Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 71 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

See page 11

UK ‘failing’ abused kids THE UK is failing British children overseas, as numerous paedophiles are being allowed to travel overseas to commit sex crimes, a new report has found. Dozens of dangerous sex offenders are being allowed to live around Europe, many in countries like Spain. In the hard hitting report, released yesterday, British expats have requested consular assistance numerous times over child sex and child pornography offences. The findings have been released in a 74-page report by the Truth Project, which is part of Britain’s in-depth Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

Shocking

It found that UK offenders ‘figure highly’ in the numbers of sex crimes against British children abroad. According to the report, from March 31, 2018, only around 0.2% of the 58,637 registered sex offenders in England and Wales had their foreign travel restricted. It says that the disclosure and barring service is ‘confusing, inconsistent and in need of reform’. A shocking 361 suspected child sex abuse cases were recorded between 2013 and 2017 alone. In 2018, in Spain alone, around five Brits were arrested for child sex offences, according to data by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Up to five more Brits in Spain were held for child porn charges in the same year, although the exact figures are not given.

Footing the bill A THIEF has been caught after leaving his shoes behind at a crime scene. It happened after a resident of Palma heard rumbling in his garage – when he went to investigate he found his valuables in a pile by the door ready to be taken. Mysteriously, he also found a pair of someone else's shoes next to them. Police were called and arrived to find a barefoot Spaniard on the street nearby. The 26-year-old was already known for similar break-ins and has now been charged.

OLIVE PRESS MALLORCA

The

Find out what’s going on in Mallorca this January

FREE

Reuse Reduce Recycle

expat

voice in Spain

We use recycled paper

Vol. 3 Issue 71 www.theolivepress.es January 10th - January 23th 2020

SWORN IN The nearly man becomes the Main Man, as Pedro Sanchez forms a government in Spain after a turbulent two year wait

SEALED: Handshake from King confirms Sanchez as leader

“QUICK, simple and painless. The Press: “While there are going to be pain comes later,” King Felipe told lots of compromises, there will also incoming Prime Minister Pedro San- be solutions.” chez at a swearing in ceremony yes- The Madrid-based writer, who has terday. lived in Spain for half a century, addThe PSOE leader will certainly hope ed: “I’m delighted. He’s an amazing not, having had to endure an agoniz- man and it’s remarkable to think he ing two year wait and three general stuck it out after being kicked out of elections to get this far. his own party and then fighting back. It was his second recent attempt at “He has the qualities of a true statesan investiture since the Socialists man and speaks very well. won the most seats in December’s general election, but failed to win an Frankenstein overall majority. He will be a great asset for Europe,” And Sanchez, 47, pulled out all the stops as he cracked heads at a mam- added the Hispanist, who has penned moth two-day weekend session in numerous books on Spain. Madrid, after which he finally won Sanchez was sworn in at Zarzuela Palace after winning a second vote of the vote by two seats. After years of instability, it is ‘great confidence. news for Spain’ insisted one of the MPs voted by a knife-edge 167 votes to 165 to support Sanchez’s left-wing country’s best known1expats. Untitled-1.pdf 16/06/2017 15:36 Irish author Ian Gibson told the Olive coalition government, propped up by

Pablo Iglesias’s Podemos party and a host of other parties. It helped that 18 MPs, the majority from Catalunya, abstained. It means Sanchez will preside over the first coalition government in Spain since 1977 after the death of dictator Franco. The coalition, includes Podemos, PNV, Más País, Compromís, Galego Nationalist Block, Teruel Existe and Nueva Canarias. The parties opposing included the PP, Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts per Catalunya and Navarra Suma. Spain’s most recent election was the fourth in as many years as the country failed to form a cohesive government. Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo sent a letter of congratulation to Sanchez on being re-elected, after ‘a tortuous and fractious debate’.

UK BASED

TRAVEL INSURANCE

for Spanish residents

CMY

Your

www.globelink.co.uk

952 147 834

Avenida Rey more Jaime on 1, Santa Find out pagePonca XX 0034 871 510 277

96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082

He also offered his support for the promotion of ‘policies based on the principle of dialogue, understanding and co-operation between our respective people’. Key to Sanchez’s victory was the abstention of the pro-independence Catalan party, the ERC, after Sanchez vowed to find a solution to the conflict that has dogged Spain since Catalunya’s separatist government tried to secede in 2017. The government’s opponents argue Sanchez’ ‘Frankenstein government’ will be too beholden to Catalan separatists and pose a threat to Spain’s national unity. PP leader Pablo Casado accused him of being an ‘extremist’ who had left the country’s future in the hands of ‘terrorists and coupmongers’. Spain’s new coalition is expected to roll out a policy of raising income tax for people in Spain who earn more than €130,000. Sanchez has als0 sent a message that economic management is a priority in his new government, by keeping on Maria Jesus Montero (left) in the Treasury. However, in a further sign of loyalty, he has also awarded her the new position of ‘spokesperson of the Coalition Executive’. Opinion Page 6

Tel: 952 147 834

See Page 15 - 16

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tipping fines NEARLY 1000 residents were fined for fly-tipping in 2019. A total of 982 fines were issued to locals and companies in Mallorca, the majority for leaving rubbish in the street or countryside.

