Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 155 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

‘SPAIN’S BEST NEWSPAPER IN ENGLISH’ - The Rough 1 theGuide olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

the

olive press

FREE

Top expat agent in trouble owing €250,000 but insists she is not bankrupt

Optimistic

“We owe €250,000, but I am hopeful of getting out of it as we have some big sales coming in. “The word bankruptcy is completely wrong, it hurts the business. “There is a big difference between somebody going bankrupt and our situation.” She added: “We are also selling apartments and I think it is optimistic somehow. I am keeping staff on.” The Hungarian agent arrived on the Costa del Sol

www.theolivepress.es

February 21 - March 6,

Priors finally awarded ‘ridiculous’ €30,000 compensation after spending five years living in their garage since their home was demolished

EXCLUSIVE By Kathryn Richardson THE Costa del Sol’s most famous expat estate agent is in financial turmoil. Kristina Szekely has filed for the Spanish version of bankruptcy and admitted she owes €250,000. The Hungarian agent, who has an exclusive deal with Sotheby International, told the Olive Press she intends to ‘battle on’ regardless. Currently in negotiation with her creditors, she confirmed: “I have filed for what they call in America, Chapter 11.

seepage page13 11 see

INSULT

Vol. 7 Issue 154

Szekely in crisis

Don’t let the Don’t thein bankslet cash banks cash in www.hifx.co.uk www.hifx.co.uk see page 13

EMBATTLED: Szekely insists she will ride out the storm with a ‘number of big sales on the horizon’ in the 1980s and quickly dominated the coast’s real estate industry. Bubbly and outgoing, she forged a global reputation and was frequently quoted in the international press. Until last week, she had offices in Marbella, Gibraltar and Sotogrande but has been struggling to pay her staff and creditors for several months. Last week the office in Gibraltar was chained shut at 5pm. One competitor, who asked to remain anonymous, said Ms Szekely had enormous overheads and would find the next few months very tough.

A RETIRED expat couple who have spent the last five years living in their garage after their home was demolished have received “a ridiculous” €30,000 compensation bill from their town hall. Helen and Len Prior’s villa was ripped down by the Junta in January 2008 after their building licence was revoked.

However, a court has now ruled that the original application, granted without their knowledge in 2004, was illegal. The Priors only learnt about the plans to bulldoze their home two years later in May 2006. Their villa, one of around 100 illegal homes in the area, was the only one to be

INJUSTICE: Len and Helen Prior

WHICH TYPE OF BIRDS WILL BE FLOCKING DOWN TO THE COSTA DEL SOL THIS SUMMER?

Find out on page 12

demolished. They have since been sent from pillar to post to find someone responsible for the fiasco. Mrs Prior told The Olive Press: “The whole thing is ridiculous. It’s a horror story and just stupid because all of our neighbours were saved but us.” The couple have been forced to live in their converted garage without electricity or running water. Talking about the damages, she added: “That’s not jus-

tice. We aren’t happy about the insulting €30,000 offer but we are happy that it has been proved it was an illegal order.” She insisted she would need to get ‘€5m in damages’ to make up for the way they have been treated. The couple’s main claim against Vera Council, for €700,000, is still ongoing. Despite their living conditions, and losing all trust in Spain’s justice system, she said they did not want to return to the UK.

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

CRIME NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

WHERE HAS HE GONE? EXCLUSIVE Mystery surrounds disappearance of property buyer who never returned from Spain trip POLICE have renewed an appeal to trace a man who went missing during a trip to Spain from the UK more than 12 years ago. Greater Manchester Police are appealing to the public for any information that might help trace Ian Watson, who has been missing since October 2000. Mr Watson, 65, is a white man, 5ft 11ins tall, medium build, with wavy grey hair

By Frances Leate and blue eyes. At the time of his disappearance he is thought to have been clean shaven. He was last seen in the Oriheula area and had travelled there to finalise the purchase of a villa. He arrived in Spain on October 14 and hired a car to take him to the villa at Lo-

mas De Don Juan on the Oriheula Costa. On October 16 he made several calls to his family in the UK but since that date there has been no further contact. Julie Potts, missing person safeguarding officer with Greater Manchester Police, said: “It has now been several years since Ian was reported missing. “If anyone reading this has any information concern-

ing his whereabouts, I urge them to get in touch with us.” Contact 0044 161 856 8499 or email Julie.Potts@gmp. police.uk. And email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

Catch me if you can EXCLUSIVE By Mason Jones EXPATS have refused to shop a fraudster who has been hiding out on the Costa del Sol. One fellow drinker in his local pub even insisted he was a ‘hero’ for defrauding banks in the recession and refused to divulge his whereabouts. Another said: “Great pity the police don’t put the mugshots of the bankers who robbed us of much more than €300,000.” It came after the Olive Press put the UK police appeal to find unemployed Tony Murphy, 40, on our website. Murphy duped banks into giving him almost €350,000 by claiming he owned a string of successful businesses. Murphy, from Manchester, used the cash to fund a jet set lifestyle and buy several properties before being busted last

Man fabricates violent robbery in iPhone fraud scam A MAN who lied about being violently robbed for his iPhone to make an insurance claim is being prosecuted. The 39-year-old said his phone was taken from him in an attack in Fuengirola. However, the police later discovered that the man was still using the phone and made up the story to claim €450 from his insurance company.

Expats refuse to shop ‘jet set’ fraudster who stole €350,000 from UK banks year. Credit card applications showed the Brit claimed he earned over €80,000 from owning a car dealership, and a further €46,000 by working as an electrician. But Murphy, who is believed to have flown to Malaga while awaiting trial, had declared just €2,593 earnings over a six year period. Following a raid on his €400,000 home in Hale, police found photographs of him posing with an orangutan on a trip to Bangkok, along with an old passport detailing many other holidays. Police also found evidence linking him to convicted drug dealer Jimmy Maxwell. Maxwell, 35, is currently serving 22 years in a Florida jail for running a large ecstasy ring in the US. Det Sgt Pat Goodrich of Greater Manchester Police said: “We had been investigating Murphy’s financial background for a year before the raid. “We found some very interesting evidence at his house, apart from the photos he had posters of the film Scarface on the wall of his property. “We very much hope we can trace Murphy,” he added.

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

BANG BANG OLE! BARGAIN!

Kate Middleton’s ‘waste-ofspace’ uncle puts Ibiza villa on the market for cool €6.5million EXCLUSIVE By Kathryn Richardson IT is one of Spain’s most notorious properties. Aside from being a regular holiday hideout for English footballers, it was the home where Kate Middleton’s wayward uncle famously offered cocaine and prostitutes to an undercover reporter. Now Prince William’s un-

Get ready for the Fiesta BRITAIN is receiving a taste of Spanish party culture with the launch of the play Fiesta in London’s West End. Based on Earnest Hemingway’s first novel, The Sun Also Rises, the passion fuelled production has been described as ‘an orgy of drinking’ by some critics. The semi-autobiographical play follows an American writer immersing himself in the bullfighting culture of Pamplona, set to the backdrop of a live jazz band. Along with his time spent in Pamplona, Hemingway was a frequent visitor to Andalucia, residing for some time in Ronda and Churriana. Fiesta runs from now until March 2 at London’s Trafalgar Studios.

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES: Soonto-be-parents Will and Kate and (left) Goldsmith and partner cle-in-law Gary Goldsmith is to sell his stunning Ibiza villa ‘Maison de Bang Bang’. The brother of Kate’s mother Carole is hoping to get €6.5million for the four bed villa. The house has become popular with the likes of Premier League footballers, including Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, who rent it for an estimated €15,000 a week.

Autobiography

Goldsmith, 47, has been a frequent embarrassment to the royals. Back in 2006, he was caught on camera using cocaine and offering a prostitute to a News of the World journalist. Now he is promising to write his autobiography with all the juicy details of Will and Kate after the couple spent a week with him at the Balearic pleasure palace in 2006. The now unemployed tycoon has recently married his fourth wife, convicted fraudster Julie-Ann Brown.

WHILE Cristiano Ronaldo does his bit for Spanish football, his better half is busy promoting some of Spain’s more controversial traditions.Stunning Russian model girlfriend Irina Shayk, 27, grabbed a bullfighting cape for a series of racy pictures at Sevilla bullring. The saucy snaps were part of a swimwear photo shoot for Sports Illustrated magazine.

Baldwin for the Balearics? HE has already starred in a couple of Spanish films Como Perros y Gatos and Bob Esponja, not to mention having a Spanish wife. So Hollywood star Alex Baldwin should fit in perfectly if, as hinted, he moves to Spain this year. The 54-year-old American actor told CNN.com that since his wife Hilaria Thomas had recently fallen pregnant she wanted to move back to Spain. “My wife wants to move to Spain, she wants to spend more time in Spain, enjoy life a little more,” said the The Aviator star.

PENNY’S BABY JOY PENELOPE Cruz and Javier Bardem have confirmed reports that they are expecting their second child. The happy couple said they were ‘tremendously happy and excited’ about the imminent arrival of their second child. It comes after the Olive Press revealed how Cruz had been spotted at a top gynaecologist in Madrid. The couple already have a two-year-old son called Leo.

His fitness instructor wife was born in Mallorca but later moved to Boston. It is Baldwin’s second marriage. He was married to actress and supermodel Kim Basinger for 11 years and has a daughter, Ireland, from the marriage.

EXPATS? Baldwin and Thomas

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

Plum new home for Plum the abandoned dog IT has certainly turned out plum again for Plum. The five-year old cross had been dumped in an expat’s garden in Ronda last Friday and spent a cold night shivering in the garden. But luckily the quick-thinking British owners recalled how another local couple had mentioned that they were thinking of getting a dog for their family having recently emigrated here. And bingo! Plum now has a happy home with new owners, Andrew and Lisa

Sanders, and their three daughters, Madeleine, 9, Matilda, 7, and Jemima, 5, are delighted with her. “She just seemed perfect. The girls wanted a small dog like her to play with,” said Lisa. Despite having a chip the local vet has yet to locate her owner and believes that she has been dumped for financial reasons. Added Lisa: “I have seen people who obviously love their pets but cannot afford to keep them because of the recession.”

YOU DIRTY DUSTERS A NEW play about cleaning ladies fighting redundancy will be on show at the International Theatre Studio in Marbella. Comedy Dirty Dusting, follows Olive, Gladys and Elise, as they set up a sex-chat line. The production runs from March 8 to 10. Tickets are €12. Call 952 880 630 to book.

X Factor for Telethon Cudeca charity bash, once again sponsored by the Olive Press, has a host of top prizes to bid for and win

FANCY a game of golf with Aston Villa’s Steve Staunton, tickets to the X Factor’s live UK tour 2014, or a serious pampering at a luxury spa? Well these are just some of the amazing prizes on offer at this year’s Cudeca Telethon organised by Talk Radio Europe. Sponsored once again by the Olive Press, the hospice’s small team of volunteers have been working around the clock to organise the charity radio auction on March 8. So far over 100 items, ranging from food hampers to luxury hotel breaks, have been donated to raise money for the unit, in Benalmade-

By Kathryn Richardson

na, which looks after the terminally ill and their families. Last year the telethon raised €31,000 which goes towards the hospice’s €3m running costs. “Thanks once again must go for all the very kind donations from businesses and the local community over here, we could not do it without them,” said organiser and volunteer, Laura Haggis. “I’m sort of eating, sleeping and dreaming the telethon at the minute. It’s a very exciting time and so gratifying when you receive all

these generous donations.” Cudeca is the only private hospice on the Costa del Sol and looks after both Britons and Spaniards with life-threatening, and often terminal conditions. They are hoping to raise at least €25,000 to cover the cost of an additional nursing auxiliary in the inpatients unit and to assist with a fourth home care team. Buyers can bid online for up to two weeks before the event. For more information or to contribute a prize, contact Ms Haggis via the Cudeca Hospice switchboard, on 952 564 910 or e-mail pr@cudeca.org.

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

OPINION Open up LAST week Prime Minister Rajoy’s office released a statement ahead of the State of the Nation debate. The annual debate aims to look at the country’s major troubles and work towards rectifying them, taking in the opinions from all political parties. Strangely, the corruption scandal currently embroiling the country was not mentioned once in the PM’s statement of key issues. It is understandable that Rajoy would not mention the personal accusations against himself - he has already categorically denied any wrong-doing. However, regardless of who happens to be in the firing-line of the media at the minute, people in Spain have been calling for a more transparent government long before Rajoy even dreamed of taking office. Spain is one of the least transparent countries in the western world and a large percentage of its population believes the country suffers from serious corruption. If Spain is to successfully tackle its major problems, it cannot afford to ignore the issue, regardless of the party in power. The authorities quite simply need to be more open. Indeed, if they do not it will create an even bigger scandal.

Payback time If any of us was forced to live in my garage because the dream home we’d built had been demolished by the local council it’s safe to say we’d be very angry. But to be forced to do it as a pensioner having bought in good faith and then to find out that your home should NOT have been bulldozed in the first place, I think, would sent me over the edge. This is why the Olive Press has huge sympathy with the Priors who are only now starting to receive ‘compensation’ from the council. No wonder these hard-working expats think the amount, €30,000, is ridiculous. For a property that was worth closer to €400,000, it’s not worth the cheque it’s written on. It really does not send out a warm welcome for expats wanting to invest in Spain and with this kind of treatment we’re sure it will put off some altogether. And with corruption stories galore, the moral of the story has to be – for now at least - rent rent rent!

Pigeon fancier It is good to see that the coast continues to find new ways to boost its tourism figures. While the current plans for drilling off the coast are floundering, Benalmadena town hall has come up with a cracker to have its first homing pigeon race. Already having brought in fanciers from around the world, this is bound to be a huge event, watched closely by the media around Spain and abroad. These are just the sort of birds – and ideas - we should be encouraging to our shores.

theEE

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

olive press

Tel: 951166060 (admin) or 951127006 (editorial) A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 186,000 copies distributed monthly (120,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month. Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 Urb Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350 Malaga Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es News editor: James Bryce james@theolivepress.es Reporters: Frances Leate frances@theolivepress.es Mason Jones mason@theolivepress.es

Distribution: 951 166 060 Admin/advertising sales: Pauline Olivera admin@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: West Costa del Sol Jane Jewson 673 958 858 Axarquia Charlie Bamber 661 452 180 Cadiz Elizabeth Gould 683 337 342 Ronda/San Pedro/Marbella Jon Clarke 691 831 399

NY vaguely savvy tourist would only have to Google ‘The Beach Club Hotel, Torremolinos’ to feel slightly wary of their impending stay. Finding a cockroach in your pasta, dirty water in the pool and guests spending several days on the toilet is not exactly a glowing legacy for this four star hotel. Dubbed ‘the worst hotel in Spain’ by the tabloid press, scores of the unfortunate guests were struck down by a mystery stomach bug during their 2007 and 2008 stay. Two months ago, as reported in the Olive Press, tour operator TUI was ordered to pay out almost €4 million in compensation to more than a thousand guests. But five years on, does this hotel really deserve its bad reputation? We decided to sample the delights of Spain’s very own Fawlty Towers to see if it’s as bad as reports would make us believe. So one drizzly day last month (OK, we can’t blame that on the hotel) I headed for Torremolinos, one of the most prolific holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol. It certainly doesn’t start well, after a desperate search around a packed hotel car park leads to a staff member to recommend that I drive half a mile down the road and park up by the side of a dark street, lugging my, er, luggage, back to the hotel. I finally arrive at 8.30pm - tired, hungry and hoping for a cosy and comfortable stay. Presenting my booking details and hunting down my passport from the bottom of my bag I hopefully look to the receptionist, who looks at me like I’ve just walked in from out of space. Yes, a guest has arrived. Being a hotel this is normal protocol right? More bewilderment follows and I’m left to lug (I see now where the word luggage comes from) my bag up to the 8th floor to settle down in my room. Then after two (yes TWO!) failed attempts to open the door and two trips back down to reception the key card finally works and I open the door to find a room that would make a Travelodge look spacious. Noting the lack of toiletries (two

Got a news story?

Contact our team of journalists in our Costa del Sol office on

951127006 or 691831399 or email newsdesk@ theolivepress.es

FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es

With rooms that would ‘make a Travelodge look spacious’ and a dining room that has the ‘feel of a battleground’, our reporter Frances Leate didn’t exactly fall for ‘Spain’s worst hotel’ during a weekend...

