Ollive Press Gibraltar issue 241

Sideways glance

LA LINEA'S mayor has expressed his 'healthy envy' at how the UK treats Gibraltar – in stark contrast to the border town’s own relationship with Spain.

Juan Franco took aim at Spain's finance minister for refusing to aid the struggling border town, which is economically dependent on the Rock and the stalled talks for a post-Brexit deal. His comments come after minister Maria Jesus Montero suggested that any special measures for La Linea would have to wait until a Brexit agreement with Gibraltar is reached.

"We see how, unfortunately, our future as a city is once again put below national interests, ignoring the needs of this territory - the only one really affected by what happens in the future [with the Gibraltar deal]," Franco declared last week.

Brexit

"We'll have to wait who knows how many more years, after this issue started in 2016," Franco added, highlighting that nine years have passed since the Brexit vote without a concrete plan for his city.

Among the ideas mooted to boost La Linea’s economy is a special tax regime in the Campo de Gibraltar, similar to the one seen in Ceuta, in order to offset the Rock’s low-tax advantage over its Spanish neighbours.

But Franco challenged the minister to visit La Linea and explain directly to residents why the government ‘won't implement any measures until an agreement is reached.’

P LIVE RESS O GIBRALTAR

A TUNNEL TO MOROCCOis it really feasible, or little more than a pipe dream?

See page 6

The border reopened 40 years ago last week after 16 years of Franco’s efforts to punish Gibraltarians into becoming Spanish. His plans backfired spectacularly and reordered Gibraltar society, starting with its dominant tongue. 33 See page 4

PAPERS PLEASH

Cop facing ‘disciplinary probe’ for ‘looking drunk’ and checking passports out of uniform is the ‘rogue officer’ border chief

SPANISH police have confirmed to the Olive Press they are investigating a senior officer accused of checking passports at the Gibraltar border while allegedly drunk and off duty. He is in line to face ‘disciplinary proceedings’ after we sent a video of the cop swaying amid the traffic while donning civilian clothes.

A well-placed La Linea source meanwhile, expressed ‘surprise’ that the policeman checking passports was the head of the Central Border Unit, Chief Inspector David Barrero, because ‘he had been transferred away to other duties’.

A spokesman for the Policia Nacional said the force was ‘determining what consequences may arise and whether to start disciplinary proceedings.’

Barrero had already been dubbed a ‘rogue officer’ after he took it upon himself last year to impose Schengen controls at the border – against the orders of his own superiors.

In the video, filmed after dark a fortnight ago, a white-haired man in jeans and jumper is seen staggering around demanding to see passports.

EXCLUSIVE

By Walter Finch

Drivers clearly look on in astonishment as other uniformed officers do nothing to intervene.

Despite the lack of sound, the officer can be seen lurching backwards and urges a car to come forward, before leaning on its bonnet to inspect the passport of a waiting motorcyclist.

Barrero has risen to notoriety in Gibraltar for his efforts to unilaterally tear up the current transitional arrangement for the border with Spain since Brexit kicked in in 2021.

Angry

It was his instructions to stamp Gibraltar passports, on October 11 and November 22, that led to long queues gathering on the La Linea side.

As we reported on our front page in November, this dealt a blow to economic activities on the Rock and led to him being dubbed by the Gibraltar government as a ‘rogue’ officer. The disruption was so severe that St

CRASH TEST

Bernard’s Hospital had to postpone various operations scheduled for the day due to a lack of cross-border workers.

On both days, the order was only later rescinded following an angry phone call from Madrid.

Barrero followed those stunts by filing a denuncia in La Linea court against his own superiors for misconduct and coercion.

The veteran border cop argued the current ‘relaxed’ border controls violate the Schengen code, leaving him with no legal protection in case of an incident, such as a terror attack.

A La Linea judge has now called Barrero to testify on the current border arrangements.

Spain’s far-right party Vox meanwhile, has backed Barrero submitting questions to the Spanish parliament.

The Olive Press understands however, that Barrero directly disobeyed orders to ‘go to war’ against his superiors. It came after a new commissioner for La Linea, Maria Jose Martinez moved control of the border, away from his unit into the hands of a specific border force in April last year.

The senior La Linea source told the Olive Press: “It is not his job to take the border and diplomacy into his own hands.

GIBRALTAR’s latest emergency response drills took place on the runway this time – especially timely in light of recent aviation disasters in the US and South Korea. The spectacular live action simulation included teams from 22 different agencies Airfield Fire and Rescue Service and the police, both Gibraltar Defence Police and the Royal Gibraltar Police. They were put to the test with the scenario of an aeroplane – in this case a bus – that had skidded off the runway at Gibraltar Airport and thrown passengers onto the tarmac and into the sea. In spite of the test taking place after dark in treacherously wet and harsh conditions, Wing Commander Tom Harvey was pleased with how it went and said ‘we are always learning lessons.’

Emergency services put to the test

“The sheer number of people out on the airfield responding at speed—it just demonstrates the strength of our response,” he told GBC.

Political

“It was a political decision whether he agrees or not. It is not something a chief inspector like Barrero should be deciding.”

The Gibraltatar government declined to comment on ‘the internal affairs of foreign uniformed bodies.’ There have been over 15 rounds of talks since 2021 to try and sort out the status of Gibraltar within Schengen. Meanwhile, 15,000 workers cross the border into Gibraltar every day to work, with a third of La Linea’s workforce earning a living on the Rock.

ACTION:

ROGUE: The ‘drunk’ man checking passports has been confirmed as the controversial border chief

IN BRIEF

Night tremors

A ‘NOTICEABLE’ earthquake that registered 5.1 on the Richter scale shook beds and sofas at 11.48pm in Gibraltar and Andalucia on Monday night.

Subatomic

HMS Anson, the Royal Navy’s newest nuclear submarine, has left Gibraltar after nine days in the port undergoing maintenance and stocking up on Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Narco smarts

THE Strait’s brazen narco traffickers’ social media activity is ramping up, as one particular boat filmed themselves cruising in the wake of a massive cargo ship to avoid detection.

Human error

THE partial sinking of the bulk carrier OS 35 off Catalan Bay after it collided with an LNG tanker in August 2022 has been put down to an error of judgement by the captain following an investigation.

A HIGH-RANKING RGP cop hailed as a ‘model police officer’ has been cleared of attempting to pervert the course of justice by helping his son-in-law get his driving licence back early.

Former Detective Chief Inspector Roy Perez, 53, had been charged after send-

Model cop off

ing a message to the court magistrate asking for a favour relating to his sonin-law’s appeal. Perez had argued that he was not seek-

ing to use undue influence but was merely asking for advice on how to submit a character reference to the court.

It took the jury a little over an hour to determine that Perez, who has ‘headed crime fighting in Gibraltar for nearly a quarter of a century’, was not guilty.

TEENAGE KICKS

SEVEN children have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire that caused major traffic disruption for several days and homes to be evacuated.

Seven young ‘urban explorers’ arrested following major supermarket fire that caused havoc in Gibraltar

By Walter Finch

The suspects, six boys aged between 12 and 15 and one girl of 11, were taken into custody after the blaze broke out at the former Coviran supermarket on Devil’s Tower Road last Sunday.

One of the juveniles was treated at hospital for smoke inhalation from acrid plumes that billowed all over the Rock,

STILL GOING ON

TOBACCO smuggling from Gibraltar to Spain continues to be a scourge after Spanish police carried out raids in La Linea and San Roque.

Guardia Civil officers arrested 13 people and seized 100,000 packs of contraband cigarettes in searches on five properties.

A further eight vehicles used for transporting the illegal tobacco were confiscated.

The seizure, valued at around €450,000, marks one of the largest tobacco smuggling busts in the Campo de Gibraltar area over the last 12 months.

Police sources said the operation was specifically targeting the prevention and dis-

reaching as far as Main Street.

A TikTok video, which has since been deleted, shows a group of minors sliding under a wire mesh fence with the caption ‘exploring Coviran’.

The undated clip shows them exploring the darkened facility,

ruption of tobacco smuggling from Gibraltar into Spain.

The Campo de Gibraltar region, particularly La Linea, has long been a hotspot for tobacco smuggling due to the significant price difference between cigarettes sold in Gibraltar and Spain. However, concrete steps taken by Gibraltar have managed to dampen what was a roaring illicit trade, with the government hiking tax on tobacco by 25% in November. Meanwhile, a survey of empty tobacco packets in Spain last October found that Gibraltar had dropped as a source of illicit tobacco from 67% in 2021 to just 7.6%.

climbing up spiral stairs under torchlight and rummaging around abandoned items.

