Olive Press Gibraltar - Issue 146 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Mijas

TRIBUTES to the Duke of Edinburgh, have been flowing in at the Convent’s Book of Condolences. The Royal Gibraltar Regiment fired a 41 gun salute at the UK Naval Base the weekend after Prince Philip’s death at 99-years-old. It followed an emotive tribute from Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, who spoke of the special connection the Queen’s husband had with Gibraltar. Picardo said ‘Prince Philip always had an interest in Gibraltar’ and this had led to many visits. “He was here in November of 1950 when he officially inaugurated our then Legislative Council,” he said. “He visited again, with Her Majesty the Queen, in 1954 on their tour of the Commonwealth.

Pilot

“In 1957, he personally berthed the Royal Yacht Britannia in our Dockyard on the final stop of his Antarctic Adventure. “On that visit, he remained on the Rock for 10 days.” One of the more long-term impacts of Prince Philip was the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for young people. In 1991, he personally piloted his own plane into Gibraltar to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the scheme. “Every time I had the privilege of meeting him, here and in London, he recounted positive recollections of his many times on the Rock,” said Picardo. “The last time I spoke to the Duke, he was keen to ask after the fortunes of our people and had fond words of recollection of the Convent, where he stayed on his visits.”

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Princely farewell

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Vol. 5 Issue 146

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The Rock’s only free local paper April 21st - May 4th 2021

Freedom! THERE are no longer any limits on the number of people that can get together in Gibraltar for the first time since the pandem-

ic started. Most restrictions on gathering have been removed, making way for spectators at sports and cultural events. At first, though, there will just be THE SKY half capaciDOCTOR ty allowed at ALL AREAS COVERED these public events until 4G UNLIMITED April 30, when that number INTERNET IDEAL FOR will increase to STREAMING TV 66%. On May 14, full ALSO IPTV, capacity will SATELLITE TV then be re-allowed as long tel: (0034) 952 763 840 as numbers of info@theskydoctor.com active cases www.theskydoctor.com

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are still as low as they are today. This has allowed gyms and religious meetings to go ahead under the responsibility of their managers or leadership. Djs and live music are back on the menu at bars and restaurants with no masks needed when eating or drinking out. However, staff will still need to carry out contact tracing while wearing masks when serving customers. Sanitising and regular cleaning of surfaces will still need to be carried out regularly. The public will still have to wear masks at shops, in health clinics, on buses and taxis, at funerals, and religious services until May 1. Samantha Sacramento, Minister for Health, said she was See page 16 happy that the jabs were working but made it clear people had to be careful as

Tel: 952 147 834 TM

By John Culatto

Roadmap to normality laid out as Gibraltar carefully comes out of pandemic

a new wave of COVID-19 spread around Europe. “I am extremely pleased that the vaccination programme has allowed us to continue to ease restrictions,” she said. “However, we need to remain alive to the situation around and note that things could change at a moment’s notice.

Prudent “We must therefore be prudent and not allow all the good work go to waste and we can do our own part by following Public Health advice in a post vaccination world.” As of this week, anyone who has had casual contact with a COVID-19 case will no longer need to self-isolate if they have been fully vaccinated. Masks will continue to be used in schools, although this requirement might end soon as the government talks to teachers and unions. Opinion Page 6

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NEWS IN BRIEF Worker struggle CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo joined forces with Unite the Union to celebrate Workers’ Memorial Day April 28 at the Alameda Gardens.

Elderly scam A CARER has alerted the police after suspicious transactions amounting to £9,600 had been made from the account of a person she was looking after.

Rock centre MINISTER for the Environment John Cortes has officially opened the Tovey College Field Centre on the Upper Rock that will serve as a conservation centre.

Knife wielder A DRUNKEN man who was allegedly wielding a large knife and stick in Laguna Estate at 11pm on April 19 was arrested by the RGP.

Going overboard A PERSON who fell off a speedboat trying to escape Customs officers at sea was rescued and charged with smuggling offences. Customs officers also picked up 150 cartons of cigarettes that dropped into the sea and arrested five others who were in the area. When officers arrived at the Small Boats Marina by Coaling Island they arrested five individuals who were suspected of loading a fast launch with tobacco. Two patrol boats then embarked on a high-speed chase with an inflatable speed boat. As the suspected smugglers tried to shake off their pursuers, one was knocked off the boat by the sudden changes in direction. Officers saved the man but the inflatable boat managed to escape into Spain. “This is a reminder of the risks taken by smugglers engaged in this illicit activity,” said a spokesman for Customs. A GIBRALTAR court has slapped a £118,000 fine on a man who had stored nearly 4,000 cartons of tobacco intended for smuggling. Pedro Gomez Arroyo, 46, who worked in a tobacco shop, was arrested in November 2019 by Customs officers of the Flexible Anti-Smuggling Team.

CRIME A MAN has been charged with attacking a local woman. Ian Mcintosh, 43, of Victoria House in Alameda Estate was arrested after a report of domestic violence. Response Team officers that arrived found a local woman who was injured. According to the RGP she had bruises and scrapes on different parts of her body. The woman was taken to hospital for

April 21st - May 4th 2021

Taken down

treatment. Mcintosh has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. It comes after Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento pledged to look at strengthening domestic abuse legislation on the Rock.

Hash cash

SIX criminal groups suspected of laundering €2.5 million of hash smuggling profits have been shut down in a large police operation in Cadiz province. Over 200 Guardia Civil agents took part in ‘Operation Lodos’ that saw raids on 15 addresses in Algeciras, La Linea, San Roque and Chiclana and resulted in 106 arrests. General director of the Guardia Civil, Maria Gamez, announced the successful operation that seized €150,000 in cash, a pistol and criminal records. Gamez explained that the oper-

Expensive smokes

The arrest came after Customs found 3,729 cartons of cigarettes in an unlicenced store, which were confiscated. At the Magistrates Court, Gomez Arroyo admitted to full re-

Over 100 suspected gang members arrested in major police operation

ation was made possible by the ‘Barros’ international hashish trafficking operation in July 2020. One of the 91 people arrested in that operation was Potito, leader of the Barros gang. After interrogating him, Guardia Civil agents learned of two men he had charged with refuelling fast launches that brought sponsibility for the tobacco store which was not licenced under Gibraltar law. If he has not paid the fine by October 2022 he faces a six month prison sentence. Any amount over 2,000 cigarettes is considered a ‘commercial quantity’ and cannot be bought on the Rock from one shop.

the hashish from Morocco. The agents also connected him with the other members of the criminal organisation in Chiclana and the Gibraltar Campo. Agents discovered the €2.5 million would be used to buy ten houses, three flats, a garage and high-value cars. Gamez declared that 536 anti-drugs operations had been conducted in the first three months of this year, 62 against money laundering. From January to March 2021, police arrested 801 people, seized 55 tons of drugs and discovered €19 million of criminal funds. “As you can see, these are very conclusive figures of the enormous effort carried out by the Guardia Civil,” said Gamez. “We are attacking the hearts of criminal organisations.”

