Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 35 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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free 2017 wallplanner with the Olive Press this issue See Page 2 1 January 4th - January 17th 2017

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Vol. 3 Issue 35 www.gibraltarolivepress.com Jan 4th - Jan 17th 2017

Page 6-7

EXCLUSIVE: In one of his last ever interviews before his untimely Christmas death, the Status Quo star told the Olive

Miss Gib Kayley brings in New Year Page 3

No stone unturned NO stone will be left unturned in order to protect Gibraltar’s interests during Brexit. Dr Jose Garcia, the Rock’s Deputy Chief Minister, made the remarks in his new year message. The main priority for 2017 will be to keep Gibraltar’s access to both the EU single market, as well as the UK’s own. “We are all working together in order to safeguard Gibraltar’s position”, said the Liberal Party leader. “You can rest assured that your Government will leave no stone unturned in order to safeguard and protect the interests of Gibraltar in the coming negotiations,” he continued. “Everyone in Gibraltar knows that Brexit comes down to fluid access through the border and access to the Single Market and to the UK market, in particular.” Garcia also insisted that one of the highlights of 2016 was seeing the back of controversial ex foreign minister José Manuel García-Margallo. “He has thus joined the long list of Spanish Foreign Ministers who did not get their hands on Gibraltar,” he said.

Century21 Tele: 00 350 200 51020 202-204 Main Street Mob: 00 350 56523000 Gibraltar info@century21gibraltar.com

How tragic Rick’s plans for the New Year were cut short

What a year! We look back on a dramatic 2016

Starry night

www.century21gibraltar.com

Press he would be spending 2017 enjoying life in Andalucia with his 8-year-old twins.

PAGE 3 & 22

And goodbye to him too! PAGE 3

Dirty dozen

By Laurence Dollimore

ASSAULT, drink-driving and theft were behind some of the dozen-plus arrests made on the Rock over the New Year period. The Royal Gibraltar Police were kept busy as festivities went on into the wee hours, leading to a spike in criminal behaviour. Three people were arrested for assault while anoth-

Crime rates spike over the New Year period as 14 people are arrested in 48 hours er three were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. “However, what you have to remember is this year the celebrations fell on a weekend,” Inspector Patrick Payas told the Olive

Press. “Yes there was some trouble but not an excessive amount or a bigger increase than expected.” While a further arrest was made for the possession of a knife, elsewhere,

Let your company and really be seen

there were three reports of criminal damage, one report of theft and a further two reports of assault. Inspector Payas added that although there were some assaults and drinkdriving, the numbers were not largely different from previous years. He was unable to give exact statistics. He added that there was only one arrest for posses-

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sion of illegal fireworks, or ‘bangers’. “What we have seen is a decrease in people attempting to obtain, smuggle and set off illegal fireworks. It is a sign of the embargo’s success.” On Christmas Day, a man was arrested for assault. Various court cases and committal hearings are expected to begin this week.

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w F a th llp RE is la E is nn su e e r

The sun is already shining on the start of a bright 2017 in Gibraltar. And thanks to The Olive Press, you can now make sure this year can certainly be one to remember. We have just launched our new year planner, which all readers of the paper can get for free thanks to the support of local businesses. An ample A1 sheet in size with space dedicated to each day of the year, it is perfect for recording important diary dates with friends and family, as well as every day memos and appointments. This is in addition to information on useful businesses and services on the Rock and nearby. All you have to do to get one is visit one of the following Gibraltar businesses which have copies available in store.

ICC- International Commercial Centr Morrisons, Westside Rd Eroski, Winston Churchill

January 4th - January 17th 2017

Thatcher’s fury Former British PM was furious at Gibraltar documentary Death on the Rock

A perfect plan

Where to get your wall planner:

Ne ws

Ave Century 21, 202-204 Main Street Charles Gomez, 5 Secretary's Ln Capurro Insurance, 20 Line Wall Rd

MARGARET Thatcher called a report into the controversial Death on the Rock documentary a ‘disgraceful whitewash’. Newly released confidential files reveal the former British Prime Minister was incensed by Lord Windlesham’s report on the ITV programme which found the film’s producers had acted in good faith. The film looked into the shooting and killing of three IRA members by the

SAS on the streets of Gibraltar in 1988. It became part of a desperate campaign to have it shelved by the government. In particular, it ruffled feathers in Downing Street for challenging the official version of events by suggesting the combatants were unarmed and surrendered, making the shootings unlawful. Documents just released to the National Archives in Kew reveal that Windlesham’s findings led to an unfair advantage due to its a furious low corporation tax rate of 10%, response against Spain’s 25%. from the It is estimated Spain loses out on a potential €1 billion a year as Cabinet on companies choose to base themJanuary 26 selves in Gibraltar instead of 1989, when over the border. he was acThe government believes that cused of with Article 50 leading to Brexit ‘bias’ and expected soon, Spain needs to presidput further pressure on the Rock ing over with an eye to reaching co-sovera ‘whiteeignty. wash’.

Tax breaks for Campo CORPORATION tax could be lowered to help the Campo de Gibraltar compete with Gibraltar. The government’s representative for the region Antonio Sanz confirmed the plan to bring more financial incentives to encourage companies to move there. He believes it would encourage ‘economic and social development’ and lower the high unemployment rate of 35%. According to sources, the government believes Gibraltar has

Governor’s New Year cheer GOVERNOR Edward Davis has saluted Gibraltar’s ‘unity’ in his first Christmas address. Davis and his wife Lorraine arrived on the Rock last January, when he took up his current post. And after a year in which Brexit, Syria and the ongoing migrant crisis dominated headlines, Davis paid tribute to Gibraltar’s multicultural harmony.

Tribute

“Never have I witnessed such unity between the different races, faiths, sectors, neighbourhoods and generations that make up the multi-cultural Gibraltarian Community,” he said. “So, while there may be challenges ahead in 2017 for Global Gibraltar I have no doubt that the unity of the multi-cultural Gibraltarian Community, combined with the winning power of your ambition, innovation and boldness, will overcome these challenges, and in doing so, assure the future spirit, prosperity and reputation of Gibraltar.”

THE UK’S MOST WANTED FUGITIVES

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ROCKING: With Frontiers and (far right) Kayley

MISS Gibraltar was the star guest as thousands gathered around Casemates square to bring in the New Year. Kayley Misfud hosted the live event with broadcaster James Neish and led the countdown to midnight. Local band Frontiers took to the stage to perform a whole range of covers and original songs in a two hour concert. Other performances included Jill Mary Cooper from The Voice and a live

January 4th - January 17th 2017

Beauty of a night! DJ set from El Deni which rocked the Rock into the early hours of 2017. Organised by Fresh Entertainment, the event went off without a hitch, including a stunning fireworks display.

Dream cut short

RIP, Momy TRIBUTES have flowed in for Solomon 'Momy' Levy, who died over Christmas. The popular local figure was Gibraltar's first civic mayor and the first Jewish officer in the Gibraltar Defence Force, serving 18 years. The keen Arsenal fan continued to run his estate agency by No.6 right up to his death at the age of 80 on December 22. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo led the tributes saying he would be very missed. "Farewell Momy. Former Mayor. Great friend. Proudest of Gibraltarians. You will be sadly missed throughout your beloved land. RIP,” he tweeted. GSD leader Daniel Feetham added: "Good bye Momy my friend. Quintessentially British and Gibraltarian to the core. Rest In Peace.” Levy was the nephew of former Chief Minister Sir Joshua Hassan. Hassan’s daughter Independent MP Marlene Hassan Nahon saluted Levy. "RIP dear cousin and Gibraltar's true ambassador.” A spokesperson from the Equality Rights Group praised the way he carried himself. "Friendship with Momy was easy and joining him for a coffee in the sunshine on the sidewalk opposite No. 6 and The Convent is a gratifying memory we will always carry."

Rick Parfitt had planned to spend more time with his twins this year, before shock Christmas death

I feel most sorry for Lyndsay

EXCLUSIVE By Natalie Rose Kern

ROCKER Rick Parfitt was planning to spend more time with his kids and family in 2017. In a moving interview, just weeks before his tragic death on Christmas Eve, the Status Quo star revealed that he had finally found the ‘dream’ lifestyle on the Costa del Sol. In particular, he loved the lack of traffic jams, sunshine and clean air. But, best of all, he revealed how much he enjoyed spending time with his twins, Tommy and Lily, age eight, at the family home in Marbella. "Coming home to Tommy and Lily is like stepping from one world into another - from the sometimes rainy, cold and bustling lifestyle on the road, straight into the sunshine and being a dad to active twins - and

‘WONDERFUL’: How Rick described coming here to Lindsay and twins keeping up with them at my age! “I'm not sure what is more taxing - doing an hour on stage or spending a day with the children - but they are beautiful and I cannot imagine my life without them…. Even though getting them to bed in the summer months before 9pm is very hard when it is still sunny outside. "It's one of my biggest strug-

Battle over Parfitt’s millions A BATTLE over Rick Parfitt’s estimated £10 million fortune is expected to erupt. Parfitt has a number of business interests which will be divided among family members, including wife Lyndsay and four children. Despite having an on-off relationship with Lyndsay, who he married in 2008 in Gibraltar, his Marbella villa is expected to be left to her. Meanwhile his four children are expected to inherit the rest of his fortune, from royalties, equally between them. “But there are likely to be some dis-

putes,” a source revealed. “There are going to be some tense times between the various family members in the months to come. “Rick had no idea exactly how much he was worth but there are millions left over and obviously he has all of his properties, too. “He actually left the organisation of his finances to his wife Lyndsay. But there are going to be a lot of legal issues in terms of what she is entitled to. “It’s likely his kids will get the bulk of his assets.”

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gles!" Rick was rushed to hospital by air ambulance after suffering a severe infection following a fall that injured his shoulder in December. The guitar ace had been unwell for much of the last year and had technically ‘died’ after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Turkey gig in June before being revived. He had heart attacks in 2011 and 2013.

His wife Lyndsay was by his side when he passed away, despite rumours in the autumn that they had separated. The boss of Status Homes, in Guadalmina, who married Rick in a Gibraltar wedding in 2008, desperate called the air ambulance to rush him to hospital, but he could not be saved. Poignantly Rick told the Olive Press his life had been ‘wonderful’ before his death. "I've finally got the life that Lyndsey and I dreamed of - a beautiful family villa, no traffic jams, it's not overly crowded with people, you can move, you can breathe and on any given lunchtime we can nip to the beach and have fresh fish by the sea. It's just wonderful." And he added: "Nobody knows what the future holds, but a little bit of Rock and Roll, a little bit of being an estate agent, a little bit of being dad and husband... What more is there?"

