Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 105

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Vol. 4 Issue 105 www.theolivepress.es September 11th - September 24th 2019

Picardo defiant in National Day speech as Boris Johnson shuts down Parliament

By John Culatto

FABIAN Picardo has used Gibraltar National Day to announce a new campaign to woo UK business to the Rock in the post-Brexit landscape.

The Chief Minister tried to look forward towards the

inevitably difficult future with optimism in his keynote speech at the annual celebration of Gibraltar’s self-determination.

The politician, who days earlier had been celebrating at Gibraltar Calling, did not reveal many details on his new bid for UK business.

Turn to page 7 to find out which were the biggest stories this fortnight and how to get the most up to date info

However, in a stirring speech, he did say London’s ‘taxis, aeroplanes and buses’ would be used to advertise the message, ‘think business, think Gibraltar’.

In a packed Casemates Square Picardo added: “Despite all the challenges and all the uncertainties Gibraltar stands proud, prosperous and strong.

“It is just as we did 50 years ago when the frontier gates slammed shut and families were divided, hearts were broken and people were separated by bad politics.

Poignant

MEET AND GREET WITH PETE WHILE LIAM LOCKS DOWN ROCK AT GIBRALTAR CALLING Continues on Page 12

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BORIS Johnson should visit Gibraltar to explain what a nodeal Brexit would do for Gibraltar.

That is the verdict of Westminster pro-EU campaigner Steve Bray on a recent visit to the Rock.

The activist, who stands outside parliament in his famous blue top hat every time it meets, has had numerous run-ins with top Tory legislators.

“Boris should come here to explain how a no-deal would benefit Gibraltar,” Bray dared the PM. “The gauntlet should really be thrown to him in this way.”

He pointed straight to the ‘problematic border’ as the main effect of Brexit on Gibraltar.

“A no-deal Brexit will probably put Gibraltar in its worst position for decades,” the campaigner told the Olive Press.

“UK politicians talk about the only physical border being with Ireland but what about over here?

“If the workers and tourists cannot get into Gibraltar how will the economy survive?”

Bray feels the Brexit campaign conned his small community of Port Talbot in South Wales.

“Leaving will only be the first hurdle as it will involve years of negotiation while our rights and freedoms are whittled down,” he added.

Bray met with top political leaders during his trip to Gibraltar.

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“A great evil was done to the men, womwen and children of Gibraltar and of all the area around us.

“With the support of Britain we grew despite Franco’s siege.

“We are a rock of stability, a rock of strength and we are a people of deep courage with an unbreakable spirit.

“Faced with Franco’s closed steel gate, we forged inside us an iron Gibraltarian will.

“The closed frontier generation took on Franco and won.

“The last siege of Gibraltar failed like they will always fail. No-one can ever take our home from us!”

Greeted with applause and cheers throughout his speech, he thanked those who had lived through the closed frontier including the Moroccans who came to Gibraltar through that time.

“Nothing will stop us from

RED SEA: National Day crowds in Casemates Square for rousing speech from Chief Minister Picardo (inset) protecting our nation and building our homeland,” he concluded.

“Nothing will stop us now from deciding our future.

Nothing will stop us now, full stop!

“This is our home, this is our

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Rock, our dead lie here, our children our born here.

“We are the Gibraltarians, the people of the Rock.

“Red, white and blue, red, white and proud, red, white and free! Long live Gibraltar!”

As the famous ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now from Starship rang out, the people cheered with a hint of uncertainty over what was to come.

Picardo’s speech came against a backdrop of typical buffoonery from the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said politicians were ‘joining in’ the National Day celebrations at Downing Street, where the future of the UK and Gibraltar currently hangs on a knife edge.

In a more flippant outburst than that of Picardo, he said: “Not one inch of Rock, not one slice of Calentita, not one hair on the head of one Barbary Macaque will ever Continues on Page 2

2

GIBRALTAR NATIONAL DAY

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Early birds ALL schools apart from St Martin’s will have their gates open from 8.30am to allow parents to drop off their kids early.

Ship shape OCEAN surveying ship HMS Scott, the fifth largest ship in the Royal Navy, was in Gibraltar for a technical revision recently.

Gas concerns THE government has assured the Opposition that ‘safety is paramount’ with LNG bunkering taking place in Gibraltar waters.

Crypto might A PARTNERSHIP Huobi University in China will bring research and training on cryptocurrency to the University of Gibraltar.

From Page 1

Red, white and proud

be given without the express consent of the people who call Gibraltar home.”

Thousands clad in red and white watched on as he and other top political leaders delivered their messages to the nation.

Johnson’s speech was more poignant than most however, as he also took a jibe at UK Parliament by saying: “Politicians can’t just ignore referendums in the name of political expediency.”

The Conservative leader is currently on the ropes as he tries to force through a nodeal Brexit, having lost six crucial votes in as many days. PRIDE: Celebrations took over the Rock as Gibraltarians came out in their thousands He generally kept on-message though as he added: from the European Union at nounced that the UK would are detaining him’. any arrangements under “The tenth of September is a the end of next month. leave the EU on October 31.

Those gathered did not take which the people of Gibralgreat day to celebrate every- “The year ahead is going to Chris Pincher MP took an kindly to his words, despite tar would pass under the thing that makes Gibraltar bring some change and I am early flight to the Rock so he him saying that the Rock sovereignty of another state and Gibraltarians such a spe- sure some challenges but our could be present for the first had overcome ‘challenges’ against your wishes,” he cial part of the British family. partnership is more than up time at National Day celebra- before. added.

“It is also the perfect opporto the test. tions.

He added: “We take this op- “Nor will we enter into a tunity to reiter“We are stron- As he spoke, the flag of Gi- portunity to reassure you process of sovereignty negoate our absoger together braltar flew proudly over the that the United Kingdom tiations with which Gibrallutely implaand we always Foreign and Commonwealth government will remain tar does not consent.”

UK government cable support will be togeth- Office in London. steadfast in our support of He concluded by saying Giremain for Gibraltar’s er.”

Pincher said of the atmo- the people of Gibraltar and braltar and the UK would place within Aside from Bo- sphere: “If this is the sort of your prosperity, your secu- continue their ‘joint journey steadfast in that family. ris, one of the party you can throw, I am rity and your interests as we side by side’ and he would “It is support support of most striking coming back next year and leave the EU because they’re return to the Rock soon. that remains political mo- the year after that too!” our interests too.”

After the speeches, the Rock Gibraltar every bit as ments of Gi- He said he thought the prime He also spoke of the double partied long into the night solid as the braltar Nation- minister would have wanted lock commitment which ef- and the Olive Press was Rock itself and al Day was the to be on the Rock too, ‘but fectively ratifies the self-de- there to soak up all the acnothing is going to change booing that greeted the UK’s there are one or two small termination of Gibraltar. tion (see page 4). that, including our departure Minister for Europe as he an- distractions in London which “We will never enter into

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Celebrating

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RED, WHITE AND PROUD Vol. 13 Issue 325

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GIBRALTAR NATIONAL DAY

er 10th 2019

August 28th - Septemb

Pay up!

As Brexit tensions reach boiling point, John Culatto explores why this Gibraltar National Day could be the Rock’s most significant one yet

G

ET ready for the biggest party of the year when Gibraltar declares it is red, white and free.

There is no better time to see the Rock in all its vibrant character and colour than National Day at Casemates Square.

Every year since September 10, 1992 the people of Gibraltar have assembled to show their desire to be British and defy

Spanish aggression.

With Brexit tensions running high, this latest National Day is bound to be bigger than ever.

Gibraltar has always stood by Britain throughout its 300-year history.

National Day is a celebration of what TheContinues overleaf

Suitab for le Weddi ngs

corner With Brexit around the never felt Gibraltar National Day has out our FREE more important. Check you need guide inside on everythingations. to know about the celebr

Defence of MINISTRY receive workers could soon sersimilar wages to civil vants on the Rock. MinisIt comes after Chief backed ter Fabian Picardo saying the union pay claim, with up it he would bring ministers in London. ‘full Picardo pledged his emsupport’ for all MoD he ployees against what called UK ‘austerity’. it is "It is remarkable thatas lonow those working in cally employed civilians , the Ministry of Defencely who are being negative austerimpacted by UK said ity as they have been,”

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Picardo. r has “Historically, Gibralta when really turned a corner to we see our people having with seek parity of wages salaGibraltar Government way other ries, and not the alaround as was the case most 40 years ago.” fight He was referring to the by the for wages parity led the (left) to ‘get radical’ founder of his party. right) tell Picardo Keith Azopardi (far GSLP, Sir Joe Bossano gave ur border queues sees The Chief MinisterGibral- LEAKED: Report warning of four-ho to mention special tar Defence Police officers Roythe and the soldiers of t. al Gibraltar Regimen rA Government spokespe pay of son said that the ‘real fallen these individuals has very significantly’. gap in “The impact of this even Gibraltar has been outworse considering our growth standing economic during the same period,” said the Government. fully Picardo said: “We will

By John Culatto in all support our colleagues ent employm MoD sectors of claims to get in Gibraltar in their and FOUR hours of queuing could for better remuneration Opposition criticism in and out of Gibraltar Brexns.” how those It followed conditio and terms be especially given not enough was being done union, be the norm in a no-deal EU will create cannot re- issues would affect frontier that for what many fear could The main Gibraltar charge it scenario. document was the to plan stark revealed the underestimated or indeed ent flow.”

Unite, is leading the August 1. bring Gibraltar to a standstill. r That’s one of the many in the published onhas been quick to solved by a new arrangem Government hopes the “It is obvious we should be planalong with the Gibralta predicted warnings is able to negoti- The UnderGeneral Clerical Associa- leaked Yellowhammer docu- But Picardo ‘Memorandums of as ‘plan- that anyone hard for a no-deal Brexit,” claims ning the year dismiss last ate. by the UK tion. standing’ signed Leader Keith Azoparscenarios.’ myself ment, prepared ‘a non-legally said GSD of a ning for worst casenot be a bed “We have repeatedly stated “I will raise this issue the could become for a no-deal di. " government in the case “I maintain it will that we are working with with ministers in London, “The election of Boris Johnson the Gibraltar Gov- United Kingdom and Spain binding basis’ no-deal. much said Picardo, who regularly Although Chief Minister Fa- of roses,”said in a statement. has brought that prospect no-deal situation, scenario. the leak ernment meets with top UK Governleaving to address a closer. in the bian Picardo declared to inlater “The many problems ment representatives “The Government needs was ‘out of date’, it was on UK capital. vest more time and resources so in a no-deal planning and do much more radical way. those “Time will tell whether effecpreparations have been tive.”

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Opposition urges Gibraltar to ‘get radical’ as leaked report warns of four-hour border queues

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HELPING HAND: ALL Party Group banging drum for Gibraltar in Whitehall A STAUNCH supporter of Gibraltar has affirmed the ‘ecumenical’ spirit of the support for Gibraltar in the UK parliament.

Andrew MacKinlay, a Labour MP until 2010, said the Gibraltar all-party group he was part of is ‘one of the most influential’ in parliament.

“National Day is a reaffirmation of pride in Gibraltar both for citizens here and for friends and supporters in the UK which is extremely important,” Andrew MacKinlay told The Olive Press.

Net gain A HEROIC team of divers has been able to remove an abandoned net off Europa Point.