INSIDE FAULTY TOWERS

dental kits and a vat of liquid soap isn’t going to get me very far with regards to keeping up appearances) I remember the sea view I paid extra for.

FLASHBACK: Our story on the The Beach Club Hotel in December

With great expectations I draw back the curtains hoping for the rolling ocean I had paid good money to see from the comfort of my balcony - but instead a massive hotel block

FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es

BATTLEGROUND: Every man for himself in the dining room and (inset) a dubious lunch and a bin yard greets me with the kind of embarrassing inevitability of an elderly relative turning up at your 16th birthday party. If I risk my life by leaning over the balcony and look over to the far right, I can just about spot the elusive waves. Ignoring the pounding dance music coming from below, which gives the impression I have just rocked up at a squat party rather than a 4 star hotel, I head back downstairs for dinner. At the entrance to the dining area I am met by two burly security guardtypes who look like they mean business. They ask me to rub my hands with disinfectant from a dispenser at-

tached to the wall, “only because it’s a buffet and people touch the food which can spread germs”.

A hands on, overcrowded experience that disinfecting will not combat Not massively reassuring. So with the smell of disinfectant in the air and trepidation in my heart I enter the dining room.

The only dining area at the hotel where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as part of their all inclusive package, the low-ceiling room can only be described as a battle-ground. An every-man-for-themselves free for all, where you queue for coffee and struggle with metal tongs to claim your piece of bacon or a fried egg. While it’s clear hotel owners, Marconfort, have learnt from their mistakes following no doubt a stern word or two from health and safety bosses (you can’t give three generations of the same family and hundreds of people food poisoning without some kind of consequence) it’s still a very hands on, over-crowded experience that no amount of hand disinfecting will combat. One olive and half a slice of pizza later I am left at the bar thanking God that at least the vino tinto should probably be OK. No such luck…. At first I thought it was a bit of cork from the wine bottle…but as it wriggled around on my tongue it became apparent this thing was alive….poking my tongue out I discover a black insect! On closer inspection, it seems the offending creature is as innocent as a fly in your glass of wine can be, and I resolve not to let ‘fly-gate’ ruin my Beach Club experience - so time to muck in with the other guests and enjoy the all-inclusive booze. From a hoard of over-excited Glaswegian women on a hen-do to a group of lads from Cheltenham in search of fun in the sun - there’s no doubt tourists are still flocking here from the UK for an enjoyable holiday

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013 despite the dubious newspaper reports. Some guests even come several times a year and for Suzanne Cooper, 55, from Newcastle, the hotel’s bad reputation didn’t stop

I’ve stayed on cruise ships when there was an outbreak of the norovirus. It happens her and her husband booking a two week stay. She said: “Most people know what happened and yes, people do talk about it but it really doesn’t bother me. I have stayed on cruise ships when there has been an outbreak of the norovirus. These things happen.

“They are doing a lot to stop germs spreading and overall I think the positives outweigh the negatives.” And as I settle down to an evening of owl shows and a live concert, I have to agree. Yes, the place could do with a bit of a makeover, some of the carpets could do with being replaced and a paint job wouldn’t go amiss.... oh and another restaurant would also improve the overall experience noend. However, generally speaking most of the staff went out of their way to be helpful and were much friendlier than those I have often found working in the more expensive hotels. But perhaps most importantly of all, the guests seemed to be enjoying themselves despite the rain outside. I must confess however that I did spend a few days feeling unwell after checking out of the Beach Club, and the case on what caused the sickness bug remains open.

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

WATER MISTAKE EXCLUSIVE By Frances Leate

HOMEOWNERS who have been paying the electricity bill for a neighbouring development’s pool for more than a decade have demanded a refund. The tenants of the Punta Lara 1 development in Nerja only discovered the mistake after looking into their soaring electricity bill. The community believed that the high bill had been caused by street lighting that had

Homeowners demand refund after paying thousands for neighbours’ pool for a decade

been installed a decade ago. “It was only when a new treasurer came along and pointed out we were paying far too much for just a few street lights that we realised something had gone wrong,” explained homeowner Chris Wood, 74. But despite finally getting confirmation from electricity company Endesa that this

COSTLY: Neighbours’ pool causing electricity bill

was due to a mix up with the meters, no refund has been forthcoming. The 22 owners estimate the overpayment to be around €7,000. “A technician confirmed it was the case, but despite visits to the company and letters, the company does not seem interested in helping,” continued Wood. “It was their mix up and it is incredibly frustrating. We would just like our money back.” The Olive Press reported last month how one couple had spent a decade installing a dozen pylons to get electricity only to be told by Endesa that they could not get a supply. A spokesman for Endesa was unavailable for comment.

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

GREEN NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

IT’S ALL AT SEA AQUARIUM SAVED FROM CLOSURE

AN AQUARIUM plunged into financial turmoil has been saved at the 11th hour. Roquetas Aquarium, which had been due to shut due to a huge €9,500 electricity bill, has been given a stay of execution. As reported in our last issue, thousands of rare and endangered fish faced death. But just hours before the shut down, Spain’s biggest aquarium was able to stump up the cash through its governing council made up of a consortium of businesses. A spokesman said: ‘The fishes survival is guaranteed.’ It is hoped the payment will bide the aquarium time to arrange a long-term solution to its huge debts, believed to have escalated to around €3.5 billion.

CAMPAIGNERS fighting against the decision to allow drilling off the Costa del Sol have visited the proposed spot. Around 70 protesters left the ports of Benalmadena and Fuengirola on Sunday before travelling 9km offshore. The group, who insist gas exploration could be ‘disastrous’ for the area’s tourism industry, hope the trip will raise awareness about Repsol’s plans. Citizens Against Oil Exploration on the Costa del Sol has already staged a string of protests in Mijas and

Bella beaches MARBELLA’S beaches have been given a clean bill of health. According to scientists at the Junta, its waters have tested as ‘excellent’ along the entire 27km coastline. Here, Monteros beach.

Mason Jones joins protesters visiting the spot where drilling for gas could begin this year

Fuengirola, and have several more lined up later this month. “Expats should be more aware of what’s actually going on, there’s more to Spain than bars, beers and beaches,” said 66-year-old Leonard Caine from Huddersfield. “It is going to create jobs and that is needed here in

PLATFORM: Protesters board the boat, Leonard Caine (inset) from Wakefield. the south of Spain, but this Talks were given as the is not the best way to go boat reached the proposed about it,” he added. position of the first testing “I understand it will create platform, along with videos jobs, but it will not be local demonstrating the effects workers, it is a specialist drilling could have on local field and they will just bring wildlife. The oil giant’s plans people in,” added fellow have been halted temporarexpat Christine Baker, 62, ily however, as the company is only allowed to drill between February and April, and it has yet to begin constructing a testing platform. If Repsol find gas in the area, they would be permitted to drill continuously for 40 days to test for consistency. Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, Jose Manuel Soria, has already stated he is against the plans, with several local PSOE mayors following suit. The group plan to meet again in Benalmadena on February 22 and February 24.

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

350 illegal homes face demolition SOME 350 homes face demolition after a warning from Mijas Town Hall. The homes are the most serious of 4,200 illegal homes identified in the area. However, thanks to new urban development plans, the majority of the rest will be made legal.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

In for the chop! Over 50,000 councillors to be scythed in massive local government cull

A MASSIVE swathe of political cuts will see over 50,000 councillors lose their jobs. In the popular move finance minister Cristobel Montoro said that the number of fulltime local councillors will be reduced from 68,000 to just 12,000. It is estimated the move could save some €7 billion over the next three years.

duced by 2015 in line with

the population size. EXCLUSIVE By Katie Richardson The bill is included in the Under the draft bill, city mayors will also have their wages capped at €10,000 while town mayors with less than 1,000 occupants will cease to be paid. In a further move full-time city councillors will be re-

Local Government Reform and has been referred to the Council of State. It comes as it emerged that a large percentage of the population believed councillors were corrupt. Spain meanwhile has recently hit a record number of 5.97 million unemployed.

PAY BACK FOR DRUG SMUGGLER A MAN who helped to smuggle €46.9 million of cocaine into the UK from Spain has been ordered to pay back almost €60,000. Robert Dalrymple, 44, from Scotland, was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison in 2011. He was found guilty of acting as a courier for a massive drug dealing operation between Spain and the UK.

BIRDS FLOCKING IN FOR FIRST COSTA DEL SOL PIGEON RACE AN army of pigeons is flocking to the Costa del Sol this summer. In the first ever race to the coast around 750 homing pigeons will race from Madrid to Arroyo de la Miel on June 22. Dubbed the International Derby, the winner is likely to fly the 380km flight in under four hours. The event sponsored by Benalmadena town hall has already attracted entries from countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Portugal. The top prize is €9,000 with entries accepted until March 31. Some owners and their birds have already arrived to acclimatise and train. For more information visit www.derbycostadelsol.com

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Corrupt ex-mayor Jose Manuel Aranda avoids fouryear jail sentence for granting an illegal licence

Small fine to avoid prison A CORRUPT ex-mayor has escaped prison after being convicted of approving an illegal building licence. The former mayor of Canillas de Aceituno, Jose Manuel Aranda, accepted a €3,600 fine and a ten-year ban from office instead of the suggested four-year prison sentence. Aranda was joined in the dock by six of his fellow councillors, including the

By Katie Richardson present mayor, Pilar Ortiz, who also voted in favour of the plans. All six were let-off in the trial which lasted only minutes. The original application for a licence was made in September 2005 by an individual who wanted to build a house on land classified as undeveloped.

The court heard how Aranda granted planning permission in December 2006 despite the municipal architect issuing a negative report of the plan. Aranda’s lawyer, Jose Carlos Aguilera, said the deal was reached with the prosecution who agreed to withdraw the accusation. The former mayor resigned after he was charged in 2011 and has three other lawsuits pending against him.

GIB BANKER LINKED TO PP SCANDAL A GIBRALTARIAN banker has been linked to the PP corruption scandal currently gripping the nation. The Gibraltarian is one of five employees of Swiss bank Lombard Odier, who have been accused of helping former PP treasurer Luis Barcenas to hide a €22 million slush-fund. The banker, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have signed documents to authorise an account used by Barcenas. It is alleged the banker, who worked at the Bermuda branch of Lombard Odier, opened the account for a company registered in Panama.

Transparency

It was allegedly done in a bid to create a complex financial web and avoid detection. The news comes as Spain launches its annual State of the Nation Debate today, just over two years since Prime Minister Rajoy first took office. The debate, a two-day event for parties to discuss reforms and economic recovery, will particularly focus on government corruption. The PSOE have already put forward proposals to create an ‘Anti-Corruption Bureau’, while also calling for greater transparency laws. El Pais editor, Javier Moreno, has now handed over documents to police which he claims prove illegal donations were made to the PP from 1990 to 2008.

www.theolivepress.es

GIBRALTAR NEWS

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

IN THE PINK A draft bill giving gay couples equal rights is expected to soon become law

Crash tragedy kills two Gibraltar police officers DEADLY: The Ronda road

TRAGEDY has struck Gibraltar after a couple died in a motorbike accident. Off-duty police officers, Jenzen Santos, 42, and Josephine Guiling, 34, were enjoying a day out with friends when the motorbike they were travelling on had a blow out and collided with a lorry. The couple both served with the Royal Gibraltar Police and had five children between them. A Gibraltar government spokesman said: “It’s a real tragedy and has upset many people. We really feel for the children.” The accident happened on the most dangerous road in Malaga Province, the windy A376 between Ronda and San Pedro. Their funeral took place on Friday, attended by many dignatories including First Minister Fabian Picardo. CT 145 x 244_Layout 1 30/01/2013 09:32 Page 1

GAY couples have good reason to be in the pink in Gibraltar. A variety of new rights and benefits for gay couples are soon to become law. The Gibraltar government has drafted new legislation on civil partnerships which will see same sex couples have legal rights related to tax, pension and property. The Minister for Equality, Samantha Sacramento, said: “This is a landmark piece of legislation which will uphold the principle of equal treatment of citizens by the state under the law. “There are already cases where the Gibraltar courts have ruled that applicants for housing must have equal treatment regardless of their sexual orientation.” She added: “The Government is pleased to have progressed this matter through the drafting stage and will soon be ready to move to publication stage.” The landmark legislation reflects the policy of the Government that same sex or common law couples should not be discriminated against because of the nature of the family unit that they have formed.

Comfortable casual clothing in a wide range of sizes for him and her

New Spring Summer collection online now Reliable 4 day* delivery for only £6.95

Shop online today: cottontraders.co.uk *working days on in stock items, excluding sale periods

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

DINING IN BENAHAVIS Dear Olive Press, I have enjoyed using your restaurant website Dining Secrets of Andalucia, but I do not understand why there have been none of the first class restaurants which are in the mountain village of Benahavis in your suggestions. I have been travelling in southern Spain for over 20 years and will always make time for Amigos, Abanicos or Ruffino when there. In my opinion they are far better than some you have listed. Graham Hutchinson, UK ED: Thanks for your comments Graham... As it happens we have simply never had cause to go and eat up in Benahavis recently and when I had in the past I had been a little disappointed... that said perhaps we should now try one or two of these... perhaps our readers can let us know which is the VERY BEST of Benahavis so we can pick the real gem up there?

31 www.theolivepress.es

LETTERS

Wrong conclusion

Dear Olive Peress, Jumping in with two feet tends to end with one putting their foot in their mouth, as Evan Jones Neath did when replying to my letter about our right to claiming Winter Fuel Allowance, which I wrote to help those who were entitled to the allowance but have now been denied it. Mr Neath presumed, as I live in Spain, ‘I pay nothing into the pot but expect the UK taxpayer to shell out.’ Like other former government employees I have no option but to pay tax in the UK on the pension (to which we contributed) in my case over £2,500 last year and pro rata since I retired, over £62,000. For that I will now get £200 this year and of course my OAP, which like Mr Neath I paid for all my working life, however, unlike him I do not even have the right to vote in UK to say how I would like my tax spent. Incidentally, whilst it is called ‘Winter Fuel Allowance’ there is nothing in the legislation regarding entitlement, which refers to the temperature, one’s place of residence, nor income level, a fact now grudgingly accepted by the DWP following the court rul-

ing. I repeat, we have been cheated by the DWP, in my case for 13 years. Julian Ward, by email

TRICKY BUSINESS I relocated to Spain in March 2012, I’m 60 and have always wanted to retire here. When the UK government decided that I should work for another 2.5 years in order to receive my pension I thought ‘what the hell’ and came over. After a couple of months I decided I didn’t want to retire so I partnered my son and we went through the motions of setting up a business here. The Spanish business has all but flopped due to red tape and the way the Spanish do business. We have now a fledgling business in the UK which is doing very well. We have a partner in the UK so I don’t have to return permanently however, I keep reading in the newspapers such as yours that due to the economic

situation the Spanish government are fleecing expats. I still have my house in the UK as it is still my daughters home. We are in the process of selling it so she can buy a smaller one in the UK and I could buy one over here. But friends say I shouldn’t buy here because I will be fleeced by the government taxes. Also I have been told that I should now be paying tax on my UK house. I love Spain and my health has improved tenfold since I came over here, but I worry the Spanish government sees people as me like a meal ticket and I don’t want to finish up having no assets in a foreign country. Pauline Pozzi, Fuengirola

PENSION IN PERIL I am writing to you to ask if you can help me. I regularly pick up, and read, the Olive Press and note you pride yourself on your quality of investigative journalism. I am 70 years of age and I have had a stroke and lasting weakness on my right

Introducing our second Spanish learning crossword

CROSSMOT 155 Across 7 Tos (6) * 8 Notices (6) * 9 Almost (4) * 10 Agricultural (8) * 11 Fértil (7) * 13 Vacío (5) * 15 Artículos (5) * 16 Legend (7) * 18 Poisonous (8) * 19 Termina (4) * 21 Trace (6) * 22 Scarce (6). Down 1 Soup (4) * 2 Cracking (13) * 3 Por Lo General (7) * 4 Hada (5) * 5 Circunferencia (13) * 6 Contaminado (8) * 12 Deliver (8) * 14 Fears (7) * 17 Poles (5) * 20 Polvo (4). L = 198

side. I also have visual problems in the dark due to migraine and I have to walk at night 2.5 kms along a dirt track, a public camino de campo, to my home, because the track has in part been made impassable for my car. Walking along here is no joke and the slope is filled with mud and running water. The track leads off the Algeciras-Ronda at San Pablo de Buceite (8kms from Jimena de la Frontera Prov de Cadiz). The damage to the track was caused in November of last year when a concrete water conduit was damaged by a near neighbour. I have tried everything I know to find a solution. spoken the the mayor of Jimena, the Guardia Civil, the Policia Local, to my Medico de Cabecera and the medical social worker, telling them all of my plight. I have no drinking water other than what I can carry and if I were taken ill no ambulance could reach me. People listen, but nothing is done. Charles H. Butters, San Pablo ED: Can anyone help?