Close friend of Rick, Dragons Den star Hilary Devey, said: “My h e a r t goes out to Lyndsay. The only person left l o o k ing after Rick Parfitt at the end was his loving wife Lyndsay who had arranged his admission to hospital.” Fellow Quo member F r a n cis Rossi said: “Rick’s life was n e v e r boring, he was louder and faster and more carefree than the rest of us.” Q u e e n guitarist Brian May said: “Shocked and so sad to h e a r of the passing of Rick Parfitt. Hard to find words. You truly joyfully rocked our world. RIP dear buddy.”

35€ FLIGHTS FROM ONLY

Price one way inc. taxes. Selected flights only, subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply, see website for details. Destinations vary by departure airport, not all routes operate year-round. Correct at time of print, January 2017.

22/12/2016 14:41

NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF

New life CHRISTMAS trees will be used as compost in Gibraltar thanks to a new recycling scheme. Real trees can be left at the Civic Amenities Facility in Europa Advance Road from 8am to 8pm Monday-Friday and 8am to 5pm on weekends.

Art smart

Royal celebrations FESTIVE celebrations continue this week when the Three Kings come to town on the night of January 5. Gibraltar will welcome the Spanish tradition with open arms when it hosts its own Three Kings sweet-throwing float parade on Main Street. Starting at 6pm, the spectacle is the most well-known part of the Dia de Reyes, which marks the day the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem to visit baby Jesus. Parades, or cabalgatas as they are known in Spain, will also be held across the border in Algeciras, La Linea and Los Barrios.

AN artist is to take part in a bold new project at London’s Southbank Centre. Gibraltarian Alan Perez will join 10 others to create a collaborative work that celebrates Nordic culture in six days.

Market talk CONTINUED access to the UK market is very important, according to the outgoing Chair of the Finance Centre Council. Stephen Reyes also hopes Gibraltar will still be able to maintain some elements of access to the single market following negotiations.

Good read JOHN Mackintosh Hall library has a new chartered librarian. Kimberley Pecino had been previously working at the institute as library manager and artworks custodian.

January 4th - January 17th 2017

Water load of rubbish

In La Linea, revellers will be able to attend a reception with the Three Kings and the mayor in the plenary hall at 10.30am before watching the cabalgata at 7pm from Calle el Clavel. Traditional entertainment with the Three Kings will take place from 11.30am in Los Barrios, before the kings’ visit residential homes in the area. A parade will begin at 6pm from Avenida Alcalde Juan Rodriguez to the Recinto Ferial. Algeciras’ procession will also start at 6pm from Avenida Virgen del Carmen to Plaza Alta.

We want answers!

FABIAN Picardo has denied Gibraltar is set to buy water from Spain. It follows claims that Campo de Gibraltar service company Arcgisa could be contracted to supply the Rock’s water. Chief minister Picardo immediately rubbished the story, saying it was the first time the government had heard of the plan.

Blown Away

A CHAMPION swimmer had to postpone his attempt to swim the Straits of Gibraltar. Catalan David Meca (below), of Sabadell, was due to attempt the feat from the puerto de Tarifa to Morocco’s Point Cires on Monday but was forbidden to by the maritime authority due to ‘dangerous’ high winds. The 42-year-old wanted to complete the 14.3 km (8.9 mile) challenge, which he completed in 1999, to prove that it is still possible to ‘achieve great things’ in one’s forties.

Identity theft ID cards are to cost £25 after being free since being introduced in 2015. Gibraltarians will also have to pay £10 to renew cards or change anything on them. They will still be free for the over 65s. COSTLY ERROR: Nahon (inset) and new Calpe House

MP Hassan Nahon calls for Calpe House asbestos inquiry MARLENE Hassan Nahon has called for a government inquiry into the lack of a full asbestos survey at the new £8 million Calpe House in London. The independent MP queried ‘discrepancies’ in a recent interview with charity boss Albert Poggio about a survey into asbestos levels at the 155-year-old Grade II listed building. She insisted that many Gibraltarians had ‘grave concerns’ over the issue, which would have saved considerable amounts of money. Poggio had claimed ‘certain building regulations’ stopped surveys being carried out prior to the purchase. However, Hassan Nahon insists proper in-depth surveys are always recommended before buying such historic buildings. Hassan Nahon said: “I asked Minister Bossano to conduct an investigation, especially in light of the amount of money we have had to spend to put right a costly oversight. “The Minister denied any intention, meaning that the contradictions surrounding a purchase of over £8 million shall remain.” More than £1million was raised by Gibraltarians last year for refurbishments at Calpe House, which is set to open in June 2017.

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January 4th - January 17th 2017

Fe at u r e

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 Rest assured IT seems nowhere is immune from the tomfoolery and drunkenness that seems to take over some people during the New Year’s celebrations. The idea of getting a bit merry without starting trouble is completely implausible to some. At least the Royal Gibraltar Police were at hand and managed to uphold the peace and deal with the troublemakers this time. We will never know why people resort to violence or like to smash things after a few tipples, but at least we know we have a police force that can be counted on.

Honoured CONGRATULATIONS to the Gibraltarians who have made it onto the New Year’s Honours list. Inspector John Goodman, who has dedicated his life to policing the Rock, is 100% deserving of his award. And in a time of great uncertainty on the status of Gibraltar due to Brexit, it is comforting to see MP David Crausby - a man who is a long-standing supporter of the Rock - be knighted and have the work that he does in the interest of the Gibraltar people validated by decision makers.

Crystal ball gazing

Our five (wishful thinking) predictions for 2017:

Referendum revolution Brexit blues will be banished when Theresa May experiences a personal Epiphany on February 6, causing her to decide to keep Britain in Europe. Better still, she will declare a new public holiday in March, EU Day, with free flights within the union so that we can all get to know our neighbours better.

Staying alive Global superstars make a pact together to not die during the year. “We think it’s about time that these poor obituary writers get a break after the non-stop work they did in 2016”, said Diamond Diva Dave.

Happy New Year IT is always an exciting and optimistic time of year early January. A time when the cobwebs of the previous year have been swept away and we all have a chance to start afresh. Whether that be giving up smoking, improving one's punctuality, or promising to listen to a loved one more, it is a positive time. And, after the horrible year of 2016, things can certainly only get better. We at the Olive Press would like to wish all our readers and advertisers a very happy 2017.

Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

In an unprecedented move, all of Spain’s corrupt public officials past and present decide to own up. “We know what we did was inexcusably wrong, so please just save the time and public money on never-ending court cases by putting us all in the nick and throwing away the key”, said one.

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Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618

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AWARDS

Hands up

2015/2016 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2016

Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

January 4th - January 17th 2017

Brexit, political earthquakes, deadly floods - the Olive

Oh What S

WEET 2016 it was not. In a year of total political upheaval, Brexit sent shockwaves across the world to Gibraltar and beyond, while Spain was without a government for 10 months as its voters remained more divided than ever. The next year will be an uncertain one for Gibraltar as it attempts to

hold on to its EU benefits while resisting Partido Popular’s co-sovereignty rhetoric. And British expats, too, will wait attentively to see if their rights to live and work in Spain will be changed as a result of Britain’s departure. More predictably, the year was also tarnished by corruption scandals involving Andalucia’s finest, from

January THE year started as it meant to go on, with people in high places falling from grace for cooking the books. The former mayor of Axarquia was jailed for property fraud and, in an exclusive OP story, Estepona Mayor Jose Urbano came under fire for splashing €50,000 on a gold-plated statue (right) without seeking the approval of his council. On a national level, Spain’s politicians scrambled and maneuvered after the December national elections failed to produce a majority government. The parties failed to form a working pact, leading to a 10-month deadlock.

February EXPATS won a small victory as it was revealed that any Brit who had lived abroad for 15 years or less would be able to vote in the upcoming EU referendum. A campaign by the OP saw Spain forced to overturn the ridiculous ban on ‘friendlies’ between Spanish and Gibraltar hockey teams. British expat Teresa Smith warned OP readers to read the small print after she was signed up to a €100,000 mortgage by notorious conman Jose Luis Maseda. And we printed a special ‘Animal Rights Focus’ issue after a decade of reporting on animal cruelty across the country.

March IN one of our biggest celebrity exclusives ever which received international press coverage - we tracked down the Thai-based conman selling stolen photos from John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s wedding, worth more than €128,000. In another exclusive, we revealed that AWOL estate agent Anika Elena van der Pluijm faked her own death after vanishing with up to €1 million of expats’ deposits. We also revealed how 95-year-old World War Two hero Colonel Leonard Berney - who helped liberate the Belsen concentration camp in Nazi Germany - was banned from Gibraltar, having spent his postwar life running financial scams out of Marbella.

May DISABLED expat John Gray was given two months to move out of his home by Alhaurin el Grande Town Hall to make way for a one-way road system, and was offered an ‘insulting’ €35,000 for the home he had paid €66,000 for. A serial cat killer was on the loose in Sotogrande after two pets were found drowned and hanged in the exclusive resort. Publisher Jon Clarke got up close and personal with some of his foodie heroes as dozens of world-class chefs - with 71 Michelin stars between them - descended on Marbella for an event, here with Ferran Adria. The month closed with some much-needed justice as Wesley Capper, Simon Corner and Dave Mahon - all of whom are linked to the disappearance and murders of three different young women - were locked up in the same week.

June AIR quality for Gibraltar was revealed to be ‘unsafe’ and worse than all but two places in Spain in a damning World Health Organisation report. We launched a fund to help the Bolivian mother (left) who was killed by Wesley Capper in a hit-and-run, which would raise thousands to help support her grieving husband and newborn in Marbella. And in our last June issue, printed on the eve of Brexit, we outlined the battle ahead and the hopes of the majority of expats and Gibraltarians.

Working it out Rajoy resolves rampant youth unemployment by employing people ‘so things get done.’ Job roles include banishing bureaucracy for Brits in Spain and replying to those damned emails.

Daydream nation If all else fails, a boom in mixed reality headsets which combine virtual and actual reality will help us make our lives a little m o r e interesting a n d bearable.

Marbella Mayor Jose Bernal - who provided his friend’s wedding with mounted police escorts and free parking - to the ‘trial of the year’ which saw 37 former high-ranking officials from the PP face corruption charges in court. And we have been there for it all, refusing - unlike other publications - to shy away from a story that might ruf-

July April MARBELLA-based Hollywood stuntman Peter Wicke told the OP exclusively how he was suing Dutch fraudster Jan Brinkman, to whom he gave thousands towards a company that would never be set up. The story inspired many more victims to come forward and uncovered another unsavoury character hiding out on the Costa del Sol. San Pedro’s Triple A animal shelter saw its president, secretary and staff arrested for alleged animal cruelty in a controversial raid that, many say, used excessive force. Elsewhere, Gibraltar issued concerns over Vladimir Putin’s unofficial submarine base in Ceuta, criticising what they saw as Spanish support for the Russian regime.