People smugglers A CRIMINAL gang spread across the Gibraltar Campo has been dismantled by police and linked to the death of four migrants off the Canary Islands . The people smugglers had safehouses in La Linea, Ceuta, Algeciras and Madrid and were busted by over 150 officers from the Policia Nacional and Europol. According to Europol, a total of six properties were raided. This has led to the arrest of 20 suspects for links to human trafficking of migrants through the Straits of Gibraltar from Morocco. The network was made up of Spanish and Moroccan criminals and operated an intricate operation of transporting thousands of migrants into Spanish territory.

Raids

Police determined that the gang would charge a total of €2,500 per immigrant for a place on one of their many vessels. The immigrants, many of which were children and young men, would have no safety gear in boats that were poorly maintained and in some cases, stolen. During the raids, three boats were confiscated between Ceuta, La Linea and Algeciras alongside jerry cans and fuel tanks containing some 7,000 litres of diesel. Hand guns and mobile phones were also seized.

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NEWS

Howzatt!

On show FASHIONISTAS flocked to Madrid Fashion Week, after the 73rd edition of the show kicked off in style. Catwalk star Nieves Alvarez, 47, (pictured) walked down the runway at the Maite by Lola Casademunt fashion show showcasing an array of stunning outfits. The Madrid-born beauty, who has modelled for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and Prada during her career, was right at home walking the catwalk.

WHILE many sports in Spain have been playing on a sticky wicket during the pandemic, one is booming – cricket. It may come as a bit of a surprise to many, but the quintessential English game is rapidly taking a hold in the land of sun and sangria. Traditionally, its strongholds are Catalunya and the Costa Blanca (with a special mention to Madrid and Murcia) but the game is now spreading. There are even set to be full blown international games soon with Almeria’s Desert Springs ground just being granted accreditation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host one day internationals and ‘T20 matches’.

EXCLUSIVE: Get your pads on for Europe’s fastest growing sport, writes Dilip Kuner

Now the Costa del Sol is following suit with an international tournament designed

to boost t h e profile of the game in Spain. Hosted at the picturesque Cartama Oval, near Malaga - where British ambassador Hugh Elliott once strapped A SELF-taught chef with a Masters degree in law is told the Olive Press after taking a trip up to San Sebason his pads – the lighting the way for a new culinary revolution on the tian to pick up the gong. European Crickcostas. “I decided the legal profession was not for me, while et Championship Lawyer Fernando Alcala, 30, has snared a ‘sun’ working as a lawyer in Zurich and I always wanted to (ECC) will run award in the annual Repsol Soles awards for his come home and open a restaurant in my home town from September 13 creativity and hard work at his Marbella restaurant of Marbella.” to October 8. Kava. He picked up the award in San Sebastian at the weekIn total, 15 nations It comes after the young chef also won a Red Meals end alongside seven other Andalucian chefs, who will take part, (Bib Gourmand) award from the Michelin guide last were also honoured this year. including an Enyear and became the stand-out ‘sensation’ at the They included the chefs from La Cuchara de San Logland Amateurs Madrid Fusion event in 2019. renzo, in Cordoba, Código de Barra, in Cadiz, Yoko in squad and Scot“It’s a massive honour to win the Repsol award,” he Barbate, Kaleja y Ta-Kumi Malaga, Leña in Marbella land A. and Sobretablas in Sevilla. Speaking at the “It’s the first time I have left Malaga since the locklaunch of the event down last year and it was amazing to travel again,” at Benalmadecontinued Alcala. na’s Sunset Beach He naturally made the most of his trip by pulling in Club, The Euroa favour to got a table at legendary Asador Etxebarri, pean Cricket Netin the Basque country, which was voted as the ‘third work (ECN) CEO best restaurant in the world’ in the latest Pellegrino Roger Fiener told awards. There are 618 restaurants listed in the Repsol the Olive Press: guide this year, with 304 restaurants around Spain “People don’t realhaving one Sol, 126 with two Sols and 37 with three ise it, but cricket is Sols. the fastest growing Andalucia has the sport in Europe, third highest numand second fastest ber of restaurants in the world. with Sols (60), after Catalunya, the Handful Basque Region and Madrid. “In Germany there are now 350 clubs - there were only a handful a few years ago.” Jay Wild (picTHERE is almost nothing routine Jon Clarke judges the tured), of the Cosabout Kava. ta del Sol Cricket The cooks also serve as waiters, the legal eagle behind Club, based at Fuente Obejuna in head chef taught himself at home Marbella’s hottest new Cartama added: the Sierra Morena, that delivers and everything on the wine list can “We see this as an each day, including the best butter restaurant Kava be served by the glass. opportunity to deI have tried for years. And one thing it is very big on is pre- chefs beavering away in the kitch- It is no surprise that Fernando is a velop the game not cision. Precision in its presentation, en before they bring their dishes to born adventurer, who loves to eat just in Andalucia, precision in its ingredients and preci- your table. but across Spain. good food, including various trips sion in its service. “We need more juAnd what works of art they are: to the best restaurants in Spain, a But when the man in charge is a legal Carefully skinned cherry tomatoes, number of journeys to Japan and niors and want to eagle with a Masters degree in law next to some tiny shrimps laid on most other parts of Europe. diversify the playand a half German upbringing you carrots, pickled with cumin, then The international menu is a genuer base – and this perhaps shouldn’t be that surprised. bathed in a carrot soup. Cour- ine mix of many cultures and imtournament will Fernando Alcala is a young chef of gette-stuffed wontons in a creamy pressed me in the extreme. have a direct imjust 30 years with a big future in front lobster broth, a Japanese ‘chawan- Best of all was the price at €65 a pact on that. of him. “Many people mushi’ of red shrimps from Santa head, which included bread and The man from Marbella spent years Pola, with claims and a ‘vegetable butter, two amuse bouche startdon’t realise that in Switzerland working as a lawyer, bolognese’. cricket is even ers, four wonderful petit-fours, a before packing it in to set up his own It not only looked good, but was six course meal, a glass of wine, played in Spain restaurant. – I am sure once awash with spicy flavours and best a glass of champagne AND the He is very well suited to it. they find out many of all was largely healthy, macrobi- service. His attention to detail is big in both otic food, with almost all the dairy people will come the decor (Scandinavian, almost ski coming from sheep and goats. along, and hopelodge in feel) and layout of his cen- He also has an exclusive deal for Visit www.kavamarbella.com or fully bring their tral Marbella joint, where you see the various products from a farm in call 952 82 41 08 kids as well.”

I’m the law (in the kitchen)

Unanimous verdict!

April 21st - May 4th 2021

STEPPING INTO OBLIVION A THIRD of Spain’s flamenco venues have shut down due to the COVID crisis. An alarming 34 of the country’s 93 tablaos have been sythed by the pandemic. Their intimate set-ups, with a stage nestled between the tables and chairs, has meant that most have been unable to reopen since March last year. President of the tablao association Juan Manuel del Rey has warned that ‘tablaos are on the path to extinction.’ The knock on effect for flamenco artists will be huge as 95% of their work comes in tablaos. While the Spanish government donated more than €2 million in support of the sector during the pandemic it is too little, too late. “Tablaos have acted like a springboard for generations of flamenco artists to launch their professional career and without them Spain is in danger of losing ‘the universities of our flamenco,’ said Rosana de Aza, a producer from Sevilla.

