Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 60 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

OLIVE PRESS

The

MALLORCA

NEW PM: Boris

Brexitgate HUNDREDS of thousands of Brits living in Spain could sue the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit, a leading Conservative MP has claimed. Alberto Costa, Tory MP for South Leicestershire, said the next prime minister faces ‘an enormous, unprecedented amount’ of legal action if the rights of EU citizens residing in Britain are not protected within legislation before October 31. But Costa also warned that British expats living in Europe could be unfairly penalised if the next leader fails to secure their rights too. Brits living abroad would have a strong case to sue, Costa warned, if they unfairly lose their rights to pensions, healthcare and long-term residency. In a missive to Britain’s next PM, sent before the deciding vote, Costa wrote: “No peacetime British government has ever abrogated the rights enjoyed by over a million of its own citizens overnight. “As a former UK government lawyer I can reasonably foresee an enormous, unprecedented amount of litigation raised by British citizens.”

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Vol. 3 Issue 60

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August 2nd -August 15th 2019

TARGETED: Lesley and Melanie

Expat couple behind muchloved bar branded ‘dirty lesbians’ in harassment campaign by ‘homophobic neighbours’

She’s heeere! Oprah among haul of A-listers flocking to Mallorca for a Spanish getaway See page 3

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

AN iconic British music venue in Mallorca is fighting for its life after a sixyear battle with ‘homophobic’ neighbours. The Lesbian couple who own Betty’s International Music Bar, in Cala Egos, fear their venue will be forced to close after the town hall warned them about the number of calls it has been receiving. That is despie the venue being 100% legal and holding the correct licences and after having invested more than €30,000 in sound-proofed ceilings, doors and windows. “Our neighbours just want us out, it’s been a non-stop campaign of harassment,” co-owner Leanne Green, 37, from near Leeds, told the Olive Press last night. “The owner of the apartment upstairs told us he doesn’t want ‘dirty lesbians’ around here and his kids who live there have spat on our terraces and sometimes we see them just staring into our CCTV cameras trying to intimidate us.”

Action

Leanne reported the verbal abuse to Guardia Civil but a lack of evidence meant no action could be taken. Images seen by the Olive Press show the neighbours spitting on the terrace and putting middle fingers up at the cameras. The venue has reportedly been there since 1985 and all previous owners have played their music loudly without soundproofing and without complaints. Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 15:36 “We found out from the mayor this week that unless we can stop the

VILE: Neighbours put fingers up and spat on terrace neighbour’s harassment and constant calls they do have the power to stop our music, it’s unbelievable,” added Leanne, who has had to go on anti-anxiety medication due to ongoing ordeal. “We are a very hard working and successful English gay couple who have built a wonderful trade for the area, to lose Betty’s would lose hundreds of tourists in Cala D’or and more importantly revenue would be affected for everyone - including taxis, restaurants, hotels, apartments and other bars!” Leanne and her partner Melanie Bland have launched a petition online to show support for the venue and have already garnered 1,000 signatures. “Please sign to show your support for us,” the pair added, “we need to let the town hall know how loved and important our bar is.” Visit their Facebook page to sign the petition.

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Officer increase PALMA has begun the process of hiring 120 new Local Police officers.

Gender violence JULY was the bloodiest month for gender violence in Spain since records began, with 104 women killed by their partner or ex-partner.

Shoedunit A MAN attempting to smuggle €2,000 worth of hash in his trainers has been arrested in the port of Algeciras.

Machismo killing A FORMER soldier, 67, has shot dead his wife, 47, with a rifle before killing himself in the street outside his ex-wife’s home in Gaucin.

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

Tourist trap

Holidaymakers rental car trashed by anti-tourist group in Palma as Arran continue campaign against mass tourism ANTI-tourism group Arran have struck again targeting a rental car on the streets of Palma with graffiti. The vandals spray painted the side of vehicle with their motto, ‘neighbours vs tourists’ in large red letters. A crane had to remove the car from calle Pablo Iglesias after the Catalan independence group punctured its tyres and smashed the bonnet. It comes after Arran scrawled ‘out of the neighborhood hotels’ on the front of Canavall,

By Timothy McNulty

a boutique hotel in the city’s old town. The area of Sant Jaume has also seen a campaign of flyposting with stickers with the message ‘tourism kills the city’ with a ‘skull and selfie sticks emblem’. Javier Vich, the President of the Hotel Association of Palma, has lamented the impact of ‘xenophobic graffiti’ on hotel customers who ‘felt unsafe.’

Pulling a fast one TWO people have been arrested after allegedly lying to police, claiming they’d been robbed of €20,000. The men, cuffed in Manacor, filed a denuncia, in which they said the cash had been nicked from an envelope in their car. The pair had even provided a tool they said was used to force an entry into the vehicle, in a bid to make their account believable. However investigators spotted inconsistencies in their statements and arrested the men for fabricating the incident.

WRECKED: Car and (inset) anti-tourist sticker The association has asked and demanded that the auresidents not to confuse the thorities take firm action. vandalism with ‘urban art’ Tourism the ‘economic engine’ of Palma and these acts attack both the ‘city and the people who visit’, the group added. Arran campaign against POLICE have ar- men from Senegal mass tourism and what they rested 14 people posing as street see as the problems it creates in Magaluf for vendors. such as Mallorca’s housing selling cocaine, Thousands of eucrisis. marijuana and ec- ros were seized In January last year Arran stasy on the strip. from the dealmembers burnt a Spanish Guardia Civil ers, along with flag during Palma’s Mallorca raided the popular nearly 40 doses Day celebrations. resort town most of cocaine, 62 Alongside graffiti tags the nights over the ecstasy pills and group have also been known past week, arrest- an abundance of to pelt holiday buses with ing anyone caught marijuana, hasheggs, and vioently storm resselling drugs in ish and marijuana taurants and squares with the area, mostly candies. smoke bombs.

Maga round-up

Hiding from the law THIS is the luxury Spanish hideaway where Stephen Lawrence murder suspect Jamie Acourt hid from British drugs cops for two years. Acourt – one of five men arrested for the racially-motivated stabbing of Lawrence in 1993 – fled the UK in 2016 after cops nailed a gang that moved cannabis from London to the north. He ran to Marbella, and then to Barcelona’s swanky Diagonal Mar district, before his arrest in May last year. The 43-year-old was renting a €3,000-a-month pad that he left ‘trashed’ thanks to a carefree lifestyle of parties and pretty women. “Pretty girls would often turn up in taxis and leave after a few hours. I’d see the men coming back from shopping trips with bags of expensive clothes,” a neighbour told press. Acourt received seven years at Birmingham crown court in November after admitting trying to import cocaine into the UK.

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August 2nd -August 15th 2019

From billionaires to royalty and from popstars to political leaders, Mallorca is the place to summer this year

Making a splash

Raft of American and British superstars spotted dodging heat on luxury Spanish yachts

Win in her sails

OPRAH Winfrey has been spotted sunning herself on the world’s largest yacht (picutred inset), owned by her billionaire mate David Geffen. The TV star and philanthropist, 65, looked relaxed as she stepped out in a loosefit tracksuit on the deck of the Rising Sun, off Mallorca. The American was seen smiling and highfiving the 43-man crew of the €180 million vessel, frequented by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Julia Roberts.

TRUMPKID: Tiffany

TRUMP and Obama will be holidaying in the same Spanish hotspot this summer - but luckily there’s zero drama forecast. That’s because the ever-classy former First Lady Michelle, 55, and Donald Trump’s youngest and most-lowkey daughter Tiffany, 24, will be representing the presidential clans in Mallorca. Tiffany, a law student at Georgetown, travelled to the Balearic island this week to enjoy a sevenday holiday after stopping off in Ibiza. Michelle has also opted to return

ROBBIE Williams, Shaquille ‘Shaq’ O'Neal and Katy Perry have been snapped enjoying sun-soaked getaways in Spain. Popstar Perry, 34, was seen jumping off a boat during a romantic escape with fiance Orlando Bloom, 42, in Mallorca. The Roar singer and Pirates of the Caribbean actor are expected to tie the knot later this year after getting engaged on Valentine’s day. Perry rocked her new peroxide-blonde hair while enjoying a spot of snorkelling in the Balearic hotspot. Meanwhile, NBA legend Shaq, 47, was pictured living it up on a yacht near the neighbouring island of Formentera with his new squeeze and Texas model Dani Nicole. The southern stunner sported a skimpy black bikini while Shaq posed for pictures in huge blue trunks before diving into the sea. Ex-Take That frontman Williams was also seen on a relaxing family boat trip with wife Ayda Field off Formentera. The 45-year-old Brit pop legend showed off his famous tattoos in bright blue shorts while Field showed of her abs in a miniscule green bikini. Williams proved ever the entertainer with a professionalesque dive off the side of the luxury yacht. It comes after Williams recently revealed his previous battle with agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). "I was agoraphobic from around 2006 to 2009. Those

LOVING IT: (Above) Katy Perry and (below) Williams and ‘Shaq’

years were just spent wearing a cashmere kaftan, eating Kettle Chips, growing a beard and staying in," he said.

FACE OFF to the island at the invitation of her friend James Costos - the former US ambassador to Spain. The country has been the destination of choice for members of the Trump family in the past with Tiffany having visited Marbella as recently as 2017, staying at the luxurious Puente Romano. Barack and Michelle have been seen in Mallorca on several occasions, with one trip ending on a lunch with the royal family.

EX-FIRST LADY: Michelle

Courting favour

RAFAEL Nadal has been spotted having a pick-me-up lunch with Spain’s former monarchs just a few weeks after being knocked out of Wimbledon by rival Roger Federer. The tennis ace, 33, was joined by fiance Xisca Pellero, 31, as he enjoyed a slap up meal with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, who are holidaying on the island. The Mallorquin hosted the royals at his tennis centre on his home island, where his wife-to-be even joined the ex-

CHEESE: Nadal all smiles with royals Spanish king for a game of table football. The 12-time French Open champion stepped out in a crisp white shirt and blue chinos for the lunch, which featured local fish and wine.

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Trash ahead MOUNTAINS of rubbish may be a feature of the near future for Mallorca after unions threatened to strike by refusing to collect trash. Stinking garbage will begin to pile up in the streets from August 22 unless garbage collectors get the fair wages they deserve. The trade union protecting them are

demanding €1,000 a month for collection workers and €1,300 for management. Safety procedures are also a point of contention as the union requests improvements to prevent unnecessary accidents and illnesses.

Huge support for ‘manifesto against megacruises’ to limit tourist boats in Palma Port to one a day MORE than 10,000 residents have signed a petition to limit the number of cruise ships docking in Palma to just one each day. Around 500 of the giant ships bring in a total of 2 million tourists to the city’s port each year. The bid to curb excessive tourism has been endorsed by 30 different organisations and 11,000 people in Mallorca. The ‘manifesto against megacruises’ sets out five points, which cover pollution concerns, as well as tax and labour transparency. It also calls for the declaration of an Emission Control Area (ECA), like those established in the North and Baltic seas. “The tourism of megacruises at Palma has increased in unsustainable and undesirable ways for our city, causing a serious environmental and territorial impact as well as growing social protests,” the authors explain. The petition - drafted by NGOs, residents’ associations

NEWS

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

BEHEMOTHS: Cruise ships angering Palma locals

Cruising for a bruising

a response. A recent study by NGO Transport & Environment revealed that Palma has the secondmost polluted European port by cruise ships after Barcelona. Marta Ferriol of NGO Tramuntana XXI, who backs the petition, said: “As an island we have limited resources and these ships are like floating cities that discharge their waste in our waters.” FEARS have been raised over an enormous chemical spill, flooding the streets H o w e v e r , of Mallorca. tourism chief The bright blue deluge of polyol - a liquid used for making foam - has overand Mediterwhelmed the town of Montuiri. ranean ShipSeprona has lauched an investigation into the spillage, which does not appear ping Company to be harmful to humans, but may have seeped into wells and farmland. boss, Emiliano Closed former chemical factory, Espumadora Balear, is responsible for the inciGonzalez said: dent in Calle Pere Capella. “Cruise ships do “It seems clear that the chemical was intentionally thrown into the sewer and not pollute and overflowed,” said the Mayor of Montuiri, Joan Verger. that is proven worldwide.”

Paint the town... blue

Walk on

A BRITISH man paralysed after falling 35 feet off a Mallorca balcony has defied doctors by walking again. Josh Meakin had been sat on the balcony after a night out when he mistakenly leaned back thinking he was sat on a chair. Doctors had told the 24-yearold he would be paralysed for life leaving Josh feeling suicidal and struggling with traumatic flashbacks. “It destroyed me. I felt like I didn’t want to be alive anymore, “I have nightmares, and I’m terrified of heights. I can’t even look out of windows or go to the second floor of my house,” said the former painter from Castleford, West Yorkshire. After beating the odds to walk again, Josh has urged holidaymakers to take care when on boozy trips to Spain’s resorts. He said: “It’s so easily done, you’ve got to be so careful.”

and community groups - has been presented to the Government and is now awaiting

MIRACLE MAN: Josh

Al fresco RESIDENTS of Ibiza have started to rent out mattresses on their balconies to holidaymakers for €25 a night. Flats on Spain’s White Island have been sublet without their landlords’ permission as tennants attempt to make extra summer cash. Ads for bargain balcony beds have been found on rental site AirBnB according to Prou, meaning stop, a tenants union in Ibiza and Formentera. In one photo shared by the campaign group at least three mattresses can be seen on balconies at the back of a residential building in Calle Cataluna in Ibiza.

