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Knocked down In shades of the Priors, British expat forced to demolish 17-year home to live in a van on the land
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BARS and restaurants can open until 2am from tomorrow (Saturday) now that COVID restrictions have been relaxed. It is one of a series of measures announced, which will be reviewed again on July 2, that cover the Baleares. As well as extending opening times, terraces will be allowed to be used at 100% of capacity, with up to 12 people permitted on each table. Smoking remains prohibited. Moving inside, indoor spaces can only be used at 50% of capacity with a maximum of six people per table and a 1.5 metre distance left between groups. There is no boozing allowed at the bar - it can only be used for people eating in maximum groups of two and with 1.5 metres between groups, and they must be shut at midnight.
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Pretty as a picture
Dancing
GOING; GOING; GONE: Gurney Davey watches as his home torn down and reduced to a pile of rubble, while (top) the Priors
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EXCLUSIVE By Dilip Kuner
British expat faces demolition of his 17 year home - and a spell in prison repeat of controversial Priors - in case
AN expat is facing prison for failing to demolish his home after he fell foul of a town hall’s ‘laissez faire’ planning rules. Gurney Davey, aged 67, only found out about the six-month sentence when a court document was delivered to a neighbour’s house. “I went straight to Tolox town hall with it. They told me I shouldn’t have received it yet,” he told the Olive Press. “They said they were going to be sending the notification to me once they had stamped it.” The news came as a massive bolt from the blue for Davey, whose wife has just died of cancer, which he believes worsened from the stress of the case. He had never been told about the court case that followed on from a Guardia Civil denuncia for an ‘illegal build’. Davey’s two-bed home - built in 2004 - should never have been built according to the Malaga court.
Legalise
In 2016, and then again in 2017, Davey was ordered to knock down his house, but, in common with a neighbour, he waited for more details. While his Spanish neighbour, Irene Millan, 29, did eventually hear from the court again, she was given six months to ‘legalise’ her property - an option Davey was never given. However, his neighbour’s apparent good luck turned into a poisoned chalice. Having spent €20,000 with the town hall to legalise the dwelling, the court finally refused to accept the new paperwork provided by the council. Instead, demolition was ordered which went ahead last week. To add insult to injury Irene’s 54-year-old father, Manuel Mil-
DEMOLITION: Expat Gurney
Davey is being forced to knock
lan, whose name was on the deeds, was also sentenced to six months jail and handed a fine of €6 a day for a year. Now Davey is terrified he is set to lose his home at any moment. It comes just two months since his wife Diana died from bowel
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down his own house and faces
cancer, at the age of 71, in April. “We thought we had done everything right at the time. We got legal advice and went through lawyer in order to get permissiona to build the home. “Diana fought breast cancer for six years before bowel cancer I am sure the stress brought it on.” The couple, originally from Suffolk in the ALL AREAS COVERED UK, spent €150,000 4G UNLIMITED building their property. INTERNET “It came as a IDEAL FOR package - a STREAMING TV plot with a new home on it.” ALSO IPTV, Davey admits SATELLITE TV he and his wife were perhaps tel: (0034) 952 763 840 naive to follow info@theskydoctor.com the advice of their lawyer. www.theskydoctor.com The lawyer,
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that were illegally given planning permission by the former mayor, Juan Vera, Davey, 67, told the Olive Press who landed up with a prison sentence. this week. Speaking half-way through Fri- He was eventually day’s demolition that cost him told it had to be de€1,600, he added it had actually molished to avoid a six-month prison sencome as ‘some sort of relief’. Having been forced to hire a tence with the news digger, after disconnecting the coming just after his wife died electricity supply and water, he from bowel cancer, at the age was on the final leg of a legal of 71. “But thankfully it is now battle that began in 2004. over,” he explained. “It has been going on for so long now, Build I’ve finally come to terms with That was the year the legal firm, what needs to be done. HavManzanares, informed him he ing it demolished was actually would be getting a licence for an a relief.” almacen (or storeroom), which As he still owns the land, he would allow him to build the can still live on it - just not in house in Tolox, near Ronda. a house. “We thought we had done every- So now the father-of-three thing right. We got legal advice is planning a minimalist life and went through a lawyer in staying in a converted van, so order to get permission to build that his five dogs still have the home,” Gurney explained. the space to roam. But he was later told that his “This land is my home, it is house was one of around 350 my life and these dogs are all I have952 left.” 147 834 Whether or not he still faces a prison sentence, is yet to be confirmed. See pages 12 & 16 It is not the first time British expats have had their homes demolished in AndaluEXCLUSIVE By Katherine Brook
The
IT was a day that disgraced Spain. A day that an expat was forced to demolish his home of 17 years, despite having paid for planning permission. Brick by brick, tile by tile, British resident Gurney Davey tore down the house he had built for €150,000, after receiving shocking advice from a Malaga legal firm. That it came just two months after his wife, Diana, died from cancer simply magnifies the s h e e r tragedy. “I was d i s traught at first, m y blood pressure was sky high and then I lost my wife,”
NE GO
Music and cocktail bars can open until 2am but dancing is not allowed and people must be seated at tables. A pilot night will be held at a disco on Palma’s Paseo Maritimo on June 26 to see if it is feasible to reopen nightclubs. When it comes to weddings, baptisms and communions, 120 people are allowed to attend outdoor events and 50 indoors, with dancing allowed as long as everyone wears a facemask. Up to 200 people will be allowed outdoors or 100 indoors if all attendees are vaccinated or have had a negative antigen or PCR test done just before the event.
six months jail
from legal firm Manzanares, told them that planning permission would be applied for as an almacen - or ‘warehouse’. This way it would come under the remit of Tolox town hall, which would give permission and later they could ‘legalise’ the property. The language of one legal letter, seen by the Olive Press, suggests this would be a mere formality. But the property never got legalised. In fact, the Tolox mayor of the time, Juan Vera, has since been jailed and fined for his part in scheme to allow up to 350 prop-a erties to be built on land classified as ‘rural’. In most cases he had used the very same ‘lax’ procedure of applying to build an ‘almacen’ to try to keep the prying eyes of the Junta authorities away. “We thought that was the way things worked in Spain,” said Davey, a retired builder. “We went to see a lawyer and got advice. It turns out that was not
the smart thing to do. “Why would we deliberately try to build illegally? It makes no sense that we would sell up everything in the UK and risk it all.” Now Davey’s first thoughts are to avoid serving the jail sentence. He said: “My lawyer is trying to get the sentence suspended.”
Flatten
In the meantime he has been forced to ask the town hall for permission to knock his own property down. “I will do it myself. I will borrow a JCB from someone and flatten my home of the past 17 years. will not let the town hall do it andI charge me more money.” He added: “I’ve no idea where to live afterwards. But the land still mine - maybe I can live in is a tent.” Tolox Ayuntamiento refused to comment, citing data protection laws.
cia, with the Priors, in Almeria, the most famous victims. They still live in the garage of their house today, over 10 years since the house was knocked down in Vera.
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CRIME
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NEWS IN BRIEF Bag snatched AN Algerian man has been arrested for stealing a German tourist’s bag at Ibiza airport. The 51-year-old apparently snatched the bag, which had been left unsupervised, while the tourist was taking a photo.
Bad vows THREE people in Palma have been arrested for sham marriages. Those involved included an Ecuadorian woman and two Colombian men. A fourth person is believed to have returned to Colombia.
Pay up A NEW toll system, which will be in place on all motorways in Spain, could come into play as early as June 2022, with drivers potentially being charged between 3 and 5 cents per km.
Sad toll SUICIDE rates for young people have soared during the pandemic, said psychiatrist Miguel Garcia-Escudero, at a Palma health conference, with many experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and depression.
POLICE are investigating the death of a British woman and her aristocratic Spanish husband after the couple were found dead at their home in an upmarket gated community. It is believed the Marques of Cirella, Jorge Diez de Rivera, 66, shot his estranged wife, Katherine Brereton Travers, 59, before shooting himself. The alarm was raised by a security guard patrolling the upmarket Somos-
Expat murder riddle Rich pickings aguas urbanisation in Pozuelo de Alarcon, near Madrid. He had heard gunshots coming from the property. When no-one answered the gate, he called police who discovered the bodies of the couple in the garden and a gun nearby.
The hunting enthusiast had three hunting rifles registered in his name. The pair reportedly met working for airlines; he was a former pilot and she was an air stewardess. They married and had three children before separating three years ago.
Watch out!
Jail term for duo who stole €25,000 worth of jewellery A ROMANIAN couple have been jailed and banned from Spain after they stole €25,000 worth of jewellery in a two day mugging spree. They targeted wealthy passersby and netted expensive jewellery, including several Rolex watches, by assaulting people in the streets of Mallorca.
June 18th - July 1st 2021
The robberies took place over two days, between February 18 - 20, in multiple locations in the city. In Sa Pobla, they assaulted a woman and took away her gold bracelet; In Palma, they tricked multiple people into revealing their Rolex watches, before
grabbing them off their wrists. Of the Rolexes stolen, three were later valued at €1,200, €4,800, and €17,000. Immediately after the robberies, the thieves tried to flee the country but were arrested at Palma airport, where they were found wearing the stolen
Teen assault
Wheely drunk
A DUTCH teen has been arrested for allegedly raping an 18-year-old German woman in a village in Alcudia. According to the woman, who is on holiday in Mallorca, the 19-year-old man invited her to a party at a holiday property he was staying in. At the end of the party, she and the man moved to another room, where, following a short embrace, he grabbed her and forcefully removed her underwear. The girl said the next few minutes were a blur, before she managed to escape. He was arrested and released with a restraining order.
A DRUNK man who led police on a high speed chase was caught when he fell off his motorbike. The Spanish man was arrested for driving a motorbike without a licence and under the influence of alcohol, in Sant Lluis, Menorca. Patrol officers first spotted the 32-year-old man on the ME-8, where he was weaving carelessly through traffic. Unable to stop the motorcyclist, a chase began, ensuring more dangerous driving before the rider lost control. He was also charged with disobedience and reckless driving.
goods. The defendants were sentenced on Wednesday, with the man receiving five years and two months in prison and the woman being banned from Spain for five years. All the stolen jewellery was returned to the owners. Violent muggings targeting wealthy foreigners has been a long-standing problem in mallorca.
Robbed
Recently six Italians were arrested accused of being part of the ‘Rolex Gang’ after a German couple was robbed. The man was grabbed from behind and a €75,000 Patek Phillipe watch snatched from his wrist. The arrested men are thought to be part of an Italian network that operates in Palma, Ibiza and Marbella.
