Olive Press Spain Issue 452

‘My

head was exploding’

A YOUNG mum has recalled her horrific ordeal after contracting the West Nile virus.

Melody Sur, 26, from Sevilla, felt her head ‘was exploding’ from headaches, after being bitten by an infected mosquito in Coria del Rio.

The sensation was ‘like having my heart in my brain’ she revealed after she was finally diagnosed following SIX hospital trips over two weeks in agony.

Her words came as Malaga activated its action plan against the deadly virus after infected mosquitoes were found in the Campanillas area and beside the Guadalhorce River.

Suffering

While there have yet to be any recorded cases, the authorities are taking regular inspections of stagnant waters.

The Sevilla mother had first gone to see a doctor on July 29 suffering from severe headaches.

“The doctors asked me if I woke up at night, if the light bothered me, and if the pain was getting worse, and I answered ‘yes’ to everything,” she recalled.

She was eventually hospitalised for five days after developing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), one of the side effects of the disease.

“But I had to go to A&E six times before they believed me. They kept ruling out a mosquito bite, but I was sure it was the cause.”

A trio of people have died from the disease in Coria del Rio this year, two of them who Melody knew personally. There have been a further two deaths nearby.

Something in the Air, page 7

National Day

O P LIVE RESS ANDALUCÍA

The Rock’s inhabitants celebrate their most important day of the year

See page 9

BROKEN DREAMS

Expat ‘facing bankruptcy’ after council blocks the re-opening of his €1.75 million hotel leading to 16 wedding cancellations

AN Irish expat claims he has lost over €1.75 million after his town hall gave ‘constant excuses’ to block his country hotel from re-opening.

Michael Walsh, 40, bought the well established hotel to run alongside his wife and three children, who moved to Malaga four years ago.

He had hoped to re-open charming Finca La Mota, in Alhaurin El Grande, at the end of May.

However, just a week before opening

Expats - all on the run!

JIMMY Carr has claimed most British expats are ‘criminals’, ‘tax evading’ or ‘running away from something’.

“But most of you’ve been here so long I’m sure you can go home now without any problems,” the comic told a soldout audience in Marbella.

He then insisted Brexit wasn’t ‘so bad’. And the UK was ‘flirting again’ with Europe and it would be like ‘getting back with an ex’.

Part of a 45-country global tour, he told the Olive Press backstage that he was ‘con stantly on the move’, having arrived from a gig in Somer set the night before and heading to Mallor ca the following day.

“I’m off to Canada on

Wednesday and have been to places as far and wide as Australia and Japan, where incredibly people understand me,” he insisted.

After maligning Torremolinos, he said he had spent ‘two great weeks’ in Marbella this summer and even showed interest in buying a property in the resort.

It came after an estate agent in the audience shouted out he could help him find a villa.

“I know estate agents are pushy twats but now they’re trying to sell me a home during a show,” he joked. “I might be interested though.”

The 90-minute gig at the Marbella Arena was part of his Laughs Funny tour.

EXCLUSIVE

By Yzabelle Bostyn

he was told it ‘did not have a hotel licence’, despite being run as such for three decades.

“It was just one excuse after another,” he told the Olive Press. “I knew it would take years to fight in court.”

The former Cork hotel owner continued: “They lied the whole way through, it’s absolutely disgraceful. They’ve stopped me from opening my business and it's bankrupting us.”

He claims he has ‘lost the entire summer season’, having to return over €300,000 in cancelled bookings, including 16 weddings, worth €150,000.

He claims the renovation work alone came to €650,000 and added he had to pay 25 employees for a week's work out of his own pocket.

The successful rural hotel and restaurant had formerly been run by American and Dutch owners, who were long-term clients of the Olive Press.

“I cannot understand what has

gone wrong,” said the previous owner this week. “It has always been a popular hotel regularly visited by local politicians to eat. We never had a problem.

“It really makes no sense.”

Walsh claims the hotel licence was first granted by the official Andalucian tourist registry in Sevilla 32 years ago.

Officials from Alhaurin town hall claim, however, the licence is no longer ‘valid’ due to a subsequent bylaw

DREAM: Michael Walsh and family How

complaints’ and warned they would impose a ‘hefty fine’ if he tried to open. As he tries to fight the council alongside his lawyer, he says he is losing at least €5,000 every week to keep the property.

Fight

requiring hotel properties to measure at least 25,000m2. They ignored a clear caveat that overruled this law if a licence was granted before it was introduced, claims Walsh. When he pointed this out to officials, he claims they said there were also ‘noise

“They won’t give us an official refusal and I can’t figure out why the town hall doesn't want 25 extra jobs here. It is because we are expats,” he asked. He has so far had seven meetings with officials and is ‘determined’ to fight, even enlisting support from a European Council lawyer who has approached Spain’s Minister for Tourism.

“I love Spain, I’ve never had any regrets about moving here. Everyone is so welcoming, friendly and we are completely integrated into the community, but this is so unfair,” he added.

Alhaurin town hall failed to reply to numerous phone calls and emails. Neither the local police nor Guardia Civil would comment on alleged noise complaints.

IDYLLIC LOCATION: But Finca La Mota has turned into a red tape nightmare

SPANISH

A BRITISH resident has launched an appeal for big-hearted expats to help get justice for her rugby fan husband who was killed while walking his dog.

Sarah Allwright, from Exeter, is raising funds to cover the costs of the legal claim for husband Martin, who was hit on the head with a garden hoe in Almeria.

The 59-year-old was attacked by a neighbour in Zurgena on August 12, with the expat dying five days later. The assailant allegedly objected to

Scuba

Ibiza villa.

Cruel summer

AUGUST saw jobless figures rise by 22,000 to 2,572,121, while the number of people signed up as workers with the Social Security system fell by 194,000 people to 21,189,402,.

Killed over ‘dog walk row’

cost is huge to me. Any help would be so much appreciated.”

She added that Martin had ‘a great many friends’ and described him as ‘always up for a laugh.’

“Martin was hit on the back of the head with a sharp garden implement,”

Sarah wrote on her Gofundme page.

“He received brain surgery and was in hospital for a week, but sadly lost his life on August 19.

“I am asking for help with this as this

Martin walking his dog ‘too close to his home.’ He was arrested by the Guardia Civil on a charge of attempted homicide with the case now in the hands of an investigating judge. However, the costs of pursuing a separate legal claim of prosecuting the killer will cost Sarah €18,000 with a criminal lawyer demanding €9,000 up front.

“His great passion was Exeter Chiefs rugby and it will be sad that he won't be watching the start of the new season with me,” she added.

Sarah has at the time of print raised €6,145 of the €9,000 target in just nine days, with dozens of people from the local community chipping in.

British Spy claim

‘Undercover agent’ who worked with mafia gangs vows to expose Spanish negligence over London and Madrid terror attacks in extradition case

A BRITISH accountant claims the Spanish authorities are trying to jail him as part of a scheme to catch a Tenerife crime lord.

Paul Blanchard, 79, from York, is facing extradition on charges of money laundering when he worked as a ‘financial advisor’ for criminal gangs between 1999 and 2001.

But Blanchard says things were very different – that he was actually working as an ‘undercover agent’ for Spain’s CGI intelligence services at the time. He told the Olive Press he was feeding them information on both mafia and terrorist gangs – including the IRA, Russian mobsters and Al Qaeda.

EXCLUSIVE

By Walter Finch

That is, until the CGI burned their star man – codename ‘Isabella’ – in 2004 and denied to British cops that he was their agent.

“They basically threw me under the bus and denied all knowledge of me, despite giving them all this evidence at their behest,” he explained.

Blanchard faces an extradition hearing in London next week, at which he claims he will embarrass the Spanish authorities for their negligence.

In particular, he will ‘prove’ how they ignored his vital intelligence that ‘would have

prevented the Madrid and the London 7/7 bombings’.

Some 191 people died in the Madrid train bombings on March 11, 2004 and 52 in the London attacks on July 7, 2005.

Blanchard claimed he was originally recruited by Spanish spooks when he brought them evidence of criminal activity by alleged mob boss Mohamed Derbah in Tenerife. They used this evidence as a star witness to build a case against Derbah, who was reportedly the right-hand man of British mafia don John ‘Goldfinger’ Palm er.

But after their rela tionship broke down in 2004, the authorities realised they had lost Blanchard’s key evidence against Derbah.

Court documents

seen by the Olive Press, accuse a Spanish judge of unlawfully switching Blanchard’s status from ‘witness’ to ‘co-defendant’ in 2007 in order to use his evidence without his cooperation. Prior to that, Blanchard returned to the UK, where he was arrested in 2006 in relation to what he claims was undercover espionage while in Spain. He was advised to plead guilty to passport fraud, laundering £375,000 and trying to steal £4.3m from a London bank and transferring it to Spain. He insisted he had no choice as his lawyers ‘mislaid’ secret recordings that would have exonerated him but have since been found.

Blanchard would later suffer a heart attack in the notorious Belmarsh prison before being released on licence in 2010.