The 400m2 ‘ghost’ net was clinging to the wreckage of the New Flame oil tanker which sank in 2007.

The difficult task was carried out by divers of the Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Dive Club 888 (GSAC 888) the Department

“It’s helped to galvanise supporters in the British parliament right across the party spectrum.”

He said that this strong support is at all levels of the UK government.

“The British Foreign Office is conscious of the influence and clout of the people and government of Gibraltar,” he added.

Andrew MacKinlay was granted the award of Freeman of the City of Gibraltar and was present at this year’s National Day celebrations.

of the Environment and the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS).

“Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been discarded or snagged and left on the seabed,” the government said. “These nets can continue catching fish for long periods of time causing significant impacts to marine life.

They also pose a danger to the navigation of vessels and the safety of divers.”

3

Dropped in the muck!

‘Kamikaze’ Brexiteers are not interested in the impact Brexit will have on Gibraltar or its future warns British MP

EXCLUSIVE

By John Culatto

Fallen

September 11th - September 24th 2019

THE Labour MP who mocked Boris Johnson with the words, ‘not a good start, Boris’, has blasted Brexiteers for ‘dropping Gibraltar in the dark and smelly stuff’.

Staunch Remainer Chris Matheson told the Olive Press he was ‘determined’ to stop a hard Brexit that would be bad for both the UK and Gibraltar.

“Gibraltar is a proudly British people and as long as they’re allowed self-determination that is something I would support,” the MP for Chester revealed on a visit at the weekend.

“Any Brexit is going to hurt Gibraltar whether there is a deal or no deal”.

He added: “What it also means, of course, is that in any future relationship we want to have with the European Union we’re at the mercy of Spain when it comes to being recognised by the EU. “Spain can say they are not going to enter into a trade deal with the UK unless we give them joint sovereignty over Gibraltar and the EU

would go along with Spain because we are no longer members.’

The British MP, who regularly attends the Gibraltar All-party Parliamentary Group, continued: “Brexit is a stupid, kamikaze idea, and frankly, Gibraltar is far too much of a side issue within the Brexit talks.

“It’s so shortsighted and the people of Gibraltar will recognise that those people who are pushing Brexit are no friends of Gibraltar on the long-term.”

A staunch supporter of a People’s Choice referendum, he added: “If it was down to me I would cancel Brexit and I’m pretty sure most Gibraltarians would do the same.

“That hardcore of extremist Brexiteers are really going to drop Gib in the dark and smelly stuff.”

He called the plan to take the UK out without a deal ‘chaotic’ and had harsh words regarding leavers.

“They’re doing this for their own crackpot ideological reasons,” he continued. “The chaos will enrich people who are backing them.

“At the moment we are encroaching on very sinister

REMAINER: Chris Matheson is on a Brexit mission tactics by a government that cares little for democracy or respecting the rule of law.”

He said it would be ‘monstrous’ if Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not implement the law to delay the socalled Halloween Brexit on October 31.

The Labour MP also criticised the proroguing of parliament for five weeks at such a testing time for UK parliamen-

tary democracy.

“Now they’re desperate to try to escape by calling a general election,” he said.

“Even if they had a general election after October 31, Boris can always change the date and he will do that because he cannot be trusted.

“This is uncharted territory but we need to keep going.”

Safe sex at festivals PRO-choice group No More Shame were at the Gibraltar Calling and Monkey Rocks festivals over National Week.

The group, which has campaigned for free and safe abortion on the Rock, was supported by the Chief Minister via social media.

No More Shame distributed free sexual health leaflets and condoms to revellers, as part of their ‘Let’s Talk About Sex Safety’ campaign.

The Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo tweeted: “If there is one thing that’s better about this year’s Gibraltar Calling, it’s the Safe Sex Campaigners. “Very pleased to see them around - working on a fun day! Keep up the good work!” A spokesperson from the group said: “We are very happy to have had the Chief Minister’s full support on this campaign at the A SECOND MP has warned that festival. “Many studies have shown that the Brexit will be damaging to Gibralbest way to target young minds with appropritar. ate education on safe sex practises is by being Mike Gapes, who left the Labour present at festivals and concerts where the atparty to form the Independent mosphere is more relaxed. party for Change, believes it could “It helps to reduce the awkwardness young peotake a real toll on the Rock, ple often feel when sexual health is taught in a “The damage no deal will do to more formal setting.” The group noted that not Gibraltar has not been recognised only the youth but ‘the young at heart’ thanked sufficiently in the UK debate on them for their efforts at the festival in promotBrexit,” Gapes told The Olive ing safe sex.

SOUR GAPES

Press.

“There is debate about Northern Ireland but the need to be in the European single market is important.”

As a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gibraltar, Gapes has been one of the few MPs to make questions about Gibraltar at the House of Commons.

He was on the Rock before National Day to support the cause and meet with other members of the group.

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GIBRALTAR NATIONAL DAY

Jacque Talbot and Robert Firth discover how Gibraltar celebrates its biggest party of the year in style THERE'S celebration, there's pride, there's noise and red and white in every direction.

Shirts, banners, flags and tshirts all show the colours of Gibraltar on National Day. In 1967, 99% of the population voted to remain a British territory in the sovereign referendum.

Time's passed and today they rejoice at the decision to remain.

The population is proud of who they are and their history, and today is the perfect opportunity for those living on the Rock to show that.

One of the revellers out early to enjoy the celebrations was Maggie Langshaw, 67, who has been attending Gibraltar National Day since she was a child.

Gibraltar-born Maggie said: "I have been going all my life.

"We like to hear the politicians here coming out and saying what they think is going to happen here."

Retired Maggie added that she'd be watching the celebrations from Casemates Square all day. "My cousin's playing in the band tonight," she said.

Joanne Andrea, 49, of Moorish Castle Estate, said of the festivities: "It's the biggest day of our community. We

ROCK ON!

CELEBRATION: Gibraltarians soak up the National Day nightlife (above), while (far right) Joanne Andrea gears up for the bash in Casemates Square (below)

celebrate together as a big family.

"Whether you're Jewish, Muslim or Christian, it doesn't matter. We all just very proud to be born here, to be Gibraltarian."

Brian Gilbert, 82, had been watching the festivities from a bench just off Casemates.

He moved to Gibraltar from Coventry two years ago after his partner died.

He said: "Gibraltar is a great place. People are so kind. It's like living in the UK apart from the weather.

"I feel quite safe here. In the UK I wouldn't be walking around, but here you feel safe."

His friend, Geoff, 81, agreed.

He said: "Gibraltar is the safest place in Europe.

There's no crime at all."

September 11th - September 24th 2019

"A woman can walk down the street at three in the morning and she'll be absolutely fine."

Indeed the younger generation have been throwing caution to the wind during National Day. Most of them, in groups of four or five, were smiling and laughing as they threw their hands up in front of the loudspeakers, which kept the party going until the early hours.

Music booms at Casemates Square as performers entertain the crowd.

Drinks flowed last night, with shops selling out of paracetamol as the Rock's inhabitants turn into Wednesday's work day with sore heads.

But it was definitely worth it.

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NEWS

September 11th - September 24th 2019

5

6

BREXIT CRISIS

www.theolivepress.es

September 11th - September 24th 2019

BREXIT

Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

after all the arguing, where do you stand now?

OPINION We would make the difference AS the world’s oldest democracy came to a shuddering halt thanks to Boris Johnson’s peroguing putsch the Olive Press carried out its own democratic exercise.

The results of our exclusive online poll of more than 2,000 readers revealed that 73% of expats would vote to remain if given the chance again.

This is pretending as if most of us got much of a say last time round.

The burning truth is most of us could not vote despite the fact we stood to be most affected.

The ‘Will of the People’ did not extend to the pueblos of the Axarquia or Calpe despite friends, family and business links we as Brits resident in Spain have with the UK. For those who were able to vote here, there were even reports of ballot papers getting lost in the post.

Perhaps what has been most surprising for Brits deciding between Remain and Leave, is that a substantial amount would still vote for the latter today.

That is despite the threats to their pensions and livelihoods in this wonderful country.

In terms of numbers though, the results of our analysis appear to show that for Brits in Spain, Brexit is a bad idea.

The expat vote in Spain alone could have tipped the result of the referendum, but why stop there.

Give the right to vote to some 5.5 million Brits living abroad and put this Brexit bollocks to bed for a generation.

With the Brexit D-Day looming and battle lines drawn, the Olive Press takes the temperature of expats around Spain, three quarters of whom would vote to remain if given the choice again.

Research by Jacque Talbot and Laurence Dollimore

A

N Olive Press online poll has revealed that almost three-quarters of expats in Spain would rather remain in the EU than leave.

However, in an exclusive poll of over 2,100 readers, we discovered that an eye-catching 27% still want Britain to leave the union, despite having a potentially detrimental effect on their healthcare, pensions and freedom of movement.

As the UK edges ever nearer to our supposed departure on October 31, anxiety levels are rising among many of the hundreds of thousands of British expats around Spain.

So concerned are the estimated three million Brits, who live around Europe, that the British Foreign Office has just launched a €3.2m campaign to help calm fears - and coordinate advice.

Despite the Spanish government and Junta insisting the rights of British expats will be respected, nothing has been set in stone.

The continuing uncertain status of expats in Europe is already limiting our ability to plan or make life-changing decisions, while some expats have already been turned down for everything from mortgages to job interviews, claims Germany-based expat group, The British in Europe Coalition.

Families

PUBLISHER / EDITOR Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

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“Confusion over immigration status, the British settled status scheme, and the right to return to the UK or the continent with our families is causing turmoil to Brits in Europe and EU citizens in the UK,” explained spokesman Rose Newell.

“Many families now face the risk of being forced to choose between loved ones back home and partners or children.

“A no-deal scenario is a disaster for British citizens in the EU, who will face 27 different no-deal solutions across the EU. “ The loss of freedom of movement, a right many of us freely exercise, is something many British citizens will mourn.

“Many people’s livelihoods, especially those of frontier workers in Gibraltar are already at risk – and this will worsen in the event of a no-deal Brexit.”

DRAGGING IT OUT: Boris Johnson is hellbent on forcing Brexit on Ocober 31

Expats voting would have changed result If the huge number of British expats abroad (estimated at 5.5 million) were allowed to vote in the 2016 poll - and given that at least 73% appear in favour of remaining in the EU, as the exclusive Olive Press poll conducted on Facebook over a week suggests - this would have firmly tipped the referendum the other way.

She also estimates that over 80% of all Brits living outside the UK have lost their right to vote, which - if true - makes a mockery that it was a democratic vote, as local British businessman.

A leaked report from the UK Treasury two weeks ago, called Yellowhammer, backed this up warning of potential four hour queues getting in and out of the Rock.

It also warned that British citizens travelling to the EU could be limited to 90-day stays and subject to tighter passport controls.

It added that in the worst case scenario British expats will lose associated rights and access to services, which may include health-

BOOST FOR CRIMINALS A NO-DEAL Brexit could turn see Britain become a 'safe haven' for dangerous foreign criminals, according to classified police documents.

BREXIT IN BRIEF It could also make it harder to pursue dangerous British gangs, rapists and paedophiles, who flee to Europe to evade justice.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) raised concerns that if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, police officers could lose tools which help them track and trace suspects.

