Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 88 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

FIRED UP: Picardo

Dead as a dodo

As Olive Press publisher Jon Clarke turns 50 we send him for check up

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

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Obesity is on the rise in Spain and will cost the health service billions if not tackled

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Meat retreat

‘Spinach is poison’ - organiser of carnivore weekend away Page 17

A HUGE 80% of men in Spain will be obese or overweight by the year 2030, a new study has warned. According to researchers from the Hospital del Mar Institute of Medical Research (IMIM), women will be less affected, although with a still concerning 55% set to be overweight or obese. The study, published by the Spanish Journal of Cardiology, estimates that in 2016 there were some 24 million overweight adults in Spain, 70% of men and 50% of women. That number is expected to increase by three million if nothing is done to counter the current trends. Obesity is already costing the Spanish health service €1.9 billion per year, but the current projections say this could exceed €3 billion over the next 11 years.

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Epidemic

The principal investigator of the study and director of the Program of Epidemiology and Public Health of the IMIM, Jaume Marrugat, said: “The latest figures illustrate, with little margin of error, the importance of initiating the maximum effort to reverse the growing epidemic of obesity in our society. “It is the only way to reduce the enormous social, health and economic costs that will emerge in the coming years.” Diseases related to being overweight include diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

New year, new me We highlight 8 superfoods you need to try this year Page 24

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Vol. 4 Issue 88 www.gibraltarolivepress.com January 16th - January 29th 2019

CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has blasted attempts to try and threaten the sovereignty of Gibraltar in his New Year’s message. The Rock’s leader used the opportunity to allay Brexit fears, as well as speaking about domestic issues such as the Island Games. “The concept of Joint Sovereignty or any dilution of our sovereignty is a DEAD DUCK,” said Picardo. “It’s as DEAD AS A DODO. “If anyone seriously thinks they can advance the concept of Joint Sovereignty, they are flogging a DEAD HORSE.” Picardo’s strong words come after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, appeared to reopen the subject of Gibraltar’s sovereignty during Brexit negotiations.

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It’s one of the biggest government losses in British history, with 118 of her own Tory MPs voting down her failed Withdrawal Agreement, but is it the end of Theresa May’s Brexit?

Duty bound

“If anyone in Spain, in any part of the political spectrum, believes that we will ever compromise on our sovereignty they are wrong,” Picardo said. On Brexit, the Chief Minister reiterated his own position, wanting to remain in the European Union, along with 96% of the British Overseas Territory. But Picardo added that Gibraltar is ‘duty bound’ to ‘make the most’ of Brexit, which is set to occur on March 29. The Rock’s leader ended his message by saying: “On behalf of my wife Justine and our children, Sebastian, Oliver and Valentina, and on behalf of all of my ministerial colleagues and their families, let me wish you all a very healthy, happy and prosperous 2019.” Key points in Picardo’s message: ●● Gibraltar’s sovereignty is not under question ●● The Civil Service has grown 20% under Picardo ●● Public Sector pay has risen by more than the UK each year under Picardo ●● The Island Games returns to Gibraltar in 2019 ●● There will not be a general election in Gibraltar until after Brexit

Brexit turmoil

BREXIT is in turmoil after the UK government has recorded one of its biggest

parliamentary defeats in modern history. MPs, including 118 Tory

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the opportunity by tabling a vote of no confidence in the government. “This is a catastrophic defeat, the house has delivered its verdict on her deal. Delay and denial has reached the end of the line,” he said. May admitted that a no confidence vote could happen as soon as next Wednesday, but said it did not show what deal MPs were willing to support. The embattled leader added that she would hold talks with the DUP and ‘senior parliamentarians from across the house to identify what will be required to secure support’. Meanwhile, Gibraltar’s Brexit agreements are still not confirmed, following Continues on Page 4

CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Absolute banker THE former head of BBVA José Manuel Villarejo faces espionage charges after documents appear to show that he infiltrated 4,000 phone numbers.

Iron fist MALAGA’S new police commissioner Peña Echevarría has pledged to clamp down on organised crime and gender violence.

Off the rails RAILWAY lines were sabotaged for a sixth time this year in Torrijos on Monday after a train travelling at 150 km/h derailed.

Paedophile ring SEVEN Spaniards are implicated in paedophilia scandal of the Chilean Church after they were accused of raping and abusing minors.

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Not in our name Muslim leader condemns costa terrorist who was ‘ready to attack’ after taking deadly oath A MUSLIM community leader has condemned an alleged ISIS terrorist who was cuffed on the Costa del Sol. President of the Sabinillas mosque, who asked to be referred to as Ahmed, insisted the Moroccan was not part of the local muslim community. “He is not part of Islam and he is not member of this mosque,” he told the Olive Press.

ACCUSED: Troiano

EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith

“Islam is about peace and love, not terrorism.” The 27-year-old suspect, who was arrested during a dawn raid on his Manilva home, had allegedly been in direct contact with the terrorist group and had been planning to head to Syria to join their operation in the

SNARED: Alleged terrorist removed from home civil war there. However he was unable to make the trip due to the group's

Expat ‘involved in taxi scam’ EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

BRITISH pensioners have warned that an expat conwoman could be behind a Costa del Sol taxi scam. The pair, both 75, claim they were confronted by the English woman on the Three Kings bank holiday as they waited for a bus at Arroyo bus stop in Benalmadena. They told the Olive Press the woman, of mixed race, and with a child in her car, told them the buses had been cancelled and they needed to board a shuttle, which was pulled up beside her. She was ‘quite insistent’ and

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Deliver-boo

A JUDGE in has ordered Spain takeaway firm Deliveroo to pay a fine over labour rights it should a for-

have granted EXCLUSIVE mer worker. By Laurence Dollimore

On the up

Expat claims at least one 4x4 is stolen by drug gangs every day

CRIME

Narcos nicked my car

June 6th - June

SPAIN’S service sector has grown

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

AT least one 4x4 car gets stolen by drug every DAY in the traffickers Gibraltar, police Campo de have revealed. It comes after British Andy Mills, 60, had expat san Patrol stolen his Nisfrom outside his home in Los Barrios last weekend. The semi-retired the Guardia CivilBrit called ately after releasingimmedi- Police found the vehicle his car abandoned had vanished. and stuffed full of drugs days later in Se-

Get Corner back

STOLEN: 4x4 and Andy with girlfriend

THE father of missing expat Lisa Brown’s son has appealed a judge’s shock to release the main ruling suspect Simon Corner. Her former partner Tony Tomillero, father to son Marco, is fighting Judge Garcia Ramila’s decision made in San Roque last month. It comes after the judge shelved the two-and-a-half year investigation prime suspect and into the friend, Corner, Lisa’s boyexpat becoming a despite the absconding twice. fugitive and Tomillero who is now the sole carer of their 11-year-old son has requested that appeal the ruling. his lawyer He wants Liverpool-born Corner back inside five others arrestedas well as alleged involvementfor their in the case. Spanish police are still investigating the case regardless of the outcome of the appeal.

at its fastest pace A FAKE taxi which in three months, hasto euro according been robbing peoplesurveys. zone bond market on the Costa del Sol for months Boost villa. has been pictured for the Olive Press. “It was used for a “It’s being THE European the from La Linea,” drug run examined by forensic invesComMills told tigators mission has before they bring first time. it nounced plans anback to me.” EXCLUSIVE: Fake boost spending to Odd-job man Mills in said he It comes after our exclusive Spain, ‘couldn’t taxi alert ference while believe’ the difANOTHER the country still in culture faces double-digit unemLos Barrios and the between last issue - which warned Spanish ployment. villageCONMAN: of Sedella Malaga, where hein inland of the scam - spurred used to live. Bets literon “The White people here hardly ally dozens of expatsSPAIN look or talk to you and has to year-on-year getseen a there’sCitroen been a 27% increase in crimenoticeableand in touch to say they increase in online since we moved here,” he added. hadrevenue gambling “Police(left) told me a our for the first also been tricked. ter, quarstolen by drug 4x4 gets after revenue hit everyday in Lostraffickers €163.3m. Barrios, According to our readers I will original definitely look into moving.” Police story confirmed the Brown Fiat driver, who the last vehicle had beenthat found filled with drugs but detook €77 off tourist John clined issue to comment further. Parker last month, has been operating since at and his wife were waiting least last October. driver pulled up One victim, Robert Taylor for a bus from Fuengirola was working withsaying he the bus to Benalmadena when the company and the police. IRISH holidaymakers con artist operating have warned of a taxi “The guy had a badge John Parker, 73, wason the Costa del Sol. and seemed pretty official fake taxi driver who ‘forced’ to pay €77 by a Press. so we agreed,” Parker told the Olive had previously offered the trip for €6. But when they arrived Parker was approached and Parker’s wife while standing at first left the car, the driver locked the Miraflores bus the doors and parallel parked next to another car jas Costa, waiting stop with his wife in Mi- Parker so ping centre, near to go to La Cañada shop- “He justcouldn’t get out. Marbella. kept demanding A Spanish man purporting €77 and became very aggressive,” he to be sent added. the bus company pulled up in a brownfrom “We thought best to just and told the couple pay him as we were Fiat only here - who were celebrating for a week and didn’t their 50th anniversary want it to - that all buses had ruin our holiday. been cancelled. “We now just want He said he was happy holidaymakers to to warn expats and other to take them avoid shopping centre for the same price to the Parker, who is disabled,scams like these.” bus. as the dent to staff at his hotel, reported the inciwho have now informed police.

Hope for animal charity

June 20th - July 3rd 2018

Cleaning up

19th 2018

This is the brown fake taxi that inside! has scammed dozens of on the Costa del Sol this victimes year

IT has been a tumultuous couple of arm SEPRONA years for Triple A. last year put its future But now Marbella’s longest-running in jeopardy. “There are 43,000 registered animal charity has been thrown a life- in Marbella, dogs line. so Triple abandoned animals is A’s work with The town hall has agreed essential,” said to donate Marbella mayor €30,000 a year to help Mari Angeles tal work it does to take with the vi- The town is now planning Munoz. care of aban- of awareness a series doned animals. campaigns, especially targeting families about It comes after a controversial the issue of raid abandoned animals by the Guardia Civil’s at the end of the environmental summer.

“He said the bus was four hours late and that he had been sent to take us for similar price,” Taylor tolda the Olive Press. “He was driving extremely fast and his meter wasn’t working, so we asked him how much it would be. “He wrote €79 on a piece of paper, at which point we asked to be dropped off at a police station. “He became very aggressive and began lowering the cost before screaming at me to give him €20 and he would let us off there and then.” Fortunately he pulled over

A GERMAN cleaner scooped the largest jackpothas in online gaming history. The lucky lady from Berlin, whose name was given as Christina, won €90 million in the Gibraltar-based Lottoland draw. She had put the bet on the EuroJackpot jackpot via her mobile, choosing the five lucky numbers and the two Euro numbers that bagged her record breaking win. The Berliner found out she had won while working on her late cleaning shift. She plans to quit her job, alafter receiving the money, low her mother to retire, and but not before Taylor was hire a motorhome to drive able to snap a picture of from the East to West coast of America, the car on his mobile, as it a Backstreet culminating in sped off. Boys concert. Another holidaymaker Vic- Gibraltar-based Lottoland tor Marshall said: “I would CEO Nigel Birrell, said: "This have thought this fraud record €90 million win is a breakthrough moment both would have been stopped for our business and the inby now as this man conned dustry me last October while largest as a whole, as it is the payout ever waiting at a Mijas Costa across jackpot the online gaming bus stop. and lotto industry. “He tried to extract €78 forward to breaking We look and after a lot of violent cords in the future." more re-

intimidation I gave him €40....but I should have shouted for the police!” Another victim reported on a white Citroen that took over €50 euros from him and his wife ealier this year. Police failed to comment on the scam in time for press.

told them the driver of the 4x4 ‘shuttle’ had a town hall badge. “We had heard about these scams in your paper and told her that we didn’t believe her,” one of the pensioners, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed. “She insisted it was true and said the driver was official and had a badge. “When we told her we would

get a real taxi she said they will charge us treble on Three Kings’ Night and became oddly persistent.” Alarmingly, he added that another foreigner appeared to be enticing a different pensioner across the road to get into the ‘shuttle’. “At this point a bus came down and the English woman and ‘shuttle’ sped off.” The expat branded the pair a disgrace. “If he had a badge it was a forgery, and they were robbing the taxi drivers of business too, God knows what would have happened had we accepted the ‘free’ shuttle. “Please warn everyone of this scam, it’s a disgrace!”

current loss of ground and recent setbacks and the fact that he could not guarantee the safety of his family in Spain. According to investigators, he decided to stay in Spain and, if necessary, carry out a terrorist attack here. ML had become particularly radical online in recent months and had pledged allegiance to the caliphate Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi and ISIS. This, according to investigators, meant he was preparing to carry out his jihadist mission. It is the same oath carried out by the majority of the terrorists behind recent attacks across Europe. The shocking arrest comes after a succession of threats from ISIS, including a video which directly vowed to bring attacks to Spain’s costas, known for their high concentration of British and American tourists. The suspect is being held without bail.