THE body of an expat employee has been found in the pool of the swanky beach club where he worked.

The Peruvian was found bleeding from the mouth and head at Trocadero restaurant in Sotogrande.

Emergency services were called to the restaurant in the early hours of Sunday morning. Staff found the 25 year old, unconscious and bleeding at 6.50am. Despite their efforts, the young man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police told the Olive Press the beach club had been holding a party to mark the end of the summer.

“He was celebrating with his friends after finishing work, we think they had been drinking, when he fell and hit his head and landed in the pool,” said the Guardia Civil spokesman. “We are still working to confirm the cause of death but it looks like a tragic accident.”

FOOD FIGHT!

A WHOPPING 120,000 kilos of tomatoes have been thrown in the Valencian region’s famous tomatina food fight.

A total of 20,000 people, each paying €15 for the privilege, got

splattered in the annual festival, in Buñol.

The overripe fruit came from the province of Castellon before turning the town red with pulp. The event traces its origins to 1945 when an argument during a parade in the town square ended in a food fight.

JUICY: Tons of tomatoes make for a fun but soggy event

Culture vultures

A nationwide heritage night has been called for Spain’s leading 15 cultural hotspots

By Yzabelle Bostyn

FREE theatre, concerts and dance are on offer for a special nationwide ‘Heritage night’.

Some 15 Spanish towns - all with UNESCO protection status - will also be offering guided tours, gourmet markets and gastronomic workshops for one night only. The event on September 14 has been organised to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Cultural Heritage Cities Group (GCPHE). Designed to ‘make

GRACEFUL: British flamenco dancer Yinka Esi

Esi Graves will perform a flamenco-inspired piece, drawing on her experience

come to life’ the cities include Cordoba, Baeza and Ubeda in Andalucia, as well as Avila and Alcala de Henares, near Madrid. British choreographer Yinka in contemporary dance in Cordoba. Other cities offering special

SURPRISE PARTY

PRINCESS Leonor may be used to all the trappings of Royal life, but she had a more down to earth break when she visited the Costa del Sol.

The heir to the Spanish throne dined with six friends at a humble chiringuito beach bar.

Sir Ben robbed

SIR Ben Ainslie, the most decorated sailor in Olympic history, has been robbed of his €20,000 Rolex at knifepoint by thieves in Barcelona.

The 47-year-old British yachtsman - who has four Olympic golds and one silver - is currently in the city for the 37th staging of the America’s Cup, sailing’s premier competition. He is CEO and skipper of the INEOS Bri- tannia team, aiming to become the first British crew to claim victory in the competition’s 170-year history.

According to local police data, crime in the Catalan capital has increased by 8% over the past year, with almost half (48.1%) of the reported crimes being pickpocketing.

Many tourists are targeted in packed popular hotspots, including Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, and around La Sagrada Familia.

See Rough Seas page 6

The bar owners say the reservation was made with no reference to the royals and were surprised when several bodyguards turned up alongside the young women.

According to manager Puri Molina, waiting staff at El Saladero beach bar soon recognised the princess. But any hopes of grabbing a memento were dashed - the Royal Household’s security detail made other guests delete any images they took, so no snapshots of the illustrious lunch have come to light.

events include Ibiza town, Cuenca and Salamanca. Caceres, meanwhile, has the most monuments open to the public, with 24 museums and palaces opening their doors.

Nearby Merida will have a special performance from Marcat Dance, alongside Colombian singer Manuel Turizo and other theatre performances.

Further north Santiago de Compostela has a big line up of events, while evocative Segovia will have a string of special ‘candlelight events’.

The famous Roman amphitheatre and circus will be open in Tarragona, while historic Toledo will be abuzz with events.

The GCPHE was created to protect cities declared world heritage sites by UNESCO.

Hiya from Hayek

a

MEXICAN film star Salma Hayek has been turning heads in Ibiza as she took a break before her 58th birthday this week. The Oscar-nominated actress, married to billionaire businessman François-Henri Pinault, 62, since 2009, was spotted soaking up the

sun aboard

luxurious yacht . The Frida star took to Instagram to share a stunning shot of herself in her twopiece, captioning it in both English and Spanish. “ Yellow bikini + White hair = perfect combination. ”

heritage

Graves

KIDS NOT WANTED

SPAIN'S birth rate has fallen by 25% over a decade with 156,202 births in the first half of this year - 52,000 down on the same period in 2014.

The figures show a slight increase compared to the first six months of 2023, with 440 more children born this year.

Delayed

The trend though remains downward and the number of births has fallen in all age groups, except for women aged over 40 - suggesting that motherhood is being delayed.

The downturn is likely due to women dedicating more time to their careers as well as financial woes leading to a lower priority to start a family.

Beached

New luxury beach club forced to close following string of complaints over noise and lights

A LUXURY beach club has been forced to close due to noise and strobe lights less than a week after opening. It comes after neighbours of Eva restaurant, in Estepona, complained about ‘deafening’ music and bright lights shining through windows.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

meja Beach urbanisation was awoken in the middle of the night by bright ‘strobe lights’ shining through his window.

A string of complaints flooded in to police and the town hall soon after it opened on Playa del Cristo.

Neighbours of the controversial club complained of loud noise within days of the opening on August 23.

One local in the nearby Ber-

Residents of at least six urbanisations: Veramar, El Coral, Bermeja Beach, Ikkil Bay, Marina Bay and Punta Doncella, have now lodged official complaints.

Local resident, Ian Mecklenburgh, told the Olive Press: “We are grateful to the town hall for taking swift action. Power to the people and here’s

LUXURY: But Eva has fallen out with the neighbours

to the (temporary) silence!”

The beach club promotes itself as a ‘transformative journey from day to

night’, offering sunbed packages during the day and parties at night.

It had already sparked controversy due to the high prices, with the VIP pool package coming in at

ed it for ‘taking the beach away from locals’ by occupying the space with expensive beach beds.

‘RACISM’ ROW

A MAYOR has been branded ‘far-right’ after hundreds of asylum seekers were scheduled to be sent to his town from the Canary Islands.

Tossa de Mar leader Marti Pujals slammed the move as ‘excessive’ and being out of proportion for his town of 6,000 residents.

He claims Tossa in Catalunya, should not have to accept more than 40 migrants given that Blanes, a nearby town with 40,000 residents, received just 200 last year.

His concerns echo Spain’s far right Vox party, which claims mass immigration is leading to higher crime figures. But his claims have been branded ‘far-right’ showing ‘structural and institutional racism’.

DONKEYS GO GLOBAL

A GLOBAL animal rights group has entered the donkey abuse row in Mijas.

PETA has urged the town to swap its controversial donkey taxis for tuk-tuks.

It comes after 100 people protested against the ‘brutal’ transport option with one English agitator attacked, as we reported in our last issue (left).

forcing them to pull heavy carriag es during record-setting heat is not only cruel but also completely unnecessary," says PETA Vice President Mimi Bekhechi.

€8,000, while it promised ‘show stopping entertainment’. Residents quickly blast-

“Unfortunately it means much less of Cristo Beach for families and the noise pollution is rapidly destroying the quality of the local environment,” Ian added.

The club, which issued no comment, will now have to negotiate with the town hall to get reopened.

Tossa has had over 75,000 tourists this year, so 200 migrants should be easily absorbed, claim critics. They will spend a month in a hotel while their asylum paperwork is processed. Migrants are being redistributed across Spain as Canarian officials struggle to deal with ‘so far 22,000 arrivals’.

Nationwide animal rights party PAC-

MA has also weighed in with an official complaint.

"Treating donkeys like living taxis and

"PETA urges the mayor of Mijas to retire these long-suffering donkeys and other equines and replace them with modern, electric tuk-tuks.”

The group offered to provide one free of charge to get the ball rolling.

Tsunami alert

ANDALUCIA must be better prepared for a tsunami an expert has warned following an earthquake off Portugal. Gregorio Gomez said the 5.3 Richter

scale tremor came incredibly close to activating emergency protocols in Cadiz, which kicks in at 6.0.

“It is worrying that only Chipiona is prepared, a town which has done its homework,” he said.

“Other action plans are not yet ready.”

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

OPINION

Labyrinthine

The Costa del Sol has been robbed of a thriving hotel business due to red tape and endless bureaucracy.

Finca La Mota was the dream of an expat family living in Alhaurin El Grande - and had been a popular hotel and restaurant for decades.

Despite having a licence for over 30 years, the town hall suddenly claimed the business couldn’t open.

Amid claim and counterclaim, what is undeniable is that a once-successful business has been stymied in the usual labyrinthine Andalucian opaqueness and inability to put anything in writing. Now, it faces sinking into disrepair as the council seems hellbent on refusing to help its new owners get up and running.

The owners, meanwhile, are on the verge of bankruptcy as the result of the nightmare.

But it’s not only their dreams that have been shattered.

Some 16 weddings had to be cancelled this summer, ruining 32 people’s big day.