A DRUGS gang turned to the corrupt supply of anti-COVID PPE protective equipment as easy pickings. So far 11 arrests have been made in Palma, Barcelona, Gerona, Murcia and Almeria by Guardia backed by Europol. The case centres on a Barcelona businessman, the alleged boss of the gang, who bribed a public official to get lucrative contracts. Police say it is the first case uncovered in Spain for the ‘irregular’ handing out of public money to buy PPE. Cops carried out 20 house and office searches on Tuesday and Wednesday as investigations continued. It has not been revealed how much the contracts were worth - but it is thought they could run into the millions of euros. Several bank accounts have been frozen and properties and vehicles seized.
Wonga haul AN organized crime gang has had €16.5 million in cash seized - the largest in Spanish history. The massive haul by the Guardia Civil alongside Europol in Algeciras came alongside a seizure of 1.6 tonnes of cocaine. The gang consisted of employees that worked in various port departments, including two from the Border Inspection team.
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Kick off!
CRISTIANO Ronaldo's luxury brand CR7 has opened its brand new flagship hotel on Madrid’s Gran Via. Boasting 168 rooms, a terrace bar, swimming pool and solarium, the hotel is run via the established hotel chain Pestana, which currently has two other sites in Spain’s capital, Pestana Plaza Mayor and Pestana Collection. The hotel will be split over 10 floors, and be home to a fully loaded sports bar, complete with table football and large TV screens, and also a pizzeria run by renowned chef Mauro Soggiu. The roof of the building will also boast 360 degree views of the city, whilst holiday makers will be able to enjoy the rooftop pool and cocktail bar.
June 18th - July 1st 2021
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Dark knight rises... in Benidorm BATMAN has been soaring from the rooftops for 82 years, rescuing fair ladies, outsmarting villains and generally saving the world from destruction. It’s a tough and lonely life, so who can blame him for wanting to swap skyscrapers for sandy beaches, a nice paella, and maybe even a cheeky mid-morning pint. Benidorm, fortunately, is only too happy to oblige. The popular Spanish resort is just one of 14 locations that feature in Batman: The World, a new global 184-page anthology, to be published by DC Comics, on September 14 - true Batman fans will know this is just four days before World Batman Day. The award-winning Spanish graphic artist, Paco
Roca, admits it took him a while to come around to the idea of taking Batman to Benidorm, but eventually it made sense. “Short stories are always tough – this one is only 11 pages – so you run the risk of trying to fit too much in,” he said. “And these kinds of stories are crammed with action-packed, fist fight-heavy tales because that’s what the public expects. So I thought it would be quite fun to focus on relaxation.” While the Caped Crusader won’t be going full Benidorm, roasting on the beach 12 hours a day (DC Comics said his top had to remain on), he will do his best to engage in typical tourist behaviour. Oh, and he’ll be bringing his cape with him, because you never know when trouble is lurking around the corner… especially in Benidorm.
GONG-HO! FOUR Britons behind leading citizens’ rights campaigns in Spain have been awarded MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. The British Embassy in Madrid, released the names of the four Brits honoured for their ceaseless efforts to campaign for expats rights in the run up to the UK leaving Europe. The four associations continue to provide invaluable help and information to the British community as it navigates its way through
Swim win A PARALYMPIC swimmer has scored Spain’s top award for sport. Champion swimmer Teresa Perales is set to be honoured for her achievements with the Princess of Asturias award this October. The 45-year-old, who lost the use of her legs due to neuropathy when she was 19 and switched from karate to swimming, rose through the ranks over the last 20 years to become one of Spain’s most talented sports stars. She will receive €50,000 as part of the award. Judges, who announced Teresa as the winner yesterday, said that the Spanish athlete had become ‘an example for millions of disabled people of how to overcome difficulties and an icon of international paralympics’.
Award Winning Rehabilitation Clinic
Expat-on-the-back for campaigners who provide vital support to Brits in Spain
RECOGNISED: (from left) Harris, Williams, Wilson, Hernandez were honoured
life since the referendum in 2016. Based in Madrid, Michael Harris is the Vice President of EuroCitizens and a British in Europe committee member. A former teacher and writer of English-language textbooks, Michael founded the grassroots organisation EuroCitizens in September 2016. Anne Hernandez, a retired university lecturer, moved to Spain over 30 years ago.
Rights
Based in Andalucia, Anne spearheaded the formation of Brexpats in Spain, which has worked tirelessly to inform UK nationals of their EU exit rights. A former member of the armed forces, Debbie Williams, based in the Va-
lencia region, set up the grass roots organisation Brexpats - Hear Our Voice as a pan-European group a few days after the EU Referendum in June 2016. Moving from Belgium to Spain shortly afterwards, she continued her lobbying, engagement and
awareness-raising efforts, considering the impact of the UK’s departure from the EU. As Chair of Bremain in Spain, Sue Wilson is one of the most visible campaigners for the rights of UK nationals in the EU. When moving to Spain to retire over 10 years ago, she had no experience of advocacy, campaigning work or speaking in public.
New challenge THE Love Island bosses have been approaching influencers with disabilities in a bid to be more inclusive in the next series. While the final line-up hasn’t been confirmed it would be ‘ideal if they had at least one disabled islander’ revealed a source. One name being thrown into the mix is influencer and para-athlete, Milly Pickles, 26, who had her leg amputated after she was electrocuted. This comes after the Love Island team vowed to make 2021's line-up ‘diverse and inclusive’.
HAPPY: Michael and Catherine
Through the keyhole CATHERINE Zeta-Jones has given fans a glimpse of her fabulous Mallorca holiday home through a video posted on Instagram. The Zorro actress has spent the last few weeks enjoying her 10-bedroom mansion, with husband, Michael Douglas, and their two children, Dylan and Carys. The villa, near Valldemossa, boasts a cinema, gym, and even a vineyard. There’s also a large walkin wardrobe, which doubles as the Chicago star’s catwalk, as shown in the video.
Heart
Douglas came close to selling the sprawling 250 acres cliffside estate in 2018, but eventually had a change of heart and pulled the plug on the sale. Catherine and Michael have been coming to the island for more than 30 years – with the loved up couple previously revealing that they fell in love there. “We have spent many, many hours here and it’s where I fell in love with Catherine, so for that reason the island means a lot to me and I am already part of its history,” cooed Douglas.
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Cruising in
Photo by Franz Neumeier
4
June 18th - July 1st 2021
THE first cruise ship for 15 months docked in Mallorca yesterday. TUI’s ship the Mein Schiff 2, arrived in Palma, and will now visit every week until Mid-July. It was carrying about 1,000 German tourists and docked at 6am after sailing from the Canaries via Malaga. Cruise bosses say that it is operating ‘bubble cruises’ where all COVID protocols set by destination ports are stringently followed.
With Palma being a home port, most of the passengers travelled to the airport to return to their home country. The rest of the passengers, about 200, took the opportunity to take an excursion and became the first cruise passengers to set foot in Palma for more than a year. It is expected that there will be more than 20 cruise ship arrivals in Palma by the end of August.
Triathlon tragedy ‘Natural causes’ verdict on Brit firefighter who died in Mallorca A SUPER-FIT British firefighter taking part in his first triathlon died while swimming in the Challenge Peguera event, an inquest has heard. A fire service medical fatherof-four Carl Cavanagh had taken just weeks before the 2019 race had rated him as ‘A-one fit’. The 45-year-old crew commander with Heathrow Airport Fire and Rescue Service, was pulled from the sea when he got into difficulties, the Dor-
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set Coroner heard. Attempts to resuscitate him on the beach failed. Zoe Taylor, an intensive care nurse and wife of a fellow competitor, was among those who helped in the life-saving efforts until Spanish paramedics took over.
THE Balearic Islands will receive over €13 million from European funds towards the conservation and maintenance of biodiversity and natural spaces. In an environmental meeting on Wednesday, a plan to transform, recover and preserve the protected natural areas on the Islands was approved by the Ministry of the Environment and Territory, led by Minister Miquel Mir. He also notes that the state has taken into account the ‘expanded areas of the Cabrera National Park, when distributing the additional money’.
Night heat
No avail
But all efforts were to no avail, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Following post-mortems in Spain and the UK, the pathologist was able to rule out drowning, trauma and the use of any legal or illegal drugs or alcohol as contributory factors. Coroner Brendan Allen heard that Mr Cavanagh had been training for the event for 12 months and was extremely fit.
Cash handout
DIED: Carl Cavanagh The coroner also heard statements from other competitors who said sea conditions on the day were challenging. He ruled that death was due to natural causes although no specific reason had been discovered. The coroner said it was likely that Cavanagh had suffered ‘some form of cardiac event’.
NIGHTIME temperatures hit their highest levels of the year yesterday morning, with the thermometer hitting 25 C in Banyalbufar and Portopí (Palma). Many parts of Mallorca experienced an extremely warm night with minimum temperatures of 24C reached in Puerto de Soller, Port de Pollenca, Far de Capdeper, Portocolom, Sant Elm (Andratx) and at Palma airport.
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Rush for justice Victim group in dash for answers before gestor is evicted EVICTION proceedings have been launched to remove One Way Services from their Quesada office, the Olive Press has learnt. The gestor at the centre of a province-wide fraud investigation has allegedly not paid rent for more than a year, according to his landlady. The Olive Press has seen correspondence to confirm that a civil procedure is underway, and will not be affected by the criminal investigation also being carried out against Matt Smith, the owner of One Way Services.
Case
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The Olive Press spoke exclusively with Matt Smith’s landlady, Sandra Nicholson, who revealed: “He hasn’t paid his rent for over a year, he owes me more than €6,000 now.” She said that his business seemed to be thriving with so many Brits seeking help to get registered under new Brexit rules. She confirmed: “I have a case
EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade
lodged in the civil courts of Torrevieja against Matthew Smith for the non payment of rent.” The Olive Press has seen a copy of an email from her solicitor, Javier Rico Font of Almoradi, confirming that proceedings are with the Torrevieja courts. Smith is at the centre of a scandal involving allegedly faked padron certificates and the ‘wrongful arrest’ of elderly and vulnerable British expats that were One Way clients. The Olive Press first reported half a dozen British clients had been hauled in by Alicante Policia Nacional over the doctoring of official Town Hall documents on their residency applications. Their ordeals included detention, hours of questioning by police and victims being fingerprinted and photographed.
TATTOOS: Jane Long The lawyer representing One Way Services, David Guijarro Mayor of ABC Solicitors, confirmed to the Olive Press that no-one other than Matt Smith is under investigation and that none of his clients were involved in the criminal activity. One victim, 71 year-old widow Lily Higgins, described the experience as ‘humiliating’, after never being in trouble with the police in her life. Another, Jane Long of Torrevieja, had to remove clothing in order for her tattoos to be photographed, as they were considered distinguishing marks.