FOLLOWING the shock of Brexit, we published our first ever front page in Spanish. ‘Dejad que nos quedemos’ (right) appealed to Spaniards to support a petition to give British expats dual nationality in Spain. We also revealed that thousands of eligible expats lost out on the crucial vote due to postal errors and registration issues, and duly pressed the British government to safeguard the rights of expats in EU countries. Suspected conman Jan Herman Brinkman, who duped a Hollywood stuntman in a multi-million deal, was revealed to be a possible member of a huge crime family following talks with dozens of his victims. And there were cheers in Gibraltar when Gorham’s Cave was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, a ‘first’ for The Rock.

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Fe at u r e

Press brought you all the biggest stories of 2016

a year!

fle feathers. We also caught some criminals ourselves, tracking down a wanted paedophile from the Ten Most Wanted list and exposing Wesley Capper’s fatal hit-and-run which left a mother dead on the streets of San Pedro this summer. We left no stone unturned in exposing fraudsters and criminals, proving once again that we are the

only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucia, even Spain. We even won a gong, being voted the best expat newspaper in Spain and the second best in the world at the noted TESCA awards. When we weren’t chasing the likes of serial fraudsters Mark Acklom and Stan Brinkman, we were also bringing you the latest in celebrity

exclusives, food and travel features. And after such a successful 2015, which saw the launch of the Gibraltar Olive Press, we expanded again, creating Gib Rocks magazine, an easily-readable quarterly with exclusive features and stories from the Rock. And let’s not forget our two new websites Dining Secrets and All About Andalucia.

August BRITISH killer Westley Capper (right) was released from prison just three months after murdering a Bolivian mother. At the time, he was also being investigated over missing expat Agnese Klavina. On the run Irish gangster Francis Delaney was spotted in Fuengirola, eight years after fleeing Ireland and a multi million pound drugs charge. Despite the

sightings, police were not able to track the Kinahan-linked criminal down. Elsewhere, we highlighted the heartbreaking stories of African migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to escape persecution. The family of a Gibraltar fisherman wrongly incarcerated in a Ceuta jail revealed his traumatic ordeal to the Olive Press. Jared Pincho was released after unjustly being accused of assault.

September ROCK readers had double cause for celebration as the Gibraltar Olive Press celebrated its first anniversary in print and our debut Gib Rocks magazine rolled off the presses with features on Rolling Stone Brian Jones’ trip to the Rock and the biggest night in Lincoln Red Imps history. Gibraltarian pride was bolstered by Fabian Picardo, who used the Rock’s National Day to reinforce its resolve to remain British, p o s t Brexit, whatever the challenges. In Spain, an expat fraudster died after scamming a string of investors in a bogus truffle scheme in Ronda. Wendy Smart was accused of embezzling €4 million of their money. Costasoleños were also warned of a ‘shocking’ increase in drink spiking, said to have rocketed over summer.

October CONVICTED rapist Mohammed Jahangir Alam, one of Britain’s most wanted fugitives, was finally snagged by police while on the run in Tenerife. An expat couple were left devastated after their dream holiday home in Tozar, Granada, was sold to their neighbour at an auction without their knowledge. Similarly hacked-off were Diane and Francis Jones, who were landed with a large bill after Francis’s leg was amputated at Xanit Hospital in Benalmadena. Casares town hall staff appeared in a sensational trial over allegedly falsifying documents to allow gangsters’ money to be laundered on the Costa del Sol. Controversial Weekend World publisher Stan Israel was forced out of his ‘international headquarters’ in Estepona due to owing the landlord €23,000 in unpaid rent. A furious parliament debate was sparked after doctors accused Gibraltar Health Authority of corruption.

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated January 4th - January 17thdaily 2017 with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

Count on us! THE stats are where it’s at, and this year has seen another growth spurt for the Olive Press. With more pageviews and Facebook likes than ever before, we look forward to continued success in 2017. Here’s what the figures are saying:

Most read this fortnight on

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Small improvement BE ‘APPY!

UNEMPLOYMENT in Andalucia has fallen by 2% over the last 12 months to 28.5%, with 55% of under25s currently without work.

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GIBRALTAR wants to retain freedom of movement and single market access post-Brexit, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo told the BBC. But, speaking to Nick Robinson on the Andrew Marr show, Picardo stated the Rock would choose a ‘redwhite-and-blue Brexit’ over joint sovereignty with The Olive Press Spain. The GSLP leader believes Boom time TOP for news in Spain!Gibraltar could secure a different deal from the EU to SPAIN is on track for a rethe rest of the UK to ensure cord year of overseas tourjobs on either side of the ists, with official forecasts border were not harmed. predicting 74 million for“I think it’s going to be a eigners will have visited the differentiated deal for difcountry by the end of 2016. ferent sectors of industry and parts of the United Kingdom,” he said. Wide web “It’s going to be a multi-faceted deal and one of those THE Internet market facets is going to be Gibralin Spain is now worth tar.” €20,000 million per year, He added: “Different parts according to data conof the rules that are today sumer group Media-tics. the European rules apply USnews developer on the go. Cordish Companies is planning to build Spain’s biggest resort on the outskirts of Madrid, investing €2.2 bn in a hotel, restaurants, theatre, gaming area and a circus.

But Picardo wants to retain freedom of movement and single market access

FACING UP: Picardo’s Brexit wish in a different way to Gibraltar. For example, we are not part of the common customs union. We have a hard border with Spain because we chose in 1972 not

to access the single market in goods. “Already there is a different deal for Gibraltar.” Picardo had travelled to London for a series of high-

profile media interviews and an appearance at a House of Lords committee. And while many in the UK feared the effects of immigration, Gibraltar’s size and makeup meant the issue of movement of people was totally different for the Rock, he said. “When you talk about freedom of movement in the UK post-Maastricht you are talking about immigration and the right of establishment in the UK,” he said. “Freedom of movement in Gibraltar means travelling in and out on the day, because people don’t tend to establish themselves in Gibraltar, but 10,000 people come from Spain every day to work in Gibraltar. “That makes us the second biggest employer in Andalucia.” He added: “It’s a red, white and blue Brexit for us. We are not going to change our views on whether we remain British or not.”

High flying

GIBRALTAR International Airport has hit new heights by welcoming over 500,000 travellers in one year for the first time. Between January and the end of November, 508,225 passengers passed through the airport, a 95,141 increase on the same period in 2015. November was another record month, with 39,351 people departing or taking off from the Rock, a 16.2% increase on November 2015. Terence Lopez, Air Terminal Director at Gibraltar International Airport, said: “Breaking the half a million passenger mark was going to be a milestone in the history of the development of commercial development of Gibraltar International Airport and is a clear sign of our progress and capability.” The 500,000 figure was passed on Thursday, November 25 when an easyJet flight departed for Gatwick Airport.

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Special status Pie in the sky Micro State relationship with the EU, differentiated status for Gibraltar 'in the Brexit deal' etc, were always going to be pie in the sky (No Favours, Issue 34). I think it is time to come down to earth and start preparing for what's coming in a realistic way. The gov’t should sit down with the opposition so that, together, they will find the best way forward for the good of us all. Maria Falquero, Gibraltar

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Wait and see

It is a crying shame that Mr Davis is minded to take such a narrow view when it comes to negotiating a special deal for Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar operate in different waters, so surely it is only logical that different terms are agreed? Picardo is right to demand a ‘diffrentiated’ deal for the Rock. If he doesn’t apply pressure on the British government for us, then who will? If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Nevermind Davis being ‘loathe’ to negotiate a special deal for Gibraltar. I am ‘loathe’ to take any notice of him in general considering he and his team still have to come up with a concrete plan on how to handle the British exit from the EU. Let us just wait and see what happens with the triggering of Article 50 before getting ourselves worried about the specific agreements for Gibraltar. As they say, a year is a long time in politics.

Anonymous

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 Torremolinos to open Anda Torremolinos to openand Andalucia’s biggest shopping leisure

Ann Burbank, Murcia

Festive feeling

Pride Rock

The Governor Edward Davies is a wonderful fresh breath of air in Gibraltar (Governor Lieutenant General Edward Davis praises Gibraltarians ‘unity’ in Christmas address, online). I have watched him at a few events and he is without doubt a kind and humble man. He will win many hearts in Gibraltar.

Kayley Mifsud did amazing (We’re all Stunned, Kayley, Issue 34). Her journey doesn't end it just begins, only in a different direction. We’re all so very proud of her, she is our Miss Gibraltar.

Deborah Huxley, Gibraltar

 Costa del Sol on weather alert  Arrival Costa del Sol onETA/ETD weather alert

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December 21st - January 3rd 2017

MY MEXICAN MOUNTAINS ANDALUCIA looks set to land the starring role in Ridley Scott’s first ever Western. Dramatic vistas in the sierras around Ronda, Cadiz and Almeria are all being eyed up by the famed director, who has just visited the region.

TIME OF GIVING: Christmas gift appeal

Present tense

LA Linea charity Hogar Betania is calling for donations of Christmas presents for deprived local children. The homeless centre, which looks after vulnerable Spanish, British, Gibraltarians and foreign migrants, is asking locals to donate new toys for children aged one to 12 years old. Private individuals, companies, clubs and associations are all invited to participate. The toys will be distributed to the children over the Christmas period. Toys can be delivered to Hogar Betania, at 152 Calle Gibraltar behind La Linea hospital and larger amounts can be collected. For more information contact Carmen on c_moya_ langston@hotmail.com

Scott took to the skies in a helicopter to find areas with a turn of the century Mexican look that can provide the backdrop for his new film Wraiths of the Broken Land. An adaptation of the 2013 book by US author S.Craig Zahler, it follows the

tale of two brothers who attempt to rescue their two sisters forced into prostitution by an outlaw gang. Scott used Andalucia for his 2014 biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings in the Sierra Alhamilla and Pechina, in Almeria.

We’re all stunned Kayley

First ever gay marriage takes place on the Rock

HISTORIC: Happy couple’s landmark first kiss

Mr and Mr

HISTORY has been made in Gibraltar with the first-ever same-sex marriage taking place last week. Aaron Mills and Adrian Charles Triay-Dignam became the first gay couple to tie the knot.

The pair wed in front of 120 guests, including Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and had two best women at the ceremony. Picardo, who witnessed the historic event, said bringing about change like this, is exactly why he’s in politics.