That’s not all, many other celebrations were thwarted at the last minute by the council’s lack of communication and explanations.

Spanish bureaucracy strikes once again.

The painfully slow, confusing system is the bane of many expat’s lives and with good reason. It seems almost impossible to navigate with roadblocks at every turn.

Even if you speak Spanish or hire a lawyer to help you (as Mr Walsh has done) authorities can still refuse you without good reason, forcing you to go to court.

This costs thousands and usually takes years and many people simply won’t have the resilience - or the funds - to battle on.

The biggest shame though is for the locals to lose what was once a popular community hub and much loved local restaurant.

We hope someone upstairs in Brussels or in Madrid takes a note and steps in to solve this impasse.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

(+34) 951 154 841 admin@theolivepress.es

Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Ben Pawlowski ben@theolivepress.es

Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

By Ben Pawlowski in Barcelona

FOLLOWING years of groundbreaking innovation and hundreds of millions of euros invested from super-rich backers, the 37th edition of the America’s Cup is finally underway.

Half a dozen teams have descended on Barcelona to stake their claim to sailing’s most prestigious trophy in a pulsating regatta which kicked off on August 22 and will conclude in October.

The Catalan port has been transformed into a glamorous sporting pantheon for the competition, often regarded as the oldest in modern sport as it now enters its 170th year.

However, the regatta has become the latest target for anti-tourist protesters who have blasted it as ‘elitist and opaque’, claiming the affluent clientele and fanfare ‘will bring every sort of misery to the city’.

The antagonism kicked off in May when violent clashes between protesters and police broke out after the official sponsor, luxury brand Louis Vuitton, held a fashion show in the city’s UNESCO-listed Parc Guell.

The parade - attended by celebrities including Emma Stone, Sophie Turner and Ana de Armas - sparked anger among residents who rallied against the disruption and the ‘privatisation of public space’.

Locals were particularly aggravated that a historic stone staircase in the culturally-important Gaudi designed park, was damaged during construction for the show.

Other protesters claim the competition is driving locals out of the city by pushing up rental prices, particularly in the coastal Barceloneta neighbourhood where the action is taking place. They point out that temporary lettings have skyrocketed to

841 distribution@ theolivepress.es

ROUGH SEAS

While the globally popular America’s Cup has kicked off in Barcelona it has been anything but universally welcomed

€4,000-€5,000 a month.

Meanwhile, a number of streets at the recent Gracia Festival were dedicated entirely to protesting against the regatta.

The entrance to one installation read ‘Let’s sink the f***ing America’s Cup’, surrounded by phrases such as ‘Tourists and expats go home’ and ‘when posh people in boats kick you out of your house’.

Others are angry that the lucrative event is relying on 2,000 volunteers, rather than providing paid, short-term jobs to locals.

Despite the protests, five teams are competing for the right to become the Challengers of Record and face off against the reigning champions, Emirates New Zealand, in a series of races in October to decide who takes home the coveted trophy.

Sir Ben Ainslee, the four-time Olympic sailing champion, is once again the skipper and CEO of the Britannia team, backed by billionaire Manchester United owner and INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ainslee’s crew have received technical

OPPOSITION: Protests against the cup began in May and still continue

assistance from mechanics from the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team, who are also sponsored by Ratcliffe’s chemical conglomerate. Britain has so far never won the America’s Cup - only the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland have claimed the trophy in the competition’s prestigious 170year history. Now the UK team must face off against NYYC American Magic, Switzerland’s Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, and France’s Orient Express Racing Team in the Challenger Selection Series which includes a round-robin stage, semi-finals and a final from October 12 to 17. The round-robin stage lasts until September 8, where each team races each other twice, with the top four progressing to the semi-finals. In the semi-final stage, the first team to win five races

will advance to the Louis Vuitton Cup final, where the first team to win seven races will qualify for the America’s Cup final against holders New Zealand, who won in 2021. Each crew is racing an AC75 boat, the latest extraordinary feat of technological innovation and ingenuity.

The 75ft foiling craft has a carbon-fibre hull and sails that can be as large as 26.5m high. Their top speeds will be around 50 knots (93 kph).

It is a far cry from the wooden boats of the first America’s Cup, held around the Isle of Wight in 1851.

The competition was won by the New York Yacht Club which renamed the trophy, then known as the ‘100 Guineas Cup’, in honour of its homeland.

Barcelona is the second Spanish venue to host the cup after Valencia, which hosted two consecutive editions in 2007 and 2010.

The competition is driving locals out of the city by pushing up rental prices

Barcelona’s former left-wing mayor, Ada Colau, successfully fought off bids from Valencia and Malaga to host this year’s edition as part of a drive to bring ‘quality’ tourism to the Catalan coast.

The former mayor and organisers have stifled complaints by pointing out the competition is bringing €1 billion, 19,000 jobs and an additional 2.5 million visitors to the city.

Mateu Hernandez, the head of Barcelona Tourism, said: “The people who follow the America’s Cup are people who love the sea and have plenty of disposable income.

“We are very interested in these types of tourists. Particularly as we need to improve the quality of those tourists who visit the city”.

However, many view this approach as prioritising wealthy visitors and pricing out locals, whilst others, including Marti Cuso, a spokesperson for the protest group Platform Against The Cup, have questioned where exactly the alleged €1bn boost will go. As the arguments continue, one thing is clear - it’s not just the sailors who are bound to experience choppy waters through the early Autumn.

CAPTAIN: Ben Ainslie defends the cup, which is bringing 19,000 jobs to the city

Something in the air?

As cases of Mpox, West Nile virus and Sloth Fever rise in Spain – how worried should we be? The Olive Press asked the health experts for their verdict

JUST when you hoped the heat finally abating meant we were going back to normal, two new danger viruses reared their head.

In a risk assessment, the European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC), called the increase of imported Mpox cases from African countries ‘highly likely’, while a new disease called Sloth Fever has also emerged.

With victims coming forward across the country it has raised the alarm at the tail end of a busy tourism season that’s seen outbreaks of a number of deadly tropical diseases in Spain.

Up until mid August there were 116 cases recorded in Madrid, 67 in Andalucia and a dozen in the Valencian Community as well as the Balearic Islands. Around Spain they totalled 260 victims.

Meanwhile an even nastier new strain of Mpox, known as ‘clade I’ has been wreaking havoc in the Congo.

So bad was the outbreak that the WHO and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) recently declared a ‘public health emergency of continental security’.

And the new highly transmissible strain emerged as other rare infections like West Nile Virus (WNV), Sloth Fever, and Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever have all claimed deaths this year.

With its warmer temperatures and proximity to Africa, Spain commonly sees outbreaks of tropical diseases, particularly during the summer months.

In 2022, for example, Mpox infected 7,521 in Spain, while the West Nile Virus — spread via the native Culex Pipiens mosquito — makes a regular appearance each summer, having so far caused around 20 cases and, at least, five deaths in Andalucia this year. All in Sevilla.

Experts say the increased movement of people between continents brought by globalisation has played a role in the global spread of tropical diseases.

Meanwhile higher temperatures caused by climate change may affect local transmissibility and the duration of the virus’ activity.

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is spread through physical contact with infected animals or people, and can cause fever and a painful rash that usually lasts from two to four weeks.

Though most people recover, extreme cases of the disease can be fatal.

In 2024, 17,541 cases and 517 deaths have been reported as of August 13, according to the Africa CDC, 96% of which were recorded in the Congo, and most cases spread by sex workers.

The WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (pictured below) described its rapid spread to several neighbouring countries as ‘very worrying’.

But despite the hundreds of Mpox cases in Spain this year, the new variant has yet to be detected here, and public health experts assert there’s no reason to panic.

PREVENTION: Dr Jacob Lorenzo says the most at-risk groups have been vaccinated

WEST NILE WORRIES

As for West Nile Virus, the mosquito-borne disease whose corresponding sickness — West Nile Fever — can cause headaches, nausea, rashes and death in extreme cases, has circulated locally throughout Europe this summer.

There have so far been cases reported in Greece, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and Romania in addition to Spain, totaling 69 cases by July 31, according to the ECDC.

These numbers are normal and are no cause for alarm, the organisation wrote in its release.

Another rare, locally transmitted disease that’s made an appearance in Spain this year is Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a deadly, tick-borne illness with a 10 to 40% fatality rate.

The virus has already killed two elderly men, the first of whom died on May 1 and likely contracted the disease while hiking in the Arribes del Duero National Park in Salamanca.

Milder winters facilitate the survival of diseasetransmitting vectors that 40-50 years ago would not have survived

“The numbers are quite low compared to the 2022 outbreak,” Dr Jacob Lorenzo, director of the Institute for Tropical Diseases at the University of La Laguna, told the Olive Press.

“Additionally, we have previous experience and the most at-risk groups in the country have been vaccinated or are in the process of receiving their second dose, so this year it is a totally different scenario,” he continued.

Meanwhile, University of Salamanca microbiology professor Juan Luis Muñoz added that most Mpox cases in Europe have resulted from sexual contact.