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August 2nd -August 15th 2019

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

OPINION SHOW THEM LOVE! IT is a crying shame that Lesley and Melanie are being targeted by homophobes in this day and age. LGBTQ+ people move to Spain with little fear of discrimination given that the country has some of the most relaxed views in Europe. What a shame that a hard-working couple who have done nothing but follow all the rules and contribute to their new home are being attacked by such thugs. Perhaps they are jealous of the bar’s success, or, more likely, are just out-and-out homophobes. Either way, let’s all write to the town hall and let them know how great Betty’s Music bar and its owners are, and be sure to sign the petition! If there’s ever been a time to support your local Brits doing good, it’s now!

Myth of Mallorca THE news that a car was vandalised with an anti-tourist slogan this week may come as no suprise to some. But the reckless tactics of anti-tourism group Arran are much more than petty crime. The fact that this bunch of activists daubed the words, ‘neighbours vs tourists’ on a vehicle, is indicative of an island-wide campaign of disillusionment. Holidaymakers are essential to Mallorca’s economy, and don’t let Government officials or the media tell you otherwise. Yes, there is Magaluf, colonised by the British and other nationalities since the 1960s. Ok, so Palma Port sees 2 million tourists flood in on huge cruise ships each year (see page 4), but foreign money is vital to propping up the Balearics’ biggest island. It isn’t even just package holidays and stag and hen dos, luxury travellers also shell out millions every year. But if you are still concerned about tourism in Mallorca, put down those cans of spray paint, pick up a cana, and try to get to know your new summer friends. You never know, you may actually like them! Publisher / Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

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August 2nd -August 15th 2019

FREE MAN: Robert with his Olive Press front pages EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

‘It could happen to anyone’

Robert was on a business trip to Gibraltar and working for the Ministry of Defence when his life changed forever

OBERT Mansfield-Hewitt shook with terror in his bed after being woken by a huge crash and the sound of military-style boots crashing on the marble floor. A squad of armed Spanish police burst into his rented apartment shouting orders, telling him to get out of bed with his hands up. The 51-year-old MOD worker, who walks with a cane due to a chronic liver condition and atrophy, was dragged down the stairs and thrown onto his face on the ground outside. While being cuffed, his cheek etched into the gravel, he saw a Moroccan- looking man staring right at him, also being arrested. “I couldn’t even speak, I was in such a state of shock,” Robert, an electrical engineer who has worked with the British government for decades, recalled this week, “they were saying something about drugs and they were just screaming at me, it was terrifying.” The well-connected Brit, who knew Ted Heath and is pals with the likes of the Earl of Cardigan, had been renting the room for a few days in San Roque, southern Spain, while working on a contract for the Ministry of Defence in Gibraltar. What he didn’t know, was that the adjoining garage was being used to store 1.5 tonnes of hashish - worth more than €2 million - and that he was now the main

CELLMATES: ETA terrorists and (inset top right) Kinahan member James Quinn

suspect. police on foot. This was despite the fact that the owner Robert, who had never set foot in the gaof the property, a Gibraltarian, was previ- rage and didn't even know of its existence, ously convicted on drugwas simply arrested during related charges on the Rock a sweep of the attached and that Chichester-born house. Robert, who has a PhD in He spent a night And this is where the story Physics from Keele Univergets terrifying, particularly in the cells sity, had no criminal record. with Spain supposedly beHe also has a long 20-year ing a close ally of the UK. before being career working for the Britthe terrifying ardragged before a Following ish government. rest on June 27 last year, In contrast, Abdel Nasser, Robert was taken to the judge the French citizen of Molocal cells in La Linea, the roccan descent cuffed town bordering Gibraltar, alongside Robert, had been where 3,000 people - or 5% caught in a sting operation trying to break of the population - work directly for drug into the garage, while a getaway driver traffickers. waited in a Volkswagen Phaeton outside. “I phoned my assistant Pillie in an absoThe driver somehow managed to evade lute panic, all I could get out was ‘they found drugs’ and ‘help me help me’.” The avid church goer, who suffers from chronic liver condition Ascites, spent a night in the cells before being dragged in front of a judge the next day. “The whole thing was a farce,” said Robert, “I was appointed a 19-year-old lawyer who seemed fresh out of college and she Since our reports on just seemed to agree with everything the his freedom, Robjudge said. ert’s story has been “They deemed me a flight risk, denied me reported in the Sun, bail and took my passport and sent me to the Daily Star, Daily Botafuegos prison in Algeciras.” Mirror, the IndeThat night his body began to shut down pendent and The i and he was rushed to hospital. in the UK. Suffering from delirium and an internal infection, he remained there for eight weeks before being returned to Botafuegos home to ETA terrorists and murderers. Incredibly, Robert would be held there for a further five months before being formally charged in January. Despite no concrete evidence connecting him to the drugs, prosecutors were seeking more than four years in jail and an €8 million fine. “It’s an absolute disgrace,” his assistant Pillie Ford, 37, told the Olive Press from La Linea, “Why hasn’t there been a warrant for the arrest of the owner of the property? How did the getaway driver manage to get away? It just doesn’t make sense.”

Hitting headlines

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FEATURE

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

olive press online

rge for drugs found at a property that he did not own, Robert Mansfield-Hewitt warns... The garage where the drugs were found sat almost behind the property

Spain and Gibraltar’s best English daily news website

ONLY WAY IS UP

HE Olive Press website continues to ascend to higher heights and this week has overtaken Think Spain - the online expat self-help site which has been running for 20 years. We are now ranked at 125,405th place in the world, having soared by another 12,000 places in just two weeks, according to Amazon’s Alexa. com. Tens of thousands of readers from Finland to the US and Russia have been reading our coverage of the latest news from across Spain, sending us even further to the top of the pack. With an average 50,000 visitors a day from Spain, the UK, Gibraltar, Scandinavia, Germany and beyond, we can promise local businesses comprehensive exposure to tens of thousands of potential clients every week. This is a healthy mix of local expats, as well as thousands of wealthy tourists every day. Complimented by our 20,000 loyal Facebook followers and 7,000 Twitter fans, there are few people interested in Spain, who are not being reached. Why is YOUR BUSINESS still spending far too much on Google adwords and other inferior websites, magazines and newspapers, when the Olive Press GUARANTEES results? Send us an email today at sales@theolivepress. es or call us at 00 34 951273575 so we can find you a better, more effective way to market your business.

Photos by Regina Lankenau

Robert was relaxing in his rented room here when armed police stormed in

SCENE: The property where Robert was renting a room for just over a week

Robert did not get his day in court until May 27 of this year and was finally released on July 3 after a judge decided to drop the charges, more than a year after being locked up. During that time, Robert’s story appeared three times on the front of the local English newspaper the Olive Press, based near Marbella, which spoke to his MP in the UK and even the police and courts, who refuse to comment on the case. Abdel Nasser, meanwhile, was convicted of endangering public health and was senCOMMON SENSE: The tenced to three years and 10 months plus property was close to 30 days to pay for the €8 million fine. the border which Robert For 10 months, along with Nasser, Robert crossed daily for work was forced to survive in one of Spain’s most notorious lockups. “The first two nights I was absolutely trembling with terror,” he recalls, “Never in my “When I told them I was getting out they wildest nightmares had I ever imagined were all cheering and clapping and tried to being in such a place. lift me up in the air.” “I have never been in trouble with the law, Robert claims a majority of the prisoners my job with the government doesn’t allow were foreign, mostly Moroccan and South it. American, and many were locked up fol“I’m a very gentle soul and recovering lowing a first time offence. alcoholic, I would never get involved with Robert also suspects foul play in the handrugs.” dling of his case. Robert, an avid piano player It comes after separate and composer of classical documents seen by the Olmusic, was offered freedom ive Press detailing the drug The first port of seizure appear to show two if he admitted guilt, but refused, knowing his career call for hashish different recorded weights. could be over with a criminal The initial court judgement record. from Morocco reads that there were 1.5 Luckily, he was spared the tonnes seized while the final and cocaine from violence and fights that were judgement given to Robert often a daily occurence. South America on his release declares 1.3 “I’m older and not 100% tonnes. mobile so I wasn’t really a “Someone lost a lot of target.” money that day but someone also made He started a poker club and a language some,” said Robert. school and became well liked among the Corruption is not unheard of in the Campo inmates - which included infamous Irish de Gibraltar region, a grouping of towns mafia member James Quinn, who was on the border of the British Overseas Terconvicted of aiding an assassination last ritory. year and received a 22-year sentence. It’s an area swamped by gangs taking ad“I treated everyone in there equally. vantage of Spain’s southernmost coast They’re not all monsters, a lot of them being the first port of call for hashish from have been forced into crime by circum- Morocco and cocaine from South America. stance. And I’m a great believer in making Corruption among police - among the lowthe best out of a bad situation. est paid in the EU - is rife, with officers

TOP DOG: (Above) Olive Press’ positon in the world, higher than (below) Think Spain

regularly arrested as part of anti-drug operations. Robert is weighing up taking legal action against the state but for now is focusing on getting home. He will fly from Malaga to London Gatwick on Thursday where he plans to take a few months break. “Mummy is very pleased and she will be my first point of call. “My first call when I got out was to my sister who had gathered all the family together for a celebratory breakfast so I was able to speak to everyone which was fantastic. “We are just so relieved this nightmare is over, it’s going to take me some time to recover mentally and physically. “I’ve had work offers but I’ve had to turn them down because I just can’t get in the headspace to work at the moment.” Robert, who helps his church cook for the homeless on Saturday mornings and plays the organ for mass on Sundays, is also now being forced to battle to hold onto his home back in Emsworth in Hampshire as he is months behind in the rent. His good standing with the housing association has meant they have held back on an eviction notice despite not having received rent for more than six months. Locals there have now started a GoFundMe page to help Robert ‘get back on his feet’.

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

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3 4

- PICTURED: ‘Shark’ spotted near swimmers on Spain’s Costa del Sol (23,623)

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Visitors: 670,380

Page views: 766,647

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Yacht to be kidding

Expat banned from driving his luxury cars for five years thanks to dodgy British import firm UNDER FIRE: Sanchez

Ped-woe SPAIN is on course for the fourth election in as many years after its parliament rejected Pedro Sanchez’s bid to become prime minister. Known as the ‘comeback kid,’ the 47-year-old has so far only managed to secure the backing of his own 123 PSOE lawmakers. “I want to be Spain’s prime minister, but not at any price,” said Sanchez “If in order to become prime minister I need to give up on my principles, if I need to form a government knowing it won’t be useful for the country, then it won’t be done now,” he continued. Sanchez now has until midSeptember to win the backing for his premiership to avoid fresh elections. If this fails a new election will be held on November 10 2019. However a repeat of the last round is ever likely, with a poll conducted this week showing PSOE would win just under 42% of the vote if an election was held tomorrow.

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

AN American expat has been banned from driving his cars for more than five years thanks to a dodgy British company and a backlog in the Spanish courts. Dennis Fitzsimmons, 76, has been unable to drive his red Corvette and Grand Cherokee Jeep since 2014 after the British-owned company that imported them from New York came under investigation. When police uncovered potential criminal dealings at the

ABSURD! FUMING: Dennis and (left) his cars

now defunct company Import Spain – owned by Brit Chris Dann and exposed by the Olive Press in 2016 – they decided to impound the vehicles of 97 customers. THE British pound has sunk well below €1 “They told at the UK’s biggest airports just as hordes of me they were Brits are set to travel to Spain. investigatAt the ICE desk at Heathrow airport last ing Dann for night, an Olive Press reader was quoted £117 not paying the for buying €100 – making each pound worth proper taxes just 85 cents. on cars before According to reports, at Gatwick airport on selling them, Monday night the rate was £1 = €0.90. and that every With commission added to a €100 transaccustomer was tion, the cost in sterling was £116. having their car The currency market has marked down sterembargoed,” ling as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit apFitzsimmons, pears increasingly likely. based in ZaraIt means the exchange rate costs are at a twogoza, told the year high. Olive Press. “But now we

Taking a pound-ing

are five years down the line and no one can tell me anything, it’s absolutely absurd. “I have called again and again but no one can tell me anything other than the trial is still awaiting its start date.

Bizarre

“We have now come to the point that we are willing to pay whatever, although unjust, just to free up the cars. Until now we have hit a dead end there as well. The Catalan authorities call it a macrocaso… it’s unbelievable but true.” In a bizarre twist, Fitzsimmons has been allowed to house the cars in his garage but is not allowed to touch or drive them as they have effectively been branded illegal by the courts. The former doctor, who has

paid out more than €10,000 on legal and car rental costs, added: “I just want to see something done and some sort of justice served. “But most of all, I just want my damn cars back.” Dann previously told the Olive Press that it had nothing to do with him. The Brit, who set up the company in Barcelona in 1990, said: “It was a very bad time that I would not like to revisit or go over. “I don’t know what to say, It has nothing to do with me, I did nothing wrong, the charges were dropped over two years ago.” His lawyer confirmed back in 2017 that Dann remained under investigation and that a trial would begin in 18 months time, however that has yet to take place.