The youngsters were interviewed under caution and released on bail while detectives continue to investigate.

The fire prompted a major incident response, which saw the Kingsway tunnel shut down and the runway opened to traffic.

Even Fabian Picardo was at the scene to assure residents of the evacuated North View Terraces of government support.

“The key issue, as ever, is the safety of our citizens and residents and our fire and law enforcement officers,” Picardo stated.

The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) responded to the fire at approximately 7.25pm, with the building showing potential signs of collapse. The fire was successfully brought under control by 10.28pm.

Tax dodge

TWO Spanish construction company directors are facing serious fraud and money laundering charges following an investigation into alleged tax evasion worth over £370,000.

The RGP alleges David Nevado Luna from Estepona and Francisco Cuadrado Gonzalez, both from Casares, significantly under-declared both personal and corporate tax liabilities in what prosecutors are calling a complex tax fraud case.

The pair are directors of Gibraltar-registered Victoria Construction Ltd, which has also been summoned to court to face false accounting charges.

Fraud

Gonzalez faces the more serious charges related to personal tax declarations alongside allegations of possessing criminal property worth £120,012 – funds allegedly obtained through tax evasion.

His business partner Luna faces two counts of fraud and is accused of possessing £77,224 in criminal property, also allegedly gained through tax fraud.

The case, which began with arrests in February 2024, marks one of the largest corporate tax fraud investigations in Gibraltar's recent history.

I CHOOSE HAPPINESS

EXCLUSIVE: TV business mogul Charlie Mullins insists ‘people are happier’ in Spain compared to the UK, where a ‘doom and gloom’ attitude seeps into everyday life

IF you ignore the plush surroundings of his multi-million euro villa, the UK’s richest plumber Charlie Mullins could be any one of the thousands of expats who live on the costas. His reasons for moving south are remarkably similar to those of so many of his fellow countrymen, he told the Olive Press over champagne and beer at his four-storey Costa del Sol home.

Exuding an incredibly relaxed attitude to life, the man who made a fortune founding the UK’s most successful plumbing business explains that ‘people are simply happier’ here.

Back home where he sold his successful Pimlico Plumbers firm for a cool €170 million in 2021, a ‘doom and gloom’ attitude seeps into everyday life.

PRISTINE:

The expat and his shiny Rolls Royce

By Tom Ewart Smith

And it’s getting worse, just as many an expat will tell you.

His decision to move permanently to Mijas in July following Labour’s recent election win did not come out of nowhere.

Charlie had been mulling over the move for sometime, having holidayed on the Costa del Sol for 20 years.

Friendly

He has now taken the plunge and told the Olive Press he is really enjoying the much more ‘relaxed’ and ‘enjoyable lifestyle.

“There is a never-ending social life here,” he insists, adding ‘it is 10 times better’ than back home.

Luck of the Irish

HE is the rising star of the Spanish gastronomic scene, but by his name you may never have guessed.

Axel Smyth is in fact Galician born and bred, but his surname comes from an Irish grandfather. Alongside his partner (personally and professionally) Claudia Merchan (right), they have been crowned as joint breakthrough chefs at the prestigious Madrid Fusion event. They couple, who run Simpar in Santiago de Compostela, follow in the steps of three-times World’s Best Chef Dabiz Munoz

He attributes this primarily to the weather, as well as the slower pace of life between La Cala de Mijas and Marbella, where he spends most of his time.

“People are a lot more friendly and inviting here,” he explains. “In fact I’ve got more friends here than in the UK.”

He adds that, in contrast, Brits are constantly concerned with day-to-day issues, which contributes to a depressing atmosphere.

The frantic nature of life in Britain means he sees more of his seven great grandchildren and 11 grandchildren in Spain.

“They can come out here for two weeks straight whereas if I go back to the UK, I would only see my family for half a day or a day at a time,” he explains.

He plans to stay in Spain indefinitely where he particularly rates the culinary scene.

His favorite hospitality spot is the nearby El Oceano Beach Hotel in La Cala, which is also frequented by many of his friends.

He also speaks highly of Olivia’s La Cala and La Sala in Banus, which he describes as ‘always

who took the award as a young man. Also honoured was Andrea Martin (left) from Tragata, in nearby Malaga, who was named ‘Best Front-of-House-Professional’. Tragata has a sister restaurant in Ronda.

Trump’s a thug!

lively’ and he was sad that one of his favourites, Villa Tiberio, has shut.

Mullins is particularly drawn to such venues because ‘people dress up’, and he enjoys the ‘unpredictability’ of whom he might meet.

He explains how he could go out for a seemingly quiet breakfast but return home at midnight after a day of unforeseen socialising.

Despite his escape from the London rat race, like a true entrepreneur he is keeping busy.

Upmarket

He is developing several villas in the upmarket Los Monteros area, near Antonio Banderas’ former home, while he is also the non-executive chairman of a new company, WeFix, in the UK.

He is also staying incredibly fit, working up to five times a week with a personal trainer.

“You can get out in the daytime a lot more”, he says, and the better weather encourages him to exercise more.

Does he miss anything about life in London, where his old plumbing firm employed over 400 people and turned over around €400 million?

In fact, no. He insists the city ‘hasn’t got that buzz anymore’ and lost its charm when David Cameron stepped down as Prime Minister in 2016. Fortunately for him he has rediscovered that buzz again here in Spain.

RICHARD Gere has branded Donald Trump a ‘thug’ and a ‘bully’ while accepting his award at the ‘Spanish Oscars’ in Granada at the weekend.

The Pretty Woman star, 75, was picking up his International Goya at the Palacio de Congresos when he launched his verbal attack on his country’s new president.

It comes after he moved to Madrid with his 41-yearold Spanish wife Alejandra Silva last year.

Gere, who also starred in Primal Fear and An Officer and a Gentleman, told the crowd: “I’m coming from a place now... we’re in a very dark place in America, where we have a bully and a thug, who is president.” He paused as the crowd of Spanish stars began applauding.

The International Goya was first awarded in 2022 with the previous three winners being Cate Blanchett, Juliette Binoche, and Sigourney Weaver.

Sweet Melody

MELODY will again represent Spain at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest after her song Esa Diva won Benidorm Fest.

The 34-year-old from Sevilla finished as runner-up back in 2009 and her song tells the story of her career in the music industry.

This year’s contest takes place in Switzerland in May and Spain will look to emulate the 2022 success of Chantel’s Slo Mo which finished third.

STUNNING: Charlie enjoys expansive Mediterranean views

Photos by: Walter Finch

SKILLS DEFICIT

THE alarm has been sounded over the lack of ‘basic skills’ in the new generation of school starters on the Rock.

Children from the age of four are arriving at school with ‘a lot fewer skills than they used to’, primary school teachers are telling Education Minister John Cortes.

“Across the board, children are starting school less capable,” Cortes told the Olive Press .

“Not just the ability to make a sentence in any language; they are lacking in even basic motor skills, such as dexterity with their hands or going up and down steps. Even nappy training.”

While acknowledging that it was not all school starters, Cortes said it was enough of a trend to be alarming.

The culprit?

“We would need to do more research on the topic, but I suspect that using mobile devic

History comes to life

THE Second World War tunnels have been revamped to compete for the title of Gibraltar’s top tourist attraction.

The 52 kilometres of tunnels and shelters have been transformed into a series of exhibitions that ‘tells stories of the men and women who were involved in the defence of Gibraltar.’

The displays show how the tunnels were dug, what it was like to live in them, and even features a range of interactive games and equipment that recreates the claustrophobic era of the war on the Rock.

“The civilian population underwent so many trials and tribulations during the war, and we wanted to tell these stories of their fortunes through the tunnels,” Managing Director Christian

Wright told the Olive Press

The new revamped tunnels even boast a replica Spitfire in the Spitfire Hall, as well as an Evacuation Room and Strategy Room, as well as a new Espionage Room inspired by Ian Fleming. The developments include an event space within the Rock open for hire, which will already host a theatre play later in the year, as well as a bar.

TONGUE TIED

The 40th anniversary of the border reopening reminds Minister John Cortes how much the pendulum has swung towards the English language

FRANCISCO Franco’s decision to seal the frontier in 1969 was the dramatic catalyst for the marginalisation of the Rock’s once-dominant Spanish tongue.

This is the view of Gibraltar’s education minister in an exclusive interview with the Olive Press on the 40th anniversary of the re-opening of the border.

TOXIC VISITORS

A WAVE of deadly Portuguese Man O’War have washed up along beaches near Gibraltar. Authorities are warning the public to stay away from La Linea’s Levante and Santa Barbara beaches after a mass stranding marked the first major arrival of the season.