READY, steady, bake!

AMAZON is investing its dough into a Spanish version of Celebrity Bake Off. With the pandemic leaving viewers stuck at home eager for new shows to devour, the global streaming giant is making a 10-part Celebrity Bake Off España. The show will see a

dozen famous faces compete each week to prove their are cream of the crop and come away with the coveted title of best celebrity amateur baker. The BBC has now licensed the show to 35 territories across the globe including Brazil, Kenya, Thailand, and France.

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NEWS

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Costly read AN hour-long power cut on April 8 was caused by someone dropping ‘a heavy instruction manual’, the government has revealed. The Gibraltar Electrical Authority (GEA) apologised for the blackout which it said was caused by one of its subcontractors. “Unfortunately, an employee of the subcontractor in question accidentally dropped a heavy instruction manual on a control panel,” said a GEA spokesman.

Power

“The accident caused the instruments on the control panel to disconnect electrical power. “This affected all auxiliary power to the generating sets that were operational at the time.” As soon as technicians realised what had happened, they worked hard to restore power to the Rock. GEA chiefs have launched an iinvestigation to find out how ‘human error occurred in a manner that had such a consequence’ and stop it happening again. MEDICAL chiefs in Gibraltar are urging pregnant women to take the COVID-19 vaccine after a study in the US. Krishna Rawal, Medical Director at the GHA said mRNA jabs are now being considered ‘safe for all stages of pregnancy’. The Joint Committee on

World first

GIBRALTAR could soon become one of the first countries in the world to complete its COVID-19 vaccination programme. Minister for Health Samantha Sacramento announced yesterday that with nearly 67,000 vaccines doses distributed the programme is entering its final phase. As a result of 85% of the population already getting their jabs, St Bernard’s Hospital vaccination unit closed its doors in March.

Vaccination programme on verge of completion By John Culatto

The ICC vaccination centre, where nurses injected the bulk of the precious Pfizer jab, is now only opening two or three days a week. It is focusing on cross-frontier workers, with three new airlifts of vials to arrive over the next

month. The Gibraltar Health Authority is now warning those who still want a first or second vaccination, they must apply for it by April 23 or lose the opportunity altogether. Students returning from university will, however, get a chance of getting their jab in May or June when they return from the UK. The authorities are still waiting for results of a clinical study about the vaccine’s effects on children before allowing them to get inoculated.

Life-saving

Jabbing mums

Vaccination and Immunisation in the UK changed its advice after 90,000 women across the US got vaccinated without any specific problems.

“Real-world data coming from the US is showing that the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine is safe to use in all stages of pregnancy,” said Rawal. “It shows that, although uncommon, severe illness due to COVID-19 is more likely in later pregnancy.” This could, in rare cases, lead to premature birth.

So far, nurses have only dispensed the life-saving jab to people over 16-years-old. Sacramento said: “As I walked down Main Street and saw life in Gibraltar almost back to normal, it really brought home to me just how successful the GHA’s vaccination programme has been. The vast majority of people living or working in Gibraltar have now received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. “The latest research shows that 95% of these people will therefore have circulating antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19.”

April 21st - May 4th 2021

Holiday travel tips GIBRALTAR’S business watchdog is warning wannabe local holiday-makers of how COVID-19 and Brexit could affect their plans this summer. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launched an information campaign so that Gibraltarians would not be disappointed if they lose out on a well-earned break after a tough year. The OFT recommends holidaymakers use the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website to decide where it would be safest to go. The site has the latest updates on travel restrictions, visas, safety advice and support. “Think about the level of risk that you might be subjecting yourself and your family to,” said an OFT spokesperson. “Whereas Gibraltar has had a very effective vaccination campaign this is not necessarily the same in the country you may be considering travelling to. “Also note that health systems in other countries may be overstretched. If you or your family require medical assistance this may be difficult to get.” The OFT advises that seasoned tourists investigate deeper as some of the normal activities and events might not be running at this time at previous destinations. Once people decide on a destination the OFT has asked them to check if vaccinations, testing and self-isolation are necessary on arrival. A FARM in Andalucia has become the epicentre of a new project to reintroduce the European bison back into the region after an absence of thousands of years. The conservation project has been centered around a farmstead in Encinarejo, a small municipality in the Sierra de Andujar natural park, a stunning area around one hour north east of Cordoba city and already home to successful wolf and lynx colonies. The bison, around 10 individuals, were chosen for their

Bison are back genetics and then transported from Poland as part of a larger EU introduction program and will be monitored by the Polish embassy. The embassy will also work alongside the Association of the European Bison in Spain and the Junta to understand whether the species can once again thrive in the Andalucian climate.

NEWS

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Not so bad

THE British variant of COVID-19 is responsible for spreading the fourth wave of coronavirus across Spain according to the latest data, but the nation’s chief epidemiologist insists this is a good thing. The B.1.1.7 strain, dubbed the British variant because this is where it was first detected is now responsible for almost 86% of cases of coronavirus across Spain, a huge increase on the 2% detected in January. It was feared that not only was the strain more contagious but it could prove more lethal, pushing Spain’s hospitals into a critical condition. However, despite being responsible for almost all cases now detected across Spain, hospitals are not being overwhelmed as they were during earlier waves. FLIGHTS from Gibraltar to London City Airport will begin on June 25 taking passengers and cargo to the heart of the UK capital. British Airways will fly to and from London City Airport on Mondays and Fridays in addition to the Heathrow service it already operates from the Rock. “This is excellent news and continues to show the confidence that the industry has in Gibraltar as a destination,” Minister for

Schengen progress High level talks continue between Gibraltar, Spain, UK and EU GIBRALTAR ministers and officials are continuing high-level talks with Span-

London, here we come

Tourism and Transport Vijay Daryanani said. “The local business and financial services community will undoubtedly welcome a link to London’s financial district. “Our tourism, retail and hospitality industries can also look forward to greeting cus-

By John Culatto

ish, British and EU officials to come up with a working frontier deal. There have been frequent visits to Madrid along with Joint Ministerial Council meetings to thrash out the best deal to follow the New Year’s Eve agreement. This framework agreement would make Gibraltar part tomers from the City and the east London catchment area.” British Airways has secured a partnership with COVID-19 testing provider Qured and mobile travel health app VeriFly to help keep travellers safe. The development follows interest from Volotea to run flights from Bilbao to Gibraltar. However, in this case, the company had overlooked the lack of flight permissions following Brexit.

Traveling by motorhome in the COVID era: an opportunity to travel in safety and freedom

April 21st - May 4th 2021

OTORHOMES are currently the safest and ‘freest’ option to enjoy your free time and feel at home while traveling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, travelling by motorhome is one of the best alternatives, being the perfect choice to move around safely and with total freedom, all while feeling at home. It is the ideal option to travel comfortably at a leisurely pace, especially if you have children. It allows you to adapt the trip with total freedom as your mood suits and to forget about schedules. Being in total control, it permits people to visit both the most popular destinations and the most hidden secret corners. And it is a great way to get to know local customs and make new friends. One of the main advantages of travelling by motorhome is comfort. You only have to choose a good place to spend the night and enjoy all the built-in facilities that rival any hotel. These include fully rotating driver and co-driver seats, 150-litre refrigerators, independent showers, state-of-the-art toilet, washbasin, kitchen with oven, TV aerial even satellite - drinking water and waste water tanks, GPS, several beds -island, double or bunk beds- heating, air conditioning and hot water, motorcycle racks and bicycle racks, among other details.