He also emphasised the most effective manner of prevention is immediately seeing a doctor if one finds any strange lesions, and to always engage in safe sex practices.

“There is not a specific number of cases indicating that the infection is getting out of control and we are still far from worrying figures,” Muñoz told the paper.

The second case was contracted in the Toledo province, and health authorities were notified on July 21.

According to Muñoz, there may be a relationship between higher year-round temperatures brought by climate change and the emergence of these rare, insect-borne diseases.

“Higher temperatures, and above all milder winters, facilitate the survival of disease-transmitting vectors that in the climatic conditions of 40-50 years ago would not have survived the winter,” he said. Additionally, other factors may play a role in their increased prevalence, he said, like the abandonment of agricultural land leading to more ticks.

SUPER SLOTH

A number of cases of the deadly Oropouche virus, or Sloth Fever in Europe this summer have also raised concerns.

The virus, spread by biting midge flies and mosquitos, has been circulating in Cuba and Brazil, and was brought to Europe by travellers from those countries.

The ECDC reported 19 European cases in June and July, with 12 reported in Spain, five in Italy and two in Germany.

Symptoms can be easily confused with other tropical viruses like Dengue, and often include fevers, rashes, headaches, and muscle pains, though many carriers experience no symptoms.

The virus is uncommon and largely unknown to researchers, and had previously been thought to be mostly non-lethal, until two healthy young women died from the virus in Brazil this year.

There is a connection between globalisation and the spread of tropical diseases like Oropouche.

“In the case of vector-borne diseases, there’s an increase in travel and trade between continents, which allows invasive species to reach new territories,” added Lorenzo.

Climate change also plays a role, as increasing temperatures worldwide have led to the expansion of tropical zones, and therefore the potential habitat of tropical viruses.

However, he emphasises that the risk of transmission of Oropouche in Europe is low, as the species of flies that carry the virus do not exist here.

The most recent ECDC report assessed the risk level for European travellers to Latin American countries as moderate.

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DIGGERS: Archaelogists at work at the Neolothic village

LA CULTURA 8

EARLY FARMERS

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have found a Neolithic village, offering new insights into the lives of some of the first farmers in the region.

The excavation at the Huerto Raso site in Huesca has unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts including tools, ceramics, animal remains and possible structures dating back to approximately 5,500 to 3,000 BC.

Researchers believe that the village was a

seasonal gathering place for Neolithic communities, eventually evolving into a permanent settlement.

The discovery of animal bones, primarily from hunted species, suggests that hunting remained an important part of their subsistence, even as they transitioned to farming.

The excavation has also uncovered evidence of agricultural activities, including flint tools, milling stones, and potential storage areas.

Stone the crows!

How ancient man created the Dolmen of Menga including a 150-ton rock slab

NEW light has been shed on how the Dolmen of Menga - one of Europe’s most important megalithic structures - was built.

Archaeologists have puzzled over how Neolithic people, equipped with only rudi mentary tools, could have moved and pre cisely placed such massive stones to create the structurethe largest such ancient monument in Spain.

By Dilip Kuner

Menga, which is sited in Antequera near Malaga, carefully selected and transported the stones from a nearby quarry, using a sophisticated system of sledges and levelled tracks to manoeuvre the massive slabs 850 metres to the construction

Dating back to around 3,600 BC, it is made from enormous slabs of stone, one weighing over 150 tons. Now, researchers have discovered that the builders of

GAME SET AND MATCH

IN the dynamic world of junior athletics, balancing rigorous training schedules with academic responsibilities has long been a challenge for young athletes and their families.

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One of the primary advantages of online schooling for junior athletes is its unparalleled flexibility. Traditional schools often struggle to accommodate the demanding schedules of young sportspeople, leading to missed classes and academic stress.

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With smaller class sizes and individualised attention from teachers, students can receive the support they need to excel academically whilst not compromising on their sport.

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Previously, he had fallen behind due to the demands of international tournaments. With CGA’s flexible scheduling and recorded sessions, now Timmy can study from anywhere and access any missed classes online.

Similarly, Caterina, a young equestrian from Italy, credits CGA for providing the flexibility needed to pursue her dream of gaining access to a top European university whilst

IMPRESSIVE: The ancient technology used to make the Dolmen showed sophisticated design

“The extraordinary dimensions of some of the structural pieces of the dolmen required sophisticated design and planning, a large mobilisation of labour, as well as perfectly executed logistics,” said Jose Antonio Lozano Rodriguez, the lead author of a study published in Science Advances

The builders employed a system of inclined slopes and rollers to move the stones, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of mechanics.

The use of corbelled arches and the way the stones were fitted together with precision measured in millimetres suggest a level of architectural sophistication that was previously thought to have developed much later. The dolmen of Menga was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

DREAMS: Caterina and (below) Timur have been able to pursue their sporting ambitions and keep up with their studies

maintaining a strict training schedule.

CGA’s 1:1 program marked a significant shift in Caterina’s academic experience. Caterina’s passion for horse training required a flexible schedule, something that CGA readily accommodated.

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This unique setup allowed her to maintain her rigorous training schedule while not compromising her academic responsibilities.

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The future of education for junior athletes

As the demand for flexible and adaptive education solutions continues to grow, online schooling is empowering young sportspeople to achieve excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

As more families and athletes embrace this innovative approach, the future looks bright for the next generation of sporting stars in Europe.

National Day

PROUD TO BE FREE

National Day celebrates everything that makes Gibraltar great

EVERY year on September 10, the Rock of Gibraltar comes alive with a vibrant celebration – National Day.

It goes beyond just fun and festivities - although there are plenty of those. National Day commemorates several historic moments for Gibraltar, most importantly the 1967 referendum where residents overwhelmingly voted to remain British.

This day also celebrates self-determination, with Gibraltar boasting its own parliament and a strong sense of identity.

Festivities kick off with a children’s fancy dress competition, transforming Main Street into a colourful parade. Throughout the day, John Mackintosh Square plays host to a lively street party, while private bars and restaurants offer special deals and entertainment.

CELEBRATING THE ROCK

The heart of the celebration lies in the Freedom of the City ceremony. The Mayor reads the National Day Declaration, followed by live music, aerial displays, and family activities.

In the lead-up to the big day, residents are encouraged to sign the National Day Banner, a powerful symbol of unity displayed on the main stage. Richard Buttigieg of the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group (SDGG) emphasizes the importance of this gesture:

“National Day is a political rally reminding everyone of Gibraltar’s right to self-determination. It’s a day to show a united front against those who may undermine our right to

LANDLORD RELIEF IN GIBRALTAR

choose our own destiny.”

National Day celebrations have evolved into a week-long affair. From art competitions and window displays to concerts and performances, there’s something for everyone. The aim is to create a sense of community pride and belonging. This tiny limestone rock, just 6.8 square kilometres, is home to over 32,000 proud Gibraltarians. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea has made it a coveted territory throughout history. Gibraltar boasts a fascinating history, with evidence of Neanderthal habitation dating back thousands of years. It has been

shaped by various cultures, from the Romans who called it Mons Calpe to the Moors who gave it its current name. Today, Gibraltar is a vibrant mix of British and Mediterranean influences, with residents speaking a blend of Spanish, English, and Llanito, a local dialect. Gibraltar continues to evolve. Recently recognised as a city by the UK, it boasts a thriving economy built on tourism, online gambling, financial services, and maritime industries. National Day serves as a reminder of Gibraltar’s unique identity and its unwavering commitment to self-determination.

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JOYCE

Best day of the year

SUNDAY will see a boat procession off Gibraltar as part of the National Day celebrations.

Starting at 7.30 pm. It will begin with a blessing of the sea and vessels, followed by a procession of participating boats towards the South Mole for the laying of flowers as an Act of Remembrance for all those who have lost their lives at sea.

The organisers – including the Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, Gibraltar Cultural Services, and a dedicated team – invite all boat owners in Gibraltar to participate, regardless of religious affiliation. Interested participants can register

From fancy dress to fireworks, music to politics, there is something for everyone in the National Day line-up

NATIONAL Day will be celebrated with a host of exciting events this Tuesday, September 10. Organised by Gibraltar Group (SDGG) and Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), the festivities will centre around Casemates Square, John Mackintosh Square and Governor’s Parade. The day will begin at 9.30am with live music throughout Main Street.

It will be swiftly followed by a Children’s Fancy Dress Competition at Casemates Square and live performances.

At 12.25pm, a political rally will take place with representatives from various political parties.

Then at 1.30pm, local DJs No Limits Entertainment will perform while ‘fun day attractions’ kick off in John Mackintosh square.

The kid friendly activities will run from 1.30pm to 7pm

Meanwhile in Victoria Stadium, Nobiggie Festival will take place from 2pm to 10pm

The dance and electronic music festival will see international acts such as East End Dubs, Dimmish and Robbie Doherty

From 2.30pm to 7.30 pm, The Chipis & Bob and the Boys will perform at Governor’s Parade.