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Off the rails RENFE has announced it will cancel 1,152 trains across four days of strikes on July 31, August 14, 30 and September 1. Some 707 of these will be passenger trains and 445 commercial. Workers are walking out over the increasingly recurring change in management. Travelers affected can swap their ticket for another nearby departure date or time at no additional cost.

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LA CULTURA

Tongue tied

BRITAIN is the EU country with the lowest percentage of 15 to 30-year-olds proficient in a foreign language. A study by the EU’s Erasmus education programme saw Britain in last place with just 32% saying they can read and write in another language. The second-last country, Hungary, left the UK in the dust with 71% of young adults skilled in a foreign tongue. Denmark topped the list with 99% bilingualism, followed by Malta with 98% and the Netherlands with 97%. Erasmus is an exchange programme that allows for students to study in other EU member states.

Traditional walk commemorates moment local’s daughter survived gas canister explosion

Do you have a what’s on?

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

Miracle hike

PUT on your walking shoes the annual march from Palma to the Lluc Monastery returns on August 3. The Guell a Lluc a Peu sees trekkers hike from Placa Guell to the sanctuary in Lluc. It all started in 1974 when local Tolo Guell and friends were enjoying an evening at his bar in Palma when suddenly a small gas canister exploded in his 6-year-old daughter's hands. Amazingly she was left unharmed. The friends called it 'a miracle' and decided they should walk to the Lluc Monastery in the mountains and thank the Vir-

Pyjama patriots HISTORIC battles between Mallorcans and pirate invaders are commonly re-enacted around Mallorca, but none are more fun than Pollensa's La Patrona Festival on August 2. In 1550 a ship of 1,500 Moorish pirates landed in Pollensa with the aim of conquering it, but local Joan Mas spotted the midnight invaders, woke the town, and saved the day before dawn. Today the town re-enactments the fight in their pyjamas just like they did in 1550, with traditional dances, parades, fireworks and mesclat – the liquor the soldiers once drank.

+34 971 140 016 mallorca@livingdreams.ch www.livingdreams.es

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ll Chopin AUGUST is the month for Chopin, with the monastery in Valldemossa hosting a festival with concerts every Sunday at 10 pm.

WRITING HISTORY: Monastery march signed off gin Mary. The next day around The 42-kilometre trek from 30 people made a pilgrimage Palma to the monastery has to the sanctuary. been hiked every year since, always starting at Placa Guell behind the train station, where the now-closed bar used to be. Guell became a well-known social activist in Mallorca, and a large promoter of culture and tradition – many walk the pilgrimage in his honour. Nearly 20 years after the first walk, the starting point at Bar Guell was inaugurated with a PLAY FIGHT: Moors and Christians special plaque at a ceremony

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attended by the King of Spain. Many more stone markers have been set along the route since then, each dedicated to a person who has made an impact on the culture of Mallorca. Now 45 years after it started, around 40,000 people walk the Guell a Lluc a Peu each summer – a hike now walked in the cool of the night. This year participants will meet in the square around 9 pm on Friday, August 2, leaving the square around 11 pm to start the roughly tenhour walk.

hrowback THE Village People are performing their famous hits from the '70s at Port Adriano on August 3, and Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley will take the stage August 9.

ll that Jazz SA Pobla's annual Jazz festival is back through August 25, with concerts, seminars, art exhibits and more for the whole family.

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August 2nd -August 15th 2019

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Brexitgate

In a missive to Britain’s next PM, sent before the deciding vote, Costa wrote: “No peacetime British government has ever abrogated the rights enjoyed by over a million of its own citizens overnight. “As a former UK government lawyer I can reasonably foresee an enormous, unprecedented amount of litigation raised by British citizens.”

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FAMOUS FACES: Hoddle, Rutherford, Fergie, Jordan and Knowles string of golf courses

and quiet beaches,

while the port area (below) is full of upscale restaurants and sailing TCHED carefully yachts crown of Spain’sinto the Rutherford or the BBC’s south- Knowles, Nick in the port ern coast, Sotogrande who of Sotogrande. is in the resort. all have homes “It’s so cosmopolitan a gem that shows and with no sign And then of losing its glimmer. there are the footbal- a low crime rate - if any at all. The country’s lers, largest pri- and including Glenn Hoddle Continues on page vately-owned residential Glen Johnson, who 22 have ‘su- bought homes per-state’ has long in Sotogrande. been the Internationally first port of call for renowned the cream of polo, European high society. golf and sailing, for its as well The radiance of as a burgeoning aire’s playground this million- scene, this ‘mini gastronomic Monaco’ of low-density living, lies in its high net worth residents stunning the hallmarks has all beaches and mountain of what is often drops, plus its amazing back- considered the top private remarina sort in and golf courses. Europe. Its privileged views Different from other of the Rock ‘celebrity’ of Gibraltar and TYRE CENTER the Rif moun- resorts where talk of wealth tains of Africa have and fame is de rigueur, been en- togrande in Sojoyed by the likes Can you afford they like to Tony Blair, the of ex-UK PM talk, appropriately,to keep such British royal Mention ‘sotto voce.’ wait 7 to 10 days? family and countless the palpable sense European of celebrities, who tel: 956 794 657 don’t want to community, however, and you’ll be spotted, unlike discover how that C/Sierra Bermeja venture to nearby those who leged enclave’s trueis the privis/n, Pueblo Nuevo de But keep your eyesMarbella. “Sotogrande is a treasure. Guadiaro you might spot Irishpeeled and place. You get all very friendly Opposite the different motor rac- nationalities ing guru Eddie Jordan, here and they all Iceland former just Genesis keyboard player Mike an blend in,” estate agent BriNelson tells us at A7 132 KM his office

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BIKINI BUST

HUNDREDS of thousands of Brits living in Spain could sue the in the event of a no-deal Brexit,UK a leading Conservative MP has claimed. Alberto Costa, Tory MP for South Leicestershire, said the next prime minister faces ‘an enormous, unprecedented amount’ of legal action if the rights of EU citizens residing in Britain not protected within legislation are before October 31. But Costa also warned that British expats living in Europe could be unfairly penalised if the next leader fails to secure their rights too. Brits living abroad would have strong case to sue, Costa warned,a if they unfairly lose their rights to pensions, healthcare and long-term residency.

Costa del Sol ‘power couple’ linked to Conor McGregor cuffed in one of Europe’s ‘biggest ever’ drugs probe

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

biggest EVER drugs probe. Bikini-fitness model Sofia Belorfia, 29, was seized in Helsinki alongside her well-connected boyfriend Niko Ranta-aho this month. The former Bikini-Fitness World Champion (2015) stands accused of money laundering, while Ranta-aho, owner of upmarket Teatro restaurant in Puerto Banus, has been charged with ‘serious drug offences’ relating to cocaine and steroids. Ranta-aho, who also owns ER Properties, remains locked up in the Finnish capital and has had €4 million worth of assets frozen while Belorfia has been released on bail. Lead investigator Kaarlo Lehmus has described the drug probe as the ‘most extensive’ in the country’s history. The leader of the

Finnish Hells Angels and a police officer have also been arrested as part of the investigation. Belorfia has frequently been in the limelight and the Olive Press can reveal she was one of 10 women pictured returning to UFC fighter Conor McGregor’s hotel room in London after a night of partying in 2017. The high profile Instagrammer - who has been served a gag order by the Finnish courts this week had spent all night partying with the Dubliner at the legendary Cirque le Soir nightclub. A well placed source told this paper last night: “After Belorf won the bikini fitness title she attempted to establish herself as a personal trainer of some kind. “However, it seems that she was keen to get money as quick-

VROOM: Niko in Ferrari while (inset centre) Conor McGregor

ly as possible by other means.” The source added that Ranta-aho first lived in Banus’s exclusive Gray D’Albion building and drove a Lamborghini and Mercedes jeep, both of which are now sold.

Bentley

“After that he's had numerous cars such as a Bentley, Rolls, Ferrari and the latest he used to drive before his arrest was an AMG Mercedes with British plates,” the source said. Belorfia, who ran a blog on the costa, met Ranta-aho in London before the pair ‘fell in love in Ibiza’. The so-called ‘power couple’ are now facing 10 years behind bars while most details of the case are being kept extremely secret by Finnish authorities. One well placed estate agent in Marbella described Ranta-aho as ‘always appearing so calm and professional and always super friendly.’

He added: “He seemed so successful so young, but everyone said it was down to having a very wealthy father.” The pair were well connected in Marbella and were often seen at luxury clubs like Olivia Valere and Nikki Beach. Guardia Civil told the Olive Press this week that the investigation into Ranta-aho has been closed in Spain and there are ‘no warrants for his arrest’. The investigation continues in Finland.

In Gibraltar Issue 102 * O f f e r

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The current theatre will be dismantled, while the Hebrew High School Inthe adjoining stitute, building will remain unchanged. A more spacious library and changes to the usage of Queen’s cinema room complete the upgrades. Minister of Culture, Steven Linares, said: “We are developing excellent facilities for the sports community and we maintain the same commitment to raise the great Performing Arts family in Gibraltar to an even higher level than today.”

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SHINE ON Carrying its spectacular beauty and exclusive seclusion with a carefree air, this haunt of global A-listers holds much to be valued, discovers Tim McNulty and Maya Eashwaran

GREEN ENCLAVE: Sotogrande is surrounded by verdant hills, a string of golf courses and quiet beaches, while the port area (below) is full of upscale restaurants and sailing yachts TCHED carefully into the Rutherford or the BBC’s Nick in the port of Sotogrande. crown of Spain’s south- Knowles, who all have homes “It’s so cosmopolitan and with ern coast, Sotogrande is in the resort. a low crime rate - if any at all. a gem that shows no sign And then there are the footbalContinues on page 22 of losing its glimmer. lers, including Glenn Hoddle The country’s largest pri- and Glen Johnson, who have vately-owned residential ‘su- bought homes in Sotogrande. per-state’ has long been the Internationally renowned for its first port of call for the cream of polo, golf and sailing, as well European high society. as a burgeoning gastronomic The radiance of this million- scene, this ‘mini Monaco’ of aire’s playground lies in its high net worth residents has all low-density living, stunning the hallmarks of what is often beaches and mountain back- considered the top private redrops, plus its amazing marina sort in Europe. and golf courses. Different from other ‘celebrity’ TYRE CENTER Its privileged views of the Rock resorts where talk of wealth of Gibraltar and the Rif moun- and fame is de rigueur, in SoCan you afford to tains of Africa have been en- togrande they like to keep such wait 7 to 10 days? joyed by the likes of ex-UK PM talk, appropriately, ‘sotto voce.’ Tony Blair, the British royal Mention the palpable sense of tel: 956 794 657 family and countless European community, however, and you’ll C/Sierra Bermeja s/n, celebrities, who don’t want to discover how that is the priviPueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro be spotted, unlike those who leged enclave’s true treasure. venture to nearby Marbella. “Sotogrande is a very friendly Opposite But keep your eyes peeled and place. You get all the different Iceland you might spot Irish motor rac- nationalities here and they all ing guru Eddie Jordan, former just blend in,” estate agent BriA7 132 KM Genesis keyboard player Mike an Nelson tells us at his office

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

and Portugal as an economic opportunity for Spain, Morocco engine.” Franco for the anti-GiHe blamed former Spanish dictator right-wing policy. braltar sentiment that shaped Spanish names were getting He suggested that just as street the attitude towards changed in recent years so should Gibraltar. describe the recent The GSLP party leader went on to neighbour as ‘very tax talks with the Rock’s closest positive’. asymmetric to “The way we do our taxation is totally “Spain looks the way Hacienda does it,” said Picardo. tax agreement but to have come out better out of theinformation for tax more much only because it needs purposes. absolutely nothing to “The deal has shown that we have have no Spanish money hide. We can now show that we Gibraltar.” in hiding from taxation

GOING OVERBOARD? Captain of tanker detained in Gibraltar accuses British soldiers of using excessive force

THE captain of the tanker seized in Gibraltar while carrying Iranian oil has accused the Royal Marines who detained his ship of using excessive force. The elite commandos had helped authorities seize the Grace 1 on suspicion it was carrying Syria bound oil in breach of EU sanctions. The Ministry of Defence has defended the raid arguing it ‘complied with international rules and norms.’ The statement last night came as the captain claimed marines made his unarmed crew kneel on the deck at gunpoint. The incident took place on July 4 and saw 30 marines from 42 Commando flown in at the request of the Gibraltar government. The unnamed captain said police radioed him with a request to board his ship

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How an innocent British MoD worker on Gib was locked up for a FULL STORY P6 YEAR with killers...