The highly toxic creatures have been carried by strong westerly winds from the Mediterranean coinciding with changing spring current patterns in the Strait of Gibraltar. Clean-up teams have been working to remove the creatures, which are recognisable by their distinctive blue-tinted, gas-filled floating sacs that can reach sizes of up to 30cm.

The public is urged not to touch them, even if beached, as their tentacles remain venomous long after death and can sting through latex gloves.

Contact with their tentacles triggers immediate severe pain and can cause potentially fatal reactions including respiratory distress and cardiac arrest.

Influential?

WE NEED A SOCIAL MEDIA WIZZ / INFLUENCER/ EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

10-15 hours/weekbased Marbella

This is a part-time starter job for a tech savvy youngster with an interest in media and the news, plus experience of social media/influencing/ video editing.

Knowledge of Word Press, Office and Indesign an advantage as well as knowing your way around YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

Please email admin@theolivepress.es if you think you’ve got what it takes

EXCLUSIVE

By Walter Finch

Franco’s decision to punish Gibraltarians and lock them out from the mainland ‘had the opposite effect to what he wanted,’ Minister John Cortes said.

“It didn't convince people to join Spain, it actually pushed them away. And that was reflected in language.”

Sixteen years of isolation from Spain, with economic hardship and the separation of friends and families, saw tremendous realignments in Gibraltar society, not least of all in the way people spoke.

According to Cortes, 68, he would get ‘whacked with a leather strap by a Christian brother’ if he spoke a word of Spanish in primary school. Spanish used to be the first lan-

SHUT OUT: Franco locked people in Gibraltar and the Spanish language out

guage spoken at home of many Gibraltarians, and so English was strictly enforced as the language of education and business.

“There was a taboo about speaking Spanish in school,” Cortes said, before hastily adding that it was never persecuted more broadly in the way that, say, Catalan was under Franco. But the border closure made it virtually impossible for a gener-

More deluxe

A NEW five-star hotel is set to be added to the luscious roster of luxury resorts in San Roque.

Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol will welcome its first guests later this month following an opening ceremony on February 21.

The resort, located at Calle Faro de Punta Mala, features private villas and suites, multiple restaurants, and spa facilities and ample access to local golf courses in the municipality and further afield along the Costa del Sol.

GIBRALTAR is set to be the final destination for a dare-devil paddleboarder's ambitious 4,000km Mediterranean crossing.

David Haze, 40, from Bournemouth, will attempt to traverse the Mediterranean Sea solo from Turkey to the Rock this August, in what he describes as 'an epic challenge'.

The former city trader has taken up record-breaking challenges since turning his life around after serving time in prison.

His planned route will see him follow the coastlines of Turkey and Greece, cross the Aegean Sea to Italy, and then make the hazardous voyages to Sicily and then Tunisia before hugging the African coast to Morocco.

He hopes to make landfall in Gibraltar to great fanfare some time in November, in a journey expected to take 120 days –under good conditions.

“I could have finished in Morocco, but I

INQUIRY RETURNS

THE so-called McGrail Inquiry will reconvene for three days in order to address missing Whatsapp evidence that has come to light. The spotlight will be on the RGP, with Ian McGrail, current commissioner Richard Ullger, his assistant Cathal Yeats and key witness former Superintendent Paul Richardson taking to the stand over ‘possible evidence gaps and disclosure failures.’

The return of the inquiry has come at the behest of the Gibraltar government, who have criticised the late disclosures by the RGP and claimed the Whatsapps show McGrail was losing support among senior colleagues before his early retirement. McGrail’s lawyer said: “This is a relief to Mr McGrail as he has nothing to hide - the messages support the position he has taken from the outset of the Inquiry, as will be seen when they are made public. “We note that the Chairman has indicated in his ruling that none of the messages are likely to alter his core findings.”

The highly anticipated report release date of ‘late spring 2025’ will now be pushed back.

ation of Gibraltarians to intermarry with their Spanish neighbours.

“It meant fewer Gibraltarians have Spanish grandparents, and even fewer have a Spanish parent, so simply put less Spanish is spoken,” Cortes reflected.

Meanwhile, anti-Spanish sentiment saw people switching to English-language television, while an influx of Brits and other foreigners further diluted the Spanish tongue.

The final nail in Spanish’s coffin, for Cortes, so to speak, was the scholarship system to British universities the Gibraltar government offers to youngsters – ‘so we are all educated in England’.

ROCK AHOY

just love Gibraltar,” Haze told the Olive Press. “I even love the monkeys!”

“My mum's ex boyfriend used to be caddy on the PGA tour, and we did a lot of golfing around there when I was young.”

He plans to work in five-day stints of paddleboarding and wild camping followed by one day’s rest and recovery –and gadget charging – while a film crew will be present for some legs to make a documentary.

“The biggest challenge will be not just battling the elements, the heat, the exhaustion, but battling my own mind,” he reflected.

Already holding 10 world records since his release from prison in 2020, Haze says his motivation is to give back to some of the charities that helped him during his hour of need.

The Mediterranean challenge will raise

Slanging match

FABIAN Picardo and former police com- missioner Ian McGrail have opened a war of words ahead the inquiry’s reconvening.

“In May of that year [2020], the principal law officer of Gibraltar, the Commissioner of Police, came into my office and lied to my face,” Picardo told the audience during his GibTalk, in which he was the main speaker. In a statement, McGrail was quick to criti- cise the ‘baseless and defamatory assertion’ that was examined at length in last year’s public McGrail’sinquiry.lawyer blasted Picardo’s ‘pattern of conduct that is entirely unbecoming of a minister of Gibraltar’ and accused him of ‘showing a troubling willingness to mislead the people of Gibraltar for politi- cal Justexpediency.’ hours later, Picardo re leased his own statement claim ing he ‘genuinely believes’ Mc Grail lied to him and that he would ‘not be prevent ed from doing so by any condemnation rolled out by Mr McGrail and his lawyers.’taxpayer-funded

funds for three charities: Dorset Mind, The Alliance of Sport - which helps rehabilitate former prisoners through sport - and The Adventure Therapy Company, which provides free outdoor activities for people with health limitations.

Above: Photo submitted by JC Teuma of the closure of the frontier gate.

Below: Families torn apart by a closed frontier catch a glimpse of each other at the gate.

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in

with an estimated

OPINION

The rising tide of anti-foreigner feeling

THE antics of David Barrero, the erstwhile Policia Nacional chief overseeing the border, is an uncomfortable reminder of Spain’s anti-Gibraltar sentiment that has so far been suppressed.

His one man crusade against the political agreement that has governed the border in recent years may be couched in terms of legality and by-the-book rule following.

But Barrero’s manoeuvres have often been petty and designed to punish Brits and Gibraltarians while sparing Spaniards, such as checking passports on a Friday afternoon at the start of the weekend.

He’s also been the man responsible for blocking passengers from entering Gibraltar after their flight was redirected to Malaga.

His actions have been a case of a police officer rebelling against his political masters, in this case a centre-left government that has largely taken a reasonable attitude towards the Rock – a piece of territory it formally considers its own.

It also harkens back to the large sigh of relief the British territory exhaled after Pedro Sanchez managed to retain the Spanish presidency and ward off a PP-Vox government in 2023 – by the skin of his teeth.

The lid that is currently jiggling on the simmering pot of right-wing discontent and nationalism in Spain is fragile and flimsy.

We have seen it unleashed recently in the USA with the arrival of Trump and his immediate deportations, while the UK suffered its own anti-immigration backlash during last summer’s riots.

So far Spain has been, thankfully, immune from this strain of toxic xenophobia.

But even the supposedly more benign government of Pedro Sanchez has been taking aim at foreigners, this time in the form of the 100% tax levy on non-EU second home buyers.

We must all hope and pray that Barrero’s border brinkmanship is not a sign of the times to come.

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DOWNFALL OF THE COCAINE QUEEN

Nicknamed ‘The Model’, the narco boss who has run out of runway and crash landed in jail after a 25 year reign as Spain’s stunning Reina de Cocaine

By Dilip Kuner and Jon Clarke

SHE was known as La Modela (The Model) due to her taste for €700 blouses and €1,000 Jimmy Choos, all financed by the drugs trade.

Now Maria Teresa Jaimes Caicedo is cooling her heels behind bars rather than parading through Marbella as if on the fashion runway. But given her 25-year year reign as Spain’s ‘Queen of Cocaine’, she could be forgiven for thinking that she has in fact ‘got away with it’. She has been sentenced by Malaga Provincial Court to just five years jail for crimes against public health and membership of a criminal organisation.

