FREE
Vol. 5 Issue 151
www.theolivepress.es
EX CL US IV E
The
OLIVE PRESS GIBRALTAR
The expat that took on Tyson
The Rock’s only free local paper June 30th - July 13th 2021
Get the tale of the tape on page 3
Rough justice TWO men from Gibraltar have described the shocking treatment they suffered at the hands of Spanish police while on a night out across the border in La Linea. The pair claimed they were ‘physically abused’ by officers and ‘blackmailed into accepting a crime they didn’t commit’. Ex-military Andy, 55 and his brother-in-law Colin, 35, who don’t want their surnames made public, had been enjoying an evening drink on a busy terraza, when a Spaniard came ‘charging’ at Colin armed with a six-inch knife. Andy wrestled the man to the floor and disarmed him during the incident last week. Minutes later, 10 members of the Policia Nacional arrived, ordering Colin to get down on the floor. He obliged, meanwhile trying to explain he was the victim.
Kicked
Colin claims he was then kicked in the back multiple times and placed in handcuffs before being taken to the local police station. Andy followed as a witness after identifying their attacker. But he explains that when he got to the station he was ´pushed multiple times by an officer, who kept shouting things at me in Spanish - knowing full well I didn’t understand´. “He grabbed me by the throat, handcuffed me, threw me down the stairs,” he told the Olive Press. Thrown in separate cells, the pair went 13 hours without food or drink, with no access to a lawyer, no phone call, and no translator, although Andy was taken to the hospital for his wounds to be dressed. By morning, the pair were charged with disobedience
FABIAN Picardo has called for unity after yes won the abortion referendum campaign. While he welcomed the result, which saw voters choose to relax its draconian anti-abortion law, he acknowledged that it was now time to heal the rift over the issue. “I want to congratulate the yes campaign,” the Chief Minister said after the result that saw 62% vote to relax the law to allow abortion up to 12 weeks, with 36% voting against.
X
Continues on Page 5
Time to pull together
SKY + THE DOCTOR + ALL AREAS COVERED
4G UNLIMITED INTERNET IDEAL FOR STREAMING TV ALSO IPTV, SATELLITE TV
tel: (0034) 952 763 840 info@theskydoctor.com www.theskydoctor.com
Friendship
“But I also want to hold out a hand of friendship and continued dialogue to the parties who campaigned for ‘No’. I consider all of you to be Gibraltarian patriots,” he said following the vote on Thursday. “We must also start the work of reunifying our people tonight. And the unifying zeal must start today and must go out from this place to everyone in our community. “I’ve seen many instances today of friends holding each other despite defending opposite views. “That is the spirit of Gibraltar. Although we may disagree with each other on some matters, we are always united in the defence of Gibraltar and its wider interests and
Chief Minister calls for ‘unity’ on the Rock after divisive vote on abortion By Fiona Govan
the interests of all. “Gibraltarians, regardless of party, political affiliation, colour, creed or other differentiation. And that unity is what we must start to concentrate on now.” Speaking to crowds after the result came in, Isobel Ellul, spokeswoman for the Gibraltar for Yes campaign, said triumphantly: “Well, today, Gibraltar voted Yes. Yes for human rights. Yes for women and girls. Yes for trusting doctors and health care professionals. Yes for choice. Yes for compassion and empathy. Yes for healthcare and care. Yes for reproductive rights. Yes for female bodily autonomy. And yes for abortion that is at home, safe and legal.” For those opposed to the law change, the result came as a blow after months of hard-fought campaigning. “It’s disappointing for us as we feel it is a very extreme law,” said spokeswoman for Save Babies,
Vote No, Karenza Morillo. “Once the laws are brought in it is very difficult to get the extra services for women that were promised. “Abortions do increase year by year in other countries where it has been legalised,” she said, adding that the Gibraltar Pro-Life Movement will continue to support women affected by this and
other issues. Leader of the Opposition, Keith Azopardi, who supported the ‘vote no’ campaign echoed calls for unity. “It is now important for the community to try to heal and go forward and ensure that we at least find some common ground on at least these important issues that affect women,” he said.
2
CRIME
www.theolivepress.es
NEWS IN BRIEF
A 79-year-old British man has been tricked into selling his house on the cheap by his Romanian carer who then attempted to pocket the €74,000 for himself. The elderly man, who had been living in Estepona, suffers from
Cash dash TWO youths aged 17 have appeared before the Juvenile Court accused of stealing from five shops, with one charged with handling stolen goods, and the other with five counts of burglary.
Well done MAYOR Christian Santos hosted a reception at City Hall in honour of the Culture Youth Festival Winners, which rewarded their ‘hard work, dedication and commitment’.
Grapple fever LDN Wrestling will be taking over the Alameda Theatre in Gibraltar, to host the arena’s first live event on September 5, with LDN Heavyweight British Champion Alan Lee Travis defending his title against 30-stone Crusher Curtis.
POLICE have arrested five Brits believed to be part of a major drug trafficking ring led by an ex-Royal Navy officer. Ex submarine officer Robert Mark Benson is alleged to be the ringleader and has been linked to a recent £80 million (€93 million) cocaine bust where three men were arrested after police intercepted a yacht mid-Atlantic, carrying a tonne of the drug. He has also been accused of involvement in a number of international drug incidents, including the seizure of 1.6 tonnes of hashish found aboard two vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar. Benson, a 64-year-old who moved to Spain in the 90’s to work as a property consultant has not been officially named
cognitive problems and the 24-year-old was hired to look after him. Suspicion arose when the suspect tried to cash a check for the sale of the house of €44,000 - the rest of the payment (€30,000) was made in cash.
A Spanish woman aged 42 has been arrested for the possession of 104 Alprazolam tablets following suspicious behaviour as she walked across the border. She was later charged with importation and possession of Class C Drugs.
by police, but reports in the Spanish and UK press identify him as the ringleader. It is thought he briefly worked at Valderrama Golf Club, So-
Fantastic fun in a stunning setting with coaching from world class professionals. Really there’s no need to fly when the perfect family escape is so much closer than you think. Did you know Europes most popular watersports complex was just a drive away?
Wakeboard Wakesurf
The bank’s fraud prevention allerted the local police, who investigated the alleged crime. According to the authorities, neither the estate agents nor
Former submariner linked to €93 million drugs bust
A 19 year-old man from Gibraltar has been charged for the possession of £1,750 of Class B Drugs. Ethan Peire, of Varyl Begg Estate, was arrested after police searched his home . During the search, officers located and seized approximately 278g of Cannabis Resin and 72.13g of Herbal Cannabis, with a combined total of some 350g.
Waterski
Didn’t care
Sinking feeling
Weeded out
What a dope
June 30th - July 13th 2021
Come and enjoy a great day out or a weeks holiday. Lakeside log cabins, Bar, Restauarnt, Terrace & Plunge pool Covid safe environment!
xtreme -gene.com
Xtreme Gene Watersp Email: info@xtrem orts Complex, Cordoba Southern Spain e-gen e.com Tel: 0034 957057010 WhatsApp: 667739392 For the latest news and information, find us on Facebook & Instagram
togrande, in 1998, and owned two companies in Marbella: Yacht Matters and Real Estate Matters. Sources say he also worked for a brief time in Gibraltar. The UK’s National Crime Agency describes the man arrested as being ‘known to law enforcement agencies for his links to organised crime groups in the UK and Ukraine’. Officers believe he trained the crew and ran several companies engaged in buying, selling and renting sailing vessels that were subsequently used to smuggle drugs.
the notary’s office noticed anything wrong with the elderly man when the signing took place. When questioned later, he had no recollection of selling his house or taking the €30,000 cash payment for the house.
A SPATE of recent arrests in Gibraltar highlights the illicit business of refuelling drug trafficking boats The Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) have revealed how, thanks to a tip off from a member of the public, they arrested a man carrying a
Bent cops THREE police officers have been arrested accused of charging smugglers thousands of euros to turn a blind eye to a 750kg shipment of hashish. They each pocketed €7,500 and agreed not to intercept the shipment from Morocco. The members of the Guardia Civil also kept the criminals informed of police patrols. They are now set to stand trial in Malaga after being caught by a special investigation into police corruption.
Refuelling bust
vast amount of petrol in his car destined to refuel drug trafficking vessels. The man was found transporting over 250 litres of fuel in 11 canisters in his car which was spotted driving erratically down Winston Churchill Avenue last Wednesday. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but it sped away and was later found in Ocean Spa Plaza Car park while the suspect was discovered hiding nearby.
Cargo
The transportation of fuel is fast becoming a common crime in Gibraltar. Within the same week, two local men were also arrested and eight fuel containers were seized - three full, five empty. They were initially stopped by RGP officers after they failed to observe traffic regulations. But a strong smell of petrol from within the car led to the discovery of their illicit cargo.
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es IT was once known as ‘Spain’s most eccentric restaurant’. It was the favourite stomping ground of unconventional TV cook Keith Floyd and home to a full size cannon, lifelike Centurion, illuminated skeleton and a King Arthur’s Sword wedged into one of the tables. For 36-years owner Paul Hickling was the jovial ‘mine host’
Teeing off be a tad too much for him – he has rather eccentrically decided to launch a mini golf park at the premises. So rather than a hearty ‘hail Caesar’, it will be a cry of ‘time to tee off’ that will greet customers.
Great Dane Brian Nielsen talks to Andrew McInnes about his battles with Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield
Nielsen also fought Evander Holyfield - who had part of his ear bitten off in a controversial, and highly-lucrative bout against Tyson in 1997EXCLUSIVE in a comeback bout in 2011. It was the last time both would ever compete professionally. The burly Dane added: “The best guy I ever fought was Evander Holyfield (pictured with Nielsen below left). He had everything as a boxer, just the complete package, and you knew you’d been in a real battle when you went a few rounds with him. He beat me fair and square. “A very talented fighter - definitely an all-time great and possibly, for my money, the best heavyweight of all time. BIG MAN: Nielsen in Spain now, and in his glory days squaring up to Mike Tyson The British fighter Lennox already the best in the world. He had a ferocious and in- ponent but I could always Lewis was another from that The brash New Yorker was timidating style that had handle it. Mike did spend era who I really admired. simply unbeatable in the plenty of opponents running most of the fight throwing “Evander and I are still ring for a number of years. for cover from the get-go, headbutts at me friends as well and I’ve met He was the undisputed and professional heavy- though and up with him world champion from 1987 weight boxing has never he eventually a few times to 1990, winning all of his been a domain of the meek. cracked me over the years first 19 professional fights by Nielsen fought him in 2001 with one. for promotionknockout. His seismic impact in Copenhagen and will be “I got an eye al events and Mike did on boxing had to be seen to regaling fight fans about that injury though that sort of spend most be believed. encounter for the rest of his and that’s why thing. life. the fight was “I had 67 of the fight Talking to the Olive Press, stopped. But professionthrowing he said: “Yeah me and Mike he never put al fights and fought for six rounds in Co- me down. I won 64 of headbutts penhagen and he never put “Sure, he them, 43 by at me - he me down, other than illegal- was very fast knockout. ly. and had a big I’m very eventually “He was a very tough op- punch, but proud of it was never that record. landed one enough to “As well as my on me knock me on boxing skills my arse. I’d say my big“I’m still in gest asset in touch with the ring was Mike and he’ll give me a call my heart. I would be relentevery once a while to see less and always keep going how I’m getting on and so we until the bell. can reminisce about the old “I never knew when I was days.” beaten”
“
ESTUCO INTERIORS
“
M
OST expat residents in Spain are entirely unaware that they have a legend of professional heavyweight boxing living in their midst. A man who once equalled the fight record of legendary Italian American pugilist Rocky Marciano (49 successive wins), and who went toe-to-toe with both Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, two of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport. Brian Nielsen was an Olympic gold medallist at super heavyweight for Denmark in the 1992 Barcelona Games before he was elevated to the ranks of the pros where he became the IBF World Heavyweight Champion. He currently lives in La Cala de Mijas (Malaga) and runs a Golf and Events tourism business in neighbouring Calahonda. Nielsen, 56, still keeps in touch with some of the biggest names in the sport and was happy to share his memories with the Olive Press when we caught up with him. The fight that he gets asked about the most was his bruising seven-round battle with American icon ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, once labelled, with plenty of justification, ‘The Baddest Man on The Planet’. Readers of a certain vintage will recall Tyson’s arrival on the world stage in the 1980s. He made his professional debut at the ridiculously young age of 18 and by the time he hit his 20s, he was
serving up fabulous food at the Roman Oasis in Manilva on the Costa del Sol. Two years ago, as age caught up with him, 76 year-old Paul decided it was time to put his feet up for a well-deserved retirement. But proving old legionnaire’s never die, he is back on the scene. But he is not re-opening his restaurant – that would
June 30th - July 13th 2021
3
The rise and fall of John McAfee HE made a $100 (€84) million fortune, founded the world’s most ubiquitous internet security firm, lived a life of hedonism and claimed to have fathered 46 children. This all came to an end when his body was found in a Catalan prison cell just hours after a Spanish judge ordered his extradition to the US on fraud charges. Police believe he hanged himself. Born on a US army base in Cinderford (UK) to an American father and British mother, John McAfee hit the big time when he developed McAfee anti virus software – then lost it all through a combination of high spending and the financial crash.