MISS Gibraltar Kayley Mifsud has ‘incredibly’ failed to turn hearts at the Miss World contest in the USA. Up against 117 of the most beautiful women in the world, Kayley, wearing a dress by Gib designer Gail Howard, battled her way to to the final of the Sports Round, coming in the top 24. The beauty pageant was won by Stephanie Del Valle of Puerto Rico, 19, who was crowned by 2015 Miss World, Mireia Lalaguna in Maryland. Second place was secured by Yaritza Miguelina Reyes Ramirez of the Dominican Republic, followed by Miss Indonesia Natasha Mannuela.

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D. H, Gibraltar

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THE Gibraltar College Language School has begun offering classes to young people in a bid to increase cultural awareness. Launched in December, the college teaches Spanish, French and Italian to pupils aged between six and

STARS of the big screen in Andalucia have been nominated for top national film awards. Seven film stars are among those to have made the cut in the upcoming 31st Goya film awards, Spain’s equivalent of the Oscars. They will vie for prizes at a glittering awards ceremony on February 4. Famed Malaga actor Antonio de la Torre is up for best actor for his role in thriller flick Tarde para Ira, with Malagaborn Belen Cuesta up for best supporting actress. Meanwhile Directors Salva Reina, Alexis Morante and Valle Comba have also been shortlisted, as has Algeciras actor Manolo Solo. ning to receive best film.

The European Sinfonietta will perform at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre. The event starts at 6.30pm, with tickets £7 for children and £10 for adults. Family tickets are also available.

Acoustic band Southern Comfort will play a selection of modern and nineties hits at O’Reillys at Leisure Island. Doors are at 11pm.

ree natural history lecture, January 12

Find out about the Gibraltar herbaria (a collection of preserved plant specimens and data) at the first Gibraltar Museum lecture series of 2017. It will take place at 7pm at the John Mackintosh Hall.

Knighted

They join the likes of Andy Murray and Victoria Beckham who were awarded for their contributions to sport and fashion respectively. At the age of 29, Sir Andy Murray is the youngest to be knighted in modern times. Speaking at a tennis tournament in Abu Dhabi, Murray said: “I still feel like Andy Murray – that feels more normal – but I am happy with the knighthood and it is a nice way to start the new year.”

ive music, January 6

It’s an F honour

WINNERS: David Crausby, John Goodman and Andy Murray

A GIBRALTARIAN is among those named in the New Years Honours list. RGP Inspector John Goodman has received the Overseas Territories Police Medal (OTPM) for services to policing in Gibraltar. Labour MP David Crausby, who is vice chair of the Gibraltar All-Party Group in the House of Commons and a long-time supporter of the Rock, was also named and will receive a knighthood for his parliamentary and political services.

THE King’s Christmas speech in Spain received its lowest viewer ratings for 18 years. Some 5.82 million Spaniards watched King Felipe VI’s broadcast on Christmas eve, 844,000 fewer than last year. The slump in ratings is a significant drop from 2000, when predecessor King Juan Carlos managed to pull in a record 9.1 million viewers, helping the slot grab an 87.2% audience share. The decline of TV in favour of mobile, tablet and laptop streaming could be behind the fall, as well as the fact that the monarchy appearing on screen is now less of a rarity.

ew year family concert, January 4

Rock police inspector joins A-listers in New Year’s honours

Royal flop

been shown to delay the onset of dementia by around five years. Gibraltarians gain many economic and social advantages from their bilingualism and we should do everything possible to foster our community’s linguistic skills.”

what’s on

Celebrate this big traditional Spanish parade on Gibraltar’s Main Street. The float procession will pass through at 7.30pm, with sweets given out to spectators.

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hree Kings cavalcade, January 5

The Olive Press

A £1,000-prize is up for grabs at this year’s Art Competition for Young Artists. The Gibraltar Cultural Services has invited young creatives across the Rock to enter their works at John Mackintosh Hall by 6pm on February 17. Budding Picassos in school years nine to 13 can submit up to three paintings or drawings and two sculptures. All entries will be exhibited at the John Mackintosh Hall from March 1 - 10, with runners up and other winners receiving cash prizes of £500. Email info@culture.gi for more info.

16, and hopes to promote bilingualism in Gibraltar’s young people. Minister for Education, the Hon Dr John Cortes said: “Studies have shown that language skills help learning abilities across all areas and, in adults, bilingualism has

January 4th - January 17th 2017

Broadening their horizons

COMPOSERS from around the world have until January 15 to enter their song into the VIII Gibraltar International Song Festival (GISF). There have already been entries from the Rock, Spain, UK, Download our app nowand and South America, Morocco enjoying the best Spanish much ofbegin Europe. The panel ofon judges news the go.will select the songs for the finale gala to be held on May 6 - ‘blind’, meaning they will not know the identity of the artist, allowing anyone to be in with a chance of winning the £4,000 grand prize. To enter visit www.gibraltarsongfestival.com.

Paint prize

January 4th - January 17th 2017

HONORED: Beckham

Others listed included editor in chief of Vogue Anna Wintour, Olympians Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis Hill and veteran Liverpudlian comic Ken Dodd.

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How punk icon Sid Vicious was saved by a border mercy dash from his kind-hearted Gibraltarian family,writes Joe Duggan

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E’S the face of a rock and roll movement that shook the world. With his permanent sneer, black leather jacket and spiked hair teased to the heavens, punk icon and Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious personified the spirit of disillusionment that energised Britain’s youth in 1976. “If Johnny Rotten is the voice of punk, then Sid Vicious is the attitude,” the band’s manager Malcolm McClaren once said. Of course, the story took a dark turn as Vicious sank into a hellish world of heroin addiction. He was the main suspect in the killing of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, who was found stabbed to death in New York’s Chelsea Hotel in 1978. Vicious himself died of a drugs overdose a few months later, aged just 21. All told in the film Sid and Nancy. It’s a well-told tale of nightmarish rock and roll depravity. But for the first time, Gib Rocks can reveal Vicious’s family ties to Gibraltar, and how a mercy dash to the Spanish border saved the infant Vicious and his penniless mother in their hour of need. Sid Vicious was born Simon John Ritchie in London on Friday, May 10, 1957. It was a name the hellraising rocker shared with his great grandfather, John Ritchie. The Scotsman had been born in a remote village just outside Aberdeen in 1863, but left to take a job in Gibraltar’s dockyards as a young man. Here it emerges, he married a widow from Catalan Bay called Victoria Wilson, who was the daughter of another Scotsman. In 1900, VICIOUS: In his youn- the couple had a son called Charlie - Sid’s ger years grandad. Gibraltar coroner and Stipendiary magistrate Charles Pitto, a second cousin of Vicious, explains how the young Charlie Ritchie ended up in England by chance. “Sid’s grandad Charlie was my grandmother’s brother,” he reveals to Gib Rocks. “Charlie was going to go and live in Australia, but apparently he missed the boat when he was running to the North Mole and his friends were waving goodbye as the ship sailed. “He then worked his way to England on a Blands ship where his brother was a trainee officer midshipman.” It was a twist of fate that landed Charlie in Dagenham, Essex in the early 1920s. Times were hard, with Charlie taking a number of jobs, including working on the construction of Battersea Power Station. Eventually, he found work along with thousands of other local men and women at the vast Dagenham Ford car factory. A left-wing activist, he took part in marches with his well-spoken wife Maggie and became a paid-up member of the Communist Party. “He wasn’t exactly one of Stalin’s bosom mates, but he read the Morning Star,” recalls Pitto. “I remember him telling me how he watched the dog fights during the Battle of Britain in the back garden.” Maggie and Charlie had their first son, George, around 1921. John, Sid’s father, came next. John Ritchie, a keen musician, played trombone in the British Army, where he

Holidays in the

SEXED UP: (From left to right) Vicious in controversial Swa

is also believed to have been a stretcher bearer. According to Johnny Rotten in Julien Temple’s documentary The Filth and The Fury, Ritchie was on guard inside Buckingham Palace as his son Sid and the Sex Pistols signed their A&M recording contract at the palace gates in 1977. This, however, is not true, insists Pitto. “John had left the army long before that,” he reveals. After joining the army, John Ritchie met Sid’s mum, Anne Beverley. She had joined the RAF at a young age, although the young woman from a troubled background struggled with military life. Following Sid’s birth, the couple decided to move to Ibiza, which already had a reputation for bohemian decadence. However, at some point, Anne and John split up and were never reconciled. According to reports, Anne eked out a living on the Balearic island with her two-year-old son Sid by petty drug dealing and working as a typist. Her chaotic lifestyle eventually led to her desperately seeking John Ritchie’s family in Gibraltar for help to get home to England. One day, Anne and Sid arrived at the frontier. “She gave the border guards the name of one of John’s uncles, Hector Ritchie, who was then a harbour pilot,” says Pitto. “In those days if you were an unlikely looking character and you possibly had no money and would be more trouble than you’re worth more often than not they would say ‘no’, can’t come in. “Hector ‘as ever’ sorted them out and took them in. He had a heart of gold. When nobody had money he always had a fiver in his pocket. “He took Anne home and bought CAPTION

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astika t-shirt, with the Pistols and his mother Anne

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her and young Sid a passage to England. “Hector’s contacts would have been maritime so it might have been a boat rather than a plane.” Growing up in England, the teenage Sid (known to his London mates as John) would form part of a four-strong gang called the Johns. Among them, was John Lydon, soon to be known as Johnny Rotten. It was Lydon who christened his friend Sid Vicious after a pet hamster. When the Sex Pistols stormed onto the scene, Vicious became their number-one fan. He even invented punk’s trademark pogo dance, which our very own Fabian Picardo could be seen imitating at this year’s National Day. The band’s debut album Never Mind the Bollocks, was a blast of anger at the state of 1970s Britain. Strikes, riots, race hate, the three-day week and the festering sore of Northern Ireland had produced a climate of hopelessness. “The germ of the Sex Pistols generated from that. England was in a state of social upheaval,” explained Lydon later. “People were fed up with the old way. And we managed to offend all the people we were fucking fed up with.” Sid was drafted into the band after original bassist Glen Matlock was sacked. Controversy dogged their every move. Members of the band were even physically attacked. Meanwhile, Sid’s father John had married a Madrileno named Pilar and settled as a furniture salesman in Watford. It’s believed he was unaware of his son’s newfound notoriety until one evening when he was watching television. “One day John was watching the news either when Sid died or just before,” said Pitto. “He is watching the outside steps of a VICIOUS: In Ibiza New York police station when a woman suddenly walks down the stairs. “It was Sid mother. He said, ‘Bloody hell that’s Anne’.” Anne was to die of a drugs overdose herself in 1996. Pitto, a model of respectability, says people struggle to believe him when he lets slip who his infamous cousin is. “You look at me and I’ve always been in a suit,” he said. “People tend to be surprised. But it would be such an outlandish lie it would have to be true.” This article first appeared in Gib Rocks, a new quarterly magazine published in conjunction with the Olive Press - Winter issue due out in November

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Chloe Glover takes a look at the fierce females making waves in Spain

Isabel Ambrosio, mayor of Córdoba Despite being born in Madrid, PSOE party member Ambrosio has dedicated most of her working life to the people of Andalucia. Prior to ascending to mayor, she has focused on disability, business, tourism and sport.