Safety at the wheel Safety at the wheel is fundamental to any trip, but even more so when travelling in this type of transport. It is essential to choose a vehicle that meets a series of conditions, among which safety stands out. This is why it is so important to be advised by qualified professionals such as Caravanas Cruz, who offer the best alternatives according to the needs of each person. Caravanas Cruz has been offering its services as a distributor of caravans and motorhomes for more than 40 years and is one of the leading companies in Spain for services and facilities in the world of caravanning. As it has one of the largest accessory stores in the country, an online sales service and a large specialised workshop with the capacity to work on more than 10 vehicles, caravanners are in safe hands. Its sales department has professionals who guide the purchase process according to the needs and tastes of each family. And if you want to try before you buy, the company offers a motorhome rental service so you can dip your toes into the water of caravanning. Its facilities are expansive, with 14,000 sqm of exhibition space and more than 100 vehicles, both new and second-hand, from top brands such as Benimar, Adria, Autostar, Hymer or Hobby, among others. Caravanas Cruz follows the anticovid protocol of the Spanish Association of Industry and Commerce of Caravaning. Among its measures, it has implemented a new appointment service, which can be reached by calling 965 457 819. Cruz Caravans Address: Carretera de Dolores, km 1. 03290 Elche (Alicante) Telephone: 965 457 819

of the Schengen area under guard of Frontex security. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said he was in talks with the different industries through the Treaty Liaison and Advisory Committee. These included the ongoing conversation over how having a fluid movement of goods would impact the local economy with the need to join the Customs Union in some form.

Support

“We are open to representations from anyone with concerns,” said Picardo. “We have all options available to us and we are working to get the options for Gibraltar right.” If the deal succeeds, there could be no official frontier between Gibraltar and its northern neighbour for the next four years. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab visited the Rock recently to confirm the UK’s support of Gibraltar for a deal.

Not fit for purpose A BRITISH couple arriving back from Spain have criticised the UK’s tracking system for returning citizens as being ‘not fit for purpose’ after its recommended COVID-19 test providers failed to send out their test kits. Retired Dave Cronin, 73, and wife Sue Baines, 69, were both forced to fly back tothe UK. Brexit rules mean they were made to return because Brits are no longer able to remain in Spain for longer than 90 days without residency. They paid 001 Doctor UK – one of the government’s recommended providers – £182 each to receive tests when they returned. Government guidelines state that travellers should quarantine for 10 days and take a test on day two and day eight, with fines of up to £10,000 for those who fail to comply. The Day Two tests were waiting for Dave and Sue at their Manchester home and the pair took the tests and returned them to the company the same day. Yet over a week later, Dave is still awaiting his Day Two results and the couple’s Day Eight tests are still to arrive. Now they face the possibility of a hefty fine if they venture out to get their vaccinations as they h a v e n ’ t completed their test and quarantine programme.

NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION Vaccination success THE way that Gibraltar has returned to normality after vaccination is a clear vindication of the way the current administration has handled the pandemic. Barring the delay in having the lockdown over Christmas, probably the most sacred of all the annual family traditions, the government’s action must now be applauded. Of course, it was not as simple as just locking down over and over when cases peaked but vaccinating too. Here the support of the UK government has been invaluable. Thanks to nearly 70,000 vaccines airlifted to Gibraltar over the last four months, 85% of the population is now inoculated. There surely must have been some doubts whether enough vaccines would arrive to cover the full needs of the population. With the Pfizer jab being the world’s most wanted liquid right now, it would have been easier for the UK to take care of its own patch first. But the precious vials came through and finally the government was able to celebrate the victory to the global media, no longer timid about further supply. Thanks must also go to the majority of the people themselves, who despite numerous online conspiracy theories, have not fallen to the trap of fear but continued the plan in trust. This is a world away from countries like Germany where around half of the population is suspicious of vaccines, many vowing not to take it. They have also not gone out in force to take back their old freedoms like in the UK, disregarding social distance to revel in being alive. Now, the authorities are entering the final stage of vaccination and COVID-19 is starting to feel like a bad dream again. Gibraltar has truly averted a real humanitarian crisis while Spain starts to face up the very real possibility of more death from the fourth wave of the pandemic. Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

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The British Harrowing sexual abuse, addiction and self harm were all flagged up due to his campaigning for a new child protection bill, but British expat James Rhodes says the experience has only ‘deepened’ his love for Spain, writes Heather Golloway

ONCERT pianist, writer and sex abuse victim, James Rhodes is feeling both relieved and disconcerted: relieved that Spain’s new ground-breaking child protection law has finally been passed at last... and disconcerted that it has been labelled ‘the Rhodes Law’ – the first Spanish law to be

PUSH: Pablo Iglesias

named after a Brit. the bill agreed upon by the warring polit“I got such a shock when I heard,” he ical factions. tells the Olive Press. “I was like, ‘You “It should never have been a struggle,” should have told me first, Pablo!’”. he says. “This law started with the PP He’s referring to Spain’s deputy prime (conservative Popular Party). It’s the only minister, Unidos Podemos leader Pablo thing all the parties agree on.” Iglesias, who helped push through the But what is basically a humanitarian agenda. issue got turned into a A kindred spirit, who he met political football with the through his connections in right-wing press weighing Moved to act Madrid, where he has lived in and attacking Rhodes, for four years, he is decid- after becoming mercilessly picking over his edly modest about his role past and even ridiculing his aware of the in the law’s passing. Spanish. “It’s not about me. It’s a scale of sexual “I don’t hate journalists,” misconception that I got he laughs. “What I objectabuse in Spain ed to were the absolute the law done,” he continues before a busy book signing lies I had to read about session at a well known Mamyself, particularly when I drid bookshop. was sitting in the hospital with my dying “The NGOs have been working on it for mother.” years. But what the law is called is irrel- Now a household name in Spain, Rhodes evant anyway. The main thing is that we - already a celebrated pianist and TV prehave come out of it.” senter in the UK - was moved to act after After signing up to the child protection becoming aware of the scale of sexual crusade, Rhodes, 46, from London, abuse after moving to the country in spent three fraught years helping to get 2017.

You’ve been Jamie-d! Barnaby Bouchard serves up some food for thought: Chorizo in Paella?