The prosecution had been asking for a 10 year sentence but a plea bargain that saw her admitting to being the boss of a narco gang that exported drugs from here to Northern and Eastern Europe saw that cut to five.

It does not seem to be very much considering her high-profile, not just in the cocaine trade, but also on the glitzy Marbella social scene.

The glamorous Colombian expat lived a life of luxury in a giant mansion with two swimming pools, a tennis court and ‘a garden that resembles the rainforest’.

A long police investigation eventually snared her as the ringleader of a gang of 16, behind a European-wide cocaine smuggling operation. Eight of her co-conspirators have also been jailed.

Speaking exclusively to the Olive Press, a lead investigator revealed how she had managed to ‘live the high life’ for nearly three decades, while quietly pulling the strings behind one of Spain’s biggest drug smuggling operations. Describing her as ‘a real black widow’ - who has already seen two previous husbands put behind bars for smuggling - the undercover officer added it was ‘remarkable’ she had somehow flown under the radar.

The policeman from Greco, part of the National Police’s Udyco organised crime and drug unit, revealed how his colleagues were ‘amazed’ when they started investigating her opulent life.

3,000-metres squared in size and with a garden like the jungle with a tennis court and two pools.”

He continued: “She was supporting around 10 people, including her mum and four children and she had a daily fitness trainer and also went to crossfit classes.

“If she needed a plane ticket, someone got it. A hotel, it was always five stars, a restaurant, always the best. A boat, her friends had them. The cars, always changing, but nothing too flash.

Think BMW or Audi.”

He continued that the €3m villa in central Marbella was ‘like a fortress’ with numerous CCTV cameras, high walls and incredible security.

“She actually slept in her own panic room bedroom, which was only reached via a false door from a library.”

He added it could only be accessed by pushing a button that, like a Hollywood movie, opened to a staircase up to Maria Teresa’s suite.

The suite itself featured an elevated marble jacuzzi, supported by marble columns, while a giant mirror was placed on the ceiling above the bed.

Inside a giant walk-in wardrobe amid racks of Prada shoes, Dsquared2 jackets and Gucci bags was a packet of cocaine that gave everything away.

IT would undoubtedly be the crowning engineering feat of the 21st century so far, eclipsing the likes of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge or the Three Gorges Dam (both in China).

The unlikely bearers of this crown, should they ever succeed in realising their fantastically ambitious dream of digging a tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar, would be Spain and Morocco.

The plan to connect the Iberian peninsula with the African landmass under the waterway – 17km wide at its narrowest point – has been around since as far back as 1930.

But for most of this period it has been considered little more than a literal pipe dream, given the immense engineering complexities involved in drilling a tunnel between two separate continents.

All comparable engineering feats pale into comparison: far deeper than the Channel Tunnel, far longer than Istanbul’s Marmaray Tunnel – the only other that connects two continents – and in far more hazardous than Japan’s Seikan Tunnel.

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“From the street her house didn’t look anything special, but when we entered it was like a city, with interlinking paths and numerous outbuildings where all her family lived,” he told the Olive Press “I’ve seen many homes of criminals, but this was something else. Some

MOST of us have never heard of Spaniard Julio Camba, but this charming author wrote wittily and amusingly about the British, and mostly got it spot on.

Camba lived and worked in many parts of the world 100 years ago, but perhaps the climax of his career was the time he spent in Britain.

While there between 1910 and 1912 as a correspondent for El Mundo, he took a wry look at the British and had an uncanny knack at picking out the many varied differences they had with his own race.

Take this: ‘If you want to meet a Spaniard at 11am, tell him to be there at 10am. And anyway, he won’t show up at all. Make an appointment with an Englishman and arrive 15 minutes late,

Adorned with, appropriately, a Rolls Royce logo - the kilo of cocaine had clearly been used to show off the quality her family in Colombia could supply.

“A corner was missing that had clearly been syphoned off for potential clients and friends to try,” explained the Greco operative. “It was a big mistake for her.”

While she claimed to work as a ‘commercial mediator’ and regularly travelled between Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Colombia, police began to probe her after a tip off two years ago.

Called Operation Dryad (after the nymphs in Greek mythology, who lived supernaturally long lives and were tied to their homes) the probe found her to be the ‘brains’ behind a big Polish/Danish gang, which smuggled drugs around Europe.

But the Spain to Morocco tunnel took another step closer with the recent awarding of a €300,000 feasibility contract to German drillers Herrenknecht through their Spanish subsidiary in Madrid, following on from a pre-

he’ll be as angry as if you came the following day!’

And this: ‘Britain is a waterproof country. It has to be!’

And with regard to alcohol: ‘When they get a little tipsy, British people almost seem human. They start using gestures and even facial expressions. Some of them even laugh!’

English ideas of romance were not spared his sarcastic wit. ‘You know what an Englishman does to show his woman that he’s aroused? He buys her a box of chocolates.

In Britain, a night of passion means eating the whole box.’

These and many other of his observances of the British race have now finally been published in a new book, Viviendo a la inglesa (Living the English Way).

And how topical they are, after our recent

By Michael Coy

wrenching from Europe care of Boris and co with Brexit.

‘For English people,’ he wrote. ‘living next to Europe is as irritating as having a nextdoor-neighbour who is always practising the piano.’ Some things clearly never change!

One of his funniest remarks was made on his arrival at Victoria Station in London in December 1910. ‘The worker grabbed my suitcase and shouted, so I started to shout too,’ he wrote. ‘Given I’m Spanish, I shouted much more than he did and finally, he shut up.’

In Camba’s new book, you certainly won’t find much dwelling on world events, who was in power, what policies were being in-

BLACK WIDOW: Maria (top) dealt ‘Rolls Royce’ cocaine

DEEP: The tunnel will have to go nearly 400m under the Strait

All about

TOWERING SUCCESS

A honeypot for the rich and famous, Benahavis offers an example of a true Spanish success story

IT just seems to keep on growing. The statistics for this tiny enclave, a short drive from the snazzy nightlife of Puerto Banus and Marbella, are quite remarkable.

Long the highest-earning place in Andalucia (with an average earnings of €38,000), its population (of which 68% is foreign) by last year had soared from 7,300 residents to a healthy 9,244 since 2022. It could

Is abundant for hikers

hit the magic number of 10,000 this Spring, predict experts.

It’s a massive amount of growth and is mostly down to digital nomads and teleworkers looking to live somewhere warm surrounded by nature and open spaces.

The free tennis, football and golf lessons for kids, plus language, yoga and pilates for adults does not do any harm either.

THE BENAHAVIS EFFECT

Benahavis really does offer something for everyone, particularly as its nearby hills have recently been officially designated the Sierra de las Nieves National Park.

Spain’s sixteenth national park, the soaring peaks often covered with snow in winter (hence the name), are some of the most amazing for hiking and bird-watching, with eagles and vultures soaring above with increas-

IT’s a great place to retire, explains local expat Barry Segal, a former radio DJ. “I call it the Benahavis effect and once you’ve lived here for a year you won’t want to leave.

“The people are so friendly, the climate is perfect and the place is so nice and quiet,” he continues. “Plus it is great all the free Spanish and exercise classes and even trips around Andalucia, one we recently took to Antequera.”

ing frequency.

Best reached from the Benahavis urbanisation of La Quinta, a three-hour circular walk takes you up to the famous castano santo - holy chestnut tree - that at 1000 years old is said to be the oldest in Malaga province.

Gorge

But there are many other walks right from the village, in particular down into its famous river gorge, where many people combine hiking with swimming, or up towards the stunning country retreat of the wealthy Goldsmith family, where the UK’s former Prime Minister Boris Johnson stayed three years ago. First revealed by the Olive Press, Johnson had turned up to enjoy what Benahavis offers best: a week of hiking followed by a dabble with a paintbrush out in the open air. By coincidence his visit came at the same time as Netflix descended on the village to film a couple of scenes

from the hit series The Crown. Renting out a villa in the exclusive Benahavis enclave of Zagaleta they portrayed the mid-1990s holiday that Lady Diana took with her friend Jemima Goldsmith at her nearby family estate, Tramores. The cast and crew were regularly seen around the village, both filming various scenes, as well as enjoying their time off.

“It is the best possible promotion we could have had,” explains Councillor Scott Marshall, who’s artist father David moved to Benahavis in the 1970s.

Both visits were thanks to the vil-

lage’s connection to the Goldsmith family, who are heavily focussed on protecting the local environment, in particular planting trees.