Big brother INCA has begun installing 44 CCTV cameras around places of interest, to be controlled by the local police.

Gender killing A MAN has been arrested after allegedly killing his wife and three-year-old daughter in Barcelona on the Three Kings Day.

Silent protest THE family of an east Asian tourist killed by falling masonry in Madrid have held a silent protest in the capital criticising Spanish authorities of a ‘pitiful’ response to their daughter’s sudden death.

Rear-end robbery A THIEF has been arrested for stabbing his flatmate in the bottom after he was caught stealing from him. It came after a 24-yearold Morocco sneaked into his flatmate’s bedroom and grabbed cash and a phone before the sleeping house-mate woke up. A neighbour reported the incident to the police after seeing the young victim leaning on a car while blood poured out of his left butt cheek. Officers arrived to find the suspect still in the apartment and arrested him for robbery with violence and intimidation as well as injury to others. The victim was treated at the scene before being transferred to Son Espases Hospital for further treatment.

Panic over THE UK has called off its emergency preparations for a no-deal Brexit ahead of the expected approval of Boris Johnson’s deal by British MPs. The Civil Service had spent months compiling contingency plans, known as Operation Yellowhammer, only to be told to bring them to a halt on December 23.

CRIME

January 10th - January 23th 2020

Festive gang rape shocker Half dozen Palma youths arrested in shocking sex attack

A SHOCKING Christmas gang rape attack on a teenage girl has led to seven arrests. The group of Mallorca

Justice - after 14 years A BRITISH man has been awarded nearly €87,000 in compensation after his lawyer failed to file paperwork causing him to lose his holiday home in Ibiza. The courts found the Ibizan lawyer guilty of malpractice after failing to put the apartment in the name of the British owner, resulting in the flat going to public auction. The unnamed man bought the apartment in the 1970s and spent many long summers in the 100-square-metre home while renting it out over the winter months. Eventually, a winter tenant defaulted on utility

bills and the electricity was shut off. It was only when the homeowner tried to reconnect the power that he found the property was never put into his name, even though he had paid for it, along with all the regular taxes and fees. In 2006, with debts mounting, the apartment was put up for auction and was eventually sold for €260,000. The court found the lazy lawyer guilty of malpractice by not completing the deeds and paperwork he was hired to do, and has ordered him to pay the victim €86,666 plus interest.

youngsters - six of them minors - are being grilled over the Christmas Eve attack on the 13-year-old in Son Gotleu.

Booze cruise

AN investigation has been launched after a tourist three times over the alcohol limit drove up a dual carriageway the wrong way. The boozed-up 43-yearold man travelled for 10 kilometres in the opposite direction on the A-45 between Malaga and Cordoba.

One-stop shop A BAR OWNER in Playa de Palma has been arrested for selling cocaine. Police raided the bar to find the landlady dealing the drug from behind the bar.

The victim reported the attack on Christmas Day, claiming she met the group in the Corea neighbourhood of Palma. She claimed the seven youths took turns to rape her before taking her to an apartment and then a car to abuse her further. She was taken to Son Llatzer hospital to be examined and also to be counselled by therapists. The group all deny rape, insisting the sex was consensual.

Friends.

Reset.

Music.

At OD Port Portals we have our own star rating. In fact, we have all the stars of the Mallorca sky and we will enjoy them all together every summer night at OD Sky Bar, on our spacious terrace and at our restaurant On Top. A hotel full of local experiences, music, art, gastronomy, yoga, pre-parties, flea markets, brunches, concerts, Pilates, tardeo, sea, sun and all the stars. A hotel full of life.

Horizon.

Sunset.

Attacker

A series of texts via WhatsApp allegedly show the victim’s agreement. Evidence has been sought from a female friend of the girl, who was allegedly with her. The oldest attacker is 19, while the other boys are between 15 and 17. An eighth boy is understood to be also helping police with their enquiries. The investigation continues.

Memories.

www.theolivepress.es

Courting the quokka CHEEKY: Rafa and quokka

NEWS

January 10th - January 23th 2020

when he posed with it during a trip to Australia this Christmas. The Mallorca star took a day off from preparations for the ATP Cup in Perth to visit the animal sanctuary on Rottnest Island. He sent the picture to his 22m followers on Instagram, alongside one IT was one of the funniest selfies of of Hollywood star Liam Hemsworth. the festive period. The world No.1 said: “They are not Tennis ace Rafael Nadal looked as scared to be close to people and we strange as the animal, a quokka, had some fun with them.”

