stars heading to Tercentenary Hall to battle for a top prize of €25,000. But for four local lads, this home tournament has an added spice. Francis Becerra, Lee Prickman, Andrew Olivero and Ivelin Bayanov are aiming to battle their way past Wednesday's and Thursday’s qualifiers and take their place in the weekend’s pro-stages. Confidence is high among the four Gibraltar-based players, but with snooker’s elite descending on the Rock the challenge is a big one. For Londoner Lee, a former semi-pro who used to play with a young Ronnie O’Sullivan when they were neighbours in Chigwell, the event is a real honour. “This is a huge thing for us, or anyone who is into snooker here,” says Lee. “To have these guys on our doorstep to watch is one thing - to have the opportunity to play them is incredible. “I gave up the game for a long time, but I
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BE ‘APPY! COMING TO THE ROCK: Ronnie O’Sullivan and (right) Mark Selby
is a powerful incentive to travel for the been modified to make the games more tournament. difficult. “They like coming over here,” says Lee, “The pockets are cut tight,” says Lee. who spent a couple of hours chat“It makes the game more precise. ting with his friend Bingham It’s already difficult, but when at the last Gibraltar Open. the competition cut pock“It’s not too far to go, ets it makes it tougher. English is spoken, There is no nap on the Ocean Village and cloth so they run and the surrounding run. area is great. It’s “Sadly we don’t get culturally normal a chance to practo them, the restice on the [Open] taurants and peotables beforeple are nice.” hand, but when we The headquargot these we tried ters of the Giour hardest to find braltar Billiards a balance between and Snooker Assothe standard of the READY: Gibraltar snooker ciation (GBSA) is the table. used to play to a good standard. Crucible Club. Its three “I think these are the “I think the game is making another beautiful Riley Aristocrat best tables you can buy.” explosion. It’s massive now. The Asian tables - worth £12,000 Between now and match market is enormous which is where Bar- brand new - purchased last day, there is one word for the Giry Hearn is spreading out to.” year are ‘unbeatable’, says Lee. POT BROWN: On braltar players: practice. Hearn, who is believed to own a prop- And with membership approach“Match practice is invaluable,” the ball erty in Gibraltar, is the mastermind be- ing 100, the sport is growing in says Lee. hind snooker’s resurgence. And with popularity on the Rock. “The more you do here, the Gibraltar in the second year of a three- “ T h i s is the brainchild of our chair- more confident you’ll be there. With year deal with World Snooker, the Rock man, Sean Galli- snooker, it’s a mind sport. It’s really beis now firmly on the snooker map. This gan,” says GBSA tween the ears. A lot of players are as year’s Gibraltar Open is a ranking s e c r e t a r y good as each other, but it’s doing it unevent for the first time. Lee, who der pressure.” “There are no mugs has coached For Andrew, a game against the UK’s Joe coming here,” says on the Rock Steele. Lee. for about 10 “He is a fantastic player,” says Andrew. ‘I remember Francis will pit himyears. “He attacks quite a lot. I’m quite an atself Steven Hall- playing a shot on “He and other tacking player as well, so I’ll have to worth, a one-time local players change my game a bit. top-70 pro whose the table and part got the prem- “It’s going to be an exciting and chalprevious scalps in- of the ceiling fell ises and put lenging tournament. You play individuclude World Chamtime in. This is ally and for your country as well.” down’ pionship winner Studown to a lot Of course, the chance to play in front of art Bingham. of work from a home crowd adds an extra incentive “My training is going the players over for the four Gibraltar players. And with really well,” he says. the last four or five years. entry free for Wednesday and ThursI’ve been practising as many hours as “The vaults were letting in water. I re- day’s qualifiers, locals are urged to possible. It’s all a matter of getting the member playing a shot on the table and come down and cheer them on. practice into the actual game. part of the ceiling fell down and hit me “We’re trying our best to get as much “Anyone that is on the tour is going to be on the back.” support as we can,” says Lee. a big player coming from all over Europe. If this week’s galaxy of stars wasn’t “Why not come down and support the Hopefully I’ll have some big breaks.” enough of a challenge, the tables the local lads? The atmosphere should be For the pros themselves, Gibraltar itself Gibraltar players will perform on have fantastic.”
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Over excitement A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been taken to hospital after falling into the orchestra pit at Algeciras theatre. The man fell two metres due to ‘over-excitement’ following a carnival performance.
Puppy rescued
A PUPPY has been rescued from a clothesdonation container in La Linea. The owners of the two-month-old are unsure how the pup got inside, or whether he was put there by someone.
Deep water
FOUR people have been rescued by police from a river in Jimena de la Frontera. The group were trying to cross the Horzgarganta river in a car when their vehicle got stuck in deep water.
Powercut protest LEADERS in San Roque and Castellar are preparing for protests on March 2 over power cuts. A spate of recent blackouts has affected residents of Estacion, Taraguila and Chisparrero.
C A M P O D E G I BR ALTA R
March 1st - March 14th 2017
Drug haul
birdie Take off
BIRDS are the focus of a new tourism draw for the Campo. Town hall tourism officials from Algeciras and Tarifa want more ornithologists to come to the region to enjoy the spectacular sight of up to 40 million European birds migrating to and from Africa each year. They unveiled their plan at
La Linea police angered at release of suspects accused of attempting to run over cops VIOLENCE from local drug traffickers is endangering the lives of La Linea police officers, the Spanish Confederation of Police has said. Calling for more agents and vehicles to be deployed in the border town, the union highlighted a recent incident where two suspected traffickers tried to murder National Police officers by running them over. Four agents were injured, with one jumping over a wall to escape and another forced to leap into his patrol car. The suspects were accused
the International Fair of Ornithological Tourism in Extremadura, which they will develop over this year with local bird tourism businesses. Among the current suggestions are to promote more bird-themed events and attend more ornithological fairs around Europe.
Cops and robbers of attempted murder by the police, but have subsequently been released, to
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the anger of local police officers. “What are we waiting for? Gen02.pdf 1 16/10/2012 08:39:43
Someone to be seriously injured or killed,” a union spokesperson said. “A member of the security services to be killed, and a medal to be given to their families?” The union said the law was ‘out of date’, with a local judge having to rule on freeing the suspects. Describing La Linea as the ‘epicentre’ of drug-trafficking in Cadiz, the union spokesperson added that drug traffickers had tried to run over police officers several times.
FOUR suspected drug traffickers have been arrested after cops seized 3,691 kilos off the coast of Algeciras. Guardia Civil naval officers chased a suspicious boat which sped away when the suspects saw the police vessel. Four Moroccans were arrested, with police recovering 90 bundles of hash weighing 2,412 kilos. In a second incident hours later, suspected traffickers threw 1,279 kilos of hash overboard before making their escape.
Opening, finally LA LINEA’S new hospital will be fully operational after the summer. According to health delegate Manuel Herrera, the new hospital will be ‘practically equipped’ in May, but he could not give a specific opening date. It comes after deadlines for completion in 2014 and last year were missed, despite promises from Susana Diaz, head of the Junta, and health minister Aquilino Alonso.
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New life for dead city
what’s on
GIBRALTAR rockers Dead City Radio have released a new EP. The four-piece, who say they ‘play originals and like to rock out’, have released the EP on all digital and streaming platforms. The four tracks are You Want It, Loaded Gun,Tragedy and Bleed for You. The EP was recorded and mixed by Dani Fa, mastered by Denis Blackman with cover art by Kyle Reynolds. It can be purchased through Spotify, Itunes, Google Play and Amazon. ROCKING OUT: Dead City Radio
LOCAL artists are invited to participate in this annual competition, organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services and the Ministry of Culture. The John Mackintosh Hall, 9.30am9.30pm.