Belize
When his fortune dwindled to about $4 million, he made a new home in Belize where he could make his money stretch further and continue his high-spending habits. Thrice married McAfee boasted of having a harem of seven women live with him as he set up a new business. But police suspected him of running an illicit drugs factory and found an ‘arsenal’ of guns when they raided his home. Soon after, his neighbour was shot dead and McAfee fled to Guatemala claiming the police were trying to frame him. From there, he eventually returned to the US, but once more went on the run when told he was subject to a tax investigation.
HAREM: McAfee and co
KIM CLARK
Benefits Consultancy If you suffer from... • Mobility problems • Pain / Breathlessness • Falls / Stumbles
Or you need... • Help with washing /dressing • Supervision
You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness/disability benefits while living in Spain Centro Plaza 56-57, Avda. Manolete s/n, 29660 Nueva Andalucia info@estucointeriors.com, www.estucointeriors.com, +34 952 810 633
FOR ADVICE OR TO BOOK A CONSULTATION call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 www.ukbenefitsinspain.com
4
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
NEWS IN BRIEF 5 in 5 THE Mayor of Gibraltar held a ceremony in honour of participants who completed five half ironmans, in five consecutive days, to raise money for charity. For every half ironman, each person cycled 90km, ran 21.1km and swam 1.9km, in support of Cancer Relief Centre and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre. His worship was keen to recognise such charitable undertakings in the community.
Party time STARTUP Grind Gibraltar is hosting a summer part on July 1 in support of mental health charity, Clubhouse Gibraltar. Taking place at La Sala, the Sunborn Yacht Hotel at 5:30pm, the evening promises food, drink, fun and games, all for the small donation of €5.00. Sponsors include Specsavers Opticas Marbella, Regus and Gibraltar Finance, amongst others. To find out more or attend the event, contact Denise.matthews@ startupgrind.com
Social security shocker GIBRALTAR will see a hike in social insurance contributions from July 1, under new regulations brought in by Sir Joe Bossano in his first act as Minister for Social Security, warned the opposition Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD). Roy Clinton, GSD Shadow Minister for Public Finance and Small Businesses, said: “This increase should have been properly announced in the Budget session by the Chief Minister and comes as a complete shock. “Not only is it punitive on businesses that need breathing space in the current economic climate, but it is a tax on jobs and a disincentive on the creation of further jobs which makes no sense. “The wording of the Government press release disguises the percentage increases that have been put through, ranging from 20% to 107%, hitting the lowest paid on minimum contributions the hardest. “This is the price our community has to pay for this Government’s mismanagement of our public finances.”
In memory Gibraltar’s government has inaugurated a new seafront promenade linking Camp Bay with Little Bay, in remembrance of the late GSLP founding member, Juan Carlos Perez. Perez died suddenly, aged 61, on June 6, 2017. He was a member of the House of Assembly for the GSLP from 1984 to 2003, a politician, trade unionist and editor of the New People weekly newspaper. On June 20, Government Ministers Sir Joe Bossano and Dr John Cortes were
joined by Perez’s sister to open the promenade to the public, with a short ceremony for friends and family. Bossano described Perez as ‘a special Gibraltarian who was always determined to do the right thing with the best interests of Gibraltar at heart’. During the ceremony, Perez was praised for his contributions towards the Rock, especially during ‘times of enormous financial difficulty’, when the first socialist Government took office in 1988.
History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.
June 30th - July 13th 2021
Rock ACROSS Gibraltar, throughout the month of June, the rainbow flag has been flying and monuments have been lit up in its colours, to celebrate Pride month. Flags were once again raised at Land Frontier, and outside No 6 Convent Place, to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots - the reason Pride Month is celebrated every June. Meanwhile, the Moorish Castle was decked out in LGBTQ+ rainbow colours during evening light shows. On June 28, World Pride Day, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo met with the Chairman of the Equality Rights Group, Mr Felix Alvarez OBE and it’s ERG Secretary, Charlie Trico, where he was presented with the ERG’s official Gibraltar Diversity Flag. The Mayor of Gibraltar, Mr Christian Santos GMD used his ‘We Are One’ campaign, to ‘fos-
How Gibraltar celebrated Pride Month
LIT UP: The Moorish castle By Katherine Brook
ter the spirit of inclusivity and openness’ in the community and help people to feel a sense of ‘acceptance and belonging’. Mr Santos invited the local community to take part in a
Whale Attack
A BRITISH sailing crew of three ‘feared for their lives’ as they were attacked by a pod of killer whales off the Strait of Gibraltar. The 25ft orcas were said to have slammed into the yacht for two hours, biting off chunks of the vessel and causing considerable damage. Crew member Nathan Jones, 27, from Hampshire, told The Sun he was beginning to think, ‘is this how it all ends?’. Martin Evans, 45, who was also on the boat, said it ‘felt like they had a plan and were angry’. The crew had been sailing from Ramsgate, Kent, and were attacked near Gibraltar, where the boat is now being fixed.
Photobooth, which he set up outside City Hall. “Pride is not just about the LBGTQ+ community, it is also about those allies who stand by and support,” said the Mayor. The Government has also launched its first online survey for the LBGTQ+ community.
Proud
Minister for Equality the Hon. Samantha Sacramento MP, said: “I am very proud of this, not only because it will be the first time a Government has done this in Gibraltar, but because it will also give a voice to many people from the LGTBQ+ Community. The results of the survey will provide us with a better insight on the different issues that might affect the LGBTQ+ Community.”
Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.
With a UNESCO world heritage site offering 120,000 years of human history and only short drive from the Costa del Sol, enjoy the warmth of the British Gibraltarians and splash out VAT-free in Sterling. Gibraltar. Sun, sea and history served with a very British twist. PROUD
BRITISH
For further information call: Gibraltar Tourist Board +350 200 74950 Or to download a brochure go to: www.visitgibraltar.gi
www.visitgibraltar.gi
Heritage STREET PARTIES MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE HISTORY MUSIC
Phoenician Empire Calentita
Jazz
INTERNATIONAL
THE ROCK The MoorishMusicCastle Festivals Food Festival Pillars of Hercules National Week, Chess, Snooker, Backgammon Championships 100000 YEARS Darts, LITERARY FESTIVAL
Neanderthal Settlements
ibraltar
#VISITGIBRALTAR
A year of Culture
Bring hearts, minds and souls
launch. The photographer, Jayden FA, posted a photo of the Irish celebrity on her Instagram story, with the caption ‘Shooting the beautiful Maura Higgings’.
The
ANDA
LUCÍ
FREE
Vol. 15
Issue 368
www.theo
livepress.e
s
May 5th
Your
expat
voice in Spain
- May
18th 2021
See our
special
supplem
ent insi
de
OLIVE PRESS EXCL inv child proestigation USIVE lea United tection ple ds to a fro Kingdo m cha m rity
THE SKY + DOC +
THE UK’s tion group leading child protecis calling tighten for of Englisthe recruitment Spain to By Fiona process The pleah teachers. Govan in Madr Allianc by The Safegu he photog id loopho countrye aims to protecarding He then raphed and tential le that has against filmed. a British t the paedoply hundreds allowed po- material disseminated there on paedo the legal sserp evi Spanishhiles to find of British the dark web aroundforums sick Spain is an opport lo FOR unity on ling to lead the schools. work in Emily Konsta The campa STREA it at a global way in for The Safegu ntas, the world. Her MING TV vestigation ign follows CEO OLIVE level,” she tackcharity an in- applauded arding Allianc of troduc by the wants said. that reveale ALSO IPTV, PRESS NAYMTDLLIUOGG the Olive Olive e, originae the need Spain to infor a convic d how easy Press highlighting Press for SATELLITE to Lessons 15 YEARS the issue: to change ted UK sex it was Ben Lewis case side l birth certificpresent an TV OF FUN the Olive ate alongneeded as reveale “The recorda passport his work as identit offender Press and crimin d tel: (0034) Madrid a teacher y and find loophole and highlights by potent checks that would al 952 763 ial this is, in severa as shocki this a allow arrested schools where it is nothin change employers l info@theskyd 840 ng for abusin he was unfortunatel g new as “It’s a of identity. to unearth children. octor.c g y www.theskyd the tip at least simple represents and that om of the iceberg 36 magni way to extra check, octor.c just provid tude om as to the “The severit ” she insiste e She warne of this proble y and Criminal loophole d. EXCL m.” quo remaind: “Whilst presents danger this We report USIVE: world the to the whole OP splas icant and s in situ this status ed.” cannot + had changeed how Ben + be undere very danger signifh poll, appliedd his nameLewis, 31, guarding loopho stimatDANG ous safe- An extens ER: Lewis for a new by deed ue to pose passport, le will ive report teaching Safeguarding contin a and threat, UK British by record Nation dodged post, got of ‘fake’ The not used Allianc the UK’schecks despite criminal the world als, but to the just to ment to lobby the e is being paper with help s UK parliavery serious Police in sex offenders being on those mostputting childrerest of managfor a legal Spain issued register. she warne vulnerable n and It ement of change in crimes,” report, ment last the sex at d. explain states the risk,” Throughseen by the Olive is - or Benweek describ a state- “There are s how offenders. system extensive the curren Press. potentially relies case now knownDavid Rose,ing Lew- dreds - if not thousa hun- sex offend on the registe t ance law The Safeguresearch and as he is known child sexual - as ‘a red has sex nds - of lice with er to notify arding ers are identified that AlliThe Nation predator’.dangerous under the offenders slippin the pochange details of offendseek work radar in the any , alongs and are not notifying g had used al Police said ide any name UK to of address his positio that he can contin abroad where dren bycontinuing to as required er at private change and passpo mation n changing abuse chiland obfusc schools as a teach- dren,” she ue to abuse they “Curre . rt inforto gain their names access to in Madrid “This continued. chilating ntly as seen children their identit loophole with the the onus whom biggest lies solely offend is arguab Lewis/ through the case ies ly the it is an offence er and althou the worldsafeguarding of Ben seas to Rose absconding gh continue has ever scandal one could argue to fail to notify, overto abuse. seen and terrent as this is IN the United has the the offend not a deUnderm er propen Kingdom to follow sity to already “As ined a person commit a result, name, butan official proces does of the not import they effectiv or to change require s to start using need ant legisla eness Sex Offend failure a ‘deed a official passpo tion, the Child Sex ers Regist documentspoll’ to applynew result to so is a crimina Centro This canrt. for onmenin a term er, the such as Scheme, Offender Plaza 56-57, not exceedl offence which a new little or be done simply t. the Domes Disclosure info@e Avda. Manole Disclosure ing five could However, stucoin tic than 15no cost in a proces and easily years impristeriors. underm Scheme, the Violence com, www.es te s/n, 29660 registeredevidence demon s that takes online for comple minutes to proces ined and DBS are Nueva sex offend dered redund strates tucointe ted from report effectiv Andalu that not Under section riors.co er will a prison s and can no longer The a change ely cia “The case ant,” it m, +34 every even be of name act with honest cell. Safegu states. ren2003, an 952 810 84 highlights of Ben Lewis/ y and 633 Freedom arding Allianc as require offenderof the Sexual within three d. why Spain must report Offences Rose aware of UK’s 46 of Information e discovered Act of working should this very requests through guarding days to a name change offence police forces serious be to the police, pioneer loophole and safechanging convictions that 913 people16 of the and their nameshad gone with sex ment to an international should police. protect without missing after those abuser its childre moveinforming n from s who the radar the slip using under loophole,” the Konsta name change ntas added. Opinion Page 6
TOR
S COVE
RED
25 EGAP
RATS GNI NIHS - ’RA TS NILEH CIM TSRI egaugnalF YM HTIW hs DEYOJRE aículadnA ilgnE ylno dna lani VO‘ gir ni repapsw en evitagi o ehT tsevni
- ht01 reb
meceD
MP eht su
se.sserp
nim etabe d
eviloeht. www
822 euss I 01 .loV
V T lanoita snes htiw
EERF
snigeb
nwodtnuo
c noitcelE
s’olbaP ...kcab
ni ssob kcabemo somedoP c evissam
S
emit htruo f a rof detc ivnoc
NAMDL OG
March 24th
namdloG l egiN retsd uarf tapxe suomafnI nevig
nee namdloG b evah niapS ni SM eht ni du legiN retfa epoh ITCIV arf fo ytl iug dnuo hserf f saw saw sserP -raey-85 e evilO eht woh draeh .KU ot ,etnoM ht gnignirb ni latnemyruj A led drawoH u dellac wonrtsni ,dlo owt ,eniln snioc dlogo stroper ruo gnittop.ecitsuj dellac mih eviecer ot deliaf oh s retfA dnuof saw morf desahcrup d w nem won dna d eh ,retal raey A .ecah yeht uarf fo stn uoc owt noilop ni ytliug .liaj secaf ot
expat
voice in Spain
- April 6th
2021
tekcit ya we 4 egaP !lnO iaj
THE START:
The first edition
of the Olive
Press in 2006
As the Olive birthday, we Press reaches its 15th recall a few favourite interviews of our a couple of and remember as ex-prime our top readers, such and prime minister Rajoy (above) joker Paul Gascoigne...