Fatima Banez, minister of employment and social security, Huelva High-flying Fatima Banez was previously an economist and lawyer before turning to politics.The PP member has been widely credited with having reduced Spanish unemployment, from a high of 27.16% in 2013 to 18.9% in 2016.

Rocío González Torres, fighter pilot, Sevilla One of only four female Spanish military pilots and the only one who has flown for over 1,000 hours, Gonzalez has truly reached for the skies. One of her completed solo missions was a dangerous, unarmed flight over Libya during the country’s 2011 civil war.

Andalucia’s most powerful women

HEY say that behind every successful man is a woman. But respected national newspaper El Mundo’s has just mapped out Spain’s 500 women it

believes are the most powerful in their own right. Here the Olive Press shines a light on the strong Andalucian women who have made it onto the 2016 list.

Household names

El Mundo’s list contains many names that should be well known to all. Keep your eye on the following in 2017.

Leonor Borbon, Princess of Asturias

the Tous Designer House.

Lovely Pepa (Alexandra Pereira), fashion blogger With 1.3 million Instagram followers, Pereira is one of the most influential online fashion writers around.

2016 has proved to be a transformational year for this future queen, if El Mundo’s opinion is anything to go by. They said she has blossomed from a child into a princess.

Ana Pastor, president of Congress This PP heavyweight also has a degree in medicine and surgery and used to be the minister of health.

Penelope cruz, actress and model Surely no introduction is needed for Spain’s most famous export. 2016 saw her star in three filmsZoolander no.2, Grimsby and La reina de España.

Sandra Ortega Mera, shareholder in Inditex

Soroya Saenz de Santamaria, vice president of the government

Worth 7.5 million, she is the oldest daughter of Amancio Ortega, the creator of Inditex. Yayo Herrero, ex-head of Ecologistas en Accion Herrero has been described as the Spanish Naomi Klein thanks to her inexhaustible social activism.

This former state lawyer has held this top post since November.

Mireia Belmonte, Olympic champion swimmer

Eugenia Martinez de Irujo, 12th Duchess of Montoro

A freestyle, butterfly and medley expert, she became the first Spanish woman to win an Olympic swimming gold medal when she won the 200-meter butterfly at the 2016 event.

An aristocrat and socialite, who works for

Susana Diaz, president of Andalucía She has allegations of corruption hanging over her head. But unbelievably, this was not enough to keep Diaz off this year’s list. The controversial socialist politician is tipped to become the next leader of PSOE.

Natalia de Molina, actress, Linares Jaen The second youngest on the list, 25-year-old Molina is a well-known face in Spanish cinema, TV and theatre. She won her first Goya award for best newcomer in 2014 for her role in Vivir es fácil con los ojos cerrados. She was awarded another for best actress this year and has gained a string of other prizes.

Sara Mesa, novelist, Sevilla Mesa was named winner of the renowned Premio Ojo Crítico last year for her book Cicatriz. She has penned half a dozen successful novels, short stories and a book of poems.

Marina del Corral Tellez, government general secretary of immigration and emigration, Velez-Malaga Corral studied law at the University of Granada before becoming a professional specialising in EU law and rights of societies and markets. She also currently holds the post of vice president of the General Council of Spanish Citizenship Abroad and president of the labour commission. She is also involved in the NGO Cipie, which helps Latin Americans living in Spain.

Carmen Sanchez-Cortes secretary of state justice, Sevilla

Carolina Marin, badminton star, Huelva Ranked number one in the world, badminton players come no better than Marin. The 23-year-old, the youngest on our list, won her first women’s singles gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She was the first Spaniard to win the BWF World Championships and the Grand Prix Gold title.

A former law student, Sanchez held dozens of high-ranking government posts before ascending to her current role. She was also the administrative director of the Instituto Nacional de Meteorología.

Ana Ferrer García, Magistrada de la Sala de lo Penal del Tribunal Supremo, Linares Jaen Not long after beginning her career in the court rooms of Juzgados de Primera Instancia and Instruc-

Pilar Aranda, president of the Universidad de Granada Illustrious Aranda is a leading brain in the field of physiology but also has a background in pharmacy and sports science. Through her career, she has worked in universities around Spain and in Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador. One of her latest focuses has been on digestive health and nutrition.

ción in Linares that fast-climbing Ferrer was called up to preside over courts in Madrid. She made history in 2014 when she became the first woman to be elected to the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court.

Carmen Thyssen, art collector with museum in Malaga Although not a resident of Andalucia,multi-millionaire art collector Thyssen has strong links to the region thanks to her eponymous art museum in Malaga. Her fortune is today estimated to total €900,000,000.

Cristina de Parias, director of BBVA Spain, Sevilla Despite studying law at the University of Sevilla, Parias found her calling in banking. She was recognised for helping the bank gain a place in the Great Place to Work rankings of 2016. Prior to moving to BBVA she worked at Banco Español de Crédito, Citibank y Argentaria.

Maria Angeles Carmon, head of the Observatorio contra la Violencia Doméstica del Consejo General del Poder Judicial, Sevilla Carmona has been fighting to stop gender violence in Andalucia since she became a judicial secretary in 1994. She has worked in courts in Sevilla and is a key policy maker regarding school safety.

Missed off Shockingly, many worthy Andalucian names did not appear in this year’s El Mundo list. We pay tribute to some of them here.

María Pujol, triathlete, Sevilla

At the tender age of 10, Pujol had already won dozens of regional and national contests. She is now a multi-time national competition winner and was named in the 2014’s Las Top 100 Mujeres Líderes en España.

Mercedes Alaya, judge, Sevilla

Alaya is best known for presiding over the billion euro ERE fraud case that involved the siphoning of money from public funds. She is also known for working on a case involving embezzlement of funds through the sale of the Real Betis Balompié football team.

Isabel Guirao, social activist, Almeria

Guirao is behind a huge drive to change how Spain cares for those with learning disabilities.

Ana Bella Estevez, social activist, Sevilla

Estevez created Fundación Ana Bella after being subject to abuse by her own husband. She helps and empowers women who have experienced maltreatment.

Celia Jimenez Caballero

Jimenez was the first Andalucian woman to receive an illustrious Michelin star, which she earned while chef de partie at Marbella’s El Lago in 2002. She now has her own restaurant in Cordoba.

Concha Lopez Narvaez, Sevilla

This accomplished children’s author has written enough books to stock a small library on their own.

Elvira Navarro, novelist Huelva Philosophy graduate Navarro was named as one to watch early on in her career, following the release of her first novel La ciudad en invierno. Since then, the 37-year-old has published five more novels and contributed to an impressive amount of collective works. Some of her books have been translated into six different languages.

Reyes Hellin, Sevilla Spain’s milliner par excellence was born and made in Sevilla. Her landmark shop in the city also stocks brands by some of the most soughtafter designers in the world.

María Teresa Campos, journalist presenter, Malaga Although now based in Madrid, Campos made Malaga her home for several years. She studied philosophy at the university before going onto become a household name, thanks to her starring roles in dozens of TV news programmes.

Magdalena Trillo, director of Granada Hoy Tenacious Trillo started at the paper back in 2003, when she was named its head of culture. She has also worked at Ideal newspapers in Granada and Jaen and has also taken part in TV and radio debates.

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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Property

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‘Brexit, what Brexit?’

DUPED house buyers may be able to reclaim millions thanks to a new ruling. Several Malaga judges have agreed that banks should return €2 million worth of depositsThe paidOlive by some of Press 100 aggrieved parties to developers such as Aifos, news in Spain! whichTOP neverfor built the homes it promised. The decision comes after a battle by law firms, who say that their clients have lost a combined total of €5 million. THE property market in Gibraltar has Their argument relied on a remained ‘quite robust’ since the Brexit specific law which places a referendum, a leading expert has said. responsibility on banks used Chestertons Gibraltar’s managing director to hold deposits to pay out if Mike Nicholls revealed the number of new the developer does not com- visitors to the company’s website was up plete and deliver the build. 42% on the same six-month period in 2015. Last month, a judge ordered The Rock is seen as a ‘safe haven’ by ‘inBanco Popular to refund vestors, relocating executives and high €227,000 to a British couple net worth individuals’ since the crunch vote to leave the EU, said Nicholls. due to the same law.

Money talks Do exchange rates really affect demand?

INCE that indescribably foolish day in June, agents, property pundits and others, including myself, have been blaming any apparent drop in demand by British buyers, at least partially, on the variation in the exchange rate of pound to euro. Yes, there has been a drop in the pound’s value, which makes property buying in the euro zone more expensive for sterling buyers. But hold on a second, haven’t we been at these levels before and the demand has continued? And has demand really fallen? Dealing with the latter, undoubtedly, Survey Spain has seen a drop in the number of pre-acquisition building surveys since the beginning of the year. I feel that this can be a guide to the number of buyers who are considering purchasing a property. It slowed over the couple of months before June, dropped to almost nothing during the week after the vote, but then picked up and has continued at a lower level over the last few months. Not everyone gets their property inspected, on which they can be spending millions, but then ‘easy come, easy go’! The prudent person knows that armed with a comprehensive report on the condition of the property they can get a substantial and justifiable discount in the price. It’s a no brainer in two ways. ‘No brainer’ not to do it and a buyer shouldn’t really have to use his/her brain to see the benefits of a survey. We have so many clients who have saved many times our fee in price reduction. You’ve only to look at our testimonials page on

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Gibraltar are in Spain and ESTATE agents up for the busiest July on lining themselves put purrecord. British buyers EU It comes as some due to the forthcoming chases on holdJune 23. referendum on Olive Press spoke to conMost agents the various sales currently firmed they had the result, despite the ‘paused’ awaiting remaining strong. British market that the exThe majority believe to stay in Europe pected result - pound strength- will lead to the hot summer of ening with a red sales to follow. at Holmes Sotois Ben Bateman, the referendumfor property fund A HUGE US million on three grande, described ‘pause for thought splashing €45Sol developments. lead up as a due to concerns over new Costa del bosses behind British buyers’ The American Solutions have the weak pound.vote however, we expect to a sudReal Capital sizeable plots in “After a remain to the year - and snapped up see a strong finish from British buyers,” he and Benahavis Estepona, Mijas den wave of bids to look at further and continue gone one step told the Olive Press. the coast. Gibraltar has extra staff for opportunities along One agent in based in Marbella employing The company, further actually has five othSammy Cruz-Armstrong already director 2013, to Brexit, since July. Savills including The is on hold due in Europe er developments, said: “Everything we will stay Retreat, in Elviria. in July to deal but I am convinced on extra staff and am taking deluge of business.” with the expected Scott Marshall of ProperBenahavis agent

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Spanish around €86 mil“We have spent and have a fund lion here so far to spend,” exof €100 million Partner Peter plained Managing Colorado. Wells, based in the largest devel“We are one of del Sol and opers on the Costa is on distressed our emphasis properties.” we do things He added: “Also always try and transparently and and quality.” deliver on price which made hunThe company - buying and selldreds of millionsproperties in the ing distressed working out of US - has 16 staff Plaza. its office at Centro Cox, added: to Local boss Taylor really starting “The coast is it’s a pleasure to come alive and part of the live in such a beautiful world.”