Sea procession

in two ways: Contact Steven Segui directly at 58286000 or via email steven.segui@giboxy.gi Alternatively, arrive at the muster point on the day itself. The muster time is 7pm at sea, outside Mid Harbours Marina, with the procession starting at 7.30pm sharp.

Participants are encouraged to proudly fly their Gibraltar flags and bring only natural flowers to honor the occasion.

They will be followed by a rock concert at Casemate’s Square including Dead City Radio Cedar and Gabriel Moreno

Finally, the festivities will end with a fireworks display over Detached Mole at 10pm

THE NEVERENDING PARTY

IN the run up to National Day, there are loads of events to get involved in. Today, September 4, you could become a ‘model for the day’ at the Queensway Quay Fashion Show. It is in a good cause too, raising funds for Bosom Buddies Cancer Trust. The event starts at 8.30pm If that isn’t your thing, why not check out the ‘Our Gibraltar’ Exhibition at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery until September 6. It is open between 10am and 4pm, with free entrance.

Music lovers have a treat in store this weekend, with The Weekender being held at The Arena, O’Reilly’s in Ocean Village on Friday and Saturday. The rock concert will feature UK and local talent, including Another Sky, The Collide, The Heavy North, Guy Valarino & The Gentlemen, Thrifty Malone, and what’s more it is free entrance.

Meanwhile, Rock El Kasbah will be held at Castle Steps from 4pm onwards on Saturday.

The street party will feature Heritage, Adrian Pisarello & Friends, GAMPA’s La Maleta, Julian Felice, Broken Arrows and more, and is again free. Sunday sees the Grassroots Festival in Casemates Square from 6pm onwards. The youth rock concert features Nickolai Celecia, Phthalo Tides, Burning Loud, Nate, Nest Before End and MAG Youth, and it too is free.

Coinciding with the Paralympics in Paris will be Gibraltar’s own Para Sports Day on Saturday.

The venue will be the Tercentenary Sports Hall, between 9.30am and 1.30pm

Finally, Monday will see the National Day Mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of Europe church at 7.30pm

20066633

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G ibraltar National Day

THE GATEWAY TO EUROPE

Strategic position has shaped Gibraltar’s place in the world

By Dilip Kuner

GIBRALTAR has played a key role in Mediterranean history for over two millennia.

Its geographical significance as the gateway between Europe and Africa and the Atlantic and Mediterranean, has made the Rock a highly prized piece of real estate.

Gibraltar's recorded history begins in the ancient world, though evidence shows human presence as early as the Neanderthals, who inhabited the region around 30,000 years ago.

In Greek mythology, Gibraltar was one of the Pillars of Hercules, a pair of promontories flanking the entrance to the Mediterranean. This mythic association lent the region both symbolic and navigational importance.

During the era of Phoenician exploration (c.1200 BC), Gibraltar became a landmark for traders navigating the seas between the Levant, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula.

The Carthaginians and later the Romans also recognised its signifi cance.

The latter incorporat ed Gibraltar into their province of Hispania and while they did not establish a permanent settlement, its coastal proximity ensured it remained a valuable waypoint for naval ac tivities.

The Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century marked

A

a new phase in Gibraltar's history. In 711 Tariq ibn Ziyad (pictured above), a Berber general leading the Umayyad forces from North Africa, landed at Gibraltar during the initial wave of Islamic expansion into Europe.

The Rock of Gibraltar, known as Jabal Tariq (meaning Mount of Tariq) in Arabic, was named after him. This event was the precursor to the Muslim conquest of Spain, which would lead to centuries of Islamic rule over large parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

Under Islamic control, Gibraltar saw the construction of fortifications and settlements, serving as a military outpost and a base for raids into Christian territories.

ROCK

FIRST

The region’s changing rulers, including the Umayyads, Almoravids, and Almohads, all understood Gibraltar's strategic value, particularly as a naval stronghold guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean.

As Christian forces from northern Spain gradually reconquered the peninsula during the Reconquista, Gibraltar remained under Muslim control until 1462.

That year, it was captured by the

Meet Calpeia - Gibraltar’s earliest modern human

THIS is the face of Calpeia, the first known human resident of Gibraltar. In 1996, archaeologists from the Gibraltar National Museum uncovered a significant find during an excavation near Europa Point in Gibraltarremains of a human burial site in a cave.

It wasn't until 23 years later, thanks to advances in technology and collaboration between the Gibraltar National Museum, the Conservator Manuel Jaén, and Harvard Medical School, that a groundbreaking forensic reconstruction was made.

Using her skull as the foundation, scientists were able to determine that she was petite, with a small and delicate skull.

Calpeia likely had dark eyes, dark hair, and light skin, and was estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old at the time of her death.

She lived around 5,400 BC during the Neolithic period, a time when humans were transitioning from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities.

DNA extracted from her remains revealed her genetic ancestry, which indicates a story of migration and intermingling of cultures long before recorded history.

Some 90% of her genetic makeup originated from Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, and 10% from local Mesolithic hunter-gatherer populations. This suggests that her ancestors traveled more than 3,700 kilometres to Gibraltar, mixing with the local population and establishing communities here.

Kingdom of Castile, led by the Duke of Medina Sidonia. After this victory, Gibraltar became part of Castile and would play a role in Spain’s defence against external threats.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Gibraltar was transformed into a fortified city to guard against raids from North African corsairs and protect Spain’s interests in the Mediterranean. However, Spain’s internal turmoil, coupled with its maritime conflicts with powers like England and the Dutch Republic, meant Gibraltar was frequently threatened by foreign invasion.

Bombardment

Gibraltar’s modern history was decisively shaped by the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), a conflict in which several European powers sought to influence the Spanish throne.

In 1704, an Anglo-Dutch fleet, fighting on behalf of the Austrian Habsburg claimant to the throne, captured Gibraltar from Spain. Though the town’s population initially resisted, the garrison surrendered after several days of bombardment.

In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht formally ceded Gibraltar to Great Britain, bringing an end to Spain’s attempts to reclaim it.

Under the treaty’s terms, Gibraltar was to remain British ‘in perpetuity’ unless it was willingly ceded by Britain, a clause that remains a point of contention in Spanish-British relations to this day. The British occupation of Gibraltar transformed the Rock into one of the most heavily fortified and strategic outposts in Europe.

Following the Treaty of Utrecht, Britain worked to strengthen its hold over Gibraltar. However, Spain, unwilling to relinquish control, launched several unsuccessful attempts to retake the territory.

The most significant of these efforts was the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779–1783), when Spanish and French forces sought to reclaim the territory during the American War of Independence. Despite the prolonged siege, British forces, led by General George Augustus Eliott, successfully defended the Rock, cementing British control.

Gibraltar’s role as a British naval base grew in importance during the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), as

STRATEGIC: Gibraltar guards the passage from Africa to Europe and Atlantic to

the Royal Navy used it to monitor French and Spanish fleets. The strategic position of Gibraltar ensured that it remained a focal point of British imperial defense policy throughout the 19th century. Gibraltar’s military significance reached its zenith during the 20th century, particularly in the two World Wars. In World War I, the British used

Gibraltar to safeguard Allied shipping routes, but its strategic importance came into sharper focus during World War II.

Gibraltar was key in controlling naval access to the Mediterranean and served as a staging point for the Allied invasion of North Africa in 1942 (Operation Torch). Fascist Spain, under Francisco Franco, remained neutral during the war but maintained a close watch on Gibraltar. After World War II, tensions between Spain and Britain over Gibraltar escalated.

The history of Gibraltar is one of conflict, and cultural blending

In 1967, a refer-

endum was held in which the Gibraltarian people overwhelmingly chose to remain under British sovereignty rather than be transferred to Spanish rule.

In the decades following the referendum, Spain has continued to press for sovereignty, occasionally leading to diplomatic rows with Britain. One of the most contentious mo-

ments came in 1969 when Franco closed the border with Gibraltar, effectively isolating the territory. The border remained shut until 1985, a decade after Franco’s death, marking a significant thaw in relations. In 2006, a tripartite forum between Gibraltar, Spain, and Britain was established to discuss mutual interests, reflecting an effort to resolve disputes through diplomacy. However, the 2016 Brexit referendum reignited debate over Gibraltar's future.

The territory, which overwhelmingly voted to remain in the European Union, now faces an uncertain future outside the EU while still navigating its relationship with both Britain and Spain.

The history of Gibraltar is one of conflict, strategic significance, and cultural blending. From its ancient roots as a maritime landmark to its modern role as a British Overseas Territory, the Rock of Gibraltar has been shaped by its geography and the competing interests of empires.

While its political future remains a topic of debate, Gibraltar’s identity as a unique cultural and strategic outpost at the crossroads of continents is firmly established in the annals of history.