...meanwhile, home of the we spend time at the plumber as world’s most famous becoming he announces he’s a Spanish 15 years here citizen, after his ex-wives... and losing €15m to
THE SKY DOCTOR
IORS www.theskydoctor.com
Opinion
Continues
Page 6
on Page
4
...and our long-term team of recall theirwriters, and a half decade the world’sliving in most exciting country. See pull-out inside.
SPONSORED
Vol. 15
F
CHEAPER,
Issue 365
BY
GREENER
ELECTRICITY
ROM its March the Olive very first issue - April 2021 in 2006 paigning Press has been camWhether for its community. ment or fighting digging for the taken some environinto big scalps.crooks, we Starting have from Issue we highlighted One (see build 2000 the top right) houses,ridiculous plans and two two golf to land nearhotels on UNESCO-protected courses Ronda, the madness as well as exposed monstrosity of building a 350-room ria’s Cabo on a virgin beach in de Gata. Both schemes A decade Almeda, and - Los Merinos, ria - wentthe Algarrobico scored and a half of maverick into hotel, in Ronsome big campaigning made the UK reverse after in AlmeGoldman, Jeremy Griffiths, wins for newspapers AND Spanishour stories dirt-bag, a degenerate and Nigel the Olive has and green ing Greenpeace national When it gold-dealing in a local who had a restaurant groups Press cion joined comes and Ecologistas includthe to cover his newspaper, And then our protests. which he column aboutfirst English corruption we en AcWe also tracks. there were used to were the ERE newspaper Crimestoppers’ de Andalucia Muldoon,tackled timeshare scandal to write the crooks, legends Johnston, Most Wanted billion euros that cost at the Junta Ferran like mention who certainly crook Toni and Gordon Sammon, a bank robber, Adria an estimated Daniel also tackled to the taxpayers, deserves ple and for conning thousands a dangerous and Matthew And it was Ramsey. who we a scale town hall setting eventually went single-handedly paedophile, nice to on to Ciudadanos of to a village theft onwhile we up fake chat to prisonpeo- Animal dozens of occasions. Meanwhile, a local escort Albert near Sevilla tracked in Fuengirola. leader for bugbear cruelty has our crimewebsites. missing and a car down as the Rivera, as well been a And fraudsters and we evil abusers, reporting park continual have exposed the case’,teen Amy Fitzpatrick to be only newspaper Klein, like David on who pet transport so many mother, to use the words ‘blew open allowed as well couple able to pose ‘the dogman’ circus lions huntersas the scoundrels of her grandtion into while our continuing Michelleof questions a to tremadura and tigers to kill innocent yielded missing Maddie DON’T MISS OUR investigavisit to Obama on her 20-PAGE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON ESTEPONA Marbella On a more (see below). at a finca in McCann the frequentexclusive after years ago. Exa few has to interview exclusive, links to positive Spain. Indeed, with its ana’s everyonefront, it was the positives FREE great ex-lover far outweigh from Princess AND ALU James Hewett CÍA atives the negDiMijas to cooking Costa prefer and we would OLIVE PRESS over 50to be judged JOURNALISM Your OLIVE WINS PRESS expat KEY 15 years. rather than LAUNCHES AWARD voice CAMPAIGN Spainin As far as OLIVE Where TO PROTECT PRESS cerned we are conare they? OUR LAST we have GREEN just begun. See page only SPACES 7
Getting done things
olive press
OLIVE PRESS
The
www.villaparadisospain.com
The man from Del Monte
the olive
press
HANDS OFF!
CAGED!
It’s MORE fun
Sick safari shooting hunters jailed for tigers and lions Hypocrisy in Spain
in the sun
El Horrible
IMPACT: covering Tracking down the devastatingcrooked Nigel Goldman Costa del (above) Sol fire and in 2012
Here’s to the
next 15!
the olive*FREE* press
coast inland endangered beauty spots
AND
COASTS
D AN S
C O STA
INVESTIGATES
Selling Euros?
Gotcha!
HEALY
A fairway treat to S nature?
952 575 461 MAC
952 Morente 147
Jewellers
THE + DOCTOR SKY +
834
GREEN
(left andCAMPAIGNS: Tel: 952 top) in lopment 147 834 Against issue See page (above) golf courses 24 one last year and coastal What have deveHan Solo, Franco
and Prince
got in
common?
Voted BEST expat paper in Spain
Bracing for Brexit
SLAUGHTER
Antiques,
588
Last stretches by new law, of pristine alongside
opens
While Brits’ dream home is demolished in Almeria
KAT’Z CAFÉ-BAR
Voted ( On behalf BEST expat tes, I want of all at paper the British in at the Spain Embassy to wish huge and ConsulaMonkey Olive Press congratulations bites fox on your sary. to all 15th anniverThe English plays a language nationalsvital role in press keeping Mafia we very in Spain informed. UK town much appreciate And help in getting your out to key messages UK EXCLUSIVE: After an nationals snare here. Secret one of Expat Malaga UK’s tip leads year for incredibly most Olive difficult wanted Press cluding so many of paedophiles team to us, init is greatmany businesses, to see Press thriving. the Olive In the forward We look Serrania the next to seeing what 15 years bring. BRITISH CONSUL 2 FOR CHARMAINE Estepona 1 952 INVESTIGATIONS: 887 125 ARBOUIN ANTHONYS
Matthew Tracking 59€ (right) andSammon, probing down SPAIN’S paedophile exposing animal missing Amy cruelty GREEN NUMBER 1 (far right) ENERGY SOLAR PANEL BROKER AND PROUD PROVIDER TO SPONSOR IS THE OLIVE PRESS. 952 465
H
Are you feeling depressed? Addiction problems?
INTER
S
ESTUCO
ni saw oh w
Your
itiawA :
365 www.theolivepress.es
Clinic
& Pawnbrokers
Expat’s killed rescue over animals ‘hunting mercilessly row’
ANTHONYS
MASSIVE
LENSES
100% Certified
Happy
SALE
Green Energy
Signature
15th anniversary!