Get digging! EXCLUSIVE By John Clarke

HE is the most famous murdered poet in history. Yet, the mystery of where Federico Garcia Lorca’s body was buried has continued for over half a century. Now investigators may, once again, kick start the search for him, based on a bone found in a park near Granada in 1986. The celebrated Blood Wedding writer was killed by fascists at the beginning of the Spanish civil war, in August, 1936. The homosexual scribe was seized at his home in Granada and later shot alongside three fellow Republicans and dumped in a yet-to-be-identified communal grave. Now the granddaughter of one of those killed - teacher Dioscoro Galinda - has filed an official request to a Granada court to reopen the investiga-

HIT BBC show The Mallorca Files has returned to the island with a triumph, as filming for Series Two got underway. Around 2.3 million people tuned in to watch the first episode of the rerun of the first season. The programme stars Julian Looman and Elen Ryhs as plucky British and German detective partnership, Miranda Blake and Max Winter. Iconic locations, such as the wooden train in Soller feature heavily in the the new 10-part series. Representatives of the Palma Film Office have met with the show’s producers to improve conditions for this season.

Expat historian Ian Gibson lends weight to new push for search for famous murdered poet

BURIAL: Of Spain’s Lorca? tion into their whereabouts. “Spanish society has not yet had the opportunity to bury its most famous Andalucian,” insisted Nieves García Catalan in her request. She based her demands on the recent claims of former Granada Public Works boss Jose Antonio Valdivia, who hinted that a bone found in the village of Alfacar could have been from Lorca.

A long time investigation, which led to digs in three separate locations in 2009, 2014 and 2016, came to a standstill soon after the PP took control of the Junta in 2018. The new demand also includes evidence from celebrated Irish historian Sir Ian Gibson, who has long insisted Lorca was buried in Alfacar. This week, he told the Olive Press: “It’s about time they

The Beeb is back

carried on with this search. It is abhorrent that Spain’s most famous playwright and poet is still buried in an unmarked grave.” The Madrid-based writer has written various books on the case and believes that the group were buried by a specific olive tree in Alfacar, before being dug up and later moved. “We believe they are buried under an ornamental fountain, which was due to be dug up, until the PP government got into the Junta in 2018. “This denuncia should hopefully get things moving again and I am fully prepared to give evidence as an expert,” he added. In the court request, seen by the Olive Press, the family asks for the official Guardia Civil ‘service sheets’ in Granada and Alfacar from August 18 to 20, 1936, when Lorca was executed. It also requests official police files on execution orders, anything on the exhumation of the poet and the registration of the transfer of his remains. It also asks for any evidence of those killed around that time by the Red Cross. The other two Republicans killed alongside Lorca were bullfighters Francisco Galadí and Joaquín Arcollas. It is believed 115,000 missing people are still buried in unmarked graves around Spain.

FILMING: On the Soller train HISPANIST: Gibson

Solicitors and Accountants who speak your language and understand your particular needs • Property Law • Inheritance • Business Accounting • Resident and Non Resident Tax Returns • Employment Law • Court Solicitors C/Miguel de los Santos Oliver, 10, local 3 07181 Palma Nova, Calvia Tel: 971 591 118 / 660 383 060 www.maricunningham.com Registered with the Law Society of the Islas Baleares and with the Law Society of Scotland

Golden moment IT kept the hordes watching as the countdown to New Year’s Day began. And this year, TV presenter Cristina Pedroche’s annual racy outfit snared a new record for Antena 3. The channel took a record 4.63m viewers as the presenter finally stripped down to a skin-tight gold outfit as the gongs rung midnight. The shiny number, designed by artist Jacinto de Manuel, was revealed at 23.57pm. Called Venus MMXX, it took an incredible 650 hours to make and had been worked on since July. It is the fifth year Pedroche has stripped down to a racy outfit as part of the New Year’s celebrations on Antena 3. The star, who has been

MUNOZ: And Pedroche

married to three Michelin star chef Dabiz Munoz for four years, spent the Reyes holiday in London, where Munoz has a restaurant.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

