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Vol. 4 Issue 102 www.theolivepress.es July 31st to August 13th 2019
Big Mack with flies
THE Government has revealed an ambitious plan to double the theatre capacity of John Mackintosh Hall. The iconic venue will see its current 408-seat space replaced with a new theatre big enough for an audience of over 900. A 13-metre stage, improved lighting, and new rigging - aka flies - are among the other features of the project.
Spacious
The current theatre will be dismantled, while the Hebrew High School Institute, adjoining the building will remain unchanged. A more spacious library and changes to the usage of Queen’s cinema room complete the upgrades. Minister of Culture, Steven Linares, said: “We are developing excellent facilities for the sports community and we maintain the same commitment to raise the great Performing Arts family in Gibraltar to an even higher level than today.”
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area (below) is full of upscale restaurants and sailing yachts TCHED carefully into the Rutherford crown of Spain’s south- Knowles, or the BBC’s Nick in the port of Sotogrande. who all have homes “It’s so cosmopolitan ern coast, Sotogrande is in the and with resort. a low crime rate - if any at all. a gem that shows no sign And then there are the footbalof losing its glimmer. Continues on page 22 The country’s largest pri- lers, including Glenn Hoddle vately-owned residential ‘su- and Glen Johnson, who have per-state’ has long been the bought homes in Sotogrande. first port of call for the cream of Internationally renowned for its polo, golf and sailing, as well European high society. The radiance of this million- as a burgeoning gastronomic aire’s playground lies in its scene, this ‘mini Monaco’ of low-density living, stunning high net worth residents has all beaches and mountain back- the hallmarks of what is often drops, plus its amazing marina considered the top private resort in Europe. and golf courses. Its privileged views of the Rock Different from other ‘celebrity’ TYRE CENTER of Gibraltar and the Rif moun- resorts where talk of wealth tains of Africa have been en- and fame is de rigueur, in SoCan you afford to joyed by the likes of ex-UK PM togrande they like to keep such wait 7 to 10 days? Tony Blair, the British royal talk, appropriately, ‘sotto voce.’ family and countless European Mention the palpable sense of tel: 956 794 657 celebrities, who don’t want to community, however, and you’ll C/Sierra Bermeja s/n, be spotted, unlike those who discover how that is the privileged enclave’s true treasure. Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro venture to nearby Marbella. But keep your eyes peeled and “Sotogrande is a very friendly Opposite you might spot Irish motor rac- place. You get all the different Iceland ing guru Eddie Jordan, former nationalities here and they all Genesis keyboard player Mike just blend in,” estate agent BriA7 132 KM an Nelson tells us at his office
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SHINE ON
‘Becoming Spanish would be suicide’
How an innocent British MoD worker on Gib was locked up for a YEAR with killers... FULL STORY P6 opportunity for Spain, Morocco and Portugal as an economic engine.” He blamed former Spanish dictator Franco for the anti-Gibraltar sentiment that shaped Spanish right-wing policy. He suggested that just as street names were getting changed in recent years so should the attitude towards Gibraltar. The GSLP party leader went on to describe the recent tax talks with the Rock’s closest neighbour as ‘very positive’. “The way we do our taxation is totally asymmetric to the way Hacienda does it,” said Picardo. “Spain looks to have come out better out of the tax agreement but only because it needs much more information for tax purposes. “The deal has shown that we have absolutely nothing to hide. We can now show that we have no Spanish money hiding from taxation in Gibraltar.”
BECOMING Spanish ‘doesn’t even enter into the Gibraltarian conscience’. That’s the verdict of Chief Minister Fabian Picrdo, who explained just how alien to locals that would be and why it would ‘go against everything that we are.’ “To get out of the Commonwealth and get into the Spanish civil code and Europe with the UK is almost suicidal for us,” Picardo said in Parliament. “Gibraltar within the Commonwealth represents an enormous
Going overboard? Captain of tanker detained in Gibraltar accuses British soldiers of using excessive force
THE captain of the tanker seized in Gibraltar while carrying Iranian oil has accused the Royal Marines who detained his ship of using excessive force. The elite commandos had helped authorities seize the Grace 1 on suspicion it was carrying Syria bound oil in breach of EU sanctions. The Ministry of Defence has defended the raid arguing it ‘complied with international rules and norms.’ The statement last night came as the captain claimed marines made his unarmed crew kneel on the deck at gunpoint. The incident took place on July 4 and saw 30 marines from 42 Commando flown in at the request of the Gibraltar government. The unnamed captain said police radioed him with a request to board his ship
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DRAMATIC: Grace 1 and (right) Royal Marines
and he lowered the ship’s ladder. Before the authorities had a chance to board, a military helicopter landed on the ship in a ‘very dangerous’
move, according to the Indian national. The man identified himself as the captain but was ignored by marines who instead trained their guns
on the crewmembers and shouted ‘look forward, look forward,’ he continued “They didn’t care whether I was master… there was no regulations… we had 28
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unarmed crew. “I was in a state of shock, everybody was in a state of shock. “How do you come on a ship like this with armed forces and such brute force. For what reason?” Asked whether his ship’s cargo contained anything illegitimate, the captain replied he ‘followed company procedures’ and knew nothing of the sanctions. Meanwhile the MoD has described the operation as a ‘standard boarding’ and added that British armed forces were ‘held to the highest standards of professional.’ The seizure of the tanker sparked a diplomatic crisis between the UK and Iran, with the British flagged Stena impera tanker by seized by Iranian forces in retaliation.
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CRIME
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NEWS IN BRIEF Parole delay PRISONERS will now have to wait for the halfway point of their sentences to apply for parole, according to a new law passed in parliament.
Go forth NEXT-generation Royal Navy ship HMS Forth, designed to fight piracy, terrorism and contraband visited Gibraltar recently.
Sea clash ROYAL Navy patrolboat HMS Sabre attracted the attention of a Spanish ship during live fire exercises in international waters recently.
Smoked out SOME 34 traffickers have been arrested in the Campo de Gibraltar following a year-long investigation into tobacco smuggling.
Twisted
July 31st - August 13th 2019
Brits aboard
Handyman accused of killing British pensioner in Spain was ‘selling her belongings’
THE killer of a British expat pensioner was allegedly flogging off her belongings before he beat her to death. Confessed murderer Francisco Javier Becerra, 45, buried the body of 74-year-old Lesley Anne Pearson in a shallow grave on her estate in Algar in the Sierra de Cadiz. The farm hand, who worked for Becerra for years, reportedly confessed to killing her in a fit of rage following a row
over money after he learned she was selling her land. It has since emerged that, in the run up to the murder, Becerra told villagers Pearson had sold her home to a Romanian family and claimed he had her permission to sell her things. The betrayal came after Lesley had lost her husband two years ago and was planning a move to the Costa del Sol. Specifically, Pearson was mov-
TRAGIC: Lesley and (right) Killer Becerr ing permanently to a property she owned in Estepona where she wanted to integrate more with the British community
Sex pest sent down A GIBRALTARIAN has been found guilty of raping a teenage boy. A nine-person jury found Karim Rudge, 30, guilty of rape and attempted rape following just two hours of deliberation. The family of the boy wept as the verdict was announced. The seven-day trial heard how Rudge invited the 15-year-old boy to his house to ‘chill’ in October last year. The court heard the boy was offered £20 to go over but
when he arrived he was taken to the bedroom. There he was stripped of his clothes, and Rudge went on to kiss and touch him before raping him. Although the boy spoke up against it he did not try to stop him because he thought he would be murdered. While both prosecution and defence argued why the boy went there in the first place, the boy’s DNA was found on Rudge’s bedding. The teenager, now 16-years-
old, was left unable to sleep since the attack. Rudge, who was emotionless when the verdict was announced, will be sentenced next month.
after her husband’s passing. But Pearson, who had lived for decades in Casa Lele, the rustic estate in Tajo de Aguila, was brutally murdered before she had the chance. The pilates teacher from North West England had been missing for nearly a fortnight when her body was found in woodland behind her home. Guardia Civil arrested Becerra the same day and brought him before a judge in Arcos de la Frontera. A judicial spokesman said: “The court has, at the request of state prosecutors, ordered the remand in prison of the man arrested over the death of the woman whose body was found on Sunday in Algar. “The court is investigating the man on suspicion of a crime of homicide and he has acknowledged the facts.”
A DRUNKEN British husband and wife have been cuffed while trying to fly out of Gibraltar with their kids. The man, 54, and woman, 53, were arrested yesterday evening on charges of being intoxicated whilst in charge of a child. Police arrived at Gibraltar International Airport to deal with the woman, who fell over in the departures lounge. Officers, who were assisting an ambulance crew, noted that the couple were attempting to board a flight with their three young children. Cops then removed the kids from their tanked-up mum and dad, transferring them to social services. The wife also faces an additional charge of criminal damage. Her and her husband were held overnight in New Mole House station and they will both appear in Magistrates’ Court today.
Weed-ed out TWO British men have been arrested for alleged drug trafficking on the Costa del Sol. The 27 and 20-year-old were busted with 12.36 kilogrammes of marijuana in the boot of their car. The pair were stopped during a routing police traffic stop on Avenida Selwo in Estepona. The drugs were found in two white plastic bags. The pair are awaiting trial.