qrstuvwxyz0123456789b
anopetsE
si yojaR r .seitrap h lagelli devM nosaer eht si sihtob emac saiselgI o lb iecer oot e T h :ereh “ VT laicurc a gn aP GNIMAEB A .saise ton dluo lgI deraor ”,stnem ton -napS eht wolb irud gnigniws tuo .nepo ediw ot etabed ’sred eht tog y w eh gnitsisni oyap ael n suovren lraelc eh ,airyS bmslA -aR onairaM re oitcele lareneg hsi -lA lavir sih no dnah rep ob -deecorp gnihct tsiniM emirP htiW noitpurro a c-itna ni pu somedoP eht - w dna - tnesba yoj .sona -mob anudaduiC fo ,areviR t am eguh a deviecersamajyp sih ni sgni ,yas dluo ‘ saw tluser dne ereb -lim 2.9 drocer ytiralupop s’redael ni elim a w hsinapS eht sa , hT VT tsegral s’ni a fo tnorf ni tsoob eh ,hsilgn yb pot no ’a apS ,srew eiv noil tuo gnim b .y a gnidnep E kaeps ot ytiliba s s erofeb ,e -nael-thgiadretsey sllop suoi oc -gnol eht ,ralu .5102 fo ecneidua i gap tnorf h tuoba segar llits flah ylrae r eht dedulcni eserav - PP eht demmguj eht rof gnioG tsal ruo ni e ododneB dessor tabed elihW dna )%24( sr n htiw ,odnuM lE hT -purroc fo tfar als redael deriah hcuot fo tu -rappa gnisailE ssob PP s’aga .eussi eht hguorhtgne ylraelc saw o si retsin l htemos tu per PP eledaer s’repap eht gni deflugne evah ta revo - EOSP dna iM emirP h o detniop aM htiw ,tseretni fo gnikcifl etunim s aht ,sladn sinap -amatnaS ihw ,mih htiw gn fo neht eh ,re ih y ac s n -refer erut dluohs sihtnelp gnidniF -ne gnitteg yb gnorw s .eslup eht ffo regn S eht yas EMO .seitrap oit uf rof etis dna %22 ed zneaS aya idis dnoces-15 lanfi re fi g gniticxe revo gnik .revoc bew eht fo tsom eht otbuod devorp yojaRsih nekat sah gninmad rieht .%7 tsuj ,z areviR ,%03 tog roS -eb dluohs eh eton a gn eht no gniugirtni yltool t pu-nur e a nI eht no der ika ne no e ht ni thgiaonairaM tuB aL fo sehcnaS ordeP s’EO air detsil eh ,MP wyhw fo pu-dnuor tabed ?dirdaM o m saw eh spahreP rts s rebmeceD utcip flesmih gninig SP dekcor e t nrut tnat ropmi V T laicurc a ni deg .yrotsih hsinapS eitiroirp a no yrotciv tnew aid redaeR evah tahtn s’niapS emoc a n erom eht edilsdnal a mi saw eh ,ebyam ter sih no ecne sesac yek htiw deipugne sredael yt rap rei noitcele lare ni regn raugnaV suj ,ebyam gniwollof n evfi rO oitide t .aiculadnAccoerp saw ssob PPhto eht elihW -vig ,tro orts neve .eurt emoc xen ruo fo revoc , ppus rieht ni gninepp eht ,yadno !no t an nac smaerD ews reve .02 yre opetsE ni lufhtiaf yt ops saw rettam gnidah s’tahw ...fo retta M -notsa na mih gn f noitcel v ruoy gni E daer yb swrap rof hceeps ngia aer fo eciohc sih dnm daeha ,%55 gnihs i pmac e i A ,)%6 en tap .sserP evil xe no pu hctac ot tonyek a retfA )% 1( areviR fo e 6 O elbailerzehc repus ,dlo mit dnuof eh -na 1( -edaced ,n S ed zneaS naS wo .)%31( aira dna mat sredael eerhT )t fel morF ( airamat:ELTTOB naS dna
UCÍA
7-6 egaP noitan s pe
Vol. 15 Issue
de Verificación VWXYZabcdefghijklmnop SD:Lzou-Jz3F-aZYs-CcB
The
agalaM tuo stn :EVISICNI sserP e iop ssob PP yojaR ovtilO rehtona evisulcx e
nosirp g n
FREE
Award Winning Rehabilitation
MINISTERIO DE JUSTICIA
$:
eht
5102 dn2 2
yojaR el no pu se ihw... swen taphsurb xe sih
ANDAL
Mijas Costa
EXCLUSIVE: Private school convicted British paedophile warning dodged criminal moved toafter a work as record checks Spain, an English and found teacher
INTERNATIONAL have been schools man began put on high alert around Spain exclusive teaching at one of after a British colleges months Madrid’s most Fiona Govan victed in the after being in Madrid Questions UK. con31, was ablehave been raised after language academy ing on the to work at the school Ben Lewis, tity, using forged after creating a despite beThe Olive UK’s sex offenders register. new idendocuments. Former colleagues who is nowPress has discovered vealed that of awaiting trial that Lewis, he created the sex offender fences at criminal record for rea new name managed Centro Penitenciariochild sex of- mer to dodge to hoodwink camps andchecks in order to run Madrid V, TWO schools teach private sum- DANGER: Lewis young children. and a He classes to got teaching had changed 2017 he accepted post being convicted his name to Ben a job as an at a leading in June 2016 David after possessing English teacher of taking and indecent images ondary schoolsemi-private (concertado) that receives the state. England. of children in subsidies secfrom “He was going As well as being placed by the name then and the sex offender on teacher was offered the job Ben David by list and ing handed after another a two-year be- colleaguedropped out mid-term,” pended sentence, susNatasha Fitzsimons a former Press. he was barred from told the Olive leaving the “I think they country or working with tion so maybewere desperate to children. fill the posithey weren’t they should Yet within as thorough have been. as moved to weeks he had Spain and work in Zaragoza found Horrified as a livein au pair “We worked three youngto a family with months, took together at the children. The following school for on private ing to the year he relocated to homes of someclasses together 18 extracurricular Madrid and of the children gogan teaching for children atbe- camp at the teaching and ran school during well-known a summer a Irish colleague, language academy who is filled2018,” said the the access after getwith horror he had to children. ting a criminal The at check from record after Olive Press has discovered sentencing Zaragothat the za police in name by to show he deed poll the UK he changed day had no convictions to Ben David, from his Spain over in minutes. in a process Ben David Lewis the previthat takes ous 12 months. just 15 He then applied Then in for and received passport in December his new name, a British sented a doctored while photocopy he also prepassport stamped of his Israeli and verified non-existent by a his name as law firm that showed The Olive Ben David Rose. Press has ies of these, seen photocopALL AREAS COVERED and Qualifiedplus a teaching certificates Teaching Status degree 4G UNLIMITED of Ben Davidpresented in the (QTS) INTERNET icates in his Rose as well as name certiforiginal name. IDEAL FOR What is amazing is that 2019 he had STREAMING applied for by April TV job at a leading a teaching ALSO IPTV, private school upmarket SATELLITE teaches theArturo Soria districtin the TV children of British curriculum that to the By now he Madrid’s elite. tel: (0034) also had a 952 763 840 DBS certificate info@theskydoctor.com
NAMES: different two passports
Puede verificar este Juego de caracteres documento del Código en https://sede.mjustici Seguro de Verificación: a.gob.es Código ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTU Seguro
ALL AREA
4G UNL INTERNEIMITED T IDEAL
D 0€ CE ,00 U D 75 RE 3 M RO
A
SCHO OLS PAED O CALL OUR
Love it!
Costa
Estepona
OL E PREIV SS
F
their crimes do not show up during Disclosure and Barring Service checks to work with children. The Olive Press reported how Ben Lewis, 31, had changed his name by deed poll, applied for a new British passport, and dodged criminal record checks despite being on the UK’s sex offenders register. He moved to Spain and found work as a teacher in several Madrid schools where he was arrested for abusing at least 36 children. Emily Konstantas, CEO of The Safeguarding Alliance, used the Olive Press investi-
Mijas
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
F
Old me the cos ets new - exp ta’s gar lor den city e
OF
MAURA Higgins from Love Island 2019 has been spotted on a Gibraltar beach working her magic for the camera. The bronzed babe was doing a photoshoot with Bellamianta, an Irish luxury tanning company, ahead of a new collection
By Fiona Govan
noI :OTO HP
British
Andy has spoken to the British Embassy about the incident, which has confirmed it is ‘assisting’ with an investigation into the arrest. The Olive Press has asked the Policia Nacional in la Linea for comment.
THE British government is considering placing danger warnings on the passports and driving licences of convicted sex offenders after an Olive Press investigation. The move would be designed to close a loophole that is allowing dozens of paedophiles to disappear each year, with some securing teaching jobs with children in Spain. Labour MP Sarah Champion called on parliament to add an amendment to a criminal bill that would see the DVLA and the passport office mark the files of Britain’s 100,000 registered sex offenders. This would close a loophole whereby paedophiles change their names so that
reipaN a
and told they had to pay €1,400 each or face up to a year’s prison sentence. However, if they pleaded guilty, the fine would be reduced to €900. “The lawyer told us to accept the fine. That ‘this is how it works in Spain’.” Scared and vulnerable, they agreed. “It was total blackmail. We were assaulted, intimidated, violated. Our rights were completely breached. “We believe this all happened because we aren’t Spanish. I am Scottish, married to a woman from Gibraltar, and Colin was born in and lives in Gibraltar, though his parents are Irish. It was complete discrimination.”
Taking action
British sex offenders could have passports stamped with danger warning to prevent travel abroad
X
From front
5
June 30th July 13th 2021
X
Scared
NEWS
X
www.theolivepress.es
REGISTRO CENTRAL DELINCUENTES DE SEXUALES
Gerente
Territorial
CERTIFICA:
en ZARAGOZA
Que, en el día NO CONSTA de la fecha, consultada información la Base de Datos del penal relativa Registro a: Central de Delincuentes Sexuales, D./Dª BEN DAVID ROSE Conforme con Pasaporte a lo nº 22807454 y al contenido dispuesto en la Decisión Marco tratándose del intercambio de información 2009/315/JAI del de ciudadanos Consejo de Estados miembros de los españoles, 26 de febrero, el presente registros de antecedentes de la Unión que exista relativa a certificado Europea, necesariamente la organización penales incluye, en en los mismos nacionales. una equiparación su caso, las entre los Estados miembros, términos condenas en entre los impuestas tipos delictivosque tales condenas por otros hayan del Estado certificado de condena sido notificadas, sin refleja la y los tipos situación delictivos del titular interesado/a en la fecha de su expedición.
El presente
Zaragoza
a 29 de agosto
de 2017
Not Verified
Documento
firmado electrónicamente
Pagina 1 de 1 Ref: 00003143792/2017
THE DEE
D POLL LOO
PHOLE
gation as a case study in its latest report used to lobby the UK parliament for a legal change in the management of registered sex offenders.
Iceberg
She said: “The Ben Lewis case as revealed by the Olive Press highlights this loophole and as shocking as this is, it is nothing new and unfortunately represents just the tip of the iceberg as to the magnitude of this problem.” By logging sex offenders’ passports and licences, the danger alert would be flagged up each time someone changed their name.
VL1083
319.000€
Alhaurin el Grande, Malaga 3 bed, 1 bath Build: 206m2
Beautiful semi-detached villa sits in a quiet urbanisation offering the most amazing views of the countryside and surrounding mountains yet close to all amenities. The living area is on a higher level than the access street, offering a beautiful entrance and front patio.
Mollina Office +34 952 741 525 info@inlandandalucia.com
Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Molina, Malaga
www.inlandandalucia.com
6
NEWS FEATURE
www.theolivepress.es
O LIVE P RESS
The
GIBRALTAR
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 Have the faith FIVE years ago, Gibraltarians and Brits took to polling stations to have their say on whether the UK should stay in the EU. The vote was close in the UK: 52% voted to leave and 48% voted to stay. However, in Gibraltar, only 4% of people believed leaving the EU was a good idea, with a whopping 96% voting remain. Yet, the Government of Gibraltar ‘fully respected’ the overall result in the UK and prioritised ensuring there would always be a ‘viable solution to guarantee fluidity along the border, continuity of investments and job creation’. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo insisted that Gibraltar has made a lot of progress over the last five years and is now ‘very close to solving the real problems that a no-deal Brexit could have caused’. “The Spanish far right was optimistic that the result of the referendum would weaken Gibraltar and give them the opportunity to drive a wedge between us and the UK. They were wrong. The referendum and the COVID pandemic have brought us closer than ever to the UK.” Picardo also said that Gibraltar is in a good position to start the negotiation of the possible UK Treaty with the EU, based on its New Year’s Eve Agreement with Spain. In the UK, Boris Johnson acknowledged the anniversary of the vote by claiming it was his ‘mission’ to use the UK’s new position in the world to deliver a better future for the British people. Almost a year and a half since the UK officially left the EU in January 2020 and the changes are finally beginning to show. It’s been difficult. No one could have predicted we’d be hit with a national pandemic, and it’s undoubtedly made the process more difficult. But I have faith in the Government of Gibraltar probably more so than I have in Boris. Publisher / Editor
Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es
Fiona Govan fiona@theolivepress.es
Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es
Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es
Isha Sesay isha@theolivepress.es
Katherine Brook katherine@theolivepress.es
Simon Wade simon@theolivepress.es
Glenn Wickman glenn@theolivepress.es
Graham Keeley graham@theolivepress.es
Cristina Hodgson cristina@theolivepress.es
Admin Sandra Aviles Diaz (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es
Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress. es
Distribution ENQUIRIES (+34) 951 273 575 distribution@ theolivepress.es
Newsdesk: 0034 951 273 575 For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 Head office
Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5, Calle Espinosa 1, Edificio cc El Duque, planta primera, 29692, Sabinillas, Manilva Deposito Legal MA 834-2017
AWARDS
2016 - 2020 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.
2012 - 2020
Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.
m a Sc alert!
Summer’s here, and the thieving has started
A
LONG with the blazing sunshine the scammers who often target expats and tourists have arrived. The Olive Press has had several calls about unscrupulous conmen attempting to relieve unsuspecting visitors and expats of their belongings. Here we take a look at six common scams to beware of…
The bird poo scam The criminal pours a white liquid resembling bird excrement on your clothes then points it out to you. As they ‘helpfully’ dab at the mess with a cloth an accomplice snatches your wallet or purse while you are distracted.
Taxi scams Make sure either the meter is on or they have shown you the official list of charges. If you don’t there is the risk of being charged an inflated flat fee or bogus surcharges.
The Rosemary scam A woman approaches you thrusting a twig of rosemary under your nose saying its free and to take it. As you do, they grab your palm and ‘read your fortune’ then demand payment for the palm reading. Either you are pickpocketed while distracted, or they start wailing and shouting until you hand over some cash to get rid of them.
