OLIVE PRESS
The FREE
Grooming cover up TEACHERS are outraged that no proper investigation was made over the grooming a 16-year-old student that led on to a lesbian relationship with. The NASUWT teachers union in Gibraltar is ‘shocked over the failure by the Department of Education to ensure that safeguarding standards were applied accordingly’. Colleagues had repeatedly reported their suspicions that a supply teacher in her late 20s was carrying out ‘inappropriate conduct’ with the teenager at the all-girl Westside School in 2019. While the issue was taken seriously by senior management, who reported it to the Department of Education, the claims went no further. The teacher was not reported to police and was instead offered another contract at a junior school. “We want to know why it wasn’t reported to the police at the time and a proper investigation carried out,” union boss Charlie Bishop told the Olive Press.
Suspicions
“At the time fellow teachers had suspicions and carried out the correct safeguarding measures by reporting it to higher authorities, but the whole issue was quietly covered up.” The affair has only come to light after the government released a statement with the conclusions of an independent investigation which ruled there had been a clear case of ‘grooming’. An ‘exhaustive’ review chaired by Gillian Guzman QC concluded that, during 2019 and 2020, the teacher’s behaviour gave way to ‘inappropriate feelings’ and ignored the student’s wellbeing. It adds that she broke safeguarding protocols, codes of conduct and child protection policies - as well as her own position of trust. The government has now released a statement ruling that the teacher ‘ignored the well-being of a vulnerable student’ and ‘inappropriately’ groomed her. “She broke safeguarding protocols, codes of conduct, child protection policies and the teacher‘s position of trust,” it said. “The teacher‘s conduct was regarded as significantly disturbing, wholly unprofessional and brought the teaching profession into disrepute.” The Olive Press has learnt that the investigation was commissioned by the government following considerable pressure from the parents of the student.
Vol. 6 Issue 161
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Glasgow conference does just half the job
See page 8
November 17th - November 30th 2021
Bardot fights the bulls See page 3
Unbelieva-bull
GANG BATTLE
Gun fired and man mown down as nine arrested after warfare breaks out between rival youths
A STREET brawl between rival gangs has led to the arrest of nine people, including a minor. A gun was discharged during the fighting over the weekend, which has led to special measures being called for by the government. Described as a ‘revenge attack’, the battle began at the Bahia Bar, near Ocean Village on Saturday evening. Video footage recorded by witnesses overlooking the Waterport roundabout captured the brawl which showed men spilling out of the pub and fighting in the street.
Revenge
One person threw a chair at a passing car while another was seen brandishing a gun. Banned In the most shocking part a man is seen beThey felt the relationship could have ing mown down by a car outside. been stopped if appropriate action “There were assaults, violent disorder and was taken at the time. cars were being driven in an extremely danInstead, the daughter now aged 18 gerous manner,” an RGP spokesman told no longer speaks to her parents and the Olive Press. “Officers were immediately deployed and Continues on Page 5 two individuals required hospital attention. “Within an hour of the start of the incident, at least five arrests had been made. “The RGP are grateful for See page 11 & 16 the video evidence which has already been made available.” He added: “This was a pretty big incident for Gi-
Tel: 952 147 834 TM
BAD COP
GIBRALTAR
By Fiona Govan
braltar and has caused quite a stir. “It’s the sort of crime that would be unremarkable in most towns across the UK on a Saturday night but it’s not the sort of thing we are used to here.” According to sources the incident was a ‘revenge attack’ in response to a fight that had broken out the night before. Among those arrested was a 16-yearold who appeared in court on Monday charged with various crimes including violent disorder, possession of a weapon and resisting police. Mark Macias, 30, meanwhile was charged with discharging a firearm; violent disorder; possession of a prohibited weapon; possession of cannabis and resisting police.
Furious
Callum Brayson, 18, was charged with causing harm by furious driving; driving without insurance; driving without a licence and violent disorder Luie Gaivizo, 27, has been charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Daniel Bates, 20, has been charged with violent disorder. All of them are resident in Gibraltar and four, including the 16-year-old, were remanded in custody.
FIGHT: The brawl was caught on camera
A further four individuals were arrested on Monday in connection with the incident. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said he would convene a meeting of the Gibraltar Contingency Council ‘to seek assurances about ensuring the safety and security of our streets’. Picardo insisted: “A small group of thugs won’t change the character of our community.”
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NEWS IN BRIEF Hacked off FABIAN Picardo has had to report an Instagram account for identity theft. It is the second time he has had to take action over social media after hackers took over his account in 2016.
Be safe THE RGP has launched a survey to improve its knowledge of safety issues for women, focusing on finding out areas of the Rock where women feel particularly unsafe.
Crypto gain CHINESE cryptocurrency exchange giant Houbi Group is moving to Gibraltar after China outlawed all transactions in digital currencies.
Cashless crook GARY Swift, 55, jailed in the UK for 19 years for a £60 million cocaine plot has been ordered to hand over £300,000 criminal proceeds after Spanish police helped track his gang through Spain.
FAGS A LOT
EIGHT people have been arrested and 38,000 packets of contraband tobacco have been seized in La Linea in five raids during the past week. Spanish National Police carried out the raids as part of its Special Security Plan for the Campo de Gibraltar. The officers also recovered four vehicles used to transport the substances, mainly SUVs stolen in different parts of Spain. So far this year, more than 50 cars have been recovered by police with 350,000 packets of contraband tobacco seized.
CAUGHT AGAIN
A 46-year-old man who was released with charges in October has been re-arrested for more robberies made on in La Linea. The detainee, who has a long criminal record, has been remanded in custody after being brought before a judge.
High speed drinker
CRIME
November 17th - November 30th 2021
Scandi clampdown POLICE have swooped on seven gangsters from two Swedish mafia gangs in Spain. The rival gangsters, described as ‘extremely violent’ were rounded up in Marbella, Malaga, Fuengirola and Alicante. Both gangs have been at war with each other since the assassination of the leader of one of the groups in 2013.
War
The war has led to dozens of deaths over the last decade, with the rivals even planting explosives to kill each other. National Police began probing the gangs’ Spanish members, after an incident in September in Marbella. A further altercation, involving five individuals took place at A MAN has been sentenced to 80 hours unpaid work and disqualified from driving for eight months for speeding at 100mph and drink driving. Simon McIntosh was arrested after the high speed incident in which he swerved across the carriage way in Line Wall
Rival gangsters from Alicante and Malaga arrested in huge police clean up By Ron Howells
another Marbella joint on October 30, where one of the gang attempted to kidnap a rival. The attackers beat him badly, but were unsuccessful in getting him into a waiting van. The following day a tit-for-tat attack saw two hooded men shoot three occupants of a van in Fuengirola, at 3am. One man was seriously injured and rushed to hospital, where he still remains. Officers from Malaga’s organised crime unit have so far ar-
Road. A RGP spokesman said that drink drivers ‘are putting themselves and others at significant risk when they get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, and this behaviour will not be tolerated on Gibraltar's roads.
Unromantic POLICE are warning of an online scam that plays on the hearts of people looking for romance. An RGP spokesman said that some Gibraltarians have fallen prey to what they term ‘romance fraud’. The fraudsters carefully groom vulnerable people with the promise of friendship and romance, and once they have won the hearts of their prey they strike. ‘Requests’ for money start being made, with the need for urgent medical attention a favourite ruse. Another is to ask for cash to pay for air fares to visit the victim, or to ‘invest’ on the victim’s behalf.
Money
rested seven men and continue to focus on identifying and locating other gang members, to prevent further attacks. Their work led to the arrest of three men in Alicante. A number of high end vehicles, guns, mobile devices and €12,000 in cash were also seized. The men have been charged with attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, being members of a criminal organisation, illegal possession of weapons and robbery with violence. They were refused bail.
Police advise people not to send or receive money from strangers, to use reputable dating sites and to think twice before using a webcam. They should not share personal details and should ‘trust their instincts’. The spokesman said: “We hope people will follow this advice, but if anyone feels they have been scammed in this way, they should report it to 20072500 or www.police. gi/report-online. Don't be ashamed, report it.”
NEWS
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November 17th - November 30th 2021
Bully for Bardot
SHE may have become an animal rights activist in later years, but French legend Brgitte Bardot once faced down a bull - or so it seems. A collection of stills from the 1957 French-Italian film ‘The Night Heaven Fell’ shows Bardot on location in Spain. The iconic actress filmed in Mijas, Torremolinos, Alhaurin and El Chorro and caused quite a stir in what was then a sleepy backwater. The stills are part of an exhibition at Malaga’s La Termica centre called Myth and Cliches in Malaga which is open from 9am to 1pm until January 7.
LOCATION: Bardot in Mijas
STOP MESSING ABOUT!
Chef tells politicians to get together rather than point the finger
KING OF CHEESE SPAIN’S undisputed king of the cheesy summer pop song, Georgie Dann, had died at the age of 81. His catchy melodies were familiar to millions of British and European tourists as they filled the beach bar airwaves for decades. He racked up an incredible 22 summer hits that included El Barbacoa, El Chiringuito and El Bimbo. He died in Madrid’s Hospital Puerta de Hierro. Born in 1940 in Paris, Dann whose real name was Georges Mayer Dahan, was an accomplished musician who spent nine years at the Paris Conservatory. But he found huge success in his adopted country Spain, where he cornered the market in the cheesy pop song.
INTERNATIONAL chef and philanthropist, Jose Andres, has told rival Spanish political leaders to come together to stop pollution in the Mar Menor.