Affected
Since publication, other victims have contacted us, with police confirming that at least 40 people have been affected. Many of those affected are considering group action to approach One Way Services and demand compensation for the wrongful arrests.
www.theolivepress.es EXCLUSIVE By Jon Clarke in Braunschweig
THE prosecutor leading the investigation into Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner said the case ‘could be solved’ this year. “We hope to solve the Maddie case, but it will take months,” said Hans-Christian Wolters. “Perhaps we will be able to say something by the end of the year.” But while the German prosecutor is ‘satisfied’ with the way the probe is going - and has more people working on it ‘than ever before’ - he is more likely to charge Brueckner sooner over two other crimes. In an exclusive interview to mark a year’s anniversary of an appeal for witnesses, he told the Olive Press that the German rapist, who spent a lot of time in Spain and Portugal, was being probed over at least five separate cases. These include the rape of Irish girl Hazel Behan, then 20, and the abuse of children in a play-
NEWS
End in sight Over 1,000 tips on Maddie case which could be solved ‘by end of the year’ park on the Algarve in 2017. He told the Olive Press in Braunschweig that the probe into the Behan case was likely to take ‘a few months more’, while the case of Maddie and two other child abuse cases in Portugal might take a little longer. “The investigation (into Behan) will take a few months more and will probably not be as long as the Maddie case,” he insisted. “We only have Christian B as
CHILLING: Brueckner and Maddie McCann
the suspect. However some information is missing, which we are in the process of pulling it together. “We are working with the Irish and Portuguese authorities and it takes a bit of time to get all the information we need. Once we have it all we will close the case. It will continue for a few more months, but not three months as it was recently reported.” Regarding the two child abuse cases in Portugal, he said they continued to investigate, albeit slowly. In particular, the case in Messines, where Brueckner exposed himself to four or five children late at night in a park during a town fiesta in 2017. “I think that case was a little bit forgotten because he was extradited back to Germany,” explained Wolters, who works closely with the crack BKA police unit. “We have now picked up the investigation and he is facing several years in prison. I cannot say exactly, but it will be two, four or six years.”
GRILLING: Clarke with Wolters A second child abuse case against a young German girl, 10, that took place near Praia da Luz in April 2007, a month before Maddie went missing, is also progressing. The girl was grabbed by a naked man, as she played in rock pools, near Salema beach. “We are investigating Christian B’s possible involvement in this but I can’t say how good the evidence is at this stage,” he added. He also confirmed that the Belgian authorities had been in touch and continued to probe Bruckner’s links in the case of Carola Titze, who was killed in July 1996. In terms of the investigation of Madeleine McCann, who vanished from her bed while on holiday in Praia da Luz, in May 2007, he is more cautious. He confirmed that his prosecutors department had been working on the case since the summer of 2018, but that German police had launched an investigation a year earlier in 2017. He said they had received other key information in the Maddie investigation, ‘maybe video, maybe phone’, but it was not the time to confirm exactly what. In
5 Sad find
June 18th - July 1st 2021 total, they had received ‘more than 1000 tips’ from the public since the appeal last June. “The majority are from Germany and the UK... and we have been getting at least one tip a day, of varied quality,” he insisted. While he confirmed that they knew that Brueckner had lived in Spain for many months at various times, he didn’t wish to comment on two Russian brothers, based in Andalucia, who might have been linked to the case. “We have appealed for any information to these Russians, but I can’t tell you any more than that,” he said. The Olive Press revealed last year that Brueckner had three times visited the Dragon Festival, in Orgiva, near Granada, and spent many months living in the area. He criss-crossed Spain in his various vehicles, including his VW camper van and a Tiffin Allegro winnebago, on many occasions. It is known that Brueckner was in the vicinity of the Ocean Club on the night Maddie went missing as he had a long phone call with an unknown person nearby.
Abuse
The German, who has a long crime record including three convictions for child pornography and sex abuse, lived for seven years just outside Praia da Luz. His best friend Michael ‘Micha’ Tatschl told the Olive Press last year that he is ‘certain’ that he snatched Maddie and was always on the darknet.
POLICE are investigating after the body of a 91-year-old expat was found on a finca. The Swiss woman was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition at her isolated property on the outskirts of Alaro. Police believe she had died several weeks ago. Investigators have found she had not been seen in the village for several months. The duty coroner examined the remains and no signs of a violent death were found. The woman, who has not been named by officers, lived alone.
Metal heads RESEARCHERS have found that loggerhead turtles stranded on the Baleares have been contaminated with heavy metals in their tissues. And what’s more they have nearly all got plastics in their digestive systems. One study by the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) found toxic cadmium, mercury and lead in the tissues of 11 turtles, nine of which were found dead, the other two later died, despite best efforts to nurse them to health. Researchers say that the metals probably got into the turtles’ system when they ate food contaminated by industrial activity. A second study of 15 turtles found that the metal levels gradually decreased, meaning the turtles could be released. In nearly all the turtles, plastics were also found.
www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.
OPINION Shame of Spain It’s one thing to see your retirement dreams turn sour. For decades expats have chosen Spain as the place to invest their hard earned nest egg for a place in the sun. Some spend years searching for the perfect spot in which to build their lifelong dream, imagining they will live out their twilight years in peace and tranquility. Most will inevitably have to face the loss of the partner with whom they shared that life adventure. And that is sad and difficult enough. But add to that the horror of having to knock down your own home, the place filled with memories of your last years together. And face an old age, alone in a van, surrounded by rubble. This is the desperate fate of Gurney Davis, who last week knocked down his own home under threat of jail, just two months after losing his wife to cancer. Whatever the reasons for why a property falls foul of planning laws - and in most cases it’s because of bad advice or corrupt planning officials - it is a true disgrace that Spain can continue to allow such things to happen.
Renewable - but not like this WE all support clean energy, don’t we? As a nation with so much abundant sunshine, Spain should be doing its utmost to encourage citizens and town halls to generate their own solar power and strive for energy self-sufficiency. That may mean unsightly panels erected on roof tops but who cares if we carpet over industrial estates or mega malls such as Ikea? But there is a danger now of some of the most beautiful and environmentally important corners of Spain being carved up by energy companies and panelled over without due care and attention. Much of Spain’s coastline was ruined in a building frenzy during a construction boom that went unchecked, let’s not allow the same to happen to Spain’s unspoilt interior with the new cash cow that is renewables.
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NEWS FEATURE
Sunny valleys’ solar eclipse
Fight the power!
The celebrated green valleys and whitewashed village route around Andalucia are being lined up for a giant industrial makeover By Fiona Govan in Gaucin
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ESS than an hour’s drive from the built up concrete strip of the Costa del Sol, the picture postcard whitewashed village of Gaucin tumbles down a cleft of the celebrated Serrania de Ronda, topped by a Moorish castle and DEMONSTRATIONS: residents are staging protests against solar panels with unrivalled views across rolling hills to the Rock of Gibraltar and on most days, - an area long-gushed about by travel who has lived in Gaucin since childhood, Africa beyond. writers, including Washington Irving and whose two young girls are at the local Vultures soar overhead while the wooded Laurie Lee - is about to be sacrificed for school and who runs holidays with his hills and countryside bethe barons and bureaucrats of northern wife Clare offering hiking, birding and low is a haven for wildlife. Europe. horse-riding through the local hills. The area has long been a While 19th century Roman- “We just want to make sure that any projfavourite with discerning tic writer Richard Ford wrote ect is properly thought out, that the enviforeigners, including Lord that Gaucin was one of ‘the ronmental impact is properly considered. Our Sainsbury, DJ Fatboy Slim most romantically situated’ Because there is only one chance to do and polo star Jack Kidd, places he had visited, an Ol- this, and we need to do it right.” position who have bought up and ive Press source told us this He is just one among dozens of foreign is very simple: converted old farmhouses week that Spain was being residents who are waking up to plans that we are in and fincas into some of the targeted to ‘energize north- have the potential to ruin this unspoilt cormost desirable property Anern Europe’ whatever the ner of Spain. favour of dalucia has to offer. cost. Caroline Guillick, 58, is a keen birder and renewable But there is trouble in paraNow residents, including horsewoman who lives in nearby village, energy, but dise because the abundance hundreds of expats, are San Pablo de Buceite, and regularly rides of sunshine and unspoilt launching a furious defence backwater trials through the Guadiaro we are totally landscape also makes it atof their tranquil surround- valley which will be wiped out under the against the tractive for an entirely differings in a bid to stop the proposed plans. fact that ent type of investment. project, which they fear will “This is an area rich in biodiversity, with Plans have been unveiled for ruin the delicate biodiversity wild flowers that provide essential habitat there is no a series of mega photovoltaic and put an end to the sus- on the route of migratory birds like Egyplegislative plants that will carpet 2, 200 tainable tourism that has tian vultures, swallows, and eagles,” she framework to hectares – the equivalent of become a lifeblood for the says, stopping to point out a Black Shoulregulate 3,500 football fields - with region. dered Kite soaring above the butterflies in solar panels up to 20 feet tall Their objections range a pasture filled with wildflowers. this in this stunning, evocative from a desire to preserve “There are no proper studies being done macrovalley alone. an ecological system that to discover the impact a massive solar project Similar mega parks are prois home to endangered project will have, and that is what we are posed for neighbouring valspecies and serves as an fighting for,” explains the Brit who has Alberto Saro, leys (around half a dozen) as important corridor for mi- joined SOS Campiña Jimena to rally local president of SOS Spain attempts to meet its grating birds, to protecting residents across the affected villages. commitment to provide 39 rural tourism that relies on The group, of mostly Spaniards, claims Campina Jimena GW of photovoltaic energy by unspoilt countryside and the the projects threaten dozens of archae2030 up from the 9 GW it almost beautiful views Spain ological ruins scattered across the valley ready has installed. has to offer. from ancient, unexcavated Roman villas It seems that one of Spain’s most pictur- “We absolutely aren’t against green en- to priceless paleolithic sites. esque and celebrated mountain regions ergy,” insists Hughie Arbuthnott, a Brit Jean Brown Sassoon, a British resident of Jimena for over 40 years has spent countless days roaming this landscape seeking out archaeological treasures. “There is just so much here that hasn’t been charted,” says the spritely 94-yearold who as a young woman was the first
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CONCERN: The Mayor of Gaucin is worried about the impact on views and tourism
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June 18th - July 1st 2021
7
Scoop after scoop
T
The
HE Olive Press is the only English language newspaper in Spain that invests in and values good journalism so that we can campaign for the issues that are important to our readers. Our team of trained journalists across Spain strive to dig out the local stories to expose corrupOLIVE tion, unveil scandals and PRESS shed light on topics that really affect our readers. In this edition alone you will find the exclusive story of the plight of a British man who has had to demolish the home he has lived in for 17 years after he fell foul of a town hall’s + + ‘laissez faire’ planning 952 147 834 rules. You will also find out the latest in an ongoing scandal uncovered by the Olive Press that affects dozens of Brits trying to get residency on OLIVE the Costa Blanca. PRESS Plus we spent some time in an unspoilt corner of Andalucia finding out why residents are so opposed to solar farms. And it's not just because their views will be ruined. We at the Olive Press believe that this sort of investigative and campaigning journalism is 834 147 952 more needed than ever as we navigate through difficult times complicated by an economic downturn, a global pandemic and an issue that continues to complicate OLIVE life for many of our readPRESS ANON ers: Brexit. Streets of fire That is why, now more than ever we thank those of you who subscribe to our website, DONE DEAL? and follow our news updates daily, because without your contribution it wouldn’t be possible. Plus all those who get 952 147 834 in touch with stories to share and tips to follow. It’s thanks to you that we can continue to do what we do. ANDALUCÍA
Your expat
Mijas Costa
voice in Spain
NOT AGAIN FREE
Vol. 15 Issue 370 www.theolivep ress.es
June 2nd - June 15th
2021
Find out about Spain’s 10 capital cities
See page 14
EXCLUSIVE By Dilip Kuner
AN expat is facing prison ing to demolish his home for failfell foul of a town hall’s after he ‘laissez faire’ planning rules. Gurney Davey, aged found out about the 67, only sentence when a court six-month was delivered to a document neighbour’s house. “I went straight to Tolox with it. They told me town hall have received it yet,” I shouldn’t he told the Olive Press. “They said they were going to be sending the notification to me once they had stamped it.” The news came as a massive bolt from the blue for Davey, whose wife has just died of cancer, which he believes worsened from the stress of the case. He had never been told court case that followedabout the a Guardia Civil denunciaon from for an ‘illegal build’. Davey’s two-bed home 2004 - should never - built in built according to have been the Malaga court.