Petition charity scam You are asked to sign a petition for a charitable cause. Once you do they then demand a ‘donation’. They are either happy with the cash received or an accomplice pickpockets you while you are distracted.
Fake gas man scam Never let a gasman (or other utility workman) into your home unless you have arranged an appointment. The scam is to do an ‘annual revision’ at inflated prices. Often you need to call in a real gas man to fix the mistake the bogus worker has made.
Highway robbers scam They target rental or foreign cars, often at petrol stations or supermarket carparks, saying that either you have damaged your car or you have a flat tyre. While the victim looks for the damage, an accomplice grabs bags and valuables from the car before making an escape.
THE
WEB OF CORRUPTION?: From left, Maria Dolores
Lead inspector in Caso Kitchen faced death threats to drop PP corruption probe. Shannon Chaffers takes a look at the long-running Gurtel scandal and why it’s raised its ugly head again
I
T was the corruption case that shamed Spain. One of the biggest in European history, it linked dozens of PP party bosses, various cabinet ministers and even the former Prime Minister into a multi-million euro scandal involving murky kickbacks and a sewer of greed. Now it has reared its ugly head again bringing a further spotlight on the mechanisms of the Spanish state as well as the depths it is prepared to go to cover up wrongdoing. In a fascinating trial, which has been rumbling on for nearly a year, one of the main inspectors tasked with probing the Gurtel scandal has been in the spotlight. Manuel Morocho has been giving evidence about the dirty tactics and pressure he came under while investigating the PP party’s black-money payment system from 2009. The boss of Spain’s Economic and Financial Delinquency unit (UDEF), told the judge in the so-called Caso Kitchen case that members and allies of the PP, including former Minister of the Interior Jorge Fernandez Diaz, pressured him to abandon his investigation and withhold information he had uncovered. In particular they offered him plum jobs in the Spanish embassy in Lisbon, or the United Nations, if he dropped his investigation. The case is probing whether an illegal spying operation, including wiretaps, was set up by the state against disgraced former PP treasurer Luis Barcenas, who blew the whistle on his former colleagues. Its aim was to prevent information on secret accounts listing payments to politicians from coming to light. They included thousands each month to former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Anti-corruption prosecutors are probing whether former ministers Fernandez Diaz and Minister Maria Dolores de Cospedal, who held two senior cabinet posts, ordered former police chief Jose Manuel Villarejo to ‘carry out tasks that would be paid with PP funds’. The ex-National Police chief Villarejo has been held in pre-trial custody since 2017 and is set to give more evidence this month. The corruption case began in 2009, when several PP members and affiliates were put under investigation for crimes including bribery and money laundering. At the center of the scandal was the influential businessman Francisco Correa, whose name translates to ‘gurtel’ in German (belt in English), hence the codename. It culminated in the highly sensitive political trial of 2018 which sent Correa and various other public figures to years in prison. In a massive embarrassment, the PP party was found guilty of running the illegal bribery scheme operated through a secret slush called ‘caja b’. It led to the then Prime Minister Rajoy to be ousted in a vote of no-confidence. Yet the fallout from the scandal continues in particular how the state tried to stop the probe. It hinged around Barcenas, who highlighted a dual accounting system which involved official invoicing and cash payments (off the books) to help the PP party win elections and/or keep power. While Barcenas was found to have millions of euros
www.theolivepress.es
June 30th - July 13th 2021
7
Who you gonna call?
HEAT IS ON
de Cospedal, former PM Mario Rajoy, Manuel Morocho and Jorge Diaz
hidden in Swiss bank accounts and is now in prison for 33 years for fraud and money laundering, he decided to expose the entire operation and refused to be the only fall guy. In 2013 El Pais revealed the so-called dual payment system existed, before El Mundo published the so-called Barcenas papers in a IN COURT: Barcenas was later sentenced to 33 years in jail for corruption hard-hitting exclusive. Operation Kitchen was later launched to look between 2013 and 2015 Villarejo, together post outside the country. into the behaviour of Villarejo – who is believed with another police chief, Enrique García Casta- Morocho, who now lives in Huesca, also exto have run a spying network against judges, no were ordered to steal documents that would plained that he was given considerable work on politicians and journalists for 20 have implicated high-ranking PP other cases in attempts to delay his progress on years. officials. the investigation. Villarejo was found to have a It was left up to brave Manuel He further explained how he was pressured to Villarejo was series of hidden bank accounts Morocho, at UDEF, to investigate modify aspects of his reports to satisfy PP memfound to have exactly what happened. and 92 properties in many parts bers, and told not to mention the names of key of Spain, including an incredible Last week he described the vari- bosses including Rajoy. a series of 48 in Estepona. ous pressure tactics he faced in He refused and last week told the court how his When police raided various attempts to sabotage his inves- team worked in ‘harsh conditions’ while working hidden bank properties in the Costa del Sol tigation. on the probe. This included subtle death threats accounts resort two years ago they found In particular he revealed that and other disgraceful behaviour. “The aim was one had a safe with €300,000 officer Rivera offered him a role to pressurise us to bend and I received different in it. at the Spanish embassy in Por- attempts to voluntarily withdraw from the invesIf all this, it would suggest he was up to his neck tugal in exchange for leaving his job as inspec- tigation.” in corruption too. tor. He told the court that he was offered a ‘high Last week the judge described his contribution Court documents state there is evidence that salary’ of around €6,000 a month to take up a as ‘very important’.
T
HE former president of Catalunya is to face trial along with his seven children over an alleged fortune which was not declared to the tax authorities. National Court judge Santiago Pedraz has charged Jordi Pujol and his family with criminal association, money laundering, false documentation, and filing false company documents. While his wife Marta Ferrusola was not charged because she is suffering from dementia, Pujol was given 10 days to lodge €7.5 million with the court as bail. Some 10 other businessmen are also charged in relation to the case. The once prominent family allegedly cashed in on their ‘position of privilege’ in Catalan society to accommodate ‘disproportionate’ wealth. He garnered the nickname ‘Mr 3%’ through illegal commissions of 3% that companies had to pay in order to secure regional government contracts and other favours, court documents said. These activities went on between 1980 and 2003 when Pujol was president of the regional government, the judge said in a ruling.
Catalans were at it too!
Just this week our story of the man whose daughter opened a €3,000 bottle of wine by mistake (see front page) made a page lead in the Daily Mail. And the Mirror, the Sun, Mail Online were just a few of the international media outlets who followed up on our scoop about Gurney Davey having to demolish his home. The Telegraph took on board the solar panel protests that have erupted in Andalucia, which we reported in our last edition. And it’s not just the newspapers. TV networks that need an inside line on events or just the expat community in Spain make the Olive Press their first port of call. This year alone Editor Jon Clarke flew to Ibiza to help on a TV investigation for Australian TV and reporter Kirsty McKenzie helped MTV make a programme about Louise Brown, who died after falling from a balcony in Benidorm. And earlier this month our new reporter Elena Gogmen Rueda accompanied Ritva Rönnberg and Claes Isander, reporter and cameraman of the Swedish national television programme C MORE from TV4, to get to know Marbella.
‘Mr 3%’ faces trial along with seven children over ‘hidden fortune’
When you want the best, call the Olive Press!
The eight-year investigation targeted bank accounts hidden in tax havens which were allegedly used to move millions of euros. In 2014, Pujol admitted publicly that he had offshore bank accounts containing several million euros in Andorra. Prosecutors allege that the cash held did not come from an inheritance received from Pujol’s grandfather, Florenci, as he had claimed. When he released a letter in 2014 admitting the bank account in Andorra, Pujol claimed that Florenci had made the money on the currency black market during the Franco dictatorship and left it to his grandchildren. The revelation caused a political storm as the independence movement was gathering pace in the region.
The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:
Wealthy
TRIAL: Jordi Pujol with wife Marta Ferrusola
W
HO do the UK nationals turn to when they want the best exclusives from Spain? The Olive Press of course! Time after time we find our stories picked up by the Mail, Mirror, Sun, The Telegraph and many more.
Pujol, 90, who led the conservative Democratic Convergence of Catalunya party, had never supported independence but instead negotiated greater autonomy for the wealthy region. The court investigation alleges the illicit payments were disguised by a complicated system of front companies, using tax havens and contracts for alleged services or advisory work whose existence is not backed up by any reliable documentation. The judge noted Pujol and his wife - who liked to call herself the ‘Mother Superior of the Congregation’ - allegedly organised the criminal organisation along with family members.
you need to know about 1 - Everything Spain’s new face mask rules Everywhere you have to wear a face 2 -mask in Spain as rules get set to change on Saturday Andalucia in favour of wearing 3 - Spain’smasks until at least August rules on UK travellers to 4 - Spain tightensBalearic Islands - Expat dad discovers his vintage Petrus 5Sangria (wine worth e3000) was used to make at daughter’s friends at house party in Spain
Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote
8
LA CULTURA
June 30th - July 13th 2021
Basque Magic
How is it that six Basque refugee children could end up in England and be counted among the best footballers in the world?
W
AS it a cultural thing? Nature vs Nurture? Was there something in the water? Their DNA? What follows traces the plight of six Basque adolescents, their time in England and the very positive role football played in their lives. In the spring of 1937, the Spanish Civil War raged and the Basque Country was under siege. It was fiercely Republican (anti-Franco) surrounded by Nationalist held territory. The Basque Country had become the testing ground for the concept of ‘total war’ replete with Franco-ordered bombing raids over civilian population centres (think Guernica!). Thousands were killed. Local authorities decided to evacuate 4,000 children to spare them from the nightmare which surrounded them. Most were
brought to Southampton and held in ‘detention’ camps. Slowly the children were dispersed throughout Britain into the homes of all levels of British society. Sabino Barinaga was one of those boys. He arrived in Southampton at age 15 accompanied by two of his siblings. Before long he was spotted as an athletic talent by school officials and later, by Southampton Football Club. At age 18, he spent time with the club’s reserve team scoring 62 goals in 18 games (you read that correctly!) in one season. In 1940, as WWII threatened England, Sabino returned to Spain to join Real Madrid, where he had the honour of scoring the first goal ever at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Loaned to Real Valladolid as an inside forward, he scored 38 league goals in 48 games.