Alongside the International Crime Co-ordination Centre (ICCC) it believes the UK ‘could be seen as

a safe haven for foreign criminals.’

It believes that a hard Brexit could impede on the police being able to access EU databases, meaning the hunt for “missing persons” or “wanted offenders” could become “slower, less effective, and more bureaucratic.”

The news comes just one month after the government's Operation Yellowhammer, which revealed that law enforcement data and ease of information sharing between the UK and EU will be disrupted.

care.

What grates many expats is the fact that so many were unable to vote in the last referendum due to a soon to be scrapped 15-year rule.

To gain deeper insight into the issues facing us all as we approach deadline day, we spoke to ten expats across the spectrum of ages and backgrounds for their views.

“

Karen Livermore, 55, ex-Editor Woman and Woman’s Own

My partner and I only moved here nine weeks ago, and it was a joy to escape the ridiculousness of the UK government and the whole Brexit shambles. I think at the time of the referendum much was made of the horrors of belonging to the EU, migration and of course the tactics of Nigel Farage, that the whole issue became clouded and the British public did not know what they were voting for. Since then, global economies have changed and people in the UK are now becoming fully aware of what leave will mean for them. If there were a second referendum the outcome would be very different, I’m sure of that. And anyone thinking Trump will be there to hand the UK massive trade deals… really?”

BREXIT CRISIS

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September 11th - September 24th 2019 that’s the

Spain’s best English news website

ON TOP: Olive Press website traffic for last four weeks

FIGURE IT OUT : CHECK, CHECK AND CHECK AGAIN REBEL ALLIANCE: Opposition plot grand no-deal Brexit escape

Guy McCrow, 35, owner of the Beach House Marbella:

“ Peter Langdale, 64, farmer, Axarquia:

“

It’s a complete farce. They talk about it being a democratic decision, but it clearly wasn’t as only a quarter of the country voted. Us expats, who are as British as anyone back home, were not allowed to vote if we’ve lived in Spain for 15 years.

We were denied a vote - that in itself is anti-democratic. The people who live here and voted leave, they think it’s a golf club. They have no idea what Brexit will do to our economy.

It will impact our import business as bringing in food to the UK will go through custom entry, meaning further delays for our clients and the British public. They say they voted leave because of immigration. Well, I’m sorry, but I’m an immigrant, and like most other immigrants, when I moved country, I just wanted to work. If they all leave the UK, what will happen to the NHS?”

Dean Holie, 60, owner of boat charter business Norton Charter, in Duquesa:

“

I voted leave, and I feel even more strongly about that now than before. Of course it is going to be tough for the UK, but I believe the country will come back stronger than ever before. I believe us expats will be fine after a couple of years of small issues.”

Brexit is a perception thing and as a business owner, I’ve tried to stay out of it as much as possible. It’s really a load of hot air. Some of our customers ask us about it, whether we are worried what it will do to our business - but, no I don’t - it’s all perception. Our English customers seem to have put the whole thing out of their heads, too, partying harder this summer than ever before.”

David Giles, 61, concert promoter, Marbella:

“

I would have liked to remain.

If something is not broken, why bother to try and fix it? To remain in the EU makes sense in every way - both economically and strategically for the UK. I think the reason people in the UK want to leave is because of this old ideology.

This postWorld War 2 idea about the country being a global superpower, which just isn’t the case anymore.”

Alan David Ashley, 75, retired factory manager, Malaga:

“

I was torn. I wasn’t sure whether it would be good or bad to leave the EU. The thing is, I didn’t have all the facts, so I couldn’t make a fair decision. However, I don’t believe that the UK will leave because there are too many ifs and buts. It’s not like the old days - we don’t have a strong enough prime minister to see us right.”

“

Having been here for 20 years I wasn’t allowed to vote - but I wished the referendum turned out to be remain. I believe there are a lot of expats out there with illnesses like my husband’s who are very stressed about what impact Brexit will have on the treatment they receive - and the worry of it all can only be bad for their health.”

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

But beware, there are many tricksters out there: Media owners far too willing to cut corners by buying links to their websites, followers to their Twitter feeds and likes to their Facebook pages.

The moral however, is cheats never prosper.

As any IT or SEO specialists worth their salt will tell you; Google and other search engines soon find out and they will be punished.

The way to be sure is to ask for an actual Google Analytics report.

The Olive Press is always happy to send out one for whatever period a potential client might want. We can give you an audience breakdown by age, sex and nationality at the touch of a button.

Always, always ask for actuals and be VERY wary of any sites or social media pages that show sudden, suspicious surges in popularity or likes.

As the Olive Press has discovered through exclusive investigations in Spain, numerous suspect businesses have set up offering Facebook likes, Twitter followers, or say Trip Advisor reviews … for a fee!

One company CGI, based in Benalmadena, offered to do 50 reviews ‘of any business’ for €400 – with payments made by cash or PayPal. See story here: https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2018/08/31/ exclusive-costa-del-sol-business-selling-fake-reviews-on-tripadvisor/

FACEBOOK FIDDLES

A simple check is to have a look at individual posts on Facebook and count the number of ‘likes’.

The Olive Press is averaging about 40 to 50 likes per story, while many of our rivals are getting single figures, unless, of course, they boost (advertise) the post.

THE MEDIA GROUP WITH REAL NUMBERS

Ed Allison-Wright, 31, director at World Trade Center, Gibraltar:

“

Sandra Eveleigh, 71, Manilva, retired:

THE Olive Press website has had a veritable summer of love.

Www.theolivepress.es is now definitively Spain’s Number One news website.

In August we had an amazing 1.4 MILLION visitors and an incredible 1.7 MILLION page views, and we continue to climb the Google analytics and Alexa.com charts.

We’re growing all the time - due to an increased investment in real journalism - and are now at 72.000 position in the world, according to Alexa.com.

This is enhanced by our 21,000 Facebook followers, 7,200 Twitter followers and our rapidly increasing in-roads on Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

We are getting around 50,000 unique visitors a day and the numbers are soaring.

Gibraltar has the potential, resilience and determination to actually come out of Brexit very well. It brings lots to businesses and the talent within the area remains globally competitive. Despite the uncertainty associated with Brexit, the lifestyle choices between Gibraltar and northern European destinations remain clear and compelling.”

Online stats are easily to manipulate, but if you do your checks you should find the best place to promote your business.

All in all, we are the media group WITH THE NUMBERS! Don’t forget it.

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.

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress. es in the past two weeks are:

1

- CONFIRMED: Government will uprate UK State Pension

for those living in the EU until March 2023 in event of nodeal Brexit (45,872)

2 3

- ‘Europe’s best theme park’ just opened in Spain and it looks AMAZING (37,310)

4

(36,042)

- WATCH: Secret filming reveals Goldcar staff ‘BULLY’ tour-

5 Continues on Page 8

- WORTH IT? First findings emerge after Benidorm Mirador destroyed in search of ruins that ‘might not exist’

ists and charge ‘€300 for scratch’ on Spain’s Costa del Sol and Costa del Sol (30,715)

- BAD CALL: Wanted Italian mafia boss rumbled on Spain’s Costa del Sol after making rookie mistake while driving (27,711)

Visitors: 702,122

Page views: 915,298

8

NEWS

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When you take out an advertising campaign with the Olive Press, you get a lot more than just the printed newspaper te l ee ia 00 si Fr tor 0,0 eb i 5 w ed ur ay o -d in r-a to si

r ur ou s Yo tory to er s ed llow t o ee 0 f Tw ,00 7

vi

Sponsored posts on our website with to your site and with an average of links 20,000 page views per day

Our Twitter feed gives users direc to all our stories and every digitalt access newspaper published

September 11th - September 24th 2019

Ready or not School shocker as students’ first term back delayed by week over unfit premises

c Fa

ur to s Yo tory ed 0 er s ot ,00 low 0 l om 2 fo pr our ok o eb

s r r nd ou pe sa in pa ou s s Th iew new v l of ita g di

A PAIR of new secondary schools - labelled ‘undoubtedly some of the best in Europe’, by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo - were not ready for the new school year.

Minister for Education John Cortes admitted to the Olive Press there could be a hold up, which led to the opening being delayed for a week until September 16.

It follows safety concerns from members of the opposition, which were quickly dismissed by Picardo.

Members of the NASUWT teachers union also recommended a delay after pictures on social media showed the new secondary schools were not ready to open.

“There will be a certain

amount of disruption, particularly to teachers,” admitted Cortes.

“They’re working their guts out, but they know what the prize is.

“There will be stressful weeks ahead, but we will make sure there is no negative educational impact.”

The two secondary schools, which are located beside each other, will bring co-education to the Rock for children above 12-years-old for the first time. ”These are undoubtedly some of the best - if not THE BEST schools in Europe,” continued the Chief Minister.

“The investment of taxpayers’ money in these schools is larger per-capita in Gibraltar than anywhere else in Eu-

Healthy move Fully interactive digital copy of the newspaper containing all advertisin g seen online globally via Issuu

THE headboy and headgirl of Bayside School are supportive of the new school set-up.

“I am extremely excited,” Bayside headboy Jeremy Victor told The Olive Press.

“The facilities are incredible and the amount of learning the children are going to do is going to increase drastically.

“I am in favour of co-educa-

We promote you on our hugely popu Facebook page with 17,000 likes lar and as many followers

The Olive Press gives you more!

LESSONS: John Cortes rope.

“Should it become necessary to delay opening the schools, we will announce that as soon as possible, but we do not believe it will become necessary.” tion because I think when boys start working with girls they start concentrating more so as not to look stupid.”

This view was reflected by Alexandra Lester who is Bayside headgirl.

“I feel like same-sex schools are a strange segregation you don’t see in real life,” she said.

“Co-education is just natural.

“There’s also going to be younger students so I am sure they will do well.”

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Across 1 Utterly senseless (6) 4 Dry red Spanish wine (5) 8 Plain variety (7) 9 Operated by sound waves (5) 10 Wander (4) 11 Galilee native (7) 13 Unworkable (13) 15 Largest penguin (7) 17 Legal instrument (4) 19 Minor actor in crowd scenes (5) 20 Aardvark (3,4) 21 Sum (5) 22 Israeli currency (6)

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1 Paid announcement (13) 2 Tanner’s aid (7) 3 Depend (4) 4 Confine (8) 5 Unit of weight (5) 6 Relating to building design (13) t Born in early December, perhaps (11) 12 Affliction of cats and other fur-lickers (8) 14 Violently frenzied (7) 16 Small in number (5) 18 Home of Salt Lake City (4)

All solutions are on page 22

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NEWS

Do you have a what’s on?

Send your informatio n to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es

what’s on Bricking it

Red alert

A THOUSAND-year-old fortress in Spain has been flagged up on the risk list over fears it is on the verge of collapse.

The Hispania Nostra heritage association has included La Popa castle near Barcelona on its ‘Red List’.

The database keeps track of all national monuments and sites in Spain that may disappear if urgent measures are not taken.

The ancient complex, on top of a 100-metre long rock formation in Castellcir, is reportedly ‘in a very bad state’.

It comes after technicians labelled the condition of La Popa’s ancient walls and chapel as ‘catastrophic’.

Heritage hoedown GRANADA has celebrated World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day with a complete cultural programme of tours, concerts and workshops.