‘Isis’ imam to be extradited

Mystery attack in Magaluf leaves British girl needing eight stitches in her face

CRIM E

Hooker hell

AN imam accused of making recruitment videos for sick terrorist group ISIS can be extradited to Spain, a UK court has ruled. Birmingham-based Tarik Chadlioui, 43, is suspected EXCLUSIVE of rounding up fighters by Joe Duggan war in Syria, during two for the visits to Mallorca in 2014 and 2015. MYSTERY surrounds Father-of-eight Chalioui had ar- night attack on a Britisha late gued that extradition breached ress battered in Magaluf.waithis human rights to raise family under the European his The 23-year-old, who asked vention on Human Rights. Con- to remain nameless, is demanding action after she preacher for decades and the videos are anti-jihadistthat claims she was attacked near in BCM nightclub as she walked nature. home. She was rushed to tal where she receivedhospiINJURED: stitches to a series of eight Brit girl head wounds. with A male friend was also beaten bandage on when he came to defend chin before the gang - believedher to comprise a number of local prostitutes - fled. A DRUNK expat driver has been “They just jumped me,” sentenced to 18 months in she after trying to bribe local prison told the Olive Press. “They police just started with €500. beating the out of me. Me and my hell The incident in 2013 has friend The woman, who has worked the British expat losing led to were both covered in blood. his li- “I have a for five seasons in Magaluf, cense for two years and receiving massive gaping says she won’t come back in my jaw. I am in so hole a fine. for much a sixth following this pain.” It happened after he lost week’s attack. of his BMW in Costa dén control badly damaging three Blanes, parked cars. Once police confirmed he was well over the limit, the man then offered them the cash A FEMALE drugs dealer a promise of more later. with Guapi) has been arrested. going by the name ‘the beauty’ (La man was arrested on the The after three and a half kilosManuela Fernández Cortés was caught spot, and originally sentenced Son Banya. She was sent of cocaine were found in the village of years in prison, which wasto five was jailed in 2010 after to prison, while her daughter, La Guapi, two drug addicts were later edly stealing seven million reduced. tortured for alleg-

Cop bribe goes

wrong for expat HOOKERS: In Mallorca and (right) a previous OP article

Brit helps cage hooker hugger mugger NO STUNNER! euros from the gang.

WEBBS

A LEADING ecologist blamed ‘mafia methods’ has drugs were planted in his after car. Juan Clavero, spokesman for green group Ecologistas cion, believes he knowsen Acwho could be behind the stitch-up after 47 grams of cocaine were found under a car seat. Clavero, who was arrested, now been found innocent has a judge dismissed the case. after He told the Olive Press: “It was a complete stitch up and like third world countries where drug traffickers reign. “It is inconceivable they these mafia methods tocan use frame environmentalists. “I have never been involved with drugs and the judge agreed.”

Concern

A BRITISH tourist has played his part in the jailing of an infamous Magaluf hugger mugger. The young man had summoned police after the Nigerian hooker mugger hit him over the head as he left a club in Punta Ballena in May 2013. He had been surrounded by her and various other attackers, leading to his wallet, mobile phone and €50 being stolen. The victim, who was rushed to hospital with a fracture of his skull and concussion, was able to pick her out in a later

October 12th - October

need to sort this out it has been going because on for years,” she said. “I am a young girl and just got completely hammered.” She said she will report attack to the local police. the Last month, Calvia authorities revealed violent crimes had dropped by 22% with double the number of arrests made in the region over the summer. She added that during But there have been numerfive-year spell violence her ous prostitutes in the area from beingreports of young Brits been getting ‘much worse’.has Africanattacked by so-called prostitutes, who are “It’s too dangerous. They effectively just muggers. In August, a well-placed lice source told the Olive pothe problem was ‘much Press worse’ that what has been reported. “One guy had his penis half cut off by one of the prostitutes,” the sourceAfrican said. “I also know of an 18-year-old boy who came out here for the first time and was raped by a lucky lucky man.”

Stitch-up

Clavero had previously expressed concern over developers in the Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, and was involved a series of protests against in blocking of footpaths and the CONFLICT: Galle wants to develop, Clavero a deis opposed velopment in the celebrated erra de Grazalema natural Si- When Clavero returned to his the Perezoso Park. car Guardia Civil officers Lake. On the morning of his arrest on waiting, pulling out a bag were During the march last weekend, August 26, he had taken con- they were filmed part taining the drugs after in a protest against the estate, a search private security by dozens of guards, who by Jerez-based company run of the vehicle. threatened the legal protesters, del Agua Investments SL,Breña But in his court case last month, while the village of Benamahoma.near the judge at Ubrique court ruled and didGuardia Civil looked on nothing. that Clavero was the victim The company is owned of “I am not aware Marnix by Bel‘malicious acts by third par- has Galle gian tycoon Marnix Galle, anything to do with this, who ties, involving him but is said to be building a huge of which there is in a crime he should investigate the ac800-metre-square mansion no evidence tions of his employees and on whatsoever’. the land. ify what they are doing clarA rally in support of against Galle, one of Belgium’s Clavero those who defend right of way property developers, is richest saw hundreds of campaigners on public to have purchased the believed demand ‘full clarification’ of Clavero roads,” he added. understandably be€11 million from a Sanland for what happened to him. lieves police may be involved Roque Some 600 people were developer and to be launching in forced to the case an upmarket hunting business cut through barbed wire fences Press against him. The Olive contacted in order Galle’s to walk on official Brussels there. pecuarias’ drovers paths ‘via office, but at the time of going to up to press had not spoken with him.