July 31st to August 13th 2019 Vol. 4 Issue 102 www.theolivepress.es

enter into the GiBECOMING Spanish ‘doesn’t even braltarian conscience’. Fabian Picrdo, who That’s the verdict of Chief Minister would be and why explained just how alien to locals that we are.’ it would ‘go against everything that and get into the Span“To get out of the Commonwealth UK is almost suicidal ish civil code and Europe with the for us,” Picardo said in Parliament. represents an enormous “Gibraltar within the Commonwealth

Spacious

FAMOUS FACES: Hoddle, Rutherford, Fergie, Jordan and Knowles

S u b j e c t

‘BECOMING SPANISH WOULD BE SUICIDE’

THE Government has revealed an ambitious plan to double the theatre capacity of John Mackintosh Hall. The iconic venue will see its current 408-seat space replaced with a new theatre big enough for an audience of over 900. A 13-metre stage, improved lighting, and new rigging - aka flies - are among the other features of the project.

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on the crewmembers and shouted ‘look forward, look forward,’ he continued “They didn’t care whether I was master… there was no regulations… we had 28

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unarmed crew. “I was in a state of shock, everybody was in a state of shock. “How do you come on a ship like this with armed forces and such brute force. For what reason?” Asked whether his ship’s cargo contained anything illegitimate, the captain replied he ‘followed company procedures’ and knew nothing of the sanctions. Meanwhile the MoD has described the operation as a ‘standard boarding’ and added that British armed forces were ‘held to the highest standards of professional.’ The seizure of the tanker sparked a diplomatic crisis between the UK and Iran, with the British flagged Stena impera tanker by seized by Iranian forces in retaliation.

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ris Minor for coastal escapades at home. But the €270,000 that the aptly named Jane and Bill Scammell stole from an eldery couple they were caring for in Javea saw them jailed for four years in July. An Alicante court ruled the pair, aged 51 and 57, had ‘taken advantage’ of their infirm employers who SCAMMERS: Brits Jane (left) and Bill took became ‘totally dependent’ as their advantage of elderly Parkinson’s and cerebral arteriorespective illnesses worsened. But the British fraudsters kept The crimes began at the end of 2011, sclerosis that rendered him increas- €102,890 of pilfered cash as the ingly ‘incapacitated and with lapses when the Scammells started credit card transfers were ‘unverphoning cash into their personal si- in memory’. ifiable’ having been made in small ac- The judge counts through small cash deposits, ruled the pair could keep €116,680 from a total of €385,902 amounts of ‘between €100 and cheques and credit card transfers. as salaries, while from the unjusti- €600’. They did not stop even when the Sources el- fied €270,000 MORRIS MINOR: Brought derly wife passed away in 2013, and they were ordered to how the have told the Olive Press couple, who have not been with robbed cash while the husband suffered from pay €166,332 to the Dutch family of named until now, ‘laughed off’ the the deceased. scam to family and friends. “It appears that Jane had absolutely no compassion or sense of right and wrong,” a relative close to the family, who asked to remain nameless, 2 THE Olive Press has been ‘pivotCRIME told the Olive Press. al’ in the release of six podenco friend’ of former Teulada-MorairaCrackHector “The disgusting thing is that they hawk downthe English press was seem to have gotten away with some dogs trapped in an abandoned mayor Carlos Lin- ares. naming and shaming her, but he “It’s wonderful, of it. house on the Costa Blanca. said ‘the times “Jane used to use the words ‘cash Grace Boas, 63, last month because you refor keeping dogs cow’ to refer to the couple. claimed the hounds had been ally wrote the Blackin cab this condition “She was accumulating money rapist’s locked up for ‘eight years’ truth,” Boas told costa are plans now over’.” sometimes by charging a ridiculous among their own ‘excrement the Olive Press. The dogs’ owner, “In our fight we €50 to take the dogs around and worms’. the Fernando Serrat, block for this old couple. Following four denuncias and really need that has now agreed “She wanted to fleece them for two instancias, the dogs are courage.” all to hand them they have.” now being sought a suitable Boas said Teulaover for adoption. When the elderly woman passed shelter and will be rehomed da’s new councilHave you been to away, Jane and Bill allegedly began lor for public serSpit and run COLLARED ‘very soon’. FLASHBACK: scheming to ‘get what they could’ Dog appeal the police about Nothing was being done to save vices, Hector Mobefore it was too late. animals in terrible them as the 77-year-old own- rales, is ‘now completely on the conditions near to your homes? “It was around 2013 that the Scamer’s daughter was allegedly ‘a side’ of animal rights activists. mell’s lifestyle began to change,” “The daughter complained to Call the Olive Press on +34 951 the

I think as British people who have made the conscious decision to move to Spain, we should make the effort to learn Spanish (WATCH: Wellknown British expat commended online for saying ‘Brits in Spain SHOULD speak Spanish’, online, July 5). That being said, I have found picking up the lingo is not as easy as some of my fellow expats seem to think. In fact I have spent a substantial amount on lessons, but since I live in the campo, I do not have the opportunity to practice what I have been taught. My closest neighbours, speak local dialects, (not all the same one), and sound as though they are speaking underwater. I agree with those who say that Spanish can be very helpful, the thing is unless you can use it, you soon lose it. Ed Naughton, Palma

Why let people suffer? There should be help for a painless and dignified end. Edith Farminer, Alcudia

PEDRO Sanchez layed a vote until has deJuly 23 in order to convince blo Iglesias’ Unidos PaPodemos to for a coalition with the socialist party. PSOE won 123 seats during the April elections, but need 176 to a majority in thebecome Spanish congress.

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The Swazis

HE Swazi king, Mswatti III, has long been criticised for his over-the-top spending habits, as his country is one of the poorest countries in the world. He’s certainly got form. So it should have come as no surprise when, this summer, Mswatti III flew into Marbella for an extravagant stay at a villa in the resort’s most expensive hotels - the Marbella Club, where rooms can cost a whopping €900 a night. He arrived for his Spanish stay with all 14 wives and 35 children in tow, bookended by a massive security entourage. For his 40th birthday celebration in 2008, by his own royal command, ‘a 15,000seat stadium was built and a fleet of topof-the-line BMW sedans was ordered for the comfort of visiting dignitaries’, according to the New York Times.

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Sounding off THE new Audiovisual Council of Andalucia has said it wants to ‘reduce the number of English words’ used by the Spanish media.

Stalker Style HARRY Styles has brought his alleged stalkSpanish er Pablo Taeazago-Orego to court after claiming he has been putting notes in his mailbox and ‘making his life a misery.’

NOEL Gallagher has angered music fans after replying ‘what’s that?’ when asked his opinion of Spanish flamenco-pop sensation Rosalia.

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2019 Vol. 13 Issue 322 www.theolivepress.es July 17th to July 30th

HAIL MARY

A TEEN with cerebral palsy who crowd surfed in his wheelchair at a heavy metal gig has described his ‘incredible’ moment. “I felt like God,” said Alex Dominguez, 19, who went viral after he was filmed being held aloft by crowds at the Resurrection Fest, in Galicia. The second year law student was watching Swedish band Arch Enemy, who later much quicker thanked their fans for ‘being times than beawesome.’ fore. Over the decade last the 875-metre runs have generally SPAIN’S Armed Forces have decreased to their first female two nearly general. minutes Patricia Ortega which is half Garcia, 56, is the length that the first elected they were in female leader in the 1990s. leaps over bull the army’s 500Critics insist FEARLESS: Norman stage a sit-down protest on the year history. the bulls are She takes up eight the of one before course free break to able no longer her role some from the castrated steers, who runs. It came despite numerous 31 years after women were first accompany them and are too injuries this year, one involving allowed into the army. The a man’s arm being split open fast and trained. servicewoman, from Madrid, This makes the entire run far ‘like a fillet’ and another suffer- signed up in 1988 as a student ing serious head injuries. safer for the runners. lieutenant. Mum-of-three Or“This is the end of the encierro “Society has said for 20 years in- tega is no stranger to making as we know it,” said Joe Distler, that the run was too risky,”fes- history, after becoming Spain’s an American, who has complet- sisted a spokesman for the that first female lieutenant colonel in ed 50 bull runs. He was among tival. “Now they complain 2009 and colonel in 2015. several runners - or mozos - to there is no tragedy.”

American football star leaps bulls with ease at ‘too safe’ San Fermin festival A CELEBRATED American sportsman has been caught on camera performing a series of death-defying leaps over bulls. High-octane footage shows Washington Redskins player, Josh Norman, 31, hurdle not one, but two toros at the annual Pamplona festival. “It was really worth it,” he said after his acrobatics at the San A BALD attempt to smuggle drugs into Spain has been stopped after a man was found with half a kilo of cocaine hidden under his toupee. Arriving at Barcelona airport from Bogota, the Colombian man attracted suspicion with a disproportionately large hairpiece under his hat. Officers detained the man and found a package stuck to his head with about €30,000 of cocaine.

Fermin festival, in which eight people were gored by bulls. While he was certainly dicing with death or injury, this year’s festival was criticised for ‘not being dangerous enough.’ Veteran bull-runners have slammed the daily runs - known as encierros - claiming they have been ‘adulterated’ with the bulls running the course in

Wiggin’ it

SWAZI: King Mswatti III

for several hours for her arrival in the unforgiving Costa del Sol heat. What was initially supposed to be a relaxing, private mother-and-daughter vacation quickly turned into the event of the year for the Spanish media. According to reports, Michelle was accompanied by

The Kuwaitis

uwaiti royals and businessmen have been padding Marbella with petrodollars for over four decades, mainly investing in luxury property in Mijas, Marbella and Sotogrande. Unlike the Saudis, the Kuwaitis are known for their more reserved spending habits. As reported by El Pais, one Kuwaiti entourage member stated that ‘the Kuwaitis have no need to show off their wealth’. Indeed, despite being world famous for Saudi opulence in the area, the Kuwaitis own more property in Marbella than their Arabian neighbours.

50+

metal

Heavy

HE former First Lady of the United States’ 2010 vacation to Marbella and Mallorca attracted worldwide attention. The ‘FLOTUS’ landed in Malaga in early August to a crowd of over 200 Spanish journalists and an assembly of uniformed Spanish Civil Guard, all of whom had been waiting

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the exorbitant costs associated with his Spanish travels. According to them, the papal visit to Santiago de Compostela cost taxpayers €3 million while his stop in Barcelona racked up another €1.8 million. However, it was his visit to Madrid in 2011 that met with the biggest backlash. Arriving in the capital for World Youth Day, this orthodox Pope brought together a group (or should that be hoard) of two million young people whose stay ran up an eye-watering €50 million bill. However 70% was paid by the kids themselves and 30% was covered by company donations. The possible profits of the event were projected to be at more than €100 million.

Ladies first

her daughter, Sasha, two friends and four of their own daughters, several White House aides and a few select staff members. They arrived in an Air Force One jet that cost over $11,000 an hour in operation costs, bringing the total cost of the round trip across the Pond to just under €177,408. While the Obamas were in flight, a fleet of 14 vehicles awaited in Malaga. From there, they were whisked away to Marbella for a few days of luxury at the five-star Hotel Villa Padierna. Michelle had booked around 30 extra rooms for her entourage, both security and staff. The particular villa she stayed in, boasting three floors, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and three terraces. It has since been renamed the Obama Villa. This opulent pad, hemmed on all sides by pristine golf courses, can cost up to €3,600 a night. Judicial Watch, a US-based conservative organisation, requested and obtained official travel expenses from the US Air Force and Secret Service, as well as documents from the Department of Homeland Security. They reveal a total cost of €414,765 for the Obamas’ Spanish getaway. Secret Service protection alone came to €225,716 — a sum that included the Obamas’ private car costs, payments to a travel company and secure hotel accommodation.

The whole festival is a disgrace in this day and age (Hail Mary, Issue 59, pg 24). There is never a reason for animal cruelty.

Carol Montgomery, Palma

Only a devious evil man avoids recognising his own innocent son (He’s the daddy, Issue 59, pg 3). Shame on him. Cock-blocke

HEALTH

COCKROACHES have begun developing a cross-resistance to powerful insecticides, an alarming new study has found. Scientists from Purdue University exposed cockroaches to different insecti-

I have just had to nurse my mother in law with stage 3b lung cancer because no treatment was possible and for me and my wife it was hard to watch a loved one go through this. You would not let your dog go through this. Andrew West, Benalmadena

Enough is enough Why let people suffer. There should be help for a painless and dignified end. Edith Farminer, Calvia

cides, and found that populations not only developed a resistance to what they were exposed to, but also to other

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Another reason to go organic! Creamy confusion (Creamy confusion, Issue 59, pg 17). Chemical sunscreen is so damaging to the skin and very often the factor is not what they Comple it is. Alsote they cause more allergic reactionsglasses and stinging eyes. “These companies are charging for assistance they are not providing,” said David Medina, who sits on the ASPE board of directors.

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sure Pink, Staysure, Suretravel Citybond, Covered 2 Go, Good to Go, All Clear Traveler, Alpha Travel, ERV Medi-Care, Leisurecare Multi-traveler X5, World First Traveler and Get going Travel Insurance. It comes as a no-deal Brexit could see an end to these ‘fraudulent’ practices, as Brits may have more restricted access to Spanish healthcare. ASPE filed a complaint with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority back in 2016, according to El Pais. Fraudulent insurance policies represent a loss of between €75-100 million a year for the Spanish health sector. The tourist hotspots of Andalucia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia and the Canary Islands are the worst-affected by these policies.