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pause as described the tieSpain, meanwhile, of the uncertainty ‘very psychological’. combination of He said: “It’s a exchange rate right now.” curof sales the vote and the have a couple more. While many agents unsome have seen rently on hold, ten sales currently on hold “We have up to said Victor Witkowski, til after the referendum,” in Manilva. but boss of Castles, necessarily pulling out, hap“Buyers are not their time to see what they are biding Hamilton, also pens.” agent, Shani are Fellow Manilva but added: “We as as soon confirmed a slowdown, influx of business predicting a huge a decision is made.”

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this month statistics out and Either way, official market remains strong their confirm the British continue to look for tens of thousands that fordream home. Mark Stucklin insists 16% Respected analystSpanish property was up eign demand for with Brits the biggest group in the first quarterat 22% of the market share.for of foreign buyersdominate the foreign market of a notice“The British still is no evidence said. he property and there demand as yet,” able decline in everyone is suffering. And certainly not Govier of Inland Andalucia the One agent, Graham impact’ at all during has seen ‘no negative are extremely referendum lead-up. opposite. Prices as “In fact it is the and we are selling two times cheap right now as we were last year,” he said.of many propertiessalesman Paul - already a bit sevHe added: “My - has just completed his a local celebrity sale and people are buying enth consecutive see that the incredible deals because they can for them forever,” he added. last won’t wait around in the Olive Press nine properPaul made headlines sold an impressive year when he

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BE ‘APPY! A SPANISH construction firm has begun building homes on rooftops due to a lack of space in the country’s major cities. La Casa por el Tejado said its business is booming and more than 4,000 buildings which have available rooftops to build appfound. now and on haveDownload already our been begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

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Gibraltar market ‘quite robust’ in 2016, says Chestertons MD

“The impact of Brexit is an issue occupying the minds of virtually everyone connected with Gibraltar, it is worth noting that nowhere in Europe is escaping the uncertainty that Brexit creates,” said Nicholls. “Gibraltar is small and the ability to react quickly whilst in unchartered waters is a key strength of this jurisdiction.” Last month, the Gibraltar International Bank moved into the buy-to-let market,

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ALL PROPERTY RICS BUILDING SURVEYORS & MATVALUERS TERS

our website to see the truthFor of that. peace of mind follow Back to exchange rates! I’ve done a wee bit ofrules these property buying research. Has the pound really been exceptional in its variation this year? I compared it to the curFind Your rencies of the other non-euro buyers andProperty here is a chart of the findings Variation in monthly average exchange rate from the beginning to the end of 2016 (26th DecemInstruct Instruct ber) Building Surveyor Lawyer So the answer has to be ‘Yes’. Over the year all except the Chinese Yuan have risen in strength compared to the Euro, whilst over the year the pound has dropped. Now we know there Buy withwhy Knowledge & Confidence are all those Scandi buyers out there! Ten years ago, when the market was close to it’s top, the rate was 1.49€ euro to 1 British Pound. That compares to 1.175€ euro+34 on952December 26 this 923 520 Connect with us! year, a difference of 21%.admin@surveyspain.com So, a house at the surveyspain.com same price then and now, will be 21% more. But this hasn’t been the first drop in the comparative value of sterling and demand by UK buyers has been pretty steady over the last 10 years. In December 2008, you could only get 1.04€ euro for your pound, so on that basis it’s risen by 13%. Since then, the average exchange rate has been 1.212€ euro to the pound. Aren’t statistics great! So, in summary, we are only 3% less than the average for the last 8 years and 13% better than the worst. So, what’s all the fuss about? Armed with this information, which I’ll be telling all my clients, buyers should stop dithering, get out there and ‘Just Do it!’ – after instructing a ‘money saving’ survey of course!

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with low interest rates continuing to boost interest, despite the uncertainty of what Brexit will mean. “At Chestertons, we leave 2016 with a strong pipeline of business. “Brexit, what Brexit?” It sounds arrogant, but so far that is our experience and we hope it continues. “I am pleased to report that the Gibraltar property market remains, for now, quite robust.”

OVER three quarters of Spanish homes are not accessible for disabled people. Spain’s statistics office INE revealed that 77% are not suitable for people with physical impairments, following a campaign by charitable groups ONCE and Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad. It means that a lot of work needs to be done by property owners, who must make their buildings accessible by next December 4 to comply with the law that was passed in 2013.

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Flying high SPAIN’S new foreign minister has said Brexit will affect Gibraltar’s relationship with the EU. BEwill‘APPY! MORE cheap flights be put Alfonso Dastis Quecedo referred to Gibraltar on from Manchester airport to Gibraltar in summer 2017. The new Tuesday flight will increase the number of weekly trips to five during the season.

as a ‘colony’ during his first address to Spain’s Congress since he took office in November. Dastis said: “When we joined the EU there was a bilateral agreement between the UK and

Spain to address the issue of Gibraltar. “There will have to be one when it comes to Brexit if Gibraltar wants to have some sort of future relationship, whatever it may be, with the EU.” He also backed last month’s Spanish parliamentary motion calling for party consensus on

Gibraltar. “We understand, perfectly, that we must have the agreement of all political forces in order to regain the sovereignty of Gibraltar,” he said, “Our efforts must also have as a focus the interests of Spanish workers in Gibraltar and the socio-economic development of the Campo de Gibraltar.”

GSD slams Hong Kong office cost

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begin supenjoying the best Spanish EMERGENCY salad newsinto on the go. plies are to be flown England from the US, after freak floods and heavy rains hit crops in south Spain. Murcia usually provides 80% of supplies in Britain each winter.

Power house

Firm pulls out of The Olive Press Gibraltar move URANIUM supplies in Spain are to be used to power new newsover Brexit fears TOPafor in Spain! wave of nuclear reactors in Europe. A mine in Salamanca is rich in the element, which is needed to create nuclear energy.

Checking out ICONIC Spanish hotels have been sold by hotelier Merlin Properties to a French company for €535 million. The NH Collection in Madrid are two of the 19 hotels sold to reduce the company’s debts.

THE GSD has criticised the £400,000 annual cost of maintaining Gibraltar’s office in Hong Kong. It comes after it was revealed a Hong Kong firm has pulled out opening an office on the Rock because of fears over Brexit. The opposition accused the government of ‘throwing money away’ after Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia revealed the cost in a parliamentary exchange.

PRICE: £400,000 a year spent in Hong Kong But GSD MP Elliott Phillips accused No.6 of giving ‘jobs for the boys’ after GSLP supporter Jason Cruz was in-

stalled in Hong Kong. Phillips said: “I have asked the Minister on several occasions to demonstrate what

tangible benefits to our community have been directly or indirectly attributable in the region. “To date we have received an incoherent ‘marketing speak’ type reply which does very little to reassure the business community or the ordinary man in the street that we are getting value for money. “ It is time to rethink how we direct our finite resources to creating real opportunities for Gibraltar and not continue to throw money away on jobs for the boys.” The government has claimed the Hong Kong base has attracted business ‘up and down Main Street’.

Waging war A POLITICAL row has broken out over a 28% pay rise for Gibraltar’s top two civil servants. GSD MP Roy Clinton said the hike to £157,978 for the principal auditor and chief secretary stood in stark contrast to a 2.75% increase across the public sector. But Chief Minister Fabian Picardo accused Clinton of being ‘an enemy of the civil service’. “He [Clinton] has declared himself today an enemy of the civil service,” Mr Picardo told parliament. “Most of the people I know are on very low salaries. None of them disrespect the Chief Secretary in the way he has today.” Picardo claimed the rise stemmed from the GSD bumping up GHA chief executive Dr. David McCutcheon to £106,000 in 2004, despite an agreement that the chief secretary would be Gibraltar’s highest paid civil servant.

Property AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Executing wills What are the legal requirements when left in charge after someone’s death?

NDER Spanish laws executors who are named in a will –and do not renounce to their appointment within 6 days of being informed - have certain legal obligations they need to fulfil. Article 902 of the Spanish Civil Code orders executors to fulfil the following duties: • Pay funeral expenses in accordance to the will or, in the absence of a disposition to the effect, following the custom of the village. • Distribute ‘cash sum’ legacies, with the knowledge and acceptance of the inheritors. • Supervise over any other wishes contained in the will. • Take the necessary steps to secure and conserve the estate. These legislated duties coexist with many others not specifically contemplated by law but extensively accepted by case law:

• •

Collecting debts and share dividends. Renting out inheritable property for a duration not exceeding that of the term of appointment. • Taking an inventory of the deceased’s possessions and debts. • Giving beneficiaries notice of acceptance/repudiation of inheritance. • Similarly to other countries, the role of executor is gratuitous: he/she is not entitled to be paid unless the will specifies otherwise although costs incurred in by an executor can be claimed. Executors can be made responsible for negligence in the provision of the services, where losses have occurred. Claims made against executors have to prove such losses. Finally, the appointment of executor will finalize by expiration of his term, renunciation, death or removal through Court action.