26th 2017

Costa to caravan

Cursach’s ‘destroy’ vow

UK pensioner faces punishing bills from the taxman after losing her entire pension pot in Spain-based investment scam

AN infamous Magaluf sex video was set up damage the club it to was filmed in, it has been claimed. A witness in nightclub boss Tolo Cursach’s case claimed the shocking 2014 mamading film of an 18-year-old British girl performing oral sex on 24 men was fixed by rivals. Following the tape’s release, the bar and clubnight organisers were fined and the venue closed for a year. King

“It was a set up,” the unnamed Magaluf businessman told investigators, according to local paper Diario de Mallorca. “The girl didn’t do it of her own free will.” ‘King of The Night’ Cursach, who owned Toto’s and BCM nightclubs, faces 15 charges including corruption and homicide. Meanwhile, a witness told investigator s Cursach would pack crowds of underage children into his nightclubs BCM and Tito’s ‘like there was no tomorrow’. It also emerged that police had tapped Cursach’s phone for years leading up to two his arrest. Detectives listened to his conversatio ns between December 2014 and January 2016, as he revealed numerous corrupt practices and how to control the island’s nightclub scene. Among other revelations were discussions about whether Cursach’s lawyer could ‘his friend in the get Agency to do what Tax he has to do’. Mallorca Tourism Board chief Pilar Carbonell was also allegedly heard to agree help in expanding to Megapark business. his In phone calls, Carbonell, who is still in office, allegedly promised Cursach she would accelerate the paperwork so he could proceed with his plans.

line up. The woman has now been handed a two year sentence and fined €540. She was also ordered to pay €1,040 to the victim. She would have been extradited to Nigeria, as she is not legal in Spain. But she is allowed to stay, at least temporarily as she has a child here in Mallorca. It was the third reported attack of the hooker muggers in the same month of 2013. Two other British victims reported being hit over the head with a beer bottle in the same area a few days earlier.

January 10th - January 23th 2020

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

A FORMER British expat is battling punishing demands from the UK taxman (HMRC) after she lost her €400,000 pension pot in a Spain-based fraud and had to flee home to survive. The 66-year-old pensioner is now facing financial ruin, from her new home - a static caravan site near Bournemouth. Cassie Jones transferred her UK pension offshore, via QROPS in 2015, as many expats have done, but the badlyinvested funds left her with just €16,000 two years later. Jones - who was forced to sell

Elegant sea view villa in Old Bendinat for sale. 7 Beds

5 Baths 620 m² - Constructed 1600 m²- Plot Pool €7.7m Ref: 19021

Luxury Mallorcan villa situated in Old Bendinat, one of the most prestigious residential areas of Mallorca. Boasting beautiful sea views from all living areas, this classical style property is beautifully presented with bright south-facing rooms and oak parquet throughout. Distributed over 3 floors, double lounge and dining room, 7 spacious bedrooms, master with walk-in wardrobes and private terrace. Nicely landscaped gardens, al fresco dining and delightful sea views over the pool. Just 10 minutes to Palma.

Contact Amanda J Butler your one stop property advisor in Mallorca email: ajb@mjcassociates.net or tel: (+34) 690 075 169

her villa in the Algarve, Portugal, to survive - is now being punished by HMRC with a €70k tax bill for violating a five-year double taxation treaty. “I miss my old expat life, my home, the lady with the goats down the lane, my trying to speak the language, badly, and laughing – it’s all gone,” she told the Olive Press. “But I won’t give up justice. If my story can protect others in some way, I am willing to speak up.” Jones lost her money after investing it through Costa-Blanca based Continental Wealth Management (CWM). Its boss Darren Kirby convinced her to transfer her pension from decades into in the UK’s technology industry, promising her a 10% annual profit. But the non-FCA regu-

CONTRASTS: Cassie’s caravan and high life Jody

lated company recklessly invested her pension (alongside hundreds of other expats) into toxic investments that paid instant commissions to advisers and were doomed to fail, according to Olive Press investigations. Advisers correctly told her she could save UK income tax, between 25 and 40%, by transferring her pension via QROPS and making pension withdrawals in another EU country. But she had ‘no idea’ that if she returned to Britain within five years, the double taxation treaty would be void and her backdated pension withdrawals liable to UK income tax. “HMRC do not recognise victims of failed pensions, nor reasons for breaking the fiveyear treaty,” she continued. “Until you can submit proof of genuine reasons you then are under a criminal law investigation. “If your situation means you can’t afford accountants or lawyers, then you keep sell-

ing homes and downsizing until you live in a tent, or on the streets under a cardboard box.” She is now appealing that HMRC recognise her as a pension scam victim, while she is fighting for compensation from those involved. A spokesperson for HMRC said: “We empathise with anyone who believes they have been misled about their pension investments and encourage them to report scams to Action Fraud. “HMRC has done much to combat pension scams, leading to the removal of over 600 overseas schemes in 2017, further safeguarding taxpayers and their savings. “We will continue to come down hard on scammers who we identify, working closely with the Pensions Regulator and Financial Conduct Authority in a cross-agency approach.” Jody Smart, former director of CWM, declined to a request for comment.