British expat faces demolitio n of his 17 year home - and a spell repeat of controver in prison - in sial Priors case
Legalise
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In 2016, and then again in 2017, Davey was ordered down his house, but, to knock with a neighbour, he in common waited for more details. While his Spanish Irene Millan, 29, did neighbour, hear from the court eventually was given six months again, she to ‘legalise’ her property - an option Davey was never given. However, his neighbour’s apparent good luck turned into a poisoned chalice. Having spent €20,000 DEMOLITION: Expat Gurney Davey is being town hall to legalise the with the forced to knock down his own house and the court finally refused dwelling, lan, whose name was on faces six months jail the cancer, at the age to accept deeds, was the new paperwork provided also of 71, in April. from legal firm Manzanares, by months jail and sentenced to six “We thought we had done the council. handed a fine of thing told the smart thing every- them that planning to do. €6 a day for a year. right at the time. We Instead, demolition was permission “Why got would be applied ordered legal advice and went - Now Davey is terrified which went ahead last for as an alma- build would we deliberately try to through he is set to lawyer in week. illegally? It makes lose his home order to get permissiona cen - or ‘warehouse’. To add insult to injury that we would sell up no sense This way it would come Irene’s It comes just at any moment. to build the home. everything 54-year-old father, Manuel remit of Tolox town under the in the UK and risk it all.” Mil- his wife Dianatwo months since “Diana fought breast hall, which died from bowel six cancer years before bowel cancer for would give permission and later Now Davey’s first thoughts are to avoid serving the jail - I they sentence. am sure the The could ‘legalise’ the property. He said: stress brought seen language of one legal letter, get the “My lawyer is trying to sentence suspended.” by the Olive Press, suggests it on.” this would be a mere formality. The couple, But Flatten originally from ised.the property never got legalALL AREAS COVERED In the meantime he Suffolk in the In has been fact, the Tolox mayor UK, of the forced to ask the town spent time, € 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 jailed Juan Vera, has since been permission to knock hall for his own 4G UNLIMITED building their schemeand fined for his part in a property down. to allow up to INTERNET “I will do it myself. I property. will borrow erties to be built on land350 prop- a JCB “It came as a as IDEAL FOR classified from someone and flatten my home of the past package - a In ‘rural’. STREAMING TV 17 plot with a new verymost cases he had used the will not let the town hall years. I do it and same ‘lax’ procedure ALSO IPTV, home on it.” of ap- charge me more money.” plying to build an ‘almacen’ Davey admits try SATELLITE TV to He added: “I’ve no idea where to keep the prying eyes he and his wife Junta See page 5 & 15 of the live afterwards. But the land to is still mine - maybe I can were perhaps “We authorities away. tel: (0034) 952 763 840 live in a naive to follow thingsthought that was the way tent.” info@theskydoctor.com the advice of Davey, worked in Spain,” said Tolox Ayuntamiento refused a retired builder. to www.theskydoctor.com comment, citing data their lawyer. protection “We went The lawyer, advice. It to see a lawyer and got laws. turns out that was not Opinion
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• Destruction of landscape: An area valued for its views and unspoilt countryside serves as a tourist attraction and makes property desirable. A recent study by the University of Granada suggests large energy infrastructures would decrease the value of homes by 34.7% and would have a very negative impact on rural tourism. • Loss of jobs: Traditional farming of the region such as grazing livestock, beekeeping, hunting, rural and residential tourism, catering and accommodation, all of which rely on the current landscape to provide employment. • Loss of habitat: The area is an essential stop of point for migratory birds that rest and feed there after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, recovering strength and energy to continue their journey. • Water: To keep the panels clean and dust free they must be cleaned at least three times a year, with a litre required for every square meter of photovoltaic surface each time. For example 2,700 hectares would require 80 million litres of water a year. If Spain meets its solar power targets by 2030, this means about 2 billion litres of water per year in all of Spain. • Archaeology: Dozens of unexcavated sites still remain scattered across the hills and valleys in the zone and could be concreted over to build the megaparks.
The
AZAHAR VALENCIA / COSTA ess.es Vol. 1 Issue 13 www.theolivepr FREE
May 20th - June 2nd
2021
Tragic mystery
Prime suspect
See page 14
The female warriors who took on Drake’s army and won!
The Olive Press helps TV investigation into the death of Kirsty Maxwell
Bear in the frame for series of grizzly livestock killings in the Pyrenees
Voted Spain’s most popular historic city
Girl power
See page 10
I BEG YOUR PADRON See page 6
See page 3
n Clinic Award Winning Rehabilitatio
ing’ as British ‘Hellish and humiliat‘fraudulent’ expats arrested over ons residency applicati EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade
Jay work for residencia,” said Costa, Elliott, 66, of Orihuela has lived in Spain for
who over five years. expats HigA GROUP of British police She and her friend Lily for a have been detained by gins, 71, had plannedin the after their padron certificates peaceful retirement Spain with proving they lived in docsun but are now living case or appear to have been the threat of a court tored. even deportation. have trouble At least eight people town “I’ve never been in being been grilled over the which before but here I am, crimhall registration forms, same treated like a common huwere all handled by the Costa inal,” said Higgins. “It’s gestor company on the miliating.” same Blanca. They added that the to National Police confirmed gestor is being investigated detecthe date on at the Olive Press that changing for applitives are working alongside least 22 more British inLily and Jay the Guardia Civil to now cants. appliasked HUMILIATED: rules can differ from vestigate all residencia Another couple, who the Olin “Other gestors are means to region. cations in Alicante made not to be named, told been adding: as part region complialso being brought in 2021. She added that the ive Press how they had went to of an ongoing investigation cated application process is It comes after ‘widespread questioned when they TIE applications.” expats vulnerable to fraud’ was allegedly detected collect their TIE cards.a room, into spokesman told the leaving in over 22 Britons attempting “We were taken into told to A policePress: “All residen- unscrupulous gestors. when to become resident here. read our rights and padron Oliveapplications from every “One would expect that for elderly cia why our 2021 This week a number of be you turn to a professionaland explain show a gestor in the province will pay the money expats described the situation had been doctored to in case of possi- help, you but as ‘humiliating’ and ‘hellish’, get professional adviceabout 2020 date - it was hell.” used investigated quesconnections.” after they were held for we hear lots of stories wrong All those detained hadgestor ble caution. a tioning under people being given the being One Way Services, process how Money They told the Olive Press Islands and Natural Cosmetics information or even into based in Quesada to AlicanAloe from the Canary they were carted to grilled their applications - including All fraudulent submissions exploited and landing qualified so-called appliby te police station and with padron. trouble the insisted will be cancelled about falsifying documents Owner Matt Smith but the cants given the right to ap- gestors,” she warned. card pasubmitted with their TIE “This case of fraudulent that his is anything to be peal. appeal drons being submitted is applications. only gestor business “The outcome of the no means “We were wrongly arrested dragged into the investigation will be either ‘you now have shocking but it’s by for submitting fake padrons, “Nobody has been arrested, residencia’ or ‘you have 15 isolated.” cor(until 30 June) even though we put the that is a fact,” he insisted, days to leave Spain’, they paperour affectwith in been rect ones If you have said. Press ed in a similar way by A source told the Olive Calle Perez Pujol 3, this, or any other gestor, that a court date in Torrevieja as ev- please get in touch with Valencia center has yet to be confirmed, us on newsdesk@theo See page 15 idence is still being gathered. Monday - Saturday livepress.es Anne Hernandez of Brexpats a lack 10.00-20.00 Opinion Page 6 in Spain warned that of clear national guidelines
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The conspiracy theorists getting a grip on the costas
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Vol. 14 Issue 356 www.theolivepr ess.es November 11th - November
24th 2020
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POLICE launched an emergency protocol - early hours dubbed ‘Operation Hell’ - after over a dozen cars were set ablaze late on Saturday night. Residents woke up in fear as flames lit up the streets girola when a man set of Fuenfire to 15 cars in his wanton orgy of destruction. The Spaniard, 38, was arrested after targeting vehicles, while also breaking the COVID curfew. Security cameras identified him after following him driving around leaving the blazing wreckage. One block of apartments in Avenida Miramar was scorched by a line of eight burning vehicles. Firefighters were called cident at 3.20am and to the inwere able to stop the flames spreading to the building. On arriving at the scene, police received four more fires nearby, includingreports of in one street and a car four cars ramar shopping centre. at the Mi-
HOME by 10pm and restaurants and bars closed by 6pm. These are just some of the tougher coronavirus restrictions which came into force for most of Andalucia last night. Expats however, were left at where exactly they wereconfused to travel and what they allowed could do during the two week lockdown. In Fuengirola, for example, Press readers questioned Olive were able to go to Iceland if they the N-340, as it sits inside alongside Meanwhile, in Casares Mijas. where there are no shops costa wondered if they could - expats go to the supermarkets in neighbouring Estepona and Manilva.