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SPAIN has ruled that sun creams labelled as dangerous by a consumer group are ‘not a risk’. The Ministry of Health responded to the Organization of Consumers and Users’ (OCU) damning assessment of the Isdin and Babaria brands. Despite being labelled SPF 50+, the children's creams were found to be just SPF 15 and 30, respectively. “A certain unfair variation has been observed in the methodology used in the laboratories,” said a spokesperson from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). The OCU and AEMPS have both now called for testing to ‘standardised’ so discrepancies are less likely to occur.

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HIS ultra-conservative El Papa whose papacy was tarnished by several scandals and a controversial past was a frequent visitor to Spain. Among his most memorable trips was his visit to Valencia in 2006 for the fifth World Meeting for Families, a ‘public affirmation of the invaluable worth he places on the family’. According to an audit, the Valencian government spent €3.1 million on public loos, €1.7 million on hotels for the papal entourage and his guests, more than €500,000 on 284 planters of varying sizes, €7.5 million on megaphones and screens and €1.5 million on the papal altar. The official centre where the Pope celebrated mass cost 39% over the original budget, with €451,000 spent on the metal work, €124,000 on zoning costs, and the rest squandered on electricity, plumbing and special curtains to offset the heat from the television lights. The audit was part of an investigation opened in 2016 into the Valencian government’s contracts under President Francisco Camps who, alongside the Archbishop of Valencia, was suspected of committing crimes of administrative prevarication, embezzlement and fraud. The Pope’s 2010 pastoral trip around Spain was equally draining on the taxman, requiring a scandalous €4.8 million from public coffers to cover the costs. The visit prompted Europa Laica-Observatoria de la Laicidad, an organisation advocating the separation of church and state, to marshal a ‘symbolic bill’ making both Pope and public aware of

There are those who are dying who wish to live and those who live that wish to die, it's a tough one but each person has a right to decide if they are unable to continue. David Rowe, Ardales

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10 Continues on Page 2

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A SURVEILLANCE helicopter The has caught a man Spanish km/h on the AP-7 travelling at 223 in surveillancegovernment brought Costa Blanca whilemotorway on the speeders back helicopters to catch drugs’. The Pegasus ‘high on several A total of eightin 2007. helicopter from now patrol the SpaSpain’s Directorate-General nish skies. The Pegasus for Trachoppers ffic (DGT) caught the driver at 13.42 uses two cameras which monitor in Gandia on Saturday, the speed of a car before noti- number and record fying the Guardia plate. The cameras its Civil’s traffic unit. The man was detained can also determine if a driver is using and tested a mobile positive to ‘various phone or riding without narcotics’. seatbelt. a

Trapped in hell

British expat says ‘ignoring’ attemptscouncil are to rescue mistreated dogs

A BRITISH expat who has fought for eight EXCLUSIVE ONE of the UK’s cue dogs trappedyears to resBy Joshua Parfitt gerous men has most danhole’ says town in a ‘hellning Spanish as been learllors do nothing hall councidue to their plan to relocate part of his friendship with the Fernando Serrat, to Spain on but nothing his release. Grace Boas, 63, owner. ever changes,” Infamous 62-year-old are six podenco said there Grace believesshe explained. hunting dogs rapist John Worboys taxi stuck in an abandoned been done is nothing has that Serrat’s - who house daughter now goes by the ‘without windows’ is the director of the Derek Radford name John Sant Miquel, near on Cami Auditori Teulada Benimeit, friends’ and ‘good in Teulada. to start a new- is hoping with former health life here, She said the dogs councillor Rosa when released. Ana Caselles live su- and rrounded by ‘excrement But the sex offender, former mayor Carlos and Liworms’ and they was set to be released who ‘never leave’ nares. the property. this A series of letters year, may spend “I walk my dogs to both politiciansaddressed time behind barsa lot more pleading day and they barkthere every for ‘a solution’ field prison after at Wakenon-stop,” have gone a massive Grace, who is public uproar. secretary of unanswered. PLUTO Protectora “We want to give “He had all the these dogs told the Olive Press.Animales, a life of liberty, without fleas, DVDs and was books and “Four denuncias, two instan- worms, poor nutrition and pretty fluent,” a becoming cias and a complaint horrific MISTREATED: Dogs trapped the prison told a source at to the letter conditions,” read one EU Commission in abandoned to Linares. UK newshave been house paper. made against their owner, She was recently told by Se- to ‘understand Spanish cultu“He wanted to rrat’s daughter that re’. certainly not European eventually she failed “But beha- live in Spain viour, or shouldn’t is this really culture? be,” added yingly, he’d where, worrIt’s Grace, who be totally anonretired to Spain 15 ymous and God years for health reasons. what he’d get uponly knows She believes that to out thehunter Serrat, aged the keen re mixing with tourists. 77, is now “He ‘incapable’ of caring TWO men have for his namehad also changed his six dogs. so he could slip under Barcelona after been arrested in A WOMAN has However there the radar.” been arrested after rists by using robbing 23 toudog died from strangulation the horizon withis hope on Worboys her the ‘spitting’ method. and heatstroke. res and Caselles both Lina- for a spatewas jailed in 2009 The men were The 27-year-old power after May’sno longer in 12 women of sex assaults on seen on CCTV is charged with elections. tting on tourists, in London. spiShe hopes new councillor abuse after her ‘dying’ animal He could have offered to clean and while one for Animal Welfare a balcony in Valladolid.pet was spotted on the victim’s jacAdrian Ruiz permission to travelobtained ket the other made will be more ‘animal After police officers abroad off with their suitcase. “The maltreatment friendly’. from probation officers afting intensely’ and saw the animal ‘panThe thieves, of of ani- ter a Parole Board mals really upsets deemed firemen were called could not break in, me,” added him to be no lity, reportedlyPeruvian nationaBoas, who narrowly longer a danmade €73,000 But the dog could to rescue the animal. missed a ger. But the the scam. in seat on Teulada decision is exdied of ‘suffocation not be saved, and it the PSOE in the council with pected to be reversed according to a vet. due to strangulation’, when recent elec- he goes tions. in front of be sentenced in a judge to “I’m really praying September can finally be done.”something after he admitted attacks on

How the other half live when on holiday in southern Spain, from Saudi Royalty to British prime ministers and American billionaires

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Held to account

SPAIN has been rred to the EU refeCourt of Justice for imposing disproportionate on taxpayers who fines to report assets failed held in other EU countries.

Little ears

A BOY aged 10 has rescued a 64-yearold Dutchman fell into a fissurewho in the mountains cos de Europa,of Pithern Spain. The norboy split from his family to take photographs when he heard the injured man scream for help.

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FIVE members ‘Wolf Pack’ gangof the been found guiltyhave of rape after the Supreme Court overturned a regional court’s lesser conviction of assault. The fivesexual will each be jailedmen 15 years, instead for years, for raping of 9 an 18-year-old and it in Pamplona. filming

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VICTORY: Dogs saved from ‘hellhole’

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Dignity

The Filthy Rich and their entourage

T I'm not a reli100s gious man. But a man who tells T me to donate to the poor whilst himself drinking from a gold chalice and flying business class (The Filthy Rich and their entourage, Issue 59, pg 6 and 7) Is not a man I take seriously. 100+ T 50+ Alex Brown, Malaga K

You wouldn't let a dog suffer like many of the long-term sick do. Yes,of course there should be checks and balances to avoid people helping their old folk along so they can inherit the money. The establishment tell us that pain can be managed with medication, but what sort of life is it for those unfortunates drugged into a virtual coma just waiting to die? Carol Montgomery, Madrid

HIGH LIFE: (Left) Lambo and mansion and (right) Sofia at jeep, (middle) Guadalmina Bikini-fitness championships

A MARBELLA-based expat who partied with Conor McGregor has been arrested as part of Finland’s

Preach

Justice at last!

THANK god British engineer Robert Mansfield-Hewitt has been released from prison this month. It is unfathomable that a UK citizen could have been locked up for SEVEN months without even being charged. Incredibly, he was forced to wait a further four months for his day in court before being released more than a month later. And all in an EU country and very close ally to Britain no less! How many other cases like Robert’s have there been? There was no evidence connecting him to the drugs and least of all no workable motive, given his decades-long career with the British government. All the while, there seems to have been no investigation launched into the owner of the property where the drugs were found. The case seems mired in corruption with local police apparently deciding to try and pin it on Robert from day one. Either way, we are delighted that the pressure we have maintained on the authorities throughout this year, appears to have had some effect. NO OTHER expat paper was willing to do that. And we are happy Robert appreciates it. There is nothing like being forgotten to rust in prison.

Readers react to the news over 1 million people in Spain have signed petitions supporting euthanasia (online, July 18) Signed up

Your voice in Spain

Vol. 13 Issue 323 www.theolivepress.es July 31st - August 13th 2019

OPINION

‘Dignity and respect’

The Mijas Costa

Voted top expat paper in Spain

The

In Andalucia Issue 323

FEATURE

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

FINAL WORDS

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GREEN ENCLAVE: Sotogrande is surrounded by verdant hills, a string of golf courses and quiet beaches, while the port area (below) is full of upscale restaurants and sailing yachts TCHED carefully into the Rutherford or the BBC’s Nick fice in the port of Sotogrande. crown of Spain’s south- Knowles, who all have homes “It’s so cosmopolitan and with ern coast, Sotogrande is in the resort. a low crime rate - if any at all. a gem that shows no sign And then there are the footContinues on page 16 of losing its glimmer. ballers, including Glenn Hoddle The country’s largest privately- and Glen Johnson, who have owned residential ‘super-state’ bought homes in Sotogrande. has long been the first port of Internationally renowned for its call for the cream of European polo, golf and sailing, as well high society. as a burgeoning gastronomic The radiance of this million- scene, this ‘mini Monaco’ of aire’s playground lies in its low- high net worth residents has all density living, stunning beach- the hallmarks of what is often es and mountain backdrops, considered the top private replus its amazing marina and sort in Europe. golf courses. Different from other ‘celebrity’ TYRE CENTER Its privileged views of the Rock resorts where talk of wealth of Gibraltar and the Rif moun- and fame is de rigueur, in SoCan you afford to tains of Africa have been en- togrande they like to keep such wait 7 to 10 days? joyed by the likes of ex-UK PM talk, appropriately, ‘sotto voce.’ Tony Blair, the British royal fam- Mention the palpable sense of tel: 956 794 657 ily and countless European ce- community, however, and you’ll C/Sierra Bermeja s/n, lebrities, who don’t want to be discover how that is the priviPueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro spotted, unlike those who ven- leged enclave’s true treasure. ture to nearby Marbella. “Sotogrande is a very friendly Opposite But keep your eyes peeled and place. You get all the different Iceland you might spot Irish motor rac- nationalities here and they all ing guru Eddie Jordan, former just blend in,” estate agent A7 132 KM Genesis keyboard player Mike Brian Nelson tells us at his of-

DISCOUNT

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Shine on

ll about

From page 15

UNSPOILT: Much of the nearby coastline is largely undeveloped, while the port (above) is buzzing and fun

“Of course everyone wants Sotogrande to stay the way it is, development, however, is inevitable. “Everything from here is just a bonus.” Outside Sotogrande Raquet’s club we bumped into Wendy who has traded north London for a family holiday in Sotogrande every summer for the last decade. “This place is family-friendly and less hectic than further down the coast,” she explains still out of breath from her on court exploits. “It’s very open and we love it because you can cycle around

Safe and sound and everywhere feels very safe.” And there is truly an abundant offering of outdoor pursuits. The profusion of yachts and kayaks spotted as we walk the immaculately tree lined streets down to the marina reminds us again of Sotogrande’s huge sporting offer, not to forget the golf. A championship round at Royal Sotogrande Golf Club is an unforgettable afternoon for any Shane Lowry - one of seven courses available. Elsewhere, those who take

life more at a gallop have Santa Maria Polo Club, one of the most important clubs of its kind in Europe, where the equestrian sport can be enjoyed most of the year. It is also the only polo club in the world to hold two ranking events on the international circuit every year: the Silver Cup and the Gold Cup. Every july and August top polo players from around the world descend on Santa Maria for the International Tournament, now in its 47th year. During the offseason, many football teams

rent the polo pitches to train. Much of Sotogrande’s fame stems from its sporting firsts. Valderrama golf course was the first to host The Ryder Cup on the continent of Europe in 1997. And it’s still a fairway to golfing heaven, according to golfer and former professional footballer Andy Gemmell, who has played some 40 courses in the area. If year-round residents have a complaint, it’s that the winter months can be very quiet, so they welcome the recent new investment in the area. There has been a serious

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13 Summer 2019

How we see it

The Olive Press talks to a handful of locals to see what they think about life in Sotogrande Andy Gemmell, 72, Glasgow It’s a great place for families and is very safe, so it’s perfect for children. Sotogrande isn’t commercialised compared to other areas, which is a big draw. Valeria Alfie, Sotogrande It used to be a more seasonal place, whereas recently people are opting to be here all year round. This is very good for small business people such as myself. Wytze Abels Velema, 75, Holland

TIP TOP: The beach is as well kept as the marina (below)

Gerry Fagan, 61, Liverpool I live in Gibraltar but come here because I like the ambience, it’s an escape or, as the Spanish would say, muy tranquilo. It’s a different pace from Gibraltar, and compared to the hustle and bustle of the UK it’s a completely different lifestyle. Paul Martin, 74, Bristol It’s a wonderful place for golfers, polo players, and people with boats and I have seen plenty of royals such as the Duchess of York, who has holidayed here several years in a row.

of Sotogrande was founded to accommodate the growing international population. In 1985, the polo fields of Rio Sotogrande I and II were built as well as adding new fields in 1992, 1995, 2003 and 2008. In 1997, just before the Ryder Cup, Guadiaro to Algeciras coastal highway dual-carriageway upgrade was completed and in 2002 the construction of AP-7 motorway helped visitors reduce their drive time to the resort. McMicking continued to live out his later years in Sotogrande until his death in 1990. One of longest-established residents Lucrecia Aldao, 61, from the Philippines, has seen nearly five decades of its transformation.