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COMING SOON: Pete Doherty
CONTROVERSIAL Libertines cofrontman Pete Doherty has been added to the Gibraltar calling lineup, joining Take That and Enrique Iglesias. The former boyfriend of tragic Amy Winehouse founded his band with fellow songwriter Carl Barat in 1997. Doherty, 40, then went on to form his next indie group, Babyshambles, in 2003, before also dabbling in modeling, acting and art. He will take to the stage on the Rock with his new band, Peter Doherty and the Puta Madres, who released their self-titled debut album
Ronaldo snaps up Marbella mansion next door to Irish cage fighter Conor Megregor CROWDS: In Barcelona
Messi night BARCELONA talisman Lionel Messi has been escorted from a club after a fellow reveller ‘tried to fight’ him. Shocking footage shows a burly bouncer usher the 32-year-old and his stunning wife Antonela Roccuzzo, 31, through crowds at Ibiza’s Ushuaia. The footie ace had been partying at the exclusive spot with fellow Barca stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Monaco’s Cesc Fabregas. A video posted to social media was captioned: “A guy in the Ibiza party tried to fight with Messi. “Messi is unharmed and was safely escorted out of the area by the security guards.”
CRISTIANO Ronaldo has expanded his property empire with a €1.4 million mansion in Marbella next door to the ‘notorious’ UFC fighter Conor McGregor. The four-bedroom property in the La Resina urbanisation has taken the Juventus star’s housing portfolio to €29 million. While not directly neighbours, the athletes are said to be a few doors down from each other in the luxurious development nicknamed the 'The Superstars Cul De Sac'. Ronaldo’s new high tech villa boasts a LED driveaway, private gym, cinema room and infinity pool. Views of the mediterranean are provided by ceiling-tofloor windows alongside high ceilings and floating staircases. McGregor is a known fan of the new kid on the block and
Courting favour
RAFAEL Nadal has been spotted having a pick-me-up lunch with Spain’s former monarchs just a few weeks after being knocked out of Wimbledon by rival Roger Federer. The tennis ace, 33, was joined by fiance Xisca Pellero, 31, as he enjoyed a slap up meal with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia. The Mallorquin hosted the royals at his tennis centre on his home island, where his wife-to-be even joined the
July 31st - August 13th 2019
Party crasher this year. Also joining them at the festival, from September 7-8, at Europa Point, will be Rick Astley, Mel C, Liam Gallagher, Goldierocks, Tom Walker, King Calaway, Lighthouse Family, David Essex, Nazareth, Slade, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. Tickets start at £85 and are available from www.gibraltarcalling.com
Got any sugar, Conor?
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Making a splash
Raft of American and British superstars spotted dodging heat on luxury Spanish yachts ROBBIE Williams, Shaquille ‘Shaq’ O'Neal and Katy Perry have been snapped enjoying sun-soaked getaways in Spain. Popstar Perry, 34, was seen jumping off a boat during a romantic escape with fiance Orlando Bloom, 42, in Mallorca. The Roar singer and Pirates of the Caribbean actor are expected to tie the knot later this year after getting engaged on Valentine’s day.
PALS: Ronaldo and McGregor Perry rocked her new peroxide-blonde hair while enjoying a spot of snorkelling in the Balearic hotspot. Meanwhile, NBA legend Shaq, 47, was pictured living it up on a yacht near the neighbouring island of Formentera with his new squeeze and Texas model Dani Nicole. The southern stunner sported a skimpy black bikini while
sung praises after Ronaldo netted a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid earlier this year. The 31- year-old Dubliner said: "Cristiano is a phenomenal athlete, person, and entrepreneur, "His all-around discipline, perfectionist attitude, and dedication to his craft is inspiring and has inspired so many young children to play
football. "Just look what he did recently in the Champions League, at 34 years young, a hat-trick under the lights when the pressure was on for all the marbles. "And against Atletico Madrid, one of the best defensive sides in Europe. "That is inspiring! We are both disciplined athletes at the top of our game."
Shaq posed for pictures in huge blue trunks before diving into the sea. Ex-Take That frontman Williams was also seen on a relaxing family boat trip with wife Ayda Field off Formentera. The 45-year-old Brit pop legend showed off his famous tattoos in bright blue shorts while Field showed of her abs in a miniscule green bikini.
CHEESE: Nadal all smiles with royals ex-Spanish king for a game of table football. The 12-time French Open champion stepped out in a crisp white shirt and blue chinos for the lunch, which featured local fish and wine.
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July 31st - August 13th 2019
Relics of the past
ROMAN remains found during the construction of the airport tunnel could be over 2,000 years old. Nearly 200 fragments of ceramics and bones were discovered six metres below ground level at the eastern end of the runway. A skull also found at the site and presence
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of marine remains on the pieces suggest that they are part of shipwrecks in the area. Reddish ceramic from different periods was found as well as the remains of two-handled jugs known as ‘amphorae’. Some of these have been dated to have been from as early as the first century BCE, with others being from the fifth century.
Referen-doom!
A NEW EU referendum under Boris could see Leave win by an even greater margin, Fabian Picardo has forewarned. The Chief Minister is sticking to his Remainer guns even after the new PM announced that Brexit would be his top priority. “If there was a referendum, having Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street is very dangerous,” said the Picardo. “With all the resources of the government at his disposal it would be a lot easier for a new referendum to once again call
Off the rails RENFE has announced
it will cancel 1,152 trains across four days of strikes on July 31, August 14, 30 and September 1. Some 707 of these will be passenger trains. Workers are walking out over the increasingly recurring change in management. Travelers affected can swap their ticket for another nearby departure date.
Picardo: Boris Johnson can rouse parts of population ‘like Trump’ and would probably ‘lead another Leave victory’ in fresh Brexit vote
to Leave the EU, but by an even greater margin. “One thing we have to accept about Boris Johnson is that he is a great communicator. “He has a capacity to communicate with the UK public unlike any other, much like Donald Trump in the US.”
Picardo called Johnson ‘a great personal friend’ who he had worked with in the past. “I have a very good relationship with Boris Johnson,” said the Chief Minister. “He knows my point of view which has not changed since the day before the EU referen-
Taking a pound-ing THE British pound has sunk well below €1 at the UK’s biggest airports just as hordes of Brits are set to travel to Spain. At the ICE desk at Heathrow airport last night, an Olive Press reader was quoted £117 for buying €100 – making each pound worth just 85 cents. According to reports, at Gatwick airport on Monday night the rate was £1 = €0.90. With commission added to a €100 transaction, the cost in sterling was £116. The currency market has marked down sterling as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit appears increasingly likely. It means the exchange rate costs are at a two-year high.
dum. “While we have accepted the result and democratically wish to deliver to the winners the result what they wanted, we don’t have to think it is a good thing.” One positive aspect about Johnson’s election for the Chief Minister was his commitment to increasing defence spending. This, he said, would inevitably mean a greater military presence in Gibraltar with the need to secure the Mediterranean. The increase in military usage of Gibraltar would have a positive effect on the local economy.
NOTICE TO FORMER EMPLOYEES OF LLOYDS BANK (GIBRALTAR)
This is a notice to members of The Lloyds Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd Retirement Savings Pension Scheme. Sovereign Pension Services (Gibraltar) Ltd, the scheme administrator, is conducting a review of this pension scheme. If you were previously employed by Lloyds Bank (Gibraltar) and have retained pension benefits in its pension scheme, please contact the administrator for further information. You can contact Sovereign regarding this matter at localpensions@sovereigngroup.com or by post to Sovereign Pension Services (Gibraltar) Limited, Suite 2B, 143 Main Street, Gibraltar GX11 1AA.
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FEATURE
www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain
After being locked up alongside murderers and ETA terrorists for seven months without char
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than one million people a month.