Some 50 free activities across the city have been put on by the Ayuntamiento and trustees of the Alhambra and Generalife.

Granada’s councilor for tourism, Manuel Olivares, stressed the need ‘to show children and young people the privilege of living in a city where different cultures were respected for a long time’.

He added: “As a result of that coexistence we have a great wealth of heritage.”

The World Solidarity Day of World Heritage cities commemorates the creation of the Organisation of World Heritage Cities in 1993 in the Moroccan city of Fez.

ACT TWO

TripAdvisor’s ‘best theme park in Europe’ opens sister park in Spain

EUROPE’S top theme park, according to TripAdvisor, receives more than two million annual visitors despite having no rides - and Spain is about to find out why.

The famous French theme park Puy Du Fou has opted to open a second site on the outskirts of Toledo.

Puy du Fou Espana is modeled on its French counterpart which is the second most popular theme park in France after Disneyland Paris.

The park attracts two million visitors a year through its gates with historical set piece reenactments featuring viking ship battles and warring kings - all set in the Middle

EPIC: Shows reinact scenes from Spanish history Ages.

Spread across 30 hectares, From 2021, visitors to Spain’s Puy du Fou Espana will put latest theme park will be able on four shows every day, to enjoy the El Sueno de To- within epic sets featuring casledo performance, which is tles and colosseums. based on 1,500 years of Span- The new park, just an hour ish history. from Madrid, will also have a huge medieval village with shops and restaurants along with two further settlements to explore.

France’s Puy du Fou, which THE first exhibition in Spain by renowned Scottish landfirst opened in 1978, has rescape artist Ronagh Wheeler has been planned for Marceived five stars on TripAdvibella’s Magpie Gallery. sor from over 14,000 reviews.

Wheeler, an artist with some 25 years experience will be The amusement park has also showcasing her latest works, inspired by travel and nature. been voted the Best Theme The Sussex-based painter’s acrylic art uses soft colour tones Park in Europe as well as and work with palette knives to translate her expressions fifth Best Theme Park in the onto canvas in the form of landscapes and seascapes.

World.

The exhibition runs from September 20 to October 20.

The mark two park in Spain The opening features a selection of Wheeler’s most has now opened - although at deductive and emotional pieces, as well as a chance to present, guests can only visit on Fridays and Saturdays.

LANDSCAPES: By Wheeler meet the artist herself.

Magpie’s treasure

9

September 11th September 23th 2019

Monumental mill AN exceptionally well-preserved Roman mill has been excavated in Andalucia, providing a glimpse into life 2,000 years ago.

The discovery in Jerez de la Frontera is believed to be one of the most important archaeological finds on the Iberian Peninsula.

Excavations have unearthed a unique hydraulic complex complete with three waterwheels and four floodgates ‘in perfect condition.’

“Because of its size, it is currently the only known example of its kind from ancient Hispania,” said Ángel Muñoz, Cadiz’s Head of Historical Heritage Protection.

The mill had been in use as late as the 18th century and now the building’s origins have been found to stretch back centuries.

Site archaeologist Luis Cobos said: “Given its size and the mortars used, it must be of an era of American great economic splendor in the area, possibly between the two centuries before and after Christ.”

EUROPE’S largest exhibition of model Lego continues in Muelle Uno in Malaga this summer, ending September 22.

Photo op THE biggest collection of 3D images in Spain will arrive September 22, in Malaga, at an interactive event.

Colourful INHABITANTS of Villanueva del Trabuco will host their annual parade, full bright colours and brass bands, September 15.

Tuneful THE Chanquete World Music Festival will be the perfect way to end the summer, taking place Saturday September 14, El Playazo Beach.

10

NEWS

LA CULTURA

A TURN TOO FAR August 28th - September 10th 2019

Do you have a what’s on?

Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es

“Mauthausen conce is to the Spanish Re Auschwitz is to the J

Dr R.Wheatley, author Hitler and

Jack Gaioni explores a notorious Civil War concentration camp, why a Republican turned fascist and how Franco controlled the Spanish press

I

F you were hoping to read a pleasant ‘feel good’ article, read no further.

If you were hoping to read some logical, ‘moral-to-the story account’ - again, read no further.

What follows is illogical, disturbing, and, at times, horrendous.

It will leave you with more questions than answers.

If you choose to continue reading, consider the enigmatic life of Carlos Rodriguez del Risco…

Born in 1901 in the Catalu-

nyan pueblo of Vilanova i la Mauthausen concentraGeltru, Carlos Rodriguez del tion camp in Austria. From Risco grew up sympathetic 1940-1945 Rodriguez del to the Republican (anti- Risco witnessed unimaginaFranco) cause. At the close ble horrors. The camp was of the Spanish Civil War, used to imprison ‘the inlike thousands of other de- corrigible political enemies feated Republican soldiers of the Reich’: socialists, and sympathizers, he fled communists, freemasons, to France to avoid the re- homosexuals, anarchists, vengeful wrath gypsies, of Franco. He AND Spanwas interned ish RepubliAs many as in a barbed cans whose wire ‘enclosure’ 20,000 Jews were ideology was camp along the especially subject to the French border. anathema to The conditions gas chamber on Nazi fascism. were dreadAs many as the spot ful. Hundreds 20,000 Jews died due to exwere subject posure, brutal to the gas treatment, pneumonia and chamber on the spot even malnutrition. For a young before being registered in military man like Carlos, the Mauthausen camp. Rothere was an alternative: driguez del Risco also was join the French Foreign Le- an eye-witness to the Nazis gion. He did exactly that but performing pseudo-scientifhis timing could not have ic experiments, lynchings, been worse. This was the lethal injections, beatings start of World War II and and sadistic humiliations his battalion was used as from guards, gold-tooth excannon fodder against the traction, starvation, electroGermans. He was captured cution, hypothermia, and by the Nazis and, along with malnutrition. Most died 7,000 other Spanish Repub- however from exceptionally licans, sent to the notorious hard labour as Mauthausen

was primarily a slave labor camp. Five thousand of Carlos’s Spanish Republican compatriots did not survive.

On May 5,1945 the Mauthausen concentration camp was liberated by American forces. Most of the surviving Spanish Republicans returned again to France fearing retribution for their fervent anti-Franco politics.

Rodriguez del Ricco chose a different trajectory. One year after he was freed from the horrors of Mauthausen, Carlos was in Madrid and began writing a series of accounts entitled: ‘Yo he estado en Mauthausen’ (‘I was at Mauthausen’) in ARRIBA - the officially sanctioned newspaper for the Franco regime and the voice of the Falange.

Carlos recounted his eyewitness accounts of the aforementioned Mauthausen nightmare in a series of 28 installments. Stylistically, his articles were non-fiction, part adventure story, part diary, and part political. He is detailed in his descriptions of the torment and horror that he and other Spanish

Jakin Boor (aka dictator Franco)

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Arriba would remain the official newspaper of the Spanish State under Franco for the next 35 years. Carlos’s Yo he estado en Mauthausen was not the only serialized set of articles spewing vitriolic anti-semantic sentiment. Interestingly, it was Franco himself, writing under the pseudonym Jakin Boor, who would begin to write a series of articles which would continue to rant against freemasonry, Communism and Jews, but additionally the formation of the State of Israel. In August,1949 Arriba carried an article written by Franco entitled ‘Alta masoneria’ (High Masonry) which declared: “The recognition of Israel and its entry into the United Nations is hypocritical and [its] unjust conduct towards Spain, obeys exclusively the dictates of free masonry.” An earlier Arriba article put forth: “The international Jewish-Masonic conspiracy is the creator of the great evils that have arrived for humanity; such are capitalism and Marxism”.

During Spain’s transition to democracy soon after Franco’s death, the Spanish Council of Ministers ordered the closure of the newspaper Arriba. In June of 1979, Arriba’s final issue was published.

FASCIST: Rag that featured General Franco’s articles

DID YOU KNOW?

entration camp epublicans what Jews”

The Photographer of Mauthausen is a 2018 Spanish biographical/ historical film. The movie, starring Mario Casas, tells the life of photographer Francesco Boix during his imprisonment in the nightmare known as Mauthausen. Based on real events, Boix was able to smuggle photographs that were later used as evidence of Nazi crimes during the Nuremberg trials. The movie is free on Netflix but yet another warning: the subject matter is dire.

d Spain

PHOTOGRAPHER: Francesco Boix’s tale told in Netflix biopic

Republicans suffered at the hands of the Nazis. His narrative has been deemed original and factually accurate

by Holocaust historians. For example, Carlos was able to observe the high-ranking officer Heinrich Himmler’s inspection of the camp. (1941).

He identified by name individual S.S. guards who were particularly brutal. He was able to detail the littleknown account of a trainload arrival of entire Spanish Republican families. He was witness to the ‘astonishment, anger and terror’ of Spanish boys as young as 10 being imprisoned ‘despite the desperation of the women, mothers, sisters and wives who stayed on the train’ and were sent back to Spain to an unknown future.

Yet, in the same serialized articles Rodriguez del Risco writes of a political aboutface. He obscures his concentration camp experiences with virulent anti-Semitic diatribes. Parts of Yo he estado en Mauthausen are wildly unsympathetic to the extermination of the Jews that he witnessed. His hardened portrayal of the Jews is revealed when he states that: “They (the Jews) lack humanity and are hypocrites, fakes and egotists

PATH: Route Republicans took through Pyrenees

and a little more or less food litical conversion’ when he would result in scenes of a began to renounce his longson beating his own father.” held defense of Republican He blames the Jews as guilty ideology. He condemned his for their own fellow capslaughter while tive compahe calls Hitler triots claimCarlos a ‘true patriot ing they who feels the ‘had stained announced pressing need to their hands his complete work for the rewith blood’. surgence of his Carlos andevotion to country - a man nounced his Franco without a doubt, complete extraordinary.” devotion According to to Franco Rodriguez del Risco’s ac- and the Nationalistic cause count, the real masterminds when he declared in his last behind the cruelties he suf- article: “Catholic by convicfered and observed were tion. I am a soldier of the Hitler’s advisors and Mau- Church; a fervent Spaniard. thausen’s SS guards.

I will always be a loyal serCuriously, Rodriguez del vant of my country. And my Risco also wrote of his ‘po- country is now, whether or not the communists and renegades like it, unanimously represented by Franco - a man providently chosen to liberate it from the most tremendous loss of life of all time.”

It would be easy to dismiss Yo he estado en Mauthausen as purely Francoist propaganda.

But the author’s political about-face raises some interesting questions: Was Rodriguez del Risco forced at gun-point

SAVED AT LAST: Mauthausen survivors cheer the soldiers of the Eleventh Armored Division of the US Third Army a day after their liberation. Photo Donald R. Ornitz

(figuratively and maybe even literally) to write this account? Was Carlos subject to what psychologists have called ‘Stockholm syndrome’ where by prisoners often identify with their captors?

Was he sane? Was Carlos the first example of what would later be called a ‘Holocaust denier’? Was this typical of the political climate in Spain in 1946? Even though Carlos’s narrative is grounded in historical fact, how much can be trusted as something

other than political propaganda for the Franco regime?

We will probably never know the answers to these questions. Carlos Rodriguez del Risco would never be heard of publicly again after his articles were published.

He would die less than three years later with no direct descendants. His story remains complicated, contradictory, fascinating, incomprehensible yet always horrific. Remember…you were warned.