From small time polo to international golf

n the early days new courses at San Roque, after polo left the Almanara and La Reserva, beach for the green rapidly climbing up the Top grassy fields, it was Ten chart in Spain. a common sight to Every year the quality of the see families with regattas from Puerto Sototheir picnics spread grande are becoming more o u t next to the ‘cancha’, and more important. the local gardeners sitting On top of this, Sotogrande with their families next to could soon become the members of the British Ro- Equestrian Show Jumping Centre for Europe as plans yal Family. Now it is an extremely well are going ahead to introduorganised 5-star event, and ce top class competitions amazingly still free to the throughout the winter, public apart from The Gold when it is too cold cup Final on the very last and wet to celebrate events in day of the summer season. And Golf. After the huge Northern Europe. success of the Ryder Cup, And most amazing Volvo Masters and Amex of all, is the increWorld Championship at dible new inland Valderrama we now have beach and mini Spain's first Municipal cour- ocean complex at se at La Cañada, as well La Reserva. Spain’s as the amazing Real Club most exclusive inland de Sotogrande course and beach resort.

M & l aarria e M & u l e iapp iiggu M M

amount of spending in the extended port area, Ribera del Marlin, as well as in the hills up towards La Reserva golf. There is a very real sense that the place has upped a gear in the last three or four years and all of Sotogrande’s 2,500 hectares are being carefully planned and used. This is best showcased by La Reserva’s man-made lagoon, which saw sand brought over from Morocco. “It’s three or four times bigger than the blue lagoon in Estepona,” adds Brian Nelson with a distinct tinge of pride. Sotogrande’s story goes back to the 1960s, when in 1962 an American Filipino family invested millions into Sotogrande to make it what it is today. Stanford University graduate Joseph McMicking and his family were looking to find a suitable place on the Mediterranean, when his cousin found Sotogrande. Joseph McMicking purchased the company Financiera Sotogrande del Guadiaro and submitted a plan to buy the 1,800 hectare estate, which was later approved by the Spanish authorities. From there he commissioned Robert Trent Jones, a famous golf architect, to design the Royal Golf Club of Sotogrande. Building on the success, in 1978 the International School

Sotogrande is a small community which has what everybody wants. To live here is unbelievable. It’s extremely safe, there is no crime here.

Equestrian Equestrian Team Team HIPICA at SAN ROQUE CLUB DINING CENTRAL: The port comes alive at night “I arrived here in 1968 and Conde’s waterfront restaurant grew up in Sotogrande. Since for a drink we meet 49-yearthen it’s changed in so much old Theresa Cohen, 50, who as its grown. Sotogrande is a moved to Sotogrande from Oxphilosophy…it’s a philosophy ford a year ago. of family, of friends. It’s a low “Among friends we jokingly key society, and everybody call it the ‘new Marbella’. here is low key. Not in a flashy way but Soto“You can run into some exgrande is how Marbella used tremely rich, extremely fato be before it got too commermous people and nobody will cialised,” she tells us. “Here bat an eyelid. The place itself it is different, being a gated may have changed, and is community I think helps that modernising, but the philosoexclusivity. phy remains the same. “The restaurants in the area, “Sotogrande isn’t commerI believe, are world-class: fine cialised compared to other wines and the best seafood areas, which is a big draw but dishes around.” it’s getting there. Every year The marina is yet another there is a new twist and turn.” highlight of Sotogrande where At the marina we stopped at the welcome is warm, the hosthe long established Hairy pitality outstanding and the Lemon, where owner Lorenc sporting offer unequalled by has allowed the ‘Soto’ school anywhere else in the world of thinking to heavily influence that’s not a town or a village his international menu. but merely a gated commuYou only need to sit down at nity.” a quayside restaurant to overSotogrande has undoubtedly hear how multicultural this become the benchmark resort place has become. Conversafor residential luxury living and tions are conducted in Spanquality sport tourism. ish, German, French, Italian, It is easy to agree with LuScandinavian - it’s a veritable crecia Aldao when she said tower of Babel. ‘I don’t think Sotogrande will Gatecrashing El Molino del ever lose its sparkle.’

Pony club | Birthday parties Professional riders and trainers of riders and jumping and dressage horses Livery in boxes and paddocks Field & beach horseback routes Summer, Christmas & Easter camps Exams & galloping courses Sports technician courses | Farm school Sale of jumping horses and dressage Jumping and dressage clinics with professional riders

Miguel Torres: 651 929 231 Mariapi Rico: 607 618 081 Urb San Roque Club, N-340, km 127, salida 127

BUSINESS

A stitch in time

A CLOTHING brand in Barcelona is helping sex workers to stitch together a new life with work as seamstresses. Dona Kolors has hired 20 women who have escaped years of forced prostution to produce simple linen and cotton garments. The social enterprise was set up by a local Catholic organization, El Lloc de la Dona, catalan for ‘Women’s Place.’ “Working here I feel empowered, relaxed and happy,” said a 42-year-old former prostitute, speaking on the condition of anonymity. An estimated 400,000 sex workers operate in Spain, according to Spanish government figures.

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

Not so fast, climate change!

Zara reveals plans to become completely green within six years after ‘fast-fashion’ criticisms ZARA has vowed to become 100% sustainable by 2025. The Spanish fashion giant announced last week that within six years, all of its linen, polyester and cotton will be either organic, sustainable or recycled. It will also use only sustainable viscose - a semi-synthetic fibre - by 2023. Its parent company Inditex, owned by Spain’s richest man Amancio Ortega, plans to extend the green plan to its other brands which include Zara Home, Pull & Bear, Bershka

and Massimo Dutti. "We need to be a force for change, not only in the company but in the whole sector," Inditex chairman and CEO Pablo Isla said at the annual meeting. "Sustainability is a neverending task in which everyone here at Inditex is involved and in which we are successfully engaging all of our suppliers." It comes as Zara’s stores are to be made ‘eco-efficient’ by the end of this year, reducing the company’s carbon emis-

BBVA corruption probe SPAIN’S anti-corruption prosecutor has called for BBVA to be placed under formal investigation as part of a probe into an alleged spying case. It comes after revelations that the country’s second-biggest bank had hired expolice chief Jose Manuel Villarejo’s firm, Grupo Cenyt, to investigate officials of construction company Sacyr to help stop a takeover bid by the company in 2004.

The lender has admitted to hiring the firm but says there is no evidence of spying. The prosecutor wants the bank probed for ‘for acts that would constitute offences of bribery, disclosure of secrets and corruption in business.’ It was stated that documents seized during the investigation would prove that the hiring and allegedly illegal payments to grupo Cenyt, a security firm owned by

WALK THE WALK: Zara reveals environmental plans sions while saving energy and ergy from its stores, distribuminimising waste. tion centres and offices to be It also wants 80% of the en- ‘clean’ in 2025. Zara has made other attempts to counteract the impact of so-called ‘fast fashion’, which sees new styles and ranges shipped in every week across thousands of stores. Customers can drop off used clothing, footwear and accessories in more than 1,300 Villarejo, affected several sensitive areas stores to tackle fashion's of the bank and various executives of the waste problem. institution. Inditex sells products in more If the investigation is approved by investithan 200 markets online and gative judge Manuel Garcia-Castellon, the more than 7,000 stores in most the bank will face is a heavy fine. 96 markets, including over 2,000 Zara stores.

Venezuela oil death A FORMER executive at Venezuela’s stat- run oil company PDVSA has been found dead in Madrid. Police in Spain’s capital have launched an investigation after Carlos Marquez, 48, was found hanged in a flat on the outskirts of the city. Marquez had appeared in court over his alleged involvement in a money-laundering scheme. While he denied the allegations, he had reportedly agreed to collaborate with authorities investigation corruption at PDVSA.

Hot-spitality ANDALUCIA has started the summer with the best June in history for hotel business. The Costa del Sol has contributed significantly to the bumper season, with hotels in Malaga contributing almost 40% of the region’s take. The average daily price of a hotel stay has also increased by 5.5% and now stands at €91.93. The total growth recorded in Malaga hotels has been estimated at more than 618,794 tourists. Overnight stays are also up, by 1.5%, as Spanish holiday makers made up for a 1.6% drop in foreign bookings.

Keys Isl nd Sterling opportunity By Amanda Butler

to the

The Pound may have slumped in Johnson’s Brexit Britain, but for Brit property owners in Spain, it’s a great time to sell, writes Amanda Butler

ULY was quite a hot one for many in Europe with the UK registering 38.1° C, hotter than our own highest monthly registered temperature in Mallorca of 35° C. It is not overly pleasant to be working in those temperatures without access to a nice refreshing ocean or pool to dive into - one thing we’re never short of here, thankfully! The usual chaos ensued with warping railway tracks, melting commuters and holidaymakers going nowhere. If that didn’t do it, there were those getting hot under the collar over the results of the Conservative Party election with Boris jumping into the driver’s seat! It will certainly be an interesting one to watch - to see if he can dig us out of the deep hole left by the last six months of stalemate from the UK Parliament. There are difficult choices to be made, although not of the kind nearly as enjoyable as having to choose to watch England win the Cricket

World Cup or yet another incredible final from Wimbledon - reaching their climaxes simultaneously on different channels. Boris’ win and the increased chance of a no-deal Brexit had the exchange rate at the time of writing plunging to its lowest for two years against the dollar at $1.21, and against the euro at €1.0881. Whilst some might think so, the money markets clearly do not favour the new Prime Minister’s direction and determination to leave the EU on October 31 – ‘no ifs no buts’. It’s going to be a hard and rocky road ahead as he builds a team around him that seems equally determined - but even so, they

still need to secure parliamentary approval through a majority in the House of Commons, something which has proved quite impossible to date. One thing for sure is that travel for the Brits holidaying abroad is going to be quite a shock, with the pound decreasing below the Euro with today’s airport exchange companies! Looking at the positive side, it’s a great time for British sellers to sell if contemplating, and just as well we have a diverse marketplace from a broad mixture of nationalities – I may have to start learning another language after all! Currently I am looking for some apartment development opportunities for an investor, which as yet isn’t bringing anything overly exciting to the fore. In addition, I have a South African investor looking for prime hotels in top locations, so if you just happen to be a hotel owner, or know of one, open to selling at this time please do get in touch.

For any questions or if you require assistance with selling or buying a property you can contact Amanda on ajb@mjcassociates.net

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

British blast for the past A UK-based historical group has blasted Malaga city’s decision to only preserve ‘some’ of the elements of a recently discovered medieval metropolis. The International History Students & Historians Group, a London-based collective of around 500 students, graduates and doctorates, wrote a letter to Mayor Francisco de la Torre saying it was ‘perplexed’ by the decision. It comes after the Junta ruled it would only keep some of the medieval Moorish ruins found by El Corte Ingles before destroying the rest to make way for metro upgrades. President of the grouping Joao Viegas said he condemned the ruling. He wrote: “The economic side should not overcome the historical side and its identity...any historical discovery brings not only an important testimony about our past, but above all it is part of the identity of a nation."

FIND: Malaga ruins

PROPERTY

Royal household THE Love Island villa is owned by a multi-millionaire German whose wife is related to the Queen of England. Nikolaus Broschek owns the sprawling pad on Mallorca, where the ITV reality dating series is shot. A Mail Online probe this week revealed the 77-yearold is married to Princess Ingeborg Schleswig-Holstein, a fourth-greatgranddaughter of Queen Victoria, and a member of German nobility. Broschek acquired the Love Island villa near the small town of Sant Llorenc des Cardassae in 2000. He reportedly met Princes William and Harry as they would be distant relatives and enjoy playing polo.