CLOSED: Families at the border gate waiting to see frienda and relatives

DEMOS: During the 1967 referendum

UNDER FIRE: A depiction of the Great Siege of Gibraltar

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Just say no

How did we get here? When the Gibraltarians said no to sharing sovereignty with Spain in the most unanimous vote in history

THE tortured post-Brexit negotiations to cement the status of Gibraltar within the Schengen zone have only come about because the people said no.

But not just to Brexit itself – they said no when it appeared the British government was about to give away their sovereignty to Spain during a series of secret meetings in the 1990s.

They let their feelings be known with one of the largest protests per head of population in history.

And then they reaffirmed their ‘non’ with one of the most unanimous votes in the history of free and fair referendums.

The present talks, which must bear fruit before the introduction of a hard border with Spain in November, are the progenitor of this vote.

They are the better looking, genetically superior offspring of the talks that mobilised the people of Gibraltar to say no.

Talks designed to ‘normalise relations’ and ‘settle the issue’ of Gibraltar’s long-disputed sovereignty. They culminated in the ‘Joint Declaration on Gibraltar’, signed by Tony Blair’s Labour government in 1999.

By Walter Finch

It established a framework for discussions on issues like cross-border cooperation and, crucially, the much-loathed concept of co-sovereignty of the peninsula.

It would create a situation where both Spain and the UK would share control over Gibraltar in a deal known as the Brussels Agreement.

The Rock has been a point of contention between Britain and Spain for centuries since it was captured by an Anglo-Dutch fleet in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession.

The war’s settlement saw Gibraltar ceded to Great Britain in perpetuity under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.

Fast forward 320 yearsplus one great siege, one blockade and various political efforts later - and Spain is still trying to regain sovereignty of the Rock.

The proposals for a sovereignty-sharing arrangement at the turn of the millennium alarmed the

Gibraltarians so much that unprecedented protests were triggered in 2002.

“It felt like a betrayal at the time because it was out of the blue,” Dr Jennifer Ballantine Perera, historian and Director of the Gibraltar Garrison Library, told the Olive Press.

“At its heart lay the question of our identity, both national and cultural. Because we are British Gibraltarians.

“And it is about our way of life. The attempt to thrust a change of status over Gibraltar would’ve impacted all areas of our lives.

“The fear of an erosion of identity was also key because if we’re not British Gibraltarians, then what are we? It runs deep.”

An estimated 20,000 people took to the streets in a wave of British and Gibraltarian flags on March 18.

The figure represented approximately two-thirds of the entire population – an extraordinarily high proportion that has perhaps never been equalled.

The then-Chief Minister, Sir Peter Caru-

FACE OFF: Then Spanish Affairs Minister Ana Palacios and then Chief Minister Sir Peter Caruana

NO CONCESSION:

99% voted no to shared sovereignty

ana, slammed the notion that a decision on the Rock’s sovereignty could be made without consulting the Gibraltarians directly.

He then preempted the talks by calling a referendum on the matter in November 2002.

The question was simple: “Do you approve of the proposals for shared sovereignty over Gibraltar contained in the Brussels Agreement?”

ognise its legitimacy.

The Spanish position has long been that the issue should be resolved bilaterally between the UK and Spain, and that the population of Gibraltar has no say in determining its own future.

With a turnout of 93% of 11,800 voters a staggering 99% voted no

The referendum went ahead unilaterally to Spanish protests and without endorsement from the British government. But the result could hardly have been more conclusive.

With a turnout of 93% (around 11,000 out of 11,800 registered voters), a staggering 99% (over 10,900) voted no.

The Spanish government, nonplussed with the referendum and its outcome, initially refused to rec-

Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ana Palacio, even called the referendum ‘illegal’ and argued it contradicted UN resolutions on the issue.

But why were the people of Gibraltar so adamant against shared sovereignty with Spain?

Dr Ballantine Perera recalled her father telling her when news of the joint-sovereignty plans emerged. He told her Gibraltar had been British for longer than that the USA has existed – ‘it’s like if the British returned to Washington DC saying they still have a claim on America.’

Dr Ballantine Perera’s father was a young man during the closure of

the Border by the Franco regime in 1969, and had experienced border restrictions for at least 10 years prior to the actual closure.

The memory of this runs very deep among Gibraltarians and has led to a degree of mistrust that flares-up from time to time, as it did in 2002.

However, with the referendum result a simple but emphatic declaration of the will of the people, the Brussels Agreement was sunk.

The British government remembered its democratic principles and performed an abrupt aboutface.

Jack Straw, the then-UK Foreign Secretary, assured the Gibraltarians that any change in Gibraltar’s status would not occur without their consent, effectively settling the issue of joint sovereignty once and for all.

It paved the way for the present negotiations, in which Gibraltar might have no choice but to give up some hard-fought sovereignty after all in order to keep the border open.

National Day Events

Entertainment on the Ocean Village Marina Events Pontoon

Join the action on the pontoon or visit for prime seats to view all the action.

15:00 - 18:00 Silent Disco

19:00 - 21:00 Michael Bublé tribute act live Cuban music, dance fiesta and firegirl show

09:00-12:00 National Day Breakfast Party

13:00 - 16:00 John Robba live music

16:30 - 19:30 DJ David Cherish

08:30 Breakfast buffet

National Day Carvery (Pre-bookings only) live music on the Arena outdoor stage featuring Alexej Baglietto Band / Jesse Sampere / Caitlin Lavagna

Bottomless Brunch £32.95 all day (Pre-bookings only)

13:00 - 15:00 BBQ Buffet All day DJ’s Dalliflow, Shiv3rs, Staggy & Wayne plus Kuka Morales live nobiggie afterparty

13:00 - 18:00 DJ Rookie Shwartz

Pension lost

Man’s mistake costs him state retirement benefits

By Alex Trelinski

A SPANISH pensioner has lost his entitlement to a state pension despite working for 46 years.

Zahid, 69, has lost a lengthy legal battle after his appeal was rejected by the Madrid High Court.

made in the 15 years prior to retirement. In his case not only was he not paying contributions, but he was not registered for work with social

A reduced state pension can be paid out after a minimum contribution period of 15 years. But, crucially for Zahid, whose full name is being withheld, two continuous years of contributions must have been security, so no contributions were assigned to him as unemployed. He was refused the benefit and decided to sue the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) and the General Treasury of Social Security (TGSS).

LIQUID GOLD PRICE FIGHT

AN olive oil price war has ignited in supermarkets with Mercadona lowering the cost of a litre of the so-called ‘liquid gold’ of its Suave and Intenso varieties. Both products are now priced at €6.95 - down 67 cents. Mercadona has also announced a €2.91 reduction on three-litre bottles of the same brands and claims to have slashed olive oil prices by 25% so far this year. The price battle is fuelled by wholesale market prices falling with expectations of a better olive harvest. Distributors are changing their profit margins to announce price cuts for the food product that produced the biggest inflationary rise in the last two years. The escalation of olive oil prices during the last year led the government to extend the zero VAT charge until the end of September.

Zahid lost the original case at a Madrid Labour Court in October 2023 on the grounds that he did not meet the two year contribution requirement just prior to retirement as he was not up to date with contributions from when he was self-employed.

Zahid worked a total of 16,945 days of which 2,566 days were as self-employed His pension application was submitted in November 2020 and before that, the INSS told him to pay self-employment contributions of around €12,000 that were outstanding. Those dates were between May 2008 to September 2010 and from January 2011 to August 2012, which would have brought him back into the 15year prior to pension qualification period. He failed to do so.

OFF-PLAN CHECKLIST

BUYING off-plan is when you purchase a property before it is built.

This model has several advantages in Spain, like having more time to save and knowing the property is brand new. However, it is not without its difficulties, including having to wait to move into the house and certain associated risks, like the development being cancelled.

It is therefore crucial to be fully aware of the implications and details of this type of real estate transaction before taking the plunge. In the last real estate crunch in Spain, between 2009 and 2012, hundreds of complexes were left unfinished and thousands of buyers lost their investments because developers failed to provide bank guarantees, breaking the law. Below is a checklist for anyone wanting to buy offplan in Spain.

1) LAND AND BUILDING LICENCES

Make sure the land where the project or development is going to be built belongs to the developer and hasn’t got any debts, embargoes or encumbrances. At the same time,

These are the most important things you need to know about the process in Spain

ensure the development has the building permit with the local town hall and that the property will be registered at the Land Registry at the end of construction.

2) PAYMENTS

It is essential to have a clear knowledge of all the costs that will be incurred, including VAT, notary fees, registration fees, agency fees and whether additional items such as a storage room or parking space are included. Please be aware of the payment schedule as this will help you better manage your finances.

3) CONSTRUCTION TIMING AND FEATURES

Knowing the construction stages can help you plan accordingly, and keep in mind that there may be unforeseen delays. You will need a detailed floor plan and specifications to understand what you’re buying. Ask for information about finishes, appliances and other features.

CEO:

4)

BANK GUARANTEES

This is the most important point, as it makes sure your money is not lost if a development is cancelled or fails to finish.