Tennis
In Granada, a total closure of non-essential businesses, including the hospitality industry, was ordered by the Junta due worse’ coronavirus figures.to ‘much President Juanma Moreno announced the new rules at a press conference on Sunday evening. They will be in force until at least November 23, when a review is BORIS Johnson has assured scheduled. his cabinet that a Brexit withdrawal UK Prime Minister The night time curfew deal optimistic trade 10pm to 7am and everyis now from The is ‘there to be done’. agreement can be reached municipalproposed agreement ity has closed its borders, comes before this amid residents can only leave meaning US signs Joe Biden’s stunning week’s looming deadline election win has or enter if they have a justifiable reason. desire to double down sparked a on negoti- great enthusiast The exceptions include travelling for a trade deal week. for ation with the EU. work, medical or legal with our European friends,” reasons or if The Prime Minister is hoping you are caring for a dependant. said She added: “I to Johnson strike think Boris has supermarkets and hairdressersVets, the a trade deal this week before “I think at the weekend. another uphill struggle it’s there to be done, European are Union’s in beallowed to stay open after reach an agreement ondeadline to broad outlines are pretty clear.”the friending Biden who is vocally anNovember His remarks Outdoor tennis and padel6pm. ti-Brexit but he has to clubs are 16. come as get him on allowed to stay open. it negotiator Michel EU Brex- his side since his partner-in-crime While Olive Press sources Barnier re- is going insist See Olive Press online Biden’s win has injected renewed turned to London on Monday of- House to be leaving the White fering ‘three keys to unlock in January. impetus into the talks, for full list of rules a deal’. “There will be claimed this has always Johnson He is here for a week of ‘intensive’ a deal and Boris will been the talks with his British counter- say they have ‘managed’ to agree it case. with the EU and he will part David forget to “I’ve al- and fishing Frost, with fair trade add the reason being w a y s points up agreements the main led and did another that he buckfor discussion. u-turn.” been a Anne Hernandez But of lobby group by her optimism was tempered a downbeat assessment Brexpats from in Downing Street, with No 10 Spain told the claiming ‘significant differences Olive Press remain’ a deal would Monday.between the two sides on be struck this A spokeswoman added: “ T h e prime
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minister set out that, while some progress had been made discussions, significant in recent es remain in a number differencincluding the so-called of areas, level playing field, and fish.” She said they had agreed negotiating teams wouldthat their ue talks in London this contin‘redouble efforts to reach week to a deal’, adding that they would personal contact about remain ‘in the negotiations.’ Nigel Farage this week blasted the prime minister for failing to secure a withdrawal agreement ahead of the US election results, claiming that Joe Biden ‘hates the UK’.
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In the first official interview on the project, Pedro Godino Martin, who has been the Popular Party mayor in Gaucin since 2011, admitted: “The first thought is, oh yes this could be an interesting project, you think it’s clean energy, alternative, green…” Speaking in his town hall office, he added: “And I’m not against photovoltaics at all, in fact last year we installed panels on the roof save the situation, and that is what we are of the school, atop the medical centre and working on.” on the water plant. The idea of generatSome residents fear that the project hering your own electricity is a good one. We alds the start of a scheme that will see want to encourage sustainability. much of Spain’s brownfield sites - which “But this crazy idea of a macro project, a includes these sort of ancient pastures mega park that covers the countryside in paved over in solar farms as energy companels, which is going to have an impact panies clamour to buy up the best sites. on the whole area. Absolutely not!” “It’s happening by stealth, with a small He is also the first to admit that the town is project here and another in the next heavily reliant on tourism (a key driver for town but before you know it they will all the local economy) and the views it offers be linked up together with power lines are one of its great selling points. Labeled criss-crossing southern Spain,” said one as ‘the Balcony of the Serrania de Ronda’ British resident in Gaucin. the town attracts big-spending tourists. “There is a very real fear “The entire industry is based that Spain is being carved on tourism, the holiday rentup by energy companies als and the visitors of course As many as 53 in a speculation frenzy. It’s but also the residential toursolar projects colonization of the sunny ism that comes with high pursouth to fuel northern Euchasing power. It fuels conare currently rope.” struction, the service industry in the town. It’s all wrapped in the planning In fact four projects are currently planned within the up in the unspoilt location.” pipeline neighbouring municipali“People buy property here, ties of Gaucin, Jimena de they build or refurbish housla Frontera, San Martín del es. But if this sort of project Tesorillo and Casares, which totals over is installed, these people will leave and 2,200 hectares. others will come, take one look and not The Silvema Ecologistas en Acción ascome back.” sociation says it is aware that there are “They are selling us the idea that this type currently 53 projects of this type on the of project provides employment, but it table in the region including Cañete La doesn’t. They’ll use people they need to Real, Almargen, Teba and Cuevas del set it up but when it’s up and running it Becerro, and mega parks planned in the just requires two or three to keep it going Guadalhorce valley affecting Coin as well and that’s it.” as Antequera. The mayor admits though that it is not an "There is no regulation and no restriction easy fight: “We can’t just say no for the from the Junta de Andalucía or the govsake of not wanting it. Under the current ernment in Madrid," the group warns. regulations the land they have earmarked for the project is compatible from an urAdditional reporting by Elena Gocmen ban planning point of view. We have to Rueda. study the environmental impact to try and
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The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: British woman found dead beside Spanish 1 -pilot partner in suspected murder suicide in Madrid suburb tweaks its Covid-19 entry re2 - Gibraltar quirements from this Sunday Tourism reboot: Huge surge in flight 3 -bookings to Spain’s Costa del Sol for summer holidays Explained: Spain’s new entry rules for 4 -vaccinated or Covid-19 immune travellers - Breaking: Appointments for second 5 Astrazeneca covid shot cancelled for residents aged 60 to 65 in Spain’s Valencia region
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female archaeologist on staff at the British Museum in London. “To think that all this will be carpeted over in solar panels,” she gestures with a sweeping arm across a landscape where the ancient stones of a Roman road are still visible. While some farmers have already said they are happy to lease their land for the project, others are dead against it. Take Cristobal, as an example. His family has grazed cattle on the pastures around Jimena for centuries. He insists it is a false economy. “They promise big bucks and people will take it, but then what will they have? Our livelihood will be ruined and in 20 years when the lease expires, there will be nothing but desert left. What will we leave for future generations?” The mayor of Gaucin told the Olive Press he is preparing to fight the project.
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FIGHTERS: Jean Brown Sassoon (above) and Caroline Guillick (bottom right) have joined the battle to save the stunning countryside
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Oil not be back PETROCHEMICAL giant Repsol will stop extracting oil in Spain this month as it responds to new green laws. This decision puts an end to 60 years of oil production in the country. The company, along with its competitor Cepsa, has decided to end its oil activity on the Casablanca platform, located off the coast of the Ebro delta in Catalonia. According to the Spanish media elEconomista.es, this site could ‘continue to operate until 2038’, but Repsol must meet the requirements of the ecological transition law adopted by Spain in mid-May. In line with the European Union's expectations, the law is aimed at enabling the country to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, in particular by banning the sale of fossil fuel vehicles by 2040. Oil has been extracted in Spain since a well in Ayoluengo (Burgos) first opened 60 years ago. Annual production from the Casablanca platform is worth about €4 million in cash terms, but is worth far more to the local economy when transport, logistics and supplies for the facility are factored in. From now on, Spain will have to rely totally on oil imports. “The Spanish oil sector considers that oil consumption will never return to the pre-crisis levels of 2008 due to the greater efficiency of the car fleet and the gradual electrification of transport,” concludes Economiste.
June 18th - July 1st 2021
It is time to enforce strict laws on littering, says Martin Tye
T
HE title of Blur’s seminal 1993 album Modern Life is Rubbish is a title that sadly reflects today’s throwaway culture. Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues around the world as the rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Asian and African nations are among the worst offenders where rubbish collection systems are either non-existent or inefficient. BUT WHAT EXCUSES DO WE HAVE HERE IN SPAIN?
Litter has a negative effect on everything. The main cause of littering is laziness and carelessness, combined with the belief that there is no consequence for littering. Most alarmingly, research shows that the under 30s are 100% Certified Green Energy more likely to litter than older people. But why is it so bad?
Green matters
By Martin Tye
Modern life is rubbish!
Litter causes pollution, it kills wildlife. It facilitates the spread of disease. An amazing 54% of litter comes from motorists, while 44% of plastic litter comes from take away food and drinks. Single use bottles, food containers and plastic bags make up the biggest share. Dr Carmen Morales of the University of Cadiz wrote this week: “We find plastics in rivers, on the deep seabed, on shorelines and floating all around the Spanish coasts.” I believe the root cause of this problem is lack of education and lenient law enforcement. It’s time to impose strict laws and regulations. Both businesses and individuals are more likely to follow laws when there are serious legal or financial consequences. Call me old fashioned, but I would rather live in a clean, healthy environment!
Martin Tye is the owner of energy switch copany Mariposa Energia. Email him at martin@mariposaenergia.es
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MORE than 200 companies and organisations took part in a virtual meeting to discuss sustainable food packaging and the ever-growing problem of single-use plastics. The professionals debated the latest innovations in the field and current strategies to combine efficient packaging with sustainability, with the focus on recycling. High on the agenda was the Residue Law, the first draft of which was recently passed by the Spanish government. This piece of legislation is aimed at promoting the circular economy, boosting recycling and drastically reducing waste generation, plus restoring polluted areas and eliminating all traces of asbestos still found in towns and cities throughout the country. A new taxation system on single-use containers and plastics will be set up to make sure ‘who pollutes, pays’, with bonuses for rubbish separation, a drive to cut food wastage, and banning retailers from destroying non-perishable, unsold goods such as toys, clothes and electronic devices. The different requirements of the law, if it is finally passed, will be introduced gradually over the next few years. Speakers at the virtual meeting highlighted the problems faced by producers when it comes to meeting European standards, including a lack of EU and national guidelines for the manufacture of 100% recyclable packaging.
Fire alert SPAIN faces a summer of forest fires with a scorching dry season predicted as climate change starts to take effect. This is the warning from Spain’s National Weather Agency, which has just published its forecast report for the summer of 2021. Last year, Spain broke a heat record with an average of 23.9º C (one degree above the average) and two heat waves. Hottest spot was the municipality of Hondarribia (Basque Country) where temperatures hit a peak of 42.2º C on July 30. Heat waves, lack of rain and dry land are a fatal cocktail for Spanish forests.