OP QUICK Crossword Across 1 Head armour (6) 5 Missing (6) 8 Retaliation (8) 9 Exclamations of surprise (4) 10 Island in central Hawaii (4) 11 Immense (8) 13 Stylist (11) 18 Plan of attack (8) 22 Bedouin (4) 23 Angry (4) 24 Cosy (8) 25 Artificial limb (3,3) 26 Mistakes (6) Down 2 Nonsense (7) 3 Cocktail (7) 4 Flavour (5) 5 Exhausted (3,4) 6 Body of honeybees (5) 7 First prime minister of India (5) 12 Metal-bearing mineral (3) 14 European mountain (3) 15 Pencil sketch (7) 16 Prison (7) 17 Installation for nuclear fission (7) 19 Stage (5) 20 Saudi Arabian currency (5) 21 Kent coastal town (5)

All solutions are on page 15

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

At last!

Resignation calls as bosses face charges over sewage spills in Palma THE former president of Palma’s water board has been ordered to give evidence in the Emaya waste-water scandal. Neus Truyol has been summoned as a suspect, alongside deputy Inma Mayol, around 900 sewage spills recorded around the city over the last nine years. Palma court will probe how effluent, mostly from the Coll d’en Rabassa plant, was able to pollute rivers and the sea

TRUYOL: Gives evidence ONE of the world’s leading experts on swimming pool deaths has flown to Spain to investigate the tragic drownings of three British citizens on Christmas Eve. Allen Wilson, a health and safety expert who has worked on numerous drowning cases around Europe, arrived on the Costa del Sol yesterday. He told the Olive Press last night he believed the pool, where British tourists Gabriel Diya, 52 Comfort Diya, nine, and Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, died on Christmas Eve, was ‘hazardous’. He insisted the Club La Costa

By Gillian Keller

on so many occasions. At least four other technicians are to be grilled over mismanagement issues at the court hearings next month. It comes after a lawsuit was finally brought against the company Emaya and its bosses. The problem stems from the fact that the old 1970s plant is shared by an area which has doubled in population size over the last 40 years. It is used by Palma, Marratxi, Bunyola, Esporles and half of Playa de Palma. Investments are finally being made to solve the problem, which finds the plant working at full capacity even in winter. The worst of this happened when Truyol was president of

Emaya from 2015 until 2019. She is still a councillor in the city. Opposition parties this week demanded her immediate resignation. The Coll d’en Rabassa residents association has been complaining and criticising the plant since 2001, and installed an infrared camera six years ago to get more data on the situation. While Emaya claims 600 spills have occurred from 2011 to 2018, the group claims there have been over 900. In total 10 billion litres of sewage has been allowed to enter the local ecosystem. There are now plans to build a new sewer plant – the property has been purchased but approval from Madrid and funding are still in the works.

‘Cover up’ EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

World (CLC) resort in Fuengirola - which he is set to visit this week - was ‘most likely to blame’ for the shock deaths of the trio. Wilson claimed the pool’s design with just one floor ‘outlet’ – instead of two – could have created an ‘excessive suction

vacuum’ and dragged them under water. It flies in the face of the Guardia Civil’s official investigation, which concluded the three died as a result of their ‘inability to swim’. Their controversial report was thrown into jeopardy, however, when mother and wife Olubunmi Diya insisted all three could swim. Her lawyer, Fuengirola-based Javier Toro, later insisted daughter Comfort had even taken lessons a ‘week before the holiday’. Toro told the Olive Press this week that ‘many lines of investigation remained open’.

Stinks

TRAGIC: Gabriel and Olubunmi Diya, while (right) pool expert Allen Wilson

JUSTICE A BRITISH man has been awarded nearly €87,000 in compensation after his lawyer failed to file paperwork causing him to lose his holiday home in Ibiza. The courts found the lawyer guilty of malpractice after failing to put the apartment in the name of the British owner, resulting in the flat going to public auction. The unnamed man bought the apartment in the 1970s and spent many long summers there, while renting it out over the winter months. Eventually, a winter tenant defaulted on utility bills and the electricity was shut off. It was only when the homeowner tried to reconnect the power that he found the

property was never put into his name, even though he had paid for it, along with taxes and fees. He was later forced to put the apartment up for auction in 2006 and it was eventually sold for €260,000. The court found the lazy lawyer guilty of malpractice by not completing the deeds and paperwork he was hired to do. He was ordered him to pay the victim €86,666 plus interest. He could have received a larger settlement had he been able to prove exactly what tasks he hired his lawyer to do when he bought the property in the 1970s.

Wilson, however, went further to claim the report done by the police was a ‘cover up’ to protect the Spanish tourist industry, the resort and the tour operators. “It stinks,” Wilson, who has worked for leading European tour operators on matters of pool safety, told the Olive Press. “The police say it was safe, but I personally believe they would not have the knowledge, experience or ability to carry out this type of investigation,” added Wilson, a former president of the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers, who has worked for TUI and Thomas Cook. A spokesperson for CLC said claims made by Toro and the Diya family were ‘directly at odds with the findings of the police report’. “Exhaustive investigations have confirmed the pool was working normally and there was no malfunction of any kind. “Our sympathies remain with the family at what we understand must be a stressful and desperately upsetting time for them.” Opinion Page 6

January 10th - January 23th 2020

Arranging a funeral abroad can be

complicated

We make it simple A pre-paid funeral plan from Avalon is an easy way to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance so your family doesn’t have to deal with unfamiliar procedures and language barriers.