HE other day, while treating dren playing with a paint box, mixing myself to a paella in Valencia’s and matching, creating and discovePlaça del Mercat, I asked a pas- ring. Food is not an object of pride for sing waiter for alioli. us, although never let it be said that it The horror on the faces of my fellow is not an object of love. diners was only comparable to that This could explain the British percepjaw-dropping scene in Back to the tion that the continental approach to food is picky, if not preFuture after Marty unwittingly insults ‘Mad Dog’ tentious. And why none Tannen. of us understood the They are not “You can’t do that!”, a fuss that had all Spain boy of about eight said baying for Jamie Olisaying you ver’s blood when he dato me, laughing increducan’t add lously. red to add chorizo to his “Why not?” I smiled, paella. If it tastes good, chorizo to “does it taste yucky?” what’s the problem? paella “Oh no”, the boy reBut I think that I’ve finaplied, looking left and lly got to the bottom of right before telling me the Spanish attitude to conspiratorially, “It tastes amazing. food. And it’s not unreasonable at all. But you can’t do it. It’s a crime!”. They're not saying you can’t add choriThis experience stayed with me be- zo to paella, any more than the French cause I had never felt more distanced are saying you can’t make a croissant from my adopted countrymen. At the that isn’t curved, or the Italians are saage of eight I’d quite happily have ying you can’t add pepperoni to pizza. poured ketchup on paella, given half Just don’t call it paella, or a croissant, or a pizza, because it isn’t; it’s sothe chance. In northern Europe, food is essentia- mething else. Here in Spain, adding lly something we enjoy putting in our alioli to paella mouths. We like it but we don’t identify is rather like with it. Of course we have traditional adding a sax dishes, like Yorkshire pudding and solo to Elgar’s Victoria sponge (emotional repression Nimrod; no with a side of empire guilt). But it’s one’s saying not like anyone kicks up a fuss if you you can’t do choose to diverge from the accepted it, just don’t recipe. dare call it We add fruit to traditional meat pies, Elgar anymake fish and chips from whatever more. could be trawled up that morning and The pillars slather roast potatoes in ever-crazier of any naconcoctions of herbs and goose grea- tional cultuse, all in the very reasonable pursuit of re - music, literature, art and so new things that taste nice. Our lack of cultural identification with on - are considered what we eat allows us to be like chil- such because they reflect

the essence of its people and their lives, and evoke feelings; specifically, the feeling of being Spanish, French, Italian, British or whatever. Few could deny that, just as music or poetry can move us, so can flavour and smell. Here, then, food is the same as any other expression of group identity. This is the real reason Valencians defend paella with the same watchful diligence as the British defend Shakespeare, the Russians Tchaikovsky or the Colombians Garcia Marquez. What they’re saying is, 'Here is a window into who we are. If you fog up this window, even a little bit, you won’t see us anymore'. Britain’s relaxed approach to food is, in its own way, admirable. But the next time you’re dining in Valencia, I invite you to forego the sax solo and enjoy your paella the way it was intended: as a beloved and proudly guarded expression of regional culture.

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April 21st - May 4th 2021

law-maker

Olive Press online ‘Spain’s best English news website’

Sign of The TIMES THE Olive Press is dedicated to providing quality journalism and providing a news source that readers can rely on to tell them what is going on in their local communities and what they need to know about the goings on in the country that they have adopted as or love to visit home. So we are delighted to announce a new addition to our growing team of journalists across Spain with the arrival of Graham Keeley, a seasoned reporter from London who has been covering the Iberian Peninsula for more than 15 years.

Correspondent

ABUSE: Child sex victim Rhodes (with close pal actor Benedict Cumberbatch) has helped change Spanish law

He should know. He himself suffered sex abuse between the ages of six and 10 at the hands of his PE teacher at his expensive prep school Arnold House, in St John’s Wood, insisting the only way of describing it is as ‘rape’. It is a subject that has consumed him for most of his life and the workings of the Spanish justice system angered him to such a degree that he told the media in 2018: “It makes me sick.” And he certainly had a point: Prior to Rhodes law, victims in Spain who felt unable to speak out within the specified time frame of between five and 15 years beyond the age of 18, would miss their window and the aggressor could not be prosecuted. Given that only a fraction of child abuse victims even tell anyone at the time, it meant that the vast majority of child abusers were getting away with their crimes scot free. In addition, the Spanish courts made it far from easy for a former victim to see his abuser prosecuted. Head of Child Policy and Sensibilisation at charity, Save the Children, Catalina Perazzo explains: “The justice system has not been child-friendly because it made children relive the whole thing, sometimes up to six times.” So bad was the system, she believes that victims who went to the police would often end up with considerably worse mental health problems than the child who didn’t. Rhodes himself can identify entirely with the silence to which many Spanish victims of sexual abuse have been condemned until now. “If you spend long enough thinking you

ANGRY: Catalina Perazzo says system is ‘not child friendly’

will die if you tell your secrets, then you end up believing it,” he wrote in Instrumental, a blisteringly raw book published in 2015 which flew off the shelves in Spain. “If a rapist tells a five-year-old child again and again what monstrous things will happen to him if he ever tells anyone, it is assimilated, unquestioned and accepted as absolute truth.” Once finalised, the Rhodes Law will revolutionise the way child abuse is dealt with in Spain while affording the pianist a modicum As Rhodes writes about the need to ‘proof peace, along with Bach, his son, as well as his fiancee, Ar- tect’ his new home, clearly this need has been fulfilled. gentinian actress, Micaela Breque. “To get the law passed was my way of rec- Due to the abuse he suffered as a child onciling with myself, forgiving myself and and its corrosive impact on his mental of having the fucking certainty that less health, Rhodes felt like an outsider in children would have to live through what London, taking refuge in composers I lived through,” he writes in his new book Bach and Beethoven and resorting to self-harm and addiction problems to bury Made in Spain, published this month. A love letter to his adopted land, the book his demons. is peppered with expletives and strong While Britain became synonymous with opinions, yet, in the flesh, Rhodes comes hell; Spain offered him the chance of renaissance. across as a gentle, almost It is the Spanish and their fragile soul with a disarming way of life that has made smile. ‘When I get him feel he belongs at “I chose the words I use in the last. book carefully,” he explains close to the Referring to the response at the book signing at Tipos city, I notice to Covid-19 last year, Infames this month; words Rhodes tweeted; “Britain that, impressively, were a wave of is united in its arrogance, mostly written in Spanish – “I emotion’ while Spain is united by think it’s so disrespectful not compassion. There’s a to learn the language,” he reason for the different insists. They are also words that express nothing uses of our balconies.” short of passion for everything from the Now, it’s back to his piano and fiancee public transport system to the arts in a Mica, an Eminem fan who sent him a country that honoured him with express message from Buenos Aires on Instagram in 2016 and who now shares his citizenship at the end of last year. At least, that’s how it begins. The second apartment in the upmarket district of half, which gives a blow-by-blow account Salamanca. of his participation in getting the Rhodes Back too to immersing himself in his muLaw to Congress and the abuse he suf- sic and in Madrid, a city he describes as fered at the hands of the press, reads ‘something else,’ in his book. like an ‘aha’ moment, as if he’s finally “When I get close to the city, I notice a morphed from being a tourist to being a wave of emotion that’s so intense, I feel like crying,” he writes. fully-fledged Spanish national. Author of two books, the second is out in “A soft voice inside of me tells me that, after everything, after running for so Spain this week. Asked by the Olive Press if the struggle to long, trying to escape, of feeling an unpass the Rhodes law detracted from his imaginable weariness, I’m home. I feel love of Spain, he says, “No, it only deep- as though I form part of a huge united family.” ened it.”