Another famous survivor to emerge from the Mauthausen concentration camp was Simon Wiesenthal. He would dedicate his life to tracking down Nazi war criminals - most notably, Adolf Eichmann.

The clinical definition of the Stockholm syndrome reads: “A psychological condition where prisoners express positive feelings towards their captors, sometimes to the point of defending and identifying with their captors.”

12

September 11th - Sept 23, 2019

LA CULTURA

SUPERNOVA: Liam Gallagher got biggest singalongs with Wonderwall

A quarter of a century since the launch of Definitely Maybe, Liam Gallagher shows he still has the swagger to carry off his former band Oasis’s best tunes, writes Jon Clarke. While (far right) Charlie Smith is wowed by Mel C and the professionalism of Take That

RUNNING ORDER: Oasis encore

LATIN BEAT: Enrique Iglesias

Rock 'n' Roll Star

H

E’S been ridiculed, sidelined and generally parodied over recent years.

So it was great to see Liam Gallagher, the veritable

SATURDAY

Rock n Roll star, come out fighting in his headline role at the Gibraltar Calling music festival.

Despite stalking onto stage in his usual snarling fashion, he quickly warmed to the crowd in with crowd favourite Morning and venue, in its debut at Eu- Glory, before returning with Coropa Point. lumbia, Slide away, Cigs N AlcoWhile he was playing second hol and the obligatory rendition fiddle to global superstar En- of Wonderwall, which had the rique Iglesias on Saturday biggest singalong of the weeknight, there was no doubt who end by far. won the battle.

A couple of his For all extents own tunes hit the and purposes chord, including One for the this was an OaWall of Glass sis set, with a Latin lovers and and Greedy Soul, few of his own while the second songs peppered the large’ish encore of Superin. sonic and the Spanish Having first seen amazing Chamthem at their pagne Supernocontingent prime at Earl’s va really hit the Court in London spot. in 1994, promotEarlier in the ing their seminal first album, evening, we had stood stage and then at the legendary left watching a soulful, heartKnebworth shows two years felt performance from Pete later, I didn’t know what to ex- Docherty, who should probably pect. have been on later.

But what we got was classic The former bad boy of Rock N Oasis right from the off. Who Roll has mellowed somewhat needs brother Noel? in recent years and he was not Kicking off with a storning Rock only happy to chat, filling us in N Roll Star, he then waded right on his recently opened nine-

bedroom hotel in Margate, but even took and waved a Union Jack for waiting fans below.

It was a nervy start though, perhaps still being light, but when he got into a few of his excellent Libertines back catalogue the crowd perked up, in particular to Don’t Look Back into the Sun and Can’t Stand me Now. How different to the performance of Enrique Iglesias later in the evening.

Cocksure and full tilt, with a banging light and laser show, this was one for the Latin lovers and the large’ish Spanish contingent in the crowd.

It was slick and impressive and the fans went appropriately wild.

A wiggle of those famous hips, a melting smile, it was hard not to be won over.

13

September 11th - Sept 23, 2019

TO THE TOP: Feel good classics from iconic gary and the boys

SPICE UP A SPORTY: Mel C

YOUR LIFE

FTER Liam Gallagher reminded the Rock why the 90s was Britain’s most exciting musical decade, it seemed like Gibraltar Calling had hit its peak.

That was until Take That hit the main stage on Sunday, with their raucously-cheeredon back catalogue of feel-good hits.

SUNDAY Celebrating 30 years as a band, Gary, Mark and Howard served up a masterclass in pop, complete with surprisingly-well choreographed dance routines.

The British boy band hardly seemed to have aged a day

since 1990, with Gary looking sharp in a dog tooth suit and Mark channelling his inner cowboy in some green and white denim.

All the way back to the VIP section, songs like Shine, Rule the World and Greatest Day were absolute crowd-pleasers.

But the biggest cheers of the

14

September 11th - Sept 23, 2019

LA CULTURA

STARS OF OLD: Golden boy David Essex (left) was joined by Patrick Myers (centre) as Freddie Mercury at the packed-out Europa Point Leisure Complex in Gibraltar entire festival were for the She didn’t mess around, spinolder stuff - even Chief Minister ning tunes like Nirvana’s Fabian Picardo couldn’t resist Smells Like Teen Spirit and tapping his foot to It Only Takes the Prodigy’s Out of Space A Minute. as she jumped With revellers about behind the baying for more, decks.

Nirvana’s the trio duly disShe even threw patched a suin current hits Smells Like perb Relight My like Stormzy’s Teen Spirit and Fire, before givVossi Bop, being way to what fore continuing the Prodigy’s Gary described the 90s theme Out of Space as their ‘good by dancing down friend, Mel C’ the runway to riwho was on DJ val the shapes duty. thrown by Take That. After And make no mistake, the whipping the crowd into a frenformer Spice Girl was here to zy, Gibraltar was merry and still party. singing Spice Up Your Life.

So with ‘the world’s best Queen tribute band’ up next, it should have been a night to remember for Gibraltarians.

And you have to hand it to Killer Queen, they were good, but didn’t hit all the right notes in the way their support acts had.

After being moved from the smaller classic stage the group, featuring an uncanny Brian May and a chunky Freddie Mercury, did their best to hold the huge crowd. A well-rehearsed rendition of the Queen frontman’s famous Ay-Oh routine from Live Aid 1985 went down a treat, before the band played out the rest of the classics.

It was a Rhapsody for many.

History, adventure and romance.

That’s just the setting.

Festival overview, by Claire Spencer THERE was something rather magical about the smoking mountain rising out of a crystal clear Mediterranean Sea. It gives the impression of incongruity, a small piece of The UK somehow tacked onto the Southernmost tip of Iberia, a shrine from antiquity where the ancients paid tribute to their gods at the gateway to Atlantis and the Northern pillar of Hercules. This is where music lovers came to pay tribute to their gods at the weekend; those giants of pop and rock headed by the likes of Take That, Enrique Iglesias and the mighty Liam Gallagher.

This year saw a change of venue to The Europa Point Leisure Complex overlooking the Rif Mountains in Morocco on the other side of the straits.

It was a gamble, but it mostly paid off, with the

sound being as good and the location better.

The shuttle buses from town moved everyone efficiently, looking like an unstoppable army of ants crawling around the Rock.

While the organisation left a few concerned about long lines to get drink tokens and a lack of food late in the evening, the general mood was one of contention. There was certainly music for everyone, with the big names on the main stage, and favourites from yesteryear like 10CC, Slade and Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel imploring everyone to ‘come up and see him’ on the Classic Stage. Seventies heartthrob David Essex certainly looked a fair bit older but sounded in fine voice and rocked the crowd, much as he did back in 1973. There were plenty of tears.

Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.

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

For further information call: Gibraltar Tourist Board +350 200 74950 Or to download a brochure go to: www.visitgibraltar.gi

www.visitgibraltar.gi

Heritage STREET PARTIES MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE HISTORY MUSIC

Phoenician Empire Calentita

Jazz

INTERNATIONAL

THE ROCK The MoorishMusicCastle Festivals Food Festival Pillars of Hercules National Week, Chess, Snooker, Backgammon Championships 100000 YEARS Darts, LITERARY FESTIVAL

Neanderthal Settlements

ibraltar

#VISITGIBRALTAR

A year of Culture

Bring hearts, minds and souls

15

September 11th - Sept 23, 2019

New Marbella picnic party set to offer something different... something new... something chic...

EVENT OF THE YEAR

I

F you think that all the action and excitement has finished now that August is over and the summer crowds have left, think again.

Chicnic brings a fresh, funky and fabulous attitude to Marbella in September.

Taking place at the stunning Finca La Conception, one of Marbella’s best kept secrets but only minutes from Puerto Banus, Chicnic will feature a heady combination of live music, DJs, gastronomy and drink all in a picture perfect setting on Saturday, September 28.

Topping the bill is Grammy Award-nominated DJ/Producer Todd Terry.

One of the pioneers of the New York House scene ‘Todd the God’ is the genius behind anthems including Can You Feel It, Something Going On and Keep on Jumpin.

Todd will be joined by a lineup of Marbella’s best DJs, including Tito Pulpo, John Mena, Ceaser Cooper and Raquel DK and Mario Z, as well as live percussion by Gustavo Gottardi and electric violin from Lamaya.

GRAMMY-NOMINATED:Todd Terry (above) and violinist Lamaya (right)

To make the experience a comfortable one, there are Chicnic blankets to sit on so people can drink, eat and dance the afternoon and the evening away.

Alternatively you or you can go off to the cocktail and food garden or the pool lounge and dip your feet while watching all the action.

A wide selection of wines, champagnes and spirits complemented by deli-

cious food prepared by lo- 2:00 pm. to 8pm., providcal chefs are all available. ed by the students of Les Chicnic also Roches, the offers the finest Global Les Roches Chicnic will be H o s p i t a l i t y Experience University in the newest and the World.

Lounge.

This exclusive most creative, David Giles, location with a CEO of Rock dynamic and VIP entrance, Lounge, the comfortable c o m p a n y hottest ticket seating and behind the stagefront views will pro- event, said: “Chicnic will vide complementary gour- be the newest and most met food and wine from creative, dynamic and hot-

test ticket in Marbella this year.

“We have seen a move towards these kind of events and festivals worldwide, where guests want the experience of a festival atmosphere, but also demand a high standard of food, drink and other amenities.

“At Chicnic we’ll be providing great bars and food stations with nine hours of fantastic entertainment,

including the legendary Todd Terry, who we are delighted and excited to be bringing to Marbella exclusively for this event.

“When you combine the luxury food and drink options, international artists and one of the most stunning venues in Marbella, we’re sure that Chicnic is going to become one of the most popular and talked about events of the year!”

16

Dec 19th - Jan 3rd 2019

Costa del Sol’s Gastric Mind Band clinic goes from strength to strength with an expat and her sister losing a whopping 10 stone between them, writes Charlie Smith

HEALTH

ALL IN THE MIND

“

MARTIN and Marion are like family, I wish I’d found them years ago.”

These are the words of Jackie Hay, describing her weight loss treatment with the incredible husband and wife expat team behind Gastric Mind Band (GMB).

Since 2001 Martin and Marion Shirran have been helping people like Jackie lose kilo after kilo through their remarkable business, based in southern Spain.

Their GMB invention is a pioneering weight-loss therapy that relies on a mix of cognitive behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy.

The treatment, which was launched in Spain by the Northampton couple 17 years ago, has been endorsed by numerous celebrities and TV shows back home in the UK. Hundreds of happy customers have flown over to Spain since then, shedding thousands of kilos between them.

So it is excellent news that they are also now treating expat locals as well.

Costa del Sol-based Jackie, 61, originally from Hull, was pre-diabetic and weighed

107 kilos before her GMB other hopeless strategies treatment earlier this year before finally ‘finding light saw her drop to at the end of just 73 kilos. the tunnel’ The former with GMB and ‘Finding light baker y -owner even appeared at the end of was bordering on ITV’s This the tunnel’ with on the ‘morbidMorning last ly obese’ medimonth with her GMB and even cal classificaSharon appearing on ITV sister tion, when she Ward, 46, who finally decided has also manto give the Shirrans a call. aged to lose 30 kilos, via She had tried numerous this method. miracle pills, fad diets and Between them, the pair

have shed an amazing 10 stone after going through GMB’s four-day course.