Brit teacher trial

A BRITISH teacher is facing up to 12 years behind bars for allegedly abusing a former pupil. Carlo Troiano, 41, is accused of having sex with the 15-yearold at his home in Roquetas de Mar, Almeria, more than two years ago. The mum of the alleged victim reported Troiano, who taught at St George’s British School of Almeria, in November 2016, leading to his arrest.

Ban

He is also facing a 15-year ban from any work involving children and facing paying £35,000 compensation to his alleged victim. Father-of-two Troiano was found not guilty in January 2010 of three charges of causing or enticing sexual activity with a 16-year-old pupil in a classroom in the UK. A jury unanimously cleared him after a four-day trial at Warrington Crown Court.

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NEWS

www.gibraltarolivepress.com AN investigation has been launched after one of Spain’s leading bullfighters had a fire at his estate following death threats and accusations of being a ‘nazi’. Police initially treated the fire,

UNDER FIRE: Banderas

Zorro sorrow ANTONIO Banderas has spoken out about an alleged red carpet spat between him and model Heidi Klum at the Golden Globes. According to Australian showbiz magazine Who, Banderas criticised Klum, 45, and her musician fiance Tom Kaulitz, 29, for their loved-up public display at the after party. The Mask of Zorro star, 58, who attended the event with investment banker girlfriend Nicole Kempel, 38, allegedly said their antics ‘were like an erotic show’.

ABLAZE: Stable

Firebull! which killed two puppies at Jose Antonio Morante’s Sevilla farm, as arson. Investigators now believe the most likely cause was a short circuit in a heat lamp which ignited nearby bales of hay. The fire came just days after the matador’s home was spray-painted with threatening graffiti labelling him a ‘nazi’ after he become a poster boy for far-right political FIGHTER: Jose party Vox. Antonio Morante

Gypsy king & Wunderkid Sporting greats Fury and Sancho spotted working out around Andalucia A PAIR of British sports stars have been winter training in Andalucia.

False

Banderas took to Twitter to slam the report as ‘absolutely false’ and that he would ‘never say bad opinions about people publicly’. “I want to clarify that is ABSOLUTELY FALSE. Heidi always seemed to me a great professional, kind and intelligent woman. She has all my respect,” he tweeted this week. Banderas will star alongside Penelope Cruz in director Pedro Almodovar’s latest movie Dolor y Gloria in March.

January 16th - January 29th 2019

BALLER: Sancho

Both Manchester boxing legend Tyson Fury and English football ace Jadon Sancho have been in Marbella this month. Sancho has been in winter training with his team Borussia Dortmund after recording the second most assists in the Bundesliga this season. Originally from Kennington, the 18-year-old rising star is staying at the luxury Gran Melia Hotel with the rest of the German side. Fury meanwhile was seen padding the streets, following his controversial draw with American boxer Deontay Wilder. Donning jazzy pink and blue trunks and a gold Rolex, the 30-year-old ‘Gypsy King’ hit

Perky Paz ANDALUCIAN actor Paz Vega has sent Instagram into meltdown by taking part in the latest social media craze - the ‘belfie’. The 43-year-old Spanglish star joined scores of celebs to upload a selfie of their bum, including Kim Kardashian, the trend’s creator. Vega’s steamy snap, which shows her posed in a black thong in front of the sea on holiday garnered 29,000 likes on the picture-sharing platform. She wrote: “Incredible holidays in my beloved Mexico, the country I love and consider my second home.” One of the Spanish star’s admirers wrote ‘after this image of you, I think it's useless to keep going to the gym’, while another said ‘what a hot woman’. She is currently filming for Rambo 5.

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Don’t-a-tella STAR: Tyson Fury Spain’s streets with his coach and friend Ben Davison. “Run done this morning,” said Fury on his Twitter account, where he posted the picture showing him enjoying his training. Dubbed the ‘people’s champ’, Fury also took time out from his hectic schedule to take selfies with staff at celebrity haunt La Sala in Puerto Banus. The restaurant posted a picture of the ‘big man’ on their Facebook page, where he can be seen smiling in the morning sunshine in a gold and black snapback and t-shirt. The luxury Marbella restaurant is an A-list hotspot, with fellow heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, pop group Little Mix and TV presenter Denise van Outen, among its visitors. Fury has strong ties with the Costa del Sol, often training here and also being sponsored by lifestyle and property consultants Marbella. co.uk.

PENELOPE Cruz has revealed she had to ask Donatella Versace’s permission before agreeing to play her in the hit series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. The Spanish actress, 44, said she ‘had to make the call’ in order to feel comfortable. The mum-of-two made the comments at the Golden Globes, where she was up for Best Supporting Actress in a Series for the part. “She’s a real person I have a lot of respect for her,” she said. “I needed to do that call I think she knew I respect her and feel a lot of affection for her and that’s why she said that.” Cruz lost out on the gong to Patricia Clarkson for her role in Sharp Objects.

Dressing down MARBELLA-born starlet Millie Bobby Brown has hit back at critics who blasted her for dressing ‘too provocatively’ for a girl her age. It came after the 14-year-old Stranger Things actor posted a photo of herself wearing a snakeskin dress and heels to her Instagram page. “I know everyone wants me to ‘act my age’ but quite frankly it's my instagram and if I choose to post that picture and you don’t like it… scroll past it,” she insisted. She added: “If we could spread love as quickly as we spread hate and negativity, what an amazing world we would live in.”

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NEWS

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Zero confidence From front

MPs’ rejection of May’s Withdrawal Agreement. The Rock is set to leave the EU with the UK on March 23, but the agreements governing its future relationship with Spain may need to be renegotiated. Known as Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) the measures cover frontier fluidity, the environment, law enforcement, tobacco and tax. In December Gibraltar’s Chief Minister admitted that the Rock could ‘consider with Spanish colleagues how to adapt arrangements’ in the event May’s deal was voted down. Speaking after the vote the Rock’s leader said: “We will continue to prepare Gibraltar for all potential eventualities.”

FED UP: Corbyn

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Migrant surge

Flu epidemic warning

SPAIN’S maritime rescue service rescued 549 migrants crossing the Mediterranean in small boats over the Three Kings weekend. Officials said they rescued some 350 people travelling on six small patera boats across the Strait of Gibraltar. While many were celebrating the Three Kings parade on Sunday, a rescue craft intercepted another five boats carrying some 199 migrants. Among them were two tiny inflatable dinghies – one of which was carrying four children, while the other was packed with 10 adults.

ANDALUCIA is expected to see increasing numbers of flu cases as epidemic levels rise this week. The health authorities are warning people to take precautions and be aware of the sharp rise in flu cases after an increasing number of hospitalisations. It is moving down through Spain and is already above average in the Balearics, Navarra, Catalunya and Melilla. Coinciding with plummeting temperatures in the region, those most at risk are the over 65s who have been the target of a Ministry of Health campaign that began in October. Fermín García Rodríguez of the Andalucian vaccine advisory committee warned that the flu is not ‘nonsense’ and if people do not take it seriously they ‘may be killed’. Vaccination rates in Spain’s most populous region have increased 6% on last year, with a peak expected at the end of January.

Balls up

Cabinet minister says paintballs could help defend Gibraltar DEFENCE Secretary Gavin Williamson has amused the military world with his suggestion to protect Gibraltar from Spanish warships using paintballs. The Cabinet minister put forward the idea for the Royal Navy to fire paintballs at encroaching Spanish boats during a Ministry of Defence (MoD) meeting. A source told the Sun: “It was an excruciating mo-

ment when everyone in the room realised he was deadly serious. “Gavin Williamson comes up with some pretty off the wall things, but firing paintballs at the Spanish Navy beats the lot of them.” The military source said ‘Private Pike strikes again’ in reference to the loveable, stupid Dad’s Army character Williamson is often likened to.

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Meanwhile, an MoD spokesperson said: “The Defence Secretary was speaking in jest about paintballing Spanish ships. “He is in favour of the Royal Navy taking a strong stand against Spanish incursions into sovereign British waters.” The Tory MP’s comments come as the numbers of Spanish warships entering the territorial waters of the Rock have increased to around two a day. The number of Spanish

ships entering the British territorial waters shot up from 541 in 2017 to 816 last year. Tension in the area appeared to reach boiling point following the Brexit negotiations, as the UK allowed a military submarine to dock at the Rock. Months later Spain responded with its own inflammatory gesture by sending a Spanish warship into Gibraltar’s waters blaring its national anthem.

Expats told to get a Spanish licence in Brexit memo BRITISH expat drivers in Spain have been urged to get a Spanish driving licence as soon as possible in case of a no-deal Brexit. Failure to do so, according to the British government, could mean they will have to pass a test after the UK leaves the EU on March 29. The government also said those living in the UK who want to drive in the EU after March 29 might need an international driving permit (IDP).

Delays

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British insurers AA estimated as many as half a million expats living in France and Spain would have to take a new test if they had not exchanged their licence, should there be no deal. The guidance released on Monday said: "In the event that there is no EU exit deal, you may have to pass a driving test in the EU country you live in to be able to carry on driving there. "You should consider exchanging your UK driving licence for an EU driving licence as soon as possible. "Increased demand may lead to longer processing times and delays to exchanging driving licences the closer it is to 29 March 2019."

OPPOSITION: Azorpadi

‘Lost opportunity on Brexit’ KEITH Azopardi has used his new year message to criticize the Gibraltar government over its Brexit arrangements. The GSD leader said that the Rock’s Brexit deal agreed by Fabian Picardo, is ‘bad’ and ‘a lost opportunity’. Azopardi blasted the Chief Minister’s government for agreeing a deal that allows a ‘Spanish encroachment’ into Gibraltar’s affairs. “They have come back to Gibraltar with very little to show of any enduring value or real imagination,” he added. The centre-right politician claimed the vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal, which she lost on Tuesday, exposes the Gibraltar government’s lack of Brexit planning. He said the Picardo administration should ‘move over to allow someone else to negotiate the future relationship with the EU’. As well as criticism, the GSD leader used his new year message to call for a number of social and economic reforms on the Rock.

Equality

“I want to see a Gibraltar where there is real equality between men and women,” he said. “I want to see more women in politics. I want to see an end to discrimination.” Currently just two of Gibraltar’s 17 MPs are women, Samantha Sacramento of the GSLP and Marlene Hassan-Nahon of Together Gibraltar. Azopardi also claimed that Gibraltarians deserved to be better informed by the Picardo administration how the government is using public funds. “The Government should account for the hundreds of millions of pounds it has borrowed,” he said. “There is no way of actually knowing whether public finances are solid because the Government do not tell you everything that they are doing with your money.” It comes as British Prime Minister Theresa May saw her Brexit deal voted down in the House of Commons on Tuesday. This means that Gibraltar’s agreements with Spain over its future may now have to be renegotiated.

GREEN

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Dumpster birdies ANDALUCIAN storks no longer bother to migrate to Africa because they have found a plentiful supply of food at the region’s landfill sites. The vast majority of the birds are also staying put due to the milder winters over the last decade, experts believe. While most young birds, driven by genetics, still make the journey to Africa, after two or three years they generally stay yearround in Andalucia, like their parents.

Risky

But it is a risky business, with landfills full of potential hazards such as plastics and twines in which they can become entangled and suffocated. Traditionally, storks mated in winter and waited for their chicks to hatch in the Spring, before flying south to Africa for food. The change has certainly not had any effect on their population numbers, which have soared over the last few decades. There are now estimated to be up to 70,000 storks living in Spain, when in 1995 there were fewer than 7,000.

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Seeing red

Protesters march against a €1million scheme to relaunch bullfights in Marbella HUNDREDS have marched against the €1million refurbishment of Marbella’s bullring. Around 700 people protested outside the resort’s historic Plaza del Toros, while a rally was later held in the town centre. Campaigners took to the streets to voice their anger at an apparent U-turn by the Town Hall over the

controversial Spanish pastime. As well as stopping traffic, a series of half-naked activists laid on blood-stained sheets to symbolise slain bulls. While the previous PSOE mayor banned the bloodsport, new PP mayoress Angeles Munoz announced a massive refurbishment programme last month. Both the IU party and

Green rooms SPAIN’S emblematic parador chain is set to be run entirely on renewable energy this year. The 90-year-old group, which consists of 97 hotels, many of them castles and historic houses, has signed a deal with energy giant Endesa to provide only green energy. “We now support sustainable tourism in every sense of the word,” insisted boss Oscar Lopez.