Nailed it
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oung Art Competitive Exhibition, March 1-10
Dramarama
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NAIL varnish art is helping to raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Talented amateur artist Annette Heywood is behind the innovative works, which she sells to help fund Gibraltar Alzheimer’s and Dementia society and the Animals in Need shelter in La Linea. The vibrant paintings, which come in a number of designs such as love hearts and flowers, have already helped her raise £600 since she began making them last year.
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Amateur artist’s nail varnish crafts raise hundreds for charity
LOCAL TALENT: Annette
THE running order for the Gibraltar Drama Festival has been announced. The festival’s largest-ever programme gets underway from March 20. Among the plays being performed are The White Light Company’ version of Edward Albee’s The American Dream. Bayside & Westside Drama Group’s children’s fantasy The Amazing AngelMan will open the festival. A gala night will include the top two or three plays and will include the festival’s winning play, with a presentation afterwards.
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ibraltar International Dance Festival, March
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THE John Mackintosh hall will play host to the 15th edition of this festival. Contact 350 20075669 for more information.
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raft and Collectors Fair, March 11
FROM 10am-2pm St. Andrew’s Church will fill with stalls selling everything from jewellery to books to handcrafted gifts. Homemade refreshments available.
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ibraltar Philharmonic Society, March 14
DAISHIN Kashimoto of the Berlin Philharmonic and pianist Eric le Sage will feature in this concert at 8pm at the Convent Ballroom. Tickets €20 from wwwbuytickets.gi.
Vibrant
“I first started making them for Animals in Need just over six months ago as it’s a charity that really tugs on my heart strings,” said Heywood, 47. “But I have just decided to start selling them for the Alzheimer’s society too, following the recent death of my friend and first boss Mike Royce, who suffered with the disease for 10 years.” Heywood explained the secret behind her art, which can be bought from a number of shops, businesses and cafes on the Rock, including Cafe Rojo, which she owns. “I discovered nail art on Facebook,” she said. “I just use paper and wa-
CREATIVE: Nail art pieces
ter, which I paint the nail varnish onto to give them the look they do. “I found them really fun to make so thought, why not create them for charity.”
Barefoot walker reaches Gib A BAREFOOT walker has completed a 1,000km trek from Barcelona to Gibraltar. Ilse Longuet carried her two-year-old daughter Helinah in a traditional Kenyan ‘kitenge’ and raised nearly £5,000 for underprivileged children. The 34-year-old Belgian battled snow and sore feet as she made the three-month trek from Catalunya.
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A ll about
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eddings
March 1st - March 14th 2017
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Andalucia & Gibraltar
Vol. 3 Issue 39
www.theolivepress.es
March 1st - March 14th 2017
Sandy splice
Andalucia is tailormade for trysting couples, with so many reasons to celebrate your big day here on the coast. And, as John and Yoko knew, Gibraltar’s nifty nuptial licences are the icing on the cake
Celebrity hotspot
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ITH 320 days of sunshine a year, you’re nearly guaranteed a nice day for a white wedding on the Costa del Sol. And that offer is open to everyone, gay or straight. Enlightened Spain was the fourth country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2005. Andalucia is in Spain’s top tier for weddings. It proved the third most popular spot in the country to get hitched in the first half of last year, coming just behind Madrid and its northern neighbour, Catalonia. The almost 2,000 couples who have chosen the region to say ‘I do’ know what we know: that this area has a splendour that makes it a prime party location, especially for a celebration as important as ‘the big day’. You can always count on the weather to deliver, while its huge range of hotels, villas and budget-friendly establishments there’s an affordably honeymoon haunt for all. The popularity of destination weddings has spread like confetti in the last few years, and with tourists already opting for Spain over less secure rival destinations, the country is really taking advantage of the booming €15 billion industry. Marbella is the latest resort to set its sights on the marriage trade after ministers re-
vealed a new scheme to promote the glitzy Costa del Sol resort as a global wedding location during Madrid’s FITUR tourism fair this year. Tourism chief Javier Porcuna said he hopes it will bring visitors during the winter season, as well as during the buzzing summer months. And you can guarantee a celeb or two will be included in the statistics. Playa in Marbella star Elliot Wright is to tie the knot with fiancée Sadie Stuart on the Costa del Sol this autumn. They will join a host of stars who have chosen the coast, or neighbouring Gibraltar where you can marry with 48 hours notice, for their special day. Following in the footsteps of John Lennon and Yoko Ono who famously wed on the Rock (left), the late Status Quo rocker Rick Parfitt married wife Lyndsay in a nifty and thrifty €60 ceremony. Just seven years later, Rick Jnr. enjoyed an extravagant ceremony at Malaga’s stunning Castillo de Santa Catalina. Much like the rest of us, celebs can’t help but be attracted by the romantic hotspots the region has to offer; gorgeous Granada, sultry Sevilla, romantic Ronda, charismatic Cadiz and of course the glitzy Costa del Sol. Don’t let the red tape for non-residents put you off. Most ‘destination wedding’ Continues on next page
DREAM LOCATION: At Sal y Sol in Manilva and celebs who married here include Russell Watson, Rick Parfitt and James Blunt
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John Lennon and Yoko Ono famously wed on the Rock in 1969.
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Screen hero Sean Connery married actress Diane Cilento in Gibraltar in 1962.
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Status Quo rocker Rick Parfitt married wife Lyndsay in Gib in 2007.
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His son chose the costa with an extravagant service in Malaga’s Castillo de Santa Catalina in 2014.
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Brit singer James Blunt tied the knot with socialite Sofia Wellesley in Ibiza 2014.
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Opera singer Russel Watson enjoyed an extravagant Benhavis ceremony in the summer of 2015.
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Wedding special www.gibraltarolivepress.com
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March 1st- March 14th 2017 From previous page
couples get the official part done at home before heading to Spain for the dream ceremony, be that a linen-clad affair on a beautiful beach or a posh gala dinner under the stars. For same-sex couples, it is worth knowing that civil partnerships are only available if one member has been in the country for at least two years. However this rule does not apply to Roman Catholic ceremonies.
Rocky romance
Blessings
Those who don’t want a religious hoorah and find registry office ceremonies too basic can opt for blessings, offered by several expat officiators and priests along the coast. Expats or Brits looking for a more traditional day can look no further than Gibraltar, where ceremonies can be performed quickly and conveniently, much like John and Yoko’s. Many do the legal bits and bobs on the Rock before returning to the Costa del Sol for the afterparty - made all that bit easier by budget travel companies, who are offering better deals than ever. The coast offers a multitude of ways to dive into a life of married bliss. Relaxed poolside ceremonies at palatial private villas are proving increasingly popular, while others are opting for the full church monty and all the bells, incense and whistles that come with it. A fancy hotel do is another option,
VARIETY: From the coast near Gibraltar to a church in Benahavis, where Russell Watson got married
and the coast offers up a bounty. The popular Sunset Beach Club in Benalmadena caters for hundreds of weddings a year, while the Rock Hotel in Gibraltar is historic and prestigious. The excellent well located La Bella Vista in Manilva can cater for up to 175 people right by the sea.
While the average wedding budget is a whopping €30,000 - and you can spend more - you can equally opt for a low-key affair at a fraction of that price. Spain’s wedding diversity, where same-sex marriage has been legal for 12 years, is the reason some 3,000 gay couples have tied the
knot in the country, year on year, since 2006, But gay or straight, church or private villa, beach or banqueting suite, there has never been a better time to put a ring on it in Spain. It’s no wonder more than twice as many people come to Spain to wed as Spaniards go elsewhere.