To cover such risk, Spanish law requires that the following rules are complied with:

● Property developers are required to guarantee the refund of any amounts paid, plus the annual legal interest, in the event that construction is cancelled or unfinished. This is done via an insurance contract granted by an insurance company or a guarantee by a bank or savings bank. The money must be deposited in a designated account of the development.

● Contracts signed with the development company must include the obligation of the developer to return to the future buyers any amounts received from them plus the annual legal interest in the event that the construction work does not commence or conclude in accordance with the time limits agreed to in the contract, or in the event that the licence of first occupancy is not obtained.

● If the commencement of the construction work or the de-

livery of the dwelling does not take place within the time limits agreed to, the future buyers may opt to terminate the contract and enforce the guarantee or grant an extension to the development company, specifying the new period with the conclusion date of the construction work and the delivery date of the home.

● The guarantees created by the insurance company or guarantor are cancelled once the licence of first occupancy is

notary and the keys are handed over.

In any case, I would recommend you engage a lawyer to check before signing any contract with a developer. They can guide you through the whole process of construction until the property is built and it can be registered in your name with all the legalities. Fairwaylawyers.com will be able to assist you on this matter or any other issue related to any property transactions all over Spain. issued and the delivery of the home to the purchaser is executed before a

Diego Echavarria

Extra flights PAY UP!

BUDGET airline EasyJet has announced five new routes between the United Kingdom and Spain which will launch next winter and summer.

The carrier is opening a seasonal base at London-Southend airport in March and will run new flights to Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, Almeria and Reus.

Before then - in December - it will open a weekly route between Edinburgh and Gran Canaria.

This year EasyJet opened a summer base at Alicante-Elche airport operating between April and October.

Three planes are based at Alicante with new routes linking up with Glasgow, Belfast, and Southampton with a 10% increase on seat availability compared to the 2023 summer season.

Visa charge next year for Brits visiting Spain

BRITISH tourists travelling to Spain and other European Union countries will have to pay €7 to get a ‘visa waiver’ due to Brexit next summer.

Rules

It’s part of the EU’s updated travel rules which start in June 2025 known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) - designed to boost security measures

BIG SPENDERS

AMERICAN tourist numbers in Spain are rising and visitors are also spending big.

Spain's Institute of Tourism - Turespañasays spending by trans-Atlantic tourists is up by 35% on pre-pandemic levels.

Turespaña noted a ‘robust’ increase in the US market last year with arrivals up by 15% and a 35% spike in spending compared to 2019.

In raw figures, there were more than 3.8 million US visitors last year compared to 3.3 million in 2019.

Money left in Spanish coffers rose from €5.8 billion to over €7.8 billion in 2023.

By Alex Trelinski

for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area.

ETIAS is an automated IT system aimed at identifying potential security or health risks posed by travellers before they enter the EU.

Authorities say the automated system will simplify checks which took longer at traditional passport controls.

Once issued, the visa waiver will be valid for three years or

WAIVER: Just a passport will no longer be enough as the ETIAS system comes online

until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first. This new requirement applies photograph. The biometric data collection is part of the Entry/ Exit System (EES), which is planned to start in November 2025 The EES will work in parallel with ETIAS to keep tabs on potential security risks.

Biometric

‘Strange’

July

JULY'S tourist figures in Andalucia fell by 5.2% compared to 2023 - the largest drop in two decades, barring the pandemic period.

A regional hospitality figure called the month ‘strange’ and blamed the Euro 2024 football tournament and English supporters going to Germany to watch the action.

Domestic tourism slumped by 11%, but foreign visitor numbers rose by 4.5%.

The most affected areas were coastal provinces with Cadiz dropping by 10% over a year; a 6% fall in Malaga, and a 4% reduction in Huelva.

Inland Cordoba - popular for its rich heritage - saw a 9% drop, but Jaen was up by over 5% and Sevilla with just under 1%.

DOWN: The numbers of tourists visiting Cadiz province fell 10% to non-EU citizens from 60 countries who currently access visa-free travel within the EU. British citizens will be eligible to use the visa waiver for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, upon entering the EU, they will also need to supply biometric data, such as fingerprints and a

Upon arrival in Europe, all travellers will have to scan their passports at self-service kiosks. But those not having an EU passport will also be required to provide biometric data, which will be stored and verified during future visits to the Schengen Area.

Nevertheless, despite Andalucia's tourist fall, hotel overnight occupancy did rise by 0.5% in July compared to a year earlier- totalling 6.6 million stays and maintaining 40 months of successive growth.

Candela Marbella, a restaurant right in the heart of the charming old town.

Enjoy traditional local and national dishes with unique international touches and flavours thanks to our chefs

Andi Zillner and Mathias Theodosis.

- 22:00

The best chicken and ribs in town also available salads, fries, garlic bread, wraps and kids menu

POPCORN CHICKEN

TEL: 623 74 11 81 AV. LUIS BRAILLE, LOCAL 30, ESTEPONA

tel: 646 88 84 31 candelamarbella.com Pl. Gral. Chinchilla, 2, 29601 Marbella, Málaga And what about a dream day out with a gourmet lunch on Candela’s stunning new yacht?

IS RECRUITING

The Olive Press newspaper group is looking for a newspaper distributor for the Costa del Sol

We are offering a permanent job position for a newspaper distributor in Andalucia and the Costa del Sol. Distribution occurs every two weeks. Applicants must have their own vehicle and a valid driving license.

You’ll be an energetic, resourceful individual, with a sound knowledge of how to get around the Costa del Sol or at least a smart phone and some physical strength.

If you think you have what it takes to help the Olive Press expand to the next level please get in touch with design@ theolivepress.es.

This job would be a part time job working every other Wednesday and will suit either man or woman of any age or colour or background.

If interested, please call 951 15 48 41

KINGS OF THE WILD FRONTIER

This really is the true Wild West of Europe, a frontier region, hardly developed with one of the lowest population densities on

a welcome luxury escape to enjoy the incredible peace and quiet of the region. Set in a hidden valley beside a bubbling brook, the eco-friendly estate gets its name from the two freshwater springs that fill its natural pools and provide its drinking water.

Entirely surrounded by nature, with not another building in sight, the noises come care of the breezes, the birds (I saw bee-eaters, eagles and storks) and the braying of a distant donkey.

And then there is the local shepherd, who passes a few times a

The Twin Springs glamping estate near Almodovar, just half an hour from the Algarve will help you find your inner native American, writes Jon Clarke

week, the sheep bells alerting his arrival, while the continual trickling of water and wind chimes adds to the overriding sense of peace.

Think Spaghetti Westerns, minus the shooting. This is the sort of place that might have inspired Sergio Leone and you expect Lee Van Cleef to saunter in, his spurs clicking and his gun in the holster at any moment. The entirely natural wooden reception area and open kitchen/dining area, named ‘Last Chance Saloon’, accentuates the mood, but an honesty bar is thankfully well stocked with cold drinks, including wine and beer, and there is complimentary tea and coffee for guests.

The giant four-metre bell tents (named Navajo and Apache appropriately) sleep two in complete comfort, while there are additional smaller tents for children to sleep in, or simply play.

Each of the big tents comfortably fits a double bed (which can be

AUTHENTIC: The Last Chance Saloon has all mod cons despite looking like a shack from the historic Wild West

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

PEACE: The sense of freedom and space, plus natural pool, are big pluses in this secret, hidden valley

divided) as well as two smaller single beds for children, if needed. A third tent, Cherokee, fits a double bed.

They are all full of rugs, throws and cushions keeping with the native Indian theme, while both swimming and bath towels are provided.

But the communal areas and, particularly, bathroom and toilet blocks are what turns this into a genuine ‘glamping’ resort and really makes this a must-stay for anyone looking to visit this largely unknown part of Portugal.

The brainchild of British expats Pauline and Sid Olivera, they starred in TV programme, A New Life in the Sun, this year, as they juggled lives between Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal, to prepare and launch the retreat.

to mention drive.

A former Olive Press staffer, Pauline - who lived for many years near Ronda - explains: “We fell in love with this place the minute we found it. We had been wanting to do an eco-retreat like this in the Serrania de Ronda for years, but it never quite happened.

“This has long been our dream and, like us, our guests love being at one with nature and being able to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.”

There was certainly a definitive ‘wow factor’ as we weaved our way down the narrow track towards the retreat, some ten minutes from Almodovar and just five from the sleepy Portuguese villages of Gomes Aires and Santa Clara-aNova.

Best of all though was at night, as the sun set and the stars came out

The sense of freedom and space was the main takeaway, while having a base to explore this interesting region of Portugal was invaluable… the charming provincial city of Beja being just 45 minutes away and Evora a little bit further.

Summer’s end

Celebrate the start of Autumn the South African way at Coto Restaurant

AS the summer heat begins to leave us and the cooler weather starts to come our way, the heat is slowly giving way to the autumnal colours that we all enjoy.

END OF SUMMER PARTY SEPTEMBER 21st

One of the best places to enjoy these changes and celebrate the end of summer is at Coto restaurant.