Lady Annabel Goldsmith wrote about the moment when she and her famous and talkative husband, Sir James, fell in love with the enclave. She said: “That day, as we stood on the terrace, looking at the mountains, at the amazing view, with no other sign of human habitation, and at nature at its simplest and most dramatic, Jimmy fell silent.” In total, just 2,500 more homes will be allowed inside its borders, while

IDYLLIC: The town is set in the wooded hills above Marbella and bustling Costa del Sol

WILDLIFE:

to spot

STILL FORGING AHEAD

there are plans agreed with the Junta - to have its own 1,500-pupil school - more on that soon.

Visitors will be more impressed by the village itself, which is so nicely secluded from the buzzing Costa del Sol.

Lungfulls of pure mountain air are on the house as you huff and puff up the cob bled streets to the top of this beautifully-kept pueblo ed flower pots, and ornamented with styl ish street lanterns, fountains and view points, 10 to the pound.

Keep an eye out for a glimpse of President Putin’s multi-towered castle at the top of one nearby hill (not that he is likely to be using it again anytime soon), while I was impressed with the electric car char ger points, not to mention innovative bike repair stations around town.

A village hike is a free history tour taking you back to Moorish times, when this former Arabic stronghold was

crowned by the 11th Century Montemayor castle, overlooking vast swathes of the Costa del Sol.

The village takes its name from Havis, a Moorish prince who ruled from the castle, before his family were finally ousted, the village reconquered by the Catholic monarchs in the late 15th century.

It was then that war broke out between Benahavis and Marbella and raged on for 350 years until the village gained its independence.

Near the village are a few things of note.

Water babies, will love the Rio Guadalmina gorge, which is one of the coolest natural attractions on the Costa del Sol.

Take a river ramble along its banks, go wild swimming in one of the deep rock pools or try canyoning along the Canon de Las Angosturas. Not for the faint-hearted, the 50-metre descent starts at Charca de las Mozas - a popular picnic spot south of the water tower roundabout that’s become the unofficial swimming baths. Dive inthere’s no charge! Parts of the river were channelled by the Arabs in order to supply nearby farms and orchards. These routes have since been adapted for hiking with the addition of a suspension bridge over the Angosturas canyon, opening up the Sendero Acequia del Guadalmina (see pic below), an easy family walking route of around four kilometres beside a watercourse dug for the farmers. Finally, there is the Benahavis for foodies. With over a dozen restaurants and its own cookery school, it is no surprise it has been called the

‘gourmet capital’ of the Costa del Sol.

There is certainly healthy competition between the many restaurants in the heart of the village and each of them vie for your custom with enticing terraces facing out to the nearby hills.

While they may not be free for local residents, they are anything but expensive and far bet- ter value than their nearby rivals in Marbella or Estepona.

SYMPATHETIC: The architecture of Benahavis, old and new, betrays its ancient roots

BEAUTIFUL: Benahavis has a multitude of scenic footpaths in and around the town

ROCKY RIVER RAPIDS

The Olive Press walking team takes on the infamous Benahavis river hike

AFTER battling our way down the Rio Guadalmina, forced to leave one of our team behind, we had eventually found what appeared to be a way back to civilisation. But a series of bent metal steps jutting out of the vertical rock face had never looked less enticing, as I clutched my shaking body and scanned the cliff for an alternative.

Two-and-a-half-hours before, four of us had set off just south of Benahavis on the river walk – sometimes called canyoning – with no idea what to expect. Driving up the valley towards the village gives no indication of the exhilarating, some would say hard-core, experience you are about to have.

After parking our car in the village, by the water tower roundabout, we walked down to the river and initially hovered awkwardly around the first pool, uncertain whether we were in the right place. Finally taking control in true Bear Grylls fashion, amid shouts of ‘It’s not deep enough’ and ‘You’re going to smash head-first into that rock’, I lowered myself onto a slippery waterfall and went plunging into the murky water below, screaming as I went.

As I resurfaced, shouting my approval while messily ejecting river water from my mouth, the others ditched their fears and bounded down to slide in after me, and that was it, we were off.

when it shocked me into losing all sense of balance.

The rocky path opened up into long, deep stretches of stream that required swimming, and we were soon engulfed in the beautifully peaceful valley.

But when we came upon a pitch black cave that had to be swum through, one of our three began to raise serious questions.

Questions like: ‘Are we sure this is even the right river?’, ‘Is there ever going to be a way out?’ and, most pertinent of all, ‘Are we going to have enough energy to go all the way back up when we eventually decide to turn around?’.

But untroubled by negative mumblings at the back, I surged forward through the narro w passageway and emerged clambering over slimy

A series of open pools, bridged by slippery rocks and feisty little waterfalls took us down deeper into the gorge, until the sun was obscured and the November chill began to take its toll on our exposed torsos. Little frogs and fish bounded around our ankles as we tried to locate a foothold in the riverbed, while an enormous dragonfly sent me crashing rocks, only to realise I was well and truly alone. After what seemed like an eternity of unanswered shouts and shivering, I beat a solitary path onwards; confident I would find the end and meet the weaklings in my group back at the car.

But at that moment I was overjoyed to hear a clumsy sloshing from behind me, with only one of the team actually going back.

And 10 minutes later we found ourselves face to face with the questionable metal ladder, one missed step and we were dead.

So instead of watching my violently shivering companion slip and slide his way up the perilous cliff edge, I got on all fours and improvised, hauling myself up the rock using grubby handholds and tree trunks.

Perhaps, in hindsight, canyoning down the river is more of a hot summer’s day activity, and a brilliant one at that. But even in the winter drizzle, it was a great adventure, and I can’t wait to do it again.

ANDALUSIAN DINNER

Iberian Charcuterie Board from Sierra de Huelva (Iberian Ham, Salchichón, Chorizo, Ventresca and Payoyo cheese from Sierra de Ronda)

Almadraba Barbate Tuna Tartar with Almería Aubergine guacamole Cuttlefish Croquettes in its black tint (traditional from Costa de Huelva) Fillet of Stonebass from Cádiz on Pumpkin Coulis and Wrinkled Potatoes and Mojo Verde Oxtail Córdoba Style with Potatoes Puré Coulis Tocino de cielo on Passion Fruit Gel

CENA DIA DE ANDALUCIA Surtido Ibérico de la Sierra de Huelva (Jamòn Ibérico, Salchichón, Chorizo, Ventresca y queso Papoyo de la Sierra de Ronda) Tartar de Atún de Almadraba (Barbate) sobre Guacamole de CroquetasAlmerienseBerenjena de Sepia en su Tinta Negra siguiendo la tradición de la Costa de Huelva Taco de Corvina del Estrecho de Cádiz sobre coulis de calabaza y Patatas arrugadas con Mojo verde Rabo de Toro al Estilo Cordobés con coulis de de puré de patata Tocino de cielo sobre gele de fruta de la pasión

RESERVATIONS: +34 951 74 47 77 clive@cotorestaurante.com www.cotorestaurante.com Monday to Saturday: 11am-12am Sunday: 11am-6pm Closed Wednesday Ctra. de Ronda, A-397, Km. 44, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga

TAKING A DIP: Adventures on the Benahavis river

FOOD CENTRAL

FOOD lovers will also love a visit to Benahavis.

As well as over a dozen restaurants, the village is home to a renowned culinary school, the Escuela de Hosteleria de Benahavis, which offers an affordable tasting menu at its restaurant from Tuesday to Friday at lunchtime.

Almost unique, Benahavis offers the culinary delights of a mountain vil-

Benahavis is well known as the dining Mecca of the Costa del Sol

by Dana Nowak

lage near the coast.

The menus feature typical mountain dishes such as rabbit, suckling pig and even venison, alongside costa classics like Zarzuela (a fish and seafood stew).

While there are plenty of formal restaurants there are also many great local tapas joints and bodeguitas found in the back streets and sleepy squares.

One of the best is the Mediterranean-style restaurant Bodegon Gallery which combines top-quality products with innovative, modern cuisine and also features a beautiful courtyard.

A glass of Verdejo should definitely be accompanied by the excellent octopus carpaccio.

In addition to a gourmet menu, it also serves as a wine shop, where you can purchase wines, champagne, cava, spirits, and other products such as extra virgin olive oil.

You can also join the wine club and participate in wine tastings or wine dinners.

With its personality, unique identity, and original character, the inviting restaurant La Escalera de Balthazar offers Mediterranean cuisine,

reinterpreted with local products, spiced up by the international experience of its chef Cyrille Troesch. Specialties include lamb shoulder with lemon confit, thyme, and rosemary, delicious smoked tuna carpaccio, and Galician mussels with saffron.