TIMESHARE WOE I wish I had seen your site before losing a lot of money to a timeshare disposal company called RIOCC based on the Costa del Sol. We took up the company’s offer to dispose of our timeshare while we were over here on holiday in Benalmadena. To cut a long story short, we were collected and taken to their offices in Fuengirola and it seemed to be just what we wanted to get rid of our timeshare. Once we had returned home we had correspondence from the company asking to forward all invoices and correspondence to a company called Kinson Real Estate, at a PO Box in Gibraltar. Now I really smell a rat... there are no telephone numbers or e-mail addresses. I just hope other people do not fall into the apparent trap. Full name given London, ED: Anyone else know this outfit? pls contact us.

PLE WR ASE ITE

Letters should be posted to Urb. Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350, Malaga or emailed to letters@theolivepress.es The writer’s name and address should be provided. Published opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

la cultura www.theolivepress.es

FINAL FAREWELL

A GROUNDBREAKING exhibition following the transformation of Picasso from young artist to master is launching in London. The exhibition Becoming Picasso: Paris 1901, will run from February 14 at the Courthold Institute. Works will focus on Picasso’s breakthrough year in 1901, when the 19-year-old artist left Madrid for Paris, to present his debut exhibition. Sometimes producing three pieces a day, he was in such a hurry to make his mark that the young painter immediately embarked on his second exhibition that was presented later that same year. He stunned critics of his time by producing works that totally unsettled the accepted styles of previous artists Velazquez and Degas. Works on display at the exhibition include The Blue Room (top) and visitors will have the chance to say a final farewell to the infamous Child with a Dove which has recently been sold.

Flamenco Baby! Expat novel plugs the Olive Press as it tells the story of Yolande who falls in love with her dance teacher

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

FLAMENCO star Emilio Millan will launch a series of concerts at Casares’ restaurant Mi Cortijo next Sunday. The concert on March 3 will see the former member of the Marismeños entertain lunchtime diners. Millan, who is the founder of the Choir of the Royal and Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Lady of Rocio, in Huelva, has toured much of Europe and America. See advert on the food pages.

‘Goggly-eyed lizards’ inspire new kids book

By Kathryn Richardson A BRITISH author has penned a romantic novel based around an expat falling for her flamenco teacher. Cherry Radford’s new novel, Flamenco Baby, follows the personal life of a dance enthusiast called Yolande who desperately longs for a child but is missing the vital ingredient: sperm. Torn between taking back her faithless ex-partner and trying to convince her gay best friend to be a sperm donor, she turns to flamenco, only to find love with her teacher. The adult novel, set in Granada, follows the love triangles that ensue and explores some of the issues between the two cultures. Mother of two Radford – who men-

Sunday session

tions the Olive Press in the book on a couple of occasions - said she was inspired by her sympathy for girlfriends who couldn’t find the right man to father their children. “I’m very excited! I hope that Flamenco Baby encourages more people to discover flamenco, with its depth of feeling, wide range of emotions – including humour – and individualism,” she explained. Redford, whose first novel Men Dancing was published in 2011, has read the paper during frequent visits to Granada.

A BRITISH author has set his first children’s book in Andalucia. Former head teacher Martin Crowder, 59, from Derbyshire, has based Anna and the Goggly Eyed Lizardy Things entirely in the Axarquia after making trips to the region for several years. The book tells the story of a ten-year old girl’s life changing holiday in the area, with illustrations by Crowder’s youngest son Glyn, 28. The book, from Wibble Publishing, is available on Amazon.

17 17

what’s on

alaga, Centro de Arte Contemporaneo (CAC), February 21, Mayor of Malaga will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the CAC by opening two new exhibitions, plus wine served afterwards to toast the occasion.

ierra de las Nieves Natural Park, February 25 to March 4, The Andalucian Festival of Walking and Culture, featuring daily guided walks, cookery classes, wine tasting and more. For more information contact El Burgo Town Hall.

erez, February 22 to March 9, Flamenco: XVII Festival de Jerez, featuring over 50 perfomances and 44 seminars and classes. Tel 956 14 93 00

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

All aboard the Advertorial

A group of 10 fantastic tourist attractions in inland Malaga have clubbed together to offer a very special inland tour

here is so much going on in the Montes de Malaga and Antequera area. And to best promote the region, a new project Culnatur has pooled the resources of 10 fabulous places to visit. As well as printing 20,000 maps, the project has its own website www.culnatur.es. And with a special membership card that can be downloaded online, visitors will get a 10% discount at all the variety of venues. Here, the Olive Press highlights a few of the chestnuts in store for those prepared to take the short drive inland.

LAS CONTADORAS NATURE SCHOOL Las Contadoras is a traditional country house dating back to the 18th Century. It is situated at the heart of the Montes de Malaga Nature Park, just 20km away from Málaga, and 800 metres above sea level. Surrounded by masses of pine trees and mediteranean flora it offers a unique way to get to know Malaga’s wonderful mountains. Its facilities can accommodate up to 60 people in 12 rooms. It has a dining room, kitchen, lecture theatre and workshops. During the winter months, a nice state room with a fireplace and central heating will alleviate the cold; during the summer, there is a swimming pool and sports area. It also offers activities to get to know the flora, fauna and history of Malaga’s mountains all year round, counting on a multidisciplinary and bilingual team. It also holds workshops on reforesting, aromatherapy, birdwatching and astronomy.

LAGAR DE TORRIJOS ECOMUSEUM Surrounded by a mass of forest trees, characteristic of the Montes de Malaga nature park, the Ecomuseum sits at the start of one of the most attractive paths in Malaga. This region was renowned in the past because of its wonderful sweet, dry and semi-dry wines. The wine was made in traditional buildings, called lagares, and a few of them are still around. The Lagar de Torrijos was built in1843 building and is little changed since then. It currently homes the Ecomuseo, a true must for any visitor to this Nature Park, known for its walking routes, birdwatching and mountain biking.There are local gastronomy workshops and bikes for rent.

BIRDAYTRIP AT MONTES DE MÁLAGA BIOLOGICAL STATION The Montes de Malaga Biological Station is immersed in an intense study of the flora and fauna of the Natural Park, through the classification of plants and the scientific ringing of birds. Its ornithologists have ringed more than 5.000 examples of 50 species in the park. Its days of ringing the birds are open for small groups of birdwatchers. BIRDAYTRIP is dedicated to the organization of birdwatching trips and, in cooperation with the Montes de Málaga Biological Station, will arrange your attendance to the days of ringing.You can get picked up at your hotel and there are English speaking guides, binoculars,telescopes and bird guides for your full enjoyment of the trip.

EL REFUGIO DEL BURRITO El Refugio del Burrito is a Spanish Registered Charity, subsidiary of the Donkey Sanctuary in England.The main aims of the charity are to provide permanent refuge to donkeys and mules all over Spain that suffer with mistreatment or abandonment, the education on animal welfare and providing donkey-assisted therapy for children with special needs. Come and visit our lovely donkeys in our headquarters in Fuente de Piedra. Guided tours and educational visits available on request. Please check our website for special events. Open ALL YEAR ROUND from 11 am to 6 pm. FREE ENTRY.

FUENTE DE PIEDRA’S LAKE Fuente de Piedra’s lake is the largest in Andalucía and the second largest in the country. Each year, it is visited by over 170 bird species, the most famous being the pink flamingo; thousands of them choose the reserve as a nesting place every spring. It is a perfect place for walks, birdwatching, cycling and to enjoy a nice day surrounded by nature.The Jose Antonio Valverde Visitor Centre, situated at the heart of the reserve, offers two exhibition rooms, a lecture theatre, a snack zone and a souvenir shop. Binoculars, bikes and carts for children are available for rent. From the Visitor Centre you can get a guided tour along the different pathways to viewing points, where you can learn about the reserve’s fauna using telescopes.

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

Culnatur! TORCAL ALTO VISITORS CENTRE Torcal de Antequera is one of the most important karstic landscapes in Europe, where you will be able to discover endless rock formations such as the canary, the camel and the hand. Walking its paths, wild fauna will always amaze you: mountain goats, vultures… they are all very easy to spot. Abundant flora brings colour to this karstic environment; flowers such as orchids, peonias and many more are like brushes of colour on the rocks.Torcal Alto Visitor Centre, right at the heart of the park offers many services to visitors such a museum, a lecture theatre, toilet facilities and public paths.The centre also houses a fantastic restaurant where you can indulge in local cuisine; in our shop, you will find local produce, books, souvenirs and clothing. Come and discover a magical world full of impossible shapes as well as all the comfort you’ll find at our Visitor Centre.

LOBO PARK The truth about wolves Enjoy one of the most attractive wolf parks (400.000 m2 of wild nature) where you find four of the most interesting subspecies in the world. We are not a zoo. Are you looking for a new destination for a day out and witness wolves in an exceptional environment that lets no doubt that animals in captivity do have a chance to live in a semi-natural habitat? Come on a guided wolf tour and find out how wolves really are. Opening hours: Open all year round from 10:00 – 18:00. Guided wolf tours: Monday to Friday: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 16:30 Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:30 www.lobopark.com

HONEY MUSEUM The Museo de la Miel (Honey Museum) is a themed centre, which aims to spread knowledge about apiculture, the promotion of different types of honey and beederived products in the area, as well as making the environmental role of the bee known in respect of plants seeding and their preservation. During the visit you can see the elaboration of honey from ancient times to now, understand its properties and the benefits its consumption brings through interactive screens, tools and reproductions that also show bees life inside the hive. There’s the reproduction of a bee farmer with his different tools. Another attraction is our giant bee on a flower and the hive room, which recreates the interior of a hive on a big scale.The visit is completed with a field trip where real hives can be observed, always with the appropriate safety measures, just as a bee farmer would do.

EL TORCAL ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY This is a magical place from which to contemplate the universe. Nestled in the nature reserve of Sierra del Torcal de Antequera, at 1200 metres and without buildings for miles around, the observatory's main goal is to serve anyone interested in astronomy. Among the activities you can find night observations with powerful telescopes for looking at the moon, planets and other parts of the solar system besides stars, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and others - observations of the sun with special telescopes and filters to discover its impressive activity. Introductory and advanced courses, workshops and lectures.

MONUMENTAL SITE OF THE ALCAZABA-REAL COLEGIATA Antequera means history and monuments, all built up throughout the centuries. That is why it is essential for any visitor to get to the upper part of the city where you will be dazzled by the overwhelming monumental site of the Alcazaba and Real Colegiata de Sta. María la Mayor. Here you can experience an original and different view of the city’s history through guided tours by a host or with audio guides available in four languages, with an adapted version for children. All of this within a dramatized visit where characters from the past will surprise you and explain first hand about the construction of both sites in a projection in the Real Colegiata.

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

ALL ABOUT GIBRALTAR

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

FEATURE/28

ROCK ON... To commemorate 300 years since the Treaty of Utrecht, which formally ceded Gibraltar to Britain from Spain, The Olive Press celebrates the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous rock

22 22

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

After centuries of defending itself against attack, as it reaches the landmark 300th anniversary of the Treaty of Utrecht, Gibraltar is focusing on throwing open its doors to business and tourism, discovers James Bryce

A FORTIFICATIONS: Gates, gun emplacements and solid walls would have made life hard for Franco and Hitler

NEW BATTLE THE Queen, Winston Churchill and John Lennon. These are just some of the famous faces looking down from the wall of an unassuming photographic store on Gibraltar’s Main St. The images - all taken during visits to the Rock - form part of an impressive collection of over 200,000 photos charting Gibraltar’s colourful history over the past 100 years. Lennon is pictured posing on the runway alongside his new wife, Yoko Ono, after the couple married in Gibraltar in 1969. A young Queen meanwhile, can be seen smiling and waving to crowds during her only visit to Gibraltar, in 1954. Then there is Prince Charles and Princess Diana leaving for their honeymoon and, more recently, Prince Edward’s visit last year to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. But it is the images of everyday residents that offer the most intriguing insight into life in Gibraltar. Workers repairing boats in the dockyard and a horse race on what is now the airport’s runway, capture a way of life on the Rock which has now largely disappeared. “Gibraltar is such a fascinating place with a wealth of history, I learn something new every day when I’m looking

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

through these photos,” enthuses the shop’s proud owner Luis Mascarenhas. “I can’t think of anywhere else in the world which has such a wide mix of religions and races in such a small space and I get a lot of pleasure from taking pictures of life in Gibraltar. “I already have over 200,000 photos available and there are thousands more which are waiting to be archived. “It’s a huge amount of work, but I love what I do and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else,” continues the 70-year-old, whose collection combines his own photography with archives sold to him over the years. Of course no account of Gibraltar would be complete without mentioning the Rock’s role in military history. Something which a walk along streets including Bomb House Lane, South Barrack Road and Naval Hospital Hill ensures you cannot forget. The walls of Luis’ shop are adorned with photos of the iconic spitfires on the runway during the Second World War, while a Nazi zeppelin can be seen hovering menacingly above the Rock. A picture of a meeting between Adolf Hitler and Spanish dictator General Franco - one of the few images not taken in Gibraltar - shows two men who had a vested interest in the Rock. Franco later attempted to isolate the territory by closing the frontier and cutting telephone communication after Gibraltarians had voted to remain British in a referendum. For the 13 years between 1969 and 1982, families and friends on opposite sides of the fence were physically kept apart, with only limited means of communication. “In the days when the border was closed, families used to gather on either side of the frontier each Sunday and shout

“The Nazi leader planned to invade Gibraltar due to its strategic importance at the head of the Mediterranean” to one another, catching up on the news and complementing each other on how they looked,” says Ajessa Dalmedo from Gibraltar’s tourist board. “There would have been a lot of Gibraltarians who had married Spaniards and who were isolated from their extended family. “It must have been a very difficult time for them.” Hitler’s intentions were even more sinister than Franco’s. The Nazi leader planned to invade Gibraltar due to its strategic importance at the head of the Mediterranean. But although the attack seemed imminent, the dictator failed to carry out his threat, due to the heavy fortifications surrounding Gibraltar on both land and sea. Today, the only occupying forces are the countless betting firms taking advantage of favourable tax regulations, and the hoards of tourists who descend on the Rock each year. In the past 16 years, Gibraltar has licensed 25 international gaming companies, helping to generate revenue which accounts for nearly a quarter of its gross domestic product (GDP). Last year saw three million visitors come to Gibraltar, with up to three cruise ships a day docking here during the busy summer months, providing vital revenue to small businesses. A new airport terminal and plans to construct a tunnel under the runway are evidence of Gibraltar’s ambition to attract more airlines and yet more visitors to the British enclave. “People love visiting the Rock, not only for the weather but also the unique mix of Spanish and English cultures,” explains Dalmedo during a tour of the Rock.

Did you know...