Based in Barcelona, Keeley served as correspondent for The Times between 2008 and 2019 during which time he covered the financial crash and deep recession that hit Spain. He has reported on the rise of Podemos and Ciudadanos which revolutionised Spanish politics and was on the ground for the Catalan independence drive of 2017 which sparked the worst political crisis Spain had experienced in decades. Since leaving the Times to freelance, he has been a regular contributor for The Independent, The Sunday Times, Reuters and Al Jazeera and will now be writing regularly for the Olive Press, keeping readers abreast of developments in northeastern Spain as well as providing news and analysis on national issues and dispatches with interesting tales from his corner of Spain.

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LA CULTURA

Culture comeback

CULTURE fans can look forward to this year’s Spring Festival as the beginning of a return to normality on the Rock. The celebration will kick off with the May Day celebrations, a pre-recorded event that will broadcast online on May 1. It will include musical and dance performances to stream or watch on the national television station. It will be followed by the Culture v COVID exhibition which will showcase the creations of artists done over lockdown. Art fans will be able to reflect their own personal feelings of fear and frustration at the John Mackintosh Hall from May 5. Later in the month, the annual drama festival and the another art festival will help locals get back into a cultural headspace.

April 21st - May 4th 2021

Out of the depths Droughts revealed the dolmen that had been completely submerged for over 50 years

AN ANCIENT structure known as ‘Spanish Stonehenge’ was recently revealed in its entirety for the first time since being ‘lost’ when a reservoir was created in 1963. But calls for it to be moved to higher ground to save it from water damage have been rejected on the basis that their ‘historical-archaeological context’ would be destroyed. Put simply, experts from the Ministry of Culture have decided that moving the ancient stones - thought to date back 5,000 years - will cause irreparable damage to the archaeology. It would also mean that they could not be viewed in POLICE have seized three forged Goya, El Greco and Modigliani paintings which were being sold for €12.5 million to unsuspecting collectors. The owner of the pieces was a builder who apparently accepted the pictures as payment for jobs done - despite

STONE CIRCLE: The Dolmen of Guadalperal will not be moved edge of the water at Embalse Valdecañas Reservoir and By Simon Wade de Valdecañas, in Extremad- hydro-electric dam to supply underdeveloped parts of ura. their original setting - despite After more than 50 years, the western Spain. the fact the blocks spend most stones became visible after Some local residents and of their time underwater. successive droughts in the cultural groups had mootThe Dolmen of Guadalperal region. ed relocating the stones and is a stone circle consisting of In 1963, Franco’s government move the monument to safer 150 large granite slabs by the flooded the area to create the territory. In turn, this would preserve the monument, promote tourism, and proudly display dodgy art dealers. Spain’s prehistoric history, They enticed internationthey said. But the Ministry al clients in exchange for of Culture has turned down him knowing nothing about 10% of the profits. the plan, saying in an official art. He had amassed a collec- The sale of the fake bulletin that while it was deModigliani was reportedtion of 1,000 pieces. claring it an Asset of Cultural He decided to cash in by put- ly backed up with several Interest any scheme to move ting the artworks up for sale, forged documents certifythe dolmen would ‘risk a loss claiming they were authentic, ing the ‘authenticity’ of the of authenticity if its relocawith the help of a network of painting. tion were to be considered’.

Bricking it

Musical knockout

THE top musicians of Gibraltar will be vying for trophies and medals in a festival to be held at the John Mackintosh Hall between April 19-24. The annual ‘Gibraltar Festival for Young Musicians’ will see aspiring talents competing in different sections and age ranges. The main categories of competition will be piano, brass, woodwind, percussion, strings and vocals. Organisers at the Department of Culture have further widened their remit by including a ‘Pop and Rock’ section. Young people of all ages will take part and be sorted into infant, junior, intermediate and senior categories. They will be able to enter a competing entry as a solo, duet, ensemble or a full choir. The competition comes after a musical academy led by new mayor Christian Santos raised musical standards on the Rock.

OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Central part (4) 8 Hangs, perhaps (8) 9 Amusing person (4) 10 Gland for the Establishment? (8) 11 Social science (6) 13 Was not convicted (3,3) 15 “The ---” (2001 Nicole Kidman film) (6) 17 Experience anew (6) 18 Greenhouse operation (8) 20 “Mary Poppins” chimney sweep (4) 21 According to the Shadows, stars fell on it (8) 22 Fail or misplace (4)

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ll about

Vol. 5

Issue 146

Mijas

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Just charming

April 21st - May 4th 2021

QUALITY QUESTIONNAIRE

Mijas does not disappoint when you want a taste of Andalucia’s past

ET ready to be charmed. The white villages and towns of Andalucia are famed the world over for their picturesque Mediterranean feel. And Mijas does not disappoint in giving a taste of the region’s ancient past. The classic hilltop town, just a stone’s throw from the Costa del Sol, is quintessentially Spanish and packed full of surprises. It was discovered by the globe’s more bohemian artists and writers in the 1950s and 60s, when it was little more than a sleepy backwater and it was immortalised in Ronald Fraser’s 1973 book, The Pueblo, and continues to cast a spell on visitors today. If you are visiting on a clear day - which let’s face it is most days on the Costa del Sol - you can enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the coast from the cliff-edge view point on the outskirts of the pueblo - although you might have to wait for snappy happy Instagram ‘influencers’ to end their posing session before you can take some pics of your own. Elsewhere, come rain or shine, the Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena is an endearingly unpretentious Continues overleaf

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From Page 9

ll about

Mijas

little chapel. Forget the checked tiles of Notre Dame or the Sagrada Familia’s spiky, bejewelled interior. This hermitage was hollowed out by a single Carmelite monk in the 17th century. Outside, a stone gargoyle spouts water into a grand font. Inside, the candle light, bumpy floor, six ornate gold benches, fresh flowers and a small exhibition are a real treat. It’s no wonder al fresco dining is the norm here, with - usually - not a table free near the Mirador del Compas, where you can dine to the musical swoosh of water - provided by the charming fountain. “It may not be busy at the moment because of COVID, but Mijas is usually popular all year round, like diamonds,” confides Francisco, a nut seller who has lived in the town all his life. Mijas is designed A typical for its multiculturtourist scene Andalucian pueblo al – with around blanco complete 20,000 foreign residents and with donkeys and many, many more visitors normally mountains beating a track to the town. Signs appear in English and there is even an impressive machine vending t-shirts, maps and guides after trading hours. Welcome to the future. And yet the human reception is second to none. Carmen in the Tourist Office, who hails from Valencia, gives me the inside track on just about everything in immaculate English. In fact she offers maps and info in an incredible 16 languages! Let’s not forget the countryside. There are beautiful hiking trails waiting to be explored. Sign up for ‘senderismo’ at the tourist office for any one (or all) of three weekly routes. Multilingual guides will soon - COVID permitting restart their tours, leading groups around paths of varying difficulty – an energetic and sociable affair. “The biggest reason Mijas draws people in is be-

March 27th - April 9th 2019

Mountains of fun STIRRUP CUP: At the annual feria, the Mijas church and a line up of donkeys are some sights to see

cause we are close to the biggest Costa towns yet a typical Andalucian pueblo blanco which people love, complete with donkeys and mountains,” explains Carmen.