“I can’t believe it,” Jackie told the Olive Press this week. “People now don’t recognise me in the street, I’ve had to have a whole new wardrobe.

“We’ve never looked back and I’ve recommended it to several people since.

“It has improved my general health too and my doctors took me off my metformin

think about food completely, I don’t overeat anymore,” she added.

What makes the GMB approach special is that it is purely psychological and does not involve invasive surgical procedures like liposuction and actual gastric bands - which can cost up to €6,000.

A forensic questionnaire, which can take up to six hours, is used to go deep into the human psyche to create an understanding of a person’s emotions, wants and needs.

Four sessions, each of which incorporate cognitive behaviour therapy, are then used to help unravel the behaviour humans have developed over unhealthy relationships with food.

Jackie revealed that so successful has been the treatment that five other local expats are also currently undergoing the GMB treatment.

“It was very pleasant,” she added, “it wasn’t scary and they completely changed my point of view with food. straight away, because “I even managed to get a they said my blood sugars cuddle with Eamonn Holmes on This Mornhad decreased ing.” enough on their own.”

“I even managed If like Jackie and her sister In total, Jackie, to get a cuddle you want to who has lived with Eamonn change your between Marlife, get in bella and FuenHolmes on This touch with Gasgirola for the Morning.” tric Mind Band. last 30 years, For more inlost a staggerformation visit ing 18 kilos in 14 weeks and www.gmband.com or call 34 kilos in total.

“They’ve changed the way I (0034) 951 311 591

CHANGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD • Non - Surgical Weight Loss • Permanent Weight Loss Solutions • Completely Non-Invasive • Change in just four sessions • Competitive Pricing TRANSFORMATION: Sharon ward lost 30 kilos

with the Gastric Mind Band system

Gastric Mind Band Therapy Elite Clinic, Fuengirola +34 951 311 591

RADICAL: Jackie Hay lost a third of her

body weight, thanks to Gastric Mind Band

mail@gmband.com www.gmband.com www.pausebuttontherapy.com

17

August 14th - August 27th 2019

W

ITH the uncertainties of Brexit you need to know that you can access healthcare anytime you need.

GP On Demand can give expats access to UK based GPs to get the health advice they need at the end of a phone 24/7.

BE PREPARED This week has seen the installation of a new Prime Minister; another act in the seemingly never-ending Brexit saga.

Even the dumb money was on Boris Johnson to win the race. Boris’s name was no doubt etched on the nameplate number 10 some time ago with the same confidence the engraver etched Shane Lowry’s name on the Claret Jug at The Open Golf after the 15th hole.

Back here in the UK, it seems we are making preparations for Boris’s “Do or die” No-Deal Brexit.

Brexit There are all sorts of opinions flying around as to what the implications of a no-deal Brexit would be.

One thing seems certain – nobody really knows for sure.

So, on a personal level, it would seem prudent to make our own individual preparations.

Doctors without borders

How you can access a UK-based GP anytime, anywhere while in Spain One of the most important issues, Brexit or no Brexit, is our health and our access to medical care.

A great bastion of British society would still seem to be the NHS. It must still be reasonable if even Donald Trump is inclined to insist

it’s on the table in any new trade deal and our usually equivocal politicians are adamant that he can get that idea out of his head.

But in this period of Brexit uncertainty, there is one thing that can offer ex-Pats a bit of security in terms of

access to health care – GP on Demand expat (www. gpondemandexpat.com) .

Great as our NHS might be, it is under some strain and there are increasing problems and delays in making an appointment to see your

GP. With GP’s registered with So the demand for tele- the General Medical Counphone and on-line access cil (GMC) and with approval to a GP providfrom the Care ed by private Quality Comservices in the mission (CQC), Imagine being UK is becomthis is a highing increasing- able to phone and quality service ly popular. speak to a UK GP that gives exOur own GP Pats access to in the middle of on Demand English speakthe night UK service is ing, UK based an example of GP’s. that.

Even if Brexit GP on Demand was not on provides access by tele- the horizon, the comfort phone to a UK based, NHS the service provides is well registered GP 24/7 365 worth having at your side. days a year.

And, just to round the serIt also provides access to a vice off, the whole family video consultation between living with you is covered. the hours of 8.00 a.m. and Just imagine being able to 10.00 p.m. (London time) phone and speak to a UK for those consultations GP in the middle of the which would benefit from night – deal or no deal. visual interaction.

For more information, go to Prescriptions www.gpondemandexpat. com There’s even a service that can deliver, at extra cost, prescriptions to your door.

And now this service is being made available to expats.

THE paper not to miss in Gibraltar THE Olive Press - the ONLY free newspaper in Gibraltar - can be found in every corner of the Rock...and a few Spanish towns nearby.

In total, we have an incredible 200-plus locations, including the main supermarkets, petrol stations and the most popular cafes and bars.

Gibraltar Tourist Desk, entrance to Gib Eroski 2 Cepsa Petroil (Sundial Rounadbout) Portland House Exchange Saints Cafe Off Licence( Behind Saints)

Unsurprisingly, it has become the most sought-after English newspaper every fortnight, and does not hang around.

It has usually gone within two or three days, even though we print between 8,000 and 10,000 copies every issue.

Petroil (Fountain Roundabout) Café Fresco O’Reileys Ocean Village Ocean Village Paper Shop Biancas Ocean Village Ocean Village Gym Get stuffed takeaway Sunborn La Sala La Perla (Clock Tower) La Curva (Clock Tower) Waterport Place World Trade Centre Coviran (Waterport) Red Lion (Water gardens) Morrisons St Bernards Hospital M&S Café Atlantic Suites Solo Express Leisure Centre/Bowling Ally Methodist Church Alameda Express (Europa Road) Little Truckers Café 101 Trade (Unit 10) Interbuild (New Harbours) DHL (New Harbours) Atlas (New Harbours) ETB (New Harbours)

You will find our stands at the bustling ICC shopping centre and at Morrisons - where we have two stands each - as well as at Cafe Fresco, Sacarellos and Eroski.

Our readers are our eyes and our ears and we take our distribution very seriously.

Coviran (New Harbours) Europa Point Express NAFFI Caleta Palace Hotel Caggeros (Devils Tower Road) Coviran (Devils Tower Road) Ocean Heights (Fish Market Lane) EFPG Corks wine bar (Irish Town) Ibex Insurance (Irish Town) Sacarellos (Irish Town) Beacon Press Capurro Insurance Capurro Land Rover ICC Shopping Centre Munchies Café Victoria House Sovereign Post Office Century 21 Royal Calpe Elliot House NP Estates Calpe Hounds Remax (Cornwalls) Solomon Levy Charles Gomez

We need you to keep us informed of numbers... and to know where you would like to see it and where you don’t think we should bother.

Please get in touch at admin@theolivepress.es to find your nearest drop or suggest another.

Here are some of our key drops.

Gibraltar Int. Bank Café Solo Chamber of Commerce Little Rock Café Scala Torreguadiaro Hotel Milla De Plata Sotogrande Hairy Lemon Pueblo Nuevo Anglo Wines Lemon Café Overseas Supermarket PLC Blah Blah Blah Academy Abbeygate Insurance Lidl Alicia Café C.C. Sotomarket Galerias Paniagua Holmes Real Estate Consuelo SilvaReal Estate Ristorante Lombardo’s Mar Y Sol C.C Hotel NH Sotogrande

Advertise with The Olive Press TEL: (+34) 951 273 575 EMAIL: sales@theolivepress.es

San Roque Estate agent promaga The Suites San Roque Club House Alcaidesa Mini Market Bio-Pizza Dblanco Club de Golf Alcaidesa

18

Dec 19th - Jan 3rd 2019

PROPERTY

Ghost of Algarrobico

INFAMOUS: Algarrobico (left) and tower planned for Malaga port (right) AN economist has questioned the viability of a future luxury hotel in the port of Malaga.

Rafael Esteve, professor of Economics at the University of Malaga has questioned the economic and social viability of the €115 million venture.

He has warned the planned 35-storey hotel designed by architect Jose Segui could become another ‘Algarrobico’.

This references the infamous Algarrobico project in Alme-

ria which left the illegal 411room hotel only 95% built and still abandoned 14 years later.

Esteve has argued the fact of having 12 rooms per floor has opened the development to ‘ruinous exploitation’ unless exorbitant prices are applied.

He added: “The threat of a new ‘Algarrobico’ in the most iconic place in Malaga must dissipate once and for all.”

TOP DOG: Palma’s Intermodal Station, the winner of last year’s competition by Joan Miquel Segui Colomar

THE call has gone out for entries to the Tile of Spain Awards 2019. Architects, designers and students have been invited to submit projects to the annual event now in its 18th year.

The competition is held by the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association to celebrate projects from across the globe that make use of Spanish-

Sign of the tiles Champions of Spanish ceramics invited to enter national awards made ceramics.

The 39,000 prize will be split between three categories: Architecture, Interior Design and Final Degree Project, which is awarded specifically to architecture students.

The winners of the two main categories, Architecture and Interior Design will each receive €17,000, and the winning final year

project will be awarded €5,000.

Dutch architect Jacob van Rijs will head this year’s judging panel and will be joined by architects Ines Lobo, David Lorente and Eugeni Bach.

Tomoko Sakamoto, the co-founder of graphic studio Spread, and the president of the Castellon Region College of Architects,

By Timothy McNulty

Ramon Monfort will also be on the panel.

Last year, the first prize in the architecture category was awarded to Joan Miquel Segui Colomar for his use of Spanish ceramics in the new entrance at Palma’s Intermodal Station.

Entry to this year’s awards is free and submissions are being accepted until October 24 2019.

BUSINESS

Goldcar ‘bullies’ and ‘lies’ to extract thousands of euros from its customers, investigation reveals

AN undercover investigation has revealed that rental firm Goldcar uses ‘criminal lying and bullying’ as sales tactics.

Consumer publication Which? said it caught the car hire company ‘red handed’ using ‘pressure-selling’.

In secret filming at Malaga and Alicante airports Goldcar threatened to charge journalists posing as holidaymakers ‘€300 for a tiny scratch’.

The notorious firm also offered an excess and deposit of just €1,100, while it said drivers who broke down would be charged €8.50 for every kilometre on a tow truck.

Goldcar told several lies, in-

19

FOOL’S GOLD

cluding ‘if you don’t buy our insurance, you’re only covered for third-party damage’, according to Which?

Other untruths included that customers’ own insurance policies wouldn’t be valid, and that unless they accepted Goldcar’s, they would be unable to hire the vehicle. In Europe, customers are not required to buy additional insurance when renting a car and are covered with ‘basic’ insurance by law.

It comes after numerous complaints have been made against Goldcar, including claims of customers having €1,200 frozen on their credit card for refusing to pay an extra €100 insurance payment.

Which? advises customers to

CAUGHT: Which? probe found mis-selling by Goldcar in Malaga and Alicante ‘never rent from Goldcar’.