Material girl
By Alex Trelinski
to victims of the La Palma volcano eruption. Now Andres has taken to social media Money and sent a message Asturias-born Andres won to Prime Minister, this year’s Princess of As- Pedro Sanchez, and turias Award for Concord Partido Popular leadin recognition for his World er, Pablo Casado over Central Kitchen project that the pollution scandal hitting provides food to people hit one of Europe’s biggest laby natural disasters. He do- goons. “Why don’t they come nated all of the prize money together to find solutions to what is happening in the Mar Menor?” he asked on Twitter. IN just two months they have trans- The competition is open to everyone “It is a formed from blind hairless pink- the world over and invites people to problem skinned creatures to bouncing fluffy vote for their favourite names along that has bundles of black and white cuteness. with a pithy response as to why that easy soluAnd now they need names. choice was made. tions if we Madrid Zoo has opened a com- To avoid the potential embarrasslisten to petition to name their lat- ment of a Boaty McBoatface type those who est arrivals, twin Giant scandal – when a public consultation know. And Pandas who were born in Britain on what to call a research its people on September 6. ship resulted in a totally absurd name and Spain coming out top choice - people will deserve no have to choose from a shortlist alless!” ready announced. Andres is These are You You, Jiu Jiu, an AmeriXing Mu, Bing Tang, Hua can citizen He and Yue Yuan. and owns a
Panda McPandaface
THE apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Madonna’s eldest child Lourdes Leon has proved she has inherited her mum’s star power - and flexibility - as she was announced as the new face of Bimba Y Lola. Madonna and Carlos Leon’s daughter, 24, who also goes by the name Lola, was seen in a variety of edgy poses for the n e w f a l l c a m paign for the Spanish brand.
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chain of restaurants in the States, and sorted out a vegetable garden when President Barack Obama was in the White House. He’s also a frequent guest on US TV shows.
Fame
One or two social media respondents suggested that he ought to use his fame to get the Spanish politicians together. The national government unveiled a €382 million regeneration package for the Mar Menor at the start of the month. For years Europe’s largest salt water lagoon has suffered environmental disasters, with thousands of tonnes of dead sea creatures having to be cleared away on several occasions.
Mane attraction TWO extremely rare white lion cubs have become the main attraction of a Spanish zoo just a few weeks after being born. The brother and sister weighed barely a kilo at birth and have been hand reared after their two siblings died. Their parents are Simba and Lira, the first two lions to take up residence at La Pequeña Africa animal reserve in Cadiz. Neither of the parents have white fur. The cubs are being watched and cared for 24 hours a day with their progress described as ‘going well.’. White lions are extremely rare, with just 700 of them in the world. The colour of the fur is due to a recessive colour inhibitor gene and according to African beliefs ‘it is a divine animal that brings happiness if it crosses your path’.
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Get a boost PEOPLE are being urged to get their booster jabs as COVID cases start to surge on the Rock. Extra supplies of vaccine have recently arrived with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo leading the way by having a booster jab. A government spokesman said: “In light of the dramatic increase in active COVID-19 cases in the community, it is important to continue to boost immunity against the virus, so all vaccine-eligible individuals are strongly encouraged to accept a booster dose when offered.” Picardo said: “The booster, caution and personal responsibility are important parts of how we will try to stay fully open this winter.”
LOCAL chef Nico Fitzgerald has been eliminated from BBC show MasterChef after flying the flag for Gibraltar all the way to the quarter finals. Fitzgerald appeared on Masterchef: The Professionals, where he was judged on his ‘bangers and mash’, which
NEWS
November 17th - November 30th 2021
DRUNK ON DUTY
UK Defence Secretary ‘disappointed’ by MPs drinking allegations
THREE British MPs have defended themselves against charges they turned up to an official event in Gibraltar drunk. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he was ‘disappointed’ when it was alleged that MPs Drew Hendry, David Linden (both SNP) and Charlotte Nichols (Labour) were worse for wear when they arrived on the Rock for Armistice Day commemorations. He said: “This type of behaviour shows a lack of respect for the enduring work of our Armed Forces.” The trio were part of a group of 15 politicians who were due to visit troops with The Times and The Sun, reporting that they were not the only parliamentarians to have been drinking. Conservative MP James Gray said that ‘they were in the British Airways lounge at Heath-
Flying the flag he prepared with beer and onion gravy. He progressed to the quarter-finals with partner Dan
ALLEGATIONS: Linden (left) and Hendry
THE RGP has pledged ‘to treat service personnel and their families in Gibraltar with fairness and respect’. It has done this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. The ceremony took place at Gibraltar Convent, and was signed by Commissioner Richard Ullger and Commander Steve Dainton. The RGP is following in the footsteps of several police forces and organisations in the UK which have signed the covenant in recent years. Ullger said: “The military has been an integral part
Respect! of Gibraltar’s history for the past 300 years and we have a number of officers and staff from a forces background within the RGP”. The Commissioner added that the RGP is also encouraging local businesses, community groups and individuals to work with the force, by pledging their support to armed forces personnel and their families, as well as to reservists and veterans.
MUSICAL MESSAGE By Elena Goçmen Rueda
row and took full advantage of its amenities’. Also, witnesses who were on the plane said that the three MPs continued to drink throughout the flight and were drunk by the time they landed. Lee, a private chef from Birmingham. Fitzgerald prepared a twocourse meal for judges Marcus Wareing, Michelin-starred chef Monica Galetti, and Gregg Wallace, MasterChef celebrity judge, but unfortunately was eliminated.
According to a Defence Ministry report, Nichols was ’incapacitated by alcohol’ and on arrival the airport crew had to offer her a wheelchair. Her escort took her to the hotel and she was unable to attend the welcome event that the military organised for the MPs.
Returned
But Nichols has returned to the UK after what has been described as a mental health episode, as it appears that she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is on medication. According to the SNP MPs, the allegations are untrue. Linden said it was a ‘bizarre Tory smear campaign’.
AS part of this year's Anti-Bullying Week, the Mayor of Gibraltar Christian Santos and the Gibraltar Youth Choir have created a song to promote awareness against this issue. This year’s theme ‘a kind word’ works alongside the ‘we are one’ campaign. “For many, being bullied is an everyday occurrence. Be the change and make no one feel alone” they said. The song was written by Benk Pasek and Justin Paul and is titled ‘You Will Be Found’.
NEWS
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Groomer From Front Page
has moved in with her former teacher. The teacher meanwhile, has now been banned from teaching in Gibraltar, while an urgent review of safeguarding protocols is to be launched on the Rock. A fellow teacher at Westfield School said the whole handling of the case was a scandal. “How are we supposed to have confidence in the authorities when they covered it up?” the teacher told the Olive Press but asked not to be named.
Exposed
“We think it would have been taken more seriously if it was a male teacher behaving that way with a female student.” In March, the Olive Press exposed a British teacher Ben Lewis, who had changed his name by deed poll and forged his passport in order to teach and groom children in Madrid. The story has led to demands to change the law on teachers changing their name by deed poll and was praised by the UK’s Safeguarding Alliance. OLIVE PRESS 15 YEARS S - ’RATS NILEHCIM T
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THE START: The first edition
of the Olive Press in 2006
2021
Lessons needed
OF FUN
its 15th As the Olive Press reaches of our birthday, we recall a few remember favourite interviews and such a couple of our top readers,(above) as ex-prime minister Rajoy and prime joker Paul Gascoigne...
a school warning after EXCLUSIVE: Private moved to Spain, convicted British paedophile checks and found dodged criminal record teacher work as an English around Spain INTERNATIONAL schools alert after a British have been put on highone of Madrid’s most man began teaching at after being conexclusive colleges months victed in the UK. after Ben Lewis, Questions have been raisedschool despite be31, was able to work at the register. ing on the UK’s sex offenders that Lewis, The Olive Press has discovered for child sex ofwho is now awaiting trial Madrid V, fences at Centro Penitenciario TWO schools and a managed to hoodwink
NAMES: two different passports
Fiona Govan in Madrid
creating a new idenlanguage academy after tity, using forged documents. the sex offender reFormer colleagues of new name to dodge DANGER: Lewis got teaching post vealed that he created ain order to run sumteacher criminal record checks private classes to 2017 he accepted a job as an English (concertado) secmer camps and teach at a leading semi-private from that receives subsidies young children. to Ben David after ondary school He had changed his name2016 of taking and the state. by by the name Ben David being convicted in June of children in “He was going job after another possessing indecent images then and was offered the a former England. dropped out mid-term,” on As well as being placed be- teacher Natasha Fitzsimons told the Olive colleague the sex offender list and Press. fill the posiing handed a two-year susthey were desperate to thorough as was as pended sentence, he the “I think tion so maybe they weren’t barred from leaving should have been. country or working with they children. had he Horrified weeks Yet within for 18 together at the school moved to Spain and found golive- “We worked work in Zaragoza as a with months, took on private classes together for of the children in au pair to a family ing to the homes of someand ran a summer children. teaching three young the re- extracurricular The following year he be- camp at the school during 2018,” said at located to Madrid and at a Irish colleague, who is filled with horror gan teaching children the access he had to children. well-known language The Olive Press has discovered that the day academy after get- after sentencing in the UK he changed his ting a criminal record name by deed poll from Ben David Lewis check from Zarago- to Ben David, in a process that takes just 15 za police to show he minutes. had no convictions in He then applied for and received a British Spain over the previ- passport in his new name, while he also preof his Israeli ous 12 months. sented a doctored photocopy verified by a and Then in December passport stamped that showed non-existent law firm Rose. his name as Ben David photocopThe Olive Press has seen degree teaching a plus ies of these, Status (QTS) and Qualified Teachingin the name certificates presented ALL AREAS COVERED as certifof Ben David Rose as well icates in his original name. by April 4G UNLIMITED What is amazing is thata teaching 2019 he had applied for INTERNET school in the job at a leading private district that IDEAL FOR upmarket Arturo Soria to the STREAMING TV teaches the British curriculum children of Madrid’s elite. certificate ALSO IPTV, By now he also had a DBS
time at the ...meanwhile, we spend famous home of the world’s most he’s plumber as he announces after becoming a Spanish citizen, €15m to 15 years here and losing his ex-wives...
Opinion Page 6
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EU steps in El Algorrobico hotel opening after Junta u-turn that “disgraces” pair of Spain... while a watch British pensioners which as their house - is DID have a licence torn to the ground.