WELL CONNECTED: Love island villa

Cool down

Foreign demand for Spanish homes is cooling off for the first time since the market’s 2010 recovery FOREIGN demand is showing a marked slowdown for the first time since 2010. After some nine years of growth it was bound to happen but it doesn’t bode well for the swathe of new developments on the Spanish coast targeting European holiday-home buyers. Property sales deeds entered in the Spanish land register by foreign buyers in the first quarter of this year numbered 16,331, compared to 16,833 in the same period last year - a 3% decline. Most buyers came from the UK (2,249), followed by France (1,232) and Germany (1,124),

according to the latest report by Spain’s Association of Land Registrars. Mark Stucklin of Spanish Property Insight explained: “By country all the big European markets declined together in Q1, the first time that has happened since the crisis. “Sweden led the way down with a slump of 35% compared to last year, followed by Belgium, Germany, the UK and France all on the skids. “These are the main markets for holiday-homes on the Spanish coast.” He added that there has been an increase in demand from

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Morocco, China, Algeria, and Romania, driven by economic migrants and Spanish Golden Visa investors. He added: “Local demand grew by 4.8% in the same period to 117,529 homes sales inscribed in the register. As a result the market share of foreign buyers dipped slightly to 12%. “It looks like foreign demand for second homes in Spain is going soft...the factors driving

the change in demand will vary from market to market. “If there are any factors in common they might include high property prices in Spain now that prices have recovered from crisis lows, high transaction costs, bureaucratic hurdles and lack of market transparency. “The trend in foreign demand is clearly downwards and looks set to continue so in the next few quarters at least.”

A-listing

AN iconic mansion which once housed Grace Kelly and Richard Harris has gone up for sale in Calvia. The palacial pad belonged to Joseph Hummel, the European representative for Warner Brothers, and saw a raft of Hollywood icons stay there from the 1960s onwards. Frank Sinatra, John Wayne and Ava Gardner are just some of the big names that Hummel brought to the island.

The estate is named ‘the lionesses after the three stone statues in the gardens – Richard Harris and Grace Kelly both have photos with the lions. The price has not been made public, but interested parties may contact the family directly.

FUTURE: Projection of new Madrid space

Chamartin startin’ AFTER 25 years of political deadlock, a masterplan hailed as ‘the biggest urban regeneration project in Europe’ is green for go in Madrid. But don’t hold your breath as the transformational makeover of Spain’s capital will take another quarter century to complete. Madrid Nuevo Norte, formerly known as Operation Chamartín, is a €7.3 billion megaproject in the north of the capital involving 3.3 million square metres of land and nearly 10,500 new housing units plus office space, business premises and green areas. The plan also seeks to take Chamartín train station railyards underground, eliminating the physical barrier they create between Plaza de Castilla and Avenida de Burgos. A large park covering 120,000 square meters will take their place.

Regeneration

The city is talking about an economic impact of nearly €18.3 billion in the region, and says that 241,700 new jobs will be created. Supporters have called Madrid Nuevo Norte the biggest urban regeneration project in Europe. But it has also been a headache for successive administrations, most recently that of Manuela Carmena whose team reshaped the old project into what it is today. Following municipal elections on May 26, control over the city has reverted to the Popular Party (PP) sharing power with Ciudadanos. Construction is scheduled to start in late 2020, and the entire project will take 24 years to complete.

MD let us guide you home

Buying or Selling a property come to visit us in our brand new office, Plaza Portals nous. 3. or visit www.themallorcadeal.com

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

¿Costa del donde?

INTEREST in Spanish holiday destinations has fallen this year in favour of other popular sites on the Med. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Ibiza and Menorca have seen fewer internet searches up to July this year, compared to the same period in 2018, according to TravelSupermarket. The fall contrasts with a surge in popularity for destinations such as Turkey and Tunisia. Resorts in the Antalya region of Turkey have jumped from seventh to fourth place on the list. Meanwhile Tunisia has shot up to 23rd position, compared with 75th last year. According to Thomas Cook, bookings are surging in these two destinations largely due to low costs – beers in Tunisia can cost as little as €1.

Boosted

It’s also boosted by the fact that the FCO has lifted travel bans against both countries after terror attacks – in Sousse for Tunisia and in Istanbul for Turkey. Emma Coulthurst, travel commentator for TravelSupermarket, explained that Brits are predominantly looking for value this year. One example is the Algarve in Portugal, which has moved up in rankings from fourth to third this year. Emma said: “It is not surprising to see more British interest in Portugal this year. “Prices are, on the whole, slightly cheaper than in nearby Spain; a beer is likely to cost you €2.70 in Alicante but only around €1.60 in Faro, and a glass of wine around €2.”

Spanglish spuds A SPANISH restaurant has been ridiculed after a translation gaffe that saw traditional Iberian foods take a sinister turn in English. Barcelona-native Naru spotted the restaurant’s menu mis-translating the popular tapa of ‘patatas bravas’ as ‘angry potato’. Meanwhile ‘sangria’ was miscommunicated simply as ‘bleeding’. Twitter commentators mocked the linguistic faux pas, with user Sahari pretending to order ‘angry potatoes with bleeding, please’. Naru did not respond to a request for the name of the restaurant.

TOP DOG: Veggie chef Xavier Pellicer

Typical Spanish dish helps fight killer cancer cells, new study finds GAZPACHO helps prevent cancer. That’s the findings of a new Spanish study which found the typically Andalucian dish helps disrupt the growth of colon cancer cells. Researchers in Almeria and Granada put the cold soup through an artificial digestive system before introducing the resulting substance to cultured tumours. Researchers kept to the traditional recipe, made up of tomato (385 grams), cucumber (58 grams), pepper (3 grams), garlic (2 grams), extra virgin olive oil (3.3%, v / v), water ( 3.3%) and vinegar (0.16%). All ingredients were fresh. The results showed that gazpacho not only stopped cell growth, but that it could induce so-called programmed cell death. “Upon contact with this type of food, a series of genes are activated that cause inhibition in development of tumours and cause them to actively

MALAGA University has brought nutrition experts together for a pioneering new course aimed at dismantling food myths. And one fact that’s definitely no myth is that between 15 and 20 percent of the Spanish population has some type of food intolerance, according to the course organisers. The three-day course addressed the real impact of diet on health as well as realities around dietary

Mythbusters supplements and food intolerances. Among the speakers was chef Xavier Pellicer considered by many to be the best vegetarian chef in the world. The course was complemented with showcookings and tastings of dishes prepared by some of the best Malaga chefs at the Hotel Molina Lario.

What’s on for foodies!

urger battle JUICY, flavourful burgers are back fighting for top spot in Palma's Battle of the Burger competition starting on August 31 with dozens of local restaurants participating.

Soup-er B food!

r u n c h munch BRUNCH is the talk of the town at the OD Port Portals hotel as they offer a full spread every Saturday and Sunday this summer.

‘commit suicide’ - known as apoptosis,” explained lead researcher Pablo Campra, from the University of Almeria. “Why and how they do it is something we are working on now.”

omato time A NIGHT fair dedicated to the ramellet tomato will be a tasty treat on August 9 in Maria de la Salut starting at 8 pm.

Cancer-busting

The data also showed that ingredients like garlic or olive oil have an antitumor effect on their own, although they would require very high doses to reach gazpacho’s cancer-busting levels. "We have seen how the union as a gazpacho enhances all these properties, making its consumption more effective at significantly lower amounts," concluded Campra. The study was published by the Food Research International magazine.

Mallorca

See Tapas treatments, page 18

Spanish ginspiration TANQUERAY’S latest gin offers a taste of Spain. Made with Seville oranges, Flor De Sevilla is the latest addition to the famous gin brand The use of Seville oranges goes back to the distillers’ roots when founder Charles Tanqueray used these world-famous fruits in his original 1830s recipe. Innovation Project Manager Refilwe Moswane said,

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

"The Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla reflects our love for innovating with flavour and constantly matching the quality of 200 years of Tanqueray’s rich heritage. “This new flavour encapsulates the spirit of Seville in a perfectly balanced variant, which results in a sumptuous blend that’ll bring a little bit of Spain to your occasions."

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Want an escape from the busy costas? A weekend in romantic Ronda will revive your senses. Ronda Romantic Apartments is the answer

FOOD,DRINK

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

Tapas treatments Regina Lankenau and Maya Eashwaran create the OP’s guide to the most cancer-busting tapas dinner

Taste the history

RESEARCH has long shown that a Mediterranean diet filled with fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and vegetable oils provides superior health benefits to the typical Western diet. Recent studies by a team of researchers at Almeria University have even linked gazpacho and salmorejo, Andalucian tapa staples, to helping prevent the development of colorectal cancer. The refreshing summer soup is just one of several tapas whose ingredients are thought to help combat certain kinds of the disease. Here are some more ideas to round out the perfect tapas order for your next Friday night dinner.

Red Wine

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Olives

A common pre-tapas snack to whet the appetite, olives provide an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help to prevent cancer, especially breast cancer. The perfect accompaniment to bread and tapas, olive oil is also easily found in most Spanish foods, making this healthy food a no-brainer addition to your diet.

It turns out that the key component of Spain’s popular tinto de verano, aside from providing a refreshing reprieve from the summer sun, is also an effective way to deter disease. Studies indicate that resveratrol, the chemical compound naturally occurring in grapes and red wine, may help strengthen our body’s ability to stave off cancer. Though best enjoyed in moderation, it doesn’t hurt to loosen up every once in a while as decreased stress also betters the chances of prevention.

Orange jam with cheese

Oranges have long been regarded as one of the best fruits for health. Used as a spread for cheese, in Sevillan orange marmalade, and in fresh fruit drinks, oranges and orange products can help to reduce the risk of childhood leukemia and other forms of cancer while helping you cool off after a long day.

& TRAVEL

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

Anchovies not only bring a little bit of the Spanish coastline to any tapas dish, but this fatty fish has also been linked with a lower risk of certain strains of cancer. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, iron, and protein, they’re a source of lean protein that come with countless health benefits.

Pedron Peppers

Anchovies Octopus

Tender and crispy all at once, the grilled octopus is a can’t-miss in any tapas bar. This octopod delicacy is drenched in good omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, which are key in promoting a healthy heart. This low-calorie, high-protein cephalopod also boasts an incredible amount of B-vitamins--all pluses in the fight to prevent cancer.

Tomato Salad

Tomatoes contain an important antioxidant, known as lycopene, that is well-known as a cancer prevention agent. Lycopene is said to be vital in fighting off prostate and lung cancer, and, luckily for us, happens to be a part of one of the most classic tapa dishes.

These amazing green gems are a common sight in almost any tapas bar. Delicious, especially with a load of sea salt, but also packed with vitamin A, B1, C2, C and P, proteins, calcium and iron. Pimientos de Padrón are a perfect source of your five a day and great cancer-fighters. Specifically the compound responsible for chili peppers' heat, called capsaicin, is believed to help fight off lung cancer.

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Chickpeas The backbone to the famous Mediterranan diet, chickpeas contain an important mineral that helps the liver eject cancerous properties from the body. Chickpeas are also high in fiber, making them useful in preventing colorectal cancers. In addition, their high content of Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant, again assisting the body in warding off certain cancers.

Recently reformed southwest facing, with large master bedroom en-suite, open plan kitchen, dining room, lounge with fireplace, ‘live-out’ covered terrace, private garden, BBQ area, storage x 2, off-street parking, lovely views. Situated in a secure community with 4 pools. Perfectly situated only 5 minutes from Portals, and 10 minutes from Palma. Viewing highly recommended.

Contact Amanda J Butler your one stop property advisor in Mallorca email: ajb@mjcassociates.net or tel: (+34) 690 075 169

FOOD,DRINK

Witch this space August 2nd -August 15th 2019

Local superstition cleared out a Spanish village in the 14th century before turning it into a must-visit festival, discovers Jack Gaioni

E called her ‘The Witch.’ We were classmates in secondary school. After all, her name was Hazel so it wasn’t a quantum leap to be nicknamed ‘The Witch’ (read:

Witch Hazel). She was good-natured about her nickname and didn’t seem to take offence. In fact, she ‘leaned into’ her moniker as ‘The Witch’ to some extent.

HISTORIC: Trasmoz is drenched in history and stories

Hazel had long dark hair and wore ‘goth-like’ clothing. But more than anything else, her laugh resembled more of a cackle than a giggle. I was reminded of Hazel, aka ‘The Witch’, while visiting a pueblo in northern Spain recently. Let me explain… Trasmoz is a small pueblo nestled in the northern foothills of Aragon within sight of the snow capped Moncayo Mountains. There is a 13th century castle that dominates above the town. It was once was a thriving pueblo home to 10,000 inhabitants with silver, iron and lumber bringing prosperity to the village. Today, however, Trasmoz has a mere 62 people with no schools, many dilapidated homes and only one bar/restaurant. Why the decline? It seems that in the 1500s, some local citizens began counterfeiting coins with silver and lead from the nearby mines. They used the castle to house their forge and as a base of illegal operations.