LA CULTURA
Strings to her bow
MARIA Dueñas has just won first prize in the prestigious Menuhin Competition. The 18-year-old violinist from Granada played three pieces by Witold Lutoslawski, Mozart, and Edouard Lalo) to take top spot at the contest in Richmond, Virginia (USA). The international competition named after the great violinist Yehudi Menuhin aims to reward young talent. Dueñas has already performed in major European venues, alongside groups such as the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and the Luxembourg Philharmonic. The Spanish musician will receive $20,000 (€16,400) and the loan of a Stradivarius for two years.
June 18th - July 1st 2021
The Missing Sister
Domingo’s T return
by Lucinda Riley
he Missing Sister is the final instalment of The Seven Sisters series by bestselling author Lucinda Riley who sadly passed away on the 11th June. Following the death of their beloved adoptive father, billionaire Pa Salt, the six D’Aplièse sisters undertook their own incredible quests to unearth their history and heritage armed with the clues their father left them. However, there is one secret left to solve - the identity and location of their missing seventh sister. Their journey will take them around the world from New Zealand to Canada, France to Ireland, and in their search, they will uncover a story of love and sacrifice that is heart-wrenching, uplifting and utterly compelling.
Disgraced opera singer gets a mixed reaction to Madrid concert
TENOR Placido Domingo received a standing ovation at the end of his first concert in his native Spain for 18 months. The singing star's career stuttered to a halt in 2019 in the wake of allegations over sexual misbehaviour towards women. Domingo, aged 80, performed at a charity event in aid of the Cruz Roja at Madrid’s National Auditorium. His previous Spanish appearance was at Valencia's Palau de Les Arts in December 2019 as a cast member in the opera, Nabucco. President of the Community
PALMA Jazz Festival is to make a return this July after being cancelled in February due to the pandemic. A total of 15 concerts will take place from July 2 - 11, in a variety of locations including what are considered some of the main cultural spaces of the city: the Teatre Principal, Can Balaguer, and Castell de Bellver. Opening the festival is saxophonist Perico Sambeat, playing a compilation of songs from his album, Perico Sambeat Plays Zappa. Other artists playing at the festival include: Pep Garau Sexteto, Muriel Grossmann, and Abe Rabade Trio, amongst many others. The councillor of Culture and Social Welfare,
of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, said: “It is a source of pride that Placido Domingo has returned home and pride that he is amongst us.” But Spain’s Equality Minister, Irene Montero, attacked the audience who applauded Domingo. In a social media posting Montero said: “I would like them to ask themselves what kind of a message are they sending to those women (who accused Domingo) and to those who are sexually assaulted every day in our country.” The opera singer was accused
Jazzed up Antoni Noguera, commented: “We support music by maintaining the most important cultural programs and economically boosting both creators and music venues.”
OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Solitary (4) 8 Character prominent in 4 Down, maybe (7) 9 Locked (6,2) 10 Seizures (4) 11 Cuddle while facing the same way (5) 12 Awash (7) 14 Further on (2,5) 16 Advanced slowly (5) 18 Stern-visaged (4) 20 Pencil filler (8) 21 Cheap jewellery (7) 22 Large tear (4)
Down
OP Sudoku
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1 Shirley’s good ship (8) 2 You won’t like comics if you don’t have one (5,2,6) 3 Bag carrier, of course (5) 4 Unquestionable truth (6) 5 English china (13) 6 Leg ends? (4) 12 Nourished (3) 13 Wielding (8) 15 Financial backers (6) 17 Scapegoat (5) 19 Holds up (4)
All solutions are on page 14
I’M BACK: Scandal hit Domingo of sexual misconduct by eight women nearly two years ago. That grew to over three dozen female performers and backstage staff who were mentioned in a report published by the American Guild of Music artists. Most of the victims preferred to stay anonymous but accused Domingo of ‘unwanted touching’ and attempts to kiss them on the lips. Soprano, Angela Turner Wilson, said that Domingo entered her dressing room before a performance and touched her breasts leaving her ‘stunned and humiliated’. No charges have ever been brought against the singer but he apologised for making his female colleagues ‘uncomfortable’ and he denied any ‘aggressive’ behaviour.
€19.90 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es
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LA CULTURA Hidden beauties
PAIN counts amongst its architectural gems some of the most beautiful villages in Europe - if not the world. There are so many memorable hamlets and quaint villages in the country that it is almost impossible to rank them. But one organisation has at least recognised them and added 10 more to its list of
June 18th - July 1st 2021
‘must see’ pueblos. The Association Los Pueblos Mas Bonitos de España (The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain) announced the names of these charming and offthe-beaten-track Spanish villages that are perfect places to visit in 2021. Since 2011 the list has grown to include over 100 of the country’s most picture-perfect villages and in less than a decade has be-
come a reference point of distinction and quality both nationally and internationally. To make the cut, towns must have a population of under 15,000 with notable architectural or cultural
heritage, programmed cultural activities, attention to traditions and green areas, among other criteria. From white-washed hilltop villages in Andalucia to medieval walled towns where
10 of the dreamiest villages in Spain to visit in 2021 the streets are lined with millions of mosaic tiles, the Olive Press takes a look
at the pretty pueblos that have been added to the list this year.
Agulo (La Gomera) Agulo is one of the smallest and oldest towns of La Gomera, nestled in a natural depression, the old village is one of the best preserved and most beautiful of the Canary Islands. Historically, it was one of the most prosperous municipalities of the island, being the first to have drinking water and electricity. The picturesque town faces the ocean, lined with beautiful streets and surrounded by charming trails, it also boasts stunning views to the neighbouring island of Tenerife.
Cudillero (Asturias)
A
n enchanting fishing village on the coast of Asturias, Spain. The entire village is cosily nestled within a small bay. Its picturesque and colourful houses make it one of the most famous, admired and photographed fishing towns in northern Spain, Spread out along the coast are sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs, this picture-perfect fishing village also boasts some of the best Asturian seafood.
Baños de la Encina (Jaen)
Located at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountains, the town’s main monument is the Caliphate Fortress, built in 968, which witnessed the battles between
Muslims and Christians. The village centre was declared a Historic Artistic Site in 1969 and the area, surrounded by Holm Oak trees, umbrella pines
and bushes together with a number of species of wild animals which inhabit the area, has earned Baños de la Encina popularity with nature lovers.
LA CULTURA
June 18th - July 1st 2021
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Nuevo Baztan (Madrid)
T
his interesting town, 50 kilometers from Madrid, was founded in the beginning of the 18th century by Juan of Goyeneche as a dwelling for the workers of a glass factory. It consists of a small historic centre and modern housing estates. The city was declared a Historic and Artistic Monument in 1941 and in 2000, it was declared a Cultural Heritage Monument.
Genalguacil (Malaga) Genalguacil is located in the Genal Valley, in the heart of the Serrania de Ronda, hidden a few kilometers from the Costa del Sol. With little more than 500 inhabitants, its Arab heritage, intermingled with the predominant white of the houses in the village, together with the green of holm oaks and cork oaks, makes this small paradise one of the most beautiful and unique towns of Andalucia.
T
his picture-postcard village is located at the beginning of the river Llierca. A village with no more than 20 inhabitants, the medieval stone buildings remain frozen in time and the ex-
Beget (Girona) treme care of its buildings and surroundings has allowed its heritage to survive over the centuries, becoming the most beautiful village in Spain.
Roncal (Navarra)
Bulnes (Asturias)
T
he lovely, remote village of Bulnes in Spain’s green Asturias, is not only one of the smallest villages in Spain, but it is also one of the most beautiful. With just under 30 inhabitants, this remote village is unusually challenging to get to, at 650 metres (2,133 feet) up in the rugged Picos de Europa mountains, it is only accessible via a tramway that was tunnelled in from the nearby village of Poncebos, footpaths and donkey trails.
S
urrounded by rounded mountain ranges, the town is best known for being part of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James). Located below Monte Irago, this town, declared an Artistic and Historic Site in 1975,
Molinaseca (Leon) boasts a rich, medieval past. One of its main attractions is the Roman Bridge, also known as the Pilgrims’ Bridge, which reaches the Santo Cristo Cross.
N
avarra’s most spectacular mountain area is around Roncal, a town located in the middle of the Navarrese Pyrenees. It is completely paved and has several beautiful points, such as the church of San Esteban or the mausoleum to the tenor Julián Gayarre, made by the sculptor Benlliure.
Valverde de la Vera (Caceres) A beautiful place to enjoy and relax surrounded by nature, with water being the main element. In fact, watering holes and small channels still flow to the doors of the houses and are used for irrigation and even for cleaning. Crystal-clear natural swimming pools formed from water falls from the Tormantos and Gredos mountain ranges abound in the area, as do nature trails making it a hikers paradise.
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BUSINESS
Data push
AMAZON is going to invest €2.5 billion in new data centres in the northern region of Aragon. The first facility will open in the middle of next year, with the cloud computing service unit of Amazon, Amazon Web Services, pumping in the money over the next decade. The investment includes capital expenditure, the construction of the centres, imports of equipment and operating expenses like the salaries of the 1,300 employees that will be hired. Amazon Web Services has had a presence in Spain since 2012 and is building more infrastructure to be able to host data in Spain for its customers who require it.
Pirate jailed A WOMAN has been jailed for six months for using pirated versions of Windows and Microsoft Office on two of her cybercafe computers. The woman, who owns a computer access centre in Madrid, was caught in November 2017. The police had discovered that two of the eight computers available in the cybercafé held a pirated version of the software. In addition to jail and a fine, the woman will also have to pay Microsoft for the cost of two licences.
June 18th - July 1st 2021
REGIONS in Spain have been given the freedom to decide their own coronavirus control measures for bars, restaurants and clubs. Since Saturday the hospitality sector will no longer have to answer to Madrid but will instead follow plans decided by their regional government. The Ministry of Health and Spain’s regions unanimously agreed a proposal for devolved power on Wednesday, June 9. At the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS) the Ministry of Health brandished the ‘white flag’ and said that any national limitations
Life of the party
on the sectors. The last-minute U-turn by Carolina Darias’ department came as a surprise to many after the Ministry previously slammed the hospitality restrictions as ‘non-negotiable’. In the original draft proposal, published on Monday, the Ministry had already removed controversial national restrictions on bars and restaurants after the ‘rebellion’ of several territories including Madrid,
Looking up SPAIN has just experienced its best May in terms of employment for three years. With 19.26 million people in work, it has returned to the level of activity observed before the pandemic. The recovery should accelerate with the arrival
the Basque Country, Castilla y León, Galicia, Murcia, Catalunya, La Rioja, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalucía and Melilla. However, the department continued to insist that nightclubs had to close at 2am and, only in exceptional circumstances, 3am. But that text has also been removed and as of tomorrow no national measures will be imposed on the hospitality sector by the Ministry of Health. COVID restrictions including opening hours, capacity limits and social distancing will now be in the hands of the individual regions.