STARS: Jose ‘Coventry’ Bilbao (inset) while Raimundo Perez Lezama (in goal) and Sabino Barinaga train for Southampton
He retired in 1955 but coached at the highest level of international football for the next 27 years. He died in 1988 in Durango, Spain. He was known locally as ‘El Ingles de Durango’. At Southampton, Barinaga had goalkeeper Raimundo Perez Lezama for company. At age 18, Rai-
mundo made his first-team debut with The Saints in 1940. Like his teammate Sabino, he eventually would return to Spain, signing with Athletic Bilbao. He helped the La Liga club retain the cup in 1944, 1945 and 1950. Raimundo won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy (1946) as the league’s
best goalkeeper. Antonio and Jose Gallego were sent to a family home in Cambridge after their father was killed in Guernica. Known as ‘Tony and Joe’, the two became local celebrities. Both brothers were recruited by local coaches who recognised their
Yellow Submarine How Villarreal football club rose from humble beginnings to European triumph by torpedoing Manchester United
O
N May 26, Villarreal CF pulled off a stunning upset over Manchester United in the Europa League Final, triumphing in the penalty shootout to claim their first major European title. Their striking victory in equally striking yellow kits had everyone singing the praises of the so-called Yellow Submarine. But how did the club acquire this catchy nickname? It’s not only a story of a coincidental chan-
By Shannon Chaffers
ging of kit colours and a famous song by The Beatles, but also that of a club that has risen from their decades-long existence in the lower tiers of Spanish football to etch their name into European football history. Competitive mens’ football in Villarreal began in 1923, when a handful of local citizens decided to form Club Deportivo Villarreal with the goal of promoting sport in the area. The founders were, uniquely at the time, keen on promoting women’s football fandom, and they allowed women to attend matches for free, while men were charged 0.5 pesetas and children 0.25 pesetas. For the first 20-odd years of their existence, the players wore traditional kits: white shirts with black shorts. Yet the stop-start nature of club football in Villarreal was anything but traditional. The Spanish Civil War in the 1930s forced CD Villarreal to stop competing. The destruction from the war left the club with neither a suitable field nor suffiTRIUMPH: Celebrating their Europa League win cient funds, and the club dissol-
PRIDE: Villareal fans are proud of their nickname and the stadium has embraced it
ved in 1942. the song on a record player during the matThe year 1946 saw CAF Villarreal emerge ches. as the city’s new football team. In 1954, the Perhaps the new nickname inspired the team’s Board of Directors changed the club’s name to subsequent successes, as they won promotion their current moniker, Villarreal Club de Futbol. to the third division that season, before achieThe club’s name was not the only change to ving promotion to the second division for the first time in club history in the their image during this time, as 1969/70 season. the team changed colours as After bouncing between the well. Ahead of the 1947/48 seaThe club was son, so the story goes, the son of second and third divisions, Villarreal’s fortunes changed for the club president traveled to the promoted to good in 1997, when current preregional capital, Valencia, to purLa Liga for the chase the typical black and white sident and owner Fernando Roig kits, but had to resort to yellow took over, and the club gained first time as shirts, as they were the only ones promotion to the first division (La late as 1997 in stock. Liga) for the first time. This change to yellow shirts set While they were relegated to the the stage for the team’s ‘Yellow second division the following Submarine’ nickname. year, they managed to win promotion again During the 1967/68 campaign, some fans ahead of the 2000/01 season. made the connection between the lyrics of The Upon returning, the club established itself as a Beatles’ hit 1966 song Yellow Submarine and consistent competitor in La Liga. their teams’ colours, and they began playing They finished third in the 2004/05 season, be-
LA CULTURA
HEROES: Tony Gallego claims a cross for Cambridge while Emilio Aldecoa (inset) takes a corner for Wolves. Basque players were valued members of several English teams (right) and Sabino Barinaga (below inset) scored 62 goals in just 18 games
special talents. Left-winger Jose’s career started with Colchester United in the Second Division. He finished his professional playing
fore reaching their height domestically in the 2007/08 season, when they finished second behind giants Real Madrid. In the 2011/12 season, Villarreal suffered a shock relegation, despite competing in the Champions League. This turned out to be only a blip, however, as the club won promotion the year after and returned to the top flight, where they have been ever since. Villarreal’s Europa League triumph capped off years of solid performances in La Liga and European competitions that followed a remarkable rise through the lower ranks of Spanish football. It also means that despite finishing seventh in La Liga this year, the team has earned a spot in next year’s Champions League. Will the upcoming season bring more European glory for the now famous Yellow Submarine?
days with Cambridge United and played scorer in an already high scoring Covcompetitive minor league football well entry team. But homesickness and ininto his 50’s. juries ultimately brought Jose back to Brother Antonio, aka Tony, was in goal his native Biscay Province. for the Norwich City team for two sea- Locals remember Coventry (his nicksons but returned to his ‘beloved Cam- name) as he always proudly displayed bridge’ (his words) shortly his league honours. thereafter. He is the only Coventry enjoyed his reone of this group of Basque tirement years picking They were footballers to remain in the mushrooms in the nearby UK throughout his adult mountains while often welcomed by life. enjoying the local drink their English Emilio Aldecoa was the patxaran (aniseed and very first Basque refugee wine). host families footballer to play in the EnInitially, life could not and fans glish professional leagues. have been easy for these In the 1943-44 season, young Basques. They Emilio was the top goal were separated from scorer for Wolverhampton Wanderers their parents and their country and (Wolves) with 11 goals in 30 games. He worried about their fates. moved on to Coventry City, scoring on There were language and cultural difhis debut against Portsmouth. ferences and, although welcomed by His practical skills were also much ap- their English host families and footpreciated when he helped repair the ball fans, they lived with the stigma Blitz-damaged Highfield Road stadium of being outsiders. as well as the home of the family he was But the young Basque footballers staying with. found solace in the form of football. By 1946 Emilio returned to Spain and They excelled and thrived using footjoined his hometown team Athletball as a venue for success. ic Bilbao. He finished his career Their experience serves as an with FC Barcelona and won the example of how sport can be league twice and three Copa del a powerful means of posiRey titles. tive integration both for For the better part of the next the participants and their three decades, Emilio coached fans. and managed the Girona FC The Tokyo Summer Olympics team. are but weeks away (July 23). As a young boy in his small It is interesting to note that Basque village, Jose Bilthe International Olympic bao was said to be Committee defines its so coordinated that official mission as he could trap a ‘recognising sport five-peseta coin as a metaphor for tossed high into overcoming obstathe air. This athcles and achievleticism translating against aded into extraorversity’. dinary dribbling o Sabino, Raiskills on the pitch. mundo, Tony & For two years with Joe, Emilio and Coventry City , he Coventry we bamboozled desay: “Well done fenders as the key boys!”
June 30th - July 13th 2021
9
10
PROPERTY
June 30th - July 13th 2021
Hot cakes
What pandemic?
SPAIN had 456,918 unsold new homes by the end of 2020, according to government figures. Despite the COVID pandemic, the total was virtually the same as for 2019. The numbers are in marked contrast to the historical high figure of 650,000 unsold homes in 2008 when the ‘property bubble’ burst. Three regions accounted for almost half of last year’s unsold new stock. The Valencian Community leads the way with 83,263 unsold homes to represent 28.2% of the total figure. Catalunya came second with 16.9% of the total, followed by Andalucia at 14.9%.
Surplus
Breaking the numbers down by provinces, the highest surplus of unsold housing was in Madrid with 9.9% of the national total. That's followed by Barcelona with 9.4% and Alicante Province with 8%. Reports so far this year suggest a property market that is more buoyant than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
About time WORK on completing the interior of Benidorm’s Intempo skyscraper is set to end this month. It will become the tallest residential building in the European Union with 47 floors in the 198 metre-high structure. Uniq Residential says that reservations for the 256
Europes’ tallest residential building nearly finished 12 years late homes have now passed the 40% mark. The skyscraper has a long chequered history with work on the structure starting in 2007 with a scheduled completion date of 2009.
Squeeze up!
The economic crisis of 2008, which badly hit Spain’s real estate sector, caused the first in a set of serious delays. The Intempo was almost finished in 2014 but the promoter went bankrupt.
THE living arrangements in a Madrid bedsit advertised for rent at €550 a month have caused a social media storm. With the shower and sink within touching distance of the kitchen, commentators say that about the only advantage is the opportunity to take a shower while watching your dinner doesn’t burn. The downside is that the loo is within similar distance of the food preparation area, leading to hygiene concerns. The 30m2 flat is located in Lavapies and is advertised as being a ‘special price for the summer’. According to one Twitter user 'you can watch the lentils don’t burn while you shower, or take a pee while you watch the washing machine finish its cycle’.
The skyscraper was bought by SVP Global in 2018 with an initial projection that the building would be fully completed by the first quarter of 2021. Prices for an Intempo home range between €250,000 to over €1 million, with the costs rising the higher you go up the structure. Uniq Residential marketing director, Angel Gregori said: “The finish of the Intempo work represents a great milestone in the residential sector, not just locally, but also from a national and international perspective.”
Pool
The Intempo will have a children’s area of over a thousand square metres plus a large terrace restaurant. The top two floors will have an infinity pool, massage areas, a sauna and gym, plus Jacuzzis.
PROPERTIES are selling like hot cakes, according to property portal Idealista. It says that in April a third of homes put up for sale on the site were sold within a month. Even so, this percentage is lower than before the pandemic, when 36% of properties were sold in less than a month. Of the remaining homes sold in April, 21% were on the market for between one and three months, 28% were on the market for between three months and a year, and the remaining 18% were advertised for more than a year before finding a buyer.
Sold
Despite the national drop, in the majority of Spain’s regional capitals the percentage of homes sold in less than 30 days has increased. The highest increase has been in Girona (from 17% to 40%), followed by Leon (from 17% to 33%) and Huelva (from 22% to 35%). In Valladolid it has increased (from 22% to 28%), as has Palma (from 28% to 32%), Bilbao (from 34% to 36%) and Malaga (from 38% to 40%). In contrast, in Madrid the percentage of homes sold in one month has fallen (from 53% to 43%).
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Just a small one
June 30th - July 13th 2021
Bargain hols
ANDALUCIA has reactivated a holiday voucher scheme offering discounts of up to 50%. Called Bonotur, it follows the success of the previous holiday voucher initiative run by the Junta, which was launched last October and ran through until May 31. The new tourist voucher will subsidise up to 50% of expenses in hotels and restaurants inAndalucia, with a maximum of €200 per two-night break and an upper limit of three trips.
El mejor Espetero TWO time winner and reigning champion of the best espetero on the Costa del Sol, Jose Antonio Moreno, is continuing to share his tips and tricks with his local familia. Earlier this month he hosted a workshop on Sabinillas beach, letting members of the public in on his award-winning sardine grilling secrets.
Beer is good for the gut, but only in moderation AT long last, the news we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived: Beer is good for you! Thanks to the fermentation process, which is used to make the refreshing golden liquid so many people love, it actually contains quite a few gut-friendly compounds. But before you get too excited, as with anything, it’s only good for you in moderation. And in beer’s case, moderation means one 330ml440ml (ABV 5.5%) glass a day, alongside a balanced and healthy diet. According to a recent study by the Institute of Food and
Nutrition Science and Technology (ICTAN-CSIC), in Madrid, beer is just one of many fermented beverages that could have ‘potentially beneficial effects on intestinal health’. “Beer provides a multitude of compounds such as fluoride, silicon, choline and folic acid in significant quantities, [so consuming] two units [per day] could provide up to 10% of the recommended daily amount of these compounds,” said researcher Natalia Gonzalez Zancada. Beer is also a source of dietary fibre and rich in poly-
EASYJET is to launch five new routes to Malaga this summer The flights will link the Costa del Sol to Copenhagen (Denmark), Stockholm (Sweden), Bergamo (Italy), Lille-Lesquin (France) and Luxembourg. The carrier, which inaugurated its seasonal base at Malaga airport this June, decided to extend operations to European destinations following the UK’s decision to delay the easing of its coronavirus measures until August. “EasyJet starts the summer season adding a total of 18 routes to Spain, five of them at the Malaga base,” said the company.
phenols, from the malt and hops, which have antioxidant properties. Therefore, Gonzalez Zancada suggests that when consuming alcoholic beverages in
Flight away Flights on the new routes will begin from July 19 onwards and all the routes will be available until the end of October.
moderation, the ‘harmful effects of ethanol, if any, could be counteracted by the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds’ - these are what help to promote good health. This is because the fermentation process (the extraction of energy from carbohydrates) in the intestine produces energy for microbial proliferation (the process by which an organism produces another of its kind) and the production of metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which regulate inflammatory responses and intestinal hormone secretion. Basically, drinking a (small) beer a day could actually be good for us - that’s enough confirmation for us. ‘¡Una cerveza por favor!’
11
Top travel trends SEARCH trends data show Google searches for holidays to Spain have increased by 50% since midMay. The opening up to tourism, both nationally and internationally together with the COVID-19 vaccine rollouts globally are driving increasing demand for summer vacations - with Spain, Italy and France topping the list of desirable destinations. In fact, searches for holidays to Spain have increased by 203% compared to the same period in 2020.
Flights
According to a travel insights tool funded by Google, since mid-May, search interest has grown by more than 50% for flights across Europe, with Spain, Italy and France topping the list of desirable destinations. European outbound markets are consolidating, with countries such as Germany and France leading in searches for travel to Spain, while the UK moves into third place. The top five most searched cities in Spain are Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga and Ibiza.