“You can have paella for lunch and then fish and chips for your dinner, it’s quite a unique contrast.” As we tick off the Rock’s key attractions including Europa Point, the stunning St Michael’s Cave and The Great Siege Tunnels, we are occasionally forced to stop due to the Rock’s most famous residents blocking the road. “The apes are undoubtedly the star attraction here but they can be a bit of a nuisance sometimes,” adds Dalmedo, with the kind of mock disapproval usually associated with a loving parent describing their naughty child. “They’ve been known to go into the cafe at the top, open the fridges and help themselves to ice cream and crisps. “They’re certainly not shy,” she laughs, as we watch a car of bemused tourists driving off with an ape on the roof and another hanging from the wing mirror. The views from the top of the Rock are truly staggering, with Morocco looming large to the south, the Costa del Sol curving away to the east, and further still, the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It is from here, atop a peninsula standing just 426 metres high and 5km long, that it becomes apparent just quite how strategic the Rock would have been in times of war. Gibraltar was first fortified by the Moors in 1333, who built a large castle and harbour to keep out unwanted visitors. These defences were later reinforced in the 1500s under Charles V, who ordered the construction of a wall to defend against the threat of pirates. The most impressive defensive effort however, came in the 1700s thanks to the creation of a labyrinth of tunnels constructed to defend against a siege by Spanish and French forces. Prompted by a request by Gibraltar’s governor of the

• The height of the Rock is approximately 426 metres or 1400 feet • The distance between Gibraltar and the coast of Africa is 24 kilometres or 15 miles • The Rock was formed approximately 200 million years ago and is composed of Jurassic Limestone • The UK pound can be used freely in Gibraltar, so there is no need to convert UK notes to Gibraltar ones. However, Gibraltar banknotes are not legal tender in the UK and will not be accepted there • In recent referendums the nearly 30,000 Gibraltarians who live on the Rock voted overwhelmingly to reject any involvement by Spain in their government • Queen Elizabeth II last visited Gibraltar in 1954 • The border was closed by Franco in 1969 and was shut for 13 years, only reopened partially for pedestrians in 1982 before being reopened fully in 1985

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

time, General Eliot, to find a way of placing heavy guns on the north face of the Rock, the network was chiselled out using sledgehammers, crowbars and gunpowder. Eliot was clearly keen to take personal responsibility for the safety of Gibraltar during his time in charge, reputedly sleeping with the key to the city gate under his pillow. Prior to the Second World War a further network large enough to house 5,000 soldiers was dug into the Rock to prepare the enclave for the threat of Nazi invasion. This year the Rock celebrates the 300th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht, an agreement which saw Spain cede Gibraltar to Britain. But despite ongoing tension between the two nations over sovereignty of the Rock, the only battle Gibraltar is concerned with is the fight against global recession. It seems that after centuries of trying to keep people out, these days the Rock is far more concerned with inviting them in.

SCENERY: From an old phone box to a view of the Rock

24 24

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

Digging for Victory giboil-super-244x145:Layout 1 2/14/13 3:50 PM Page 1

It’s time for Gib Oil. Premium products and services with tax-smart savings. Whether it’s your car, yacht or private jet you can expect highly competitive fuel prices due to Gib Oil's advantageous tax position along with quality products and quick, efficient service. Beyond Gibraltar, Gib Oil can manage all global fuel requirements, throughout your worldwide journey. Contact us Telephone: +350 2000 3400 GPS: 36˚ 8' 42" N 05˚ 4' 56" W www.giboil.com Authorised Distributor for Shell Lubricants in Gibraltar.

A remarkable 30 mile tunnel network which housed 5,000 soldiers during the war offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, discovers James Bryce

HE Rock may look solid from the outside, but inside it is more like a Swiss cheese thanks to an extensive tunnel network built during WWII. In what resembles the lair of a James Bond villain, the network housed a self-contained community of 5,000 soldiers and is also where General Eisenhower coordinated the allies’ north Africa campaign. The project - which took three years to complete - was built on the orders of Winston Churchill, who believed that an attack on Gibraltar was imminent. Such was the importance of the community that Churchill personally visited on a number of occasions, as did France’s General Charles de Gaulle. With its own hospital, communications system, water and electric supply - as well as equipment stores and vehicles it could withstand a siege of up to a year. And collectively with over 30 miles of tunnels, there are more roads inside the rock than there are on the outside. It meant orders were often passed on by messengers on motorbikes. Soldiers spent six days a week inside the Rock, working on a rota of eight-hour shifts, which saw three men sharing each bed. With long days of back-breaking physical work, accompanied by a ban on showering and rations of corned beef and baked beans, the stench in such a confined space is easy to imagine. Health concerns due to the lack of sunlight meant that workers were ordered to sunbathe on their days off to

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es ensure they got their Vitamin D intake. Among the men (and 300 women) who lived inside the Rock were clerks, typists and RAF engineers who spent their days assembling spitfires on the airfield below. Each person had their own individual addresses to allow them to receive post, with every tunnel being given an inconspicuous name such as Great North Road, to avoid detection. The tunnel network was so well concealed that despite German spies having an extensive knowledge of Gibraltar’s external defences, they were completely oblivious to the activities inside the Rock. To help maintain the cover, workers would take rocks from a scree slope on the north face of the Rock, which was then topped up under cover of darkness by rubble excavated from the tunnels. Miners and quarry-workers were recruited to build the network, and today you can even see a drill bit sticking out of one of the walls, having become lodged there 73 years ago. Other evidence of a former community includes the original cable hooks still in place along the sides of the tunnels and on the so-called Jock’s Balcony, overlooking the airport names can be clearly seen etched into the rock. The names of hopeful men can also be found on the wall outside the women’s wash block, although perhaps unsurprisingly, the wall outside the men’s toilets remains bare. It may have been 70-odd years ago, but it seems some things never change.

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

You what? Gibraltar tourist office has had some strange questions over the years. Here are some of the best... 1. How much does the Rock weigh? 2. Where do I get the ferry into town? 3. Do locals live in caves? 4. Where is the 'Pillar' of Hercules? 5. Is the Moorish Castle the one used in the Harry Potter movie? 6. What do you do with your sick people? 7. Who built the Rock? 8. Where is the British consul?

A load of old Gibberish There has been much debate about the origins of the word ‘gibberish’, but one of the most popular and plausible explanations links the word to Gibraltar THE Rock’s distinctive mix of English and Spanish, known as ‘Llanito’, involves speakers randomly alternating between the two languages during conversation. Academics have often dismissed the idea that Llanito is the source of the word, insisting instead that gibberish derives from the word ‘jabber’, meaning ‘to talk nonsense’. But the first recorded use of the word ‘jabber’ does not appear until half a century after the first reference to ‘gibberish’, adding weight to the Gibraltar link. Others have argued that the importance of Gibraltar as a military base and tourist destination has been an important factor. They claim that a large number of non-native speakers coming into contact with the supposedly unintelligible Llanito led to the coining of the phrase ‘gibberish’ in reference to the place where it was spoken. Sadly, there is no written record of the word’s first usage to help support the Gibraltarian claims to the word. But regardless of where gibberish derives from, spending a day listening to people speaking Llanito - switching back and forth between English and Spanish - is an experience that needs to be heard to be believed.

Motor

Home

Marine

Travel

Medical

Holiday Apartment

Business

Pet

Community

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

FORWARD THINKING: Fabian Picardo with Al Gore and Pancho Campo

Painting the town green

talk radio europe

Despite ongoing criticism of its bunkering activities, Gibraltar is making a determined effort to work towards a carbon-neutral future, writes James Bryce WHEN it comes to environmental issues, Gibraltar is not the most obvious candidate to receive praise. The Rock has suffered plenty of criticism in recent years over a number of issues including poor air quality and waste disposal. Most notably though Gibraltar’s role as a major hub for oil storage, known as bunkering, has led to sustained criticism from environmental groups. Small spillages are not uncommon in the bay, which has led to fears that a major oil spill is an accident waiting to happen. But the government is fighting back, and has launched a number of initiatives since coming to power in 2011, which are intended to make Gibraltar a greener place. The reduction of import duties on hybrid and electric vehicles and its removal altogether of the tariff on lowenergy lighting is the first step towards encouraging investment in green technology. Then there is the new cycling initiative that encourages people to rent bikes to explore the enclave and two pilot schemes for renewable technologies. With a planned eco-park dedicated to the sorting of waste there is plenty of evidence to show that Gibraltar is serious about the environment. “During the election campaign we said that every minister will be a minister for the environment,” said deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia. “It’s fair to say that it is very much at the forefront of our decision-making; not just in an informational sense but also in a practical, day-to-day sense.” In October, the Rock hosted an international environment forum ‘Thinking Green’, which included a speech by former

US vice president Al Gore. Green activist Gore and fellow speaker Juan Verde, a US government advisor on the environment, encouraged Gibraltar to set an example to the world by becoming a carbonneutral nation. Also speaking at the conference that day was Gibraltar’s minister of the environment, Dr John Cortes, a scientist who has written extensively about the effects of climate change. Born in Gibraltar, Cortes has vowed to help the Rock work towards a greener future and play its part in the fight against global warming. “Any modern, progressive society must assume responsibility beyond its borders for the earth’s resources,” Cortes told the conference. “For many years, Gibraltar has lagged behind in such wide-ranging matters of environmental significance as recycling and power generation. “Awareness has been limited and not encouraged, and projects to improve our performance have been put on hold, risking infractions and fines, damaging our international standing, and what’s worse, compromising the health of our community.” Among the government’s key priorities as part of its manifesto are to increase public awareness of environmental issues and to improve air quality and waste management. Cortes added: “Our people elected the greenest government in history and possibly the greenest in Europe, based on a manifesto that is at the same time ambitious and realistic in its aim to develop Gibraltar and its economy in conjunction with the environment.” There is certainly no doubt that the government is thinking green - but it will be the next few years that will determine how well it is acting green.

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

Rooney on the Rock? GIBRALTAR’S bid to become a full member of European football’s governing body Uefa will be decided in May. A vote by Europe’s 53 official football nations will determine whether or not the Rock can compete alongside Europe’s elite. If successful, it would mean Gibraltar’s players could come up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in competitive matches on the Rock. Gibraltar was granted provisional membership in October following a campaign stretching back 16 years. The Gibraltar Football As-

in 1997, but the world governing body left the decision in the hands of Uefa. Matches are currently played at the 5,000 capacity Victoria Stadium on Winston Churchill Avenue, but full membership would lead to the construction of a new 30,000-seater stadium. The Rock’s Under-19 and Under-17 sides have been provisionally placed in qualifying groups for their 2014 European Championships. The campaign to grant admittance to Gibraltar has been opposed by Spain due to the ongoing dispute over sovereignty. But GFA head Gareth Latin, a banker by trade, brushed aside the controversy by insisting it will be ‘a proud moment’ for Gibraltar. “This is nothing at all to do with politics and we have said it from day one,” said Latin. “We should think of football and work in unity.” And on the battle to win votes, he added: “I don’t expect countries closer to eastern Europe to know where Gibraltar is. It’s important that we make them aware.”

MISS WORLD ON permanent DISPLAY

PORTRAIT: Kaiane

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

Hat-trick of firsts

Some of football’s biggest names could be heading to Gibraltar if Uefa grants full membership to the enclave First Minister Fabian Picardo has had a great first year in office having met Obama in the White House, hit 40 and became a dad for the first time sociation (GFA) originally applied to Fifa for membership

If successful, it would mean Gibraltar´s players could come up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney (left)

A NEW portrait of Gibraltar's very own Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino has gone on permanent display in Gibraltar. The large portrait of the celebrated Gibraltarian by Ambrose Avellano can be seen at the Gibraltar Fine Art Gallery. It acts as a strong reminder for the day

when the residents of the Rock learnt that one of their own was crowned the world's top beauty.

The picture depicts her smiling and wearing a John Galliano dress, who is also Gibraltarian.

IT has been an exciting first 15 months in charge for First Minister Fabian Picardo, who has met President Obama, hit the golden age of 40 and become a dad for the first time! Aside from keeping the enclave out of recession and planning its future, his wife Justine gave birth to son Sebastian last April. In a chat with the Olive Press to mark his second year in power, he was quick to brush off the lateness of becoming a dad. “My dad had me when he was 55 so in my family we all start late,” he said. On more important matters he is also convinced that the enclave’s projected growth over the next few years will continue to make Gibraltar a solid draw for investors. “I think Gibraltar can become a key business hub for Europe and there are many things Gibralter can provide for intelligent investors,” he said. “We are a modern nation and can give quick decisions to the needs of the international investors and we can be ambitious in our growth estimates.” A number of key factors are helping to attract new investment. In particular, Gibraltar has an educated and bi-lingual and skilled workforce. The legal system, based on the British system, is well regarded and a wealth of lawyers and accountants are on hand to help businesses. Infrastructure is improving by the month, with a new airport terminal, in particular, re-

ICARDO

cently opening. Gibraltar is now a fully integrated part of the EU and no longer a ‘tax haven’, meaning it now embraces the rules of the rest of the continent. On

the so-called OECD ‘white list’ the Rock has become compliant with EU financial services regulations, in particular concerning money laundering.

28 28

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

RUNNING OUT OF STOCK! “DEMAND for rental properties at the lower end of the price spectrum, and demand for office space, is exceeding supply,” explains Mike Nicholls, managing director of Chesterton in Gibraltar. “Quite simply, we need more stock!.” According to Nicholls (right) most of the 1000 apartments built from 2006 to 2010 have now been sold and occupied. “With the lack of development finance from banks, no new apartments are being built, or are even in the pipeline,” adds Nicholls.

That’s the problem being encountered by Mike Nicholls, managing director of estate agent Chesterton in Gibraltar

“As the steady migration into Gibraltar continues, that means there is a real squeeze on rental prices, which has a knock on effect to property prices generally. This demand for residential property stems from the employees of companies moving into Gibraltar and needing accommodation. But office stock is also at the lowest it has been for the decade that Nicholls has worked in Gibraltar. “In some cases, in both the office and the residential rental sector, we are finding new

Advertorial

Expats put award-winning Moroccan riad on the market Highly-rated hotel would make great investment material

IT was back in May 2009 that the Olive Press first reported on the newly-opened riad hotel Dar Gabriel in Morocco. The two British expat couples who had bought and transformed this rundown ruin within the fortress walls of the ancient city of Chefchaouen had finished the project and their hotel was finally up and running. Since we printed the article, Dar Gabriel has gone from

strength to strength and has just been awarded a Trip Advisor Traveller’s award for 2013: an award only 1% of the hotels on Trip Advisor ‘s database ever achieve. Chefchaouen nestles in the Rif mountains only a short drive from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. A visit there is like stepping into a medieval world and the town is renowned for the blue painted walls and pavements within the medina.

It is a delight to explore and Dar Gabriel is the ideal place for a weekend break or a homely stop off point on the way to Marrakesh and beyond. Whether you are looking for a rich cultural experience, or a healthy business to invest in, at just €325,000 Dar Gabriel may just be worth a visit. For more info email: penny@ dargabriel.com or call 00 34 686 888 409

tenants before the previous one has moved out. “Last week we closed an offer to purchase a two bedroom property for a buy-to-let client of ours at 2pm on the Thursday. By 3.30pm, we had rented it, to start as soon as the legal completion process was over.” He continues: “It’s becoming a challenge for Gibraltar’s future growth. The advantages of Gibraltar are well documented. However, unless more property is built, the economy will not be able to expand much more.” Established in London in 1805, Chesterton was the Rock’s first international agent when it opened its doors in March 2008. It is now recognised as the leading agent for residential and commercial clients relocating from abroad, predominantly for tax and lifestyle reasons.

Your professional introduction to Gibraltar sales, lettings, relocation

Over 200 years of property experience and over 70 offices worldwide

Chesterton 20 Ocean Village Promenade Ocean Village Gibraltar

T: + 350 200 400 41 F: + 350 200 440 11 enquiries@chesterton.gi chesterton.gi

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

Savills Gibraltar: A year on the Rock The Savills team in Gibraltar have enjoyed great success over their first 12 months of trading IN what many consider still to be a bleak recession, the Gibraltar property market is still very much stable and growing.