NOT HAVING IT: Expats and locals protest

Podemos supported Sunday’s march, in which protesters held up banners demanding an end to bullfighting and ‘torture is not culture’. One of the organisers Maria Labaig, of Gladiators for Peace, said: “Two years ago Marbella ended bullfights and now the PP wants to reverse this. “They want to invest a million euros to kill these poor animals, it is neither art nor culture.” It comes after the Town Hall said their refurbishment project aimed to make the Plaza del Toros bullring ‘safe, practicable and operational for its intended use’. Meanwhile, an online petition to ban the ‘bloody’ and ‘torturous’ sport in Marbella has so far received 80,000 signatures.

Cock ring busted POLICE have arrested a record 182 people at an illegal cockfight in Spain. Agents busted the so-called ‘national championships’ at a farm in Murcia, where they seized 97 live roosters, €300,000 in cash and documents showing illegal bets. The majority will be charged with animal cruelty with at least six birds dying from their injuries. Cops also seized 87 cannabis plants, animal doping substances and blades and spurs that are attached to roosters during the fights.

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

OPINION Don’t judge WITH the ISIS terrorist suspect arrested in Manilva this week, we must remember not to tarnish all Muslims with the same brush. The detained Moroccan man, 27, pledged allegiance to the Syriabased ‘Islamic’ death cult in a shocking online video, before planning an attack. It will be contested by many people however that the suspect, who is being held without bail, could even be called Muslim at all. That was certainly the opinion of the president of the Sabinillas mosque, who described the would-be attacker as ‘crazy’. “Islam is about peace and love, not terrorism,” the Muslim community leader, known as Ahmed, told the Olive Press. His words should serve as an important reminder as the police investigation moves forward. With the recent rise in anti-immigration rhetoric after the success of Vox, we must remember that Muslims are on the most part a peaceful and integral part of our communities. Publisher/ Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

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2012 - 2018 Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

What about us? With just 72 days left until Brexit, Elisa Menendez finds out how expats really feel ahead of Britain’s departure from the EU

RITISH expats in Spain have slammed available until after April in Alicante, while in the UK government saying they feel ‘be- Fuengirola Brits will have to wait until the end trayed’ and treated as ‘out of sight, out of of February, and Marbella-based expats are almind’ since the EU referendum. ready looking at a three-week wait. As the countdown to Brexit draws nearer - with Founder of Brexpats, Anne Fernandez, and Britjust 72 days to go - campaigning group, Brex- ish Consul Arbouin, insisted that ‘now is the pats In Spain, held a meeting at Marbella Town time’ to get residency. Hall on January 10. And that is if we have a deal - no one could say, Expats had the opportunity to put their burning or guess, what could happen to expats if we questions to Charmaine Arbouin, British Consul crash out of the EU without one. to Andalucia and the Canary Islands. Many felt expats had been a ‘second thought’ More than 90 showed up, including business in the EU dealings, including Fernandez, who owners, pensioners, families with children, cam- has been fighting for Brits’ rights since the refpaigners, experts, and officials. erendum result - something which many expats And it’s not only Brits who were worried about could not vote on, yet could completely change Brexit, but also Spaniards. their lives. Miguel Diaz, spokesperson for Marbella’s left “I have written to Theresa May several times wing Izquierda Unida, expressed his concern and I’m sorry to say I have never had a reply. for the 4,000 registered Brits living in the town “I have also written to Guy Verhofstadt [EU Parand the 56,000 in the Malaga liament Coordinator] and he province and the negative imresponded with a three-page pact Brexit could impose on the letter within 10 days,” added economy. the expat, who runs the 6,000 Someone “The priority is to avoid or mitistrong association, with repreelse voted on gate the serious social, ecosentatives across Spain. nomic and employment conse“I feel we are out of sight and changing my quences that this abrupt abanout of mind for the UK governdonment of the EU may cause ment.” identity in five months’ time,” Diaz said. Consul Arbouin admitted to the Although attendees said they Olive Press that the political got a lot out of the meeting, uncertainty of Brexit had been some are still fearful about their future. a ‘daunting’ time for herself and the team, at New expats, John and Shlinder, told the Olive the forefront of managing expats’ expecPress they feel ‘betrayed’ by the referendum tations in one of the busiest British and have escaped the UK ‘because of Brexit’ Consuls in the world. which they believe has ‘divided the country’. “It can be a little bit daunting Brit, Shlinder, who was born to Indian parents, when you know people aren’t said she experienced racism for the first time getting answers to their after the result. questions,” added Arbouin “I have been told to ‘go home’ and that ‘we don’t who has been the consul want you here’,” added the former business for six years. woman who worked in financial services. “However, we have been “I am British, my first language is English, I’ve able to influence the nepaid my taxes and never took any benefits, but gotiations by having these since Brexit I’ve been told to ‘get out’. Quite kinds of meetings with the frankly, it’s not the country I grew up in - it’s be- community and feeding it come hostile.” back to London. The British couple bought a holiday home in El- “The main message I wanted evviria in 2014 but took the plunge to permanently eryone to take away is that whatever move there on October 23. the outcome is of brexit, the best way they John, whose brother has also just moved to can protect themselves and stay here without Spain to escape Brexit, said: “I just cannot live in any hassle is simply by registering. or associate with that type of country.” “That’s the same advice whether there’s a deal, One point that was particularly evident, is that no-deal or anything in between.” the clock is ticking to apply for residency as Meanwhile, pensioner Judy Filmer - a member municipal town halls ‘struggle to cope with the of Brexpats in Spain - told the Olive Press she demand’. is particularly concerned about the plummeting It was revealed that there are no appointments pound, which stood at around 0.9 to €1 when this paper went to print. The Londoner, who has lived in Marbella for 19 years, said she has lost money due to the ‘rubbish’ exchange rate. “It’s dropped so low - for pensioners that’s really hard,” she added. “It’s had a knock on effect with the banks in Spain. If you have money invested - like I do - that has dropped by almost 40%. I can’t get money from the bank, until those investments go up again.” Despite this Filmer said she would never go back to the UK. CAMPAIGNER: Anne Hernandez

HERE TO HELP: Consul Charmaine “They couldn’t care less about us, that has been made very obvious. We were the last thing they thought of in the whole deal.” For self-employed real estate agent, Sharon Hitchcock (pictured below), her legal working status is the main concern, and is angry that she, like most expats, never got to vote. “Come 29th March we will be known as third nation immigrants. Someone else voted on changing my identity. That’s totally wrong because I didn’t get a vote,” added the Welsh expat who has lived in Mijas for 29 years. She and other expats said they have even started to notice jobs advertisements on expat Facebook groups looking for ‘only EU residents’. The Brexpats in Spain member is concerned about the real estate industry, given that Brits are the largest group of foreign investors, making up 15% of foreign sales. “I’m also worried about how that affects me being self-employed. “If we crash out on 30th March who do I invoice? Am I legal? Can I work? We don’t know.” Voting was another strong point highlighted in the meeting, with expat residents still unable to vote in regional or national elections in Spain, nor in the UK. “We can’t vote anywhere. We have lost a basic human right. We pay taxes, we work. What purpose do we serve then?” questioned founder Fernandez. She stressed that expats can vote in local municipal elections if they register to vote ahead of the of January 30 deadline. With mystery and confusion still glooming like a dark cloud over expats, experts and Consul Arbouin insisted that expats should make sure they have all legal documents such as NIE, Padron, residencia and health cards. Let’s hope the next 72 days start to become clearer for the British community in Spain, not only for expats but for the Spanish economy too. Visit gov.uk and look at the ‘Living in Spain’ and the ‘UK national in EU’ guide for more information.

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S any Brit who has upped sticks for sunny Spain knows, Costa del Sol expats are a weird and wonderful bunch who are never short of interesting tales. And some of those colourful personalities have already been spilling the beans in the new season of Channel 5’s Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun. In episode one, aired on January 10, we met pensioners Jo and Jan who run a dog rescue centre, and Welsh couple Ben and Kate who hope to fund their new lifestyle with just €30,000 between them. Over the coming weeks a marketing guru turned salsa teacher, a call centre entrepreneur now pulling pints and a retired copper turned market organiser, are others set to give us a peek into the drama of their daily lives on the Costa. The popular fly-on-the-wall series follows the lives of Brits who have decided to swap the rainy UK for a ‘cheap as chips’ lifestyle in the sun. Filmed for the last three years in Benidorm, Channel 5 decided to ditch Alicante and set its sights on Andalucia for season four. Series producer Bob Brear tells the Olive Press the show is ‘a celebration of what it’s like to be a British expat in Spain’ and hopes to inspire others to make the move abroad. “Instead of other shows which have sneered at places like Benidorm, we want it to have an aspirational feel,” adds the 44-year-old from Bury in Manchester. At first it was difficult to get expats on board who were not familiar with the show, Brear admits, as many were dubious they would be made a mockery on TV. But he insists: “We’re not doing it to take the mick, we just want to tell their stories. Everything said in the commentary are things we would say to these people in person. “We think it’s a brave thing to do - up sticks and start a new life in Spain having no idea whether it’ll work out. We want viewers to watch it and think, maybe I could do that too!” The producer, who has worked on popular shows such as Come Dine With Me, The Class of ‘92 and Antiques Road Trip, admits that filming on the Costa del Sol was ‘completely different’ to Benidorm, which was more about ‘cheap thrills’. He says it offered a greater variety of stories due to the more ‘affluent’ crowds that the Costa attracts, showcasing everything from estate agents, to animal charity workers to a businessman selling a 70K vintage boat in Marbella. “The Costa has everything from your euro pints to expensive cocktails in Banus. It gave us a lot more scope to show different types of stories because there’s everyone from the working class to the rich,” adds Bob, who has a holiday home in Benalmadena. The original idea for the show was born after managing director Sarah Murch discovered how thriving the caravan communities were in Benidorm, with some 6,000 expats living in static vehicle parks. And the team found that there are an abun-

COMING SOON: Expat Vincent

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Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on January www.theolivepress.es 29th 2019 And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

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As Channel 5’s hit reality show returns this month with a new cast from the Costa del Sol, Elisa Menendez gets behind-thescenes access

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CAT LADY: Kelly Dooley while (right) Margaret Finch dance of similar parks on the Costa too, with the first four episodes shot in an Antequerabased caravan community, Saydo Park. It boasts around 150 static homes on the plot, bought a working bar complete with all fixtures with British expats making up some 80%. But and fittings, it turns out he has only purchased Bob admits that they needed more than just the lease to the building, and he’s haemorcaravans to keep viewers entertained. rhaging cash to get it kitted out and ready. So this week we’ll meet the ‘Cat Lady of the He tells us it was a ‘brilliant experience’ but Costa del Sol’, Kelly Dooley, who feeds more opening Groo-V in Benavista and Tipples near than 100 street cats in Benalmadena and Torremolinos was no walk in the park. takes the strays to the vets to be neutered. “I wouldn’t say there were a few disasters, But the vet bills have piled up - she owed there were many - but it all makes for good TV!” €2,000 at one point - so Kelly comes up with adds the expat. a plan to raise some cash with a flea market. “I got a message from Bob the other day thankLondoner Kelly tells the Olive ing me for being one of the Press it was ‘lovely’ to be conmain contributors of the show… tacted and get some support So, I’m not sure if I should be after eight years of helping the excited or go into hiding!” The show is a neighbourhood ferrals, some of We’ll also meet Margaret Finch celebration of which she keeps in her home. as she organises a Magical “The experience was nothing Mystery coach tour, snakelife as a British like I had encountered before hunting pest controller Graham - it was amazing. Although at Salt and Nicole and Aaron, a expat in Spain first I was shy and uncomfortyoung couple travelling the able. world putting on fitness boot“But I was just so happy for the camps from a campervan. opportunity - I was constantly Good news for expats, Bob says thinking about the poor Spanish cats through- there’s plans to film future series on the Costa. out the filming and how much help they need. But what exactly does it take to be chosen for That is what really pushed me to go on televi- the show? sion,” she adds. “People with big characters, who like to talk In episode four, we’ll see the challenges West- and are full of life,” says the producer. Midlander Vincent Neale encounters while “But above all, someone with an interesting pursuing his dream of opening not one but two story to tell.” bars in the sun. But one is not even open yet, and Vincent has Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun continues already had enough. While he thinks he has on Thursday on Channel 5 at 8pm UK time.

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Jan 16th - Jan 29th 2019

what’s on

e’s behind you

SINBAD the Sailor is the pantomime by The Trafalgar Theatre Group showing at Ince’s Hall from January 24 to February 2.

heckmate

THERE is still time to catch the Gibraltar Chess Festival before the 10-round tournament at the Caleta Hotel finishes on January 31.

ery crafty

YOU can’t miss the Craft & Collectors Fair at St Andrews Church on January 26 with all proceeds going to the church restoration fund.

alk talk

THE John Mackintosh Hall are hosting GibTalks on February 2, a TED talk-inspired event, where locals will give speeches on a range of topics.