OPINION The need for belonging THE savage killing of Lesley Anne Pearson is an appalling crime with nothing to find comfort in. Apart from perhaps the fact the confessed culprit is at this very moment locked away and not reaping the ill gotten gains of his savagery. The news Franisco Javier Beccera had been selling Lesley’s belongings offers us some idea as to the motive but does little to explain the reason for this callus crime. Lesley was a widow living in the rural campo of Algar in Cadiz, after her husband died two year ago she opted to move out of her home in Sierra de Cadiz. This move would have brought her to the coast and found her amongst fellow expats. Tragically Lesley did not get the chance to complete her plans which were seemly ended at the hands of her handyman Francisco. A brutal case that stands to remind us of the importance of community and the need to make elderly, potentially isolated people apart of our own. That is not to say that the ‘much loved’ Lesley was lonely or that her isolation played a factor in her killing but her desire to be amongst her compatriots is a commonly held one. Hopefully her heinous murderer, who betrayed her trust, will face the full force of the law. Let his fate prove a warning to others who would seek to profit on the vulnerabilities of others. Publisher / Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es
Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es
Charlie Smith charlie@theolivepress.es
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July 31st - August 13th 2019
FREE MAN: Robert with his Olive Press front pages EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
‘It could happen to anyone’
Robert was on a business trip to Gibraltar and working for the Ministry of Defence when his life changed forever
R
OBERT Mansfield-Hewitt shook with terror in his bed after being woken by a huge crash and the sound of military-style boots crashing on the marble floor. A squad of armed Spanish police burst into his rented apartment shouting orders, telling him to get out of bed with his hands up. The 51-year-old MOD worker, who walks with a cane due to a chronic liver condition and atrophy, was dragged down the stairs and thrown onto his face on the ground outside. While being cuffed, his cheek etched into the gravel, he saw a Moroccan- looking man staring right at him, also being arrested. “I couldn’t even speak, I was in such a state of shock,” Robert, an electrical engineer who has worked with the British government for decades, recalled this week, “they were saying something about drugs and they were just screaming at me, it was terrifying.” The well-connected Brit, who knew Ted Heath and is pals with the likes of the Earl of Cardigan, had been renting the room for a few days in San Roque, southern Spain, while working on a contract for the Ministry of Defence in Gibraltar. What he didn’t know, was that the adjoining garage was being used to store 1.5 tonnes of hashish - worth more than €2 million - and that he was now the main suspect. This was despite the fact that the owner of the property, a Gibraltarian, was previously convicted on drug-related charges on the Rock and that Chichester-born Robert, who
CELLMATES: ETA terrorists and (inset top right) Kinahan member James Quinn
has a PhD in Physics from Keele University, Following the terrifying arrest on June 27 last had no criminal record. year, Robert was taken to the local cells in He also has a long 20-year career working for La Linea, the town bordering Gibraltar, where the British government. 3,000 people - or 5% of the population - work In contrast, Abdel Nasser, directly for drug traffickers. the French citizen of Moroc“I phoned my assistant Pilcan descent cuffed alongside He spent a night lie in an absolute panic, all I Robert, had been caught in could get out was ‘they found in the cells a sting operation trying to drugs’ and ‘help me help break into the garage, while me’.” before being a getaway driver waited in a The avid church goer, who Volkswagen Phaeton outside. dragged before a suffers from chronic liver The driver somehow mancondition Ascites, spent a judge aged to evade police on foot. night in the cells before being Robert, who had never set dragged in front of a judge the foot in the garage and didn't next day. even know of its existence, was simply ar- “The whole thing was a farce,” said Robert, rested during a sweep of the attached house. “I was appointed a 19-year-old lawyer who And this is where the story gets terrifying, seemed fresh out of college and she just particularly with Spain supposedly being a seemed to agree with everything the judge close ally of the UK. said. “They deemed me a flight risk, denied me bail and took my passport and sent me to Botafuegos prison in Algeciras.” That night his body began to shut down and he was rushed to hospital. Suffering from delirium and an internal infection, he remained there for eight weeks before being returned to Botafuegos - home to ETA terrorists and murderers. Since our reports on Incredibly, Robert would be held there for his freedom, Roba further five months before being formally ert’s story has been charged in January. reported in the the Despite no concrete evidence connecting Sun, the Daily Star, him to the drugs, prosecutors were seeking Daily Mirror, the Inmore than four years in jail and an €8 mildependent and The lion fine. i in the UK. “It’s an absolute disgrace,” his assistant Pillie Ford, 37, told the Olive Press from La Linea, “Why hasn’t there been a warrant for the arrest of the owner of the property? How did the getaway driver manage to get away? It just doesn’t make sense.” Robert did not get his day in court until May 27 of this year and was finally released on July 3 after a judge decided to drop the charges, more than a year after being locked up. During that time, Robert’s story appeared three times on the front of the local English newspaper the Olive Press, based near Marbella, which spoke to his MP in the UK and even the police and courts, who refuse to comment on the case. Abdel Nasser, meanwhile, was convicted
Hitting headlines
FEATURE
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rge for drugs found at a property that he did not own, Robert Mansfield-Hewitt warns... The garage where the drugs were found sat almost behind the property
July 31st - August 13th 2019 that’s the
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olive press online
Spain and Gibraltar’s best English daily news website
ONLY WAY IS UP
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HE Olive Press website continues to ascend to higher heights and this week has overtaken Think Spain - the online expat self-help site which has been running for 20 years. We are now ranked at 125,405th place in the world, having soared by another 12,000 places in just two weeks, according to Amazon’s Alexa. com. Tens of thousands of readers from Finland to the US and Russia have been reading our coverage of the latest news from across Spain, sending us even further to the top of the pack. With an average 50,000 visitors a day from Spain, the UK, Gibraltar, Scandinavia, Germany and beyond, we can promise local businesses comprehensive exposure to tens of thousands of potential clients every week. This is a healthy mix of local expats, as well as thousands of wealthy tourists every day. Complimented by our 20,000 loyal Facebook followers and 7,000 Twitter fans, there are few people interested in Spain, who are not being reached. Why is YOUR BUSINESS still spending far too much on Google adwords and other inferior websites, magazines and newspapers, when the Olive Press GUARANTEES results? Send us an email today at sales@theolivepress. es or call us at 00 34 951273575 so we can find you a better, more effective way to market your business.
Photos by Regina Lankenau
Robert was relaxing in his rented room here when armed police stormed in
SCENE: The property where Robert was renting a room for just over a week
of endangering public health and was sentenced to three years and 10 months plus 30 days to pay for the €8 million fine. For 10 months, along with Nasser, Robert was forced to survive in one of Spain’s most notorious lockups. “The first two nights I was absolutely trembling with terror,” he recalls, “Never in my wildest nightmares had I ever imagined being in such a place. “I have never been in trouble with the law, my job with the government doesn’t allow it. “I’m a very gentle soul and recovering alcoholic, I would never get involved with drugs.” Robert, an avid piano player and composer of classical music, was offered freedom if he admitted guilt, but refused, knowing his career could be over with a criminal record. Luckily, he was spared the violence and fights that were often a daily occurence. “I’m older and not 100% mobile so I wasn’t really a target.” He started a poker club and a language school and became well liked among the inmates - which included infamous Irish mafia member James Quinn, who was convicted of aiding an assassination last year and received a 22-year sentence. “I treated everyone in there equally. They’re not all monsters, a lot of them have been forced into crime by circumstance. And I’m a great believer in making the best out of a bad situation. “When I told them I was getting out they were all cheering and clapping and tried to lift me up in the air.” Robert claims a majority of the prisoners were foreign, mostly Moroccan and South American, and many were locked up following a first time offence. Robert also suspects foul play in the handling of his case. It comes after separate documents seen by the Olive Press detailing the drug seizure appear to show two different recorded weights. The initial court judgement reads that there were 1.5 tonnes seized while the final judgement given to Robert on his release declares 1.3 tonnes. “Someone lost a lot of money that day but someone also made some,” said Robert. Corruption is not unheard of in the Campo de Gibraltar region, a grouping of towns on the border of the British Overseas Territory. It’s an area swamped by gangs taking advan-
TOP DOG: (Above) Olive Press’ positon in the world, higher than (below) Think Spain COMMON SENSE: The property was close to the border which Robert crossed daily for work tage of Spain’s southernmost coast being the first port of call for hashish from Morocco and cocaine from South America. Corruption among police - among the lowest paid in the EU - is rife, with officers regularly arrested as part of anti-drug operations. Robert is weighing up taking legal action against the state but for now is focusing on getting home. He will fly from Malaga to London Gatwick on Thursday where he plans to take a few months break. “Mummy is very pleased and she will be my first point of call. “My first call when I got out was to my sister who had gathered all the family together for a celebratory breakfast so I was able to speak to everyone which was fantastic. “We are just so relieved this nightmare is over, it’s going to take me some time to recover mentally and physically. “I’ve had work offers but I’ve had to turn
them down because I just can’t get in the headspace to work at the moment.” Robert, who helps his church cook for the homeless on Saturday mornings and plays the organ for mass on Sundays, is also now being forced to battle to hold onto his home back in Emsworth in Hampshire as he is months behind in the rent. His good standing with the housing association has meant they have held back on an eviction notice despite not having received rent for more than six months. Locals there have now started a GoFundMe page to help Robert ‘get back on his feet’.
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July 31st - August 13th 2019
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ear no beer
THE annual Gibraltar Beer Festival will hold its annual party at the new location of Grand Battery at 8.30pm on August 9.
LORD Chris Patten will head the bill at the 7th edition of the International Literary Festival. The former chairman of the Conservative Party and ex-governor of Hong Kong is expected to attract more tourists than ever. The literary festival, which takes place at a number of different locations in Gibraltar, will take place between November 14-17. “Lord Patten will join an interesting line up of participants covering a wide range of subjects,” said Minister for Tourism Gil-
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Ex-Tory chairman and famous British journalists and authors to descend on the Rock bert Licudi. “Once again we are able to present an inspiring series of presentations for all to enjoy as part of the Government’s successful event led tourism policy. Academics, journalists,
Tidy winnings
entrepreneurs, a doctor and even a veterinary surgeon will all make for another interesting literary festival around Gibraltar. One of the picks of the bunch will be BBC Newsnight journalist Gavin Es-
MORE than £10,000 in prizes will be on offer at Gibraltar’s International Art Exhibition. The £5,000 first prize is set to attract top talent from the area with local artists also raising their game. The 46th International Art Exhibition will be held from November 6-16 at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery in Casemates. Anyone 16 or over on November 5 can enter a maximum of two paintings and two sculptures which haven’t been entered into competition before. Each work of art costs ten pounds to enter with the closing date for entries being October 25. At the Spring Visual Arts Exhibition held at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery in May young artist Oliver Canessa walked away with the £3,000 first prize. His installation, called Untitled, showed how smartphones made us feel guilty for not answering messages.