See pages 4 and
KAT’Z CAFÉ-BAR
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Here’s to the next 15! On behalf of all at the British Embassy and Consulates, I want to wish huge congratulations to all at the Olive Press on your 15th anniversary. The English language press plays a vital role in keeping UK nationals in Spain informed. And we very much appreciate your help in getting key messages out to UK nationals here. After an incredibly difficult year for so many of us, including many businesses, it is great to see the Olive Press thriving. We look forward to seeing what the next 15 years bring. BRITISH CONSUL CHARMAINE ARBOUIN
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EAGLE-EYED Olive Press readers helped snag WORDS AND ain’s most wanted one of BritBy Rob HorganPICS and Spain, just hours fugitives in Laurence Dollimore after he had been named. Following a tip off al to the paper, theCrime Agency, who arrived at suspected paedophile scene after the arrest. Sammon was dragged Matthew “Well done Olive Press and from his thanks campervan in a dramatic to the expat time raid and whisked night- for tipping us off, thiscommunity is the reaaway in son we an unmarked police run these campaigns.” Working closely withcar. The informant whendramatic day had started Daniel Reid, we were able to annualCrimestoppers issued its firstly track down list of most wanted fugito Fuengirola, then Sammon tives in Torremolinos on ThursGuardia Civil to arrestcall in the day morning. On the run for two him. Leading to hundreds of press mon - a blackbelt years, Sam- stories around the world and was wanted in the in Jujitsu - on national television, the hunt ing indecent imagesUK for shar- was immediately His seizure came of children. But, it was to on. popular local just 10 hours after he was named newspaper the Olive Press tion Captura and is in Opera- that expat plasterer Reid, 40, recorded arrest in the quickest reached out to, trusting us to SUCCESS: and Spanish police the joint UK ‘do the job properly’. Reid, Reynolds and Horgan, “It was a fantastic operation. In a series of Facebook Brunt mes- as a labourer Steve Reynolds, fromresult,” said sages, he announced and was currently the Nation- mon, that 45, had worked forSam- living in a campervan around him the Mijas and Fuengirola area.
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The hulking shell SWATHES of rural set for a 311-room of concrete - once Andalucia are in mega resort - has danger of being concreted remained an eyesore for years after over after a new planning law work was halted was brought in by the regional government. Bunkers are also by the courts. being dug to stop Green groups including 700-home golf course a scheme, near Ecologistas en Accion and Nerja, which will Greenpeace have joined with hundreds ment of one of thesee the developof local assoCosta del Sol’s ciations to fight final stretches of fronts opened upon a series of new And protesters pristine coast. during the COVID in Mijas are also crisis. digging in to stop SOON LEGAL?: the law being Algarrobico They are up in used to build in woods called LISTA lawarms over the so- one, but TWO new hotels the sea at El Chaparral. overlooking the lockdown - that- passed during beaches in the supposedlyon virgin The first of many planned protests protect- took dozens of previously is set to allow ed natural park of Cabo place outside de Gata. outlawed proj- The first involves ects to go ahead. la Cala de Mijas thiscouncil offices in week. a 30-room hotel the green light for It could also In particular, activists near see about a controversialare outraged famous Bahia de Los the globally Valdevaqueros the controversial project Genoveses of new golf beach, while the course in Nerja, homes go up on of hundreds second a heavily-prostand of woodlandas well as a final star hotel close to the is for a two- tected virgin beach, pristine Cala in Mijas. near Tarifa. de San Pedro They are also furious Under the recently resubmitted about not Protestors fearbay (pictured above). the new law will also project, backed by TV celebrity now allow the legalization Ana Rosa Quintana, the stunning area of nearby between Bolonia and El Algarro- see a series of hotels Tarifa would bico hotel, Ecologists get built. are also worried built dis- Los Merinos that the project for gracefully courses and hundreds two-golf on a virgin es of housbeach, near landon UNESCO-protected virgin near Ronda could Carboneras, despite be revived, due to a preme being quashed by the SuCourt. planning mix up. Fairway to hell: See page 6
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Within an hour, the team scrambled to Olive Press car, Sammon covered Fuengirola, and his face learning from another remained silent that he was currently builder questioned by the Olive when out at the feria ground. camped He was then bundled Press. into the BMW and taken After a day working to Madrid to nearby, the be fingerprinted Londoner duly arrived in his for extradition. and prepared English-plated cream Moncayo Following campervan. the arrest, father-oftwo Reid said he Parking up, he looked was ‘relieved’ relaxed to see Sammon as he took his dog taken around the feria for a walk “As soon as I saw his away. face ground and the spoke with neighbours. most wanted I feltamong sick,” said Reid, from Blackpool. Once identified, we Guardia Civil and called the “I let him hang around pers and so began Crimestop- dren, we took him in my chila tense three- arms with hour waiting game, and at first were noneopen with Reid wiser. the sitting in the car beside us. “But we always thought Sky News crime reporter he was Mar- a bit weird, tin Brunt was soon he’s a real loner and there too. never talks about his Eventually, as night family. and truly fell, an had well “He creeped my family black BMW arrivedunmarked much that I fired him.” out so and two Incredibly, plain clothes detectives police did not take any moved in for the arrest, swiftly evidence from his campervan confis- cluding his incating his passport computer and other Frisking him at theand phone. side of the CONTINUES ON PAGE
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AN ecological nightmare, “This hundreds of ancient is a cynical and oaks ap- attempt botched parently stand to create ambience Pulled up for a dead. around the golf course and roproject, they huge golf mac- create space,” rie rows like warline up in ee- geon Kit Hogg.said tree surgraves in the very “I Somme. few of these am sure Many centuries trees will survive. protected It is disbeen sacrificed old, they have gusting.” insatiable desirefor Europe’s Despite ongoing efforts to holiday homes. for golf and stop the work, EU investigaPart of the tions and – crucially – no unrelenting guarantee costafication of they sound the of Andalucia, Los Merinos,water, work at death knell for near Ronda nature conservation continues unchecked. in south- the ern Spain. true price of golf. This is
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legends Ferran Adria and Gordon Ramsey. And it was nice to chat to Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera, as well as the only newspaper to be able to pose a couple of questions to Michelle Obama on her visit to Marbella a few years ago. Indeed, the positives far outweigh the negatives and we would prefer to be judged over 50 rather than 15 years. As far as we are concerned we have only just begun.
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and convicted By Tom Powell reveal that back in business using is Jamie Micklethwaite Monte’ Ni- Goldman ‘Howard Del Sol fraudster out COSTA del is hiding the false name Spain last year gel GoldmanEnglish country Goldman fled of fraud, in a classic the false name Suzanne Couling amid accusations dozens of vichis partner their wares via cottage underMonte’. milleaving behind total of €15 - are peddling account called ‘Howard del tims owed a ‘Del Monte’ Ebay Goldman - aka to the busi- a joint Emporium’. the lion. he refused to answer has also returned and selling ‘Bensons While office staff told seems happy it Village post that he regularly ness of buying two questions, he and antiques, Couling, her the Olive Press coins, stamps addressed to living with two cats in collects parcels also ‘sends can be revealed. propdaughters and six month lease Monte’, and Renting on a Berkshire ‘Del packages’. modest three-bedroom Suzanne in the charming he and many erty. are Kintbury’s and (top) with village of Kintbury, UK bolthole While the pairof conversation, hottest topic seen and ‘keep HIDEOUT: Goldman’s you, with a parking ticket. why he to say to understand if a trafthey are rarelyto themselves’. “I have nothing meeting “I don’t arrested, themselves live nearby but I look forward to down. hasn’t been find him then in Couling’s family said fic warden can again,” he called still happier police can,” in Hungerford.secretive man you BRITS are to surely the reports sugwho wished In fact, the Spain, despite have abanis seemingly the neighbour, from Del Monte leaving the gesting 90,000 dream. Parking ticket remain anonymous. the village only ever seen doned the expatOlive Press but “Everyone in whatto the post office. disheveled, house to go An exclusivethat more than Press con- His hair washave the mous- knows he’s Goldman, he goes under.” his not When the Olive survey found of our readin his country- he did claimed he ever name fronted himGoldman refused tache some have part of his Goldman, who deleted three quarters since makrecently, is side retreat, the door, instead is now sporting as ers are happier Facebook accountinvestigated of disguise. to come to ing the move. currently being his head out morning, Coulto return millions briefly pokingwindow. The previous in his fistory, see No leaving the for failing his bedroom For the full ing was seento load up their of euros to investors dream on companies. the Olive end to Spanish house at 9am Zafira with nancial told page 4. silver Vauxhall off, possibly Various victims are practically boxes and head Press that theylosing their life sale. to a car boot explained that destitute after schemes, that One neighbourmoved into the savings to his Leading Building on Page 4 Costa Del Sols the day they Continues warden arsince 1996. house, a traffic the couple and Window Specialist, rived and issued
It’s MORE
When it comes to corruption we were the first English newspaper to write about the ERE scandal at the Junta de Andalucia that cost an estimated billion euros to the taxpayers, while we also tackled town hall theft on a local scale on dozens of occasions. Animal cruelty has been a continual bugbear and we have exposed so many evil abusers, as well as the scoundrels who allowed hunters to kill innocent circus lions and tigers at a finca in Extremadura (see below). On a more positive front, it was great to interview everyone from Princess Diana’s ex-lover James Hewett to cooking
maverick Jeremy Griffiths, and Nigel Goldman, a degenerate gold-dealing dirt-bag, who had a restaurant column in a local newspaper, which he used to cover his tracks. We also tackled timeshare crook Toni Muldoon, who certainly deserves a mention for conning thousands of people and eventually went to prison for setting up fake escort websites. Meanwhile, our crime reporting on missing teen Amy Fitzpatrick ‘blew open the case’, to use the words of her grandmother, while our continuing investigation into missing Maddie McCann has yielded exclusive after exclusive, with its frequent links to Spain.