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Wright into shape ELLIOT Wright has been spotted working out with his fiancee in the run up to their big day. The Playa in Marbella star, 36 and his soon-to-be wife Sadie Stuart, 24, were spotted enduring a gruelling work out in Mijas. It comes after Sadie was seen shopping for the perfect dress. Sadie showed off her already sculpted abs in a fitted crop top and leggings while she was egged on by a personal trainer, before climbing up an intense ropes course. Elliot struggled through an exercise involving medicine balls before carrying weights on his shoulders. The genetically gifted pair announced their engagement last summer after 10 months of dating. Speaking in July, Elliott said: “I knew she was ‘the one’ because my kids love her!”
On screen
CLERIC FOR CEREMONY Padre Peter
SERENA’S BIG DAY: Captured for Channel 4 documentary
Expat chef gives daughter away on TV
E
XPAT chef Steven Saunders has appeared in a wedding documentary in the UK. Channel 4’s heart-warming The Wedding Day documented his daughter Serena’s big day at the Sheene Mill in Cambridgeshire. The 17th century mill-turned stunning wedding venue, was once run by Steven and his former wife, but is now in the hands of their daughter. Serena said: “It was pretty intense, the Renegade Productions filming team followed us for the best part of a year. “The documentary ended up being really funny – it showed a bit about each of our families as well as the wedding itself and our decision to take the Sheene Mill on. “I worked at the Sheene Mill from the age of 11; it has been the home to so many of my happy memories, from my childhood swims in the river, to the recent years.” Serena’s dad Steven runs The Little Geranium, located in La Cala de Mijas, which has become one of the most renowned restaurants on the coast. The Wedding Day is available to watch on 4OD online.
Don’t take Lorna’s word for it! Why not get in touch with him on padrepeter1@gmail.com and see what he can do for you? Then you might agree with Lorna.
rds ter - Wo Padre Pe , im h e ib r c can’t des d n astic a just fant ill raving e r st guests a ny. e ceremo h about t as w it said My mum t s o m e one of th monies cere romantic . ever seen she had a n r o . L Brilliant..
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Wedding special www.gibraltarolivepress.com
March 1st- March 14th 2017
Same-sex marriage in Gibraltar was met with applause at the end of last year
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IBRALTAR finally joined the world’s more forward thinking countries when it legalised gay marriage last year. The gay marriage bill passed almost unanimously in parliament and was met with applause by residents on the Rock. Despite coming some 11 years after Spain, the decision was met with praise from the majority of residents on the Rock. Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento said: “The change strengthens the vital institution of marriage and ensures that it remains an essential building block of modern society.” Aaron Mills and Adrian Charles Triay-Dignam became the first
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Febru-
Equality on the Rock TRAILBLAZERS: Aaron and Adrian during their nuptials
WHAT YOU NEED Civil marriage (non-Catholic): In Andalucia the following are generally required, but do vary from town to town 1. Birth certificate (with sworn translation) 2. Passport 3. Consular registration certificate 4. Consular ‘no impediment’ to marriage certificate 5. Proof of Spanish residency: through copy proving empadronamiento Catholic: The Archbishop has the final say but, generally required 1. Baptism certificate 2. Sworn declaration by parents that son/daughter is single
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same-sex couple to wed on the an recalls, “We flew all of Aaron’s Rock on December 16 last year. family from the UK over specifi“I work for the Borders & Coast- cally for the ceremony.” guard Agency so I checked his The pair received a warm conpassport and that’s how we met,” gratulations from Chief Minister Aaron recalls. Fabian Picardo. “He used to spot me every day “To see everyone come together and one day he called me over to and really dress up made it that stamp my passport… and the rest much more special for us.” is history,” adds Adrian. And with camera and film crews The fight for equal present to mark marriage in Gibralthe historic day, it tar was fronted by was only a matter the Equality Rights ‘I received calls of time before the Group from 2012 story grabbed the when the Rock low- from Australia and attention of the ered the consent Spain and we were world’s press. age for same-sex “I received calls relations to 16 - even in Pink News’ from Australia and and took four years Spain and we were to win. even in Pink News,” The couple had set Aaron gushes. their wedding date for December The momentous day brought Gi2016 a year earlier, unaware that braltar in line with the rest of the the marriage act would pass in free world, and reminded everytime. one that love is love, no matter “A couple of days before our civil who it is between. As Adrian says: partnership, we got the call ask- “Love is waking up in the morning us to pop in and do all the ing, looking at the personnext to paperwork again if we wanted to you and thinking ‘my god, I’m so be the first to get married,” Adri- lucky,’”
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Property Special report by Iona Napier
BOSSES: Cox and Wells
IN COME THE BIG BUCKS! A HUGE US property fund is splashing €45 million on three new Costa del Sol developments. The American bosses behind Real Capital Solutions have snapped up sizeable plots in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavis and continue to look at further opportunities along the coast. The company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.
“We have spent around €86 million here so far and have a fund of €100 million to spend,” explained Managing Partner Peter Wells, based in Colorado. “We are one of the largest developers on the Costa del Sol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.” He added: “Also we do things transparently and always try and deliver on price and quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying and selling distressed properties in the US - has 16 staff working out of its office at Centro Plaza. Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting to come alive and it’s a pleasure to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”
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ESTATE agents in Spain and Gibraltar are lining themselves up for the busiest July on record. It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23. Most agents the Olive Press spoke to confirmed they had various sales currently ‘paused’ awaiting the result, despite the British market remaining strong. The majority believe that the expected result - to stay in Europe - will lead to the pound strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow. Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the referendum lead up as a ‘pause for thought for British buyers’ due to concerns over the weak pound. “After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the year - and a sudden wave of bids from British buyers,” he told the Olive Press. One agent in Gibraltar has gone one step further actually employing extra staff for July. Savills director Sammy Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on hold due to Brexit, but I am convinced we will stay in Europe and am taking on extra staff in July to deal with the expected deluge of business.” Benahavis agent Scott Marshall of Proper-
Roll on Remain tieSpain, meanwhile, described the pause as ‘very psychological’. He said: “It’s a combination of the uncertainty of the vote and the exchange rate right now.” While many agents have a couple of sales currently on hold, some have seen more. “We have up to ten sales currently on hold until after the referendum,” said Victor Witkowski, boss of Castles, in Manilva. “Buyers are not necessarily pulling out, but they are biding their time to see what happens.” Fellow Manilva agent, Shani Hamilton, also confirmed a slowdown, but added: “We are predicting a huge influx of business as soon as a decision is made.”
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Deals
Spanish property sales by nationality and quarter
www.spanishpropertyinsight.com Source: Registradores Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2013 Q4 2013 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016
Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home. Respected analyst Mark Stucklin insists that foreign demand for Spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter with Brits the biggest group of foreign buyers at 22% of the market share. “The British still dominate the foreign market for property and there is no evidence of a noticeable decline in demand as yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone is suffering. One agent, Graham Govier of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. Prices are extremely cheap right now and we are selling two times as many properties as we were last year,” he said. He added: “My salesman Paul - already a bit of a local celebrity - has just completed his seventh consecutive sale and people are buying because they can see that the incredible deals won’t wait around for them forever,” he added. Paul made headlines in the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.
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THE World Trade Center has officially opened its doors two years after work begun on the seven-storey building. Download our app now and Chief Minister Fabian begin enjoying the best Spanishdeveloper Greg Picardo, news on the go. Butcher and Governor Ed Davis unveiled a commemAN ACCOUNTANCY firm orative plaque at the openhas relocated after a sev- ing ceremony. Gibraltar's new eral year wait. Price Waterhouse Coo- 254,000-square-foot ofper, formerly of the In- fice building joins the ternational Commercial Centre, is now based in ThestoOlive Press a refurbished three rey building opposite the homes for the elderly in Spain! John MackintoshTOP Hallfor andnewsNEW have been allocated by pubGibraltar International lic ballot at the Sea Master Bank. Lodge. The move is a long-term The purpose-built homes, in investment for the firm, Mons Calpe Mews, are comwhich has signed a 21 year munity-focused and aim to lease on the building, that promote independent living had previously been lyfor their residents. ing empty for a number of Some 69 flats were allocated years. as families gathered in the Planning permission for building’s communal space. it had to be changed from Welcoming the new tenants, retail and residential use Minister for Housing Samanbefore the company could tha Sacramento said: “I am delighted to have welcomed embark on modernisation works.