BIG NAME: Chris Patten to attend festival
ler who will speak about his book Brexit without the Bullshit. There will also be speeches by Tim Bentinick of The Archers and Lord Mark Price who was Trade Minister under PMs David Cameron and Theresa May. “This year’s lineup is by no means complete and we hope to announce the
participation of Gibraltar authors soon, along with other highlights,” added Licudi. The festival regularly attracts top speakers which in turn brings in tourists to the Rock. Tickets for the event are normally priced at ten pounds with discounts for the elderly.
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S otogrande
9
Summer 2019
FAMOUS FACES: Hoddle, Rutherford, Fergie, Jordan and Knowles
Carrying its spectacular beauty and exclusive seclusion with a carefree air, this haunt of global A-listers holds much to be valued, discovers Tim McNulty and Maya Eashwaran
GREEN ENCLAVE: Sotogrande is surrounded by verdant hills, a string of golf courses and quiet beaches, while the port area (below) is full of upscale restaurants and sailing yachts TCHED carefully into the Rutherford or the BBC’s Nick fice in the port of Sotogrande. crown of Spain’s south- Knowles, who all have homes “It’s so cosmopolitan and with ern coast, Sotogrande is in the resort. a low crime rate - if any at all. a gem that shows no sign And then there are the footContinues on page 10 of losing its glimmer. ballers, including Glenn Hoddle The country’s largest privately- and Glen Johnson, who have owned residential ‘super-state’ bought homes in Sotogrande. has long been the first port of Internationally renowned for its call for the cream of European polo, golf and sailing, as well high society. as a burgeoning gastronomic The radiance of this million- scene, this ‘mini Monaco’ of aire’s playground lies in its low- high net worth residents has all density living, stunning beach- the hallmarks of what is often es and mountain backdrops, considered the top private replus its amazing marina and sort in Europe. golf courses. Different from other ‘celebrity’ TYRE CENTER Its privileged views of the Rock resorts where talk of wealth of Gibraltar and the Rif moun- and fame is de rigueur, in SoCan you afford to tains of Africa have been en- togrande they like to keep such wait 7 to 10 days? joyed by the likes of ex-UK PM talk, appropriately, ‘sotto voce.’ Tony Blair, the British royal fam- Mention the palpable sense of tel: 956 794 657 ily and countless European ce- community, however, and you’ll C/Sierra Bermeja s/n, lebrities, who don’t want to be discover how that is the priviPueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro spotted, unlike those who ven- leged enclave’s true treasure. ture to nearby Marbella. “Sotogrande is a very friendly Opposite But keep your eyes peeled and place. You get all the different Iceland you might spot Irish motor rac- nationalities here and they all ing guru Eddie Jordan, former just blend in,” estate agent A7 132 KM Genesis keyboard player Mike Brian Nelson tells us at his of-
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DISCOUNT
Photo by Great Golf Magazine
Shine on
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From previous
UNSPOILT: Much of the nearby coastline is largely undeveloped, while the port (above) is buzzing and fun
“Of course everyone wants Sotogrande to stay the way it is, development, however, is inevitable. “Everything from here is just a bonus.” Outside Sotogrande Raquet’s club we bumped into Wendy who has traded north London for a family holiday in Sotogrande every summer for the last decade. “This place is family-friendly and less hectic than further down the coast,” she explains still out of breath from her on court exploits. “It’s very open and we love it because you can cycle around
Safe and sound and everywhere feels very safe.” And there is truly an abundant offering of outdoor pursuits. The profusion of yachts and kayaks spotted as we walk the immaculately tree lined streets down to the marina reminds us again of Sotogrande’s huge sporting offer, not to forget the golf. A championship round at Royal Sotogrande Golf Club is an unforgettable afternoon for any Shane Lowry - one of seven courses available. Elsewhere, those who take
life more at a gallop have Santa Maria Polo Club, one of the most important clubs of its kind in Europe, where the equestrian sport can be enjoyed most of the year. It is also the only polo club in the world to hold two ranking events on the international circuit every year: the Silver Cup and the Gold Cup. Every july and August top polo players from around the world descend on Santa Maria for the International Tournament, now in its 47th year. During the off-season, many football
teams rent the polo pitches to train. Much of Sotogrande’s fame stems from its sporting firsts. Valderrama golf course was the first to host The Ryder Cup on the continent of Europe in 1997. And it’s still a fairway to golfing heaven, according to golfer and former professional footballer Andy Gemmell, who has played some 40 courses in the area. If year-round residents have a complaint, it’s that the winter months can be very quiet, so they welcome the recent new investment in the area.
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SOTO SNAP...
After General Franco closed the border with Gibraltar in 1926, Sotogrande experienced a quiet period. By 1997 Sotogrande S.A was losing a whopping €2 million a year!
11 Summer 2019
How we see it
The Olive Press talks to a handful of locals to see what they think about life in Sotogrande Andy Gemmell, 72, Glasgow It’s a great place for families and is very safe, so it’s perfect for children. Sotogrande isn’t commercialised compared to other areas, which is a big draw. Valeria Alfie, Sotogrande It used to be a more seasonal place, whereas recently people are opting to be here all year round. This is very good for small business people such as myself. Wytze Abels Velema, 75, Holland
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TIP TOP: The beach is as well kept as the marina (below)
Gerry Fagan, 61, Liverpool I live in Gibraltar but come here because I like the ambience, it’s an escape or, as the Spanish would say, muy tranquilo. It’s a different pace from Gibraltar, and compared to the hustle and bustle of the UK it’s a completely different lifestyle. Paul Martin, 74, Bristol It’s a wonderful place for golfers, polo players, and people with boats and I have seen plenty of royals such as the Duchess of York, who has holidayed here several years in a row.
1978 the International School of Sotogrande was founded to accommodate the growing international population. In 1985, the polo fields of Rio Sotogrande I and II were built as well as adding new fields in 1992, 1995, 2003 and 2008. In 1997, just before the Ryder Cup, Guadiaro to Algeciras coastal highway dual-carriageway upgrade was completed and in 2002 the construction of AP-7 motorway helped visitors reduce their drive time to the resort. McMicking continued to live out his later years in Sotogrande until his death in 1990. One of longest-established residents Lucrecia Aldao, 61, from the Philippines, has seen
From small time polo to international golf
n the early days new courses at San Roque, after polo left the Almanara and La Reserva, beach for the green rapidly climbing up the Top grassy fields, it was Ten chart in Spain. a common sight to Every year the quality of the see families with regattas from Puerto Sototheir picnics spread grande are becoming more o u t next to the ‘cancha’, and more important. the local gardeners sitting On top of this, Sotogrande with their families next to could soon become the members of the British Ro- Equestrian Show Jumping Centre for Europe as plans yal Family. Now it is an extremely well are going ahead to introduorganised 5-star event, and ce top class competitions amazingly still free to the throughout the winter, public apart from The Gold when it is too cold cup Final on the very last and wet to celebrate events in day of the summer season. And Golf. After the huge Northern Europe. success of the Ryder Cup, And most amazing Volvo Masters and Amex of all, is the increWorld Championship at dible new inland Valderrama we now have beach and mini Spain's first Municipal cour- ocean complex at se at La Cañada, as well La Reserva. Spain’s as the amazing Real Club most exclusive inland de Sotogrande course and beach resort.
M & l aarria e M & u l e iapp iiggu M M
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There has been a serious amount of spending in the extended port area, Ribera del Marlin, as well as in the hills up towards La Reserva golf. There is a very real sense that the place has upped a gear in the last three or four years and all of Sotogrande’s 2,500 hectares are being carefully planned and used. This is best showcased by La Reserva’s man-made lagoon, which saw sand brought over from Morocco. “It’s three or four times bigger than the blue lagoon in Estepona,” adds Brian Nelson with a distinct tinge of pride. Sotogrande’s story goes back to the 1960s, when in 1962 an American Filipino family invested millions into Sotogrande to make it what it is today. Stanford University graduate Joseph McMicking and his family were looking to find a suitable place on the Mediterranean, when his cousin found Sotogrande. Joseph McMicking purchased the company Financiera Sotogrande del Guadiaro and submitted a plan to buy the 1,800 hectare estate, which was later approved by the Spanish authorities. From there he commissioned Robert Trent Jones, a famous golf architect, to design the Royal Golf Club of Sotogrande. Building on the success, in
Sotogrande is a small community which has what everybody wants. To live here is unbelievable. It’s extremely safe, there is no crime here.