14 2014
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conviction. long-time visiClifford - a and involved tor to the coast and local events in charities found guilty of - has been of sexual assault, eight counts on mostly on minors. were groomed in At least two being lured the coast, afterof stardom. with promises here with his He is pictured Kenny Lynch showbiz chum Marbella. at a bash in page 2
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young A PAIR of guru Max Clifdophile PR assaulted on the ford sexually have led to his Costa del Sol
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ROM its very first issue in 2006 the Olive Press has been campaigning for its community. Whether fighting for the environment or digging into crooks, we have taken some big scalps. Starting from Issue One (see top right) we highlighted the ridiculous plans to build 2000 houses, two golf courses and two hotels on UNESCO-protected land near Ronda, as well as exposed the madness of building a 350-room monstrosity on a virgin beach in Almeria’s Cabo de Gata. Both schemes - Los Merinos, in Ronda, and the Algarrobico hotel, in Almeria - went into reverse after our stories made the UK AND Spanish national newspapers and green groups including Greenpeace and Ecologistas en Accion joined our protests. And then there were the crooks, like Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted Daniel Johnston, a bank robber, and Matthew Sammon, a dangerous paedophile, who we single-handedly tracked down to a village near Sevilla and a car park in Fuengirola. And fraudsters like David ‘the dogman’ Klein, pet transport
Clifford guilty girls pae-
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THE government has unveiled its roadmap to meet targets to battle the climate emergency as the COP26 meeting drew to a close in Glasgow. It has pledged to make the Rock carbon neutral by 2030, to halve emissions by 2035 and to improve sustainable travel facilities to encourage walking and cycling, public transport and use of fully electric vehicles. An overall plan to develop Gibraltar into a ‘Smart City’ has also been unveiled as part of the National Mitigation and Adaptation Plan. The plan includes an annual climate emergency budget of
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THERESA May Britain won’t accepthas vowed half out’ Brexit in a ‘half in, a landmark speech that is likely to have long-lasting effects on Gibraltar and all expats in Spain. The Prime Minister issued a 12-point plan to out of the EU, take Britain ing Street looking with Downsingle market and to scrap EU toms union access.current cusIn the biggest speech month tenure, she of her sixsaid: “To be clear, what I am proposing not mean membership canof the single market.” She added Britain longer give ‘huge would no EU, however she sums’ to the conceded that Parliament will have the final vote on the deal. Maintaining the travel area between common Kingdom and the the United EXCLUSIVE Republic of Ireland is also a priority By Gabrielle Pickard-Whitehead the Brexit negotiations. during and Laurence Dollimore However, the border rushed to the vets tar with Spain was of Gibral- A BRITISH expat he died 30 minutes has not men- after later. tioned. finding five of her called in police dogs executed in An X-ray showed a late-night massacre. he also had a bullet in 2004, found the The Guardia Civil five rescue dogs shot shot through the roof of his mouth. are now investigatin their pens on January Control Meanwhile, one ing the horrific attack of Mitchell’s 12 horses 6, the night of was the Reyes (Three that also “We want to control also attacked, Kings). our im- of Illona Mitchell’s horses withleft one Her beloved seven-year-old migration from eye may have to be so savagely that its its eye gouged out. removed. Dizzy, ‘one Vets have of the friendliest May. “We also the EU,” said The detectives been from the environment meet’ and a puppydogs you will ever four-year-old, struggling to treat the importance of recognise the section the brightest Seprona told Mitchell, shot dead at the gatescalled Maisie were he has become named Rocco, because and the best coming too of their pens. here. We it was one of the worst attacks 48, that Meanwhile Coco recognise the contribution Deeply traumatisednervous and skittish. they by the attack they seen and were visibly shocked by had shot in their beds, and Domingo, were thankfully was have made.” They have put on it. with Mitchell believnot seen by her - that extra patrols to keep ing they had cowered May is believed to daughter Ella, 11 - Mitchell an eye in their kennels so angry continued: “I am before being killed permit system asfavour a work- night. on the estate at weekends and at that someone would Coco, two, had beenin cold blood. do sometrigger Article 50 byshe looks to “I am thing as disgusting sickened as to March. as this to innocent range between the shot at point-blank animals.” It comes as the House why of Lords would carry out such a cruel someone year-old Domingo eyes, while three- Mitchell, from published data showing and bar- week. Chester, believes was shot through a bor- baric attack on innocent, defenceless side of his face. der closure with the the tack is linked to animals,” she told her recent decision atthe Olive Press this The mother-of-one, above, who They later found put 40% of jobs Spain would to bought Jack, a six-year-old ban hunters from her huge her estate in mountains at risk in Gibraltar. near Granada German Shepherd, having convulsions estate that sits in stunning173-hectare scenery in under a nearby tree, The 32 page-report, the Sierra de Baza. but despite being on Gibraltar governmentbased Continues on eviPage 4 dence, estimates 10,500 of the Rock’s 26,000 workers Opinion Page 6 Est 1984 crossed the border daily. “A frontier which necessary fluidity lacked the fore put directly atwould thereAntiques, Jewellers risk the jobs of 40% of the Gibraltar For all your & Pawnbrokers force,” said a spokesman. workinsurance needs! A huge variety of May’s speech was over Leave campaigners,cheered by 1 carat diamond jewellery. pushing for a ‘hard’ who are She said:“We do Brexit. not seek to HIGH STREET PRICES: adopt a model already Choose one of our 7,000€+ estepona@ibexinsure.com enjoyed great by other countries. lens offers or get OUR PRICE: 1,500 30% seek to hold on to We do not 2,000€ bits of memoff selected frames bership as we leave,” Fuengirola UNBEATABLE PRICES “The British people said May. See our ad inside GUARANTEED for details. change. And it is voted for WE BUY, WE PAY ment’s job to deliverthe governfuengirola@ibexinsure.com MORE, WE it.”
SLAUGHTER Expat’s rescue animals mercilessly killed over ‘hunting row’
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18 January
Happy 15th anniversary!
IT will be a muted Christmas on the Rock again. For the second year in a row, the government has cancelled official yuletide events dut to COVID. A recent rise in cases, with more than 350 current cases, has led ministers to choose safety over jollity. Most of the cases are mild
British War Memorial and the American War Memorial on Line Wall Road, on Sunday at noon. The ceremony was organised by the Government of Gibraltar, while the Governor, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel conducted the service. Wreaths were laid and an interfaith service was held.
Doing its bit By Fiona Govan
at least £1 million to be set aside to help drive green initiatives. “Gibraltar’s relative contribution to overall global carbon is small. But this is no excuse for complacency. Quite the contrary, it should be seen as making carbon neutrality for Gibraltar all the more achiev-
MUTED XMAS with just five hospitalisations, but the surge in new infections is seen as worrying by the authorities. A government spokesman said:
Gibraltar unveils plans to meet ‘carbon neutral’ goal by 2030
able,” said Gibraltar’s Minister for Environment, John Cortes, who attended COP 26 as a representative for the Overseas Territories. “Action by citizens, business and Government are all necessary if we are to achieve these ambitious aims,” he said. “In response to the exponential increase in the number of cases, the government intends to cancel a number of its own events, such as official Christmas parties, official receptions and other similar gatherings. “It is essential that the public behave in a cautious and sensible manner.”
5
Data crunching
Always remembered
GIB pulled out all the stops to commemorate Armistice Day on November 11 to pay tribute to the war dead and veterans. As part of the commemorations, the balcony of the Town Hall is displaying a ten-metre hand-woven floral decoration depicting 5,000 red poppies. The piece was created by members of the Arts and Crafts Association with the help of Mount Alvernia residents, Knit Gibraltar and other citizens during the confinement. The Remembrance Ceremony was held at the
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However, Gibraltar’s government steered away from tackling aviation or bunkering in its environmental plan, two industries which are both massive contributors to global warming. “Critics will be swift to suggest that this is hypocritical and fails to recognise Gibraltar’s contribution to the climate crisis. And to a certain extent, they will be right,” acknowledged the government in its report. But it said it would focus on those sectors which it considers ‘manageable’. “It is important to understand, however, that Gibraltar’s ability to influence how the shipping and aviation industries operate is limited.”
LATEST figures show that Gibraltar has a COVID rate of 850 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, dwarfing La Linea’s figures of 56.6 cases per 100,000. Health authorities are putting the massive difference down to the much higher level of testing carried out on the Rock compared to its Spanish neighbour. In Gibraltar 5,252 tests were carried out from October 25 to 31, equivalent to 154.47 tests per 1,000 inhabitants.
Tests
According to the Ministry of Health, in the same period 7,262 tests were performed in Cadiz province, representing a rate per 1,000 inhabitants of 5.83 tests. In other words, for every 100 tests carried out in the Rock, only three are carried out in the province. In Andalucia, 57,889 tests were carried out during this period, or 6.84 tests per 1,000 inhabitants. The use of face masks is still compulsory in shops and on public transport, with health bosses urging people to maintain social distancing measures and to avoid crowds.
6
NEWS FEATURE
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OPINION SHOCKING VIOLENCE THE outbreak of violence that erupted between two gangs at the weekend is truly shocking. Life on Gibraltar is generally safe and secure, and citizens can go about their lives without worrying for their welfare. Of course the Rock has its problems with crime particularly after a few drinks have been consumed, but compared to many UK cities it is a sea of tranquility. That is why the sort of vicious street fighting - with guns involved and cars being used as weapons - can not be tolerated. The RGP is to be congratulated for making nine arrests so quickly. And so should the government for taking the incident so seriously that it has called a Gibraltar Contingency Council meeting to examine the incident. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: “A small group of thugs won’t change the character of our community.” He is right and it is a message all Gibraltarians can agree with.