Send you r informa January 16th - January 29th 2019 newsdesk@theolive tion to pres

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Andalucia’s Silver Teacup city makes The New York Times’ top holiday destination list

THE Costa de la Luz’s very own little Havana has been awarded a spot in The New York Times’ coveted annual travel guide. One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cadiz made the 50th spot in the publication’s recent 52 Places to Go in 2019 holiday destination list. Considered the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, founded by the Phoenicians in around 1100 BC, the ancient city has long been considered an enchanting place to get lost among locals in the know. Hailed a ‘culinary renais-

STUNNING: Malaga

Cadiz cool

sance’, the guide highlights La Tacita de Plata’s (the Silver Teacup) booming gastronomy scene, referencing Angel Leon’s three-Michelin starred Aponiente and twostarred Alevante. The NY Times described

the old trading city’s vibe as ‘more Havana than Madrid’, while the province as a whole ‘ticks all the boxes’. Dubbed ‘mini Havana’, due to the promenade’s resemblance to its Cuban counterpart’s malecon, the city was

Picassomania MALAGA’S most famous son is still pulling the crowds with visits to the city’s Picasso Museum on the up for the sixth year in a row. The museum hosted 674.512 visitors - a 6.07% increase on 2017. Between 2012 and 2018 the museum’s popularity has grown by 77% thanks to the efforts of the local council to boost cultural activities. Events included concerts of chamber music, flamenco and jazz, poetry readings and indie film screenings. Foreigners represented 74% of visits, with the Brits, Germans and French the most frequent. Among local visitors, those from Andalucia head the queue followed by Madrid and

Cataluña. And more than 32,000 - mostly school students - took part in the museums programme of educational activities. Some of Malaga’s other big museums didn’t do quite so well. The Russian Museum, the CAC and even Picasso’s birthplace registered a slight drop in visitors.

All white on the night

used as a set for James Bond Die Another Day. Expat Andrew Ferren, who wrote about Cadiz for the list, said he is ‘fascinated’ by the province’s varying landscapes. “You leap from places as sophisticated and cultured as Jerez de la Frontera, to wild landscapes that take your breath away, such as the beach in Bolonia or Alcornocales Park. It’s like the Wild West of southern of Spain,” said the journalist who lives in Spain. The guide also included a nod to the nearby sherry capital of the world, Jerez de la Frontera and recommended hilltop Vejer de la Frontera. Puerto Rico as a whole country was awarded the number one spot, while Cadiz was clipped by Chile’s Elqui Valley and ahead of the Tahiti Islands, or French Polynesia.

THE date for Malaga’s hotlyanticipated Noche en Blanco festival has finally been revealed. Night in White will kick off on Saturday May 18 for the city’s 12th edition of the famous cultural event but the theme is yet to be chosen by the public. The free event will see the whole city take part in an evening of performances, installations, exhibitions and concerts. Last year’s ‘Muses and Creators’ themed event celebrated women in culture and organisers hope that women’s role in art will be at the forefront of future events. The 11th festival saw some 230,000 visitors descend on the Costa del Sol hub to take part in 200 cultural activities on offer. Noche en Blanco was founded in Paris in 2002 as an artistic initiative hoping to unite citizens, while promoting local artists and culture. It has since expanded across Europe. Malaga’s first Noche en Blanco event was held in 2008, while Spain’s first was in Madrid two years before.

get a grip

Get lost in a 1920s gripping murder mystery novel or try some new plant-based dishes in a Spanish vegan cookbook this January The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle By Stuart Turton

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Groundhog Day meets Agatha Christie in this quirky debut novel by Stuart Turton. Set in the 1920s and told in the style of a locked room mystery, guests are summoned to Blackheath Manor house for a party. But by the end of the night Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered. Unless one of the guests, Aiden can solve the murder, the day will repeat itself. He has eight days to solve it and each day is a repetition of the last except for one thing. Every day Aiden

wakes up he inhabits the body of a different party guest. If he fails to solve the murder, the whole week resets and Aiden must begin again without any memory of what went on before. This is an intriguing and fastpaced whodunnit with plenty of twists and turns. It is fun, dark, clever and engaging. €11.90, Available from The Bookshop San Pedro www.thebookshop.es

Vegan Recipes from Spain by Gonzalo Baró Whether the reasons are moral, environmental or simply a way to slim down after the excesses of Christmas, more and more of us are choosing vegan diets. This beautiful cookbook by Gonzalo Baró helps us to experience all the flavours of Spain with fabulous and easy plantbased recipes using local, healthy ingredients. €24.90, Available from The Bookshop San Pedro www.thebookshop.es

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Obesity is on the rise in Spain and will cost the health service billions if not tackled

Meat retreat

‘Spinach is poison’ - organiser of carnivore weekend away Page 11

Mid-life crisis?

Olive Press publisher Jon Clarke undergoes a health ‘MOT’ Page 10

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Mid-life crisis (averted, for now)

Jon Clarke (top right) undertakes a full-body ‘well-man check’ as he reaches his 50th birthday

HE moment finally arrived, having looks for all the tell-tale signs of wear and Casemates Square, crept up slowly for years. tear in your body,” he explained. I was quickly The big 5-0 had been lurking like “Through a range of tests, we will see if whisked into the a stalker and with a few months you need any further exploration, in par- surgery of doctor to go I was feeling overweight, unhealthy ticularly for various cancers and cardio- Patrick Nerney. and tetchy. vascular conditions”. A charming, eruA typical hypochondriac (like most men), “Much of it will boil down to losing weight, dite Yorkshireman, the slightest tweak in the groin must taking more exercise, assessing lifestyle who spent over 30 have meant a hernia, a sore in the mouth and keeping an eye on things like blood years working at was clearly gum disease and a pain in pressure. the sharp end as a the stomach, well, it must have been an He explained that the key things to worry GP in the UK and ulcer. about as you approach your 50s are Gibraltar, he spoke And then there was the Big-C, with pros- musculoskeletal health, heart attacks, perfect English and tate cancer suddenly a major concern as bowel and prostate disease and strokes, quickly got about to I reached the golden age, not to mention and the earlier you address any issues explaining the keys bowel cancer, which according to AOL, the better. to living longer. sharply rises from the age of 50 to 54 “It’s like a car, for the first few years ev- Over the course of (particularly for men). erything is fine, but as it starts to get an hour he probed On top of that was my crafty three or four wear and tear, you get the odd rattle me on my medicigarettes a day (thanks to - or annoyingly and shake. You need to make sure the cal history, lifestyle for - my colleagues at work), as well as engine works, the water pump is not and general health, my evening glass of vino or cheeky beer. blocked and the brakes are not worn. before giving me And don’t even bring up the subject of It’s the same with the body and if we ad- a complete once skin cancer, living, as we do, in bright dress that wear and tear early it will pre- over with his stethosunshine for the vast majorscope ity of the year. a n d I must be on the cusp of dyvarious Over 50 equals cancer zone... ing, I figured, but what could o t h e r HEALTH: 50-year-olds are at higher risk of cancer I do? instruUp to the age of 50, the risk of developing canEnter stage right, David Dearments, including a spirome- had no signs of infection, diabetes, anaecer is 1 in 35 for men and 1 in 20 for women, acdon, a surgeon pal, who just ter to measure lung function mia, thyroid or liver malfunction. cording to Cancer Research UK. Once you get so happens to run his own (see picture above) and an I wasn’t HIV positive, didn’t have syphilis into middle age, the risk increases considerprivate health clinic in Gielectrocardiogram (ECG) to and there was no sign of blood in my urine ably. Some 78% of all cancer diagnoses occur braltar, as well as operating record my heart’s electrical or poo. in people aged 55 or older, according to the up and down the coast and function. While Patrick described all this in words American Cancer Society and the average age around Spain. He then weighed me, took like ‘reassuring’ and ‘acceptable’, he said of a cancer diagnosis is 66 years. Breast canHis advice was simple; stay my blood pressure and mea- there was some way to go, if I planned to cer is 61 years, prostate cancer 66 years, bowhealthy, eat a good balanced sured my height before pack- live a long and fulfilling life. el cancer 68 years, and lung cancer 70 years. diet and exercise regularly. ing me off down the corridor In summary he told me the outcome of Not exactly rocket science. to take some blood tests and the screening was ‘good’, however then Yet, his Specialist Health offer up a stool and urine came the bad news. Clinic also conveniently runs a so called pare you for a much healthier life through sample for further analysis in a conve- After describing my diet as ‘unremark‘well-man’ clinic, which for a few hundred into your 60s and 70s. If you leave it until niently nearby lab. able’ he insisted I drank ‘more than acpounds does a top-to-toe fully compre- problems present in the late 60s or 70s A week later I was back for the results to ceptable guidelines’, rather like his goodhensive health check. the chances of reversing them is much discover some good and bad news. self, he explained, unsurprising given that Likening it to a full service for a car, the lower.” The best news was that I didn’t appear he attends a vineyard in his spare time. Gibraltar-based general surgeon ex- So off I set for his Gibraltar clinic as I ap- to have anything nasty lurking around the He did however insist I needed to stop plained that it would be the ‘ideal indica- proached my landmark birthday in No- immediate corner. smoking and being the son of a lung phytor’ for my next decade. vember. My PSA (prostate specific antigen) level sician I could hardly argue. “It’s not a complete diagnosis, but it Easy to find in the ICC centre, just off and blood pressure was ‘excellent’, and I He also politely told me that I was carrying ‘a little too much weight’ and that I would need to lose around 10kg to get within the normal BMI limits. “A 15kg loss would be better,” he added. Some chance, I thought, given it was Christmas approaching, not to mention my 50th. All in all, though, he said I had a 7% chance of any cardiovascular issues over the next ten years, but that this ‘would Dr Michael Mosley’s halve’ if I gave up smoking. book The Fast Diet is a And then began my fightback. The last of ‘sensible weight loss the cigarettes, giving up drinking in the Clever The and ’ regime week and slightly more exercise and, lordy Guts Diet is a ‘great way lardy, I had lost darn nearly 10kg by my eat’. you what at to look birthday. And despite the Christmas period coming He also likes the Pure soon after, I managed to drink and eat a White and Deadly by little less than normal and as we entered John Yudkin that is the New Year I remained an 85 kg fighting as now sive ‘as impres fit machine! when I first read it 30 As Doctor Nerney explained: “You really years ago’. are what you eat (and drink)”. I’ll drink to that.

Doctor Patrick Nerney recommends:

What health checks does the well-man clinic offer? The range of tests and health checks may vary between clinics, but many of the following will be assessed: •

your lifestyle, including diet, exercise, alcohol and smoking

•

medical history

•

weight and height

•

Blood pressure

•

cholesterol

•

a urine test for diabetes and kidney infection

•

hearing and vision

•

lung function

•

An ECG to check for heart problems

•

a chest X-ray if you're a heavy smoker

For information on the Well-Man check contact the Specialist Medical Clinic on 00350 200 49999 or visit www.specialistmedicalclinic.com

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

A reformed vegan set to promote meateating at a fascinating weekend seminar tells Elisa Menendez why we should ditch veg in favour of steak

‘

SPINACH is poison’ and oats will eventually ‘destroy’ us. So claims former vegan and fruitarian, Phil Escott, ahead of holding the world’s ‘first ever’ carnivore retreat in Andalucia this Spring. 100% Carnivore…and Beyond will take visitors back to the bare bones of our ancestors’ diets, with talks from leading paleo-medicine experts and doctors in the setting of a plush monastery near Sotogrande. Lifestyle consultant and strict carnivore Escott, 56, insists we have been ‘brainwashed’ into believing we need anything more than meat and hopes to unpick the ‘layers of deception’ at the three-day event. “Most of the food we are consuming is tremendously deadly… It’s a total con that we need any fruit or veg,” adds the author who has become a well-known figure in the carnivore world, with some

TRANSFORMED: Phil Escott

Bloody different 14,000 people following his Facebook he became seriously ill with psoriatic arand Youtube accounts. thritis and autoimmune conditions, leav“Grains are not even food, they will de- ing him unable to move without severe stroy anyone eventually,” he claims, pain. “Spinach is also absolute poison be- Escott, a keen drummer in his spare cause it’s high in oxalate. time, claims he could I got kidney stones after not even pick up a pair eating a lot of it.” of sticks and play at one Escott, based in Lanpoint. It’s not wacky, cashire, in the UK, be“It’s not wacky, it’s not an lieves veganism is a ‘diextreme diet, it’s taking it’s not an saster for human health us back to the basic food and the planet’, and says extreme diet, it’s of our ancestors. our diet ‘went wrong with “I got so many health istaking us back sues as a vegetarian and agriculture and religion’. Although he admits the vegan. When I dropped vegan diet boasts immethe last of the plant diate benefits, he insists matter in my diet, that’s they ‘will not last long term’ and claims when things cleared up,” he added. it was the root of his prior severe health But that’s not all. He also claims a carconditions. He now lives on only meat nivore diet ‘reversed’ his mum’s breast and fish. cancer. The dad-of-three found carnivorism after But he insists that it is not just about eat-

ing meat, to reap the full benefits you have to include all the ‘disconnects’ such as emotional wellbeing and getting in touch with nature. Aside from the health benefits, Escott insists that he is one of the ‘only 50-oddyear-old with a naturally flat stomach’ and puts it all down to the meaty diet. Organised along with fellow carnivore Dr Lynn Hardy, the pair hope to encourage others to consider lifestyle changes which explore emotional balancing, cold thermogenesis and sun exposure. Guests will sink their teeth into workshops, private consultations and plenty of food tastings at the event which costs from €132 for a day pass to €1,370 for a three-day stay at exclusive Finca Monasterio, in San Martin del Tesorillo. Tickets for 100% Carnivore… and Beyond can be purchased on eventbrite.com

LYNN: And (above) Finca Monasterio

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

As Easy as A,B,C

I SAY NO ………

I start with a bone density scan, which tells January 16th - January 29th 2019 me I’m actually rock solid and, in fact, 0.4% over what the average density is for my age (I’m 50 by the way), height and weight. It’s a good start.