Spain’s economic comeback gathers pace By Nickacia Forrester
of summer, the return of tourism and the progress of vaccination, according
to Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez. He said: “Vaccination is the best economic policy, and we are verifying it.” The hotel industry, which is starting its tourist season, and agriculture, which is beginning its fruit harvest, are the two sectors that are currently recruiting the most.
Jobs
Unemployment is down this month with 3.78 million Spaniards looking for work. According to the Spanish Social Security, 542,142 people are still on shorttime working, waiting to return to their jobs. There were more than 600,000 at the beginning of May and almost a million at the height of the health crisis. Experts estimate that this figure will continue to fall gradually.
Hotel expansion A SMALL Spanish hotel operator founded in 2019 has linked up with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to develop 20 hotels across key holiday destinations. Mallorca-based Smy Hotels has two hotels in Spain out of its 10-strong portfolio, which also takes in Italy, Greece, and Tunisia. The Wyndham agreement means that 20 hotels will be branded under the company name but be run by Smy in Spain, Portugal and Italy over the next decade. The global company will support Smy Hotels’ aim to attract more small hotel own-
ers in urban and coastal destinations to sign up to the new group. Ovidio Andres, founder of Smy Hotels, said: “ In a region with a plethora of small owners and brands, Smy Hotels serves as an alternative for those who want to entrust the management of their properties to a company with a strong digital DNA and expertise in improving the profitability of hotel establishments. “Working with Wyndham will help position Smy Hotels for independent hotel owners who want to be affiliated with a globally-recognised brand.”
THE RIGHT CAR INSURANCE BACK ON THE ROAD
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17:01
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
June 18th - July 1st 2021
13
Lovely bubbly
QUALITY: Good times in Malaga
The high life
PALMA is behind mainland cities when it comes to quality of life. It was beaten by Malaga, Valencia and Alicante but came above Madrid and Barcelona in a report on the best cities to live in Spain. In a recent survey by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), 15 of Spain’s largest cities were compared, including everything from cost of living to education and health services, leisure, culture, employment and more. Coming out on top was the Galician city of Vigo, with 70%, scoring highly in safety, cleanliness, education, environment and pollution - an all round favourite place to live. Just behind Vigo is Zaragoza and Bilbao at 69%. Sitting in the middle is Malaga, with 66%, followed by Valencia (65%) and Alicante (64%), with an average score across the board. Slipping into the 50s is Murcia, Palma and Barcelona, with Madrid sitting in last place. Palma, specifically, was called out for its low education offer, while Barcelona and Madrid were seen as the worst cities for pollution.
A NEW set of regulations is set to help a Spanish region corner the market in ecological cava. The Utiel-Requena inland area of Valencia has long been a world-class denomination for wines rivalling even La Rioja – and for the area cava is the name of the game. Requena is said to be the heart of Valencian cava and the leading producer in Spain of ecological varieties of the famous fizzy wines. There are currently 4,000 hectares of vineyards in the area dedicated to producing the white grapes for cava – 10% of
Requena set to become a prime producer of the highest category of sparkling wines in the country By Glenn Wickman
the total surface in Spain. One third of all bottles of DO Cava produced in the Valencian town boast the Eco label, and over 20% of Spain’s total ecological cava production comes from there. Only grapes grown within the town’s limits can be used to
PAELLA could become a UNESCO heritage asset if the Valencian government gets its way. An official application process has begun via a declaration in the region's State Bulletin to apply for Valencian paella to be classified as a 'World Intangible Heritage Asset'. The proclamation states: “Paella is the epicentre of the Valencian culinary tradition and the backbone of it; this, together with its preparation process and its cultural relevance in Spain, has turned it into one of the most prestigious global brands.” Valencian paella has its own ingredients and
Getting an education InterHigh: The alternative and effective online schooling solution
E
DUCATION is one of the biggest factors in children’s lives, particularly in terms of the outcomes, decisions and opportunities it can present throughout their lifetime. While relocating to another part of the world brings its own challenges in many areas, it’s vital that children’s learning isn’t disrupted, and that school environments and teaching are high-quality and supportive. While many international schools are equipped with the resource, expertise, and skills to support these children, there is an alternative and effective option that expat families can, and should, consider. InterHigh is a leading independent British international online school. Founded in 2005, it offers primary, secondary and sixth form education for students aged 7 – 19. The online school is centered on personalised and immersive learning as well as fostering 21st century skills
including empathy, resilience, international mindedness, and digital literacy. When we consider what international families look for in a school, we can probably summarise as ‘a British curriculum delivered by British teachers, with the highest quality standards and pass marks in a broad range of subjects.’ This is precisely what InterHigh delivers - from exceptionally engaging virtual experiences for young people, through to accessible and quality live face-to-face and recorded lessons from anywhere in the world. Lessons are designed and optimised for online learning and are taught by fully qualified and experienced UK teachers. Combined with a proven educational model and innovative delivery, InterHigh deploys eye-opening technology that brings lessons to life and increases engagement with new concepts. The school offers iGSCEs, A Levels and follows the UK Independent School standards.
create the DO Cava fizzy wines, and a new series of criteria set to be introduced by the Spanish regulating authorities are expected to further boost the reputation and sales of the Valencian variety. Once approved, champagne-style fizzy wine will be classified into four different categories depending on the aging period – namely guarda and
Paella heritage
characteristics. It is normally cooked with seafood (prawns and mussels) or meat (chicken, rabbit, pork ribs, snails). The supporting ingredients, besides the rice, are tomatoes (peeled and grated), paprika, rosemary, saffron, garlic and various types of bean or sometimes artichoke. It became popular when rice was a staple dish of many poor people and all kinds of ingredients were lumped into a pot to produce a hearty meal.
Some students who use InterHigh are full-time, while others only use the service for a few months while travelling abroad. It can also be used by international schools as a way to bolster their offering and provide students with greater opportunities to study specific subjects that may not otherwise be available to them. With over 16 years’ experience, InterHigh fosters a sense of school community and belonging. In addition to academic opportunities by highly experienced staff, students can socialise safely and securely through the school’s own social platforms and have access to 1:1 guidance and wellbeing support. Parents and mentors also have 24-hour access to attendance data, reports, and communications through its virtual platform. Graduates go on to study at UK and international universities and secure fulfilling careers in many industry sectors. Exam results are outstanding for a non-selective online school, showcasing its commitment to learning. Many InterHigh students are active in sports and the arts, with some managing professional acting and athletic careers, demonstrating InterHigh’s ability to provide flexible learning opportunities around these commitments. Enrolling a child into InterHigh will ensure that they have continuity, stability, and flexibility.
To discover more, or to discuss admissions and study options, visit: www.interhigh.co.uk
The UK’s Leading Online School interhigh.co.uk The Olive Press -16, 17 and 18 Jun --- 1/3 Page - 256 mm w x 105 mm h --- (all editions except Gib)
QUALITY: Juicy grapes three types of guarda superior. In order to qualify for guarda superior, the product must be made with ecological grapes, which has been the focus of Requena’s cava production over recent years. The area’s low humidity, good altitude and thermic differences between day and night – which prevent the spread of most pests and infections – make it very easy for Requena to adapt to the new regulations when they come into force by 2025.
Amber for go ONE in five people and a third of 18 to 24s in the UK are considering a holiday to amber list countries including Spain. This is despite strict quarantine and testing rules for their return home, according to a report by Survation. PCR tests cost up to £120 (€149) but it seems many people feel it is a price worth paying, although the 10-day quarantine remains a bigger hurdle for some. Travel agents are calling for ministers to allow people who have had both doses of vaccine to travel to amber countries without testing or quarantine, although the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock remains against the matter. He told MPs: “Restoring international travel in the medium term is incredibly important. “It is going to be challenging and hard because of the risk of new variants.” The traffic light list will be reassesed on June 24.
COLUMNISTS
June 18th - July 1st 2021
Back on the I paper round
HAVE an identity crisis. It seems I am both saint and sinner. In a previous missive to the letters page, a reader praised me for raising a laugh in these troubled times. In the last issue I was accused of 'insulting' the Spanish health Service and told to leave the country. This criticism was based on my article, 'V-Day Virgins' which was first published in February this year, prior to a vaccination programme, and inadvertently recently resurrected. I have to say that after serving my writing rubbish apprenticeship of around 60 years in this business, it was a huge compliment to be taken seriously and elevated to the dizzy heights of a professional and controversial, news-gatherer. So muchas gracias Christina! Encouraged by this revelation, this week I will continue with my newly-found talent and touch on the delicate subject of race relations. Just read that Spain’s postal service has introduced skin-tone stamps to fight racism — and make the whitest one the most valuable. BLM critics were quick to react by accusing the post office of tone-deafness, and a lack of diversity. I also understand that the game of chess is under critical review. Traditionally, the first mover in chess has always been re-
Many are called, but few deliver – as Giles Brown climbs into his trusty 4x4 for Olive Press D-day
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HILE the boffins in the economic think tanks point to various trends, graphs and assorted factors that life in Spain is returning to normal, the clearest indication that the worst days of the pandemic were behind us was when I got the call from Olive Press HQ that they needed my services to once again help deliver the newspaper. Always one to rise to a challenge, I girded my loins – and after over a year they needed some girding, I can tell you – and trundled off in my (relatively trusty) Landcruiser to the distribution point. A few things struck on my day delivering. The first one was that you can forget CrossFit. Stacking, walking around various locations with bundles of newsprint and then leaping back up into the 4x4 is excellent cardio. Especially when you are doing it in a mask. Another was seeing some old and familiar faces, either serving coffees behind the bar, doing up the premises or, in the case of one, old school Spanish hotel re-
GILES: Stand and deliver ceptionist, seemingly not to have moved at all from his seat behind the desk since the pandemic began. Although a few of the businesses have changed hands, I finished my day with the distinct impression that most of them were still standing and in relatively good health. They may have the thousand year stare of those that have gone through ‘interesting times’ – but to be honest that was my default facial expression before lockdown. Finally, even at 50-something I also realised that I was actually having fun with my paper round, although my knees didn’t thank me the next day….
Saint or sinner?
OL D HA CK IN TH E SU N Benny Davi s
Ramblings of an 80-someth ing expat
Benny finds himself in the midst of an identity crisis ferred to as 'White', and the second, 'Black'. Again, equality organisations have stated their opinions at this rule. Obviously, these are important issues that need to be resolved to the satisfaction of all involved. But I would like to draw your attention to the victim of a colour conundrum that has been around for over four million years, but never made the headlines, and has no one fighting for its right of identity – the African Zebra. The timeless question has always been, are the animals black with white stripes, or white with black stripes? As a direct result of this life-long identity crisis, the zebra has become mentally unstable and both humans and other animals are liable to vicious attacks if they wander too close. To complicate matters further, baby zebras are born brown and white. No wonder they have been described as the most schizophrenic wild animal on the planet – apart from myself, of course!