Equestrian Equestrian Team Team HIPICA at SAN ROQUE CLUB DINING CENTRAL: The port comes alive at night nearly five decades of its transtower of Babel. formation. Gatecrashing El Molino del “I arrived here in 1968 and Conde’s waterfront restaurant grew up in Sotogrande. Since for a drink we meet 49-yearthen it’s changed in so much old Theresa Cohen, 50, who as its grown. Sotogrande is a moved to Sotogrande from Oxphilosophy…it’s a philosophy ford a year ago. of family, of friends. It’s a low “Among friends we jokingly call key society, and everybody it the ‘new Marbella’. Not in a here is low key. flashy way but Sotogrande is “You can run into some exhow Marbella used to be betremely rich, extremely famous fore it got too commercialised,” people and nobody will bat an she tells us. “Here it is differeyelid. The place itself may ent, being a gated community I have changed, and is modthink helps that exclusivity. ernising, but the philosophy “The restaurants in the area, remains the same. I believe, are world-class: fine “Sotogrande isn’t commerwines and the best seafood cialised compared to other ardishes around.” eas, which is a big draw but it’s The marina is yet another highgetting there. Every year there light of Sotogrande where the is a new twist and turn.” welcome is warm, the hospitaliAt the marina we stopped at ty outstanding and the sporting the long established Hairy offer unequalled by anywhere Lemon, where owner Lorenc else in the world that’s not a has allowed the ‘Soto’ school town or a village but merely a of thinking to heavily influence gated community.” his international menu. Sotogrande has undoubtedly You only need to sit down at become the benchmark resort a quayside restaurant to overfor residential luxury living and hear how multicultural this quality sport tourism. place has become. ConversaIt is easy to agree with Lucrecia tions are conducted in SpanAldao when she said ‘I don’t ish, German, French, Italian, think Sotogrande will ever lose Scandinavian - it’s a veritable its sparkle.’
Pony club | Birthday parties Professional riders and trainers of riders and jumping and dressage horses Livery in boxes and paddocks Field & beach horseback routes Summer, Christmas & Easter camps Exams & galloping courses Sports technician courses | Farm school Sale of jumping horses and dressage Jumping and dressage clinics with professional riders
Miguel Torres: 651 929 231 Mariapi Rico: 607 618 081 Urb San Roque Club, N-340, km 127, salida 127
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SOTO SNAP...
The beach club El Cucurucho (The Cone) gained its name due to the strange architectural shape on its roof
WHERE TO EAT
Don’t pass the port! Number one NO visit to Sotogrande is complete with a pit stop at the emblematic Polo One. Its inspiration came from the beautiful and opulent surroundings of the celebrated enclave. “We are blessed with a rich and varied tradition of polo along with other sporting activities such as golf, yachting, and tennis, among other sports,” explains owner Nicu Muntean. “We hope you enjoy the experience we provide, which includes the careful selection of fresh fine quality foods prepared to your liking by our very talented team of chefs and kitchen staff.” Whether dining, socialising, or just relaxing on the terrace, you will enjoy the specially chosen wines and ambience.
Sotogrande has developed a distinct food scene over the last few years, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke
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DECADE ago you wouldn’t have dreamed of heading to Sotogrande to eat, unless you had a house there or had just embarked from a yacht. Today, there are dozens of trendy places to dine with a vibrant and competitive scene to rival anything the top tables in nearby Estepona or Tarifa can serve up. But considering the wealthy clientele who frequent this privileged enclave,
perhaps that’s no surprise. While the resort definitively comes alive in the summer months, these days most of the best restaurants keep going through the winter. As well as great tapas restaurants and some exciting new eateries, the more established joints are going from strength to strength. One of the most exciting changes over the last two years has been the development of the port area, in particular in Ribera del Marlin. It’s a buzzing hive of activity on summer evenings with hundreds of punters fighting for the best waterside tables. However, in the winter months many of the restaurants there stay open and continue to put on events and provide diners with decent menus. Don Diego is one of those - an intriguing mix of Mediterranean dishes fused CHARMING: Don Diego with Asian and
TOP TUCKER: Molino del Conde South American cuisine. Run by friendly restaurateur Juan Moncayo, who also owns the family joint Moncayo in Pueblo Nuevo, there’s an eclectic choice - for example three ceviches, five soups and half a dozen salads. Much of the quality is due to his raft of international cooks working in the kitchen under the watchful eye of Filipino head chef Nards Jet Ebilane. Take his spring rolls or fish cakes as a starter, but leave room for his splendid fish curry or amazing Thai burger, made of succulent local retinto beef. The wine list offers a fabulous international range from countries like Mo-
rocco and South Africa. I liked the price of the Chateau la Gard, from Pessac-Leognan, a reasonable €50 a bottle, or the great value Pitacum at €26. Another excellent place to eat is Molino del Conde, also in Ribera del Marlin. Run by the well established local restaurateur Victor Hornillos, who managed the place so well, he ended up buying it, it has consistently got better and better. It has the nicest terrace and 30 different types of rice overseen by Jaime, a Continues on page 14
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STYLISH: Foodisiac oozes charm
Soto style From page 12
local Brazilian talent. It also has a range of meat, pasta, good fish and, above all, a big wine list with dozens of references. Also in the same run of restaurants is the superb Foodisiac, run by a talented American couple, who opened it last summer. It has been a successful first year and the place has a distinct swagger about it. Open from 9am and busy for much of the day, it manages to be both stylish and cool in equal measures. It has its own bakery and a large number of different coffees on offer, not to mention some delicious looking cakes and desserts. I was particularly impressed with the original mix of starters, perfect for a hot summer’s day.
Paseo del Puerto s/n, 11310 Sotogrande (Cádiz) T: +34 956 790 121
This included a delicious cold cucumber soup, which is not exactly typical of southern Spain, and it was as creamy and cooling, as it was original. I then tried a delicious wakame salad (above) with caviar and smoked salmon, which was light and spicy and looked delightful, with its flower petal garnish. There is a lot here, and everything has a ‘twist’ on traditional Andalucian cuisine. Finally, the true godfather of the port Midas is still going strong after over 30 years. Well established in the extreme, this is THE place for a business lunch or a dinner to impress, sitting right by the main port area. Staff are smart and formal and the institution is bossed by the talented businessman Luis, who keeps a close watch at most times. In particular, you should head here for a great value menu del dia, while at night the ambience is charming in the extreme. Interested in Asiatic food, you might also want to try the emblematic La Finca, which sits next to La Casita campsite in San Roque and is another great find. In summer you sit around a leafy courtyard, a riot of colours and candles, while in winter you dine inside the authentic farmhouse with stone floors and fireplaces. In the opposite direction, restaurant Mar Sana at the Milla de Plata hotel is a charming spot for an evening meal, heavy on fresh fish with its own speciality tuna menu. Just outside Torreguadiaro, it sits on a headland overlooking a rocky cove with views to die for. Also try il Sono on Cala Sardina, which has been voted Spain’s greenest restaurant and has a genuine focus on the environment. For more casual chiringuito fare a little closer to the resort, head for wonderful Gigi’s Beach, ensconced on the edge of the marina by the sailing club. The creation of Georgina ‘Gigi’ Taylor, her youthful, hard-working approach to style and taste makes this a surefire winner for local foodies and the international jetset alike.
www.restaurantemidas.com GRANDE DAME: Midas is well positioned and well established
FRESH CUISINE
OPEN EVERY DAY 9AM TO MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST – LUNCH – DINNER
FOODISIAC RESTAURANT – RIBERA DEL MARLIN 25, LA MARINA DEL PUERTO DE SOTORANDE, 11310 SAN ROQUE www.foodisiac.es – Instagram: foodisiac_life – Facebook: foodisiac – reservations@foodisiac.es +34 856 399 163
BUSINESS
17
July 31st - August 13th 2019
Job hunt
Venezuela oil death A FORMER executive at Venezuela’s stat- run oil company PDVSA has been found dead in Madrid. Police in Spain’s capital have launched an investigation after Carlos Marquez, 48, was found hanged in a flat on the outskirts of the city. Marquez had appeared in court over his alleged involvement in a money-laundering scheme. While he denied the allegations, he had reportedly agreed to collaborate with authorities investigation corruption at PDVSA.
Hot-spitality ANDALUCIA has started the summer with the best June in history for hotel business. The Costa del Sol has contributed significantly to the bumper season, with hotels in Malaga contributing almost 40% of the region’s take. The average daily price of a hotel stay has also increased by 5.5% and now stands at €91.93. The total growth recorded in Malaga hotels has been estimated at more than 618,794 tourists. Overnight stays are also up, by 1.5%, as Spanish holiday makers made up for a 1.6% drop in foreign bookings.
THE Financial Services Commission will be looking for a new CEO over the next year. It comes as current CEO Samantha Barrass will be returning to the UK in August 2020 after six years on the Rock. Specialist agency, Odgers Berndston, will be working with the Minister for Com-
Boss of Financial Services Commission stepping down merce Albert Isola to search for a replacement. “The process to find the Commission’s next CEO will be robust,” said Jonathan Spencer, Gibraltar Financial Services Commission chairman.