CHARM: Gibraltar has some lovely buildings

Savills’ rental portfolio has increased 10 fold, with the buy to let market proving to be the most lucrative. The company’s client base derives from the UK, but close international links with the Savills global network has enabled it to service and entertain a collection of high profile foreign investors from all over the world, in particular Australasia. “With such a tight focus, local know-how is vital,” explains director Sammy Armstrong. “We do not just know the area; we live in it. Everyone on our team is local, so our approach to Gibraltar’s property market combines the rigorous expertise you would expect from a company like Savills with personal insight and practical knowledge.” Kylie Sene leads the administration team, while two new members of staff have recently joined. Jeremy Boyd joins from Chesterton bringing with him a wealth of experience and Laura Green joins us from the marketing and events sector. “We are keen to play our role in Gibraltar’s business and social scene,” adds Sammy. “Our approach is friendly and personalised and we retain close relationships with clients and tenants alike.” Visit Savills at 1/5 Irish Town or contact the team on 00350 20066633 or Sales@savills.gi

29 the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

3034 30

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

Plain sailing

Registering your yacht in Gibraltar has distinct advantages, writes Jonathan Stagnetto THE ROCK'S location at the gateway to the Med and the facilities provided by its local marinas makes it ideally placed to register, moor, repair and maintain all sorts of yachts. All vessels registered in Gibraltar are registered as British flag vessels with documentation being identical to the UK. And mostly you will not have to pay VAT, nor import duty (if your vessel is not based in Gibraltar) and no tax on its sale. Furthermore it is not necessary for shareholders or company directors to be nationals or residents of Gibraltar and it is not necessary for the vessel to be surveyed annually. And finally the skipper does not need to hold any form of mariner's certificate in the case of pleasure yachts under 80 GRT. Any citizens of the EU or British nationals are allowed to register their yachts in Gibraltar and any companies incorporated in British territories and having principal places of business in these jurisdictions can too. Non-EU nationals can therefore make use of Gibraltar companies as approved vehicles for the ownership of their yachts under the British flag. All vessels registered in Gibraltar, however, are required to appoint registered agents in Gibraltar to attend to all registry and radio licensing requirements.

Scam Avoidance - What can yacht brokers do for you? Advertorial

By John Alcantara of Boatshed Gibraltar

hether you are a buyer or seller a yacht broker provides a number of benefits ensuring a stressfree, secure transaction without the likelihood of the other party carrying out a scam on you. Firstly they can help sellers as they know the prices at which sales have recently been made and secondly they will know where is best to market the yacht. The broker filters out the dozens of people offering rockbottom prices, 'guaranteed' funds and request for test sails to see the dolphins etc. Owners – especially on the Costa del Sol – often leave their

For more information contact Jonathan at FORM-A-CO (Gibraltar) Ltd at formaco@gibraltar.gi or call (350) 200 79959

boats in the marinas at the end of the season so make sure your broker has a strong local presence. He is your man on the pontoon for viewings, sea trials and negotiation on your behalf. He will also prepare the documentation for a safe sale. More importantly a yacht broker makes use of a client account to protect the buyer and seller. There are many scammers out there posing as bona fide buyers offering excellent prices, often using a bankers’ draft. You have been warned! A broker will make sure that there are properly cleared funds in the client account before the boat is handed to any buyer. As far as the buyer is concerned there are also many benefits. For a start a broker, especially one who belongs to a global franchise network will provide the widest range of boats and prices. He can also guarantee that the deposit will be held in a safe account and that it will be handed back if the sale does not go through for whatever reason. A good broker provides a clear and safe transaction process for both parties with the deposit returned if a survey indicates previously unknown problems. New buyers can get advice and guidance on everything from berthing to insurance and from registration to training. Visit www.boatshedgibraltar.com for more information or contact John at +350 58009999 or +34 667666753

For all your offshore needs Good service is our creed. We guarantee a personal and confidential service at the most competitive prices.

• • • • •

Yacht Registration Radio/Satellite Traffic Licenses & Accounting Gibraltar Registered Agent Representation Off-the-shelf Companies Tailor-made Companies

• Alternative Jurisdictions Available • Full Administrative / Secretarial Services • Registered Office Back-up • Mail Forwarding Services

PO Box 563, Suites 41/42 Victoria House, 26 Main Street, Gibraltar

t: +350 200 79959 f: +350 200 79894 e: formaco@gibraltar.gi www.formaco.gi Licensed by the Financial Services Commission Licence Nos. FSC00467B/FSC00468B/FSC00469B/FSC00802B

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

Gibraltar in pictures

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

34 34

Gibraltar special

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

shop till you drop RARELY a month goes by when an exciting new shop does not open in Gibraltar. And the last few months have been no exception, with leading brands including Holland & Barrett and Eroski City opening there. As well as Marks & Spencer you will find all the best UK high street shops including BHS, Next and Oasis. There is also a Monsoon, an Early Learning Centre and Top Shop, not to mention brands like Rolex and Swarovski. Giving the celebrated Morrison's supermarket a run for its money, the new Eroski City near the border is promising over 1000 products from UK giant Waitrose. In total its Waitrose range will make up around 15% of the outlet's total product offering. Meanwhile, the enclave's celebrated Morrison’s supermarket is still going strong and said to be the most lucrative in the whole chain. It has become a ritual for expats up and down the

Redefining the colour grey

There is a lot more to Gibraltar than just duty free cigarettes and perfume. Over the last few years there has been a real revolution in the quality of shops to open there, writes Elizabeth Gould coast to head to Gibraltar a few times a month just to do their regular shop there. Another shop worthy of note is The Beacon Press, which is Gibraltar’s leading supplier of general and computer stationery, office products and furniture. Established for over 20 years it is strong on customer service and makes regular deliveries to its business clients around the Rock. Another couple of stylish new retro-style shops to open are Chique Boutique in Ocean Village and All Wrapped up in Irish Town. Chique Boutique sells clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and make up and has recently launched an online gift company which can deliver gifts from Malaga to Gibraltar. All Wrapped up offers gifts and homeware. Meanwhile Marine & Indus-

trial is a battery specialists and stocks a wide range of batteries for cars, marine, motorcycles and mobility equipment. The Cycle Centre on Devils Tower Road offers a wide range of cycles at duty free prices. Gache Opticians offers a great choice and

friendly service while Imperial in Los Barrios is a fantastic place for quality tables, chairs and sofas. You will also find the latest Apple products at Newton store in Irish Town Finally if you are looking for a Land Rover visit Capurro in Line Wall Road.

www.theolivepress.es

SINCE the phenomenal success of erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey no one has been surprised by a huge upsurge in sales for sex toys and erotic underwear. But one Gibraltar shop has also seen a demand in grey lingerie. AiméeJay Intimates is seeing more and more customers buying grey undergarments since the 120 million-selling book – now translated into 61 languages came out. “It is great to see S&M brands fly off the shelf, but for the first time we are seeing a demand for grey lingerie too,” explains owner AiméeJay, who moved to the Rock after running a successful spa in Oxford. “Clients even want grey accessories such as gloves and blindfolds: grey is now holding its own against the reds and blacks. Over Christmas we sold out of grey silk ties for role playing Christian Grey! And in our summer collection, we are strongly featuring grey as the new black. “It is making my inner goddess wonder if the man in a dowdy grey suit is actually sending a very different message to what I once thought!”

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

36 36

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

No time to monkey about Kathryn Richardson takes a look at how the Gibraltar government educates its children. FOR those readers who think children in Gibraltar receive a more privileged education than those in the UK, you may be right if you’re counting the weather. But the truth is, children

on the Rock learn the same material as children in the UK and Wales, with schools following the National Curriculum at all the key stages. Not surprisingly, Spanish is compulsory from the age of four, in comparison to

IN RUDE HEALTH GIBRALTAR has a fairly good standard of health and unlike the UK it has not been affected by the recession. In fact, the Gibraltar Health Authority offers a range of healthcare services including Acute, Primary Care and Mental Health Services, which are funded by government revenues and those registered within the scheme. This means that healthcare services for contributors are free of charge and prescription costs have been kept at a low rate of £2.50 per item or a maximum of £7.50 no matter how many items you need. As with the UK, residents who fit into categories such as low income are exempt from these charges. Unlike the UK, elderly Gibraltarians benefit the most in the system, with pensioners being able to receive care in the UK due to an agreement which mirrors EU regulations.And because the territory has a more limited range of specialties, they also pay for patients, together with an escort, to receive treatment in UK hospitals such as The Royal Marsden Hospital, Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital.

England and Wales where children begin learning languages at the age of 11. Altogether there are nine nurseries, including one for children with special needs, and 14 schools. The schools are divided into three sectors, First (4-7 year olds), Middle (8 to 11-yearolds) and Secondary (12 to 18-year-olds). The two secondary schools are divided by sex with the Bayside Comprehensive School for boys and the Westside Comprehensive School for girls. Alongside this is one special school, St. Martin’s Special School, for children with special needs and learning disabilities from 4 to 16 years and the Gibraltar College which offers academic, vocational and professional courses to students aged 15 and over. Jewish children are catered for at The Hebrew Primary School, the only faith school in Gibraltar, which teaches 4 to 11-year-olds but also accepts children of other faiths too.

www.GibraltarBusinessCentre.com Virtual Office with a Main Street address Give your Business a professional presence in Gibraltar!       

£50.00 a Month or pay for the year and get 2 months free! Same day setup. We can hold or forward mail. Facilities for receiving Faxes and forwarding or e-mailing. Scan and e-mail any letters to you the same day. 20% off any other services from our office. FREE Tea or Coffee when you pop in to our office or use our Hot Desks

Suite 4, 2nd Floor, 209 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel. 00350 200 66330 Fax. 200 61970 Skype. gibbizcentre

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

25 E

SH OP PI NG

FR EE

to sp en d Pe in E t In l C su ort ran e I ce nglé .O s ffe if y r e ou nd tak s3 e 1s out t M Li arc ber h 2 ty S 01 egu 3. ros

Thank you LiberTy

VO UC HE R

for giving us exactly the cover that each of us needs Choose the best cover for your best friend from three types of Pet Insurance available.

Benefits include: ■

■ ■ ■

Stay at kennels when owner is hospitalised Telephone Assistance Loss and Theft European Cover

■

Vet Assistance due to accident or illness Accidental Death or Death due to illness Burial or Cremation Expenses

Fetch a quote NOW from your nearest broker  902 255 258  www.libertyexpatriates.es OLIVE PRESS – 300mm x 244mm

February 20th

38 38

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

THE OLIVE PRESS IS NOW DISTRIBUTING 3,500 COPIES ON THE ROCK Here are the main places stocking the Olive Press in Gibraltar: • Café Fresco • O’Reileys • Ibex Insurance • Morrisons • Elliot Hotel • Sacarellos • ICC Shopping Centre • Cafe Solo • Café Rojo • Colourworks • Rolex • Caleta Hotel • Ibex Insurance • Eroski city (Waitrose) • Gala Casion • King’s Bastion

Advertorial

SECURING THE ROCK Insurance company Ibex has grown in Gibraltar thanks to the good personal service it offers its clients

POTATO shops that don’t sell potatoes and businesses that have been flooded out - these are just some of the problems faced by insurance firms in Gibraltar. But despite the odd setback, and an economic downturn affecting the rest of Europe, the Rock appears to be going from strength to strength. This has prompted one insurance company to establish a new base in Gibraltar, catering to the large number of thriving local businesses. Set up in 2000, Ibex Insurance moved into Gibraltar eight months ago having established itself as one of the leading providers of car and motor insurance to expats

AVE you ever regretted buying a laptop in Spain? Found the operating system impossible to understand and the keys in all the wrong places? Well, you don’t have to go all the way to the UK to solve the problem. In nearby Gibraltar everything is in English (the operating system, the keyboard and the manual) and there is no shortage of computer and electronics shops plying their trade. What’s

in Spain and Portugal. “It is a very buoyant market here and there is a lot of growth in Gibraltar. It doesn’t appear to have been hit by the recession,” said Rachelle King, retail manager at Ibex. “People in Gibraltar really seem to value customer service, which we see as being one of our strengths, and we have had a lot of referrals as a result of that. “We provide a personal service and I think people value being able to pop in and speak to us rather than having to go through a call centre. We know all of our customers on a personal level and that makes a big difference to our understanding of their needs,” adds the 42-year-old Londoner, who joined the firm five years ago. Ibex has 45 staff working from its Gibraltar office across all areas more they are VAT-free (al- pletely duty free. Laptops and of insurance, but it is though there is a small im- computers pay a small import the retail sector that port duty) which makes duty. is seen as the biggest them cheaper than in Spain. On Main Street and in Irish growth area. Whether you are looking for Town you will find a mix of in“We carry out risk asa laptop, an iPad or a mobile dependent retailers, including sessments and point phone, it’s perfect. Gibraltar the Newton Store, one of only a out to clients what has been home to these com- handful of official Apple stores they can do to preputer and electronic stores in the region. it is an excellent vent accidents. It’s for more than 50 years, and place to buy everything from our job to make peowas originally completely duty an iPad to an iMac and the ple aware of potential free when shopping there. problems before they team of English-speaking techNow only cameras are com- nicians is second to none. become one.”

COMPUTER WORLD

‘Lucky with jobs’ JOBSEEKERS have plenty of opportunities in Gibraltar with the economy still growing and plenty of jobs available in a variety of sectors. “We are lucky in Gibraltar to see the job market staying active, with the e-gaming industry continuing to evolve , and the financial services sector expanding.” said Russell Hood of First Choice Recruitment. “The use of temporary and contract staff as a flexible resource is another trend we expect to see grow over the coming year. Overall, I am very optimistic about new opportunities opening up for people eager to work.” His company’s success is based upon the premise that there is more to a person than their CV and more to an employer then their job specification.

Advertorial

Offshore asset disclosure comes to Spain’s wealthy expatriates A message from Totus – internationally experienced wealth managers for over 25 years, now with a qualified team of advisers living and working near you.

UNTIL now, few expatriates here gave so much as a second thought to the often large percentage of their assets they have kept “offshore” from Spain, and treated as “non-Spanish” for tax purposes.

Totus

From the start of this year, however, the Spanish authorities will be expecting these expats to reveal all, as Spain – quite rightly, in our opinion – prepares to begin taxing Spanish residents on all of their worldwide income, not just that arising in the country itself. Failure to declare any amount worth more than €50,000 in any single asset class, could result in a tax and fine equal to up to 150% of the tax due on the undeclared non-Spanish assets, which would be taxed as if they were income. Hacienda’s message is loud and clear: if it discovers you have any undeclared assets, and you’ve failed to disclose them during the amnesty that just ended, you face potentially huge fines. Not surprisingly, our message to expatriates living in Spain, is this: if you have assets including bank accounts and investments worth more than €50,000, and you have not told Hacienda about them, you should waste no time in arranging to speak to an adviser or tax specialist as soon as possible – if you don’t want to risk losing all of it. Fully regulated in Spain via Gibraltar (FSC) and London (FSA) we have qualified experienced advisers along the Spanish Costas and in Gibraltar who are ideally placed to help you. Totus is an international multi-disciplined wealth and tax management group. Our objective is to minimise exposure to tax and protect and maximise wealth by combining the expertise of tax consultants, lawyers, independent financial advisers, and asset managers to offer a seamless and integrated service to our 20,000 clients worldwide. For further information call +34 901 101 379 or email us at: spain@ totus.com Totus Consulting, Suite LG1, O’Callaghan Eliot Hotel, 2 Governor’s Parade, Gibraltar Totus Consulting is a trading style of 20Twenty Independent Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (UK) registration no. 137678

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Gibraltar special

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

WHERE TO EAT

VARIETY: Bussling Sacarello’s, while The Landings and Patrick (right) and (bottom left) Cafe Solo’s terrace

QUAY TO THE STOMACH LITTLE by little the message is getting out that if you want to eat well in Gibraltar you need to get off Main Street. This is certainly the case with a string of new restaurants opening up on charming Queensway Quay, a millionaires playground where houses start at £4.2 million mark. Without a doubt the best of a string of eateries here is the wonderful Landings, an elegant and relaxed place to have lunch or supper. With its stylishly set raffia tables overlooking the ma-

rina, it is no surprise that recent regulars include John Prescott, First Minister Fabian Picardo and a variety of Coronation Street stars. “We get a lot of wealthy yachtie types too,” explains owner Ann Hudson, who heralds from the south coast of England. The menu is also appropriately grand, with a superb mix of exciting dishes and plenty of adventurous cuisine. This season’s highlights include a delicious seafood salad of lobster and prawn, beautifully presented with a slice of goats cheese, baby grapefruit slices and a free range egg. Chicken livers with a rich onion gravy and mashed potatoes was superb on a cold day and the homemade terrine of duck and foie with pistacio nuts and bacon particularly grabbed me. There was an amazingly good value Kobe burger at just £16 served on a Jamaicanstyle potato rosti with wasabi mayonnaise. The Jamaican influence includes Jerk pork and

FRINGE FEST LAUNCHES GIBRALTAR will host its first Fringe festival in June. The event taking place in the Alameda Botanic Gardens, from June 20 – 23 will include theatre, dance, music, busking and street performance, as well as art exhibitions. Acts so far confirmed at the event supported by the Olive Press include a dance workshop, led by Swiss Italian Flavia Ghisalberti and other acts including ‘Paperman’ Lorenzo Torres, and a German called Mr Tang. Gibraltarian group, Metro Motel, will also host a concert. Organiser, Schirin Boudny, said: “Gibraltar is on the international Fringe map now and we hope to attract local artists as well as international ones, year by year. “A Fringe is fun, for the performers as well as the audience! I am very excited and look forward to some fun days in June.” Performers can request nontraditional performance venues too, including bathrooms, bus stops and rooftops. Applications for performers close on February 28. For more information visit www.gibfringe.com

Jon Clarke locates the most exciting places to eat on the Rock

chicken and ‘herb festival’ cake and is all thanks to head chef, Patrick Rogers, who trained for five years under Anton Edelman at London’s Savoy. “We make all our food from fresh and everything from scratch and I am building up a good team here,” he explains. “I think we are fast garnering a good reputation here and that is good news.” Another excellent waterfront venue is the nearby Water-

front, while Ipanema over in Ocean Village is a Brazilianstyle churrasco, run by amiable owners Danny Breeze from Kent and wife Marianna from Slovakia. If it is light bites you are looking for - or by far the best coffee - then look out for Sacarellos. This charming, always busy, former coffee warehouse, has been going since 1817, and is famous for roasting and blending its own coffees.