Boning up! Say no... start with a bone density scan, which tells me I’m actually rock solid and, in fact, 0.4% over what the average density is for my age (I’m 50 by the way), height and weight. It’s a good start.

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TO OSTEOPOROSIS! Strength, balance and bones - Jon Clarke puts all three to the test at OsteoStrong

To Osteoporosis I

’M holding up the equivalent of five that your body is going about its bubaby elephants, as the dial in front siness rebuilding and strengthening of me goes deeper and deeper into your bones. the red. Let me explain. Strength, balance and bones Clarke puts This is the ‘growth trigger zone’ and - Jon Osteostrong helpsall you to strengthen to the test at OsteoStrong mythree best five-second average is 478 kg. the matrix of your bones, which natuNext up I’m on the Lower Growth Trigger machine, taken through my paces by the very capable Gaby. Scoring 478 kg, I feel as strong as an ox... That’s well over five times my own wei- rally weaken and become more brittle ’M holding up as the damn equivalent of fivegood. shopping,as safe in the knowledge that ght and it sure it feels you get older, leading to diseases baby elephants, as the dial in front your body is going about its business It’s of almost same for my osteoporosis. me goesthe deeper and deeper into‘upper rebuildinglike and strengthening your the red. bones. It means that your bones become growth trigger’ and indeed for each the different ‘growth trigger zone’ andI have Let me explain. of This the isfive machines more porous and weaker and ultimamy best five-second average is 478 kg. OsteoStrong helps you to strengthen been working on with either my arms it leads injuries. That’s well over five times my own the matrixtely of your bones,towhich natuor weight legs. and it sure as damn it feels rally weaken Osteostrong and becomeprevents more brittlethe disease and good. as you get older, leading to diseases And the good news; I’m building bone can even reverse it. It’s almost the same for my ‘upper like osteoporosis. and getting stronger... Probably for the The American growth trigger’ and indeed for each It means that your bonesinvention become uses a series Then it’s onto first in different decades. of expensive of time the five machines I have more porous and weakerhigh-tech and ulti- machines, bathe Postural on with either arms cenmately it leads to injuries. All been partworking of a fantastic newmyhealth sed on the theory of Wolff’s law, which CAPTION Growth Trigger, or legs. OsteoStrong prevents the disease and Checking My Posture tre/gym in the heart of Puerto Banus, insists that bone grows and remodels CAPTION And the good news; I’m building bone can even reverse it. where I score alOsteostrong is an invention in response thea forces that are plaand getting stronger... Probably forfor the those The American invention to uses seFinally, I’m on one of Then it’s onto most the same, firstdon’t time infancy decades. ries of expensive high-tech who working out in sweaty ced upon it in machines, a healthy person. lift twice as much.” three different balancthe Postural before sitting All part of a fantastic new health cenbased on the theory of Wolff’s law, ing machines (left), gyms, those who don’t have hours to After an injury to bone, placing speci- His list of happy clients Growth since Triggeropening tre/gym in the heart of Puerto Banus, which insists that bone grows and reon the which Lowermeasures my (above), where Marta dedicate to honing theirforbodies, stresstointhespecific directions toliftthe last year includes pensioner further and twice as much.” OsteoStrong is an invention those and models infic response forces that ‘natural sway’ and I score almost Growth Trigger, listbecome of happy clients since opening anyone, who has hadouta inbroken bone it person. remodelHis and who don’t fancy working sweaty bone are placed upon can it in ahelp healthy Bernad, who managed to reverse her the same, bewhere I checks kill itout the likelilast year includes pensioner Marta in just those who don’t have hours to After an normal injury to bone, placing speor gyms, fracture. healthy bone again. hood of having a fall. fore four sitting osteoporosis months inat nearly Again 500kg to honing their bodies, and cific stress in specific directions to the Bernad, who managed to reverse her (above), I score onmass the by Upper Fordedicate a session at Osteostrong of and such tension machines 11%. osteoporosis in just creasing four monthsher in- boneGrowth anyone, who has had a broken bone only bone canThe help ituse remodel become with flying colours, with my legs... Trigger, takes around 15 minutes and then can also strengthen existing creasinghealthy her bone mass by 11%. Marcus where or fracture. normal healthy bone again. Another, Starkensjo, achieving ‘better than I kill it atcame in camefrom in sessionoff at for OsteoStrong of such tension machines Another, Marcus Starkensjo, youForarea done, lunch oronly to do The the use bones. 95% of others’ in my suffering pain in his hip, which nearly 400kg takes around 15 minutes and then can also strengthen existing healthy suffering from pain in his hip, which age group. with my legs... shopping, in the knowledge when has now completely disappeared. “I has now completely disappeared. “I you are done, offsafe for lunch or to do the bones. “I didn’t believe it for a second Berger, “I didn’t believe itI Charles for began here lastfour times am also lifting four times the weight am also lifting the weight a second when Iyear,” bewithof myexplains shoulders, it’swith been my great,” he Owner shoulders, it’s been great,” he Charles Berger, gan here last year,” insisted. Wolff’s law Owner of OsteoOsteoStrong tells brand manager said. explains brand man- And French expat Bebe de FouquiStrong tells me The medical eviDavid NAME, a “IAnd ager David Kelly, a that me although eres, 64, explained: haveFrench been do- expat Bebe de Fouquiethat although heand he medical evidence the dence and the real hulk of a man, who now hulk ofing a OsteoStrong man, who for six res,months 64, explained: “I have been doing has only been he is only opened science behind looks as healthy as a and I feel so much better. I had pain opensince May, real science behind the looks as healthy as OsteoStrong for six months now and I sinceinlast Mayshoulder the the development butcher’s my right for over a year Dr Julius Wolff haswrote Thedog, while the centre My reward? a butcher’s dog, feel so much better. I had pain in my riof OsteoStrongLaw is ofalready already gravitating and since the second session the pain centre has already Bone Remodeling, in experiI’m sent off of Osteostrong is thanksdevelopment to Dr. Julius towards his Sevenwent and itgravihas not come while already ghtback.” shoulder for over a year and since tremen- showed to a side 1892.enced His research experienced Wolff, a German ties. A towards month’s campaign at OsteoStrong dous results. tating his the second session the pain went and room for a thanks to Julius Wolf, a anatomist who detheDr. positive effects of “Since doing one costs from just €79, with an extra €20 tremendous Clients have fabulous Seventies. it has not come back.” veloped a theory that statsession a week I for the massage. multiples of bodyweight/ experiencedwho inseven-minGerman results. Clients ed bones in the body adaptanatomist have felt amazing. “Since doing one A month’s campaign at Osteostrong Come for a free bone density scan any creased bone of bone. ute masgravity the density their architecture and size ondensity My body is stronger time. have experienced session a week I costs from just €79, with an extra €20 and dra- an sage winddeveloped a theory stated bones in The that more weight/force indito the axial loading or than ever and I am matic strength down. increased bone felt amazing. for the massage. placed upon vidual them. could able to hit the have ball Contact marbella@osteostrong.es load their skeletal increases. thestress body adaptsystem their architecture and size My body is stronCome for a free bone density scan any density and in golf, walk or call 952004505 with, the greaterfurther bone ger than ever and I time. dramatic strength densityor would become. sciento the axial loading stress placedThis upon am able to hit the increases. tific fact is the basis of the chaball further in golf, Contact marbella@osteostrong.es them. racter Superman. walk further and or call 952004505

B I feel

Wolf’s Law .. - the birth Wolff’s law T of Superman

And to it all I’m sen a side r for a bulous ven-min massa wind-do

13 13 January 16th - January 29th 2019

Good health

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Losing bandwidth

ROM Spain to South Africa and Egypt to the UK... the list of places where the Gastric Mind Band (GMB) has changed lives stretches around the world. Since 2001 the brains behind the company, Spain-based expats Martin and Marion Shirran, have helped hundreds of people across the globe with their pioneering weight loss programme. From everyone looking to drop a dress size, to couples trying to rekindle their love life, the husband and wife team, from Northampton, have seen it all. Since opening their clinic in Fuengirola 17 years ago, GMB has been endorsed by countless celebrities, publications and TV shows. And, best of all, it is completely nonsurgical, with the weight-loss therapy relying on a mix of Cognitive Behav-

iour Therapy and hypnotherapy. But does it really work? That is ‘the question on everyone’s lips’, according to Martin, who pioneered the therapy with Marion and discovered a dramatic weight loss. “I was literally the guinea pig,” he says. “The second person ever to go through the treatment and I lost between six and seven stone.” And Martin’s story is not a lone case. His life-changing flab-fighting journey is one echoed by the scores of happy customers to use GMB. Take Sarah Hart for example, who landed on Martin and Marion’s doorstep in 2010 at the incredible weight of 22 stone. Forced into taking the step after being devastated at the size she looked in her wedding photos, she lost half her body weight, insists Marion.

MOD CONS: The Fuengirola clinic

How an expat weight-loss invention on the Costa del Sol has now expanded around the world, writes Charlie Smith

PIONEERS: Marion and Martin

MASSIVE SPREAD: GMB has appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers “And she hasn’t gained an ounce since,” she adds. “Helping someone lose weight is easy, but helping them to permanently lose weight is the silver bullet.” And what Marion says about permanent weight loss is what makes GMB Four sessions, each of which incorunique. porate Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Unlike invasive surgical procedures are then used to help unravel the belike liposuction and actual gastric haviour humans have developed over bands - which cost around €6,000 unhealthy relationships with food. - the service provided by Martin and Marion uses the example of a parMarion is purely psyent rewarding a child’s chological. good behaviour with By targeting the root We recently flew sweets from an early cause of being overage. to India to help Every patient comweight or obese, GMB’s clinically-proven - and a minimum of an entire family pletes much cheaper - meth16 hours in therapy ods help patients to lose weight for a time, which often inlose weight and keep it cludes hypnotherapy. wedding that way. “When you talk to peoSo how does it work? ple about hypnotheraAccording to Marion, py,” Marion says, “they GMB ‘presses the reset button’. think it involves swinging a watch in A forensic questionnaire, which can front of your face.” take up to six hours, is used to go With GMB though there is no swinging deep into the human psyche to create watch. an understanding of a person’s emo- Instead hypnotherapy is conducted tions, wants and needs. using heart monitoring equipment

to see how the patient’s body reacts. “It is only a small part of what we do,” Marion adds, “but in addition to the therapeutic benefits it offers, people do find it very relaxing.” One of the most impressive aspects of GMB is the people behind it. Martin and Marion now fly all over the world to give out their life-changing therapy. “People say they want to have the treatment delivered by the people who invented it,” he explains. This even recently involved flying to Mumbai, in India, to help an entire family lose weight in preparation of a big family wedding. “It was an amazing experience and we’ve had plenty more like that,” Marion adds. For more information visit www.gmband.com

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UK as Get the best of both worlds. 14 www.gibraltarolivepress.com 14 Live in Spain and work in the UK as r. January 16th - January 2019live-in carer. a high 29th quality, Apply Today!

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Call for carers!

Leading care provider offers training for prospective care givers

HE Good Care Group is a leading provider of live-in care services in the UK, rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission in England. They were founded in 2009 with a vision of becoming the leading provider of high-quality home care services - enabling people to live well in their home for longer while avoiding the stress of moving into a care home. Their motivation came from a mix of personal experience in searching for care for relatives and the realisation that there were very few home care providers delivering a truly quality service. The Good Care Group aims to drive up standards, professionalise home care and lead the way in the sector.