12
S
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
PAIN has a long, culturally rich history of horsemanship. Prehistoric man daubed images of equines on cave walls that can still be seen to this day. During the Roman Empire, writers praised the native Spanish horses which were recognised by the Moorish conquerors and cross-bred with their own Arab and Berber breeds. Spanish riding schools have over the centuries elevated horsemanship to an art form developing the intimate partnership between riders and horses into a
skilled display that can be seen from the bullring to the dressage arena to extraordinary flamenco style shows. But for those who just want to ride out across Spain’s beautiful countryside, there are adventures to be discovered for all levels, and modern attitudes have brought a focus on natural horsemanship where the well-being of the horse itself is at the very centre. The Olive Press takes a look at three very different equestrian experiences to inspire riders to get back into the saddle.
June 30th - July 13th 2021
Easy ri
Equine dream I
La Donaira’s natural horsemanship classes with 90 Lusitano horses is the perfect escape for riding fanatic Fiona Govan
T’S hard not to pinch myself to see if I am still dreaming when I awake to the chorus of birdsong as dawn light creeps across undulating fields to the valley below. I don’t even have to lift my head from the pillow to marvel at the unrivalled views across to the Grazalema mountain range beyond as craggy cliffs transform from a deep mauve to a creamy pink as the sun rises. A Greater Spotted Woodpecker hops along a branch just outside my window. Bees buzz and if I strain my ears, I can just pick up the soothing trickle of the mountain spring that feeds the natural water swimming pool located down a winding path through lavender bushes on the terrace below my quarters. I am sleeping in a yurt, but if
you think that means camping, or even glamping, then think again because at La Donaira, it’s all about luxury. The estate centres around a beautifully restored cortijo with just nine rooms (including two yurts) so even if at full capacity, guests will never feel crowded. Dotted around the gardens are carefully curated resting stops for romantic moments or just somewhere to read a book; cushioned nooks in an old stone outbuilding or a gorgeous Andaluz NATURE: Fiona rides through ancient grasslands style patio filled with Geraniums. There’s a sybaritic spa can watch golden grasses in warm water within. The pools, The studfarm produces noble with an indoor infinity pool and the fields outside ripple in the sauna, hammam and plunge steeds, ideal for dressage, picture windows that mean you breeze while you float in the pool are open 24 hours, so you which have become sought afcan always be sure to find a ter the world over. time to have the place to your- The team of stable staff train self. the horses into some of the A platform perched on a hillside finest dressage partners on the provides a place for the nimble market, and guests are invited to enjoy some aerial yoga and to ride them either for a lesson doubles up as a concert space in the arena or for a session of on summer evenings when the natural horsemanship under Steinway is rolled out and vil- the guidance of Seamus, the lagers from the nearby pueblo resident Irish horse whisperer of El Gastor join guests for sun- or Paulina, a 24-year-old from set musical performances. Austria with a natural affinity C A S C A D A In a leafy spot beneath cork for equines. C O C I N A & B A R oaks, those brave enough can My session in ‘grounding’ starts don a bee suit and climb into a with Dante, a beautiful grey wooden crate spestallion with cially built over soulful eyes hives to create a and expressive The studfarm humming meditaears whom I tion chamber. am taught to produces noble There’s a mecommunicate dicinal garden steeds, sought with using only boasting around body language 200 varieties of after the world and voice while herbs and flowers, enclosed in over many of which are a high-walled used to produce lunging ring. unguents, soaps M o u n t e d and lotions that equip each stretching exercises follow bathroom, while others appear with a focus on breathing techon delicately plated dishes niques – a sort of horseback served in the open kitchen or version of yoga - and then mibrewed to make teas. raculously I am changing paces But, outstanding as the set- from walk, through to trot and ting is, I have to admit, that’s into canter using my breathing not why I’m here. I have made alone. the journey from the coast up An hour session flies by and by through the Serrania de Ron- the end of it I feel a deep bond da to La Donaira because I’ve with Dante and a better underheard on the grapevine that standing of horses that I have this luxury boutique eco-retreat no doubt I will carry with me on is doing something incredibly future riding adventures. exciting with horses. It’s an activity that would suit The finca of 1,700 acres is absolute beginners, even those home to a herd of some 90 wary of horses, as much as it Lusitano horses, an ancient benefits an old hand like me. breed whose images archaeol- A change of steeds and I am www.cascadamarbella.com ogists have found daubed into mounted on another grey, caves illustrated by prehistoric Ultrajado, and hacking out man in this very valley. across ancient grasslands info@cascadamarbella.com +34 623 001 465 +34 671 349 733 I am told that the owner of La recently harvested for hay acUrbanizacion La Montua, 39, 29602, Marbella Donaira fell in love with the companied by French stable 2 minutes f rom La Cañada Shopping Center breed and has dedicated the manager Celine and Alfredo, last decade to preserving and who has worked with horses at evolving the species through La Donaira for five years and natural breeding. knows the trails like the back
A hidden oasis in Marbella
of his hand. We gallop alongside vineyards whose grapes provide La Donaira with its own wine while in the distance we hear the cow-bells and lowings of a herd of Pajuna, an ancient breed of cattle that now numbers less than 1,000 in the world and that are yet another of the rare breeds under conservation on the finca.
Eco-tourism
Free-range chicken and geese roam the pastures as do flocks of goats and sheep, all of which provide produce for the kitchens which accompany seasonal vegetables picked each day from La Donaira’s extensive huertas. Back at the outdoor arena beside the stable block, one of the farm’s professional riders is putting a young horse through a dressage training session guided by an instructor who is watching from Switzerland via video link. The scene sums up the ethos at La Donaira. It is that perfect combination of rustic free-spiritedness and eco-tourism sustainability teamed with modernity and absolute luxury. The only downside is, you won’t want to leave.
Finca La Donaira caters to beginners and advanced riders – individuals and groups – and offers everything from invigorating hacks to natural horseman classes to its guests. Minimum stay two nights. More information: www.ladonaira.com
FOOD & DRINK
iding F
ORGET everything you think you know about riding horses when you turn up at Paddock Paradise, a family run establishment a few miles from Ronda off the Gaucin road. I confidently assure husband and wife team Fernando and Delphine that I am an experienced horsewoman, albeit a bit rusty having ridden infrequently in the last decade or so. But I am raring to get back in the saddle. “That may well be true,” Delphine tells me. “But we do things a bit differently here. So bear with us and we’ll talk you through it.” The horses here live free, much as they would in the wild, within the 50 hectares of virgin woodland belonging to the estate. They form natural allegiances and live in a herd, with one horse acting as supreme leader and the rest competing for their place within a pecking order broadly following a pyramidal structure much like a listed company. All are unshod and are ridden with bitless bridles. Riders do
June 30th July 13th 2021
13
What better way to enjoy Spain’s magnificent and beautiful interiors than taking to the saddle, writes Fiona Govan
We are open – See you soon!
The Costa de la Luz’s most emblematic restaurant and hotel. In the stunning white town of Vejer de la Frontera.
Paddock Paradise Learning how to be a horse whisperer
not carry crops or whips and certainly do not sport spurs attached to the heels of their boots. Some of the horses bear the scars from previous lives where more traditional horsemanship techniques were used. Some have been rescued from abusive or neglectful owners and it has taken months to restore their trust in humans. “We practice natural horsemanship here which means showing your dominance without shouting or violence but simply through understanding how horses communicate.”
CalifaVejer.com Continues on Page 14
tel: +34 956 44 77 30 Plaza de España, Vejer de la Frontera,Costa de la Luz, Cádiz
14
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
hack. With no bit in the horse’s mouth to slow Before I get within a whiff of a them or control horse I am told how to intro- direction it’s all duce myself to my mount and about persuashow him I’m the leader. I ap- sion. proach Cariñoso, a beautiful “Horses have an bay Andalucian, and present amazing range the back of my hand for him of vision so if you stretch to sniff. your arm out “He knows your in the direction smell now and you want to go A venture will remember it almost acts you forever,” exlike an indicastarted by plains Fernando. tor and they brothers “Treat him right turn without you and he’ll be a having to ask Fernando and faithful friend.” again”. When his ears Likewise, no Juan relax I move bekick is needed, side him but each just a couple of time he nudges clicks with the his nose against my arm or tongue. And to slow, an exhashoulder I gently but firmly lation of air should do the trick. push him out of my personal The basics of natural horsespace. “This is how horses act manship learnt, we stroll out in the wild, the leader will go through the forest beneath the into anyone’s space but won’t shady boughs of ancient Spanallow anyone in unless they are ish oaks and cork trees. invited.” Paddocks Paradise, a venture And so, having made friends started by brothers Fernando (and established my leader- and Juan six years ago, ofship) I mount for a quick lesson fers short hacks for beginners in the ring before starting the where riders won’t go faster
June 30th - July 13th 2021
From Page 13
WHAT A SETTING: the magnificent Tajo gorge of Ronda and (inset) secluded river banks offer magnificent scenery than a walk. But the horses are calm, relaxed and obviously happy. And it is confidence
Ritz for horses
La Cuadra offers stabling, excellent horse care, top facilities and clinics with leading dressage trainers
J
UST a 20 minute drive from Ronda in a quiet crease of a valley outside the hamlet of Los Prados is the sort of place that horses and their riders dream about. The heavy metal gate of La Cuadra seamlessly slides open to reveal immaculate lawns, shady paddocks and
a flawless schooling ring that uses state of the art technology to ensure the best conditions year round. Dominating the plot is a modern building that wouldn’t look out of place on the pages of a design magazine with its high ceilings, smooth white walls and huge glass windows.
This is home to the stable block, tack room and a delightfully stylish chill out area for riders and spectators that is a far cry from the dusty boot filled dinginess of a typical equestrian centre. This paradise is the creation of Dilia Meijboom, who admits she ‘accidentally’ stumbled into ownership of the
building as well as a wonderful way to spend a few hours taking in the scenery of the dehesa. If you’re lucky you may even come across wild deer or Andalucian blonde pigs, a rare breed that roam across the finca. More experienced riders can arrange longer hacks, riding through the Tajo valley to gaze up at the town of Ronda straddling an ancient gorge with its impressive Roman bridge. It’s also possible to arrange three-
day trips, riding up into the Serrania de Ronda or Grazalema mountains beyond. But today we settle for a quiet walk in the woods. Back at the ranch I reluctantly dismount and untack Cariñoso who has turned out to be as much of a darling as his name suggests. Now completely free to re-join the herd he instead follows me around, two steps behind and gently nuzzles my elbow as I walk to the gate to return to the car.
venture as a way of realising dows through which to watch her own desires for a local the world go by. livery stable to practice her “Even when stabled, the horpassion for dressage. ses have maximum stimula“It’s a dream come true for tion,” says stable manager me. To create a place where Elske van Reeuwijk, who is we can share our passion for the in-house trainer and horses with likeminded peo- an expert in Natural Horseple, to learn from individual manship. experiences and inspire each Many of the horses are unsother,” she said. hod. “Not because shoes are Over four years bad per se but she has lovingly because if they created a place can do without They are where the wethem, then it llbeing of each is better for very social horse is priorithem,” explains tised above all. Elske animals that “We created a They even have need to form way to give the a few retired animals a way steeds, who can friendships to live as naenjoy a speturally as they cial ‘seniors’ would in the programme’ wild. They are very social where they are walked out animals they need to form several times a week, have friendships and alliances and frequent face to face human so we allow them to create contact, including grooming natural herds.” and massages. Traditionally, dressage hor- “There is nothing worse for a ses spend much of their time horse that has been very well stabled, but at La Cuadra ca- cared for and exercised all its reful paddocking means they life just to be turned out in can be turned out when the a field and ignored,” admits weather is fine. And when it Elske. “Here we make a plaisn’t, each stable in the airy ce for them to have a great pristine block has huge win- retirement.”