Meanwhile, La Taberna Fantastica offers Mediterranean cuisine based on the sea-

SPECIALITIES: from Cyrille at La Escalera

produce.

The chef prefers local and seasonal ingredients, serving dishes such as aged meat, fresh fish, or grilled vegetables.

And the restaurant’s allure is not confined to just the food. It is a lovingly restored centuries-old manor which features a charming terrace in the heart of the village.

Another classic spot is the restaurant Rufino, which opened in 1985 and also offers Mediterranean cuisine with a wide selection of meat and fish dishes.

For a more international experience head over to Amigos, which has one of the most beautiful terraces in the centre of Benahavis.

The kitchen specialises in international cui sine with French, Japanese, and Argentine influences.

Lovers of ‘the taste of the fire’ will be pleased to hear that the charcoal grill plays a central role in the kitchen, offering excellent quality meats such as T-bone, ribeye, lamb, and suckling pig, as well as fish and seafood.

As a representative of international cuisine, Indian Spice Benahavís offers a wide selection of authentic Indian dishes, as well as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

The modern and original Legends is the only bar-restaurant in Benahavís equipped with a large-screen TV showing live It mainly offers refined interna-

tional cuisine and an impressive se lection of beers from around the world.

Every Sunday, its famous ‘asado casero’ attracts a sociable crowd

Every Sunday, its famous ‘asado casero’ attracts a sociable crowd.

La Terraza meanwhile offers a varied menu. The inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect place to enjoy one of the delicious cocktails on the terrace.

Traditional tapas can be found at

Bodeguita El Chico, which has an unmatched charm and authenticity. It’s ideal for meeting friends or family to enjoy fabulous tapas with a glass of wine or a cold beer. With its outdoor terrace, this place is known for serving the best gin and tonics on the Costa del Sol. Specialties include grilled solomillo and Pulpo a la Gallega.

Finally, Sabor restaurant is the ideal spot for tapas paired with excellent wines and drinks after the meal, just like the Bar El Guarda 1926 or Bar Las Cañas Viejas, both of which offer a cozy family atmosphere and beautiful terraces. Las Cañas Viejas also serves breakfast.

TRADITION: The team at Bodeguita El Chico and (far right) specialities at Bodegon Gallery

CHARACTERS: Benahavis mayor at Bodeguita El Chico and a waitress at La Terraza

sonal

ORIGINAL: One of the dishes at Legends

SPAIN

PALOMA MALATABA

GOING UNDERGROUND:

MOROCCO

PIPE DREAM

Spain and its North African neighbour are contemplating taking on one of the challenges of the century – but what exactly is involved in digging a tunnel to Morocco?

By Walter Finch

vious technical study carried out in 2021.

Famous for using the world’s largest boring machines to dig Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, the longest and deepest in the world, Herrenknecht has been tasked with assessing the likelihood of drilling a tunnel from Tarifa to Tangier.

Extreme

“Current deliberations assume a distance of over 30 kilometres and a depth of several hundred metres below sea level,” a Herrenknecht spokesperson told the Olive Press this week.

“This construction project poses extreme challenges in terms of technology and logistics – can these challenges be overcome and what solutions would be necessary?

troduced, etc. Similarly, you’ll look in vain for self-pity or any hint of bragging. He simply did not care about political parties or celebrities. He just liked observing people.

And he got us Brits spot on, when he wrote: ‘All Englishmen are policemen, deep down. Deep down, all Spaniards are anarchists.’

Let’s face it, all of you must have heard a British person in a bar in Spain telling a smoker to go outside (yes smoking laws are often broken in small pueblos).

I’m equally sure that you’ve seen a Spaniard park his car next to a ‘no parking’ sign, or a disabled bay.

Camba was 13 years old when he arrived in Argentina at the end of the 19th century. For five years he made a precarious living writing pamphlets, until in 1902 he was thrown out of the country.

TUNNEL VISION: The plans envision three tubes 8 metres in diameter running under the sea

“This is what we are setting out to find out. Herrenknecht was unable to comment further due to ‘confidentiality’ clauses in their contract.

However, the list of challenges to overcome is daunting.

Almost a kilometre deep at its lowest point, the Strait is home to a soft, unstable seabed and strong currents that transfer water between the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Even avoiding the worst depths, the tunnel will have to go under the Umbral de Camarinal, a giant underwater ridge in the Strait of Gibraltar around 280 metres below the surface.

credibly strong to prevent a catastrophic collapse.

Meanwhile, the tunnel may collapse anyway due to the seabed, which is made of soft clay, loose sediments, and fractured rock – unlike the stable chalk of the Channel Tunnel. Boring through loose materials is far more difficult because the tunnel lining has to reinforce the entire structure as it is dug.

Another immediate threat to tunnel integrity is seismic activity

Another immediate threat to the tunnel’s integrity is the seismic activity prone to the area, magnified by the loose rock in which the tunnel would sit.

Proof

TPress prides itself on its environmental credentials.

We have always vowed not to waste paper and guaranteed fewer than 1% returns.

This year however, we are going one step further insisting that less than 0.5% of our papers will go to waste.

In a promise to our readers - and more importantly advertisers - we are ensuring that 99.5% of copies are accounted for.

In a new ‘Proof of delivery’ transparent system we are guaranteeing that Spain’s most popular English newspaper gets into all the right hands.

This is a stark contrast to our rivals, whose newspapers get left in huge piles each week and often end up getting blown around the streets.

Yes, wherever you live, you will have seen hundreds of copies left, literally sitting on the shelf. Unclaimed and unloved.

Indeed, rival distributors tell us they now call delivery day ‘pickup day’ as there are so many papers going unread that have to be returned.

GUARANTEED:

We have never had that problem and are always the first free newspaper to get picked up wherever we distribute.

To guarantee this continues, we have teamed up with the UK’s largest free newspaper delivery company, Self Select Media. A company that distributes millions of newspapers each week.

In a high-tech and vital new way of delivering our newspapers, we get proof of delivery of every drop with photos and exact numbers distributed… and even better,

At such depths, the pressure is enormous, requiring a tunnel not just deep but in-

Back in Spain, with typical independence of spirit, he launched his own newspaper (he was 21 years old) and what title could he possibly give it, but The Rebel?

After writing some sarcastic mickey-takes of Spain’s leading politicians, he was hired by a now defunct national newspaper to be its correspondent in Turkey, of all places.

That’s where he ended up getting picked up by El Mundo – a collaboration that would make him famous.

During the First World War and the years leading up to Hitler, he held posts in London, New York, Rome and Berlin. His articles were so highly-regarded that many were compiled as books, and sold well.

Camba died in Madrid on February 28, 1962. It would have amused him to know that he left this life on Andalucia Day, and no doubt he would have had something acerbic to say about it.

And all of this coupled with some of the fastest and strongest currents in the world.

Current plans imagine two single-track train tunnels with a diameter of 7.9 metres separated by a six-metre-wide central service tunnel running interconnected by cross-passages every 340 metres.

The total length would be 42 kilometres, with roughly 27.7 running under the water.

Early projections estimate the project will cost between €5 billion and €10 billion, with some less optimistic forecasts believing it could approach €25 billion and not be ready until 2040, dashing hopes of opening the tunnel in time for the 2030 World Cup, jointly hosted by both countries.

Meanwhile, the majority of the costs will likely be put up by the respective governments of Spain and Morocco, raising the issue of whether the political will is really there for such an exorbitant and challenging endeavour.

However, experts believe the train line could carry 13 million passengers each year and stimulate economic growth in both countries.

But before any of that can be considered, we must await the result of the feasibility report, due out in June this year.

CONFIRMATION:

Planned route from Punta Paloma to Malataba

Fair warning

THE Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has been spotted at the border carrying out checks on cash-in-hand Spanish tradesmen entering the Rock.

The drive to check that Spanish labourers have the correct licences and registrations has come after sustained pressure from the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB).

It is part of a policy to clampdown on what Business Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez described as ‘illegal trade’ that has been creating unfair competition for local Gibraltar businesses.

The border inspections have been part of a multi-pronged approach to clamping down on the practice, which has also included a bilingual video displayed at the border crossing.

SIESTA TIME!

Plans approved to ‘modernise Spain’ by reducing working week across the board to 37.5 hours

SPAIN has approved a plan to reduce the standard working week to 37.5 hours for private sector workers – making it one of the shortest in Europe. Some 12 million workers across key sectors including retail, hospitality, and agriculture, will be affected, but the plan faces stiff opposition from business. While public sector employees and many large compa-

TAX HEAVEN

By Walter Finch

nies already enjoy a 37.5-hour schedule, this extension will mark the first time workers across the spectrum stick to it.

Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz proclaimed the plan will ‘modernise Spain’ and enhance productivity in an economy that posted a 3.2% growth rate

GIBRALTAR is set to achieve a record corporate tax haul after bumping up its rate to 15% last year – higher than Ireland’s.

Minister Nigel Feetham told GBC that he expects upwards of £160 million when the financial year ends on March 31 — ‘more corporate tax than we have ever done in the history of Gibraltar.’

“We haven’t increased taxes for any working person in Gibraltar, on the contrary we have reduced Pay-On-Arrival taxes,” the minister said.

“Everything that some people take for granted needs to be funded, including the health service, education, and the very generous scholarship system that Gibraltar has.”

last year that outpaced its European counterparts.

“This isn't just about working less – it's about being more efficient and giving hope to workers across Spain,” Diaz declared following the cabinet meeting where the measure was approved.

The proposal, emerging from the coalition agreement between the Socialists and the far-left Sumar party, aims to

THE European Commission will investigate fines of €179 million imposed on five budget airlines, including Ryanair, for abusive practices.

The penalties were announced last November by Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs over hand-luggage charges and reserving adjacent seats for family members. Ryanair was hit with the largest fine of over €107 million. The EU probe was launched in response to a complaint sent

implement the reduced hours without any salary reductions by the close of 2025.

However, the path to implementation faces significant hurdles.

While Spain’s two main unions have thrown their support behind the measure, business leaders have withdrawn from negotiations after 11 months of discussions, expressing concerns about the

Not fine!

to Brussels by airline associations A4E, IATA and ERA.

A European Commission spokesperson said: “Although the Commission generally supports consumer protection measures that comply with the rules of the EU internal market, these must respect the freedom and transparency of prices.”

potential impact on competitiveness.

The government now faces the challenging task of securing parliamentary approval, with key pro-business Catalan and Basque separatist parties showing reluctance to support the measure.

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Fin cops

GIBRALTAR is set to boost its toolkit in the fight against financial crime and improve the chances of recovering stolen assets by partnering with Interpol.

The Gibraltar Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU) has announced the new deal will grant it access to Interpol’s system for catching fraudulent money flows. This will allow for immediate action on suspicious transactions across international borders, enabling authorities to freeze payments faster than ever before.

The new system will work alongside GFIU’s existing powers to suspend transactions under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which should create a more robust defense against money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes.

Illicit

GFIU Director Edgar Lopez said: “The ability to act swiftly is critical in preventing illicit funds from being moved beyond reach.”

The RGP’s Economic Crime Unit will also be able to access Interpol’s international network for real-time data sharing.

Police Commissioner Richard Ullger welcomed the move, saying: “Financial crime is a growing threat, often involving international networks that seek to exploit legal and jurisdictional gaps.”

HEALTH

BILL OF HEALTH

Getting a full body health check in your own language with British-trained doctors is a real - and affordable - luxury, writes Jon Clarke

IT is probably the worst time to be going to a wellman clinic: Just after the festivities, which in Spain run till the night of the Reyes, the three kings, who arrive with even more bundles of calories and alcohol units on the night of January 6.

So heading into Gibraltar from the Costa del Sol in mid-January (only a ‘dry-ish’ January for me, being a near-suicidal Spurs fan) was with some serious trepidation.

The reasons though, to have an annual Well Man check in Gibraltar are many-fold.

First and foremost you are dealing with British doctors and nurses, which when it comes to health matters is almost a redline for many expats here in Spain.

Even for those, like me, who speak Spanish, it is so much more comforting to learn about when and why you are going to die in your mother tongue.

Yes, of course there are plenty of doctors in the private hospitals around Marbella and Mijas who speak English, but it’s not the same as speaking to a GP, who has dozens of years of experience in health matters in your own country.

Thankfully, there is one entirely standalone clinic that offers this service in Gibraltar, the Gib Med International Hospital. For just over 400 euros I was

offered the following:

● Well Man Screening (including exercise ECG if required)

● Full Well Man Health Assessment (including exercise ECG if required)

● Stroke screening

● Cancer screening (Bowel, Prostate, Lung)

● Aneurysm screening

A full comprehensive look at one’s overall health, it seemed like a no-brainer, particularly since the hospital recently expanded to include two operating theatres, under the watchful eye of celebrated British-trained consultant general surgeon David Deardon (below).

Getting into Gibraltar was an incredibly fluid process, despite what you may have heard, and once across the border it was just a ten minute walk to the hospital on historic Casemates Square. It was even easier at the clinic and I was in and out on my first first visit in an hour having had all my vitals examined by a nurse and with a quick chat to a GP. Yes, you need to have blood tests and you also need to provide urine and poo, which can be done at your leisure over the course of a gentle morning, having a look around the Rock.

Today, there is also a new simple litmus test that is dipped in your

urine to see if you’re suffering from any of the key illnesses that may be a concern. Thankfully for me, there wasn’t.

My nurse Antonia worked for many years in the British health service before moving to Gibraltar a few years ago. She was incredibly warm and friendly and gave me loads of health tips and information about what the clin-

ic was going to be looking for. In particular, I told her about the problems I was having with nasal breathing since I caught Covid badly two years ago and it was sometimes messing with my sleep. She told me she had the exact same problem, and it was no doubt long-Covid I was suffering from, quickly offering me a bit of practical advice that I can say I am now following seeing some improvements.

Next I was passed on to the GP Dr Aaron Dehghan, a Mancunian, who asked me a few questions about any health concerns and what I was worried about generally.

This was only a brief meeting, as the main discussions were to be held two weeks later once the results had come back.

“If

On my return last week, Dr Dehghan got straight down to business pulling out his charts and pointing at his computer. The good news was I’m going to live till 100-plus... that is if I give up alcohol, start walking two hours a day, and limit my chocolate intake to just one line of dark, and no more than twice a week. Being realistic, the main concern for the genial doctor, who moved to Gibraltar last year from Oxford, was my weight and my need for better sleep… which likely linked

to my alcohol intake, which he insisted was ‘too high’ (not helped by the festive period, as I pointed out).

“You really need between seven and eight hours a night,” he explained. “The crux is if your sleep problem is a nasal issue and a dry mouth, it’s quite a simple thing to fix.”

EXERCISE AND SOCIALISING ARE KEY

“Sleep is fundamental, alcohol is fundamental, diet is fundamen- tal, but one thing you can’t avoid is exercise,” says Dr Dehghan. And last but not least social en- gagements and being ‘part of the community’ are vital.

He then took me through a procedure using salt water spray and a steroid nasal spray and said I would need to do it religiously for six to 12 weeks. “And most people do it wrong and end up spraying the nose rather than the sinuses.”

your great grandmother couldn’t recognise it, don’t eat it,”

He told me that high alcohol content and snacking at night was also putting a strain on my body and I should try and lose five kilos of weight.

“The idea of a glass of wine a day is a myth,” he insisted. “There really isn’t a safe limit. Yes, there is a social element of alcohol, but you need to monitor it.

Get off your mobile before bed

Monitoring stress levels and getting a better night’s sleep is key to good health. Trying to spend more time off mobile phones, trying to switch off particularly the ‘blue light’ late in the evening always helps.

“Regulate that use before bed and you will have a better night’s sleep,” says Dr Dehghan.

“It’s an addiction and it has a dopamine effect, but you can break that addiction if you create boundaries.”

“The more you drink the more you’ll get high blood pressure, excess weight, the risk of liver issues, cardiovascular issues and even dementia, as it has toxins which go to the brain.”

It was certainly sobering. And particularly, as he insisted, I could only have a bottle and a half of wine a week - around 14 units - and ‘ideally spread out over the week’.

While he was happy with my attempt to get 8,000 to 10,000 steps of exercise a day (‘great for cardiovascular health’) he recommended some strength and balance training.

“You do need to keep building muscle, weights if you like it, but also pilates or yoga, which also has a calming effect on the body,” he said. “Above all a variety of exercise is important.”

Thankfully, despite my age, I am not pre-diabetic and my blood and poo tests were good (no signs of cancer or prostate issues), but my cholesterol was a concern and I really needed to get it down. I told you it wasn’t a good time to visit after the Christmas break.

So bad was it that he told me my heart was currently of a man some five years older (61) and I had an 8.7% chance of a heart attack or cardiac arrest over the next decade.