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Super troopers Positively the best superfoods to add to your diet in 2019 for that New Year New You feeling

For more information call 0034 622047351 or email tracy.jackson@thegoodcaregroup.com

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And they are ready to warmly welcome international and expat carers with either professional or personal experience of caring to join their team. They have recruited carers from Spain for a number of years who have enjoyed successful and rewarding careers. All professional carers are directly employed and receive market-leading training as well as ongoing professional development to ensure the very highest standards of care.

For more information, please contact: Tracy on 622047351 or email tracy.jackson@thegoodcaregroup.com

Leafy greens

Nutrient-dense and low in calories - it’s not hard to see why health experts love leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, cabbage, rocket and chard. They’re packed with benefits including vitamins A, C and K, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein, and fibre. Kale has become the holy grail of superfoods but it’s not just a millennial fad. It’s one of the best detox foods you should incorporate in your diet this year. Studies have found that it helps prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease by lowering cholesterol and promoting liver and digestive health.

Kefir and sauerkraut Normally the deterioration of hearing is a slow process and may affect most of us to a greater or lesser degree. The important thing is to detect it and treat it quickly. With this simple Self-Test below, you will be able to determine your hearing quality. lf you reply affirmatively to three or more of the questions below, you may well suffer from a hearing impairment. For a full professional hearing assessment, free of charge, please contact Sontec Hearing Centres. 1.

Do you need the television volume set much higher than the rest of the family?

YES NO

Do you understand people fully, when they speak to you from behind or at a distance?

YES NO

Do you often have to ask people to repeat what they have said to you?

YES NO

Do you understand fully conversations in a groups?

YES NO

Have you difficulty understanding conversations when you are in noisy surroundings, for example, a restaurant?

YES NO

Do you suffer from tinnitus (“ringing’’ in your ears)?

YES NO

Do you feel uncomfortable in a noisy environment?

YES NO

Can you detect where noise is coming from?

YES NO

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We’ve all heard about how good probiotics are for our gut. Thanks to their fermentation process, kefir and sauerkraut are two of the most probiotic-rich foods for digestive health. Inflammation in the gut can lead to a range of problems such as decreased immunity, poor skin and, according to a number of studies, mood and mental health. Kefir, originating from Russia, is a grain made of a colony of live bacteria which is left to ferment in milk for 24 hours, creating a thick, yoghurt-like drink. It is a more powerful probiotic than yoghurt, containing 61 strains of bacteria (good ones, don’t worry), as well as calcium, protein and B vitamins. Sauerkraut - which originated in China more than 2,000 years ago - is also a strong probiotic including vitamins B6, C, K, iron, and protein. It also boosts metabolism and contains fibre which keeps you regular and reduces risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Garlic

Good news for expats, the Spanish favourite garlic is high on the superfood list because it is packed with allicin, a phytochemical which has numerous medicinal properties. It is also brilliant for fighting off most kinds of bad bacteria, viruses and fungi. So next time you have a cold, don’t reach for the Lemsip, stock up on cloves of the strong stuff. Experts say it’s best eaten raw but if cooking it, under 10 minutes is optimum time. Rub a clove on your toast in the morning (take breath pills to work) and enjoy it as pan con tomate, the traditional Andalucian breakfast.

15 15 January 16th - January 29th 2019

Good health

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

Turmeric

The Indian ‘saffron’ has been hailed as a ‘wonder spice’ by medical experts for its anti-inflammatory benefits. But that’s not all. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, aids chronic pain, immunity and heart health and has anti-cancer properties. Sprinkle it in curries, add it to fresh juices or take it in supplement form.

Berries Apples and celery

Berries are highly nutritious and low in calories, containing several vitamins and minerals but who knew strawberries were so high in vitamin C? Just one cup of the summer favourite provides a whopping 150% of the recommended daily intake. The darker the berry, the more nutrients. Blueberries are one superfood that all nutritionists agree are a diet staple, providing fibre-rich carbs which aid digestion and weight management. The blue fruit contains at least 15 different types of potent antioxidants that protect virtually every system in the body. Antioxidants prevent or delay damage to cells, tissues and muscles and are key in aiding cardiovascular and cerebral health and exercise recovery.

Bone broth For anyone suffering with digestive problems, such as IBS, bone broth could be a brilliant addition to your diet this year. As well as being high in calcium, magnesium and collagen, it aids digestion and heals gut inflammation, due to its high content of amino acids (such as cystine, histidine and glycine). It also packs plenty of collagen which gives skin elasticity and keeps joints healthy to prevent arthritis.

Wild salmon

If you’re looking for a detox after drinking a little too much cava over the festive season, apples and celery could be your new best friends. Apples are a superfood capable of regulating blood sugar, also giving you lots of fibre, vitamin C and a great liver detox. Celery is hydrating, good for digestion and another good liver cleanser. As with all fruit and veg, organic produce is always best to avoid consuming pesticides.

A long-time UK favourite, wild salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and much lower in toxins than farmed salmon. Omega 3 is important as it reduces the risk of heart disease, while lowering cholesterol levels. It has also been linked to improved cognitive function and could help reduce risks for depression. It’s additionally loaded with B vitamins and amino acids which will reward you with glowing skin and good energy levels.

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17 January

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

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16 January

BUSINESS

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STILL GOING: Ryanair boss O’Leary

No-deal fly deal

RYANAIR’S British subsidiary has secured a licence allowing it to operate in the UK in case of a no-deal Brexit. The no-frills airline said the permit means it can ‘operate UK domestic and UK to nonEU routes in a post-Brexit environment, if necessary’. London and Brussels have a plan in place to allow UK carriers to fly to the EU in case of no deal but it does not allow UK carriers to fly routes between EU destinations. “The risk of a no-deal Brexit is rising,” said Juliusz Komorek, chief legal and regulatory officer at the Irish-owned airline. “Despite our robust postBrexit structures, including our post-Brexit plan around European ownership, we continue to call for the UK and EU to agree a transition deal from March 31, so that any disruption to flights and British consumer summer holidays in 2019 can be avoided.” Ryanair operates more than 800 flights to or from Spain per day from airports across Britain and the EU.

Foreign investors claiming €35 million for ghost developments around Spain FOREIGN investors are claiming a staggering €35 million for unfinished property investments in Spain. This is the current total being claimed in hundreds of court cases around the country. So-called ‘ghost developments’ saw thousands sink their savings into off-plan property on the Costa del Sol. But after Spain’s real estate bubble burst following the financial crash of 2008, many of these schemes were either left unfinished or never started. Now, after a ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court last year, some 60,000 foreign investors, a large proportion Irish and British, are able to claim money back from the banks, rather than property developers. The landmark decision has boosted the hopes of the thou-

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Clawing it back!

COMPENSATION: Ollie Reel (right) has already got €70k for Estepona deposits sands who plunged money into to have won back its clients They have so far managed to developments that were never over €22m so far, is expecting claw back €70,000 invested built. a big year for payouts. in Estepona Beach and CounIrish legal claims firm Reclaim Its owners Ollie and John try Club. And they continue to in Spain is representing 700 Reel, based in Armagh, were battle for the rest. victims of the so-called off plan also victims of the off plan “It was a fantastic feeling to get property fraud. schemes, to the tune of almost that back and it has been great The firm, which already claims €500,000. to help others like us,” said Ollie. “The Spanish banks are reeling as they know that they will have to pay out millions more, but they continue to contest the cases as they don’t want BRITISH favourite Primark is finally set bella town hall, as they didn’t comply with to be seen to be giving in,” he to open in Marbella thanks to a change in the 2010 General Plan (PGOU) for the town. added. building regulations. Battle lines were drawn, not helped when The pair were among 395 unIt comes after a five-year battle between the Primark went along with the works regardlucky investors to sink money Irish discount store and Marbella town hall. less, incurring a fine and orders from the into off-plan developments at The issue resolved around the size of the town hall to stop. the Estepona Beach and Counplanned shop at La Canada shopping centre, However a modification to the PGOU in Detry Club. which needed an extra 2,000m2, created as cember opens the door to the construction of They have clients as far and part of a mezzanine floor. mezzanines in commercial buildings, so the wide as Norway, Sweden, GerHowever the works were blocked by Mar- shop can now be finished and opened. many, and Dubai.

Primed for opening!

Canaries going cheap BRITISH tourists could be exempt from paying ‘VAT’ in the Canary Islands to deflect the effects of Brexit. The measure is set to make the Canaries more competitive and help them achieve ‘better results’ if the UK leaves Europe. The eight-island archipelago would be classed as an ‘an outermost region’ under a new agreement benefiting holidaymakers. It’s equivalent of IVA (VAT), the Canary Indirect General Tax’ (IGIC) tax, will be waived for visitors after Brexit. Around 16 million tourists flocked to the islands, including Tenerife and Lanzarote, in 2017, with Brits consistently being the largest group of holidaymakers.

Pocket money THE Spanish government is set to borrow €15 billion from the Treasury so it can cover this year’s pensions requirements. The Labour ministry once again needs extra help as it does not collect enough money to pay for 14 different types of pension. Nearly nine million Spaniards receive 9.6 million pensions, which include retirement (5.9 million), widowhood (2.3 million) and permanent disability (1 million).

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Jan 16th - Jan 29th 2019

Takes a village

Property of the Week

Buying up an entire Spanish village is a craze sweeping Hollywood and beyond but you’ll have to be quick to bag a bargain

Humilladero, Malaga - TH3888 89.950€ This large 5 bed, 2 bath, family home set out over 3 floors, the ground floor has a reception room, downstairs powder room, lounge a great size kitchen diner with plenty of storage and spacious bedroom with ensuite bathroom and storage.

tel: +34 952 741 525 Calle de la Villa 14, 29532, Mollina, Malaga info@inlandandalucia.com www.inlandandalucia.com

PROPERTY

NEWS

January 16th - January 29th 2019

WHEN Gwyneth Paltrow included a deserted Spanish village on her Christmas wish list last year, the Hollywood actress turned ‘influencer’ was tapping into an already booming market. But Santa disappointed the eccentric star who included the abandoned hamlet of Lugo in Galicia in her Ridiculous but Awesome Christmas Gift Guide on her website Goop. It has been

snapped up for peanuts by a Dutch couple. For the incredible price of under €150,000 they get the village, a 360m2 house, two haylofts, a granary and a number of other buildings scattered around the Eo Valley. They are among a slew of investors looking to make a quick buck out of abandoned pueblos across the countryside whose

Landlords abroad MORE than half of tourist rental properties in Malaga province are owned by foreigners, a new study has revealed. Of the 23,238 holiday lets registered on October 1 in Malaga last year, 11,738 are owned by foreign nationals compared to 11,496 owned by Spaniards. The stats highlight the Costa del Sol’s power of attraction for investment firms and individuals globally, including places as far flung as Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan and Kenya. The report states that 87% of foreign-owned holiday rental properties on the Costa del Sol belong to EU citizens, while 4% are owned by Russians. Americans own 369 homes and 61 are owned by Asians, 27 of them from China. Nearly 100 other lets are listed with owners from the Middle East and Africa. When applied to the whole of Andalucia, Spanish landlords tip the balance owning 25,000 out of 40,000 holiday lets.

GONE: Village wanted by Gwyneth Paltrow populations have deserted them from the EU for doing it up as a for the cities and coast. rural tourism business. There are now more than 3,000 The bullish market is seeing at scattered across Spain. And alleast 20 Spaniards coming forthough only a few hundred are ward every month to prove they currently for sale due to a lack own a stake in the abandoned of paperwork, Spaniards are villages, while prices have risen coming forward everyday to by around 5-10% in just one lay claim to the towns and their year. properties. Aldeas Abandonadas has 110 In fact, although 70% of clivillages available - average ents come from abroad price between €200,000 and tend to be British, and €450,000 - alBelgian and French, though there are an increasing numsome going for beber of Spaniards tween €2.5 million are buying into the and €7 million – the dream, according to latter being a village Aldeas Abandonadas, in Huelva. a real estate agent manHowever if you’re lookaging the sale of dozens of ing to invest, be prepared villages. for things to take time and try to One Malaga couple has just avoid villages with more than 10 bought a Galician hamlet for property owners, as it can prove €60,000, the agency revealed. ‘almost impossible’ to reach an It comes not only with six cotagreement that suits every party tages and 15,000m2 of land but involved. the bonus of a €200,000 grant

AGONY Property ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

A crafted insurance.