NO COP OUT WITH the eyes of the world on the COP 26 meeting in Glasgow where world leaders tried to hammer out a deal to tackle climate change, it is gratifying that Gibraltar too was playing its part. Minister for Environment, John Cortes, who attended COP 26 as a representative for the Overseas Territories, was prominent in making the voices of smaller nations heard. And, more importantly, the Gibraltar government has set out its roadmap to a more sustainable future. Cynics might say that the Rock is too small to make any difference when set against global emissions but its pledge to be carbon neutral by the end of the decade is nonetheless vital. The only way to tackle climate change is if all nations do their bit and stand together, no matter how large or small they may be.
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THE CASE THAT GRIPS A NATION
M
ENTION the Rocio Wanninkhof case around Spain and expect plenty of raised eyebrows. Everyone has an opinion on the murder of the attractive half-Spanish, half-Dutch teenager on the Costa del Sol in 1999. But while it is still transfixing the nation two decades on, today it has gone stratospheric, after the launch of two high-profile documentaries in recent months. Both Netflix and HBO have released programmes on the case, in particular focusing on the involvement of the former lesbian lover of Rocio’s mother. It makes for gripping TV, studying Dolores Vazquez’ alleged motives and alibis, as well as her potential links to the eventual convicted murderer, a British barman called Tony King. The HBO series ‘Dolores. The truth about the Wanninkhof case’, in particular, goes deep in a six-parter, which sets up as being a study of one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in Spanish history. But is it really? And what exactly were Dolores’ connections to Tony King and his sidekick, timeshare tout Robbie Graham, who has literally vanished into thin air? I spent a year studying the case, before publishing a book on it in 2004 called Costa Killer. My interest began after another teenage girl, Sonia Carabantes, was murdered during a feria in Coin, in inland Malaga, in 2003. There were definite similarities between the killing and that of Rocio’s, in nearby Mijas, four years earlier, and for a month that summer it was hardly out of the news in Spain. But when the DNA of a British expat, working in nearby Alhaurin, was found to have been at both crime scenes, it was like dynamite. Bang. Suddenly the story went global.
A British sex offender, a Spanish lesbian and a mysterious mafia subplot... it’s no surprise the death of Rocio Wanninkhof in 1999 is still fascinating armchair sleuths, writes Olive Press editor Jon Clarke, who wrote a book on the case
INNOCENT VICTIMS: Rocio and Sonia (right)
I had only just moved to Spain tracked him down and warned from the UK and found myself the Spanish counterparts of his working around the clock to track past, but inexplicably he was nevdown and speak to all the key er extradited home to face other players. charges. I started with King’s acquaintanc- The Wanninkhof case had begun es in Alhaurin (among them his on October 9, 1999, in La Cala former workmates at the Bowers de Mijas, when 19-year-old RoArms as well as an ex-flatmate, a cio had been slayed on her way Danish girl) and eventually ended home. up interviewing his wife and fami- She had vanished some 500 mely back home in London. tres from her boyfriend’s house, The fact he had at around 10pm, moved to Spain her violent stabhaving changed bing leaving an She had his name by ominous series vanished 500 deed poll from of blood stains Tony Bromwich on waste ground, metres from - aka the Holloas well as drag way Strangler, in her boyfriend’s marks and nearby the UK, for half tyre tracks. house a dozen vicious It led to one of attacks on womthe biggest puben in the 1980s lic searches in - only made the case more super- Spain’s history, until her body charged. turned up, apparently sexually asIncredibly, he had easily im- saulted, on waste ground in Los mersed himself into a new life on Rodeos, between Puerto Banus the Costa del Sol, despite actually and San Pedro, on November 2. appearing on UK TV programme But it wasn’t just any bit of overCrimewatch over a separate rape grown land. Just 100 metres from case the week he left for Spain, the busy N-340 motorway, it was in 1997. beside a tennis club, which two of The British authorities had even Rocio’s uncles, Juan and Serafin Hornos, had been set to rent, potentially to run as a brothel, a source told me. Next to her body were several rubbish bags with her personal belongings, clothes and oddly, a flyer handed out in a previous search for the body. There was also a cigarette butt, while fingerprints on one of the bags allegedly matched those of Serafin Hornos, although this is much contested. Either way, surely it was no coincidence that a random sex attacker would have driven her body 33kms up the motorway to this specific spot, when he could have headed a few kilometres inland to the mountains in Mijas. The police however, did not know of this connection and initially interrogated Rocio’s boyfriend Toni, before focusing their attention on the former lesbian lover of her mother Alicia Hornos. You couldn’t make it up. Enter Maria Dolores Vazquez CONTRADICTIONS: Alicia (right) still believes Dolores (left) is guilty Mosquera. Born in Galicia but
raised in England, she managed the Sultan Hotel, in Marbella, and allegedly had a ‘short temper’ and ‘practiced martial arts’. She became the prime suspect, largely due to the claims of Rocio’s mother, who has always insisted she had threatened her family in the weeks leading up to her death and claimed she had concrete motives to kill her daughter. She told police (and the media) their split had been very acrimonious leading to Dolores calling her late at night and her daughter even hiding when she saw her car or heard her talking. Rocio’s younger sister Rosa Blanca, added that Dolores was ‘a compulsive liar’ and ‘full of contradictions’. “In the last year before Rocio’s death she also became very aggressive,” she said in one interview. “All the evidence points to her,” she added. The Guardia Civil followed suit and tapped her phone as well as sending a female agent to get close to her friends and acquaintances, building up a picture of her as being ‘cold, calculating and aggressive’. In the end detectives had around 30 separate bits of evidence pointing at Dolores, who insisted she had not gone out that night and had been looking after her mother and her niece’s daughter. She also insisted she had made some calls from her home, which were proven by her phone bill, although they were at 8.30pm and later after 10pm, leaving a window to have committed the crime. And there were numerous other discrepancies, which the HBO documentary did not ignore. These include LED AWAY: Robbie Graha her later ad-
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mittance that she might have, after all, gone out evening stroll. It was claimed she that evening to buy cigarettes… had been carrying a knife and and her inability to explain how a stabbed her, after firstly slapping car, a red Celica, identical to hers, or punching her in the face, givwas seen with two men inside it ing her a nosebleed. very close to the murder location Later, with the help of others, she that evening. returned to the scene at around Despite the lack of concrete ev2am to pick up the body, put it in idence, specifically the murder the car, and, after several days, weapon or DNA, public opinion, subsequently moved it to Marfuelled by the press and, in parbella. ticular, TV, was already condemnBut police could match none ing her as guilty. of the fingerprints at the crime When her cleaner, an expat Russcene to her and various fibres sian called Tatiana, came forfound on the body did not match ward to say she had stabbed a her clothing. poster of Rocio with a knife in her While she was sentenced to 15 kitchen, shouting ‘problem, probyears for the murder in 2001, lem’ the die was seemingly cast. she was let out of prison when The jury certainly agreed, with police discovered that biological six out of nine condemning her, remains under the fingernails although a retrial was later orof murdered Sonia matched the dered. cigarette butt Dolores and her found next to Rolawyer claimed They ruled ‘that cio’s body. it was a ‘biased, I have no doubt he did not act that Tony King popular jury’ with the prosecution involved in alone’ and had was merely focusing the murder, after on deconstructing the help of an his estranged her as a person wife Cecilia went accomplice without providing to the police in evidence to in2003 recalling criminate her. the night Rocio The prosecution insisted she had had died and how he had acted stabbed Rocio after an ‘unconstrangely. trollable burst of anger’ when She told me in an exclusive inshe met her out while having an terview, how he had come in late at night, had a shower, and gone out again, taking his old clothes with him. And again when Sonia died, she and her new partner David Cooze, had seen Tony with suspicious scratches on his hand and a broken car light. Police acquired his DNA from a glass and he eventually confessed to the crimes in addition to other assaults committed around Malaga and even as far away as Granada (in particular in Motril). But King - who had been imprisoned in the UK for five vicious sex attacks by strangulation in 1986 - always insisted that Rocio was killed alongside his friend (and boss) Robbie Graham and Dolores. He claimed Dolores was an acam, who was later released quaintance of Graham, a time-
November 17th - November 30th 2021
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EVIL: But King was also a family man with ex-wife Cecilia
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S share salesman with previous convictions in the UK. He said Rocio had been seized by the trio and was to be ‘given a warning’ over her relationship with Dolores, which ended up going too far. It might explain why a bloodstained tissue was found near the scene of her death, suggesting she had been given it to dab her nosebleed by someone who knew her well. While a jury unanimously found King guilty of the murders in 2006, they ruled definitely that he ‘did not act alone’ and ‘must have had’ the help of accomplices. There are questions, in particular, over Graham, who was brought in for questioning, but eventually let out to vanish and never to resurface again. He had been King’s boss at the timeshare company Lubina Sol, in Riviera, where coincidentally Rocio’s mother Alicia cleaned. Many people told me that King was Graham’s ‘clumper’ or hired heavy and he had a very strong spell over him. The pair had met in prison in the UK, I believe, and Graham had an unhealthy relationship with women.
The pair got up to a lot of bad things together, King’s ex-wife Cecilia told me. The HBO documentary briefly dwells on this and wonders whether all three could have been involved. While Dolores completely denies it and she has since been exonerated by the state, her ex-lover Alicia is still convinced she was involved. In one dramatic part of the documentary Rocio’s mother tells how Dolores had a very bad temper and even saw her throw her own mother to the floor and ‘dragged her by the hair’. To which Dolores replies: “If Alicia says I hit my mother that is totally unforgivable. I would have hit Alicia if she had touched my mother.” Such violent dialogue, but as Alicia later points out, King was a strangler of women, not a knifeman. Either way, for me, it definitely doesn’t quite add up. The body being taken 33 kilometres up the motorway, the bizarre links to the Hornos family, the many contradictions of Dolores. It is one of the reasons the Rocio case and that of the Costa Killer will certainly never be forgotten.