Good move
World Trade Center officially opens for business World Trade Center Association network, which encompasses 91 countries. Picardo said: "We are proud to be here today to inaugurate Gibraltar’s first World Trade Center. "Brexit is not the beginning of the end of Gi-
braltar, it’s actually just the end of the beginning and the arrival of this first World Trade Center is Gibraltar saying to the world: "Here we come." So far, 75% of the companies renting space at the World Trade Center
Moving in residents to their new homes which they have been able to see for the first time. “Whilst today marks a new beginning for many, it also marks the culmination of the work of three Ministers of this Government. “I am proud that we, and our teams, have been able to deliver on such an important commitment, and will continue to work to further develop and improve upon the excellent services that are able to provide for the community”.
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NEW DIGS: Sea Master Lodge
are Gibraltar-based, with the remaining 25% coming from firms new to the Rock. Regus are one of the building's largest tenants, taking over 1,300 square metres of space. Bet Victor, BDO, Stan James Unibet and WaveCrest are just some of the big names that have taken office space.
Big names
A Costa Coffee and Supernatural are being set up and a new day GP will take care of the building's residents. Butcher praised the builders and labourers whose hard graft had completed the building. He said: "Gibraltar is a service economy and it’s imperative that we can offer the major businesses that are already here, and international businesses looking at Gibraltar as a potential jurisdiction, the kind of working environment they demand in order to stay competitive.”
Green light A RECYCLING facility has been accredited for its environmental management. MetalRok, the operators of EcoPark on Flint Road, spent three months working towards the International Organisation for Standardisation standard, which proves its processes meet with statutory and regulatory requirements. To get the accreditation it invested in new equipment such as compressing machines to help it process as much recyclable waste as possible before the rest is sent to Spain. MetalRok, who have been operating the one-stop drop-off facility since it was launched in 2015, hopes to be able to process all the recyclable materials it receives by August.
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Brexit boom DELOITTE Gibraltar has seen an upturn in business in the six months since the Brexit referendum. Joseph Caruana, the accountancy giant’s senior partner, said the Rock’s low-taxation and ‘fantastic’ community spirit had helped boost trade. Caruana also said he was ‘confident’ a solution over the border could be found that works ‘for the mutual benefit of all’. “After the referendum I was initially as horrified as everyone else was as it is not what we would have wished for,” he said. “I suppose it does mark significant change, but with change comes new opportunities. “It is ironic that in our trading since the referendum, we have seen more new business coming into Gibraltar in the six months post-Brexit than we did in the period leading up to it.” Caruana also praised the government of Gibraltar for ‘regulating our relation with the UK’ which was of the ‘highest importance’.
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EWS IN BRIEF
UNITE the union has slammed the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for axing the post of Trade Union Convenor. A union spokesman said they were informed of the decision at a recent meeting with the MOD ‘despite verbal assurances given to Unite by the Command’. Unite claimed the MOD move ‘targeted’ Gibraltar’s locally entered civilian workforce. The spokesman added: “The
assurances were that the post would remain in place during the implementation of the new Operating Model and the position was going to be reviewed in 2019. “This post is an established post within the complement of the Ministry of Defence. “In the UK, the Cabinet Office carried out a consultation
with the trade CORDOBA-BASED busiunions which lastBE ‘APPY! nessman Rafael Gomez has ed three months. been sentenced to five years “After this process in prison and a €112 million the outcome was that fine for fraud. those convenors in place on 100% facility Classy cava time would be extendTHE Cava Regulatory ed for a further year at now and is set to estab100%, followed by Download a re- our appCouncil a new category of duction of 50%.” begin enjoying thelish best Spanish single-vineyard cava in The spokesman news addon the go. order to improve the ed that the union has Spanish wine’s reputaasked for its head oftion as an upmarket fice to intervene. tipple, capable of rival-
Winning prize
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Lottoland scoops top lottery gong at IGA Awards
Property Property
AGONY ANT
YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES
Round-up of recent legal issues: The “plusvalia” tax and others A failure to understand the law could land you in the dock
S
panish Courts have passed a few benefit from. rulings in the past couple of weeks Two other rulings should make many think that are certainly noteworthy. twice before posting on Facebook. Among the most important to have The Provincial Audience in Pontevedra made it into the headlines is the challenge (Galicia) has ordered a father to seek to the incomprehensible plusvalia tax: A consent from his ex before uploading chillevy that is demanded by local authorities dren’s photos on the site. irrespective of whether property owners And for its part, the Supreme Court has make, or not, a profit when fined an online newspaper selling. €15,000 for publishing FaceAccording to a recent ruling book personal photos taken by the Spanish Constitutional from a Facebook account The Supreme Tribunal, it is unconstitutionthat was public. al to “tax not just a potential Court has fined an According to the court, the economic capacity but spepublication of photos in an cifically, one that is fictitious, online newspaper open public account is for virtual or inexistent.” the purpose of sharing with €15,000 The Constitutional Tribunal third parties, but not for has ordered the legal definimass media consumption. tion of the plusvalia tax to be The Civil Section of the Sualtered to embody the constipreme Court has ordered tution principle of ‘economic capacity’. lawyers to not exceed 25 pages in their apThis means that “only where a sale is con- peal writs, and to use Times New Roman ducted with profit can this tax be imposed font size 12. on sellers.” According to the magistrates, excessively Already, several courts have ordered town long writs are unnecessary and hinder the halls to reimburse this tax to property sell- institutional function of this tribunal. ers who sold well below the price that they Failing to observe these norms can cause bought at, a scenario that thousands could the claimant to lose his right to appeal.
Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com
LOTTOLAND has been named lottery operator of the year. The Gibraltar-based firm scooped top prize at February’s IGA Awards ceremony. The company saw off competition from rivals Camelot, De Lotto, Eurolotto, Health Lottery and IGT to win the prize. It comes after Lottoland recorded 100% growth yearon-year for the third successive year with successful launches in Australia and Ireland.
Fantastic Lottoland’s CEO Nigel Birrell said: “This award is a fantastic testament to the hard work and creativity that has driven our business forward over the course of the past three years. “It’s a huge honour that our achievements are being recognised by our industry peers. I couldn’t be more proud.” The firm operates in 12 markets, with more than 270 employees,and 5 million customers worldwide. In 2016, Lottoland secured revenues of €300 million (£255 million).
Workplace woes
THIRTY per cent of male business owners in Andalucia still prefer to hire a man over a woman. The Instituto Andaluz de la Mujer study also revealed that 43% still believed there was a place for gendered job roles.
Russian roulette GIBRALTAR-BASED bookmaker BetVictor has pulled out of its Russian services. The firm sent a communication advising its players of the decision to axe transactions and payments from the Russian Federation. BetVictor told affected players to withdraw all remaining balances, according to Gambling Insider. It follows the Russian government’s decision to ramp up its efforts to penalise ‘unlicensed’ bookmakers. So far, the Russian media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked Unibet, Bwin, Triobet , Favbet and several other bookmakers.
Staycation BRITS are being put off holidays in Spain by the pound’s drop in value. More than 40% of Britons will change their holiday plans following post-Brexit devaluation, data from travel insurer Columbus Direct has shown. Holidaymakers converting £500 to euro will get £65 less than they would have done last year. Because of this, up to eight million holidaymakers will opt for a ‘staycation’ rather than holidaying abroad. Spain and the Eurozone is losing popularity as a destination, as Britons can get more for their money in other countries such as Japan, Malaysia and Mexico.