Give us the green light
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HAT a kick in the teeth the announcement was that the Balearics didn’t make it on to the Green list and even Portugal was relegated to Amber! If I was ever in doubt that gov-
Distribution wizard The Olive Press is looking for a magician to distribute our amazing newspapers in Mallorca. You’ll be an energetic, resourceful individual, with a sound knowledge of how to get around Mallorca or at least a smart phone and some physical strength. At this point we are looking for a Spanish or UK citizen once every other Friday. If you think you have what it takes to help the Olive Press expand to the next level please get in touch with accounts@theolivepress.es, sending your CV and a covering letter. This job would be a part time job and will suit either man or woman of any age or colour or background.
Millions of jobs at stake in what seems a flexing of governmental power
Terenia Taras
Telling it like it is
ernments were flexing their Well that must please the peocontrol and power over peo- ple who voted for Brexit, but I uled to open will now remain ples’ lives a little too zealously wonder if those are the same closed until early July, forcing at times, this unsupported poli- people who would love to thousands of workers to stay cy decision confirmed it. have a couple of weeks in the on ERTE. Despite the vast improvement sun, sipping on a sangria and Again the British government in the COVID situation in most cheering the fact that we’re doesn't seem to care. But how countries with coming through long is the public going to revaccinations well the other side of main passive when it will affect underway, in the pandemic, them directly? Try to enjoy a particular in the simply because And it goes much deeper than UK, the powers they have the the need to support these insoggy stay in that be still won’t freedom to trav- dustries and businesses. It’s the UK rather allow us the freeel and enjoy life about returning our freedoms dom to travel. than a Spanish again. And why to have the common sense to One conclusion is wanting a hol- make our own decisions and hotspot is the UK Goviday after such a handing back the responsibility ernment wants horrendous time to safeguard our own wellbeing. to force people such a selfish This can and is being achieved to have a staycation in Britain, desire? by having the vaccine, continuand not a real vacation abroad! It’s not simply about people en- ing to practice social distancing Perhaps they realise that they joying a holiday, it’s essential for where possible, wearing face have one more summer for people’s livelihoods. The travel masks in confined or populated parents to book into extor- industry is still at the back of places and regularly washing tionate hotels and try to en- the queue when it comes to your hands and using hand joy a soggy stay in the UK, government acsanitisers. This rather than people making a knowledgement is all we can do mass exodus to a European that they are in until this virus It’s about holiday hotspot. a dire situation disappears, or at I get that they need to claw and if the trafleast no longer returning our back as much revenue to try fic light system such a threat. freedoms to and salvage the economy doesn’t change Like so many and therefore don’t want in their favour have common people I want to to encourage people to soon,the indussee my family sense spend their money in other try will be in an and friends and countries, but we’ve all had unsustainable that means beenough of being told what situation. ing able to travel we can and can’t do. That’s millions of people who freely again. So Boris, please Sadly this is yet another result will be out of a job, including give us some credit for followof Brexit where it’s becoming everyone from airport baggage ing the rules and restrictions for apparent that the UK stands handlers to huge hotel groups. so long and allow us the Green alone as their vaccine roll-out The UK Government’s decision light to a normal life. proves, because from the out- to keep the Balearic Islands on YOU CAN FOLLOW ME side it looks very much like a the Amber list meant more than case of, ‘we’re alright Jack’. 100 hotels in Mallorca sched@tereniataras
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SUDOKU
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HEALTH Visitor’s vaccines
Immunity hope
EVEN suffering a mild case of COVID-19 can give long term protection against the virus. One study has shown for the first time that people with a mild infection produce a type of immune cell capable of making antibodies against the coronavirus for the rest of their lives. An observation in people infected with SAR-CoV-2 showed that their antibody levels begin to decline after four months. The key is whether the patient has developed a full immune response, creating memory white blood cells capable of eliminating and remembering the virus months or even years after the first infection. The new paper published in Nature looks at 77 patients who had mild to moderate disease. In most cases, they found that antibodies decline sharply after four months, but then the decline is more gradual and the molecules are still present up to 11 months after infection.
Spanish region showing the way in COVID jabs for longstay tourists
TOURISM bosses around Spain are looking at Valencia's scheme to vaccinate tourists. Even though they are not covered by the Spanish National Health system, the region has decided to offer COVID jabs to long-stay visitors. Now Catalunya and other Spanish regions are studying the plan to see if it should fol-
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COVID passport launched BALEARES residents can now download the new EU Digital COVID certificate. The document has been approved between all 27 European Union countries to allow the free movement of people across all member nations. All EU states can issue the certificate which will be fully operational from July 1. The certificate is seen as crucial in restoring normal travel, including tourism, between the EU member states. Residents can get the certificate by inputting their SIP card number into the regional health authority website. The certificates are in Spanish, English, and also Valenciano in the Valencian region. There are three options. Firstly, there is a certificate that confirms the number of vaccinations. The second has details of recent PCR or antigen tests. The third choice covers people that have had COVID-19 within 180 days.
Words of warning low suit. The Valencian health service will vaccinate Europeans staying more than a month in the Iberian Peninsula . But those eligible will still have
Honey I vaxxed the kids! SPAIN has drawn up plans to vaccinate secondary school children against COVID-19 before the end of summer. The country’s health minister revealed that pupils between 12 and 17 years old will receive the jab ahead of starting the new school year in September, in a move that could help prevent school closures if infections rise.
June 18th - July 1st 2021
Minister Carolina Darias: “The idea we have is that before the start of the school year, approximately two weeks before, to be able to start this inoculation of our adolescent boys and girls.”Any decision to roll out the vaccine to children in that age group must be ratified by her ministry’s public health commission.
to wait their turn until priority groups established by the government have been given their injections. Cantabria has also shown support for the vaccination of Spanish tourists from other regions, provided that the number of doses delivered is increased. In Catalunya, the regional Ministry of Health is now considering vaccinating Spanish and foreign tourists. But the Spanish Ministry of Health has said that such arrangements “do not fall within the framework of its vaccination strategy” and will depend on the number of doses of vaccines being sufficient.
SPAIN’s top health expert has warned young people not to give up on sanitary measures despite the easing of COVID-19 restriction across the country. The director of Spain’s Centre for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies urged Spain’s youth to be wary of falling ill with the virus, and said catching COVID could result in ‘becoming ill and even passing away’. Fernando Simon said: “May the elderly forgive me, but it is not the same for a 95-yearold person to die than a 20-year-old.” He added: “If the measures are not respected young peo-
ple can get sick and be hospitalised.” The director of the CCAES also warned that masks still had to be worn, but acknowledged wearing masks outdoors could soon be a thing of the past. “Although there could be a suitable situation not to use it outdoors, indoors it is still probably very necessary,” said Simon, who refused to give a specific date for when rules around masks may ease. “It is not possible from today, from tomorrow, no,” he added. Previously Simon had hinted that June would see the removal of masks outdoors.
30% off the total price of glasses from 89 € Including lenses and extras Limited time offer
We’re 10 years old It’s our 10-year anniversary since opening in Mallorca
Santa Ponça Avda. Rei Jaume I, 117 Tel. 871 964 331 Offer ends 3 July 2021. 30% off applies to a complete pair of glasses from the 89 € range or above, including lenses and Extra Options. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Safety eyewear and reglazes are excluded. At participating Specsavers Ópticas stores only. Specsavers España Franchisor S.L. (with VAT number B84536291 and registered office in Pradillo Street 5 Ground floor, 28002, Madrid, Spain) is responsible for this offer. ©2021 Specsavers Ópticas.
Olive Press Mallorca – 170mm x 256mm – Colour
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June 18th
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Hard lesson A GIRL who wanted a good excuse for missing an exam is in trouble after she falsely told police that two men had tried to kidnap her in Fuente de Alamos (Murcia).
Vol. 4 Issue 108 www.theolivepress.es
Your expat
voice in Spain June 18th - July 1st 2021
There’s wally!
Highway robbers TWO speed cameras on the A-7 in Malaga have been named as the ‘best’ in Spain after they caught a combined 83,098 motorists in just one year raking in fines of around €5 million.
MALLORCA
Walrus spotted in Spain, 2,000 miles from his Arctic homeland A WALRUS called Wally has been spotted swimming off the Spanish shore 2,000 miles from his home in the chillier climes of Greenland. He is touring Europe after first being spotted in County Derry, Ireland in March, with experts believing he may have been stranded on a mini iceberg that floated south from his Arctic
Hound found A MIRACLE dog has been rescued alive by firefighters after being run over and becoming trapped in a car bumper in Fuengirola for two days before its howls finally alerted the car owner to its plight.
By Dilip Kuner
homeland. Six days after first being seen he resurfaced in Wales where RSPCA officers were called out to check on him. He was laying at the bottom of a cliff in Pembrokeshire (Wales) then took up residence on an
POLICE have issued dozens of fines to a group of naked hippies who had gathered from across Europe to set up camp in northern Spain. The group came together for a Rainbow Gathering, an annual festival where people shed their clothes, show each other unconditional love and promote a life free of consumerism. This year the community chose a remote corner of the Portilla valley in the Sierra de la Demanda, La Rioja, - but not remote enough for police, it would seem.
SPOTTED: Wally popped up in the river Nervion RNLI lifeboat slipway in Tenby. After being disturbed by sightseers on jet skis and in kayaks – and being shooed off the slipway by RNLI volunteers
Bummer!
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with airhorns and brooms – he moved on to Cornwall for a few days. Since then, Wally has steadily moved south and was spotted in Les Sables d'Olonne in western France. And now he has made himself through the Bay of Biscay and emerged in the mouth of the River Nervion in Bilbao. Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme in March, RSPCA animal rescue officer Ellie West described Wally's case as 'sad'. She said: “It is a very unusual sight. It is quite a sad occurrence because we have to remember that this walrus is a very, very long way from where he should be.
Skirting around the issue MALE teachers in Spain have taken a stand against bullies by wearing skirts to class. Manuel Ortega, 37, and Borja Velaquez, 36, who teach at Virgen de Sacedon school, in Valladolid, swapped their suits for skirts. They took action after after overhearing homophobic slurs directed at a pupil who was wearing a t-shirt featuring an anime character. The pair joined The Clothes Have No Gender (#LaRopaNoTieneGenero) movement and to prove to the students that clothes don’t dictate how they should be treated. The campaign began late last year when Maths teacher Jose Piñas took a stand against the treatment of one of his pupils, who was expelled by his school in Bilbao, and forced to visit a psychologist after wearing a skirt to school.
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