Custody compensation

How the EU has ordered Spanish Courts to review compensation for wrongful imprisonment, explains Lawbird’s Antonio Flores

HE Spanish Constitutional Tribu- account by any judicial authority regardnal has had to accept that people less of the reasons given for the criminal wrongly held in custody should be court’s decision. entitled to state compensation. Two examples illustrate the doctrine that It comes after it was forced by various rul- the ECJ seeks to change: ings from the European Court of Justice A man who spent 542 days in custody for (ECJ) to review the law - not without signifi- an alleged murder that turned out to be cant reticence from the Supreme Court. an accident was granted compensation. As a result, it is now studying legisla- A man held in custody for over 360 days in tive changes to adapt national laws (art. connection to terrorist activities that had 294.1 of the Judiciary Power Act). all charges dropped when two key witCurrently, Spain operates a dual objec- nesses retracted their testimonies, was tive/subjective criteria comdenied compensation. pensation system. Under Some countries operate A man held in it, acquittals or dismissed similar systems - in the UK, cases for lack of evidence legal changes in 2014 recustody for over (subjective criteria) do stricted payments to only not attract compensation, those who could prove their 360 days in whereas if they are based innocence ‘beyond reasonconnection to on the finding that the alable doubt’, causing great leged offence had not been grievance to a majority of terrorism committed, ‘financial repair’ those convicts wronged by will be available. incompetent police and The ECJ ruled that EU law judges. Other countries, does not envisage two different classes such as Austria and Germany, calculate of innocent people following a judicial ac- compensation based on ‘prison days’. quittal, class 1 (where no crime had been In the US, an August report by the nacommitted) and class 2 (where a crime tional Registry of Exonerations calculated was committed but those charged had the number of years spent incarcerated been found not guilty due to insufficient for crimes not committed - 20,080 years evidence). According to the ECJ, in mak- unjustly lost to prison. ing such distinction, the Spanish Court But the magnitude of rightful compensa[…] had disregarded the applicant’s previ- tion was, in a very American way, enorous acquittal, which had to be taken into mous at U$D 2.2 billion.

20 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel +350 200 40850 info@capurroinsurance.com www.capurroinsurance.com Regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Commission, Gibraltar 04/2018

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com

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Culinary capital

ALMERIA is set to become Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy in 2019 - the first Mediterranean coastal city ever to host the year-long food fest. The historic port town will be ‘the first ambassador of Mediterranean cuisine’, showcasing the best chefs, restaurants and fresh produce the region has to offer, promised Mayor Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco. “This is going to be the year of the city” said Councillor Carolina Lafita. Almeria will ‘surprise, contribute new ideas and leave its own mark on the network of gastronomic cities’, she added. Previous gastronomic capitals have included Leon in 2018 and Huelva, on Spain’s Atlantic coast, in 2017. Both cities have successfully used the opportunity to ‘raise their international and culinary profiles’, said Lafita. The full programme of events will be unveiled on January 12.

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Malaga has six restaurants in Spain’s top 100 according to eatery app El Tenedor (and Mallorca has seven)

A MALAGA restaurant has been voted 10th best in Spain, while nine other Andalucian eateries made the top 100. The list of gastronomic brilliance was compiled by TripAdvisor’s new app and reservation platform El Tenedor - The Fork - which analysed more than 12 million user opinions. Ocho in Malaga is the restaurant deemed Spain’s 10th best and co-owner David Perrin Cortés is ‘thrilled’ with the ranking. “El Tenedor’s results are based on client feedback, so it means a lot and makes what we are trying to do worthwhile,” he told the Olive Press. Located on Calle Pedro de Toledo, Ocho is about fresh Argentine-inspired cooking and

EIGHT Andalucian wines and spirits have featured in an influential list of Spain’s Best Wines and Spirits, with one more notable sherry coming from Alicante in Valencia. Chosen by the Spanish Association of Wine Journalists and Writers, Andalucia is the most represented region in Spain in the annual nationwide competition. Although the overall winner is the 2016 Pago de Carraovejas from the Ribera de Duero region in Castille y Leon, Andalu-

January 16th - January 29th 2019

OCHO: 10th best restaurant in Spain seasonal produce. Yet despite the South American link, Perrin Cortés was keen to talk up the culinary offerings of

Top tipples sia dominates in the brandy, sherry and sweet wine categories. Cardenal Mendoza and Lepanto Solera Gran Reserva PX and Presidente Alvear were unveiled as the top Spanish brandies. The three best sherries include Tradicion Palo Cortado V.O.R.S and Cuatro Palmas

southern Spain. “Andalucia is the garden of Spain,” he enthused. “There’s so much fresh seafood and veg-

Amontillado from the Jerez-Xerex-Sherry region and Fondillon de Primitivo Quiles from Alicante. The sweet wine, liquors and vermouth category was also entirely Andalucian with Tintilla de Rota from Finca Moncloa in Cadiz, Pedro Ximenez 1927 by Alvear from Montilla-Moriles and Gonzalez Byass’s Noe Pedro Ximenez VORS from Jerez-Xerex-Sherry. The winemakers will receive their awards at a gala dinner in Sevilla on April 12.

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etables here.” Humbly, he said that while Ocho had no plans to expand in 2019, “We will try and improve. We are trying to keep things real and small.” Five more Malaga kitchens join Ocho in the list selected by El Tenedor, while Casares, Granada, Sevilla and Almeria also get a look-in with one each. Sarmiento, placed number 34 in the hot 100, is newly opened in Casares. The menu centres on the pillars of the Andalucian lifestyle: ‘authenticity, spontaneity and enjoyment of family’. Another pick of the bunch in Andalucia is Ta-Kumi, a Japanese ‘cuisine and gastro bar’ with branches in Marbella and Malaga. Meanwhile, Martín Berasategui’s self-titled restaurant in the Basque town of Lasarte-Oria was ranked the number one restaurant in Spain. His eponymous eatery has been awarded three Michelin stars since 2001, while he personally holds more than any other Spanish chef, with eight. Just south of San Sebastian, his restaurant’s a la carte menu is lit up by dishes like ‘basil and coral gazpacho with diced and cured rockfish and horseradish’.

Laser detective RESEARCHERS in Madrid have invented a hi-tech,lowcost sensor to detect adulterated olive oil. The device can tell the difference between pure extra virgin olive oil and fake blended varieties by using a laser light to differentiate the particles in both. Extra virgin olive oil is sometimes mixed with out-of-date olive oil or cheaper, lower-grade oils, but it is almost impossible to detect the fraud until it is too late. But with the use of a lasers and computer algorithms, the researchers hope it will soon be easy and inexpensive to root out the imposters. The laser device, which is no bigger than a bag, generates results in real time and is cheap to manufacture with a 3D printer, said Jose S. Torrecilla, a senior lecturer and researcher at Madrid’s Complutense University. “Other clear advantages of our tool include the possibility of conducting on-site analyses as the equipment is the size of a briefcase. “The quality of olive oil is recognised nationally and internationally. It is therefore necessary to protect this quality.”

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

From the high octane to the low key, we check out Spain’s niftiest ski resorts for snow fanatics

PAIN is known for a lot of things – beaches, paella, siestas, fiestas – but it’s rarely associated with snow sports or ski resorts - even though there are 35 of them in the country. All the same, there are those who fly from as far away as Japan and Russia to savour the unique experience of bombing down a frozen mountainside under a Mediterranean sun. Here, we take a look at the best Spain has to offer in the way of winter wonderlands – from party central to the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, with a glance at the landscape, the slopes, who goes and the vibe they create.

Baqueira Beret The look

Pretty and expensive. A large resort at the top of Val d’Aran in the Catalan Pyrenees, it has an Alpine air with plenty of trees and a couple of big hotels amidst an otherwise boutique set up. Restaurants and cafés abound and, just to give you the measure of them, there is bar halfway up the slopes that serves nothing but Moët & Chandon. Val d’Aran itself is stunning and there are several small towns and villages further down the valley such as Arties that are slightly cheaper and more charming if you don’t mind the 7km drive up to the station each morning.

The slopes

Cerler

The look Two thousand more properties are to be built here in the next 10 years so it would be smart to show up before that happens. As it stands, this is a discreet resort and the highest in the Aragonese Pyrenees with all the Christmas card trimmings - cobbled streets, fir trees and traditional chalets and cottages.There are also some beautiful village-to-village walks for those wanting a break from the up-down-up-down on-piste routine. The slopes With 77 km and 68 runs, this may not be Formigal but it is big enough to keep the average skier entertained for a week. Ten of its runs are green, 18 blue, 25 red and 14 black. Though not the cheapest, it is more economical than Baqueira, Sierra Nevada and Formigal. The people Unknown outside Spain, the crowd here is predominantly Spanish and tend to be families or couples, content with a nice hot bath, a hearty meal and an early night after a hard day on the slopes. The vibe Low-key. This is a place that has been variously described as romantic, charming and quiet.

Perfectly groomed, the pistes are inarguably the best Spain has to offer with infrastructure to match. The station offers 165 km of runs – 6 green, 43 blue, 45 red and 17 black. Baqueira is also known as the king of off-piste skiing in Spain, offering Barlongueta and Escomacabres behind the Cap de Baqueira – a vertical run wedged between two rock faces five metres apart.

The people

This is famously where the Spanish royal family come to perfect their parallel turns. It is also frequented by Spain’s former PP President José María Aznar and his family as well as a number of politicians, including Luis Barcénas – the former PP treasurer who is now languishing in Soto del Real jail. Other crooks, celebrities and and Catalan businessmen gather here during the season to flash their cash on some lavish living.

The vibe

Exclusive. This is not a party town. It’s more about Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shops, making it the Calle Serrano of the Spanish ski world. There is a big international crowd here as it is generally the only resort, along with Sierra Nevada, that gets any airplay outside Spain.

Formigal The look

Close to the French border in the province of Huesca, this sprawling purposebuilt resort is a short (free) bus or train ride from Aramón Formigal ski station. If you are seeking a more scenic spot try Panticosa, 12 km down the road, or Sallent de Gállego, a beautiful town by a turquoise blue reservoir that’s a 10km schlep from the slopes. Beware of long lift queues in high season.

The slopes

There are those who grumble that Formigal’s pistes are not challenging enough, others who rave about the scope. Certainly there are enough of them with 141 km of runs – 6 green, 19 blue, 34 red and 38 black. The station boasts four different zones – Sextas for beginners, Larrios for families, Anayet for experts and Portalet for those seeking extra thrills. There is a ticket available for five stations in the area called the tarjeta Aramón, should the 141 km not be enough for you, or the snow better elsewhere. These five stations include Cerler and Panticosa. There is an off-piste area not far from the Portalet zone but as it’s prone to avalanches, take a guide.

The people

Formigal attracts a Spanish and Catalan crowd with a number of French thrown into the mix, many of whom are serious, no-nonsense skiers and less ostentatious than the Baqueira snow bunnies. On weekends, there are so many of them, the runs can resemble Spanish motorways at the start of August.

The vibe

The resort appears to cater for all ages and tastes and might be said to lack character. However, there is a rather famous aprés-ski joint called the Marchica, a partly open-air disco at the foot of the slopes which cranks up every afternoon at 3 pm and stays open until 9.30 pm so that skiers get a chance to be slaves to a different rhythm in their snow gear.

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

Boí-Taüll www.bistropoint.gi UNIVERSITY OF GIBRALTAR, EUROPA POINT The look

Close to spectacular Aigüestortes National Park in the Vall de Boí, this is the highest ski station not just in the Catalan Pyrenees but in the Pyrenees full stop. Skiers stay down the mountain, either in a purpose-made resort some 5 km from the slopes, or 7 or 9 kms away in Taüll or Boi – villages that are both famous for their Romanesque churches, quaint cobbled streets and rural ambience.

Reservations on 200 76588 or bistropoint@huntergroup.gi

The slopes

This is the cheapest station of our five featured resorts but with just 45 km of runs - 6 green, only 3 blue, 20 red and 14 black, making it more appealing to intermediate skiers who can make use of the whole area. The risk of becoming bored may spur low-level skiers on to new heights!

The people

Mainly Catalan and French, this is a friendly, family resort and rarely overcrowded. More grunge than glam, it appeals to the down-to-earth among us who may have learned to ski in the rough-and-ready resorts of Scotland and find themselves outside their comfort zone in the jet-set scene usually associated with skiing.

The vibe

This is about as laid-back as you probably want it. The villages and the resort can get very quiet but it has several good bars and restaurants and an authentic feel. You’ll certainly know you are in Catalunya. They even eat horse!

CARAVANING

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Jan 16th - Jan 29th 2019

January 16th - January 29th 2019

Brace yourself for 2019 Belinda Beckett looks into the immediate future and discovers it’s not all bad AS we head into another New Year, fearing that this one will turn out to be just as bloody-minded as the last, here a r e some key dates for your 2019 diary that don’t require a crystal ball. January 28 It’s going to be a pig of a year – Chinese New Year style. The 12th animal sign in their zodiac symbolises prosperity and good fortune, something we’ve all been short of in 2018. In pig years you’ll have fun and bring home serious bacon.