FenoyDíaz L a w ye r Civil Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property, Commercial Law, Labour Law and Urban Property
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Pannick stations Lord Pannick has a pleasant face, but is there no lawyer in Gibraltar that can deal with this case (Top London QC hired again, online)? Are Gibraltarian QCs not as good as the ones in London and does the government not care about taxpayers’ money? What a joke. Paul Wright, La Linea
Team Marlene Marlene is gaining a lot of popularity. Whereas the GSD opposition are over cautious and dull. This lady shows passion. Anonymous, Gibraltar
CORRECTION In Issue 37, we quoted a Deborah Huxley as belonging to the Cancer Relief Centre in Gibraltar. We would like to clarify that Ms Huxley is not a member of the Cancer Relief Centre, is not connected to it in any way, but had re-posted a cancer relief post on her Facebook page.
LE T T E R S
March 1st - March 14th 2017
Readers reacted to our in depth feature on the N340 massacre, which left thousands of refugees dead after Franco forces obliterated the very same road many of us travel along every day
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ROAD TO
Dark times
HISTORY
Aranza Munoz, Australia
Scarred for life
Butchery
My abuela and my mum and my aunt Carmen walked this road. They survived it, but my mum was a little girl and never forgot the planes strafing the road. I don't think she ever got over it.
Killings and injustices were committed on all sides. But Franco was no victim. He was the instigator. We should not honour the sociopathic Franco anymore than we should honour sociopaths such as Mussolini or Hitler. Take the body of Franco out of the Valley of the Fallen and put it into some remote, hidden spot
Flight fear
so that the old fachas can’t continue to honour this butchery so publicly. Charles, Gibraltar
His duty Republican soldiers used civilians to protect themselves on their way to Almería, so some casualties were
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VERY day, the N-340 ferries Gibraltarians, Spaniards and sun-seekin the coast. But 80 years g tourists along ago this month, this main artery The Malaga to Almeriabecame the road to hell. road massacre is one the most shameful episodes of in the bloody carnage of the Spanish Civil with Malaga besieged War. In February 1937, sea and air, thousandsand attacked from land, and headed northward of refugees fled the city Most were children, s. elderly and the sick. didn’t spare them. They That co’s air force and navy, were strafed by Fran“You can’t imagine the with thousands killed. old lady, a survivor, in desolation,” recalls one tary and oral history ofYo Estaba Alli, a documenMalaga during the war University of Malaga Professor by Fernando Arcas. “It has been calculated than 100,000 on the that there were more Preston told the Olive road,” Professor Paul “It is impossible to Press this week. know accurately but death toll seems to have the been over 3,000.” The parallels with modern atrocities in places like Syria are stark. But on a road most of us this slaughter happened travel along T h e estimated casualty each day. rate was far higher than at Guernica, REFUGEES: Thousand where it is thought up s fled Franco forces to 1,650 perished on what is now the on Malaga, and launched N340 at the hands of entitled his new book, also “My father carried the Yo Estaba Alli. the German con- But shoulders,” she recalls. smallest child on his dor legion. And was the first book published about the atrocity “The bombing was so written by Norman Bethune yet the world nadian in 1937, a Caat night. There were savage we had to travel seems to have refugeesanti-fascist doctor who travelled with the shooting from behind.”shooting us from above, as they fled from Malaga. forgotten the The Fascist ships travelling The Crime of up from Estepona continued Malaga mas- the Malaga to Almeria Road is cited by Arcas as the bombardment from sea. key first-hand document sacre. Horrified by the dimension of what took place. One man describes how, During s of the Dantesque the scenes executed his father, he after the fascists had Franco dictator- mowed he encountered, as Franco’s men was forced to sing their anthem Cara Al Sol (Face down the defenceles ship, Arcas tells s group, Behune To The Sky). “My father’s blood was still fresh,” me, the regime did bravely used his medical skills to help the he says. inAnother man, the rage their best to cover up jured. It is believed he was the only doctor welling up inside him, elling in the convoy. A travspits out his anger at the atrocity. street has General Franco. been named “Books “He was a murderer. lish writers like Gerald about the war by Eng- our in Malaga.in Bethune’s honBrenan and Hugh Thomdead, just like that,” heA million as were circulated clandestin Bethune’s photograp “I’ve seen so many says. hs of the ely because they ‘He was a were banned,” he tells things. me at a well-attended desperate refugees are a vital Many people killed.” Costa Press Club screening document of an atrocity murderer. A For Arcas, a close friend of his film. which “But under Franco the few now living can remember of hisstory could never be torian Paul Preston, . million dead, told. In the case of Guernica, the battle During Arcas’s 2006 just for Picasso Malaga, docudid a huge painting and the horrors mentary, old Malaguen like that. I’ve seen of the road toandAlmeria, and the story of what exhibited it in Paris survivors of the waro happened there bea grim prelude to the were came infamous. second recall, often in heartso many things’ world war. “The Malaga massacre breaking had no paintdetail, what “The Malaga Almeria ing.” happened 80 years ago. cre was an anteceden massaThe anniversary t of At the has start of the film, one been huge civilian displacem the marked by a series old man that took place from 1939,” ents goes through the names of events. One group are retracing Franco used Moroccan, he tells me. friends and family who of his the German and Italian refugees’ steps and troops to take the city, walking reels off 20, the names died. He an international alliance from Malaga to Almeria. all painwhich was a microcosm fully etched into his memory. A of what was to come memorial exhibition His in 1939. words are fired with marking the event has opened the ferocity “We don’t know exactly of bullets. in Almeria. road to Malaga,” says how many died on the Another old lady recalls Arcas. At the Costa Press Perhaps how never be known, despite it will screening, Arcas gave club SNAPPED: The massacre was they fled Malaga when they like Emilio Silva, whose the good work of men about the effects of a talk chronicled by Canadian doctor heard rumours that approachcuperation of Historical ‘Association for the Rethe war ing Francoist troops Memory’ search for the Norman Bethune bodies of Franco’s victims ting off Republicans’ were cutburied in unmarked heads. graves.
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was the army as it is in every war. In the Valley of the Fallen there are republicans and nationals, half and half I believe. Franco is there because his family wanted him there. He did what he thought was his duty for his country, end of story.
Price one way inc. taxes. Selected flights only, subject to availability. Destinations vary by departure airport, Terms & conditions not all routes operate apply, see website year-round. Correct for at time of print, February details. 2017.
Anonymous
the incident? Under International Aviation Law, the RGP has no jurisdiction to search or enter a military aircraft which is on ‘foreign’ soil. I suspect that interfering with the flight as the RGP did was unlawful.
Meanwhile, the alleged criminal must be unable to believe his luck that he will now be investigated and prosecuted in Gibraltar, A disgraceful event, makes us look like a banana as opposed to the UK. Perhaps some of our republic (Stand-off Drama, Issue 37).Why is highly paid lawyers are currently low on work there no Gibraltar Government statement on ? This is a “hat trick” of ‘own-goals’, in my opinion. Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Gibraltar Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GibraltarOlivePress or Twitter @olivepress
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- Snow fallen on Marbella for first time decades Costa (6,070) del Sol on weat
On the 80th anniversary of the N-340 massacre, Joe Duggan recalls a Civil War atrocity
E
A very sad and dark history. (A road to hell: Remembering the thousands who were massacred by Franco forces on Malaga’s N340, issue 38). I remember as a kid growing up in Australia hearing all the stories from the Spanish immigrants, (and including my parents) ,of the civil war of Spain. I remember Spanish immigrants scared out of their wits just mentioning Franco's name despite living in Australia and living so far away from it all. The poverty broke their souls.