INCE the rise of the internet, publishers have struggled with the thorny issue of how to pay for their content, which for years has been handed out free. But now the tide has finally turned over the payment for news. The simple truth is that quality costs. Trained journalists need to be employed. And in our case, unlike other online publications, sub-editors are needed to check the copy. With Google and Facebook sucking up 90% of global advertising revenue, another path away from relying on ads needed to be sought. Publishers the world over, from the New York Times, to The Telegraph and The Times decided the way forward was to charge for the ir content. Here in Spain it is also seen as the way forward, with all the big media groups adopting paywalls, from giants like El Mundo to local publications such as Diario Sur. The Olive Press joined them a year ago. And now with more than 30,000 subscribers we are definitely on the right track. With hundreds more signing up each month, it is gratifying to know that readers share our obsession with quality. After all, for less than 14 cents a day - or €1.50 a week - readers can join our online revolution. And with our current half price special offer until the end of the year readers can help us keep real journalism alive and flourishing in a world of fake news. Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for more info
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BONKING tourists are being blamed for damaging one of Spain’s most important dune systems. Maspalomas on Gran Canaria has become infamous for its ‘cruising’ scene where people hunt out strangers for illicit sex amid the dunes. So much so that people from all over Northern Europe and the UK make a trip hoping to hook up with a like-minded stranger for nookie. But in doing so – and creating hidden ‘nests’ in which to fulfil their fantasies – they are damaging the unique vegetation and ecology of the area.
Sex spots
Scientists at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) have surveyed the Special Nature Reserve of Las Dunas de Maspalomas and found an incredible 298 ‘sex spots’ hidden away, which are used regularly. Of these, 242 are within a restricted use zone and another 46 in the most ecologically valuable exclusion area. Researchers have detailed how there has been serious damage to the local flora as sex tourists enjoy their sweaty hobby. In order to build ‘nests’, a lot of flora is uprooted, with three species endemic to Gran Canaria said to be under
Lagoon plan A PLAN to revive the polluted Mar Menor lagoon has been unveiled by Spain's Ecological Transition minister, Teresa Ribera. The package features 34 specific measures costing €317 million. The strategy includes cutting off and dismantling all illegal irrigation systems used by farmers to pump nitrate-laden water into the lagoon. The pollution caused by the systems has caused the death of marine life with dead fish piling up on beaches.
Action
Action will be taken in the Campo de Cartagena to review all permits given to wastewater discharges and a greater control of all farming involving livestock. Ribera's plan includes the creation of a green belt to promote a better environment and change farming to ‘sustainable production’. The aim is to have the green belt in place by 2026.
November 17th - November 30th 2021
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Sex tourists blamed for damaging one of Spain’s most ecologically valuable dune systems threat in the area. And once the vegetation is uprooted, the underlying sand is exposed to the elements, with significant erosion taking place. Researchers also found a large amount
of rubbish at the sex points, including condoms, sanitary towels and even sex toys. “We were surprised by the amount of waste we found”, explained report author Levi Garcia. “We didn't expect so much.”
Martin Tye explains why Self interest and endless political manoeuvring leads to failure
U
NLESS you live in a cave, you will be aware that the COP26 (Conference of Parties) has just finished in Glasgow. Some 197 countries assembled with the aim of bringing climate change under control. The world is warming because of emissions from fossil fuels used by humans - coal, gas and oil. Extreme weather events have been scientifically proven to be the result of climate change. Heatwaves, floods, forest fires, coastal erosion to name a few. Although some significant steps were made amongst the endless political manoeuvring, THEY FAILED. Collectively they agreed to put out half of the fire. The Paris Agreement of 2015 that the same countries signed up to set a target of limiting temperature increase to 1.5C. Pledges made in Glasgow will see this head to 2.4C. A huge gap. Climate Action Tracker predicts 2.7C by 2100. The UK’s Met Office warned that a billion people could be affected by fatal heat and humidity if the global temperature rises by more than 2C above pre-industrial levels.
WHY HAVE THEY FAILED? Quite simple... We live in a SELF PRESERVATION SOCIETY. ‘I’ll protect my own backyard, you can suffer in yours.’ The quality of most governments’ plans to limit climate change is very low. The balloon of optimism that rose pre COP26 is now riddled with holes. It was never going to be easy. Sacrifice isn’t. One senior insider said that trying to get the correct outcome is like trying to herd 200 cats. Let me share with you some of the statements and quotations that emanated from COP26 , along with my interpretations: “A spirit of compromise” Those with, don’t want to go without. “The dialogue is very far from the concrete call for loss and damage”
WHAT A COP OUT
Wealthy nations once again come up short. The least developed nations, as reported by SKY: “They were very disappointed, but also willing to move forward with the new plan” Better something than nothing. Wealthy nations intend staying that way. Shame on all of them. Indian environment minister Bhupender Yadav said: “Developing countries are entitled to the responsible use of fossil fuels” Really?!? There is nothing responsible about using fossil fuels. “There is surprise that fossil fuels are mentioned in the agreement” Really?!? How can you avoid talking about and dealing with this elephant in the room? Simple. Nations with extensive reserves of fossil fuels like Russia and Saudi Arabia want to keep exploiting them regardless of the impact on our environment. “Moment of Truth” You can say that again! We all know that is true.The problem is getting immediate corrective action. “We must come together” Great quote from Alok Sharma (who did a good job as host). Clearly insufficient nations did come together. “Some countries are still wanting to have a discussion and resolve issues” Some countries haven’t got what they wanted and haven’t made sufficient commitment. “Australia has been accused of hiding” True, it has. It is one of a few countries that does not agree to return to the negotiating table next year with
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HARD WORK: Alok Sharma organised the event stronger commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Selfish Aussies!! Led by the seemingly ambivalent and irresponsible prime minister, Scott Morison who didn’t want to be there. He’s not alone. Brazil, Russia and Saudi Arabia are equally guilty. “Commitments should take into account different national circumstances” This is a bit like the Monopoly ‘Get out of Jail’ card. So, if it doesn’t suit there is no real commitment. We’ll carry on pushing down the road necessary actions that need doing now. The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Gutterres, did get it right… “Our fragile planet is hanging on by a thread. We are still knocking on the door of climate catastrophe” I find it painful that the diplomatic efforts have once again failed to properly confront the scale of this crisis. The world remains off target. On a lighter note , one quotation from Saturday was bang on… “COP26 will finish today” It had to. A bunch of private jets were waiting to take off.
Martin Tye is the owner of energy switch company Mariposa Energy. Call +34 638145664 or Email him at martin@mariposaenergia.es
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Benidorm will host Spain’s Eurovision song selection competition
AN ancient piece of fabric found inside a small cave hidden in the Sierra Morena hills, near Cordoba in southern Spain, is the oldest evidence of textiles in the Iberian Peninsula. Dating back 5,400 years, the textiles were discovered in the Cerro de la Calera cave alongside human remains. Experts believe the cloth was left as ‘grave goods’ along with fragments of wood and cork, and some pottery vessels. After almost five years of study, scientists have confirmed the age of the fabric. Researchers said: “Although small and fragmentary, the textile finds from Peñacalera add important new information to our understanding of the development of textile technologies in the Iberian Peninsula and Europe during the Late Neolithic period and Copper Age.”
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RTVE’s Eva Mora has confirmed that a four-year contract was in place, beginning with the inaugural Benidorm Fest’ in the last week of January 2022. The actual dates for the threeday festival are yet to be announced. It will be staged at the Palau Municipal d’Esports I’Illa de Benidorm which has a capacity for 4,000 attendees. The venue is the home of the city’s handball team.
c Fa
motion of Spanish music’. This was taken to mean a longterm deal was in place but no details were given at the time. It’s also been revealed that the Valencian government is paying almost €1 million towards the event’s costs.
s r r nd ou e sa in pap ou s s Th viewnew l of ita g di
EXPAT favourite city Benidorm will host Spain’s search for a winning Eurovision Song Contest entry for at least four years. As previously reported by the Olive Press, broadcaster RTVE signed an agreement in July with Valencian president, Ximo Puig, and Benidorm mayor, Toni Perez, for an ‘annual meeting point for the pro-
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LA CULTURA Euro better believe it November 17th November 30th 2021
Winner
The winner of the Benidorm Fest will represent Spain at May’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin. The new selection format will be similar to that of Italy’s San Remo festival that produced this year’s rock band winners, Maneskin. Song entry submissions stopped being accepted by RTVE last week. A team of music professionals are now set to pick a short list and RTVE will look to match up the appropriate artists with the chosen entries.