February 25 The Oscars add a splash of glam to a grey February and Mary Poppins Returns which hit cinema screens over Christmas could win this year’s nostalgia vote. It was the spoonful of sugar that helped the ‘Brexmas’ medicine go down although us oldies have fonder memories of the Julie Andrews version. March 29 D-Day for expats in Europe, when we may all become illegal aliens overnight if infamous Article 50

Wrap up!

shbaCk

event for millions. Only six more episodes and it will all be over, unless HBO can be persuaded that you can never have too much of a good thing. June 7-July 7

comes into force (I didn’t say it was all good). March/April Another royal baby will put a spring in our step. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their first born around the time the Campo de Gibraltar’s real storks go into parental overdrive atop their telegraph pole nests.

Is your home ready for the cold spell?

N the occasion of the Christmas period and beyond, maybe you have planned to travel to your country to visit family and friends. A home insurance, therefore, is essential during this time of the year, basically because you will leave your home empty and also, in winter, extreme weather conditions are capable of wreaking havoc on your home, even more, if you are far away! In view of this, you should bear in mind some things before you go away for your vacation to keep your home safe and secure. Talking about your home insurance, it is important to make sure you have the cover you need and that it remains valid whilst you are away. You should know that if you are away from home for more than a certain number of days, in the event of a loss, the claim coverage could be rejected if the home has been vacant for a period longer than stipulated in your policy. Thus, ensuring that your home insurance provider is aware that the property will be vacant for a long period of time and checking the period in your policy,can make all the difference should the worst happen in your absence. On the other hand, there are many insurance companies that don’t cover wind perils. Liberty Seguros does, but even if yours also covers it you should talk to your insurance agent to determine if personal property, such as a swimming pool or your garden furniture, will be covered. With Liberty you can have the peace of mind that your garden furniture will be covered even if it has been damaged by adverse weather conditions. But not all insurers are alike.

Cash baCk

SNAPS

Other of the threats to your home arising during the winter season is cold snaps which can cause pipes to burst. Liberty Seguros, for example, will compensate you for the additional water consumption due to a broken pipe and also they will pay for the repairs of the parts affected in case your pipe bursts due to the cold snaps. However,replacing the entire pipe system can be costly for you, so that it is always better to prepare for the unexpected! If this worries you,find out which areas of your house are most susceptible to freezing pipe problems and begin taking preventative action. Another wintertime disaster could be that your roof collapses from the results of the heavy rains or blizzard, a standard home insurance policy will usually cover the damage. However, most insurance companies will review the condition of your roof to determine whether or not you were negligent as New client? they determine the payout.The best thing to do is to keep updated records, including photos, of the condition of your roof and any regular maintenance. By taking the necessary precautions and preparing your house for winter before you leave, you can avoid being tangled up in an insurance claim this winter season. Having your roof regularly shoveled, CASHBACK € trimming threatening trees, finding burst water pipes, shutting off your water and cleaning your gutwith 2 new policies ters are all things that can be done before you go away to help prevent an unwanted disaster. Over 175,000 expat clients already chose Liberty as their insurance provider and this figure grows almost everyday because of the excellent service and quality of cover clients get. In order to achieve this and to assist those that prefer a more personalised service and a face to face chat, Liberty Seguros has an extensive network of over 300 brokers and agents that are dedicated to providing unbiased, friendly, expert advice. Speaking your own language, these brokers and agents will be pleased to help you as The Expats’ No.1 Choice much as possible.

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go to www.libertyexpatriates.es Liberty Seguros is considered the expat’s number one choice in Spain. ct debit. Not for renewals or replacements. Applies only to new comprehensive To find out more visit www.libertyexpatriates.es our website or ask your broker/agent for full details. or simply call 91 342 25 49.

7 November

April (date tba) The beginning of the end of Game of Thrones - a bitter-sweet

A time for girl power to shine as France hosts the FIFA Women’s World Cup, now in its eighth edition. Let’s be honest - 2018’s male version was just a warm-up for the main event. Mid-summer Virgin Galactic’s first commercial space flights for tourists are due to blast off. Richard Branson has vowed to be the first passenger up. August 2019-2021 Andalucia is planning a three-year party to mark the 500th anniversary of the 1st circumnavigation of the globe. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Sanlucar, via Sevilla, with three ships and 270 men to find a westward passage to the East Indies. Only 18 crew and one ship captained by Spaniard Juan Sebastian Elcano

returned from the epic three-year voyage. An opera starring Placido Domingo, a replica voyage and a round-world trimaran race are among hundreds of events planned. Some time this year The internet will officially become bigger than TV worldwide. People will spend an average of 170.6 minutes a day shopping, chatting and live streaming online in 2019, say pundits - a whole three minutes more than they’ll spend watching ‘the box’. Never

The world will NOT end with a bang in the shape of an asteroid collision. Originally forecast by both Nostradamus and meteorologists to pass scarily close to earth in 2019, NASA has since assured us there will be a margin of about 2.6 million miles. So if 2019 shows signs of breaking bad, rejoice. At least you’ll be ALIVE!

Protest with no bull It’s new year, new me in more than one way as Giles Brown heads to his first ever protest

T is a fairly well known fact that I’m not screams and heavy breathing as you try and one of those ‘New Year, New You’ type of lift weights… people, as the hulking pile of unopened I also went on my first ever protest march. self-help books gathering dust in the far Even though I grew up in the UK in the 80s, corners of my bookshelves will verify. But de- I didn’t get involved in politics that much, spite myself, I have made a few small steps apart from the obligatory CND badge in the to becoming a better person in 2019. Before sixth form, so avoided demonstrations for you all drop your morning Martinis in mirth, I the poll tax, miners’ strike and Greenham must confess that I’m unlikely to have some Common. But the announcement that MarRoad to Damascus-style conversion, come bella Town Hall planned to bring back bullover all millennial and start knitting my own fighting - banned by the previous administraquinoa or some such. tion - angered several of my friends who, like But while the rest of Marbella was eagerly me, couldn’t see how bullfighting is still perposting photos of their new gym kit and train- tinent to 21st century Spain. I’m not going to ing regimes on social media, I did dust off engage in the rights and wrongs of it in this and drag out the weights from a dark corner column, save to say that I’m right, and you of the casita and even indulged in a lung- can find me on social media and have a go if bursting blast of cardio by hauling my post you think you’re hard enough. And if replies Christmas, battered body up the track that on my Facebook page are to believed, I am leads from the house to the Istan road. a marked man in some quarters of La Cala. A change of diet also occurred, as you can’t The march itself passed off without incident, really get away with scoffing a handful of with a broad cross section of pierced and tatQuality Street for breakfast in mid-January. tooed hardcore protesters, as well as families I couldn’t resist and foreign resiposting a shot of dents. But I must myself in scruffy confess that my ACTIVISTS: Giles Brown and co hoodie and red vocabulary let beanie trainme down with ing hat - a sort chanting some of ‘gym smurf’ of the slogans. look, if you will There’s nothing - though I did worse than getcaption it ‘narcisting ‘La Tortura sistic gym selfie no es Cultura’ alert’. And I also wrong and shoutdiscovered that ing ‘La Tortuga one of the added no es Cultura’. benefits of living At least I got a in splendid isolalaugh from my tion in the campo fellow demonmeans that no strators. Next one can hear time, I’ll just your anguished ACTIVISTS: Giles Brown and co bring a whistle…

SPORT

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

Dejan No Lov-ban

LIVERPOOL and Croatia defender Dejan Lovren has been banned for one international match by UEFA after his online rant at Spain and Sergio Ramos. The Premier League star uploaded an inflammatory video to Instagram following his side’s 3-2 Nations League win over the Spanish in November. In the footage Lovren can be heard saying ‘Spain are a bunch of pussies’ after he told reporters they were also ‘bad losers’. The Croatian had breached a rule that penalises any player ‘whose conduct is insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct’.

Raquet racket US Open participant among 83 investigated for tennis match-fixing in Spain SPANISH police have arrested 15 people in a tennis match-fixing investigation involving 28 professional players. An Armenian criminal gang are thought to be the brains behind the sports scam, which sees 83 people placed under investi-

gation in total. Guardia Civil agents have confirmed that one of the players involved played at last year’s US Open, while another player was named as Spaniard Marc FornellMestres. Europol and the National High Court of Spain have

Scot to go ANDY Murray may have played his last competitive match after bowing out of the Australian Open with hip trouble. The 31-year-old Scot had been struggling after hip surgery and was tearful as he told journalists before the tournament he would retire at Wimbledon. “I’m not sure I’m able to play through the pain for another four or five months,” he said. But the two-time W i m bledon champion was visibly in pain as he lost 3-2 to Spaniard Roberto Bautista in the

Aussie Grand Slam. Murray has never won the tournament, which takes place at Melbourne Park, despite reaching the final five times, the last time being in 2016. Meanwhile Spain’s Rafael Nadal lead tributes to Murray’s brilliant career as he said: “You don’t know how much we are going to miss you, you are an example of a great athlete and person.” Murray’s pro tennis journey began in 2000 when he left home - still a teenager - to train at Barcelona’s worldfamous Casal-Sanchez Academy.

END OF ERA: Murray

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ACCUSED: Mestres

assisted the Guardia Civil in raids on 11 houses on Thursday. Authorities have frozen 42 bank accounts and seized €167,000, 50 electronic devices, five luxury vehicles, credit cards, documents and a shotgun. “Our officers have proved the group had been operating since February 2017 and estimate that they had earned millions of euros through the operation,” said a Guardia Civil spokesperson.

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Integrity

The probe began when the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) noted strange activities during matches at the Challenger and ITF Futures tournaments. Europol claim that 97 matches at these competitions were fixed, as players are alleged to have taken bribes in return for influencing certain results. “The suspects bribed professional players to guarantee predetermined results and used the identities of thousands of citizens to bet on the prearranged games,” the law enforcement agency said. The Armenian gang are believed to have bribed the unidentified players at the national and international level.

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FINAL WORDS

A NEW PP logo featuring the Spanish flag has been seen as a way to compete with Vox, who also use the national flag in their branding.

Superfood MOSCATEL raisins from Malaga have been declared an ‘important’ food by the Food and Agricultural Organisation for keeping blood pressure low.

Robo rep MARBELLA has launched a virtual tour guide that provides information using AI, soon to be available on the ‘Assistant Marbella’ smartphone app.

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

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Hypocrites? POLITICIAN: Alejo

TWO men carrying a James Bond-style gun pen have been arrested in Malaga. The Spaniards, 34 and 39, were held on charges of drug trafficking and the possession of illegal weapons. Police also seized a taser, an air pistol, another gun with ammunition, a bulletproof vest, seven grammes of cocaine and 108 grammes of hash and €11,000. James Bond was famously seen using a 9mm rocketfiring pen gun in Never Say Never Again.

Vidal-Quadras went to dozens of NCRI rallies in Paris during his stint as European vicepresident, but claims he was never paid to do so. However, a report in The Guardian last November claims the NCRI pays high fees to VIP guests at their events. The US National Security Advisor John Bolton, for instance, was paid €156,000 for putting in several appearances.

HIGH TECH: Pen gun

Some 80% of the ultra-right-wing party’s funding came from an unusual source during its European election campaign VOX may rail against Islam and socialism but in 2014 the party ironically received 146 donations worth €800,000 from members of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) for its European elec-

tion campaign. NCRI, which has close ties to the militant Islamic socialist group the Mojahedin Organisation of Iran, or MEK, now recognises that it did not know Vox’s position on immigration. “We knew it was

Return to sender SEVEN out of ten underwhelmed Spaniards sell their Three Kings gifts on online, and many will average sales of €118, according to the popular buy-and sell website Milanuncios. According to the nationwide survey, 75% of people from Madrid and Catalunya are planning to sell unwanted gifts, but ungrateful Andalucians are not too far behind with 69% saying they are ready to part with unloved and poorly chosen Christmas presents. Most people will sell a gift because they neither like it or know they will not use it, but a small proportion say they would just prefer the money.

a new party but not on the extreme right,” a source claimed. The NCRI was, in fact, returning a favour to former PP politician and one of the 14 vicepresidents of the European Parliament, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, who decided to abandon the PP in 2014 and represent Vox in the European election. In the event, he failed to get more than 1.56% of the vote and subsequently abandoned the party altogether. “They were people who had nothing to do with Vox,” says Vidal-Quadras of the donations. “The candidate was me. They were donations for me. I helped save a lot of lives. It’s a massive group of exiles who see me as their protector. When I go to their events, they hug and kiss me.”

Jaime Bond

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