Carmela Craft, London
Each print issue Olive Press can its entirety on www.theolive y 28th 2017 And our site is u daily with the la making it one of most visited new websites.
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Border brothers DEPUTY chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia has met with secretary of state for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire. In talks described as ‘useful and informative’ the pair discussed the ramifications for the UK’s post-Brexit borders. There is concern in Northern Ireland as to what the future transit to and from the Irish Republic will look like.
EXCLUSIVE: Expat battle could secure Bale’s future GARETH Bale’s future at Real Madrid could be put in jeopardy once the UK pulls out of the EU. But the Welsh wizard could be helped by a battle to give expats in Spain joint nationality. Post-Brexit, Bale would become classified a non-EU player and Real already have three players in that category. He would either have to be sold, or Real would need to unload one of trio James Rodriguez, Casemiro or Danilo. To avoid this, journalist and author Giles Tremlett hopes Bale will join his battle to give expats joint nationality.
Battle
The Madrid-based Guardian writer is lobbying for Brits in Spain to be given
Bale out Brexit Spanish nationality. Tremlett is meeting with Spanish constitutional lawyers this week to create a draft law for his joint-nationality plan, which he will take to Spain’s central and regional parliaments. “Bale’s situation is just another of the messes imposed on UK citizens resident in Spain by Brexit,” he told the Olive Press, this week. “The Spanish government could fix this with an act of generosity by offering Brits installed here prior to Brexit dual
nationality. “Gareth could continue to be proudly Welsh and, as a Madrid player, proudly Spanish too.” A petition by Tremlett and fellow journalist William Chislett calling for Brits living in Spain to get dual nationality has gained nearly
Brief By Charles Gomez
Out of sight and out of mind
BUSINESS READINESS IN INTERESTING TIMES
Gibraltar is at the top of its game
C
omplaining is what Gibraltarians do in our spare time, and politics is a pastime. On week days, however, we are in business. The visitor in a hurry may not appreciate that our city is an international commercial, finance and transportation hub. Of course, everyone notices the bustling city centre. Shop rents in Main Street average between £50 and £60 per square foot per annum depending on location, with the northern half from the main square or ‘Piazza’ to Casemates Square being more sought after. Moreover, to get a foothold, new entrants may have to pay premiums potentially running into the hundreds of thousands of pounds depending on location and size. Getting into Gibraltar's tight business circle is not for the faint-hearted. Vision and tenacity are required. An overseas client of my firm's property section has slowly been establishing himself here since 2010 and now has three highly successful retail outlets in the city centre. He studied what was on offer and went for innovation - product lines and services that were not already properly covered. There is always room here for people with new ideas. At another level, there is no doubt that Gibraltar is technology ready. I refer to e-commerce. Since its genesis in or about 1998, internet gaming has made Gibraltar its principal global base. Currently there are 35 licensees. I do not like the expression ‘exclusive’ but it is accurate here; when it comes to iGaming, only the best and most reputable companies which meet the Licensing Authority's exacting requirements are allowed to
set up shop. It is not all about gaming though. Leaders in other areas of internet business also have headquarters and operations here. The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission currently regulates no less than 412 organisations ranging from medium sized to world industry leaders. I have not name dropped here because of the sheer number of operators but you can check for yourself in the FSC's and Gaming Commissioner's web sites.
Sophisticated
As a lawyer, I like to think that what attracts this kind of business is our sophisticated, cutting edge provision of corporate vehicles and systems in a legislative structure within the English common law tradition. Office space continues to be built to accommodate new and expanding businesses. This month, property specialist Fairhomes inaugurated Gibraltar's own 253,600 square foot World Trade Center, the investment totalling in excess of £100,000,000, with 95% of office space pre-let by its inauguration on February 16. Several other office blocks are in the pipeline; a testament to continuing confidence in uncertain times. On Gibraltar's coast, the dockyard which boasts three of the largest dry docks in the Mediterranean works 24/7, normally at full capacity. As the Port Authority website tells us: "Gibraltar's ship repair and conversion facilities are among the most extensive in the Mediterranean. It is therefore hardly surprising that Gibraltar's shipyard and repair companies are always busy, and where the level of quality workmanship and expertise
is renowned". Gibraltar is the busiest bunkering port in the Mediterranean. Further, in 2016 the Port of Gibraltar welcomed 350,000 visitors on 227 cruise ships to add to the numbers that come by land and air. Arrivals at Gibraltar International airport show a year on year increase. Most of our hotels have undergone refurbishments or are in the process of undertaking major improvements. New hotels are under construction. The Nature Reserve (apes, St. Michael's cave, the views) continue to attract tourists by the million, new and better bars and restaurants are opening all the time... As I said at the top of this article, "complaining is what Gibraltarians do in our spare time" and as I write this early on a rainy Sunday morning allow me to finish this tale of triumph and success with a few words of caution. Aside from its geographic and legal advantages, the machinery of business and industry in Gibraltar, like everywhere else, depends on a workforce that is fully active, properly trained and imbued with the work ethic. At the moment, private enterprise has to compete for human resources with the public sector which, of course, is funded by income from business. In any event, Gibraltar needs to continue to be open to overseas investors, business and workers. Resources such as the University of Gibraltar and the College of Further Education must continue to be at the heart of Gibraltarian ambitions to maintain business readiness, create economic resilience and attract new players.
Readers of the Olive Press are invited to discuss this or any other legal matter with Charles Gomez by emailing charles@gomezco.gi
CHARLES GOMEZ & COMPANY BARRISTERS AT LAW
20,000 signatures (see story right). Spaniards living in the UK can apply for joint nationality after five years, whereas British expats can only apply for Spanish nationality, relinquishing their British nationality, after ten. In the last few years Spain has granted dual nationality to surviving members of the International Brigades, as well as descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain. “It’s therefore possible for Spain to allow a specific group of people joint nationality,” said Tremlett. He added: “These are exceptional circumstances. I don’t think it’s too much to say we are being expelled from our EU citizenship.” A spokesperson for Gareth Bale was unable to get a comment as we went to press.
AN expat campaigner believes “No-one realises your imporBrits in Spain are ‘out of sight, tance more than us,” he told out of mind’ to British MPs in the Olive Press. “There are Brexit negotiations. 11,000 official British expats in Brexpats In Spain co-founder Mijas alone and we really value Anne Hernandez has been lob- them.” bying Spanish politicians along Health was understandably the coast as she fights to pre- a major topic at the meeting, serve the rights of Brits living with Hernandez revealing that in Spain. insurance could cost as much The university lecturer, who has as €157 a month for people over lived in Spain for more than 30 65 if free healthcare ends postyears, insists most politicians Brexit. ‘want us to remain and want to Madrid-based expats Richard do everything to support us’. and Jean Appleyard, both 70, “But sadly, we are getting more have lived in Spain for more support than 30 from the years. Spanish “We are than the worried British,” she about the told the Olnational ive Press. health and Speaking our right after a key to stay. It meeting is a thing in La Cala, of big conalongside cern it is a the mayor PANEL: Tremlett and Anne life-changof Mijas ing thing and Guardian journalist Giles that could happen,” said RichTremlett, she said: “Our first ard, who has a season ticket at instinct was talking to the Span- Real Madrid. ish. “We are integrated here, we “We have been up and down speak Spanish, all our friends the coast and everyone is sup- are Spanish. The idea that porting us. We have also had someone could be using us as some very promising replies pawns in a game is very worfrom the House of Lords, most- rying.” ly from Lib Dems.” Barry and Phyllis Lissner, both She insisted she didn’t want to 71, are also concerned about go back to the dark days before healthcare. “The medical side of we joined the common market. things here is second to none,” “When I first came to Spain I said Barry. “In July 2013, I had had to go to the police station a heart attack and an ambuevery three months and prove lance came. They put a stent in I had enough money to stay for and they followed it up. “When another three months and get a I collect my medication I have stamp allowing me to stay. And about seven different tablets. I was not permitted to work.” It’s about eight euros which Mijas mayor Juan Carlos Mal- lasts for months, which is very donado also promised to fight reasonable. “I am worried this for expats on the coast. could all come to an end.”