Some of the best-rated car hire firms in contrast include Enterprise, Hertz and Avis. A Goldcar statement read: “Goldcar would never

BREXIT BREAKWATER Jonathan Holdaway recommends that Brits in Spain begin financial preparations for Brexit as soon as possible My wife and I were relieved to get back to Although a very proud Engour little part of Spain after two weeks back lishman - having served my in the UK to see family and friends and, country and even graced amongst other things celebrate our young- the hallowed turf of Twickest granddaughter’s first birthday, and a few enham (admittedly only in a days later my own. touch rugby tournament) - I Firstly, we had very much missed our two am mildly embarrassed by dogs Toby and Robbie and our newly ‘ad- the current political situation, especially opted’ kittens Punta and Lara. when quizzed by newly made friends More importantly we were pleased to get and business contacts of all nationaliback to the more consistent summer weath- ties. er - although it was noticeably cooler than I am not sufficiently equipped to know when we had left and the therfor sure whether ‘in’ or mometer was touching 40 de‘out’ of the EU will be the grees. best option for the UK in Political Even the usually delightful the long term – I mean shenanigans cooling breeze had started who can you actually to feel like you were walking trust? in Westminster around with a hairdryer being Whatever happens, the getting more blown in your face! unprecedented social and This maybe explains why al- farcical by the day economic turmoil that has most half of the UK’s state been caused by the outpension-drawing population, come of the referendum who have elected to move in June 2016 – and the abroad (121,000 according to the ONS) many more years of the same to come, choose Spain as the place they wish to is likely to have a lasting impact on the spend their Autumn years. country.

With the UK’s imminent exit from the EU, My wife and I have returned even more these people may no longer be able to take keen to push ahead quickly now with for granted some of the things they have be- our residency applications; to become come accustomed to enjoying.

100% legal here in Spain, pay our taxes With the political shenanigans in Westmin- and contribute to the social security sysster getting more and more farcical by the tem. day, it is possibly going to take some time Although we do fear for the future of our before they receive clarity about how much four grown up children and three grandtheir lives will change. daughters still living (currently) in the UK. Politics aside, many see moving to another country as the chance to ‘start again’ or undertake some sort of adventure as the catalyst for change.

It’s very important to know as much as possible what you are going into - but even some people with experience of their destination country encounter unexpected bureaucracy and legislation that can derail their plans (more so in Spain than a lot of countries).

Send your comments and feedback to Jonathan at jonathan.holdaway@chasebuchanan.com or call him on 00447723027864

condone the use of misleading statements that are not aligned with our terms and conditions. Where we find unaligned practice we will take firm action.”

August 28th - September 10th 2019

20

September 11th - Sept 23, 2019

Fun and games THE Casino Admiral San Roque (see pg 29) has unveiled the exciting plans for its third anniversary, which involve music, magic, raffles and prizes.

Topping the bill are Elvis and Robbie Williams tribute acts, while DJ Michael keeps the party going with his 80s and 90s classics.

After lucky guests are greeted at the door with welcome drinks, illusionist Alex Ku is then on hand to wow crowds with his magic.

A raffle will also take place, with a hotel night and two show tickets up for grabs, as well as a lucky roulette in which multiple prizes are on offer.

The casino’s new electronic bingo hall - the biggest in Andalucia - will also double its prize pots on the Mystery Jackpots Lucky Chance games.

The anniversary celebrations take place on September 21.

National week pulls in global acts to Gibraltar, but for visitors in September, the Rock keeps partying THE action doesn’t stop on the Rock after the biggest week in the festive calendar.

Some of the biggest names in music were on the Rock from September 3-10, setting us up for more of that unique fusion of culture only Gibraltar can offer as summer ends.

National Week dazzled visitors once again as the highest level of pop, rock, classical and opera were all showcased around the British territory to the south of Spain.

Take That, Liam Gallagher and Enrique Iglesias all graced the stage at the Gibraltar Calling Festival held from September 7-8 at Eu-

FOOD,DRINK Tourism boost

SPELLBINDING: Performance by tenor Bocelli

ropa Point.

It had been preceded by a spellbinding concert at St Michael’s Cave by conductor Denis Vlasenko.

He played Tchaikovsky with the European Symphony Orchestra earlier this month.

Andrea Bocelli showed why he is called the ‘the world’s most beloved tenor’ on Monday night. David Guetta rounded off celebrations with a stunning display of

his DJ skills on National Day, along with other top guests.

Looking forward, Cleopatra Porter presents another of her fabulous nights of entertainment on September 20 at the John Mackintosh Hall theatre.

Combining traditional Spanish La Copla artists like David Cordobes and Charo Lopez with a Gibraltarian twist, this will be a night to remember.

The multicultural fusion continues with an Arabian night at the Barbary Restaurant on the Sunborn floating hotel the following day.

Not forgetting the intellectuals, the Calpe Conference at the Gibraltar University from September 19-21 will give updates on Gibraltar’s contribution to

archaeology.

From the Gibraltar skull to the Neolithic paintings found in Gorham’s Cave, experts like Clive Finlayson will speak of how the latest discoveries have helped us grow in understanding our closest genetic ancestors.

The National Week might be over, but the party does not stop on the Rock.

GELATERIA LA PICCOLA ITALIA THE REAL ITALIAN ICE-CREAM

Pamper your pooch with a doggie ice-cream!

OPENING TIMES

MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8AM -7PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 11AM - 6PM

140B Main Street, Gibraltar

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With every large ice-cream GET A SMALL ONE FREE Valid until 31st October Valid until 31st October

& TRAVELSCHWEPPED AWAY CARPETS TEXTILES & CRAFTS 21

September 11th - Sept 23, 2019

Meals on wheels

SPAIN’S online food delivery market, which includes UberEats and Deliveroo, has grown by over a quarter.

The sector’s 26% growth in 2018 means it is now worth €900 million, according to data from Just Eat. Takeaway food delivery contributes €2.4 billion to the Spanish economy, with €600 million of that comprising internet orders.

A stronger economy and a 2% increase in coastal business are among the reasons for the booming sector.

Although Barcelona tops the rankings during summer, Cadiz sees the largest increase in the Autumn, with a 173% boost in online trade.

Court prevents Coca-Cola Schweppes company in Spain importing tonic from UK

COCA-COLA has been banned from selling Schweppes tonic in Spain.

A court has prevented the Red Parallel company from importing the drink from the United Kingdom and distributing it in Spain.

It comes after a judge ruled the Japanese firm Suntory was the only company with the right to sell Schweppes tonics in the country.

Barcelona-based Red Parallel had profited hugely from importing the tonic from the UK and selling it in Spain at a lower price.

BOTTLE BAN: Coca-Cola handed drinks court order This lucrative business model ing by the Commercial Court saw the company shift 17.3 Number 8 of Barcelona. million bottles and net €5.9 This sentence has ruled Red million between 2009 and Parallel must pay compensa2014. tion to Suntory for damages “The only thing we did was buy amounting to €293,480.

English Schweppes tonic from The tonic Schweppes was born English wholesalers, therefore in 1783 but was a late arrival to merchandise was already in Spain, only entering the Ibefree circulation in the Euro- rian market in 1957. pean Economic Area,” said The brand quickly became a the company following the rul- market leader, with a 54.8% share, and experienced a strong increase in sales as the popularity of gin and tonic soared.

Suntory’s legal director María Rodríguez said: “The rights of SPANISH chef Jose Andres ers, said he would ‘offset any the Schweppes brand in Spain has vowed to reimburse his difficulties’ for those underare not exhausted. staff after a ‘glitch’ left em- paid. However another bar“The only Schweppes tonic that ployees a little lighter come tender Cindy Martinez recan be marketed in Spain is that payday. jected his claims of a ‘payroll manufactured by Schweppes The 50-year-old celebrity glitch’, while a lawsuit said Suntory Spain or another comcook faced backlash after a ‘it is plain underpayment pany of our same group.” bartender at the food hall of wages’. Andres, who was The legal dispute, which began Mercado Little Spain in New famed for his Washington in 2014, looks set to continue York alleged ‘systematic’ un- tapas restaurant Jaleo, and with an appeal expected to be derpayment. has since been working with launched with Spain’s Supreme Andres, who runs the busi- those affected by Hurricane Court. ness with the Adria broth- Dorian.

Cooking the books

PLEDGE: Andres to pay up

KID’S PLAY & PARTY CENTRE Cancelada, Estepona Fun for the whole family Café and bar

An amazing treasure trove of all things Moroccan and Persian in the heart of charming Gaucin

Kids’ parties

Indoor and outdoor facilities Regular events and workshops

FREE entry for adults

FOAM PARTIES Every Friday in September from 5pm to 6pm Standard entry fees apply.

GET SOCIAL: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @MundoManiaSpain Mundo Manía, Urb Taraje, 53-75 Camino de Brijan s/n 29680 Estepona, Málaga.

A WORLD OF FUN FOR EVERYONE

T: (+34) 952 938 173 | info@mundo-mania.com | www.mundo-mania.com

All sorts of commissions undertaken… plus regular buying trips to Morocco and Turkey Tel: 722 51 10 57 Contact WhatsApp only: (0044) 751 687 1966 m.asummers@outlook.com www.alisregalosgaucin.com Num 20 La Plazoleta, Gaucin, 29480 Malaga Spain

COLUMNISTS Clean up your act

Mallorca DIARIES

22

September 11th - Sept 23, 2019

By Lesley Keith

O

NE unavoidable fact Guest columnist Lesley Keith, from of life here is that if you own a car that’s our Mallorca edition, discovers registered in Spain queuing reaches new heights when you need to get an I.T.V. test.

I’ve no idea what that stands getting her ITV and she also has for but it’s supposed to mean your car is roadworthy. some requests for holidaymakers not If your car passes you win yourself a colourful window wanting to send the cleaners cuckoo. sticker.

Between me and my partner small reflector was missing hall, which incidentally is an we’ve had to endure five of from his rear bumper and my absolutely surreal world. these now. previous car failed last time Men dressed all in grey, weaMine was due at the end of so I know this is not a forma- ring lanyards and carrying clipboards surround the queue June but despite trying to lity. book it when it was, what I My appointment was 8am at every point. considered pretty early befo- and there is obviously a huge Like prison guards watching rehand the first appointment backlog because even with new inmates entering WorI could get was an appointment mwood Scrubs their eyes are for last week. the queue for cold and they never crack I actually hate the test spilled a smile..... Alright I’m getAmong these doing this sort out onto the ting carried away here but in amongst all these polyester of thing, this is road. polyester clad, a man’s world Now, if you’ve clad, macho types there’s macho types and I always ever been to chickens wandering carethere’s chickens one of those lessly about and feral cats feel uncomfortable and vulnetheme eating half stale bread. wandering about huge rable for some parks you will Some poor guy spends the reason, espeknow what I’m whole day in a pit looking cially here with saying here, you at the undersides of all the the language problem. think the queue ends when vehicles, it must be a million degrees down there, I’m getting better at Spanish you enter the doors. but with specialist things like Oh no, that euphoria quic- whatever he’s paid it isn’t this I’m hopeless and anyway kly dissipates as you realise enough. Another one is in this was in deepest Inca and you’re only ‘inside’ and the a tiny cubicle the size of a phone booth, he looked imthey only really speak Cata- queueing continues. lan.

In this situation it’s the same, portant so I made sure I smiMy partner’s car failed two you think you’re there but led at him. Anyway, I braked, months earlier because a you’ve merely pulled into the I twisted my steering wheel

NOT SIMPLE: Life in Spain can be tough, especially getting your ITV test, as Lesley found out

, I flashed my indicators for all I was worth and it was all worthwhile, my car passed.