“I’ll come back soon,” I tell him softly. And he responds with a gentle whicker as if to say he’ll remember me when I do. https://www.paddockparadiseronda.com/
But what makes La Cuadra extra special, apart from the equine shower block and personalised nutrition programme for each horse, is the dedication to the art of dressage. The floodlit main dressage arena boasts geotextile footing, which promises optimum balance and stability for the horse and an all-weather training system. Plus there is a lunge circle and a second fenced arena. La Cuadra also arranges training sessions in the form of private lessons, retreats, and weekend clinics where riders can work with trainers that have achieved Olympic success and as Gran Prix Dressage champions. Services offered include full-time livery or short term stays for intense training programmes such as the weekend clinics with leading Dressage trainers from across Spain and beyond. The location just an hour’s drive into the hills from the Costa del Sol provides wonderful hacking along ancient herding paths and through leafy valleys in the Serrania de Ronda and just on the doorstep is the owners own private 60 hectare finca with its stunning virgin woodland.
For more information check out the website: www.lacuadraronda.com, email info@ lacuadraronda.com or call +34 682538563 https://www.instagram.com/ la_cuadra_ronda/
OWNER: Dilia says it is a dream come true
HEALTH
June 30th - July 13th 2021
Tipping point - already fully vaccinated, health experts are optimistic that the province is near a ‘tipping point’ in its fight against the virus, maintaining that herd immunity through vaccinations will act as a firewall against it. In fact, COVID-19 rates have generally flattened or declined where vaccination rates are highest, with Andalucia continuing to lead the
way in terms of vaccination rates in Spain, with over 50% of the population in the region to now have had at least one vaccination jab. The region also remains in favour of wearing a mask in outdoor spaces until at least August when it is expected that 80% of the population will be fully vaccinated — despite a move by the central government to end mandatory outdoor wearing of masks last week.
Demographic time bomb
Ticked off
COVID-19 rates have generally flattened or declined where vaccination rates are highest. THE COVID-19 pressure on the healthcare system in Malaga province continues to drop. The number of patients in hospitals with the disease has dropped to 80, with just 13 people in Intensive Care Units (ICU) — the lowest it has been since August 24 of last year when there were 79 patients
MORE people died in Spain during 2020 than in any year since records began in 1941 due to the coronavirus pandemic, while the number of births fell sharply. Experts warned that Spain is facing the biggest demographic crisis since the Spanish Civil War. New data released by Spain’s National Statistics In-
Delta variant to ‘become dominant in Spain by midJuly’
in Malaga’s hospitals. According to data from the Regional Ministry of Health and Families of Andalucia, the recent drop in hospital pressure is thanks to the swift vaccination rate in Andalucia, whereas the numbers achieved last summer were as a result of three months of home confinement and strict lockdown. With a third of the population of Malaga - 33%
Spain’s mortality rate hits record high as birth rate plunges
stitute (INE) showed the official number of deaths in 2020 totalled 492,930, up a whopping 17.5% from the previous year. While the average life expectancy in Spain - which is the highest in Europe and second highest in the world after Japan - fell by 1.24 years to 82.3 years, the data showed. Spain’s Health Ministry officially recorded 50,837 deaths in 2020 from COVID-19 with more than 900 deaths recorded in a single day during April when the virus hit its peak. But the true number
is thought to be much higher as many deaths outside hospitals in the first months of the pandemic weren’t confirmed as COVID-19 through testing The new data also revealed, not surprisingly due to the restrictions on social gatherings, that 2020 saw almost half the number of weddings of the previous year with just 90,416 marriages being celebrated. And despite predictions that lockdown could see a baby boom, the birth rate dropped by almost 6% to 339,206, another record low as people postponed having children as the economy and employment became precarious.
TWO cases of a potentially deadly viral diseashave been reported in Spain. Both instances of CCHF (Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever) were discovered in the Castilla y Leon region. The first case was identified in Salamanca in April, and then last month in Leon. CCHF is an infection spread by tick bites that can cause a severe viral illness accompanied by bleeding. It has a fatality rate of between 10% and 40%, according to the World Health Organisation. It is uncommon in Spain, although a small number of cases have been identified in recent years.
Taking over
HEALTH officials in Spain have warned that the Delta variant of coronavirus, first identified in India, will become the dominant strain across Spain within a month. The variant, which is thought to be more transmissible than other recent strains is still not officially recorded as a ‘variant of concern’ (VOC) in Spain but is listed as a ‘variant of interest’.
Cases
Spain’s Health Ministry published data that showed the Delta variant accounted for less than 1% of national new cases, but experts have said delays in sequencing mean it is difficult to know its true spread. Catalunya’s health chief Josep Maria Argimon said that in the northeastern region around one in five new cases had been found to be of the Delta variant
15
Dear Jennifer: Take care
Make sure your paperwork is put in order by a reputable company YOU must be so careful with your documentation and paperwork in Spain. It has become far more complicated and involved, since the finalisation of Brexit. For example, it is now necessary to have the TIE or a Work Visa to be able to get employment in Spain At present, there is no easy way. Firstly you will need the padron and I understand there have recently been a number of fraudulent padrons issued. So be very careful. Health cover is necessary with the complete documentation and certificate. It is no good selecting the cheapest health option – the authorities require a certificate to confirm health cover with your application and there are a limited number of companies whose policies are accepted and authorised by the police. Despite what others may advise or recommend, please ensure you use the correct company to do your application – both lawyers and gestors are experienced and there are a number of individuals who specialise in the process of applying the TIE’s/residencia/visas. This is where my company can be very helpful, as we do supply a fully recommended health insurance and my company works very closely with many authorised legal associates. Imagine finally reaching the stage where you present all your documentation, only to discover that your application is rejected because your documents do not meet all the legal requirements. The correct advice and help is essential to avoid this happening. Exactly the same situation applies when you are talking about investments and pensions held in the UK. Once again, it is necessary to be sure the company you are using has full authorisations and credentials for both Europe and Britain. This becomes more important with your applications for residencia and visas, as you are required to have an amount in the bank and proof of income as part of your application. However, if you purchase a property in excess of €500,000, you can apply for a Golden Visa and the process is slightly different Please do not attempt to do any of this yourself or be persuaded by people who tell you it is not necessary to do anything. In both instances, this would be wrong and would have a detrimental effect on your dream to live in Spain.
For help, advice and information, please contact one of my offices or visit my website www.jennifercunningham.net
Deadly bite
AN INDIVIDUAL from Sevilla has been admitted to intensive care suffering from an inflamed brain due to the West Nile virus. This is the first detected case this year of the deadly virus which in 2020 caused seven deaths and 77 hospitalisations - several of which required intensive care - after having been bitten by mosquitoes carrying the virus. The patient, whose sex and age have not yet been revealed, was first admitted to the Virgen del RocIo hospital in Sevilla for COVID-19. After detecting symptoms compatible with meningitis, similar to those shown by patients with West Nile fever, tests confirmed it was the West Nile virus. Upon learning the results of the tests, all public health measures, such as the fumigation of risk areas have been carried out.
www.laterlife.es CONCERN: Carla Prat and (inset) Josep Maria Argimonworried by new variant and predicted that it would be the predominant strain within ‘two to four weeks’. Clara Prats, a researcher from the computational biology and complex systems group at Catalunya’s Polytechnical University (UPC) said this was the nature of the epidemic. “New variants arrive and when one is more transmissible than the earlier one, it overtakes it,” she told El
Pais. “That is what happened with the Alpha,” she said referring to the variant first identified in Britain where it is known as the ‘Kent variant’. The Delta variant has been detected in 74 countries, accounted for over 90% of new cases in the United Kingdom, and at least 6% of total cases in the U.S. Researchers pointed out
that ‘one of the defining features of the Delta variant has been enhanced transmissibility with increases estimated at 40-60%above the Alpha variant. Early data from Scotland suggested that the risk of hospitalisation doubled following infection with Delta (compared to Alpha), especially in those with five or more other health conditions.
Get FREE advice for end of life peace of mind
Call us on +34 627 76 71 91
The
Reuse Reduce Recycle We use recycled paper
Fugitive caught A 55-year old Dutchman who fled to Spain after getting five years in jail for importing cocaine hidden in banana boxes, has been arrested in El Campello (Alicante).
FINAL WORDS
OLIVE PRESS GIBRALTAR
Cashing in SPAIN now has an incredible 1,147,000 millionaires, accounting for 2% of the world’s total, with North America leading the way with 12.4% and Europe as a whole having 9.2%.
Barking mad A MAN in Granada who tied his dog called Nube to his car and dragged it along for three kilometres because he was too lazy to walk has been identified as a 59-year-old man with a history of animal neglect and abuse resulting in death.
FREE
Vol. 5 Issue 151
What’s in a name FORGET traditional names like Pedro and Maria, Spain’s most popular baby names are now Hugo and Lucia. The news shows that Spain is continuing to move away from more traditional Biblical names and instead opt for names which have a more international feel and are pronounced more or less the same in English. The top three girl names chosen in 2020 are Lucia which was given to 3,432 babies, Sofia, (3,190) and Martina (3,042). While for boys, 3,313 were given the name Hugo, 3,248 were called Mateo and 3,144 were named Martin. Hugo was back in the top spot for a third year and had been in 2013 when it was overtaken by Lucas.
www.theolivepress.es
The Rock’s only free local paper
Wuff justice
June 30th - July 13th 2021
Price of love By Alex Trelinski
A MAN has lost his dead wife’s inheritance because he ‘broke a promise’ not to marry another woman - even though he never has. A court in A Coruña ruled against the man with his exwife’s brothers now getting the money. He has also been or-
Man loses inheritance from dead wife after moving in with lover dered to pay back what he has spent. The amount of cash involved has not been revealed but the legal battle is not over as the widower can appeal to the Supreme Court. Public details of the case have
Look who’s talking
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence machines could soon be given a pat on the back for being well spoken in Spanish. The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) has proposed a certificate to show that the technology is up to scratch when it ‘speaks’ castellano. The director of the RAE, Santiago Muñoz Machado, said: “Perhaps in the near future machines will learn to write novels. “In the world of AI, we have missed the boat: technology has been created mainly in English, where Spanish has not been important but the use of these technologies is still very high in our language and we must demand that the level of interaction is equivalent to the importance of Spanish in the world.”
been minimal. What has been revealed is that the man’s wife died in 1996. He pledged to her that he would not start a new life with another woman if she passed away. The stipulation in the will referred to a ‘second marriage’ and a lower A Coruña court found in his favour at a previous hearing. The matter was taken on appeal to the region’s Provincial Court by the dead woman’s relatives. The judges ruled that since he had been living with another woman ‘for years’ it was a de facto marriage, and therefore the conditions for getting the inheritance had been broken. Police reports were used to confirm that he was cohabiting at a single address. It’s not known how long his current relationship had been going on for.
A JUDGE has refused to rule on the custody of a tug of love dog involved in a bitter divorce dispute The Benidorm magistrate won’t grant an interim joint custody order for the Maltese named Bimba because changes to the Civil Code over animal welfare have not yet become law. The joint-owners separated in December 2019 but an initially amicable split ended up with the man being refused access to his beloved Bimba.
Love
His solicitor filed a petition on the grounds that his client was suffering ‘serious non-financial damage, such is his love for Bimba’, and used the Civil Code as the basis for the legal action. But the judge ruled the new laws were not yet in force, so he could not make a ruling on interim joint custody. Bimba’s owners had agreed to an ‘out of court’ joint custody arrangement for their daughter. The dog would go along with the girl to stay with her father on his access days. But he was then told Bimba actually belonged to his ex-partner’s other daughter.
952 147 834 * O f f e r
v a l i d
TheOlivePress-256x170-BIKE0421.indd 1
f o r
n e w
c u s t o m e r s
o n l y .
S u b j e c t
t o
c o n d i t i o n s .
E n d s
3 0 / 0 7 / 2 1 .
13/4/21 12:36