Why choose Avalon? Fastest growing funeral plan provider in Europe, helping more than 70,000 customers over 25 years

24/7 expat bereavement helpline

The UK’s most trusted funeral plan provider*

We work with local, independent Funeral Directors

Local support for you and your family

A funeral in Mallorca or the UK

Plan your expat funeral with us today and enjoy your life in the sun. Talk to us on +34 871 55 18 15 www.avalonfuneralplans.com/mallorca *Based on over 1,500 reviews on Trustpilot

Plan happy, choose

2019 round up

What a

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION Deep end

Government in action Another month, another election. The cogs of democracy in Spain are clanking again in what has seemed a year of repetitive headlines with two general elections and two winning parties without an absolute majority. To British expats, many without a vote, it may seem a chore to read up on Spanish politics. But you should do: for a new government means a turbo-charged Spanish state ready to enact a backlog of laws that will affect each and every one of you. From Brexit to the environment and from new laws governing scooters to social justice, expect a raft of new measures regulating our lives here. Whether you’re a fan of socialism or not, a democratically elected government in power, at last, is good news for Spain. And there is no doubt Pedro Sanchez is a gentleman and a fighter and with Pablo Iglesias alongside him, he has one of the most intelligent party leaders in Europe. Now we can all move forwards for the next four years without another darn election. Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Charlie Smith Joshua Parfitt charlie@theolivepress.es joshua@theolivepress.es

A look back at the biggest s landmark year

n a year marred by Brexit and culminating in the rise of Boris Johnson (left) to become Prime Minister, there have actually been other stories holding the attention of expats in Spain. For one, pop star Julio Iglesias found out

January The year began with British expats in Spain still facing the uncertainty of unresolved Brexit chaos

Mijas Cost

he had a lovechild by a Portuguese ballerina. Then there was the almost unbelievable collapse of Thomas Cook, the Catalan riots, while Spain eventually dug up General Franco. Royals including Harry and Megan, and a sweating (or

OLIVE PRESS

g Get Plannin

There’s a r whole yea ahead. Contact us if you r missed you copy of ourll annual wa planner

A ANDALUCÍ

Your

expat

voice in Spain

! Y L L A N I F FREE

ary 8th ress.es Janu

.theolivep e 334 www

Vol. 13 Issu

- January 21st

2020

– some things never change. Our first front page of the year (Issue 308) carried the news that Sanchez , as Pedro year wait the Spanish Prime Minister had promised British expats their Main Man o comes the after a turbulent tw be an m ly rights would remain unchanged after Brexit ‘no matter what’. in Spain The near vernment forms a go Weeks later the world held its breath as rescue efforts began for little Julen Rosello, the two-year-old who fell down a Malaga well Diving in (Issue 309). Olive Press journalists were at the site alongside the global media, before it ANDALUCÍA emerged Julen G et Pl an ni ng LIVE Your had died and a Mijas Costa RESS voiSpaexcepainint family legal battle ensued. In other news the British PM Theresa May (reTerrorists The nearly ma n bec es the Main member her?) still Diving in forms a governmentom in Spain after Man, as Pedro Sanchez a turbulent tw o year wait couldn’t get her Brexit deal through Parliament. The month was rounded off with the grisly tale of British expat GRIM JANUARY: 4 83 Nicholas Smith (left) who unearthed the ‘human From poorTeJulen to l: 952 147pag es 5 See back garden burial remains’ of a teenager in his back garden in Mijas (Issue 310). EXCLUSIVE tt Parfi By Joshua