Fortunately, he told me I could easily reduce my cholesterol by drinking less, lowering stress and getting better sleep, as well as avoiding carbohydrates and processed food. In particular, pasta, rice and ready-meals.

“If your great grandmother couldn’t recognise it, don’t eat it,” he joked.

Above all, he told me to come back in six months to measure my cholesterol or I’d have to take pills, such as statins. It was certainly food for thought.

ANALYSIS: Experts Dr. Dehghan and nurse Antonia (below) instill confidence

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

FORGET THE HOTSPOT S

SPAIN is famously a great destination for tourists.

While sun-worshippers head for the costas, those seeking culture tend to head for the big, well-known, cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, Granada and Sevilla.

However, if you’ve already explored the well-known hotspots, you might be curious about what other gems the country has to offer.

And as you sit curled up at home

By Yzabelle Bostyn

tinations you can visit away from the tourist hordes this spring.

From lush countryside to serene beaches and vibrant urban hubs, Spain has plenty to discover beyond the usual tourist trail starting with these five lesser known destinations.

tura theme park and mass tourism, Reus itself offers a quieter, more picturesque escape.

Known for its art nouveau architecture, the city is a delightful spot to explore. Antoni Gaudi was born here, and although none of his works are found in the city, his modernist influence is unmistakable. Reus is also celebrated for its vermouth, a fortified wine that locals love.

Located just a 15-minute drive from Tarragona, home to a Roman amphitheatre and excellent food, Reus makes a great base for exploration. The nearby Priorat region, with its atmospheric villages and scenic vineyards,

is perfect for hiking and wine tours.

To make the most of the experience, consider stay -

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Macau, 8 Cool off, 9 Acerbic, 10 Retro, 11 Slavic, 13 Osama, 15 Mixed, 18 Elijah, 23 Jaffa, 24 One inch, 25 Curlers, 26 A S E A N.

Down: 1 Impasse, 2 Schema, 3 Mumbai, 4 Courts, 5 Bottom, 6 If not, 8 Coco, 12 Cod, 13 Ode, 14 The Hand, 16 Infirm, 17 Enamel, 19 Leeway, 20 Junket, 21 Eject, 22 Lois.

ing at the H10 Imperial Tarraco in Tarragona, which offers stunning Mediterranean

views and an outdoor pool, starting at €100 for a double room.

JAEN, ANDALUCIA

Often overlooked by tourists, Jaen is quickly becoming a foodie hotspot, boasting four Michelin-star restaurants within a 400-metre radius.

The city is rich in history, with Renais-

sance architecture, olive oil tours, and hiking trails, including one to the Santa Catalina Castle, offering sweeping views of the region.

Jaen Cathedral is home to the Holy Veil, a relic believed to have been used by Saint Veronica to wipe Christ’s face on the way to his crucifixion.

Jaen also has an astonishingly well preserved Arab bath complex that covers 450 square metres, making it the biggest such complex that you can visit in Spain.

Built above it is the 16th century Villardompardo Palace, which is now a fascinating museum that examines the way of life of Jaen citizens in days gone by. Best of all, both are free to enter. For

BIRTHPLACE OF A MASTER: Gaudi was born in Reus

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

a luxurious stay, the Jaen Parador offers panoramic views of the city, starting at €120, while you can often get a double room at super central Hotel Condestable Iranzo from just €75. Jaen’s extreme temperatures make it best to visit in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant.

OVIEDO, ASTURIAS

Located in northern Spain, Oviedo is known for its spectacular unspoiled beach -

es, scenic hiking trails, and Romanesque churches. It was also the Spanish Gastronomic Capital of 2024, famed for its cider and cheese, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

The area’s lush green countryside is nourished by frequent rain, so visiting in the summer offers mild temperatures without the intense heat of southern Spain.

The city is also home to brown bears in its mountains, and recent highspeed rail connections make it easy to access from Madrid. Accommodation is affordable, with stylish hotels like the Soho Boutique Hotel offering rooms starting at just €55. For a memorable culinary experience, try the local cider and visit one of the many food festivals held throughout the year

LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS

If you’re dreaming of a semi tropical getaway without the hefty price tag, La Gomera in the Canary Is lands is the per fect alternative. This hidden gem is filled with lush forests, dramatic gorges, and fruit planta tions, offer

ing opportunities for hiking, cycling, and stargazing. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing break in a tranquil set-

The island has a relaxed vibe, with friendly locals and delicious food, making it an upand-coming des-

Visit between November and April for a bit of winter sun, and consider staying at the Valle de Gran Rey resort for a

laid-back experience or the luxurious Hotel Jardin Tecina for a more refined stay.

JEREZ, ANDALUCIA

While many associate flamenco with Sevilla, Jerez is arguably the best place in Spain to experience this passionate art form.

The city’s many sherry bars, or tabancos, often feature impromptu flamenco performances, providing an authentic experience for visitors. Jerez will also open the Flamenco Museum of Andalucia later this year, where you can learn about this iconic art form.

Jerez is famous for its sherry, and you can visit the local sherry factories to learn about the production process.

And of course, its world-famous ‘dancing’ white horses are a ‘must see’ while you are there.

For a stay in the heart of the action, the Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe offers modern rooms and a rooftop pool, with prices starting at €120, including breakfast.

Like much of Andalucia, Jerez is extremely hot in the summer, so it’s best to visit in the spring or autumn when the temperatures are more bearable.

VIEWS: The cobbled streets of Jaen are well worth a wander

FANTASY: The forests of La Gomera could be out of The Lord of the Rings

HISTORIC: Jaen has a rich cultural heritage including the stunning town hall

CHEAP AND TROPICAL: La Gomera is a great budget beach holiday

FANCY A TIPPLE: Jerez is famous for its Sherry

Holiday to remember

US comedian Chelsea Handler has admitted she gave an elderly couple LSD during a recent trip to Mallorca - telling the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast that they had 'the best night of their lives'.

Robbie date

BRITISH icon Robbie Williams will play Malaga port on April 9, where he will be named ‘godfather’ of German operator TUI Cruises’ latest vessel, the Mein Schiff Relax.

It’s a circus!

RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary dressed a Spanish politician as a clown to protest against a €179 million fine put on five budget airlines for bag and seat charges.

Don’t get dumped on!

AN expat couple has sounded the alarm after falling prey to a ‘classic’ bird poo scam on the Costa del Sol. Gomer Evans, from Wales and his German wife Hilke were enjoying a Sunday stroll

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

in La Duquesa, near Manilva, when they were targeted.

He is now warning others to ‘be aware’ following the upsetting incident. He told the Ol-

Brit couple issue warning over ‘classic’ bird poo swindle

ive Press: “We were walking along the path when a man rushed over to us and showed us our coats and my wife's hair were absolutely covered in bird poo!

“It was far too much for any bird. He was very helpful and took us to the side behind a fence and produced lots of paper tissues.

Coming home

STOLEN works of art - including one by Spanish virtuoso Joaquim Sorollahave been handed back to Spain by Italian police. Sorolla’s Port of San Sebastian (left) and White horse, by Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa, had been stolen from

“He helped us wipe our coats and offered us water to help clean my wife’s hair.”

He added: “Two hours later I discovered my credit cards were missing! And he seemed so friendly!”

He ended up buying three payments of €48 on tobacco.

an exhibition in a Madrid hotel in 2021. Also recovered by Italian police was a sculpture by Javier Martin, which had been stolen in 2022 from an art gallery in Barcelona.

Spanish investigators enlisted the help of Italian authorities to track down the stolen art. They were found and on Tuesday a ceremony at the Spanish embassy in Rome saw them handed over to the ambassador.

IN a baa-rmy twist of fate, a sacked shepherd in Extremadura has pulled the wool over his ex-boss’s eyes by nicking a staggering 264 sheep. The 41-year-old rogue farmhand decided to take matters into his own hands after getting the chop by fleecing his ex-boss.

The Guardia Civil has now collared the crafty culprit, but only 30 of the fluffy fugitives have been rounded up so far, leaving the authorities scratching their heads over the whereabouts of the rest of the flock.

The disgruntled former employee is also accused of helping himself to a whopping €31,700 worth of farm machinery.

ALICANTE City Council is facing a stinky sit uation as a mysteri ous culprit has been smearing excrement on a string of municipal buildings. The malodorous mayhem began at the City Hall entrance, which had just reopened after a three-month closure due to falling debris.

Unsuspecting council workers were greeted by a foul stench upon their return, only to discover that someone had left more than just a calling card, with poo smeared on the building’s facade, windows and deposited outside.

The brazen bandit has since expanded his territory, targeting other municipal buildings including the Department of Social Welfare.