“We will cast the widest net to ensure that we appoint a strong, competent leader who will deliver continuous improvement for our firms and consumers both in Gibraltar and abroad.” He praised Barrass for her
Controlling crypto REGULATING cryptocurrency is proving both an opportunity and a challenge for the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. Its CEO, Samantha Barrass, told the Olive Press about how it goes about making sure these businesses work. “Since the beginning of 2018 we scored an international first with a comprehensive regulatory regime for businesses that wished to use Distributed Ledger Technology or DLT,” said Barrass. “We have identified the opportunity to be one of the first jurisdictions to regulate DLT.” The CEO said that sometimes DLT companies need some advice about setting up. “For example, people applying for licences under the new regime have quite strong IT or techie backgrounds,” she revealed. “What some don’t appreciate is how regulation
BBVA bank corruption probe
Controlling crypto works or the economics of their business model. “If they want to run an exchange in cryptocurrency, for example, it has the same risks as any ordinary security.” The FSC has a policy of supporting those wanting to start a crypto-company in Gibraltar by talking with them about their project before they get a licence. “They will need to have good systems and controls, an appropriate capital base and people who know what they’re doing running the business,” Barrass
explained. “We also make sure they take a banking professional on their team, if necessary.” She pointed out that cryptocurrency can be similar to traditional banking. “There are savings, debt or investment products,” she said. “The companies want to raise their pensions, borrow or buy and sell funds. “The underlying economic needs are the same but it is a different way of delivering them.”
Put on ice
MOVING ON: Barrass
work on cryptocurrency and the new financial services act passed recently in Parliament. “The GFSC has been transformed under Samantha’s stewardship,” said Isola. “She has navigated us very well through some very difficult challenges in the everchanging world of financial services.” Barrass has toughened up Gibraltar’s financial regulator while making a name for herself in the business. “It is an enormous privilege to be CEO of the GFSC and to have made Gibraltar my home for the last five years,” said Barrass. “An important focus for me in my final year is to continue to do all I can to secure Gibraltar’s reputation as a well-regulated international financial services centre, against the challenging backdrop of Brexit.” She has become a popular figure on the Rock taking part in local drama for which she was named Best Actress. “When the time comes, I will be very sad to leave and I will particularly miss the dedicated and talented staff at the GFSC,” she added.
SPAIN’S anti-corruption prosecutor has called for BBVA to be placed under formal investigation as part of a probe into an alleged spying case. It comes after revelations that the country’s secondbiggest bank had hired expolice chief Jose Manuel Villarejo’s firm, Grupo Cenyt, to investigate officials of construction company Sacyr to help stop a takeover bid by the company in 2004. The lender has admitted to hiring the firm but says there is no evidence of spying.
Secrets
The prosecutor wants the bank probed for ‘for acts that would constitute offences of bribery, disclosure of secrets and corruption in business.’ It was stated that documents seized during the investigation would prove that the hiring and allegedly illegal payments to grupo Cenyt, a security firm owned by Villarejo, affected several sensitive areas of the bank and various executives of the institution. If the investigation is approved by investigative judge Manuel Garcia-Castellon, the most the bank will face is a heavy fine.
L
OOKS like my first swim in the pool of our Chartered financial planner and dream villa will have to wait a little while… OP columnist Jonathan Holdaway My wife and I have just celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and had a delicious won’t be diving into his new pool dinner at the fabulously located El Jardin resin southern Spain just yet taurant, high up above beautiful Frigiliana –the village fast becoming one of our favourite places in the world, and where we were looking to will not take into account the stunning sea and/ Antonio Banderas’ settle permanently. or mountain vistas, or even the amount of land, mansion along with However, since my last piece the purchase but solely the ‘bricks and mortar’ value of the 50 others around it of our dream property off the Acebuchal road property in question. were raised to the north of the village has stalled and we have had Added to that there could be a problem if the ground! to look at plan B – whatever that is! house has been built ‘illegally’ – without per- Admittedly it doesn’t The problem has been agreeing the price, and mission from the town hall, and this was quite happen too often, the fact that Frigiliana seems to be bucking the a common practice until recently as some of but as this case trend compared to the nearby town of Nerja and these places were tucked well away from main showed it can - even the rest of Spain - as we are told roads and prying eyes! to Zorro! DREAM: Properties in Frigliana see demand outstrip supply by local estate agents that deMake sure your lawyer gets the Although you could Buying a house correct paperwork from the rel- try to register the house now this will prove very application process. mand outstrips supply in the village, does not help us at all. evant authorities. difficult, and of course you could do nothing – As the schools have now broken up in the UK, in ‘country’ is It’s not as if we made a ‘silly’ ofA ‘nota simple’ is a report from only if a cash buyer and then if you decide to sell estate agents are now bracing themselves for inherently more the Property Registry and con- it in future hope you can find a buyer to pay at a large influx of Brits – and other nationalities fer - as others do. It was just €35k – about 7% details of the land and least what you did for it. particularly our Scandinavian cousins - visiting difficult than on firms below her asking price, and truly property being sold including In the case of a new build property – extremely the area perhaps looking for that holiday apartthe maximum we could afford an urbanization whether there are any debts, unlikely in Frigiliana, where the town hall re- ment or second home in the country. with the proceeds of the sale of mortgages or unpaid taxes, stricts any dwelling to a maximum 40 square This will obviously increase demand for propour UK mortgage and the maxiwhich the unwary can ‘inherit’ in metres - it is also important to obtain a ‘licence erty, but it tends to be at the lower end of the mum mortgage we could get from the bank. the purchase if not aware. of first occupation’ (LFO) to demonstrate the price scale so should not affect the price of the Buying a house in ‘country’ - particularly with Also if the ‘nota simple’ says there is no house builder has complied with the original building sort of property we are looking at for our ‘forever a mortgage - is inherently more difficult than on the land then alarm bells should be ringing licence. It is also necessary to have this in or- home’. if buying on an urbanization or an apartment as its more than likely an illegal build. der to connect all utilities to the property, and Fingers crossed the pool will still be warm block. In a worse case scenario the town hall could again if applying for a mortgage then the bank from the long summer sun when I do We are reliably informed that the bank’s valuers tear down the house – such as in 2000 when will normally demand to see the LFO during the eventually dive in.
Send your comments and feedback to Jonathan at jonathan.holdaway@chasebuchanan.com or call him on 00447723027864
18
July 31st - August 13th 2019
Parador upgrades MALAGA’S iconic paradors will soon feature new built-in cafes. The government-run hotel chain will incorporate 12 coffee shops across its national branches, offering local products and dishes. The new eateries will be introduced at the Gibralfaro Parador in Nerja and the Ronda parador. CEO of the chain Oscar Lopez said: “Paradores are expanding their gastronomic offerings and adapting to new forms of consumption.” Paradors in Cadiz, Granada, Cordoba, Mazagon, Mojacar will also get new cafes.
PROPERTY
Blame Brexit
On the hunt A PLACE in the Sun is landing on the Costa del Sol this week. The hit property show is helping a British family look for a home in the Sotogrande, Manilva and Sabinillas area. It comes after producers appealed for expats to appear on the episode to help advise their potential future neighbours on life in the sun. “Our House Hunters are a young family with children who will be
Residents assured after housing estates taken over by investment companies HOMEOWNERS at five affordable housing estates will see no change in their rights after two investment companies took over their ownership. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo assured Gibraltarians that the purchase by Barings and M&G will only ‘release funds’ for more affordable homes. A new bill tried to pass the ownership from the Gibraltar Residential Properties (GRP) to add around £165 million to government coffers.
moving to the area and whose daughter will be attending the International School at Sotogrande,” the appeal read. “They are looking to move permanently and be a part of the community in Manilva/ Sabinillas/ Casares. “They also want to learn Spanish in order to start working as soon as possible and they are considering setting up their own business as well.” The episode will air later in the year.
Buy out
The GSD Opposition leader Elliot Philipps said it would wait for the ‘finer details’ of the bill because of public fi-
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nance concerns. “We still have no clarity as to what the wider transaction is or where the cash flow will come from,” said Roy Clinton of the Opposition. “This is financial alchemy, that converts liquid assets into ready cash.” Even though the ownership changed to a new company called GIC Limited, Land Property Services (LPS) will continue to manage the estates.
Picardo said it was ‘demonstrably untrue and legally flawed’ that bringing in private investors into the equation had any downsides. “We will be writing directly to each owner so that they will have notification from us,” said Picardo. “They will have cast-iron assurances from us that nothing in respect of their legal or equitable rights will change.” The estates affected are Beach View Terraces, Mons Calpe Mews, Waterport Terraces, Cumberland and Bayview Terraces. Montagu Gardens and Crescent, Gib Five or Harbour Views are not included in this package. “The co-ownership agreements will remain the same but with a different counterparty,” he added. Gibraltar affordable housing schemes have a very low mortgage failure rate, limited to only around one every year.
FOREIGN demand is showing a marked slowdown for the first time since 2010. After some nine years of growth it was bound to happen but it doesn’t bode well for the swathe of new developments on the Spanish coast targeting European holiday-home buyers. Property sales deeds entered in the Spanish land register by foreign buyers in the first quarter of this year numbered 16,331, compared to 16,833 in the same period last year - a 3% decline. Most buyers came from the UK (2,249), followed by France (1,232) and Germany (1,124), according to the latest report by Spain’s Association of Land Registrars.