“I grew into the business,” says current manager Patrick Sacarello, whose great-grandfather Bartholomew founded the business in 1888. “Although I studied at a London University, I ended up back coming back to coffee because it’s such a beautiful business,” says the 61-yearold. And with nine nieces and nephews, Patrick is hopeful the Sacarello heredity will continue going strong after him. Also extremely popular is the

superbly located Café Solo on Casemates Square, which has a terrace, almost always full at lunchtimes. You sit with wonderful views of the Rock and watch the world go by as you eat a great range of dishes and specials of the day.

Gibraltar special

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Gibraltar special Gibraltar has long been a popular venue to tie the knot, discovers Jon Clarke

It’s no rocky road!

A LOVE YOU DO: John and Yoko got married in Gib

BIG fan of southern Spain it was perhaps not that much of a surprise when John Lennon decided to tie the knot in Gibraltar in 1969. The Beatle and his Japanese wife Yoko Ono said ‘I do’ on the Rock, before spending a famous week in bed in Canada. But they are far from the only big names to have

married in the Las Vegas of southern Europe. Since then there has been a steady stream of famous lovebirds taking advantage of the years of history, siege and intrigue, which has given Gibraltar its passionate spirit. “We’ve had Sean Connery, Rick Parfitt and Sir John Mills over recent years,” explains Karl Grambow, a commissioner of oaths, who has been helping to marry couples for decades. “I helped IT’S anything but your normal corner marry Fredshop... and it’s been around for a while. die Starr, who Well, since the second world war to be was a parexact. ticularly quiet And another thing about Corner Shop man, whose Ltd (left), it is not actually a corner wife did all the shop, it is really a chain of two shops talking.” selling perhaps the best quality paints The German, and home decorating equipment on the who settled south coast. on the Rock Run by an amiable Gibraltarian Daryl, it for reasons stocks all the leading UK brands includof romance ing Dulux, Cuprinol and Hammerite. in 1966, ex-

No normal corner shop

plains how each year hundreds of couples fly in from all over the world to get married or simply to renew their vows. But Gibraltar’s appeal as a romantic sojourn is not new. During the 1950s Hollywood stars Lawrence Harvey and Margaret Leighton were one of the first high profile couples to marry on the rock. But there are a few things that need sorting out in advance, if you wish to get married in Gib. You will need, perhaps obviously, your passport, as well as your birth certificate and a document of non impediment, proving you are free to marry. Due to its popularity it is also advisable to apply early for a suitable date at the Register Office in Gibraltar. A number of experienced wedding planners can be found to help you through the tricky proceedure.One of the best of these is Sam Dimond, 28, from All Things Nice, who has her own shop selling all range of wedding dresses, suits and paraphanalia. “There are a number of good places to get married now and the wedding photos and almost certainly the weather will be perfect.”

43 the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

Solomon Levy – Proud Gibraltarian Mason Jones chats to one of the Rock’s most colourful characters about his Jewish roots GIBRALTAR’S longest-serving estate agent says he will call me back in exactly ten minutes. Like clockwork, the phone buzzes and it’s Solomon Levy MBE. Nephew of the Rock’s first Chief Minister, first Civic Mayor and general man about town, Levy - more commonly known as ‘Momy’ – is Gibraltarian through and through. The dapper 76-year-old quickly explains how he was one of the Rock’s early birds when it came to real estate. “When I started in 1960 there were only four estate agents in the whole of Gibraltar, growing to 35 agents at one stage. “There are fewer than that now, but even in the recession there is still a demand for property in Gibraltar and people still want to invest here because of the security it provides.” Although it is clear that Momy loves his town dearly, he doesn’t think too much of certain sections of the 1713 treaty that gave the Rock to the British. “To this day it still says no Jews or Muslims are allowed on the Rock, and although you may not see me do it, I stick two fingers up to that treaty! “In fact the first thing I did as mayor was get the Rabbi, the Imam and the Catholic Bishop together to shake hands!”

Gibraltar special

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Top Dollar

www.theolivepress.es

25 23

Introducing our new fortnightly 25 business section with tips on how to save AND the make money olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013 45

Drinks giant to relaunch gin products with £1m marketing campaign

Hey Big Spender Sopresantas Government figures reveal British tourists in Spain have splashed the cash more than any other nation WHEN it comes to splashing the cash while holidaying in Spain, it seems British holiday makers are the most likely to get out their wallets and say, “Recession? What Recession?!” According to data from the Spanish government, British tourists parted with a staggering €1.46 billion in 2012- 12 % more than in 2011. The French came in second at €515 million, up 16.6%, whilst spending from Scandinavian tourists grew by 17.5% and the Irish by 32%. According to the report, the average tourist visiting Spain spends around €76.3 a day and stays for 12 days.

A SPANISH drinks giant is ploughing more investment into its gin brands after a massive upturn in sales. Diageo, which owns the Gordon’s and Tanqueray brands, is taking advantage of a rush of sales for the spirit. Spain and the UK are among the biggest buyers of gin, despite both countries being in a recession. The company believes the return of retro gin-based cocktails such as the French 75, found particularly in Madrid and London, helped boost sales. According to Diageo’s global director for vodka, gin and rum, Ed Pilkington, Spain’s gin market grew 20% last year, despite the county hitting record unemployment figures. Research group, Nielson, also reported UK sales up at 12% in pubs, bars and restaurants, and 5%

By Kathryn Richardson in off-licences and supermarkets. Diageo is now pledging a £1m marketing campaign which will see the company launch a collection of flavoured gins next month, including Crisp Cucumber. Supported by bartenders, Diageo will also relaunch a limited edition of its popular Tanqueray Malacca. Of the exciting increase in sales, Mr Pilkington said: “What we’re really excited about is it’s growing in parts of the rest of the world as well.” He added that the company hopes its more expensive, premium versions, will spread to regions such as Latin America.

You can now watch Jamie Oliver and many other BBC shows via YouTube’s new TV network, although you may lose it this summer

That’s pucker... for now

Gin Sales Surge FANS of Jamie Oliver’s TV shows in Spain can now be watched via a new TV channel launched by YouTube. The top chef’s shows are to be shown on 60 different broadcast-style channels, which will also feature many programmes from BBC Worldwide and ITV. Viewers previously had to link up their TV sets to the internet or watch YouTube on a computer. The deal, which was struck by its owners Google with Freesat, will boost the company which pledged to offer other types of content than just the traditional channels. Freesat launched in 2008, offering customers a free service, once they buy the required set-top box. Some 1.7m UK households have it as well as up to one million in Spain. Under new regulations however, viewers of Freesat are likely to lose their television this summer when most of the big UK networks migrate to a new satellite. See Big TV Switch Off on page 48

Top Dollar

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

BACK Confusion increases ON THE RIGHT W TRACK Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander

It has been a much debated subject for the last month and there is a lot of misinformation and speculation. Here Richard Alexander has another look at the new rules regulating overseas asset declaration

HILE it has only been a few weeks since a royal decree required tax residents to file details of their overseas assets, already there is a huge amount of confusion in terms of what needs to be declared and the actual deadline for doing so. Thankfully you still have a little more time, with the deadline falling at the end of April rather than March as had previously been anticipated. Ultimately there are three main areas which need to be considered. They are real estate, cash-based investments like bank accounts, and capital invest-

ments like insurance policies, stocks and shares and pensions. In each of these the taxman (hacienda) wants to know if they are worth more than €50,000. For some of these, establishing the value at the end of December 2012 is relatively easy – bank account balances, for example, are the actual balance at the end of the year or the three-month average if higher. But when it comes to pensions and insurance contracts, that’s when it starts to get confusing. For example, if you have a personal pension fund, which you have not started to take benefits from then it is the

value of the fund, which needs to be declared. However, if you have exchanged your pension fund already for a guaranteed lifetime income, you may well have purchased an annuity contract. From a UK perspective, you would be told that the annuity has no capital value because it cannot be turned back into a cash fund. The value therefore would be zero but this is not how the Spanish authorities are interpreting it. They are looking for a capital value to be applied. Many people have their pensions provided through an employers scheme, which may be guaranteeing a level of pension with no capital value being

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

expressed at all or they may have entitlement to local authority pensions which again have no capital value as such. Different types of insurance have different treatment as well. If you have a life insurance policy that will only pay out on death, with no other benefits applying, then there is no capital value to declare. If however, it is an endowment policy or a whole life policy with an investment content, then it will indeed have a value and will need to be added to all other investments that fall under the same overall category to determine whether the €50,000 limit has been exceeded and consequently will need to be declared. Under the general investments category, reference is made to bonds but what about premium bonds? These, I believe, should actually come under the cash category and need to be considered with the total of other cash investments. As the tax specialists get to grips with the new requirements, hopefully this will all become clearer and I will be happy to update you all in due course. You can actually get regular updates emailed to you by getting in touch at info@ ra-fp.com or through the enquiry form on our website at www.ra-fp.com

IMF says reforms are a major achievement SPAIN’S financial sector is on the road to recovery according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF says the clean-up of undercapitalised banks is now at an advanced stage with key reforms being adopted. An IMF spokesman said: “It is a major achievement which should strengthen confidence.” The news comes as the president of the European

By Kathryn Richardson Central Bank Mario Draghi also praised the way Spain was sorting out its financial woes. During a press conference he said that the country was now 'possibly even seeing a recovery at a more advanced stage that the rest of the Eurozone.'

Advertorial

Switch over to save in Spain

IN 2010 the law regarding electricity changed in Spain to allow competition into the market. The monopoly previously enjoyed by the state run electricity company was due to come to an end however not without some resistance. This ‘company’ took the opportunity to increase the tariff of most households. Overnight electricity bills increased with clients notified by mail that they now had an option to switch providers - however this letter was delivered in Spanish. Many expats who lived abroad did not receive the notification and many of those who did live in Spain did not understand it, let alone understand how to go about changing electricity providers. From this one letter, Save in Spain was born, its aim is to help clients save money on not just electricity but other bills including gas, phone and other services. Visit www.saveinspain.com for more info.

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

47 23

Top Dollar Don’t let your dream home get swept away by inheritance tax

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Advertorial

Save money on international payments A NEW online international payment service has been designed for businesses. The new system set up by HiFX will allow people to transact up to £1m of foreign currency a year. Businesses can now convert €50 to €300,000 at the touch of a button. The exchange company can also let clients know once a currency reaches a certain level. So if you’d like to know when Sterling next hits 1.20 against the euro, or the euro next hits 1.40 against the dollar, simply tell HiFX and its advisors will let you know immediately when it happens. “Having access to free international payments and better exchange rates saves your business money,” explained a spokesman. Contact the team now on 951 203 926 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk.

HOT AIR?

HAT a difference a year makes, with the euro continuing to strengthen, while sterling goes into nosedive. It’s clear that the volatility we’ve seen so far this year in the sterling/euro rate looks set to continue with exchange rates being a focus for central bankers and politicians alike. The single currency is certainly on a roll in comparison to sterling which has struggled to recover since falling below the key psychological level of 1.20. What is most interesting is how the Eurozone is suddenly being portrayed with more confidence and optimism abounds. This has certainly spread to the euro, with investors seeing it as a safe-haven for investment. Most of this can be traced back to July when the European Central Bank President Mario Draghi declared ‘the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro. And believe me, it will be

enough.’ The euro’s recovery is, of course, quite an achievement given the rising borrowing costs for the governments of the Eurozone’s third and fourth biggest economies, Spain and Italy. One term we are hearing more and more of is ‘currency wars’, which is where countries like Switzerland, Japan, and even the UK through asset purchasing, seek to boost their flat-lining economies by weakening off their currencies and boosting their exports. Either way, the euro is slightly overvalued at the moment, in part due to positive comments from both Mr Draghi and Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel, who have been gently blowing hot air up the euro in recent months. But if you gently blow hot air up the bottom of the currency, forcing it to rise, and then you cut interest rates by 25 basis points, you’ll probably bring it back down again.

Keith is head of European Sales at HiFX. To contact HiFX and find out how the team can help you with your international transactions, call in at the office in Centro Plaza, call 951 203 986 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk

MOST owners are not aware that their beneficiaries and their estate may have to pay inheritance tax both in their country of domicile and in Spain. Spanish law dictates that the beneficiary of your estate must pay tax on the amount that they inherit. The level of tax payable is not a fixed rate and is determined by the relationship to the deceased, their residency status and their existing wealth in Spain. In addition the estate of the deceased could be liable to pay inheritance tax in their country of domicile. For example if the deceased was UK domiciled and had worldwide assets in excess of £325,000 then the estate could also be liable for inheritance tax at 40% payable in the UK. What are the options to minimise the liability? Unfortunately, it is common practice for lawyers and tax advisers who are not conversant with both jurisdictions to advise based on their own, often insufficient, knowledge. We have known of cases in the past where property owners in Spain have been advised to prepare a Spanish will to avoid the tax. But as the tax is paid by the person inheriting the asset, the existence of a will does nothing to minimise this. There are also times when

the existence of a separate will in Spain actually complicates matters and increases legal costs. It is key, then, that all British owners of Spanish property have a UK will dealing with their worldwide assets, thereby making another will elsewhere unnecessary. Another misconception is that by simply taking out a mortgage on the property it will reduce the tax liability on death. It is true that the value of the asset will be reduced by the amount outstanding on the mortgage, however the banks often insist that life policies are taken out which pay off the mortgage on death and thus the beneficiaries are back to inheriting the whole of the unencumbered property. Even if there is not a life policy then there is a substantial debt outstanding which will have to be paid before the property can be transferred. Finally the most dangerous option is to transfer the property to your children or beneficiaries now. The Spanish tax is payable not only on the inheritance of a property

If you own a property in Spain, then you need to read this article by Mark Roach at Wincham but also the gifting of a property so the tax would be paid sooner rather than later. Also once the property is in the names of your beneficiaries then you have to be able to trust that they will not dispose or charge your asset and leave you homeless. Issues of insolvency, divorce and your beneficiary pre-deceasing you can also add complications to what appeared to be a simple transaction. The Solution Quite simply you invest your Spanish property into your own UK Company (which Wincham can supply) of which you will be the director and shareholder and have total control. There would be no 7-10%

Property Transfer Tax payable on this transaction and you can use Spanish legislation to conveniently own and maintain your home within a corporate structure in the most tax efficient way. Although the use of an off shore company creates an additional 3% tax burden each year, the UK is not classed as off shore and Spain must provide UK companies with the same benefits they allow their own companies and cannot charge the 3% tax. Visit www.winchamiht.com, for more info or contact an advisor on +44 (0)1260 299700 (UK) or 0034 965 830 991 (Spain). We have offices in Alicante, Marbella and Cheshire.