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Fairytale princess November 17th - November 30th 2021
The story of a humble Malaga girl who became Indian royalty By Amber Edirisinghe
S
HE started out as a Flamenco dancer from a humble background but became a Maharani when she captured the heart of an Indian Maharaja. Aged just 16, she was whisked away to Paris to be taught how to become a princess and entered into a life of wealth, privilege and high society as she married into royalty in a story that could form the plot of a Disney extravaganza. It all began in 1890 when Anita Delgado Briones was born in Malaga. Her family moved to Madrid in search of a better life - one that Anita was to find when she bewitched His Royal Highness the Rajah Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala. In Madrid, Anita and her sister Victoria were scouted at dance lessons by promoters who dubbed them ‘The Camelia Sisters’ and were famed for their beauty, leading famous artists of the day to ask them to model. Being just 16, Anita de-
HANDSOME: The maharajah and Anita in their Indian finery
clined but she was soon to catch the eye of a Rajah. The sisters had become regular performers at the Central Kursaal, socialising with intellectuals such as Leandro Oroz and Valle-Inclan. In 1906 many members of Europe’s - and the world’s highest echelons of society came to attend the wedding of King Alfonso XIII and Princess Victoria Eugenia. Among t h e m
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was the Rajah of Kapurthala. ish writers”, says Eliza. When Anita spotted the fabulous- In fact the correspondence was ly dressed man in a so successful that white and blue turban just a week after the adorned with a pearoyal wedding Anita Whisked away had received a letter cock brooch, it was love at first sight. to Paris where of proposal from the The pair were able maharajah. to make contact with she was taught After quickly acceptthe help of the ining, she was whisked how to be a tellectuals from the away to Paris Kursaal. When they where she princess began their correwas taught spondence, Anita was how to only 16 so produced ‘very childish’ be a princess by letters, said Elisa Vazquez de Gey, many governesses, authoritative biographer of Anita who showed her Delgado. Some of her letters were etiquette, horse intercepted by Oroz and Valle-In- riding and muclan who felt compelled to ‘help sic among other out’ by editing her writing as it was activities. hilariously juvenile. “It could be Anita and the said that the maharajah fell in love m a h a r a j a h with the letters of the best Span- were married
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ELEGANT: Portrait of Anita and (inset) in European garb
for the first time in Paris, and then again in Kapurthala in 1908, this time in the Sikh rite. The maharajah had a lavish palace erected for him, reminiscent of Versailles - because he loved all things French, which is where they established their home. This is where Anita’s true reign as the Maharani of Kapurthala began. Unlike previous maharanis, Anita was very free-willed. She only wore a sari on official occasions, was frequently in the company of men, painted, hunted, played tennis, and drank. Anita was also known for her p h i l a n t h ro py during the First World War. She recruited and funded weavers to make clothes in her palace, for the Sikh soldiers on the front lines whose uniforms couldn’t face the cold of Europe. Life was good and she was popular, but in 1920, the maharani fell very ill. A heart ailment meant she spent a long time recuperating in Kashmir, far from her husband. As they say, while the cat’s away, the mice will play and the rajah succumbed to temptation. Several affairs drove a wedge in their marriage. Anita waited until her son Ajit was old enough to be the rightful heir and then they signed a sepa-
LA CULTURA
November 17th - November 30th 2021
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OPULENT: The palace modeled on Versailles which was home to the royal couple in India
ration agreement - they never di- she lived, the British government vorced - and she returned to Eu- would take her to a safer place. rope. For this reason, she She lived in opulence lived through the at her Paris mansion She had many Spanish Civil War in and in Spain, and the a small hotel in Britadmirers and maharajah sent her a tany, France, and the monthly sum of monSecond World War in entertained ey. She had many Portugal. admirers, travelled many important Anita was badly affrequently and enterfected by the death guests tained many importof the maharajah in ant guests. 1949. The maharajah’s sole request Luckily, he had generously left her was that if a war broke out where a large pension as well as the title
of maharani. She moved to Madrid in her final years and in 1962 she died of heart disease at the age of 72. Something so unique about Anita’s life is the amount of documentation on it. According to Elisa ‘she always wrote diaries’. She even wrote a book, Impresiones de mis viajes por Las Indias, about her travels with her husband. If anyone led a life worthy of a book, surely it is Malaga’s very own Maharani.
OP QUICK CROSSWORD Across 1 Shows up (5) 4 Emotional stresses (7) 8 Chilean President ousted in a 1973 coup (7) 9 American friend (5) 10 Speck (4) 11 Casablanca citizen (8) 13 One of them might be 4 Down (5,6) 16 Cradle to grave (8) 17 Disorderly stack (4) 19 Kismet (5) 20 Like traditional Catholic Masses (2,5) 21 “Now you listen to me ...” (3,4) 22 It may become toast (5)
OP SUDOKU
Down 1 Cold and damp (6) 2 Armed intervention (8,5) 3 Transgressions (4) 4 Ultimate performance indicator (3,6,4) 5 Smokies’ Scottish home (8) 6 Surgery (7,6) 7 Saw (6) 12 Tyro (8) 14 Ask elf about chips (6) 15 Went into business (6) 18 Smooth-talking (4)
All solutions are on page 12
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BUSINESS
BRIEF RESPITE
Businessman escapes jail sentence for smuggling Picasso ONE of Spain's richest men will not be jailed for smuggling a Picasso painting out of the country, because he’s dying. Ex-Santander Bank vice-president, Jamie Botin, was convicted last year of taking the painting, The Head of a Young Woman (pictured) estimated to be worth €26 million, out of Spain. Appeals against the conviction and sentence failed, with billionaire Botin hit with three years in prison and a €91.7 million fine.
Net worth
His net worth is said to be €1.7 billion. Now a Madrid court has ruled that Botin, 85, will not be jailed following an examination carried out by a court-appointed doctor. No details
Cars cash
Growing up
A NEW compensation scheme could see millions of drivers claim back between €2,000 and €9,000 after illegal price-fixing was detected at hundreds of car dealerships across Spain. Networks of dealerships colluded with car manufacturers to overcharge some 10 million drivers who bought off the forecourt between 2006 and 2013. Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission detected the fraudulent activity and fined those car brands involved an eye-watering €171million. The penalty had recently been ratified by Spain’s Litigation Chamber in Madrid paving the way for potentially millions of buyers to make compensation claims.
SPAIN will be the economy with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth over the coming years, according to forecasts by Goldman Sachs. The global investment banking company predicts an increase of 6.5% in Spain in 2022, contrasting with the 4.5% estimated for this year. This makes Europe’s fourth largest economy the one that will grow the most worldwide. In the future the bank anticipates Spain’s economy to grow at a rate of 3.9% in 2023, 2.3% in 2024 and 2% in 2025, surpassing forecasts for the euro zone and the main European economies.
Inflation shocker
By Alex Trelinski
were given except for the fact that he has a ‘serious incurable disease’. Botin bought the Picasso painting in London in 1977 and had an export licence refused in 2012. He wanted it auctioned-off at Christies in London. Authorities said the work was an official asset of Spanish historical heritage and deemed it to be unexportable. The painting was nevertheless moved to Botin’s yacht docked in Valencia with the captain given instructions to ‘get it out of Spain’. The work was seized in July 2015 by French police during a dockside raid in Corsica. It was found hidden among a stack of
November 17th - November 30th 2021
INFLATION skyrocketed to an annual 5.4% rise in October according to Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE). It’s the highest level in 29 years and is mainly down to rises in electricity and fuel prices. The 5.4% figure is 1.8% up on September's rate and is the tenth consecutive month where inflation has risen. The INE says other factors in the high October total included
increases in restaurant prices and a lower fall in tourist-related business charges compared to a year earlier. October's inflation rate would have been substantially higher if the government had not cut tax on domestic electricity bills in August. Removing energy products and fresh food from the equation, core inflation would have stood at 1.4% last month.
OP Puzzle solutions
Quick Crossword
Across: 1 Comes, 4 Traumas, 8 Allende, 9 Buddy, 10 Mote, 11 Moroccan, 13 Grand totals, 16 Lifetime, 17 Heap, 19 Karma, 20 In Latin, 21 See here, 22 Bread.
other paintings and was deliberately left off the craft’s inventory.
History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.
Down: 1 Clammy, 2 Military force, 3 Sins, 4 The bottom line, 5 Arbroath, 6 Medical centre, 7 Saying, 12 Initiate, 14 Flakes, 15 Opened, 18 Glib.
SUDOKU
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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
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For further information call: Gibraltar Tourist Board +350 200 74950 Or to download a brochure go to: www.visitgibraltar.gi
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
November 17th - November 30th 2021
MAGICAL CASTLE STAYS SPAIN’s hotel castles are among the finest in the world. Many are beautifully preserved, so why not stay the night? What could
be more magical than bedding down like medieval nobility, and waking up to breathtaking views of the coast or countryside
This 13th century town-fortress can be found in Castellar de la Frontera, and it’s one of the few inhabited medi-
eval fortifications today. It’s located on a mountain in the beautiful Los Alcornocales natural park and is perfect for
nature lovers. On a clear day, from the hotel you can see the Rock of Gibraltar and the coast of Africa.
Castellar Castle (Cadiz) Parador de Cardona (Barcelona)
T
his breathtaking hotel sits within Castle Cardona, which was built in the 9th century. It sits on a hill and overlooks the river valley of the Cardener and the town of Cardona. The fortress offers guests unrivalled landscapes. The Dukes of Cardona, who resided in the castle, were influential within the Crown of Aragon in the 14th century, they were second in power and prestige to the Royal family. The Cardona leaders were known as ‘kings without crowns’ for their vast territories from Catalonia and Valencia to Aragon itself. This castle has a lot of stories to reveal to visitors. The site is currently owned by surviving members of the Aragon dynasty.
Hotel Castillo El Collado (Basque Country)
Parador de Olite (Navarra)
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he Castle of Olite has been declared a national monument for its stunning beauty. The site resembles a palace more than a castle, and it’s the most significant example of Gothic non-ecclesiastical architecture in Navarre, and one of the most outstanding examples in the world. Within these ancient stone walls, you will find yourself immersed in an oasis of peace and tranquility. You can also stroll through the narrow side streets of Olite and wonder at the coats of arms and the Roman walls. You may even wish to visit Oliva Monastery, where you can see Cistercian monks, dressed in their white tunics, and praying.
Hotel Castillo de Santa Catalina (Malaga)
This charming and charming hotel can be found within this stunning 20th century castle. It is located in one of the most upscale places in the town of Laguardia in Alava.
Posada Real Castillo de Buen Amor (Salamanca) The 15th-century castle is set in the wondrous Castillian countryside, and is only 27 km away from the historical city of Salamanca. Each of the rooms look out onto either
the central courtyard, or to the meadows which surround it. The castle has been home to local lords for centuries, and it has been protected as a historical site since 1931.
Arteaga Castle (Basque Country) Parador De Hondarribia (Hondarribia)
D
ating from the 10th century, Parador De Hondarribia served as the residence of Carlos V, the founding emperor of Spain. It offers stunning views of the Bi-
dasoa Estuary. After exploring the castle itself, guests can head into Hondarribia, one of the most charming towns in the region. Hondarribia is the last stop before France.
Built in 1932, this stunning example of architectural elegance has been declared an asset of cultural interest by the Spanish state, and for good reason. It is a property of more than 3,500 square metres and is located on the Costa del Sol. It has extensive public gardens, spaces and terraces. Guests also enjoy spectacular views of Malaga Bay. It is located in the exclusive El Limonar area of Malaga, and is only 800 meters from La Caleta Beach.