FABIAN Picardo has blamed Brexit and the strong Spanish economy for the rise in cost of affordable homes. The Chief Minister made the comments after critics said the new housing projects announced last week were more expensive than previous ones. “Increases in the cost of homes since our last tranche of 50-50 housing arises from the collapse of the pound against the euro since the Brexit referendum, the increased cost of construction as a result, the end of the recession in Spain and inflation,” he said. He explained that the prices of affordable housing schemes is limited to their cost and that of the land they are built on. The GSLP leader said that his government was happy to not give first choice to those who pay for their homes at 100%, like the GSD did in their time under Peter Caruana. Both Picardo and Minister for Commerce Albert Isola praised Minister for Economic Development Joe Bossano for starting the 50-50 affordable housing scheme in the 1990s.
Fruity! ESTEPONA has begun infusing its street-cleaning water with perfume to make its streets 'smell fruity'. The expat and tourist favourite will be splashing its streets with citrus and fruitlaced water so walkers 'can experience the true garden of the Costa del Sol.' Two extra trucks carrying the special water were added to the cleaning regiment on July 1 and have been doing their magic once in the morning and afternoon ever since.
Cool down in Spain market
Crisis
Mark Stucklin of Spanish Property Insight explained: “By country all the big European markets declined together in Q1, the first time that has happened since the crisis. “Sweden led the way down with a slump of 35% compared to last year, followed by Belgium, Germany, the UK and France all on the skids. “These are the main markets for holiday-homes on the Spanish coast.” He added that there has been an increase in demand from Morocco, China, Algeria, and Romania, driven by economic migrants and Spanish Golden Visa investors. He added: “Local demand grew by 4.8% in the same period to 117,529
homes sales inscribed in the register. As a result the market share of foreign buyers dipped slightly to 12%. “It looks like foreign demand for second homes in Spain is going soft...the factors driving the change in demand will vary from market to market. I “If there are any factors in common they might include high property prices in Spain now that prices have recovered from crisis lows, high transaction costs, bureaucratic hurdles and lack of market transparency. “The trend in foreign demand is clearly downwards and looks set to continue so in the next few quarters at least.”
Telonero
08/08 CLUB DE TENIS PUENTE ROMANO
Telonero PAUL MAXWELL
10/08
FOOD,DRINK
20
July 31st - August 13th 2019
Making a splash
FANCY a bath of gin? That’s what’s on offer at Gibraltar’s newest bar The Yard, whose quirky new offering has been making quite the splash. The foot-and-a-half long miniature tub is shareable between mates and contains a juicy strawberry gin cocktail - with rubber duckies to boot. It’s the brainchild of British restaurateur Richard Easter, who opened to spot in Ocean Village in April this year. “You could say I’m a bit gin obsessed,” said Easter. “But we’ve been really welcomed on the Rock and seemed to have filled a gap in the market.” Make that 140 gaps - the number of gins on offer, with everything from classic dry to chocolate, rhubarb, strawberry and Turkish Delight. The bar is open from 9am seven days a week and also serves snacks and bar food.
Typical Spanish dish helps fight killer cancer cells, new study finds GAZPACHO helps prevent cancer. That’s the findings of a new Spanish study which found the typically Andalucian dish helps disrupt the growth of colon cancer cells. Researchers in Almeria and Granada put the cold soup through an artificial digestive system before introducing the resulting substance to cultured tumours. Researchers kept to the traditional recipe, made up of tomato (385 grams), cucumber (58 grams), pepper (3 grams), garlic (2 grams), extra virgin olive oil (3.3%, v / v), water ( 3.3%) and
Soup-er food! vinegar (0.16%). All ingredients were fresh. The results showed that
gazpacho not only stopped cell growth, but that it could induce so-called pro-
Spanish ginspiration
The Yard, 13b Ocean Village Promenade, Gibraltar www.theyard.gi | +350 200 79767 | @TheYardGib
TANQUERAY’S latest gin offers a taste of Spain. Made with Seville oranges, Flor De Sevilla is the latest addition to the famous gin brand The use of Seville oranges goes back to the distillers’ roots when founder Charles Tanqueray used these world-famous fruits in his original 1830s recipe. Innovation Project Manager Re-
filwe Moswane said, "The Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla reflects our love for innovating with flavour and constantly matching the quality of 200 years of Tanqueray’s rich heritage. “This new flavour encapsulates the spirit of Seville in a perfectly balanced variant, which results in a sumptuous blend that’ll bring a little bit of Spain to your occasions."
grammed cell death. “Upon contact with this type of food, a series of genes are activated that cause inhibition in development of tumours and cause them to actively ‘commit suicide’ - known as apoptosis,” explained lead researcher Pablo Campra, from the University of Almeria. “Why and how they do it is something we are working on now.” The data also showed that ingredients like garlic or olive oil have an antitumor effect on their own, although they would require very high doses to reach gazpacho’s cancer-busting levels. "We have seen how the union as a gazpacho enhances all these properties, making its consumption more effective at significantly lower amounts," concluded Campra. The study was published by the Food Research International magazine.
www.bistropoint.gi UNIVERSITY OF GIBRALTAR, EUROPA POINT
Reservations on 200 76588 or bistropoint@huntergroup.gi
& TRAVEL
21
July 31st - August 13th 2019
What’s on Gibraltar
W
e’re jammin
A POPULAR jam session will take place at the Lord Nelson bar on August 1 at 8pm just after the happy hour.
W
aiting in vain
ENJOY great music, DJs and spicy food at the Jamaica Independence Day in the Cabana Beach Bar in Camp Bay on August 3.
C
ancer buster
SUPPORT breast cancer victims at Coffee & Co, West One, Europort, on August 7 where unlimited tea and coffee will be provided.
F
ear no beer
Top DJ revealed
D
avid Guetta is the latest in a long line of stars that will light up the Rock this summer. The pop-DJ will leading the lineup at the Monkey Rocks festival held on
THE annual Gibraltar Beer Festival will hold its annual party at the new location of Grand Battery at 8.30pm on August 9.
National Day. He has released 50 million records around the world, making him one of the top musicians of the moment. The event is getting rebranded and with the support of a Gibraltar government grant will be much more family friendly than ever before. Extra security will be put on the doors to ensure drugs are not brought to Europa
Gibraltar
A lineup as bedazzling as the backdrop.
Point where Monkey Rocks will be held. Children under 12 will be granted free access to the festival with an adult and there will be free buses to the most southern point of Europe. For his part, the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said it would be ‘the biggest and best’ Monkey Rocks yet. “Monkey Rocks is a local festival that is earmarked by young people who want to simply want to celebrate National Day with their friends,” added Picardo. “The decision to provide extra funds will help increase security to prevent the public to be concerned about their wellbeing.” With more performers still to be announced, tickets are already available online at www.buytickets.gi. The Self-Determination for Gibraltar Group, that is involved in the organisation, emphasised National Month would be a ‘celebration’.
Star-studded
Make this your year to celebrate the rich, diverse and fascinating world of Gibraltar
With a UNESCO world heritage site offering 120,000 years of human history and only short drive from the Costa del Sol, enjoy the warmth of the British Gibraltarians and splash out VAT-free in Sterling. Gibraltar. Sun, sea and history served with a very British twist. PROUD
BRITISH
Heritage STREET PARTIES MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE HISTORY MUSIC
For further information call: Gibraltar Tourist Board +350 200 74950 Or to download a brochure go to: www.visitgibraltar.gi
Phoenician Empire Calentita
Jazz
INTERNATIONAL
THE ROCK The Moorish Castle Festivals Food Festival Pillars of Hercules Music Week, Chess, Snooker, Darts, Backgammon Championships 100000 YEARS National Neanderthal Settlements LITERARY FESTIVAL
ibraltar
#VISITGIBRALTAR
A year of Culture
Bring hearts, minds and souls
The festival will start immediately after top UK politicians deliver their message of self-determination at Casemates Square. During the day Gibraltarians and visitors turn up in the colours of red and white to celebrate the day the territory decided to be British in 1967. The action-packed day will take place the week after Gibraltar Calling, when Take That, Liam Gallagher, Rick Astley and Mel C take centre stage. All that will be preceded by a fun family fair at the site of the former Forces HQ HMS Rooke which promises to be a big hit too. If art is more your thing there is already the Alwani Summer Exhibition on until mid-August. It will be followed by the National Celebration Exhibition immediately after. Two more festivals will be held on the Rock before that occurs. First up will be the Jamaican Independence Day when musicians will mix it up with the island’s hot and tasty food. Held at Cabana Beach Bar in Camp Bay, the event on the evening of August 3. Lion Rock Crew, Don Spider and One Drop Trio will provide the entertainment. Then, the Beer Festival at Grand Battery above Casemates will showcase a large selection of beers and ciders on August 9. Whatever you like best, make the distinctly British surroundings of the Rock of Gibraltar your location of choice this summer.