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Got beef? MEAT recalled from a supermarket chain did not make it into its Gibraltar branch. No Morrisons peppered beef slices thought to have been contaminated with a bacteria causing flu-like symptoms were sold on the Rock. The Environmental Agency made the confirmation following an announcement of the recall on its website. Morrisons has now installed a feature within the barcodes of its items’ packaging, which prevents those recalled from being sold when scanned through tills.
Time for chari-tea AN afternoon tea session will raise money to fight ovarian cancer. Bistro 292 on Main Street is hosting the March 3 event, which will support the research-funding British charity The Eve Appeal. Sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes and a selection of teas will be on offer to attendees, who can choose to dine at one of two sittings at 3.30pm and 5.45pm. Tickets, which are available from the restaurant, cost £10.50 , with £5.50 going direct to the charity.
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New leaf
A NEW vegan menu has been launched at a top tapas restaurant. Twists on traditional dishes such as meat pie, meatballs and lasagna are amongst the 14 savoury and sweet plates now on offer at Vinopolis Gastrobar on John Mackintosh Square. It was created by the kitchen’s chefs in response to an increase in customer demand. “We just wanted to appeal to more customers”, said Connor Martin. “More and more people had been asking us if we had any vegan options- it is some-
Tapas restaurant adds vegan menu in response to increasing demand
Out of the frying pan CANCER Relief has held a pancake day event on Shrove Tuesday. The fourth pancake day fundraiser was held at Grand Battery House, with Royal Gibraltar Regiment chefs preparing delicious pancakes. Other pancake events took place around the Rock on Tuesday as Gibraltarians tossed their frying pans furiously. Cancer Relief has asked people to email photos to info@cancerrelief.gi for their Facebook page. Anyone wishing to donate to the charity online at the Just Giving Cancer Relief Gibraltar website.
thing that is becoming more popular in Gibraltar. “Our chefs have worked collaboratively on the menu and have adapted some of the meat-based recipes that we also offer.”
Sold out
Spanish Croquettes, Moroccan tagine and mushroom ravioli are some of the other main sharing options, while raspberry tart and chocolate banana ‘cream’ pie can be enjoyed for dessert. “The menu has been selling really well,” said Connor. “There have been some days where most of the dishes on it have sold out. “If it continues to go well, going forward we may consider expanding the range of desserts on offer.” Vinopolis is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm and and Sunday from 10am to 10pm.
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Why I fear I will go out with a whimper rather than a bang
A
s I hurtle towards my 50s like an out of control bobsleigh on the Cresta Run – less than a year to go now – I've been reflecting on my own mortality. When you have lived the kind of lifestyle that I have, which has included fast cars, late night escapades (and that's putting it mildly) and a succession of pissed off bartenders and bouncers, it's a wonder that I made it past 27 to be honest. So I was imagining what my last words would be. I was hoping that they would be something along the lines of “it
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is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done,” or something equally heroic. But a recent close shave with the Grim Reaper revealed that my ultimate utterances will probably be something
much more mundane. I was trundling back to the casita in the Tank – my ancient 4x4 – last week just after dark. As I rounded a bend in the road, the biggest, baddest wild
Freakies de Fuengirola In other news, another Valentine’s Day came and went and, beautiful handmade cards from my youngest Goddaughter aside, my letterbox remained untroubled. One of my friends, however, revealed that that they had been on a local dating app and was contemplating a date. “A local dating app?”, I asked. “What was it called? Contactos de Coin?”
This lead to a frenzied discussion of what other local dating apps there might be out there. I am now on the lookout for ‘Intimos de Istan’ or ‘Amorosos de Alhaurin’. I’ll decline any offers from ‘Maris de Marbella’ or ‘Tranies de Torremolinos. And I am definitely not responding to ‘Freakies de Fuengirola’ or ‘Hornies de Jerez!’
boar I have ever seen broke cover from the campo and shot across the road right in front of me. I ran over and killed a small boar on the same road a few years ago, but this was a much bigger beast, with an impressive set of tusks that glinted in the headlights! “Wooooooaaaaaaaah”, I shouted, as I yanked on the steering wheel and hit the brakes, sailing past the boar with inches to spare. Had I hit him, it would have done serious damage to both him, the Tank and possibly even myself. There was no time for a few noble words, just a high pitched shriek. My passenger's final words, however, were even better. “Piggy!!!” she yelled, as the jurassic boar hot tailed it back into the undergrowth. Perhaps I should work on a few, pre-prepared last words for next time. “Well, that's a bit of a boar”, delivered in my best Austin Powers voice, should do the trick.
Do as I say and not as I do The trials and tribulations of sticking to New Year resolutions
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t doesn't matter how much they dress February up in pink and red bows, and stamp love hearts all over it, it's not fooling anyone: It really is the lousiest month of the year on the Costa del Sol. Especially if you're a freelance writer. News is slow, events are scarce, the weather is frightful and clients are all recovering from holiday overspending and awaiting tourist season to bounce back, so getting paid is like drawing blood from a stone. I began the year with the best of intentions, determined to put the wreckage of December's floods behind me, and leapt into January with renewed zeal, embarking upon a mammoth list of New Year’s resolutions with dogged resolve. I hit the ground running and charged through the month picking up a personal trainer, a string of new clients, an accountant, football and Jiu-Jitsu lessons for my Monkey, a web builder and a plethora of new routines, rules and resolutions. By February though, enthusiasm on all fronts was waning. Between the harrowing ordeal of Spanish paperwork and bureaucracy, and the frustration of dealing with ‘mañana syndrome’, I was ready to concede defeat and throw in the towel on my list of resolutions, when an old friend approached me for a favour. A friend of hers, she told me, had a son, a recent English graduate, who was in search of an internship that would gain him a little insight into the ‘glamorous and exciting’ life as a freelance writer and journalist in Marbella... and she had thought of me. ‘Me?’ I laughed as I surveyed 'the office'. There were paperwork and notebooks sprawled about my bed, coffee cups
Marbella diaries
By Natalie Rose Kern
on every surface, one cat sashaying over the keyboard of my laptop, the other chewing on a power cable, the dog snoring loudly on my feet and the electronic beeping of the Monkey's Minecraft game echoing around the room - and I envisaged a poor, unsuspecting graduate thrown into the melée.
Before I had time to describe the chaos, the noise, and the animals, it was agreed that he would shadow me and find out for himself how ‘glamorous’ freelance writer life is. I met the intern in a café in Marbella – acknowledging that the commotion of ‘bed office’ in full swing would be terrifying enough to scare him away from a writing career forever. He sat, fresh-faced and wide-eyed, clutching a notepad and eager to learn whatever wisdom I had to impart. ‘Firstly, do as I say, not as I do,’ I began, before embarking on a list of the
hazards, drawbacks, triumphs of a life of freelance writing. "Number one," I said firmly, "Deadlines: these are what you live for. I cannot stress this enough. Always get ahead. I continued, "Two. Write. All the time. Use every experience as inspiration for material." He scribbled furiously as I continued the list and then commenced his first task: My email inbox. "You have 537 unread emails," he gasped, and I smiled in an attempt to hide my embarrassment. "Begin with the most recent, and we'll work backwards," I instructed, burying my head in research for this afternoon's interview. "Umm... the first is from the Olive Press." He looked up at me with anticipation; "Your column is due... at midday today. Shall I send that now?" I paused for a moment and sipped my coffee without raising my eyes from the cup "Yes," I finally replied. "Just as soon I've written it." He was quiet for a moment and then began hesitantly, "But I thought you said..." "Deadlines, yes. Always get ahead!" I smiled, powering up the laptop and scanning my brain for whatever inspiration this month had offered me in the shape of material for a column, "Do as I say, not as I do and you'll be fine!" I finally smiled at him over the computer and he grinned at me with great amusement before tackling my entire inbox. And with that, my new assistant was born, resolutions were resumed and, if I finish this now, deadlines were met! The intern may well have salvaged February!