“While the centre of town is beautifully preserved, we are moving forward and modernising on the outskirts within easy reach of the coast.” Get a free town walking map that emcompasses the

key sites in a leisurely two hour stroll – providing you don’t make too many watering-hole stops. Several museums and plazas are worth a look-in, in particular, the oval-shaped bullring built in 1900 and

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ATTRACTIONS: The white village, bull ring and ancient bell tower the main town museum, adorned with speciality esparto products and fabulous photos. On top of this is the intriguing miniatures museum and the handsome town hall. Rest your weary legs in the tranquil Plaza de los Siete Canos and poke a nose inside the eighteenth-century Ermita de Nuestra Senora de los Remedios before circuiting back to central Plaza de la Libertad via Calle Larga del Palmar and Calle San Sebastian. The latter is ‘officially’ the pueblo’s prettiest street. There are tapas haunts and restaurants to suit every taste and budget in Mijas, while the open air auditorium becomes a great concert venue, often hosting tribute acts in the summer. Every local I meet seems to have lived here their whole life: sun-shrivelled Antonio, who cannot remember his own age, clutches my arm enthusiastically to lead me to the art museum while telling me about how the town has changed. We pass boutiques, delis and a baking dynasty that has been going since 1904, with grandson Francisco now in charge. It’s easy to fall in love with this enchanting pueblo. At a zapateria, fresh-faced shoe-seller Celia recalls how her Liverpool mother met an Andalucian in Ibiza in the 60s, married him, moved to Mijas and never left. Shoe fetishist Nikki, who has pairs of alpargatas (espadrilles) in more than 30 colours – the sign of a true española – was similarly smitten. “I went to Liverpool to study languages as my mum did,”

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says the 37-year-old who is a perfect example of the cosmopolitan population in Mijas. “But I came back here to raise my daughter; it is the most wonderful place.” A cool glass of tinto de verano later and I feel so welcomed by Mijas’s residents that I’m reluctant to get back in the driving seat and head for the coast to the municipality’s ‘other half’ - Mijas Costa. But the welcome in La Cala is equally warm – restaurateurs, professionals and locals are all itching to tell me about their slice of paradise by the beach. Be it a Sauvignon Blanc in Olivia’s - run by TOWIE star Elliott Wright - or a pint of Guinness at Biddy Mulligan’s - run by Davey from Ireland - there is somewhere for everyone to sit back and unwind. But as Francisco the nut seller put it, multi-faceted Mijas is like diamonds - in demand yearround, and everyone wants a piece of it. Bling it on! Here is room for a play, fun, and a quiet time after a long day at work.

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Could a tiny organic hotel hidden in the White Isle’s rural heartland really be Ibiza’s hippest place to stay? Jon Clarke finds out

THE first decision to make as you stroll stretches to the 475-metre tip of Sa Tadown the drive from the car park at Agro- laia, Ibiza’s highest mountain, this pasturismo Cas Gasi is which path to take toral vernacular is as far removed from to reception: the first follows a perfumed the fleshpots of ‘San An’ as you could bank of roses, planted four rows deep; possibly imagine. the other meanders beneath a floral ar- So when you hear that Pete Doherty bour of wisteria and jasmine. mixed the ‘perfect’ Sex on the Beach It’s springtime in the rucocktails in the bar, ral heart of Ibiza, a part while fellow rocker Bryof the island few tourists an Adams was also in The grounds ever reach, and the air is house, you’re not sure if produce much you heard right. heavy with the scent of orange blossom. just Google the of the fruit and But There’s nothing but wild place online and you’ll countryside for miles find a trawl of A-listers, all the virgin around. Just an artfulwho have allegedly olive oil ly-updated 19th century stayed at the low key farmhouse set in its own property, including Richlittle Garden of Eden, with ard Gere and European orchards, grape vines and an organic royals, such as the King and Queen of kitchen garden thriving with cabbages, Norway. lettuces and leeks. The key to this is privacy, being off limits The grounds produce much of the fruit to external visitors without a reservation and veg for the hotel menus and 450 and, of course, the peace and quiet. The carefully clipped trees provide all the ex- price at 425 euros a night for a Deluxe tra virgin olive oil the hotel needs - sus- Queen room also helps. tainable agritourism at its best. But what you get is a lot more than just With a view of rolling green hills that amazing ambience.

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April 21st - May 4th 2021

Rock ‘n’ Roses

RURAL IDYLL: And even rockers Pete Docherty and Bryan Adams couldn’t ruin the peace at Cas Gasi The suites are particularly opulent, while the Ibizan Palaces, a pair of 165m2 villas secluded from the main hotel, list luxuries like ‘XXL beds’ with feather mattress toppers and imported damask sheets. They were also very chic inside. My upgraded double room had similar bedding and was equally well-appointed with a giant bath, sitting area and stylish antique wooden furniture, as well as a superb balcony with views to relocate for. There are four hectares of grounds to wander around, with floral walks starting right from your door. There’s also a fully-equipped gym and a yoga space. Oh, and a free Vinyasa flow class every morning at 8.30am, Namasté … if you get up in time! But the real masterstroke for me is the impressive open-plan industrial kitchen,

added last year with the intention of hand to tinkle the ivories on the showbiconverting one of the suites into a ful- zzy white grand piano. ly-fledged restaurant. I chatted to the Ibizencan sous chef, who Led by chef David Reartes, it focuses is very aware of the island’s new foodie on home grown produce focus and believes ‘up to with some classy culithree or four’ restaurants nary twists, such as the The chatelaine could be vying for a star farm chicken cannelloni, over the next year or two. floats around served in a rich truffle “There is a real buzz and sauce, or the leek tatin, with a cookery school set glamorously with almond praline, a to open over the next few with Viz the dog years the island could visual masterpiece. The timing for the restaufinally start competing by her side rant’s opening is imwith Mallorca,” he insistpeccable. Ibiza is finally ed. seeing a real resurgence When I suggest Cas Gasi in the culinary stakes, gaining its first could be one of them, owner Margaret Michelin star this year. shrugs, contending that she would be Mirroring the natural style of the hotel, more than happy with one of the new expect candles on every table, flowers ‘Estrella Verdes’ (Green Stars) for susand cool jazz – that’s if no pianist is on tainable restaurants, introduced for this year’s guide. (see https://www.theolivepress.es/ spain-news/2020/12/24/new-starsare-born-and-only-one-lost-as-the-celebrated-michelin-foody-bible-reveals-itspick-in-spain-for-2021/) Very much the life and soul of Cas Gasi, this inspirational chatelaine floats glamorously around the place with her water dog, Viz, padding faithfully by her side. She spends almost as much time nurturing the staff and gardeners as she does helping the guests. Coming from noble European lineage, we drive up a winding dirt track to the lakeside office, her family earned the Fleur-de-lys hon“We came here for a nice life.” our back in the 13th century for repelThe 54-year-old from Egham left behind a marketing ling the Moors in the Pyrenees (and job at Bacardi to set up Spain’s top ski and wake centre there is also an intriguing connection with Matt, 48, a former world number five water skier. to Marie Antoinette and a passport…) The ex-champ from Macclesfield is at the helm as XtreThe heraldic emblem is the motif of the me Gene’s wakeski head coach, his world-beating exhotel. pertise played down by a laid-back attitude and hillbilly straw hat. His professional but easy-going manner filters down But Margaret is anything but snobbish through the entire Xtreme Gene family, including the and her family are equally down to wakeboard and wakesurf head coach Jordan Elizondo. earth, with her husband lighting the The 24-year-old is another champion, who first came fires and chauffeuring guests to and to Xtreme Gene on his 12th birthday and from the airport. basically never left. Their children regularly return for holiHe trains with the Spanish team, having days to help out and enjoy their former won the nationals several times and even home. the European Wakesurf Championship in “There is almost nowhere else like 2019. this left on the island,” she tells me. Amid the pandemic, business slowed to a “We are a genuine local family busitrickle but since Spain opened back up, ness that started 30 years ago and there has been a new surge of interest we’ve just kept growing organically ever from those gagging for a better adrenasince. I don’t like crowds and don’t go lin rush than supermarket shopping. out much. This is my life until it’s no fun Debbie said: “We are flexible and peoanymore. ple can stay in one of our air conditio“I guess I am a housewife who became a hotelier,” she adds jokingly. ned cabins for a day or a week, we can Just as I am leaving (typically), Margaaccommodate all group sizes.” ret tells me they are preparing for the arrival of a group of models and photographers for a shoot. “From all over Europe,” she explains. “The first time they For more information ring have left their countries for a year.” the lakeside office on They will be in for a rare treat. It’s spring+34 957057010 or email Detime in Ibiza, quite the best time to visit bbie at debbie@xtreme-gethe island, and Cas Gasi really rocks it ne.com with those roses.