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BREXIT Bulletin

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Dark times THE UK will suffer a ‘decade of disruption’ thanks to Brexit, a new report has warned. The IPPR think tank has warned that a slowing economy and an ageing population will bring ma-

Think tank warns of a bleak ten year fall out following the June 23 result jor negative changes. The decision to leave the EU, it says, has delivered

a ‘profound shock’ to the UK’s political and economic order which looks

Brief By Charles Gomez

How the EU may have been holding us back

DO EU REALLY NEED IT?

iddle of December 2016. The Gomez annual pilgrimage to London; Harrods, the Christmas lights of Oxford Street and most importantly to me, Mass at Westminster Cathedral. The children have grown up and I am accompanied by Mrs Gomez. I lived in England for five years in the late 1970's and have been visiting the ‘Mother Country’ several times a year for the last four decades. If you want to know what freedom of movement and immigration are in practice then forget all the learned articles and burn your books; travel to London and see for yourself. There may be more cosmopolitan cities in the world but the current demographics of London (Sadiq Khan, Mayor) are a wonder to behold. In the shops and restaurants, attentive eastern Europeans prevail. The only cockney accents that I heard were in the taxis where all the drivers were united in their condemnation of Transport for London's apparently disastrous idea of criss-crossing the capital with bicycle lanes. It occurred to me that the notion that post-Brexit, hundreds of thousands of recent EU immigrants would have to go home is one of the most preposterous notions of recent times. It just ain't going to happen. London is the economic beating heart of the United Kingdom (top of the range sports cars everywhere) and it would suffer a coronary but for the legions of Slavic workers that currently keep it going. So what is my point? I have come to a conclusion that the EU is not essential in order to ensure good relations among the European family of nations. I do not believe that the EU has been responsible for keeping the peace after the Second World War. That peace was the product of exhaustion after the murderous brutality of European wars in the industrial age and the consequent rejection of jingoism. Europeans want to continue to work and live with each other regardless of the Brussels regime. Of course, the EU has assisted countries such as Spain to update their infrastructures. It has done a similar job in friendly neighbouring countries such as Morocco particularly in terms of the building of highways. However, all told one does not associate the EU with the thrusting new economic blocks such as China and India. This really is very

odd given that traditionally, Britain, France, Italy and Germany have always been at the forefront of technological innovation. By rights, therefore the EU should be beating the US, India and China hands down. Instead European economies are for the most part in the doldrums, work ethic seems to be so poor that even in the fatherland of industry and efficiency that is Germany, Chancellor Merkel trumpeted that not just a million but any number of immigrants were required to keep her country going. What does this all tell you? Does it not suggest that it may be the EU that has held Europe back? These are sobering thoughts and propositions that we need to start considering carefully as 2017 unfolds. Separations are often traumatic but in terms of the referendum it could well be that the dismantling of the EU as we know it could well be a liberation, a release of the pent-up energies of the European people and an opportunity. Of course the disentangling of 44 years of legal and political connections is going to be difficult but it is absurd to think that it cannot be done. The latest offering from ‘Project Fear’ is that Theresa May wants Britain to withdraw from the European Convention of Human Rights. Yet it should not be forgotten that the 1952 Convention was principally drafted by common law lawyers to reflect centuries old British jurisprudence. Why should withdrawal from the ECHR be such a calamity? The grey men and women of the EU will rue the day that they rejected David Cameron's proposals for reform and sent him packing. Closer to home (our home) I trust that Gibraltar, the Junta, London and the Spanish central government will be able to work out a modus vivendi that allows Gibraltar, the Campo and the Costa Del Sol not just to survive the coming changes but to make the very best of one of the most strategic and well resourced regions in Europe. History will judge politicians on all sides very harshly indeed if they are not able to make the best of the current situation. Indeed, voters across Europe are already showing dangerous signs that they have lost faith in the political class. This is their opportunity to shine.

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

likely to set the UK on a path of permanently lower growth and living standards. The country’s rapidly ageing population will only exacerbate the impact, with the number of people aged 65 and over projected to rise by over a third by the end of the next decade, placing added strains on the state. “Brexit is the firing gun on a decade of disruption,” the report said.

Struggle

“Even as what we do and how we work changes, the UK is likely to remain trapped in a low growth, low interest rate decade driven by demographic shifts, productivity trends, weak investment, weak labour power, high levels of debt, and the headwinds of a slowing global economy. “Without reform, our political and social system will struggle to build a more democratic, healthy society in the decades ahead, even as Brexit accelerates us towards a radically different institutional landscape.”

Laugh it off A JOKE about Brexit has been voted the best modern cracker joke in a competition for amateur comedians. The winning submission from Laura McDon, who received a €1,750 holiday voucher, read: How will Christmas dinner be different after Brexit? No Brussels. Critic Bruce Dessau, who headed the judging panel, said: “One thing the British will always be good at is finding the funny side to almost any situation, and it’s no surprise that Brexit featured as one of the dominant topics of this year’s jokes.”

Head in the clouds FABIAN Picardo is living ‘up in the clouds’ when it comes to his Brexit expectations, Spain’s Partido Popular has claimed. Antonio Sanz, the Spanish government’s Andalucian representative, insisted that Madrid’s co-sovereignty proposal was ‘the only realistic solution’ for the Rock to face the challenges posed by the UK’s EU departure. He said: “Mr Picardo is still living in the clouds thinking that what is impossible is possible. “We have to push ahead with the co-sovereignty proposal, which together with a development plan for the Campo de Gibraltar represents a great opportunity.” He added that Spain was committed to investing in the Campo to counteract the impact of Brexit on the area.

Leavers’ remorse SOME 4% of Leave voters regret their decision to leave the EU, a new poll has revealed. The YouGov survey asked participants what the best and worst events of 2016 were. Three per cent of people who voted for Ukip in the last general election also said the nation's Brexit decision was the worst event of the year, according to the survey of 1,649 UK adults, carried out on 11 and 12 December. Some 17% of leavers picked the election of Donald Trump while 12% cited the carnage of the Syrian civil war.

May blast

JEREMY Corbyn has compared Theresa May to an ‘autocratic’ Henry VIII while blasting her refusal to promise Parliament a vote on the final Brexit deal. The Labour leader said any attempt by May to bypass British MPs would be ‘extraordinary’, especially given that parliaments in other EU states will get to vote on the package Corbyn said: “It would have to come to Parliament. “She cannot hide behind Henry VIII and the divine rights of the power of kings on this one.” He added: “The idea that on something as major as this the Prime Minister

would use the royal prerogative to bypass Parliament is extraordinary – I don’t know where she’s coming from.” His comments came after May, while being questioned during a select committee, refused to commit herself to granting Parliament a vote on the final deal expected in 2019.

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Paella star wars HOLLYWOOD actor Rob Schneider is the latest celeb to make the schoolboy error of putting his own spin on the classic paella. The Deuce Bigalow star tweeted a picture of his take on the traditional dish on Christmas day, which included giant lobsters and clams, only to feel the wrath of unimpressed Spaniards. “Dude, that paella is a 2.5/10 quality. Come to Spain to taste the REAL ONE,” Spanish Youtuber LibertyMario sniped at Schneider, before later downgrading his rating to an even more brutal 0.033/10. Another Tweeter claimed Schneider’s ‘paella’ was not worthy of the label, tweeting: “This is not paella: this is rice with things.” While journalist Manolo Montalt added:“If this is paella, my balls are carnations.” “What?! You forgot the chorizo!!” joked one reply, making reference to Jamie Oliver’s now infamous take on the dish which included the Valencian no-no of chorizo.

Sotogrande school pupil chosen to star in RTVE 1’s Junior Masterchef A BUDDING expat chef has become a cooking star after competing in Spain’s Junior Masterchef. Oscar Jefferson, who studies at Sotogrande International School, earned a place in the latest series of the RTVE 1 show only two years after moving from England. The nine-year-old beat hundreds of other wannabe chefs to win a place in the TV contest thanks to his culinary prowess. He put his best recipes to the test, including his fish ceviche

January 4th - January 17th 2017

Cooking up a storm and prawn vol au vents, which he worked in a team to create. His journey may have been cut short when he was voted out by judges in the second round but fans were quick to name him in a poll as the contestant they most wanted to see return. Commenting on his efforts, school spokesman Sophie Tilley said: “He and his brother arrived two years ago without knowing a word of Spanish. Together they have worked hard to learn the language and under“In this way, at long last, the stand and inname of the brand will be writtegrate into the ten as it is pronounced,” the Spanish culstatement read. ture. Spanish media ran with the “As you can ‘story’, provoking furore among see, his hard Spaniards. work and comThe statement had been remitment have leased a day early and was really paid meant to be a joke for the mornoff.” ing of December 28th, which is El Día de los Inocentes, Spain’s version of April Fools Day.

Blunder King BURGER King’s ‘Spanish April Fool’s Day’ prank backfired after the spoof press release was distributed on the wrong day. The fast food giant broke the ‘news’ that it would be changing its name to ‘Burguer King’ following ‘years of mispronunciation’ from Spaniards. It explained that it had decided ‘to turn the situation around and be the ones to make the change’

19 19

Sherry shun

IT used to be granny’s favourite Christmas tipple, but UK drinkers are calling time on Spanish sherry. Sales of fortified wines in Britain have more than than halved in the last decade. The number of bottles sold has plummeted from 22 million in 2005 to just 10 million last year, according to The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA). Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the WSTA, called for a tax cut on imported wine. “Whether it’s the sherry shared as an aperitif or left out for Santa, a port to accompany the cheese course at the end of Christmas lunch or vermouth shaken or stirred in a classic martini – these drinks have been enjoyed by the British for centuries,” he said. “It would be incredibly sad to see the British traditions associated with these drinks, which have been passed down through the generations, disappear.” Fortified wine duty has risen by 53% since 2007, adding a pound to a bottle of sherry. However, fine sherries like fino and manzanilla have seen their popularity grow among younger drinkers in recent years. Sainsbury’s reported sales of premium sherries were up 14% from last year.

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Food, drink & travel

January 4th - January 17th 2017

Truly delicious dozen and two clear winners Chloe Glover goes on a tour of Andalucia’s Michelin-starred restaurants

PAIN’S foodie firmament is glittering more brightly since Michelin conferred three-star status on yet another of its restaurants in its prestigious 2017 guide to the world’s top tables. The anointing of Martín Berasategui’s Barcelona joint Lasarte with a triple star gives Spain the most threestarred restaurants in Eu-

rope, after France (25) and Germany (10) and ahead of Italy (8) and the UK (4). And Andalucia can share in the limelight, thanks to the presence of 13 establishments that have retained a prestigious one or two-star rating from the illustrious guide, and a newcomer to the posh pack. Noor, in Cordoba, has won another star for the city Restaurant Choco also has one - thanks to ambitious local chef Paco Morales, who won his first at tennis ace Juan Carlos Ferrero’s hotel in Valencia. Trained with the best of the best at El Bulli and Mugaritz, 35-year-old Morales has been awarded

for bringing the Moorish cuisine of Al Andaluz out of the shadows at Noor, which means ‘light’ in Arabic. If that’s whetted your ap-

Aponiente, El Puerto de Santa Maria

Abantal, Sevilla

Well-established but well off Sevilla’s beaten tourist track, it’s worth going out of your way for Abantal. And with Sevilla-trained Julio Fernandez Quintero at the helm, it’s a homegrown success story – just like the sea and mountain produce that stars on his menus. Current delights include red tuna with fried tomatoes, pepper gel, roasted garlic and basil, and Iberian ham marinated with truffled cream of roasted pumpkin, mushrooms, grapefruit and lime.