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
SOCIALMEDIA www.gibraltarolivepress.com OlivePressNewspaper olivepress olivepressnews A GIBRALTAR athlete is preparing for a prestigious torch-bearing role at this month’s Special Winter Olympics. BE ‘APPY! Francis Mauro is one of just 10 global athletes selected to carry the Flame of Hope Olympic torch from Zurich to Austria, where the games start on March 18. Mauro, who won bronze in Download our app now and the 50-metre breaststroke begin enjoying the best Spanish at the Los Angeles Special Olympics in 2015, completed news on the go. his first marathon in February. “It was in Sevilla and I finished in four hours and 34 minutes,” Francis told the OlEX-PREMIER League ive Press. star David Bentley has revealed the secret behind Honour his astonishing 45-yard The Olive Press “I really enjoyed it. It was goal in a 2008 north Lonfairly flat. don derby. TOP for Spain!“It is a real honour to be inBentley, whonews part inowns Gibraltar’s La Sala restau- volved in the run to Austria.” rant, hit the outrageous Following the run, Francis lob over Arsenal keeper will be taking a fund-raising Manuel Almunia to give ‘polar plunge’ into Austria’s arch rivals Spurs a 1-0 icy lake Flughafen in Niederoblarn. lead. It was a goal of extraordi- “Hopefully there will be a big nary vision and technique, cup of tea waiting when I finbut almost a decade later ish,” he said. Bentley has told the Ol- So far, Francis has raised alive Press it was far from a most £5,000 to help fund the trip to the games. fluke. “We had monitored the Francis, who has competed at keeper being off his line two winter and two summer before the game,” said World Games, is not taking part this year but says he will Bentley. be ‘cheering on the others’. This year, Gibraltar will parVision ticipate in floorball, snowshoe “Clive Allen, who was a and alpine skiing for the first Spurs coach, told me he is time. off his line quite a lot. So Former Special Olympic goldthe game plan was to lob him. “I didn’t realise how far off his line he was.” Bentley, who started his career at boyhood heroes Arsenal, suffered a yearlong knee injury, which kept him out of the game until 2011 before he retired in 2014. Following his move to Spain, Bentley received numerous offers from Premier League clubs, but couldn’t be tempted back into the game. “Once you have an injury like that, it’s difficult to get back into it,” said Bentley. “I had a great time playing, but I never planned to be that player that hung around for the money. My life has changed now, I have three children and I would find that distasteful. “I don’t like just going POOL HERO: Alcaide through the motions.”
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HOWZAT: Indoor league gets going
Pirates raid Bet 365 THIS year’s Gibraltar Indoor Cricket League has got off to a dramatic start. In the opening fixture at Westside School Sports Hall, Trafalgar Pirates scored 49 for two to beat Bet 365 CC with three balls to spare. Bet 365 CC finished their innings all out for 48 off 4.3 overs. In the next fixture the following evening, Tarik CC saw off Sovereign Rugby CC, who were run out for 42. Robert Martin top scored for Tarik, scoring 15 runs, including one four.
Disco king SPAIN’S David Alcaide has won the Dafabet World Pool Masters in Gibraltar. The Malaga maestro beat Scotland’s Jayson Shaw 8-7 in a pulsating final, which went down to the final rack at Tercentenary Hall. Alcaide scooped a $20,000 (£16,000) cheque and said he would celebrate by ‘going to the disco’. “This trophy is for my children,” said Alcaide. “Thank you to Matchroom for the invitation to the tournament and thank you to all of my fans. I hope to play here next year and defend the title.” The event, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports, brought together 16 of the world’s top players.
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THE latest trends will go on show at a fashion gala for the Bosom Bodies Cancer Trust. Clothes, swimwear and children’s shoes will all be on offer at Grand Battery House on April 21 at 7.30pm.
Take the plunge
DARE-DEVIL prison service staff are the latest to take part in Stuart Felice’s year long sea swim challenge. Several members joined teacher Felice, who is braving the sea every day for Research into Childhood Cancer.
Bottoms up
A WINE tasting evening was held to show unity in the face of Brexit. The quirky event was jointly held by the Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Gibraltar and the Gibraltar-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
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Designer Gabriella Sardena goes down a storm at London Fashion Week
Catwalk queen GIBRALTAR designer Gabriella Sardena was ‘overwhelmed’ with the reaction to her debut at London Fashion Week. Tributes have flowed in from the UK press for the young Gibraltarian, whose clothes were displayed at last week’s prestigious Central Saint Martin’s (CSM) show. Vogue praised the ‘wildly decorative glam-femme collection’ with the Telegraph purring ‘Gabriella Sardena - be sure to remember that name’. “It was amazing,” Gabriella told the Olive Press. “I am really overwhelmed. It wasn’t really about
meeting famous people, it was about putting all our work together. “The highlight was taking part and the celebrations afterwards. I’m delighted.” After getting a first in fashion at Manchester University, Gabriella, whose mother is an interior designer, became the first Gibraltarian female designer to study at CSM. Currently in her second year of an MA, she has also spent two months working for GAP in San Francisco, where her design was selected for production.
PRAISED: Gabriella (inset) and a creation on runway
Dog-gate rumbles on!
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THE government has ridiculed GSD MP Lawrence Llamas's 'whinging' as the so-called 'dog-gate' row intensified. It came after Chief Minister Fabian Picardo criticised the politician on Facebook for attending a dog show on a day parliament was sitting. Llamas (left, at show) claimed he was then mocked by minister Samantha Sacramento about the incident before being barred from an ‘oversubscribed’ Ministry of Equality training event. Llamas called for Sacramento to resign over the incident, but a No.6 spokesperson claimed it was ‘manufactured by the GSD to distract attention from Mr Llamas’ dog-show shame’. The spokesperson dismissed Llamas’s calls for Sacramento to resign as ‘ludicrous’.
In the good books
CHILDREN will be taken on a swashbuckling adventure for Gibraltar’s World Book Day. Peter Pan is the fancy dress theme for this year’s children’s event, which will take place at the John Mackintosh Hall tomorrow (March 2). Doors will open at 9am with a book fair and ‘book crossing’ when attendees will be able to swap books for free. A story-telling session in the theatre will take place at 4.30pm. Professional authors Lee and Stephanie Dignam will also be on-hand throughout the day to talk to those interested in pursuing a career in writing. For further information call 20075669 or email kimberley.pecino@culture.gov.gi .
Sad news CHARLES Tilbury, Chairman and Founder of Calpe House, has died at 77. Tilbury dedicated 30 years of his life to supporting the association. Calpe House provides free accommodation in London for Gibraltarians who are referred there for medical treatment by the Gibraltar Health Authority. An extensive fundraising effort saw more than €1 million raised in 2016 for a new, bigger London premises for the charity.
Walkabout KIND-hearted folk with a head for heights are wanted for a charity trek up the Rock. The MH Bland and Deloitte’s 11th annual walk from the Piazza to the top cable car station in aid of cancer is taking place on April 22. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 12s with under fives going free. The price includes a cable car return and BBQ plus a t-shirt. Contact enquiries@mhbland. MARCHING ON: Charity walk up the rock com or events@deloitte.gi