The beautiful Arteaga castle can be found in the heart of Urdaibai biosphere natural reserve and it was originally built in the 13th century. French architects Couverchef and Ancelet rebuilt the Castle again by order of French emperor and empress Napoleon III and Eugenia de Montijo. It is a fine example of neo-gothic style.
Does your property lack First Occupation License/Licence of First Occupancy? Did you know architects can now issue these licences? Having a First Occupation Licence/Licence of First Occupancy Will enable you to comply with current laws if you wish to rent your property short-term OR will improve your chances to close a sale if you wish to sell your property.
Lawbird is a firm of English speaking lawyers who specialise in property law, corporate law, litigation and immigration law. Whether you plan to buy a house, start a company or relocate to Spain, we offer a no-nonsense service to assist you.
LPO Architects, in collaboration with Lawbird Legal Services S.L.P., can help you get this licence in record time.
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HEALTH
November 17th November 30th 2021
Heartstopping
Top of the taps
How football match days affect emergency room admissions IF you want to stay out of A&E you’d better hope your football team has won. A study of one Spanish city has found that when the local club wins there are fewer emergency admissions to hospital for heart problems
than normal. And when the team loses there are more serious cases rushed to hospital than on a matchless day. The study, carried out by the Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar (Cadiz),
MAGIC PILL A NEW Pfizer pill reduces the risk of death from COVID-19 by almost 90%. The US-based company published its preliminary results for the experimental antiviral pill after a drug trial involving a total of 775 adults. The research found that those taking the pill had an 89% reduction in their combined rate of hospitalisation or death after a month, compared with patients taking a placebo. Fewer than 1% of patients taking the drug needed to be admitted to hospital and none died. In the comparison group, 7% were admitted to hospital and there were seven deaths The company is working to rapidly produce at least 21 million packages of the drug in the first half of next year, with plans for a total of 50 million packages in 2022, according to The Washington Post . Spanish and EU health authorities still need to approve the drug for use in the country.
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studied admissions to A&E on Cadiz CF match days. It looked at visits to the emergency room for heart problems in comparison to the club’s football calendar during 2018, 2019 and 2020. More than 10,000 people went to the emergency department, of whom more than 2,000 were admitted for heart attacks or angina. There was an incredible 90% increase in emergency room visits for heart problems when Cadiz lost at home.
OVER 250,000 PROPERTIES FROM 2,000+ AGENTS
LIVE in San Sebastian? Lucky … you have the best tap water in all of Spain. Data sourced by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) shows the water in the Basque city is of the best quality, with low mineralisation and close to zero contaminants. Burgos and Las Palmas also ranked highly while Palma de Mallorca, Huelva, Barcelona and Ciudad Real were considered the worst in the study that investigated taste and economic efficiency. The findings revealed good tap water could rival bottle water, but that the quality of tap water depends on many factors. OCU was looking for purity of the water, including a low presence of lime and copper. OCU carried out research on the water across 60 municipalities, saying 19 were ‘excellent’ while for 36 the water is just ’good’.
Drop
There is also a significant drop in visits when the club wins away. When studied by gender, men and women show a marked difference. While men in general are at higher risk of heart problems on matchdays, women have a lower incidence of cardio complications on match days - win, draw or lose.
www.thinkSPAIN.com
BREXIT MATTERS... If I’m a Spanish resident do I need new life insurance in Spain?
N
O longer part of the EU, the a Spanish insurer. UK is now a ‘third country’ Aware of this fact and striving to and operates outside of the make life a little easier for all UK ciEU’s economic structures. tizens who find themselves in this siFollowing Brexit, the UK’s relationship tuation, Liberty Seguros has designed with the EU has changed and expat its life insurance cover to meet their residents should realise that this new new needs. situation could have an effect on their With policies available in English, excellent premiums and additional life insurance policies. The European Insurance and Occu- discounts, life insurance from Liberty pational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) Seguros can be taken out from as littadvises all expat living in the Euro- le as 10 euros per month. pean Union to pay The advantages of close attention to the having life cover with small print in their poli- The advantages Liberty Seguros really cies – particularly those are extensive, leaving of having life with official residenpolicy holders safe in ce in Spain now and the knowledge that cover with whom have taken out nothing will prevent Liberty Seguros life insurance policies them and their loved with an authorised inones from being proare many surer in the UK or Gitected. braltar. For example, the EIOPA recommends asking your UK upper age limit with regard to death or Gibraltar insurer if your policy is cover has now been extended to 70 still valid and to seek advice on the years of age, and the upper age limit Spanish rules which could have an for renewals is now 80 years of age. effect on your policy. More than likely, Liberty Seguros also offers a capital if your permanent residence is not in advancement to cover burial expenthe UK, you will find that your cover is ses and inheritance tax payments not valid. As such, you should consi- – and, upon death, beneficiaries reder taking out new life insurance with ceive 100% of the contracted capital
as standard, regardless of the cause of death. What’s more, life cover with Liberty Seguros now boasts a wide range of additional new extra options too. For example, you can take out extended cover for repatriation to any country; and, if you have children under the age of 18, beneficiaries can receive double the insured capital in the event of death of both spouses in the same accident. Furthermore, this is without having to take out an additional policy either. There is also new cover for serious diseases for women (such as malignant tumours in the breast, uterus, etc.), as well as cover for other serious diseases for both genders (such as myocardial infarction, by-pass, coronary artery surgery, kidney failure… amongst others.) For the convenience of its customers, life insurance policies from Liberty Seguros can now be FULLY completed online, in English and without the need for copious amounts of paperwork or signatures. All you need is a mobile phone and an email address. Not only that, but for your peace of mind and privacy, Liberty Seguros
brokers and agents never retain any paper documents with information pertaining to your health themselves. Privacy is respected and guaranteed, and certificates are issued digitally by an external party. With this new, more modern and more professional online sign-up service, taking out a life policy with Liberty Seguros is completely secure. The application process is verified by means of a digital signature with a PIN sent to the customer by SMS mobile text message. The whole process is quick and easy, with a smaller and more simplified
To find out more, simply visit one of the more than 300 Liberty Seguros expatriate brokers and agents that are on-hand to answer your questions, in YOUR language. With Liberty Seguros there are only ADVANTAGES. Visit www.libertyexpatriates.es or call 91 342 25 49 for the name and location of your nearest broker.
health screening questionnaire. Plus, once again, it’s all in English. In addition to all the advantages, all online applications for life policies currently come with a 10% off plus an extra discount for those already an existing LIBERTY SEGUROS customer. Moreover, up until November 25, you can also take advantage of Liberty Seguros’ Cashback offers and feel safe in the knowledge that you remain protected.
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POLICE have tracked down eight camels and a llama that went on the run from the Quiros circus in Madrid, with the circus blaming animal activists for setting them free.
Pig swill A CADIZ court has dismissed a case where an individual tried to get his brother in law fined €500 for calling him a ‘pig’, saying that it wasn’t serious enough.
GIBRALTAR
Vol. 6 Issue 161
www.theolivepress.es
The Rock’s ONLY free local paper
November 17th - November 30th 2021
The extra mile
ROTTEN APPLE
Expat plagued by calls intended for fruit and veg shop A BRITISH expat has found himself in a pickle after phone calls to a greengrocer started to get rerouted to his home phone. Charlie Bamber in Torre del Mar has been getting up to 15 calls a month from people trying to place orders at organic fruit and veg shop Bioshop El Cambio in Malaga - and it is sending him bananas.
Rocked A MAN has been arrested after he tried to sell online a fragment of meteorite that had gone missing from the Natural Science Museum in the 1960s for an out of this world €50,000.
By Dilip Kuner
Despite his best efforts to stay as cool as a cucumber, he has found himself turning red as a beetroot with rage as the calls have kept on coming for the past four months. Talking to the Olive Press, he said: “Some of the people calling have been put through to me several times
A CATHOLIC bishop who fell in love with an erotic novel writer has joined a Barcelona-based pig semen exporter. Xavier Novell resigned in September as Bishop of Solsona in Catalunya. He became Spain’s youngest bishop when he was appointed in 2010. Novell, 52, admitted he had embarked on a relationship with writer Silvia Caballol, 38. He was quoted as saying that he ‘wanted to do the right thing’. The ex-bishop and exorcist has now got a job
and they are very apologetic and embarrassed.” He added: “I have emailed three times asking them to do something about their phone system.” But the shop owners don’t seem to give a fig about the sales director’s predicament. “They just say ‘nothing can be done’. “To be honest, I feel a bit of a lemon.” He adds that he could real-
FROM DEMONS TO SEMEN
with Semen Cardona which exports pig semen to several countries for ‘high-grade swine artificial insemination’. It’s not known what Novell’s role in the firm is. A Semen Cardona spokeswoman said that she ‘cannot disclose information about workers due to data protection laws.
A SPANISH amateur athlete has smashed an incredible world record by pushing his mother in a wheelchair for 26 miles in under three hours. Dedicated Eric Domingo Roldan pushed himself and his mother Silvia - to the max, in order to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis. His spectacular effort at the Barcelona Marathon broke the Guinness marathon record for pushing a wheelchair.
Record
ANGRY: Charlie Bamber
ly upset the apple cart if he wanted to. “I could be telling this shop’s customers anything I like - that they’ve shut down, been taken over by gangsters or that it is far too expensive and their rivals are half the price,” he said. “Maybe I should be looking around for another grocer and come to some sort of agreement to nick El Cambio’s trade. Now that could be a plum deal!”
Silvia and Eric roared across the finish line, clocking a world record time of two hours 53 minutes and 28 seconds. Eric averaged 4:07 per km or 6:37 per mile at the 42nd edition of the Zurich Maraton de Barcelona. It’s not the first time he raced with his mother, as the pair tried to beat the world record last year at the Sevilla Marathon. His mother Silvia has lived with multiple sclerosis for the last 17 years, and she even survived a serious case of COVID-19 in August.
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