Dani Garcia, Marbella

The wunderkind of Andalucian cuisine continues his class act at Marbella’s Hotel Puente Romano. The region’s top produce plays a starring role in his increasingly inventive repertoire, such as his knockout prawn gazpacho and a tocino de cielo with a mango twist. Look out for more Asian flavours, Dani promises, following his trip to The Philippines earlier in the year.

Angel León, better known as Spain’s Chef of the Sea, is renowned for his prodigious technical ability and reverence for ocean produce which culminates in cuisine that leaves no one missing meat. His restaurant recently moved to stunning new premises in an 18th-century flour mill overlooking the salt marshes.

petite, check out our guide to all Andalucia’s one- and two-starred restaurants that made the cut. It’s a star trek!

Acanthum, Huelva

Restaurateur Xanty Elías is responsible for bringing the first Michelin star to Huelva. The passion the young chef has for his work is evident from the title of his ‘Menu 100% Emocion’. Diverse influences have found their way into his dishes, a mix of traditional and exotic offerings ranging from fresh Huelva prawns to coral pate with peanuts.

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Choco, Cordoba

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Kisko Garcia has built up a local reputation, much enhanced with his regular trips abroad to China, the US and France. High on modern technique and one of the best for presentation, his team’s delicate and avant garde dishes look more like works of art than food. Dining in the kitchen will further enhance your experience here.

Right in the port where the boats bring in their morning catch, it’s no surprise that fish and seafood are this restaurant’s strong point. Freshness is guaranteed and, topped off with great presentation and flavour, this young team has gone from strength to strength. Order a la carte or from the two tasting menus, the more pocket-friendly priced at €50 a head.

El Lago, Marbella

One of the home grown success stories of the last decade, El Lago was set up by four friends from Malaga’s celebrated cookery school, La Consula and won its first Michelin star in 2005. The team continues to pile on the surprises with dishes like smoked payoyo goat cheese cream, venison sirloin with roasted pumpkin and pigeon with turnip noodles and pickled beetroot.

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Kabuki Raw Casares

79 Irish Town Tel: 200 75566 Email: corks@gibtelecom.net

This restaurant boasts elegance, distinction and all the gastronomic qualities of the award-winning Kabuki restaurants in Madrid. Expect to find a good choice of Japanese fusion cuisine, spectacularly yet delicately presented like fine art pieces.

Serving the Community since 1988

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La Costa, El Ejido

Ignore the big market town at the heart of Almeria’s famous plasticulture belt, and its modern, purpose-built blocks, but miss La Costa at your peril. Run as a family business, with chef Jose at the helm, the restaurant has just got better and better as the demand for winter vegetables in northern Europe has grown. One of its current landmark dishes is an intriguing courgette millefeuille with pate, boletus mushrooms and salmon.

Jose Carlos Garcia, Malaga

Situated opposite the chic Muelle Uno quay, this glass-fronted eatery has a swish yet chilled-out feel, helped by only having six tables. Its innovative cuisine changes regularly.

Messina, Marbella

Renowned for its highly attentive service. The attractive à la carte menu, featuring an array of delicious, innovative dishes, is tried, tested and well-designed, with recipes originating from Spain, South America and Asia such as the smoked eel with dashi and pork jowl with beans and oriental sauce.

P.S

restaurant | lunch and dinner

Skina, Marbella

Beautifully lit, this cosy and intimate eatery in the heart of Marbella old town can only seat 20 diners in winter time, and just a few more outside in summer. The restaurant´s magic extends to its stunningly-presented food, which blends creative flair with a traditional ingredient base.

Noor, Corboba

Although outside the city’s historic centre, the decor captures the essence of Andalucia’s Moorish heritage and the cuisine is similarly inspired. Modern culinary techniques combine with the flavours, aromas and subtleties of dishes from the area’s past, when the caliphate of Cordoba was at the height of its power. Vegetarians should have no problem finding something to eat here.

Olive Press owner Jon Clarke has beaten the Michelin inspectors to it on a number of occasions while researching restaurants for Dining Secrets of Andalucia (the book and the website. “I wrote about Messina, Choco and La Costa before they got their stars and discovered the future chef of Sollo in Granada’s Algarinejo, writing about him

in my book,” he says. “When I first came here 15 years ago there was only one Michelin-starred restaurant in the whole of Andalucia, which was Dani Garcia’s Tragabuches in Ronda. “That’s why I launched my book to champion all the good places that deserve to be in it. “Now it seems that Michelin is finally catching up .”

Sollo, Fuengirola

Brazilian chef Diego Gallegos is best known as the caviar king and works solely with ecologically-reared river fish, including his favourite species, the Andalucian sturgeon. He is installing fish tanks into the Hilton Hotel-based restaurant to cultivate his own carp, catfish and trout.

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Single pringle

Dating in Marbella is distinctly complicated

OW let’s get this straight before I begin. I am in no way turning into a male Marbella version of Bridget Jones. But as I hurtle towards my 50th I look around at my peers and am struck by the sobering realisation that they are ‘happily married’ while I'm back in the Single Market. It’s hard enough trying to keep a relationship going in Marbella as it is. Because of the inherent distractions involved in life on the coast - nightclubs, great bars and the annual influx of tourists who come for the three S’s (sun, sand and I’ll let you work the other one out) I’ve come up with the following theory. Relationships in Marbella use the

same time scale as dog years. A one-year relationship in Marbella is equal to a seven-year relationship anywhere else. If you travel abroad, you’ll find that the same rule applies in Los Angeles, although with a higher proportion of personal trainers, therapists, feng shui consultants and divorce lawyers involved. I'll keep you posted - it seems to be a jungle out there… During the post Christmas pre-New Year lull I decided to take in a movie at my local cin-

ema. My choices for a no-brains blockbuster over the festive season were the new Stars Wars film Rogue One, Assasins Creed, a film, based on a video game. (I'm eagerly awaiting Sonic The Hedgehog:The Movie in that case) and the new JK Rowling Film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. And it was whilst trying to key in the latter that I unwittingly found myself in a world of trouble I unwittingly slipped in a rogue ‘R’, resulting in Fabulous Breasts and Where to Find them.

Keith’s fountain of eternal life

After the appalling cull of celebrities in 2016, when turning on the radio each morning was akin to wondering which of your favourite characters was about to be killed off in Game of Thrones, I was struck by the thought that either Keith Richards has secretely been nuturing the Fountain of Eternal Life somewhere in his Rock Star mansion, or The Grim Reaper must be scratching his skull and wondering who the hell he picked up in 1973 in mistake for the Rolling Stones wild man...

My poor long suffering laptop went into meltdown as a series of, ahem “Racey” images flooded the screen. Not only that, but pop up adverts have started appearing on my screen. Honestly, I had no idea that there where so many half dressed

Rocking around the Christmas Tree Marbella diaries

By Natalie Rose Kern

housewives within five kilometres dying to meet me. They must be on the far side of the lake, probably close to where the ibex come to graze. I may have to paddle over in the kayak later and investigate further.

In the first of a new monthly column, Natalie Rose Kern remembers the late musical legend, and friend, Rick Parfitt

www.woodfactory.es

n my first entry of the Marbella Diaries, I had planned on telling you about the nightmare that was Christmas. I was going to touch on the dramas and disasters, family feuds and sibling squabbles, the burnt food (I mistook the brussel sprouts for roasted chestnuts such was their charred appearance, which provoked yet another uproar as everyone proceeded to argue about the correct manner to cook sprouts!) I was going to describe the Lego underfoot, the light sabre sword fights, screaming children, mess, noise, mayhem and madness that arose from a week of living with almost all my family for the first time in ten years.

Groupie

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But the chaos of our Christmas was obscured by the sad news that came first on Christmas Eve; Status Quo frontman, Rick Parfitt, had passed away, and then on Christmas Day, George Michael had also departed. Whilst the death of the latter rendered half the household to tears and incited a bout of passionate singing around the kitchen in festive headwear to Wham’s greatest hits, I retreated to the study to dig out an old interview I’d written, and to remember the former, Rick Parfitt. I first met Rick - in the height of my groupie days - backstage before a Status Quo gig in Gibraltar. No press passes had been issued so I’d blagged a ride to Gib with some of the rigging crew and had then hustled to obtain first a ‘Crew’ pass, then a VIP one (imperative for the free bar!) and then of course, the piece de resistance; an ‘Access all Areas’. By now, I’d secreted myself into some of the highest profile dressing rooms in the music industry so I’d concocted a fool proof groupie handbook that never failed me.

GROUPIE: Natalie with Rick (right) her VIP pass (left) and the Status Quo rocker on stage (below)

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1. Short shorts. Whilst I’m the first to call for brains before beauty, I cannot stress enough the success of short shorts in this field - and of course, the shorter the better! 2. A slogan T-shirt. NOT the band’s T-shirt, it shows complete lack of originality, but something funny always works a treat! 3. Brazen outrageousness and a quick wit.

I was armed with all of the above as I rounded the corner to Rick’s

dressing room and introduced touching interview in which he myself, planting a kiss on each of revealed his current dreams, amhis cheeks. He took a step back bitions and priorities...but more to decipher my T-shirt. “When I’m than anything his love for his famgood I’m very, very good!” he ex- ily. My son is close in age to Rick’s claimed. “Well, that’s good then” twins and he happily talked about he chuckled. his own family. “Oh no! You must see the back!” He also waxed lyrical about his I instructed, spinning on my heels life in Andalucia and how much and pulling my hair to one side. he loved it here. “But when I’m bad I’m better!” After reading the interview in full, I he read laughsat for a moment ing heartily. “It’s in sadness and true,” I told him, then closed the “I am!” We chatcomputer and It was a ted and joked; headed back he signed my charmingly honest to the raised T-shirt and CD, voices, yelps and and touching smiled for phoscreams in the interview tos and called kitchen where me a “Cheeky I kissed each little Madam” member of my before sending family. “What’s me off on my merry way to go up with Nat?” my brother hooted. crowd surfing. “Nothing,” I told him, “Others The last time I saw Rick was last aren’t as lucky as us today, that’s spring; I was interviewing him for all.” And with that, I slid my signed a local property magazine about Quo CD into the machine, and the his latest venture, the Guadalmi- whole family chanted a happy, na-based estate agents, Status drunken, chorus of “Rocking all Homes - see story on page 3 - and over the World.” Musician, rocker, he was thoroughly entertaining. legend, husband, father...Sleep It was a charmingly honest and tight, Rick Parfitt.

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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