22
July 31st - August 13th 2019
COLUMNISTS
Wild ways to stay cool
H
AVE you any idea how much summer adds to your carbon footprint? That question crossed my mind as I whacked up the AC and prepared to sweat out another August in Spain. Aircon – as essential as breathing on the Costa del Sol during the hottest month of the year – accounts for almost 10% of the planet’s en-
TRANSFERRING HEAT: Koala bear
If you can’t stand the heat you can always take inspiration from the animal kingdom … or not, writes Belinda Beckett
ergy use. But Mother Nature has a greener alternative. Animals don’t sweat so they have some pretty wild ways of staying chilled without contributing to global warming. Wouldn’t it be cool if we humans could adopt some of nature’s grand designs? Well, maybe … Be more koala - hug a tree. That’s how these cute marsupials compensate for being stuck in a thick fur coat during the Oz summer. Trees can be several degrees cooler than the air temperature and when the koala clings to
the trunk, its heat transfers into it, also reducing its need for water. Wallow in mud like a pig. It’s cool, moisturising and an anti-parasitic. Humans can get the same effect at the Roman Baths of Hedionda in Manilva (just up the road from the Olive Press offices) with its refreshing sulphur spring and mineral-rich mud. Sleep through it. It’s not just the Spanish who take a siesta during the heat of the day. Some animals ‘estivate’ in hot weather, switching their metabolism to go-slow, avoiding the need to look for food and water. The African bullfrog finesses the technique underground, making its own moisture-trapping cocoon where it can survive without sustenance for up to seven years. When the rains arrive, the cocoon softens and the frog springs back to life. Spit on your arms like the ‘Big Red’ kangaroo. Gross as it sounds, roos have a network of blood vessels in their forearms capable of cooling down their whole body when there’s no handy billabong nearby. Soak your breasts in water like the desert sandgrouse. The bird’s moisturetrapping chest feathers act like
KEEPING COOL: Kangaroos spit on their arms to stay cooler a portable drinks pack, allowing it to transport water back to the nest for its thirsty chicks. Stand on your head like the Namibian fog beetle. When the desert mist rolls in, it climbs to the peak of the dunes to collect condensation in grooves on its back, performing a ‘handstand’ so the water drains into its mouth. The mist forest of Los Alcornocales Natural Park in Cadiz province is a good place to try this for yourself. Make your own waterproof sun-
screen like a hippo. Hippos factor out sunburn by secreting a mucus-like substance that blocks UV rays and repels water, allowing them to stay submerged for longer. In sunlight it turns red, convincing early European explorers that hippos sweated blood. Wet yourself like a bird. Luckily we humans can cool off at the turn of a shower tap but storks and vultures have a yuckier way to stave off the August heat. They pee on their legs!
Dog-day afternoons Why Giles Brown won’t be getting a dog anytime soon...
A
s you may be aware by now, I live in relatively splendid rural isolation in a renovated cottage overlooking a lake. The Casita del Lago has a fair bit of land with it as well, and includes olive and fig trees. One of the questions that I am frequently asked is why I don’t have a dog at the Ca- metres away) decided to say hello and leap sita. I suppose the main one is that, with my through the terrace doors on my first night manic schedule, I am rarely at home that at the Casita. I was chopping garlic at the much so it wouldn’t be fair to keep a dog time. I screamed, he howled and I almost inside, and I would never have one chained. lost a finger. Friends also drop by to use the terrace on Luckily Fifty Shades, my feline compana regular basis when ion, can more than I’m working, so a look after herself. guard dog would be She once memorably out of the question as leapt like a pint sized well. Puma on a friend’s Plus there’s the surterrier that came too prise factor. Years close to her kittens, ago my friends had causing the poor a lovely old black hound to flee. Labrador, Jason, who Although I can’t have they left in the gara dog full time at the den. Coming back Casita, I’ve been quite on holiday one time happy to dog sit. One I decided to surprise of the finest was Baithem at night by leapley, christened ‘The Ining over the wall into ternational Jet Set Shi their garden. A black Tzu’. Totally unphased shape came boundby the constant chaos ing around the corner that makes up a freeand I knelt down to lancer’s life, I was say hello to Jason. able to take Bailey POSE: Giles with pooch Except Jason had to the radio with me, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, and they where he crashed on the studio sofa, on Olnow had a Rottweiler called Tyson. Who ive Press deliveries, where he rode shotgun didn’t know who the intruder was… in the 4x4 and even to interviews, where he 70 kilos of teeth and muscle tore towards was often better behaved than the people me and I set a new world record for the I was interviewing. ‘Mr. B’ recently crossed kneeling high jump, clearing the garden wall over the Rainbow Bridge himself, and I will with a high-pitched scream. miss the occasional small, snoring presThen there was the time, Lolo, the neigh- ence by my side on the sofa. bour’s dog (the neighbour lives two kilo- Bye Bye Bailey. You were such a good boy xx
SPORT Tennis for the blind Amazing technology brings tournament for visually impaired to the Rock
23
July 31st - August 13th 2019
Homeward Bound.. FRANCE - ITALY - PORTUGAL
SPAIN - UK - IRELAND
DEFRA AUTHORISED ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION We are Defra Authorised and you can rely on us to take very good care of your pet. We will make sure that they are comfortable and have regular stops to be made a fuss of and carry out neccessary business. Our professional and friendly service will keep them happy until they are reunited with you..
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Just Call Jack on the dog & bone.. (+34) 902 109 560
MODERN technology has given people who are blind the opportunity to play tennis in Gibraltar. A ball that makes a sound when it bounces, smaller courts and a lower net have made it possible for a Visually Impaired (VI) tennis tournament to come to the Rock. Local man Jack Fisher, who currently competes in UK VI tennis tournaments, was the brainchild for the event. As a UK-based PhD Mathematics student he was keen to invite players here for the tournament at the newly refurbished Sandpits tennis courts. Eight different VI tennis tournaments in UK culminate in an international competition. “It went very well,” Fisher told the Olive Press. “The third and fourth playoff was between Aemon Shearing and
For a quote or just some friendly advice
Joanna Turnbull and resulted in a 6-4 win for Aemon. “The final was between Brenda Cassell and myself and was an exciting match with plenty of rallying that Brenda won 6-2.” Players are sorted out into different levels of sight and given the opportunity to have up to three bounces of the ball. The crowds were amazed at how these tennis players tried to guess where the ball was going without seeing it. “The players agreed they had a great time in Gibraltar and a fantastic tournament, and they can’t wait to come back again,”
added Fisher. Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento and Minister for Sport Steven Linares both met the visiting contingent and congratulated them for their efforts.
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National acrobatics
FINAL WORDS
A TWIN-wing air show courtesy of daredevils Rich Goodwin are set to light up the National Day celebrations straight after the political rallies at 12.25pm.
Picture perfect ARTISTS who pay the £10 entrance fee may enter up to five artworks between August 27-29 for the Gibraltar national exhibition at the Fine Arts Gallery in September.
FREE
RYANAIR has refused to board a British nurse after her face swelled up and no longer matched her passport picture. Shannon Wotherspoon, 24, was stranded for 10 hours at Alicante airport before forking out €230 for a British Airways flight to Edinburgh. The saga began when Shannon suffered a skin irritation that
THE Department of the Environment have reminded the public that it is direct calls to them that will bring action and not social media posts.
The Rock’s only free local paper
Vol. 4 Issue 102 www.theolivepress.es July 31st to August 13th 2019
Shocker as nurse refused on flight for swollen face
Like not
Angry bird
GIBRALTAR
Blown out of proportion
caused her face to swell up. “My skin was all puffy and when I arrived at check-in I flagged that up...The woman at the counter gave my passport a close examination and immediately started shaking her head,” Shannon said. “She also noticed a bit of water damage on the edges.
In the nick of time AN Irishman has been arrested at Malaga airport on suspicion of staging the theft of his Rolex watch in Marbella. The 56-year-old was reportedly ‘stunned’ when Policia Nacional officers cuffed him as he was checking into his flight. The tourist was brazenly
donning the €28,000 watch he had told investigators in Marbella the day before had been snatched from him by a stranger in Puerto Banus. Police believe he wanted to collect the insurance for the ‘stolen’ watch. He will now face fraud charges.
UNIMPRESSED: Shannon and (right) passport pic
Parking hell
“She eventually asked a supervisor, and I could see her shaking her head and saying I couldn’t fly. “The issue wasn’t up for debate. The only positive advice I was given was that another airline might not be as fussy as Ryanair – and that turned out to be the case.” Shannon had other forms of ID, including a driving licence, which had exactly the ‘same’ picture as on Shannon’s passport. Shannon’s stepdad Stephen Cross said: “I don’t under-
BENIDORM residents are in uproar over a car park that fines drivers based on whether the final number of the licence plate is even or odd. Rules on a sign at the at the Las Terrazas parking space read: “Even registration numbers only on even days of the month.” The bizarre rules led to three foreign cars being fined within ‘20 minutes’ last week, according to a social media post by Benidorm resident Anton Bodnarec.
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A BRITISH mum has revealed how she was left with ‘Angry Bird eyebrows’ following a botched waxing session in Spain. Colline Rees, 37, from south Wales, was left speechless after a beauty therapist in Tenerife waxed off both her brows before attempting to draw them back on, leaving ‘two slugs’ which made her look like ‘one of the birds from the game Angry Birds.’ A former alopecia sufferer, it took her NINE months for her brows to grow back. Rees said her €3,000 holiday was ruined as she couldn’t pose in any photos.
stand how she was refused by Ryanair but allowed by British Airways. “Shannon was very scared and upset.” A spokesman for Ryanair said: “It is each passenger’s individual responsibility to ensure that he/she is travelling on a valid passport (not expired and not damaged), in compliance with Ryanair’s terms and conditions.” The low-cost airline were contacted for an explanation on why Shannon was refused boarding, but have yet to reply.
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