Big sigh of relief for another year. This year’s sticker colour is a lovely yellow.

So here comes September, night time temperatures have dropped a bit and the end of the season is in sight.

As cleaners of holiday-let villas and apartments, my friends and I have devised a short list of things we would like to pass onto holiday makers -----

1. Never strip your beds. - We love to see your stains.

ALL ASS NO CLASS

2. Cotton wool to clean off your make up? - There’s good, white, fluffy towels for that.

After J-Lo’s dig at the media last month, Marbella veteran Giles Brown explores the changing face of celebrity

3. Bin liners? - No need, we love cleaning dirty bins and spraying the ants and worse that they encourage along.

ENNIFER Lopez may have wowed her fans with her performance on the coast last month, but the singer certainly didn’t impress the Press!

The star was playing her only gig in Spain this year, and journalists and photographers flocked to the concert from all over the country with their approved credentials.

But 15 minutes before she was due to take to the stage, J-Lo decided that she didn’t want any Press present and had the security team throw them all out.

It seems that her ‘diva’ tag is well earned then!

At one point the difficult Ms Lopez was engaged to actor Ben Affleck, whose mother famously described her potential daughter in law - who was once rumoured to have insured various body parts up to $1million - after they split as being ‘All ass and no class’.

During my eclectic career thus far on the coast and further afield, which has included everything from concert production to public relations and, of course, radio, magazine and newspaper journalism, I’ve had the mixed pleasure of dealing with various levels of fame and fortune.

As a callow youth spending his teen years in Marbella in the 80s, I tended to bump

4. Leave all wet towels on your beds. - The next guest will surely appreciate a damp mattress.

5. Move the furniture around. - Don’t even think of replacing it, moving heavy objects in 35C heat is such fun.

6. Leave your half eaten smelly cheeses in the fridge. - It’s a cleaners favourite thing.

7. Staying two weeks? - Live out of your suitcase, do not unpack, having stuff all over the floor makes it so much easier for us to clean.

8. Always drop you hair combings all over the floor It feeds the cockroaches.

FAME: Giles Brown and a professional Eva Longoria were duly papped.

As a rule of thumb, the bigger the celeb, the less trouble they are.

Thus a teenage Premiership footballer can keep you waiting for hours for a few words, while a genuine rock n roll legend like drummer Kenny Jones, or Hollywood star such as Eva Longoria, is always professional.

Ahhh, Eva. The Desperate Housewives actor turned up on time, was funny during our interview for 15 minutes, posed for the obligatory photo and then retweeted me when I mentioned how professional she was.

To paraphrase Ben Affleck’s mum, Eva was all class, and I couldn’t possibly comment on any other part of her anatomy!

9. Finally, and most importantly, do not leave a tip. We really are paid far too much already.

OK a touch of sarcasm there and everyone deserves a nice holiday but trust me, avoiding the above will increase your enjoyment (especially the feel

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 1 Absurd, 4 Rioja, 8 Vanilla, 9 Sonic, 10 Roam, 11 Israeli, 13 Impracticable, 15 Emperor, 17 Writ, 19 Extra, 20 Ant bear, 21 Total, 22 Shekel Down: 1 Advertisement, 2 Sunlamp, 3 Rely, 4 Restrict, 5 Ounce, 6 Architectural, 7 Sagittarian, 12 Hairball, 14 Berserk, 16 Petit, 18 Utah

SUDOKU

J

into the Holy Trinity of BBC Light Entertainment – the late Bruce Forsyth and Ronnie Corbett (who once stormed into the nightclub where my friend was chatting up the comedian’s curfew-breaking daughter, and escorted her off with some choice words for us ruffians) and the, still very much with us Jimmy Tarbuck – whose son Tarby Jr became a good friend.

Over recent years, however, the nature of celebrity has changed.

Whereas Tarby et al became famous after years of performing, all the modern celebrity has to do is appear in a reality TV show to ensure his or her 15 minutes of fame.

Which sometimes results in ‘Diva-ish’ behaviour.

I still shudder at the memory of two women who were clinging onto the arms of a pair of TOWIE lads drunkenly screaming ‘naaaaaaah f**king pictures’ at me, as if they were with Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

The fact that the Essex lads involved were eating and drinking (lots) at the restaurant for free in exchange for being photographed seemed to have slipped their collective brain cell.

One quick look at the large bill that was subsequently presented to them soon sobered everyone up, and they

SPORT OPEN SESAME

RAFAEL Nadal has held off Daniil Medvedev in a five-set classic to win the US Open and move within one place of Roger Federer’s 20 grand slams.

The Spaniard, 33, beat the Russian 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 in front of a buzzing crowd of 24,000 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

Second seed Rafa was two sets up, before his 23-yearold opponent forced a decider, but Nadal clung on to clinch his 19th major.

The match that lasted four hours and 50 minutes - just four minutes shorter than the longest ever US Open final.

“It was the most emotional night in my tennis career,” said Nadal post-match, “the nerves were so high, it was a crazy match.”

23

United we stand Ex-Red Devil Ander Herrera among all-star football lineup in court over match fixing allegations

PLAYERS and staff at Real Zaragoza and Levante have lined up in court as Spain’s first major match-fixing trial got underway.

A former Man United midfielder was among the 42 defendants charged over over a suspect match in 2011 between the two sides.

Real Zaragoza’s 2-1 win in the last match of the season, spared the club relegation from the Spanish first division.

But the match triggered an anti-corruption probe and investigators have since alleged the result had been prearranged between the clubs.

Ander Herrera and the other accused made no comments as they arrived at the court in Valencia for the start of proceedings.

The official file put forward

IN THE DOCK: Herrera

by prosecutors had named players, coaches and directors from across the two clubs, and claimed €965,000 had changed hands.

Pictures from inside the courtroom show both sets of players, and club officials sat in a manner resembling an awkward team photo.

The Prosecutor’s Office has requested two years in prison for each defendant and six years of disqualification for players and former executives.

As well as a fine for the club’s hand of more than one million euro, if the accusations are proven.

The case is expected to carry on through to September 30 with a sentencing to follow within the following two months.

Terminated

Bet in play LIVE Sports betting has become the clear winner with online gamblers in Spain.

The average number of online players in Spain has tripled from almost 280,000 in 2013 to 830,00 in 2018.

While classic casino games such as poker, blackjack and roulette have also grown, betting on sporting events has become an obvious favourite.

In terms of the volume of money placed, live sports betting has seen an enormous growth rate in recent years, reaching a high of €537 million in November 2018.

The start of LaLiga and Spanish participation in an international tournament have also been seen to have a sizeable impact on market behaviour.

A PREMIER League winner’s stint on Spain’s Costa del Sol has come to an abrupt end with his contract terminated after just four weeks – but Shinji Okazaki has now found a new club in northeastern Spain.

The former Leicester striker left Malaga CF without playing a single league game having joined on a free transfer in July, but the 33-year-old will remain in the Segunda Division, signing for SD Huesca.

Malaga has suffered financial problems off the pitch and had not budgeted properly for the Japan international’s wages.

This has left the 2016 title-winner back hunting for a new club after he left the King Power Stadium earlier this summer.

Okazaki had been Malaga’s marquee signing when he joined on July 20.

He had hoped his move to Spain would boost his chances of making the Japan squad for the 2022 World Cup. Malaga had to publicly apologise to Okazaki and his agent after owner Abdullah Al Thani

OFF: Okazaki forced out took a week to sanction the deal.

La Liga then barred Okazaki’s registration as his contract would have taken Malaga over their salary cap.

Before leaving, Okazaki had only been able to play three preseason games and did not feature in any of Malaga’s opening league fixtures.

A club statement read: “Malaga CF wants to thank the player for his commitment.”

August 28th - September 10th 2019

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FINAL WORDS

SPANISH school children receive 130 teaching hours per year above the OECD average but still score worse results than pupils in Finland, despite the Finns getting 246 less hours.

Caught high A MARIJUANA farm has been rumbled by police in Catalunya after being spotted by a helicopter crew filming the Vuelta Espana.

Stags stuck A GERMAN stag party got stuck in a Metro lift and missed the entire La Tomatina festival. The 12 overloaded the a station lift (meant for eight) in their rush to attend the festival.

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Vol. 4 Issue 105 www.theolivepress.es September 11th - September 24, 2019

COME FLY WITH ME!

SUMMERTIME, and the living is easyJet! This image shows the moment an off-duty pilot flew himself to his own holiday in Alicante.

EasyJet captain Michael Bradley piloted the plane from Manchester Airport after pas-

Cruzing for a bruising A MAP of Spain’s favourite beers has angered Andalucians after it was implied they only drink Cruzcampo.

A graphic by Data Centric, compiled from public surveys shows the basic brand as the most popular in the southernmost region.

One social media user said: “Cruzcampo is only drunk in Sevilla,

TAKING FLIGHT: Off-duty pilot

British ‘legend’ off-duty pilot flies himself to Spain after two-hour delay on Easyjet flight from UK

sengers - including Bradley’s wife and son - faced a twohour delay due to a missing

the rest of Andalucians drink Alhambra.”

Another commented: “In Granada, we don’t drink piss.”

Meanwhile in other autonomous communities, Estrella de Galicia reigned supreme, being the top tipple for Asturians, Cantabrians, Castilian-Leonese, Basques, Riojans, and Valencians.

For classified advertising needs, please contact Tina on 647 078 775

pilot.

Phoning up his airliner before passing security, Bradley offered his services as he was still carrying his licence and ID. “They phoned me back and said ‘please, please pretty please with a big cherry on top’, can you fly the aeroplane to Alicante?’,” he explained to passengers in a now-viral video.

Commenting on his casual dress, he said: “If you’re alright for one of your pilots to look like this today, we’ll go to Alicante.”

The decision was met with cheers from passengers.

Michelle Potts, from Denton, said: “It could only happen to

me.

“I get to boarding and guy at the desk casually says, ‘oh your pilot’s gone missing but a guy that’s going on your flight is going to fly the plane’.

“Luckily the guy was actually a pilot! It probably would have been cancelled if it wasn’t for him. Legend.”

A spokesman for easyJet said the flight’s delay was ‘due to the knock on effects of the French ATC failure on Sunday’ which meant crew had to rely on standbys.

“This is fully in line with regulations as he had his licence and ID with him. Safety is always our highest priority,” he added.

He said the incident was ‘exceptional’ and added Michael was well rested, having previously had four days off and was legally permitted to fly the aircraft.

Cent-imental A BAR has left a customer shell-shocked after charging her 10 cents extra for an ice cube for her drink.

Marcelle Richardson, 56, went to Bar Ballesta for a drink with a friend when she was left aghast at the bar ‘s peculiar policy.

She said: “I ordered a coffee.

“The waitress there mentioned that, because I ordered a coffee, they charge 10 cents per ice cube.

“I was absolutely shocked, but I didn’t want to cause a fuss so I agreed to pay.

“However, my friend who was there said that he would never go back to that place again, purely out of principle.”

The manager of the bar in Benidoleig, Alicante told the Olive Press: “The charge for ice is only for our cold drinks.

“For Coca Cola, juice, mineral water etc., there is no charge.”