Big TV Switch Off...how communities will lose out

Advertorial

Need some advice? IFA International can help IFA International is one of Europe's premier advisory firms for the International resident offering advice on areas such as portfolio management, QROPS and tax positioning. IFA International prides itself on placing the client first by offering a client focused solution which includes monthly reviews. This facility keeps our clients in-touch with their fund allowing them to track the growth of their investment month by month. Our network of European offices offers convenient meeting places for our clients whilst providing European coverage. IFA International holds direct "terms of business" with such companies as Old Mutual, one of the world's largest financial companies. We hold excellent working relationships with Isle of Man trustees. These working relationships allow IFA International to offer concise and competent advice positioning our clients favourably, all advice given is documented and recorded. As part of our process IFA International provides original documentation direct to the client. This process again, keeps the client at the centre of our business whilst the client maintains a record of advice given and the advice process. For more info or to make an appointment to talk with a private advisers, please contact us via - www.ifainternational.com / www.ifaiqrops.co.uk

Michael Coard, boss of Smartsat-tv explains how community TV systems will be affected in the big TV switch off this summer THERE are basically two types of community systems known as IF distribution or RF distribution. In an IF system one satellite dish is used to supply all the community residents with their own connection to the dish and with the freedom to choose their own set top box whether it be Sky, Freesat or a generic free to air receiver. In a RF distribution system the community dish is connected to a bank of satellite receivers (one for each channel) and the signals are modulated and then distributed using the community coaxial cabling. The number of channels received is dictated by the number of receivers deployed and note well, High Definition (HD) is not usually available and choice is limited. Whatever system is used it is almost certain that by the late summer of 2013 all the public service broadcast channels, namely BBC, ITV, C4 and C5 will move from their present broadcast satellite Astra 1N to Astra 2E or 2F and

will disappear from our screens on the Costa Del Sol and inland Andalucia if presently received via a Satellite dish . Community presidents and the satellite installers who maintain community systems should now start preparing for these changes as there are now thankfully alternatives. For communities that have good internet connections there is no problem, individuals will be able to subscribe to a professional streaming service and continue viewing with virtually no interruption. However if you are part of one of the unfortunate communities that have been abandoned by Telefonica and have poor or no ADSL then I recommend you act now as individual streaming will be unlikely and you may need to consider an RF distribution system backed by a dedicated microwave internet link. www.smartsat.tv

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013 49

Law

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

Muslims escape prison after fight breaks out during prayer stunt at Cordoba cathedral A GROUP of Muslims have escaped prison after a fight broke out as they began praying at the famous Mesquita in Cordoba. The nine Austrians were facing 15 years in prison between them for assault and orchestrating prayers in the historic mosque, which is now consecrated as a cathedral. Prayers have been outlawed at the cathedral since 2010 despite Muslims repeatedly lobbying the Roman Catholic Church. The court heard how the group allegedly arrived separately with walkie-talkies and refused to stop praying when asked by security guards. They claim however that

Thou shalt NOT pray

they did not know praying at the cathedral was banned before taking part in a three minute prayer, led by Zaid El-Aifari. The cleric told the court how onlookers had asked the guards to let them finish their prayers. He also denied that any of the group attacked security guards and claims trouble broke out only when a guard

By Frances Leate

took out a truncheon and began to hit them. He alleged that he was physically assaulted by a guard, while two of his group denied attacking the guards with a Swiss Army knife and crutches. Currently Muslim visitors are informed when they buy their tickets that praying is banned. The group was acAFTER a successful 25 years in the UK, Cotton Traders quitted due to a lack opened an online shop to deliver to Spain last summer. of evidence. Renowned for quality in comfortable fabrics and classic Judge Juan Luis styles its range it is now offering a three-day delivery Rascon said: “Alservice for only £6.95. though their beThe new Spring/Summer collection includes essential haviour could be items like colourful polo shirts and Ultimate Shape considered socially Jeans – available in four colours and six lengths. reprehensible by The bestselling 'seersucker' fabric is also available for some, to convict men and women in a variety of styles. Not only does this them would do a unique fabric look great, its ingenious textured weave disservice to freemeans it’s cool and easy to care for too. dom of religious thought and respect Visit www.cottontraders.co.uk for the plurality of religions.”

Have you cottoned on yet?

Law

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013 1951

AGONY ANT

Watch your drinking YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

It’s normally best to admit guilt and take your ban than try and fight your case, writes Antonio Flores of Lawbird

BY now, most people should be aware that drinking alcohol and driving are two incompatible activities that, when mixed, can put people’s lives at risk. But alcohol-impaired driving will also get the driver into serious trouble with the authorities, particularly when alcohol breath readings exceed 0, 25 mg/litre or blood levels 1, 5 gr/litre. It will also become a criminal offence if the level of alcohol exceeds 0, 6 mg/liter in a breath test and 1, 2 mg/liter in blood. Additionally, one faces an automatic driving ban and a fine and where this is careless driving, refusal to provide a specimen for analysis or an accident causing injury or death to other people, a prison term. Statistically, 98% of cases end up with the court passing a guilty verdict and it is for this reason that most lawyers will advise their clients to plead guilty to benefit from a 'slap on the wrist' reduced sentence (normally an eight to 12 month ban and an €800 to €1,000 fine), avoiding more severe consequences. But then, there is always a departure from the norm. The remaining 2% of drivers will pluck up courage, challenge the prosecutor’s offer and win! This is how some did it:

•

A driver who had been charged with criminal drink driving provided a medical report certifying that, while under the effects of a drug called Manidon, a breath test reading of 0,63% mg/litre should read 0, 53% mg/litre. This meant that he fell under the threshold to be criminal prosecuted and so the court had to acquit him, even though the certificate was issued two days after the event and did not certify that the driver had taken the prescription drug on the day, only that he was being treated for it!

•

A driver was found in a vehicle that happened to be diagonally parked. When the police ordered him to come out of the car, he stumbled and fell right down, being

Ask Ant Q. I registered with the Social Security office as an 'autónomo' a while back and closed my business down, without deregistering with the social security office. I have now received a letter claiming arrears up until last month, what can I do? A. If you did not de-register then you will be requested to pay as social security needs to be informed, formally, that a worker is no longer active. There may be an option to negotiate the payment and, above all, it is best not to forget about this debt because they are more than likely to come chasing you. Q. I was defrauded into paying a substantial amount of money to someone and a newspaper wants to run a story about it. Can I do this safely? A. In Spain, there is freedom of information and expression over the right to privacy, so if the facts are fundamentally correct and you can substantiate it; the information will also have to be of public interest and use moderate language, avoiding where possible derogatory remarks.

INCREASE: There has been a sharp rise in roadside checks recently subsequently tested positive for alcohol consumption. Against the prosecutor’s opinion, the lawyer acting in this instance argued that there was no evidence that he was driving and thus, the court acquitted. A driver found guilty of driving while intoxicated and already banned from driving by the courts was later stopped by the police. The courts acquitted him of a further criminal charge because the lawyer successfully argued that formal notification of the ban, by the traffic authorities, was not conducted properly, but by means of ordinary registered post. A driver who had had an accident left the scene and went home. Later, he returned drunk claiming the alcohol had been ingested after the accident. The Prosecutor was not able to demonstrate, beyond reasonable doubt, that the driver had been drunk while causing the accident and the court had no option but to pass an acquittal sentence.

•

Still, it's better not to drink and drive. Contact antony at aflores@ lawbird.com

Internet TV specialist Michael Coard explains why and when you will be losing your British TV this year

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

Property

www.theolivepress.es

Banks skip community fee payments The NON-payment is causing maintenance problems BANKS which have repossessed the homes of their clients have been failing to pay for the properties’ upkeep. According to the Association of Property

A bad business? SPAIN’S ‘bad bank’ has finally started to sell its homes by initially putting 13,000 homes previously owned by Bankia up for sale. The huge glut of properties has caused some critics to worry that it will cause a massive crash in the market, but so far the prices of those put up for sale have not been slashed. The state-run Sociedad de Gestion de Activos Procedentes de la Reestructuracion Bancaria – better known by the acronym SAREB - was set up in December to sell-off land and property owned by Spain’s crisishit banks. SAREB took on €37 billion worth of assets by the end of last year while the troubled banks received EU rescue funds and bonds in exchange.

Administrators, Spanish banks in Malaga alone owe €9 million in community fees. This money is vital for general upkeep and maintenance costs. The debt from banks is estimated to be about 16% of all unpaid community debts in the province totalling around €61 million. According to administrators, the condition of apartment blocks and developments could be at risk as a result. Fernando Pastor, head of the Malaga branch of the association, said: “Residents are feeling indignation, especially in cases where they have watched their old neighbours being evicted from their homes because they couldn’t pay the banks.” In some communities, remaining tenants have had to cut down on services like cleaning, maintenance, lighting and gardening in order to meet the costs of their upkeep.

AIN AG E D PE SAL OP DR UICK ,000 E 5 Q IC PR FOR € 13

Property A 29 www.theolivepress.es

NDALUCIA’S premier property portal has undergone a major relaunch – and now it has never been easier to find your perfect Spanish home. If you are selling your property then you are also in luck because website All About Andalucia Property is now the region’s leading platform to promote your home to buyers across the globe. Whether it is a coastal villa or a quiet mountain bolthole, www.allaboutandaluciaproperty.com – brought to you by the Olive Press - is the best site for you. “Not only does the new layout fit in more with our brand, but placing a property is a lot simpler,” said Olive Press publisher Jon Clarke. “It is already very popular with sellers and agents and you can also list a property for just €49.99 for the whole year,” he added. The site, which already receives over 2,000 hits a month, has thousands of regular visitors who keep returning in search of their dream home in the sun. Divided up into province, property type and price range, All About Andalucia Property makes finding the ideal home as easy as the click of a mouse. Other innovative features include the option to save properties and searches, so

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

Southern Spain’s leading property portal www. allaboutandaluciaproperty.com has just made finding your ideal home easier than ever

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS users can make a short-list of their favourites. The site also boasts a business section to help buyers in the process of purchasing their new home. The catalogue features a vari-

CASH OFFER A HOPEFUL British buyer is offering €20,000 cash for a property in Andalucia. Peter Langford, 68, from Norfolk, hopes an Olive Press reader can help him leave the cold behind and upsticks to Spain. “I have €20,000 and if you have the right property I will hand you the money in cash,” said the retired businessman. Although Langford does not have any particular area in mind, the property must be mortgage free and ideally be situated on the coast. Langford also added that some of his friends may follow his lead should his offer get snapped up. “I just want somewhere nice, the best property for that amount of money. “If someone wants to get out of Spain and they want the cash then I have it,” he added. (see below)

ety of useful services including builders, removal companies, solicitors and more. Users also have the opportunity to feature their property on the main banner of the site for maximum exposure, with a variety of different

price packages available to suit everyone. To enquire about purchasing a property, listing property, or listing your business, contact us at property@theolivepress. es or visit www.allaboutandaluciaproperty.com

COLUMNS

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

HEN I was learning to drive several thousand years ago, I flew back to the UK to do an intensive driving course (my father, being the retired racing driver that he is, booked me a one way ticket with instructions not to return to Marbella without a licence otherwise I would have ‘brought shame upon the family name, as Browns have been drivers since, etc, etc.’) One of the first things that the instructor remarked was that my anticipation was excellent and I was tempted to tell him that this was from living in Spain. Those of you who remember driving on the old N-340 in the 70s and 80s will recall the motoring version of Russian Roulette that was turning left. Back then there were no central reservations, underpasses, or flyovers. If you wanted to turn left, you sat in the fast lane, waving your left arm frantically out of the window, hazard lights on and praying that nobody would run into the back of you. For that reason you also kept the stearing wheel dead centre,

DRIVING ME TO TEARS so that if you did get rear ended you weren’t pushed into the oncoming traffic. The old entrance to the Marbella Club Hotel used to be littered with so many bits of battered Bentley, mashed Mercedes, wrecked Roller and frankley f**ked up Ferrari that you could have set up a luxury spare parts stall opposite. God, I wish I had done it... I’d be writing this from a yacht, not an internet cafe in Nueva Andalucia. Indeed, the old N-340 that ran along the Costa del Sol used to be regarded as one of the most dangerous in Europe, and sometimes I think that the authorities miss those days. That can be the only explanation behind some of the recent road planning and cute stunts they’ve pulled recently. I’ll start with the round-

abouts. There never used to be roundabouts in Spain but now they are everywhere. Is there some kind of covert EU roundabout quota that Spain has to put in to get a bailout from Brussels? When I lived just outside Antequera, there was a furious spate of roundabout construction even though the total daily traffic between Mollina and Humilladero amounted to about four tractors, an olive oil tanker and five or six dreaded yellow Seat Leons with tinted windows, one of which would invariably end up embedded in one of the new roundabouts in the early hours of Saturday morning.

It might also help if it was explained to the general public that the main aim of the roundabout is to help the flow of traffic. It’s not put there for dropping the kids off for the school bus or for general meetings. I’ll spare you the number of times I see a couple of cars parked on roundabouts, the drivers standing around having a general conversation. These days however roundabouts have a new use... they are the perfect place to set up a police checkpoint, with half a dozen in existence up and down the coast over the last few weeks. As regular readers will know,

www.theolivepress.es these police stops are becoming my pet hate and I was pulled by the boys in blue once again this weekend, this time no mention of a Kalishnakov in the boot! Everyone I know seems to be getting the famous roadside grillings at the moment and it is certainly not a time to be taking up the offer of the post-lunch pacharan. But the authorites really excelled themselves last week when they decided to hack off the general population of Marbella by staging a ‘simulated disaster’ in the new San Pedro tunnel at 9.30am. Brilliant. Just in time to catch mums coming back from the school run as well as those trying to get to work in a vain attempt to get the economy going again. Motorists were sent through the backstreets of San Pedro, while on each of the many new roundabouts stood an officer of the law, and above hovered a police helicopter. It was, of course, total chaos and to add to the ‘realism’ of the simulated disaster, the police decided to let off so much smoke from the tunnel that your humble correspondent thought they had elected a new Pope (pictured above).

¿Pope Paco? On the subject of all things Papal, did anyone else notice that Benedict has decided that he will be abdicating on February 28, which as we all know around these parts is ‘Andalucia Day’ or the day that Blas Infante declared an independent region a century ago in Ronda? Which got me thinking, why not elect an Andaluz Pontif? Pope Paco de la Frontera has a certain ring to it, and most of the people that I know from Sevilla and Cadiz already have enough gold that they could wear for the ceremony. Just a though, Your Eminence...

Good Feng Shui

DEIDRE got exercised recently about the configuration of the bookshop. “The books in the first stack should be visible from outside,” she said. “It would be more welcoming – and much better feng shui!” I found the reference to geomancy uncompelling. “Look!” Deirdre said, pointing through to the internet café. “The terminals face the window – the space invites people in, makes them feel welcome!” Eight of the ten booths were occupied, which made Deirdre’s theory statistically unimpeachable. The internet cafe was full and the bookshop wasn’t. Game, set and match to feng shui. “Let’s say we turn the stacks round to face the window,” I said. “What do we put on the front stack?” “Romance, books about Spain, and self-improvement,” she replied without a moment’s hesitation. I was surprised. Deirdre looked at me sympathetically, as one might look at a dear relative who’s a bit slow. “When people come on holiday they want to escape – so, Romance. Sometimes they decide to learn a bit about the world beyond the beach – so, books about Spain. And when they’re away from home they make resolutions about how they’re going to do things differently

MICHEAL O’REILLY TALKS ROMANCE, SPAIN AND SELF IMPROVEMENT

Tales from a bookshop

when they go back. So, self-improvement.” I am rarely unimpressed by my wife’s distinctive mental acuity. Deirdre arranged for Alvaro and the three other members of Los Malvados, our town’s neo-punk band, to come and help me move the books and turn the stacks around. Alvaro’s principal motivation, I believe, was not the modest sum that Deirdre offered but the chance to spend time in the same part of town as the beautiful Luisa, daughter of Pedro next door. Alvaro has for some months worshiped Luisa from afar. The Malvados, much tattooed, pierced and dyed, were personable and energetic. Alvaro and the two guitarists did the heavy lifting while the drummer, a youth of striking appearance with a wedge of purple hair sticking up at least ten centimetres from his shaved head, set about dusting the shelves. The great rearrangement produced some unexpected finds, including The Hip-Hop Handbook, a beginners’ guide to modern dance that had slipped behind the ChickLit section aeons ago and remained on the floor undisturbed until Alvaro scooped it up, dusted it off and began to study it closely. Alvaro is not, as far as I can see, a natural fit for the modern-dance end of the musical spectrum. He’s more in the head-banging, let’s-scream-obscenities theatrical tradition. But that doesn’t prevent him from knowing – and maybe admiring – a fan of modern dance. He asked if he could buy the book out of his day’s pay and then sent a text message, apparently with news of his purchase. As dusk descended and the Malvados put the last volumes on the pristine and rearranged shelves, Luisa from next door appeared. “Someone has a book for me,” she explained shyly. Luisa left, clutching her present in one arm and Alvaro in the other. Deirdre was over the moon when I showed her our reconfigured premises. “It looks like a new place altogether!” she said. I had filled the first stack as instructed: Romance, local interest, self-improvement. “Do you think it will have positive results?” she asked. “Oh,” I replied contentedly, “I think it already has.” To read more by Michael O'Reilly visit www.myspanishinterlude.com

Top Salud extra

Health centre plan on hold www.theolivepress.es

Work to build three new health centres has been put on hold

Plans to build three new health centres on the Costa del Sol have been scrapped due to a lack of funding. The completion dates for work on the Ronda hospital and improvement works to the Costa del Sol hospital in Marbella have also been put on hold. Cut backs are due to huge savings being made by the Junta. The CHARE clinic near Fuengirola would have cared for an estimated 25,000 people while the one in Estepona, which should have been built five years ago, would have dealt with up to 100,000 patients. The out-patient centre planned for Torremolinos would have provided health care for up to 150,000 people living in the town as well as Alhaurin de la Torre, Churriana and Puerto Blanca.