With breathtaking views across the Andalucian countryside to the Mediterranean Sea, Coto is nestled on the winding Ronda road from San Pedro and blends perfectly into the natural land scape around it.

If you have not experienced the delights of Coto Restaurant yet, then their end of summer party could be the best time for you to discover this special dining experience.

Being held on Saturday, September 21, reserve your table at Coto restaurant and celebrate the end of summer with a fabu lous South African themed event.

There will be live music, variety entertainment and of course South African cuisine, so don’t miss out.

The highlight will be the Braai BBQ, (pronounced ‘bry’). With South African Heritage Day being on September 24, many South Africans will attend a Braai over this period.

For those of you unfamiliar with this concept, it’s all about com munity and sharing. A Braai BBQ is simply an act of cooking food over a fire, something that everyone feels connected to - no

Having run hairdressing businesses and radio stations from London to Gibraltar the pair have creativity and talent coming out of their ears, not

The Vale do Guadiana national park is nearby, as is the Santa Clara lake district.

Even better are the legendary

curries that Sid can knock up on request for guests, plus a range of other dishes, such as a Sunday roast. They can also arrange your shopping, laundry and nearby trips. Best of all though was at night, eating dinner as the sun set and then - with zero light pollutionseeing the amazing wide open sky full of stars come out.

It was almost tempting to scrap the glamping tent altogether and sleep outdoors. But where then would be the glamour!

For September and October, Sid and Pauline are offering OP readers a special three nights for the price of two deal, plus an optional free curry. Visit www.twinspringsglamping.com or email pauline. olivera@yahoo.com

matter who they are and what language they speak. It’s a social gathering where friends are always welcomed as family.

Ctra. de Ronda, A-397, Km. 44, 29679 Benahavís, +34 951 74 clive@cotorestaurante.com @cotorestaurante

So, reserve your table today for the End of Summer party at Coto and experience a different dining experience, entertainment and create new friends.

For more information contact us at +34 951 74 47 77 email clive@cotorestaurante.com or visit www.cotorestaurante.com

September 4thSeptember 17th 2024

and

We work in and around Alcaidesa, Sotogrande, Manilva, Estepona, Cancelada, San Pedro, Marbella, La Cala, Fuengirola and everywhere in between including inland areas.

To see how we work visit us at www.casaresliving.com Jaime +34 630 344 897 or email: info@casaresliving.com

BARCELONA'S port is using a drone to monitor sulphur emissions from ships in a pilot project in association with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Real-time data from the drone is fed into a computer to make sure that vessels are following emission rules.

23 September 4thSeptember 17th 2024

POLLUTION PATROL

Any ship that has levels above the permitted level laid down by the European Union could get a visit from inspectors. As well as checking on ship emis-

sions, the drone also monitors any potential oil spills or floating debris in the port which handles a quarter of all maritime trade coming into the country.

Climate threat

SPAIN is facing a devastating cocktail of climate change phenomena that threatens to decimate its tourist industry.

Alongside Italy, France, and the UK, Spain has been identified as one of the European countries most at risk of losing tourists as extreme weather events become more frequent.

Tourist-centric Malaga has been identified specifically as the Spanish region most at risk of excessive heat –

Spain’s tourism industry is at major risk from climate change, study warns

one of three extreme weather phenomena that is predicted to worsen over time.

This is according to a recent study by researchers in Italy which analysed the impact of climate change on popular tourist destinations across Europe.

They identified the countries with tourism sectors that will most be at risk from

CHINESE company Hygreen Energy will back three major green hydrogen projects in Andalucia including a €2 billion investment for an energy plant in Huelva province. It will also have a factory employing around 1,000 people in the Malaga area featuring technologies linked to the energy sector.

Hygreen has also closed a deal with Cox Abengoa to use its technology in the development of components for green hydrogen at its plant in Sevilla.

By Walter Finch

excessive heat, floods and gales.

The areas of Spain most dependent on tourism stand acutely vulnerable to all three.

Excessive heat, in particular, is expected to have a significant impact on tour-

China Green

An agreement was signed in Beijing between the president of Hygreen Spain, Javier Romero, and the head of Cox Abengoa, Enrique Riquelme.

The accords came on the first day of an official trip to China by Andalucia president, Juanma Moreno, who visited the Daxing International Zone renewable energy park in the capital and met with officials from Hygreen Energy.

ism in Spain.

The study found that Spain is the second most vulnerable country in Europe to extreme heat.

Around 12% of Spain’s tourist attractions will be affected by extreme heat stress, behind only Italy with a staggering 49%.

This could lead to potential tourists looking elsewhere for a summer holiday in order to avoid the ‘unbearable’ temperatures.

Excessive heat is likely to also hit France, while strong gales will hit the United Kingdom, Italy and France the most, and flooding will increase the most in France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

And 9% of Spain’s tourist-heavy areas will be afflicted by wind storms, making it fourth behind France (13%), Italy (14%) and way out in front is the UK (29%).

Petsitters who just love animals

WHEN you’re away from home it can be hard to leave the pets in the care of another person. It is so much more comforting to know your pet can stay in their own home and be cared for by real animal lovers.

We welcome new home and pet owner members for free with the use of this discount code FREEYEAR when you join HouseSitMatch.com by 31 October 2024. By joining a housesitting platform like HouseSit Match we facilitate an old-fashioned barter exchange where a pet owner provides the sitter with free accommodation and the sitter cares for the pets and property with due care and attention, just like old fashioned barter.

If you use HouseSitMatch.com you find free checked petsitters who pay their way to stay in your home by caring for your pets in your absence. It’s an arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet sitting works as an exchange of services - free accommodation for free pet care!

All members are checked for safety, you choose which housesitters come to care for your pets in your absence. All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets.

If you’re

A Free Year’s Membership to find sitters to mind your pets and look after your house while you’re away Register as either housesitter or homeowner. Get a Free YearUse discount code FREEYEAR at www.Housesitmatch.com

My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks… Sherel and John looked after Harry early April. They sent photos and mails to inform us how he was getting on. My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks. Sherel and John are very nice people, and we highly recommend them as excellent sitters. Tom C – Homeowner in Mojacar, SPAIN

YOUNG supporters of UD Las Palmas gave their new star striker a surprising gift to celebrate his debut for the club - a bottle of aftersun.

Oli McBurnie, who represents Scotland at international level, reportedly turned down a salary three times greater than what he earns at the Gran Canarian club in order to make his ‘dream move’ from the Premier League earlier this summer.

GINGER

With ginger hair, pale skin and an ironic surname, many Las Palmas supporters were worried how their new forward would adapt to the Canary Island’s sunshine.

So after making his debut in a 2-2 draw at home to Sevilla, a group of young fans hatched a cunning plan - in exchange for McBurnie’s No.16 shirt, they would offer him a bottle of aftersun.

Following his move from Sheffield United, McBurnie had joked that he was preparing for life in Spain by ‘buying four bottles of aftersun’.

WATER DOGS

STRUGGLING swimmers on one Costa del Sol beach could find an unexpected saviour in the shape of eight highly-trained lifeguard dogs.

Torre del Mar has introduced the pioneering canine rescue unit, part of the Mas reQ Emergency Canine Unit (U.C.E), ready to spring into action at a moment's no tice.

Consisting of three Newfound lands capa ble of towing two tons and three labradors with ex ceptional search and rescue skills, the program is the first of its

Lifeguard pooches help save swimmers

By Walter Finch

kind in Andalucia.

The unit boasts two other dogs, including a mixed-breed named Pancho, who is known for his incredible ability in rescue work. Having already been proven successful in Valencia, these dogs have undergone rigorous training to become water rescue experts. "In just one year, we transform these pups into life-saving heroes," said Manuel Duran, the program manager. With their strength,

PATROL: Newfoundlands take to the seas to help save lives

endurance, and keen senses, the canine lifeguards can perform tasks that would be difficult or dangerous for humans, be it rescuing swimmers caught in rip currents or searching for missing persons. The safety of the dogs is paramount. Each one is equipped with specialised flotation devices, and their daily routines are carefully managed to ensure they stay healthy and hydrated.

"These dogs are more than just

rescue animals; they're part of our family," said Duran.

The success of the program has not gone unnoticed. With plans for expansion and public training sessions, Torre del Mar's canine lifeguards are set to become a model for other coastal communities.

As Duran puts it: "These dogs are not just saving lives; they're inspiring people and fostering a deeper connection between humans and animals."

Guiris move over

GALICIANS have a name for tourists who don’t respect their traditions –but it isn’t for Brits. They call hapless tourists from Madrid fodechinchos, which translates literally as ‘fish thieves’.

Hubby shock

A WOMAN found her husband was having an affair with the priest who married them after she caught them ‘kissing passionately’. When confronted, they said ‘it is what it is’ and ‘started laughing.’

Tinder-dona

THE new dating craze sweeping Spain is to turn up at Mercadona between 7 and 8pm with an upside down pineapple in your trolley to show you are single.

PAW