Waking on water

Amazing resort near Cordoba has the world’s best watersports

Really there’s no need to fly when the perfect family escape is so much closer WHEN it comes than you think.

to having a go in the world of extreme watersports Extreme Gene is an experience not to Did you know Europes most be missed. popular watersports complex After where was just all, a drive away? can you not only get a lesson from a European champion but also have the chance to shoot the Come and enjoy a great withholiday. them over an apres ski lunch. daybreeze out or a weeks rd This is exactly the kind of A-list experience you can expect Lakeside log cabins, Bar, at Xtreme Gene Restauarnt, Terrace & in Cordoba. surf pool ThePlunge wakeboard, waterski and wakesurf centre has been a Mecca for watersports fiends since its inception in 2002. Covid safe It is no surprise that the globe’s top pros flock to the environment! area every year, especially when you first set eyes on the xtreme stunning Embalse de la Breña, on the fringes of -gene.com Almodovar del Rio. Watersp h t u orts Complex, Cordoba So ern Spain lake is a natural paradise far from the e.com pp: 66The A s t a 773939 h W Tel: 0034 957057010 2 hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol. and information, find us on Facebook & Instagram As you enter the town you are greeted by the imposing sight of Castillo de Almodovar, a hilltop castle which doubled as Highgarden in the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. Upping sticks from Britain to this charming outpost of rural Andalucia was a no-brainer for Xtreme Gene’s husband and wife team, Matt and Debbie, whose extended family includes eight dogs, two cats and a horse. “We didn’t come here to be millionaires,” Debbie explains as

Housewife

BUSINESS

Aid flow extended BUSINESSES were given the reprieve they were asking for when the government decided to continue offering rental discounts until the end of May. After a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce on the Gibraltar Government agreed to keep rents down for a month more than previously stated. This will mean public premises and private landlords will now offer rent reductions until May 31 instead of only for April, as previously announced. During May, the government will meet again with the Chamber of Commerce to see if the rental discount must be offered for another month. The Chamber of Commerce had pushed for rental discounts to be kept down until June 30 to allow businesses to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Authorities have praised the cooperation of landlords who have taken a hit on their own pocket for the general good of business on the Rock. “I am most grateful to all of our landlords for their support at this most difficult time to our business community,” said Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. “We believe and hope that our business community will be enjoying better times in June as a result of the success of Operation Freedom and there will be no need for these discounts to continue any further. “We have agreed with the Chamber that we will meet with them next month and revisit our progress before reaching any conclusion on this matter.”

April 21st - May 4th 2021

PM outlines plans to spend €140 billion on investment and reforms SPAIN’S Prime Minister has outlined his Recovery and Resilience plan for the nation aiming to revive and modernise its economy using €72 billion in grants from the European Union. Spain has earmarked a total of €140 billion to spend by 2027 for an investment and reform programme closely monitored by the European Commission. Roughly half of it will take the form of grants from the EU while the rest will be paid out in loans. The proposal will be finetuned before it is sent to Brussels by the April 30 deadline. “We only come by opportunities like this a few times every century and we cannot let it pass us by,” Prime Minister Sanchez said in a televised address following the weekly cabinet meeting in Madrid on Tuesday. He described the funds as Spain’s ‘greatest opportunity’ since joining the European Union and heralded his

Hey big spender

By Fiona Govan

government’s recovery plan as ‘the most ambitious and transcendental in the economic history of Spain’. Sanchez said the plan includes

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UK DRIVING LICENSE If you have lived in Spain for at least 6 months, your UK driving license must be exchanged for a Spanish driving license before 30th June 2021. You need to book an appointment at your nearest DGT (Departamento General de Trafico) by calling 060 or via their website. You will need your NIE document to do this.

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212 measures, of which 110 involve the allocation of funds into 10 broad policy areas while the remaining 102 measures are reforms, including of the public health system, energy and renewables, or the modernization of the justice system. He envisioned that the programme should bring growth of two percentage points to gross domestic product growth annually in the coming years. Central, regional and local governments will be largely in charge of spending the money, with 18% of it going to education, a whopping 39% to environmental projects and digitalisation, and large sums earmarked for housing renovation and rural repopulation.

This represents around 20%-30% of the total business infrastructure of what is essentially a tourism based economy, explained Guerrero. “Areas such as Ricardo Soriano, Puerto Banus and Marbella old Town have been hit even worse, in some cases, 50% of businesses have shut down,” Guerrero told Malaga Hoy. The Easter weekend didn’t offer much respite either, with an estimated 20% decrease in turnover across the four days compared to last year, however a massive 95% compared to pre pandemic 2019.

Jobs blow

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As a road user you’re accustomed to expecting the unexpected. However, if you have concerns about the impact of Brexit or the Coronavirus pandemic may have on insurance policies, Línea Directa would like to reassure its customers that their car insurance policies are one constant to be relied on in these uncertain times.

BUSINESS unions in Marbella have been left holding their heads after a disappointing Holy Week has added to the drastic situation sweeping the town. Travel restrictions, lack of tourism and missing government help during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 50% of businesses to close their doors according to unions. Enrique Guerrero, head of the Marbella Small and Medium business association, has warned that more than 15,000 businesses in the town have had to permanently pull down their shutters thanks to the pandemic.

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Easter flop

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FASHION chain H&M will shut 30 of its stores in Spain, putting 1,100 jobs at risk. The closure affects one fifth of the retailer’s branches across the country. H&M announced its intention to shut 350 stores across the world after net profit dropped tenfold in 2020 due

to the pandemic. The firm, however, was able to take advantage of online sales, with shopping on the H&M site up more than 40% from 2019. Currently, e-shopping accounts for almost a third of H&M’s overall turnover.