GHOSTLY: The village of Trasmoz in Aragon has just 62 residents...as well as a dark criminal past Local authorities became suspicious. As subterfuge, the counterfeiters began rumours about witches brewing potions at night while dragging chains around the castle and lighting fires in the towers at midnight. The rumours were meant to scare away inspectors and local citizens from the castle. So strong were the suspicions of witchcraft in Trasmoz that exasperated local church authorities, and the Archbishop of Tarazona, officially cursed, then excommunicated the entire village. The ex-

communication order remains in hunted and tortured. Known as effect today. Trasmozis the only the Feria de Brujeria, (Festival pueblo in Spain of Witches), the ever to hold this streets become dubious honour. medieval marToday Trasmoz The rumours were kets selling their embraces their of lotions, meant to scare wares witch-craft herimagical potions tage and status inspectors and of native plants as a one-of-kind and herbs said ‘cursed and ex- locals away from to have healing communicated’ (and hallucinothe castle pueblo. genic!) properEvery summer ties. thousands flock There is live muto Trasmoz to witness reenact- sic, falconry demonstrations, ments that depict witches being sword fights, hypnosis and magi-

REVELLERS: Witchcraft celebrations underway in Trasmoz where potions are preferred to canas

SPOOKY: Demonic engravings adorn the front door of a Trasmoz home

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August 2nd -August 15th 2019

UNLIKELY ATTRACTION: Trasmoz draws thousands of tourists to its annual ‘Festival of Witches’ cal shows. The highlight of the festival is a parade that features the naming of the ‘Witch of the Year’ concluding with a fireworks demonstration. Trasmoz also celebrates All Saints day and the Winter solstice where pagan customs of fire are said to keep Trasmoz warm in the winter while scaring away

evil spirits. The castle above town has been restored and is now a witchcraft museum replete with examples of cauldrons, brooms and sculptures of past ‘local’ witches. The experience of Trasmoz with witchcraft is the exception rather than the rule in Spanish history. Contrary to the reputation of the Inqui-

sition, Spanish authorities were sceptical of supernatural phenomenon of any sort—witches, fortune tellers, oracles or sorcerers. They considered witchcraft to be a northern European or Protestant superstition. The incidents of large-scale witch trials in England, France, Germany and Co-

lonial America far surpassed anything that occurred in Trasmoz or for the rest of Spain for that matter. By coincidence, I met up with Hazel recently. I hadn’t seen her in 30 years. Her hair is short and greying and she was dressed more conventionally. When we recalled her days as ‘The Witch’ she laughed … errr… she cackled.

●● The father of singer Julio Iglesias, Mr. Julio Iglesias Puga, was kidnapped in 1982 by the terrorist band ETA. He was held captive in a home in Trasmoz. He was ultimately freed by an operation involving 100 special operations policemen. ●● The inventor of the mop and a bucket, a Spaniard named Manuel Jalon Corominas, was a resident of Trasmoz. There is a monument sculpture in town to honor his handy inventions. ●● Spanish Romanticist poet and writer Gustavo Adolfo Becquer (18361870) - an artist considered by many to be the most read writer after Cervantes - often used Trasmoz and its legacy of witchcraft as a setting for many of his novels and poems. ●● The Moncayo Mastiff just outside Trasmoz, offers some of the most popular and spectacular hiking routes in all of Spain. Lower elevation oak forests give way to a series of snow-capped peaks with incredible views. On a clear day, one can see the Pyrenees to the North and Zaragoza and the Ebro Valley to the south.

DID YOU KNOW?

Friends.

Reset.

Music.

At OD Port Portals we have our own star rating. In fact, we have all the stars of the Mallorca sky and we will enjoy them all together every summer night at OD Sky Bar, on our spacious terrace and at our restaurant On Top. A hotel full of local experiences, music, art, gastronomy, yoga, pre-parties, flea markets, brunches, concerts, Pilates, tardeo, sea, sun and all the stars. A hotel full of life.

Horizon.

Sunset.

Memories.

August 2nd -August 15th 2019

COLUMNISTS

Mallorca diaries

Testing times

ERE’S a little story you might relate to. I don’t do much ironing these days, it’s really just too hot but with cotton and linen clothes eventually it can’t be avoided. I bought a posh steam iron and keep it in the boiler cupboard. It’s good but you can’t keep the flex wrapped around it so I leave the water flap open and wrap around that, it works a treat. Merrily ironing away, I noticed a dark shape sloshing around inside in the water. When I’d finished and went to empty the remaining water out of it, five cockroaches poured out! Yes five! The water flap is staying closed forever now, luckily they hadn’t survived the ordeal. I’ve left it full of water in case of survivors but think the chances are I’ll never be able to iron again. Always an up side. Meanwhile, the saga of changing to a Spanish driving licence continues. After several months of waiting, substantial expense and ongoing frustration, the appointment to collect it from the Trafico office in Palma finally arrived this week. We drove the 65 kms, arrived

By Lesley Keith

Cockroaches in the steam iron and an unsuccessful trip to DGT sum up another week in paradise for Lesley Keith

early, found a great parking without further ado and let’s space and got in the queue just say I now have a Spanish to get a ticket which gives you license and leave it there. your turn. The real miracle is that my I was just turning to my part- partner never said a word of ner to say that this was actu- criticism. ally going a bit too well when There was gritted teeth and a bit no ticket appeared. I tried of eye twitching plus a very fast, again, and again but still no quiet drive home but no actual luck, people in the queue comment was passed. Wow! were beginning to ‘tut’. I love to travel and do it quite I went to the desk where a lot but I increasingly seem the lady I was to have trouble supposed to getting through see was and security. When Not only was explained I I went to the couldn’t get USA last time the number a ticket. She I was stopped looked at my wrong but it had at the boardpaperwork, gate and me down as an ing looked at me told I was ‘on Angolan and in a voice a list’. On a that held all LIST?! What the woes of the the hell does world said ‘Manana’. that mean, you can be sure You don’t need your GCSE in it wasn’t the security staff Spanish to know what that Christmas Card List! I was means. searched and questioned but What can you do? She turned did finally get on the flight as away, this unscheduled ap- the last passenger to board. pointment was officially over. Since then I get stopped There was no choice but to nearly every time and it’s become back manana. So, I did coming a bit of an unfunny

CRAWLING: Lesley Keith thought she was doing the ironing alone, but she was wrong

joke. When I went to check in online with my new passport I noticed the number was wrong and tried to change it. This was with that Irish budget airline that we all use and love so dearly and that has taught us to pack light. Their website is not that easy to navigate but I did manage to find the bit where I can amend my details, Here’s the thing, not only was the number wrong but it had me down

as an Angolan. Other than being in Africa I’m not even sure where that is. Wasn’t it gripped by civil war recently? No wonder I’d been having difficulty. It’s updated now with the correct number and nationality so let’s see if that helps. With my blonde hair and pale freckled skin I guess it’s an easy mistake to make, not. I’m off to Sevilla tomorrow so let’s see what happens.

Well it’s been really hot and humid and looks like that’s set to continue for the next few weeks. I’ve been making thermal steering wheel and gear stick cosies. The other morning my partner woke up looked out of the window and asked me what the weather was going to be. Well DUR! HOT! He retorted that there’s no need to be so sarcastic. Well excuse me sunshine, but you started it.

The paper NOT to miss on Mallorca island THE Olive Press is now distributing all over the island in an incredible 500-plus locations. Found at golf courses, tourist offices, museums and petrol stations, it has become the most sought-after English newspaper in MalAlaro Alcanada Alcanada Alcudia ALGAIDA Andratx Andratx BENDINAT BENDINAT BENDINAT Binissalem Cala Estancia

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You’ve been Froomed BRITISH cyclist Chris Froome has been retrospectively awarded the Vuelta a Espana 2011 title after its original winner, Spaniard, Juan Jose Cobo, was found guilty of doping. He is now Britain's first Grand Tour winner, as the 34-year-old’s victory comes before Sir Bradley Wiggins’ 2012 Tour de France win.

GOLD: For Chris Froome

Kicking off SPAIN’s top league has gone to court with the country’s football association over a ruling that fixtures cannot be played on Fridays or Mondays. La Liga had objected to the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s ruling that fixtures cannot be played either side of the weekend without their approval. The RFEF’s competition judge has already rescheduled fixtures from the competition’s first three rounds.

Funeral

It comes after Alaves fans held a mock funeral during their match against Levante in protest at their game being switched to a monday night. “Spanish football fans do not want game on these days. “Especially Mondays, it is very difficult for fans to enjoy the game,” a RFEF spokesman said. La Liga fear their broadcast deals may be threatened by the ruling. President javier Tebas said, “With this illegal conduct RFEF officials are generating confusion in the national and international broadcast space, which accounts for €2 billion in annual rights income.” The court hearing has been set for August 7.

Cobo, 38, was stripped of his title by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) after abnormalities in his biological passport were found, dating to 2009-2011. Celebrating his new victory, Froome said: “Better late than never! The 2011 Vuelta holds some very special memories for me.”

Chinese breakaway

Real Madrid block Gareth Bale transfer to China, despite Zidane saying it is ‘best for everyone’

GARETH Bale has been dealt a huge blow after Real Madrid blocked his big-money move to China. The Welsh winger would have earnt €1.1million a week had he joined Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning on a three-year deal. But Madrid president Florentino Perez stopped the transfer in its tracks after the Los Blancos board has asked for a transfer fee. The Wales international, 30, will now continue at Real Ma-

NO: To China move

Would you like to represent our award-winning media group? The Olive Press newspaper and website is currently looking to fill the following roles on the island:

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If you have what it takes then please send CV and covering letter to jon@ theolivepress.es STAYING IN SPAIN: Gareth Bale drid, where he joined in 2013 from Tottenham for a thenrecord fee of €100million. It is highly unlikely that another European club will be able to foot Bale’s €660,000-a-week wage. It comes after Galacticos boss, Zinedine Zidane, admitted it would be ‘best for everyone’ if Bale left Real Madrid. His comments follow a relationship breakdown between the pair, who won have won three Champions League titles together. After the French manager left Bale out of a pre-season game with Bayern Munich, which Madrid lost, he said, ‘we hope he leaves soon’. He added: “We are working on his transfer to a new team. “I have nothing personal against him but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done.” Bale still has three years left on his contract with the Bernabeu club, where he has made

Sheikh, rattle and goal PREMIER League title-winner Shinji Okazaki has begun training with Malaga CF ahead of his move to the club. The Japan forward, 33, is awaiting the results of his medical, but has already been pictured donning the kit of the Segunda side for training sessions. Okazaki said he was ‘really happy’ to be joining the Blues and Whites, and now needs Malaga president Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani to officially sign off the deal. The pacey striker has represented his country 119 times and is also Japan’s third highest all-time goalscorer with 50. He will leave Leicester City, the club he helped win the 2015-2016 Premier League.

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BURGER King staff can now sport beards after a lawsuit in Barcelona was upheld against the fast food chain’s uniform policy.

Unexpected item POLICE have rescued a ‘dehydrated’ Moroccan woman trapped in a suitcase in the boot of a car in Almeria.

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Shocker as nurse refused on flight for swollen face RYANAIR has refused to board a British nurse after her face swelled up and no longer matched her passport picture. Shannon Wotherspoon, 24, was stranded for 10 hours at Alicante airport before forking out €230 for a British Airways flight to Edinburgh. The saga began when Shannon suffered a skin irritation that

Jumping for Goya MALAGA will host the 34th edition of the prestigious Goya Awards, which celebrate Spanish cinema, in 2020.

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Blown out of proportion

caused her face to swell up. “My skin was all puffy and when I arrived at check-in I flagged that up...The woman at the counter gave my passport a close examination and immediately started shaking her head,” Shannon said. “She also noticed a bit of water damage on the edges.

In the nick of time AN Irishman has been arrested at Malaga airport on suspicion of staging the theft of his Rolex watch in Marbella. The 56-year-old was reportedly ‘stunned’ when Policia Nacional officers cuffed him as he was checking into his flight. The tourist was brazenly

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donning the €28,000 watch he had told investigators in Marbella the day before had been snatched from him by a stranger in Puerto Banus. Police believe he wanted to collect the insurance for the ‘stolen’ watch. He will now face fraud charges.

UNIMPRESSED: Shannon and (right) passport pic

Parking hell

“She eventually asked a supervisor, and I could see her shaking her head and saying I couldn’t fly. “The issue wasn’t up for debate. The only positive advice I was given was that another airline might not be as fussy as Ryanair – and that turned out to be the case.” Shannon had other forms of ID, including a driving licence, which had exactly the ‘same’ picture as on Shannon’s passport. Shannon’s stepdad Stephen Cross said: “I don’t under-

BENIDORM residents are in uproar over a car park that fines drivers based on whether the final number of the licence plate is even or odd. Rules on a sign at the at the Las Terrazas parking space read: “Even registration numbers only on even days of the month.” The bizarre rules led to three foreign cars being fined within ‘20 minutes’ last week, according to a social media post by Benidorm resident Anton Bodnarec.

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A BRITISH mum has revealed how she was left with ‘Angry Bird eyebrows’ following a botched waxing session in Spain. Colline Rees, 37, from south Wales, was left speechless after a beauty therapist in Tenerife waxed off both her brows before attempting to draw them back on, leaving ‘two slugs’ which made her look like ‘one of the birds from the game Angry Birds.’ A former alopecia sufferer, it took her NINE months for her brows to grow back. Rees said her €3,000 holiday was ruined as she couldn’t pose in any photos.

stand how she was refused by Ryanair but allowed by British Airways. “Shannon was very scared and upset.” A spokesman for Ryanair said: “It is each passenger’s individual responsibility to ensure that he/she is travelling on a valid passport (not expired and not damaged), in compliance with Ryanair’s terms and conditions.” The low-cost airline were contacted for an explanation on why Shannon was refused boarding, but have yet to reply.

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