Drinking has long term affect on men’s performance in bedroom

A STUDY of more than 100 Spanish men has revealed that drinking alcohol can have a lasting impact on their performance in the bedroom. Even after giving up alcohol, men’s performance can be compromised according to the study by leading academics from the University of Granada. They found that men can suffer “brewer’s droop” for more than a year after giving up heavy drinking. Writing in the journal of Sexual Medicine, they said: “It does not seem to be just a temporary problem, because erectile ability was still affected after a year and according to the results, did not seem likely to improve just with

abstinence.” The researchers also found that heavy drinkers tended to enjoy sex less than those who only drank moderately. The heavier drinkers also had a much lower sex drive. Researchers said: “Alcohol users were found to have lower pleasure scores. To the best of our knowledge no previous studies have related alcohol consumption with impaired sexual pleasure.”

55 29 the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

55 31

C lassifieds

46 56 the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013 24 56

the olive press

31 www.theolivepress.es

To place your classified, please call 951 16 60 60 or email admin@theolivepress.es 83 cents per word. Minimum charge based on 10 words per issue and a minimum of 2 issues. IVA not included All ads include the first 2 words in bold. For all text in bold add 25%

Display boxes Single column display box 35 euros per issue Double column display box 49 euros per issue Three column display box 72 euros per issue

SERVICES Bargain Car Hire! Try group

B.basic Check out

www.hellehollis.com and you will be pleasantly surprised! *special conditions apply

Malaga Airport

www.hellehollis.com

HOLIDAY

Tel.: +34 95 224 55 44

Full name and passport or NIE number must be provided when advertisements are placed. All ads must be paid prior to publication

SUNSHINE TOLDOS

All types of awning and blinds

Roller Shutter Repairs Conversion from Manual to Motorised New installations Awnings & Mosquito screens Call Julian 655825931

Installed or fixed Manual/electric Will travel inland No deposit/cash on delivery Call John on 952467783 680323969

the olive press

C lassifieds Advertise here for as little as 40 â&#x201A;Ź per issue

We are on the lookout for key staff for our new Costa del Sol office:

ADMIN/EDITORIAL ASSISANT

The Olive Press is looking for a bilingual individual to help man its busy office. You will need to have a clean driving licence, have a good understanding of computers and programmes including Excel and Word.

SALES EXECUTIVE

We are also looking for a self-motivated, hungry sales executive to cover the Marbella to Malaga area for the paper as we expand in 2013. Must have clean driving licence and good command of Spanish.

If you feel you can meet the above, please send your CV to jon@theolivepress.es

eed fr alo o ad rg g fo he Gu n i t k loo s in anada W o s l p e a Gr NO r are ales a and CT US e W ce s eri TA lan ce, Alms CON hor area

GOLF

In the swing of it

www.theolivepress.es

THE OLIVE PRESS’ MONTHLY GOLF SECTION

57 41

Can they Hack it?

Almeria’s new ambassadors ALMERIA’S Desert Springs resort has signed up England cricketers James Anderson and Mathew Prior as club ambassadors. The pair follow the lead of some of sport’s top names in taking on the role, with fellow cricket legend Sir Ian Botham and Olympic gold medalist Daley Thompson also backing the luxury golf resort. Anderson, 30, from Burnley, is England’s fifth highest wicket taker of all time in Test cricket, with 288 wickets in 77 appearances. “Desert Springs has developed a fantastic reputation not only for golf and its additional sporting facilities, but also for providing a quality of lifestyle that all of the family can enjoy. That is something our family is looking forward to during our visits to the resort throughout the year,” said Anderson.

Journalists battle it out with pro footballers for charity golf cup

LEGENDS of Spanish football will go head-to-head with journalists at a charity golf tournament in Mijas. The Manu Sarabia Trophy will feature a host of soccer stars including the former national striker which the tournament takes its name from. Also on course will be Real Madrid heroes Santillana and Isidoro San Jose, along with Sevilla star Jose Salguero and ex-Spain manager Inaki Saez. Sarabia said he is honoured the tournament has taken his name, while sports journalist Jose Angel de la Casa said he is convinced the reporters will take the trophy due to their ‘competitive nature’. The tournament, which will take place from July 3 to July 6, will begin at Los Olivos before moving on to El Chaparral. The final will take place at Santana Golf, with all proceeds from the three day event going to the Seve Ballesteros Foundation and Asociacion Cielo133. Also rumoured to make an appearance is ex-footballer and TV pundit Michael Robinson.

47 21- March 6, 2013 the olive press - February

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

C E ................ ................. n Buen32

amino

www.theolivepress.es 32

Driving me around in circles EXCLUSIVE By Mason Jones A BRITISH expat has spent almost €1,500 trying to get his motor home roadworthy through a system he accuses of lacking ‘common sense’. Michael Roach, 70, from Casares, has faced a string of problems since bringing the Bambi motor home from Britain last August. Soon after the vehicle arrived in Spain, Roach went to his local ITV station in Estepona to register it and pay import tax. Required to pay for the motor-home to be inspected, Roach was told he would need to buy new tyres even though the vehicle had passed its MOT in the UK. “They said that mine were commercial ones and I had to change the front to 77T, and the rear to 78T, but they no longer make 78T. “Then the tester said it should have a vehicle identification number (VIN) stamp on the chassis, even though there are stamps elsewhere on the vehicle. “But he said we could stamp it ourselves with the correct tools,” added Roach. However, after the expat stamped the vehicle and re-

Expat spends €1,500 on ITVs, tyres and duty only to be told his motorhome is NOT legal

TROUBLE: Expat tells of woes of becoming road legal with his Bambi turned to the ITV station for a final inspection he claims the same inspector told him stamping a chassis yourself was ‘illegal’. “He said it was illegal and it was not there when they first inspected it and refused to sign it off. We are going round in circles. “I understand they’ve got

set rules but they don’t seem to use any common sense,” said Roach. “It is so totally unfair... can anyone help me?” After shelling out for new tyres, two ITV tests, paying import tax and facing several other minor problems, Roach is still not allowed to take it on the road.

C E ................ ................ .................................. n Buen

www.theolivepress.es

amino

INSPECTOR GADGET

New device to reward sensible drivers with insurance discounts of up to 40%

SENSIBLE young drivers could be saving hundreds on their car insurance thanks to a clever new gadget. The in-car device, which is installed onto the engine, can determine how carefully you drive and if you adhere to the road rules. The widget developed by Telefonica and insurance company Generali Seguros

will now allow a customer’s premium to go up and down depending on the information received. Policies can now be paid monthly and will go up and down based on individual driving habits. The policy calculates a customer’s premium by recording data from each journey using the incar device.

Claiming it could cut insurance costs by up to 40%, the device not only records how many kilometres are clocked, but what time of day the car is used and whether the driver adheres to speed limits. It also tracks the amount a customer spends travelling through busy cities and more rural areas. The premium is then adjusted monthly according to the data, with drivers able to track their habits via a mobile phone app. The device can also be used to track vehicles should a customer’s car be stolen.

It is a bumpy ride in Andalucia

MOTORISTS are more likely to damage their car in Andalucia than anywhere else in Spain, according to new statistics. A study by the Spanish Union of Insurance Companies (UNESPA), found there were 351,231 minor road accidents in the region last year alone, taking the lead from both Madrid and Catalunya. The report also revealed that throughout the whole country over 1.77 million crashes were recorded without injury, meaning a bump occurred every 18 seconds.

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Advertorial

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

FOOD & DRINKwww.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com Kathryn Richardson looks past off-putting exteriors to discover the true royalty of the world’s tomato industry

Anything

YOU would be forgiven for thinking you were wild tomatoes from which it inherits its distinct colour, and is also being full of vitamin C. being sold a tomato that was seriously out of date or even a small pumpkin when you first In Spain, it is grown in the dry and salty climes of Murcia, Almeria and Granada, and was speencounter the Kumato or the Raf. cifically developed to withstand these harsh But you really shouldn’t judge a tomato by its colour as these two are currently the finest conditions. tomatoes in the industry, making a comeback But if you fancy trying your hand at growing this type you will be disappointed. due to commercial cultivation. The Kumato is a VIP in the tomato industry The Kumato and Raf are among the millions of and as a result its seeds are tonnes of tomatoes produced not available to the general throughout the year in Spain, public. making the country the eighth The Kumato is a Instead, Syngenta specifically largest producer in the world. VIP in the tomato invites licensed growers to go Best known for their sweet through a rigorous selection taste and intense aroma, they industry and seeds process, before getting their taste their finest in winter! hands on these bad boys. If you’d seen my facial expresare not available to Once planted, the fruit ripens sion when I first saw the Kuthe general public from the inside outwards, almato you would probably think lowing its colour to change I’d just realised I’d been eating from dark brown to green. horsemeat burgers. The Raf, on the other hand, enjoys its repuBut please don’t shy away from their dark tation as how tomatoes used to taste ‘in the brown colour as the proof really is in the tastgood old days’. ing. Originally hitting the scene in the 60s, it has Invented by Dutch multinational company, Syngenta Seeds, the Kumato has become only just been cultivated on a commercial level due to its rapid deterioration once ripe. their flagship product. Unlike the Kumato, the Raf does not get its It is related to some of the oldest varieties of

Spanish chef accused of trying to murder coworkers by poisoning staff meals

SWEENEY TODD OF SPAIN

A SPANISH chef has been accused of trying to poison ten of his co-workers by adding a drug to staff meals. The 55-year-old has been charged with 14 counts of attempted murder over a six year period. He is also under suspicion of causing the fatal heart attack of the former head chef at El Lavaderu, in Gijon, who died in May 2011. The 55-year-old, who has not been named, worked there as a sous chef for seven years. He was reported to police by other staff members in 2012 when they found they were repeatedly falling ill. Another chef has been taken to hospital three times in the past year with other

TOXIC: Staff meals at El Lavaderu

kitchen workers routinely calling in sick. Suspicions were aroused when it emerged that the only staff not affected were the assistant cook and his girlfriend, who also worked there.

It emerged that the previous owner of the restaurant suffered a heart attack and his wife suffered repeated and mysterious bouts of illheath. His body is now being exhumed for further tests. Police discovered traces of calcium cyanamide, a chemical used to treat chronic alcoholism, on plates used by workers. Calcium cyanamide provokes nausea, dizziness and palpitations. If mixed with alcohol it can have fatal results. The man was charged earlier this month and remanded in custody pending a judicial investigation.

FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

www.theolivepress.es

unique appearance from its colour but instead its shape. The creases and wrinkles of its skin make it look like a suitable candidate for Cinderella’s carriage and winter, December to April, is the best time to bring out its dark green colour. Plus you don’t have far to travel to experience its sweet taste as it is a product unique to Almeria province. The only downside for the average consumer? The price. For something that normally looks totally unripe, consumers will pay up to €10 or €15 per kilogram to join the ‘Raf club’.

Gourmet chefs have particularly fallen head-over-heels for the fruit. Among them being Dani Garcia of Marbella’s leading Calima restaurant who features the Raf stuffed with pipirrana and raw Motril shrimp. Or to us, a tomato, onion, cucumber and shrimp salad. In fact, it is now known as the elite of any salad, so if you want to outshine the Joneses why not give it a try? For Kumato recipes visit www.kumato.com For Raf recipes visit www.foodsfromspain.com

the olive press - February 21- March 6, 2013

the FREE

the olive press - February 21 - March 6, 2013

Covering Andalucia in 2013 with 186,000 papers www.theolivepress.es (120,000 digital) and around 150,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

olive press

Telephone: 951 16 60 60

February 20 -

March 6, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

KILL JOYS Life looking up for Spain’s tallest man

SPAIN’S tallest man is finding life just that little bit easier after several Spanish companies tailored their products to his size completely for free. Algerian-born, Saad Kaiche, 27, who measures 7ft 6in and hopes to become a professional basketball player, has been given a mattress by Malaga bed company Mi Colchon. While he currently has no home or job and lives with friends in Barcelona he has also been given shoes by Gody, and free hotel room nights from Vincci Hotels.

TEMPTATION: But the score of US hacks were not allowed to drive the new Mercedes E36 AMG

IT was a press trip with something of a difference. What should have been a motoring journalist’s dream quickly turned into a nightmare thanks to some overzealous police in Cataluna. A party of 20 American journalists were testing the Mercedes-Benz E36 AMG in the region before Guardia Civil officers decided to check them out. Held at the roadside for two hours, not one of the excited petrol-heads could produce an International Driving Permit allowing them to legally drive in Spain. Mercedes staff eventually managed to persuade police to free the journalists, but the six €75,000 vehicles were not so lucky. The 550-horse-power cars were impounded while the hacks were banned from driving for the remainder of their trip.

EXPAT FC Report from 1890 claims Spain’s oldest club was set up by drunken expats

POOR DECISION

A FOOTBALL fan has been sentenced to two years in prison after throwing an umbrella at a linesman in Alozaina, Malaga. The fan threw the umbrella ‘like a spear’ said prosecutors, hitting the linesman on the shoulder and back. The victim suffered a concussion and was required to wear a neck brace. The man has also been ordered to pay €3,440 compensation after the football official was unable to work for 48 days.

AN antique newspaper cutting from Scotland has shed new light on the origins of Sevilla FC, Spain’s oldest football club. The 123-year-old article from the Dundee Courier explains how a group of young British and Spanish men decided to form the club after a night in the pub, 15 years earlier than previously thought. The article, dated March 17

Sell your property THIS WEEK with an online ad reaching thousands for just

49,99 euros www.allabout andaluciaproperty.com

(brought to you by the OlivePress)

Desperate measures

FINAL WORDS

A woman who used a credit card she found in the street to buy her children food and nappies has been spared a one year jail term and has been ordered to carry out 20 days of community work instead.

Backpeddling A group of international investors are taking legal action against the government for cutting alternative energy subsidies after agreeing to help fund new ventures.

Prized eagle

By Mason Jones 1890, details the first draft of the club’s newly written Constitution along with the names of its founders. “The page in question contains a treasure for the history of Spanish football since it is an article that describes in detail how the club was founded 15 years earlier than it was thought, thus being Spain’s oldest football club,” said Sevilla historian Javier Terenti. “Everything suggests that that Saturday 25 January, a group of young British, mainly Scots, along with other young men of Spanish origin, met at one of the bars in the city and celebrated Burns Night with the excuse of founding the first football club in Spain,” he added. Sevilla FC president, Jose Maria del Nido, has been

presented with a copy of the page, while another has been sent to the Spanish Football Federation.

Spain’s first ever sighting of the Balateur eagle in Punta Carnero, Cadiz, has been declared ‘the rare bird sighting of 2012’ by experts, followed by a sighting of a doublecrested cormorant on the island El Hierro.

No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the explicit permission of the publisher. While efforts are made to ensure the authenticity of advertisements and articles appearing in The Olive Press, the publisher does not accept any responsibility for claims made, nor do contributors’ opinions necessarily represent his own. Copyright Luke Stewart Media S.L 2013