O P

ng experts n world’s leadi ONE of the pool deaths has flow c on swimming investigate the tragins to Spain toof three British citize drownings s Eve. on Christma a health and safety ex-s Allen Wilson, worked on numerou arpert who has s around Europe, . yesterday drowning case t Costa del Sol rived on the Olive Press last nigh sh He told the the pool, where Briti he believed iel Diya, 52 Comfort manuel tourists Gabr and Praise-Em Diya, nine, on Christmas Eve, was after the vote ro Sanchez Diya, 16, died official IEVED: Ped ld me Spain’s vote of ‘hazardous’.the Club La Costa Wor h REL nd hez has beco victory He insisted rt in Fuengirola - whic t PEDRO Sanc after winning a seco r the coalition ’s shared - was ‘mos minister e in tears afte (CLC) reso week prim to the two men’ of soverthe this . hs lo Iglesias he referred yesterday country for he is set to visite’ for the shock deat emos’ Pab confidence govern the two-year wait In his letter, beyond ‘the eternal issue dship on will r blam MED: Pod ing to leade y frien E likel st the left-w OVERWHEL desire to look extended the hand of n The PSO years, after an agonizing voted again do Popular, who he pool’s desig of the trio. . rise and four the y altar surp Parti next ed eignt – inle of Gibr otion of It was no from the ral elections. hez, 47, from Madrid, rra Wilson claim floor ‘outlet’created and three gene lf of the peop support for the prom with 165 MPs s per Catalunya, Nava Sanc beha one time tion, ster just first coali his mini the e ed with dialogue, unos, Junt – could have Acting prim recall MPs to sit for ry. He also offer d on the principle of een our reVox, Ciudadan rs saying ‘no’. stead of two suction vacuum’ and shedto was forced end to confirm his victo titure vote ‘policies baseand co-operation betw ause, with some Suma and othe an ‘excessive under water. an inves ted into appl led that Sanchez had the week derstanding le’. of the the Guardiah over his second attempt at seats in December’s The left erup dragged them it was revea the face of the abstention party It was spective peop all maIt flies in ial investigation, whic ding tears, when victory was over Left E won the most while n an hez’s PSO e!’ blica win the Sanc vote. to pued Repu since Key to Civil’s offic clinched the es screamed ‘si, se after Sannce Catalan ion, but failed congress vote photographed on Page 2 general elect saw MPs in Spain’s ing pro-independeagreed to sit out the vote ical conRepresentativ ed Iglesias, who was ion was the Continues polit h proposed left-w jority. The vote (ERC), whic find a solution to the lunya’s sepat elect hez hugg to Sanchez’s up by Pablo Iglerecen Sanc to ‘no’ or to most failed d n’s try ped either ‘yes’ chez vowe dogged Spain since Cata as the coun in tears. Spai r parties. e in 2017. rnment, prop many years nt. coalition gove party and a host of othe flict that has government tried to seced fourth in as won a knife sive governme leading expat Hispansias’s Podemos afternoon session, he 18 ratist regional form a cohe ed 165, while for Spain,” s. After a heat of 167 votes against ined. “It’s great news on told the Olive Presromises, but hez’ edge victory rity from Catalunya, absta ist, Sir Ian Gibs g to be lots of comp s argue Sanclden the first coabeho MPs, the majo hez will preside over nt’s opponent are goin the re too rnme be after “The it’s gove will The ” man and It means Sanc nt in Spain since 1977 government’ t to Spain’s also solutions. chez is an amazing after being ‘Frankenstein ratists and pose a threa for calm, “San out lition governme aled He added: Unidos Pohe stuck it tor Franco. to Catalan sepa. While Sanchez appe came fightere of le to think then death of dictapropped up by MPs from Galego Naosph rkab and ‘atm unity rema the come national his own party The PSOE is , Más País, Compromís, a Canarias. offensive. MPs to over kicked out of ing back. a true and called on adversaries went on the of being an demos, PNV k, Teruel Existe and Nuev qualities of irritation’, his o Casado, accused himfuture in the “He has the speaks very well. He tionalist Bloc pe.” PP leader Pabl had left the country’s . statesman and t asset for Euro Fabian on ‘extremist’ whorists and coup-mongers’hez wrote: Allen Wils will be a grea ster EXPERT: Chief Mini r of conhands of ‘terro after the vote, Sanc dialogue Gibraltar’s lette a sent ding sent le In a tweet ring a time for defen Picardo alsoto Sanchez on being for all peop ous and “Spain is ente ics. A government gratulation for social juspolit after ‘a tortu and useful co-existence and fights moderation, re-elected, te’. that restores the dawn of a time of fractious deba is tice. Today hope.” roll out a polexpected to progress and is who n tion coali in Spai Spain’s new income tax for people icy of raising €130,000. 6 earn more than Opinion Page

The

British con-artists in Spain are as old as package holidays. From timeshare scams to bogus TV boxes and cowboy builders to investment tricksters, the Olive Press has exposed them all. We strongly advise all readers to double check online reviews, relevant industry rating sites and wordof-mouth to determine where it’s safe to entrust your hard-earned cash. When that fails, it is of vital importance to make denuncias with the police and contact regulators when a service provider lets you down. And finally… remember to contact your campaigning local newspaper! Our team of professional journalists are committed to seeking out the truth of the matter. Last year we exposed over a dozen conmen, fraudsters and sex offenders and even succeeded in shutting down a bogus holiday rental site that cost British holidaymakers thousands of euros. Where you the readers need to be protected, we will not hesitate to do the same again.

January 10th - January 23th 2020

The

FREE

Vol. 13 Issue 334

There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

FINALLY!

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfit

www.theolivepress

.es January 8th -

January 21st 2020

ONE of the world’ s leading expert on swimming s to Spain to pool deaths has flown drownings of investigate the tragic on Christmas three British citizens Allen Wilson, Eve. pert who has a health and safety exworked on numer drowning cases ous around Europe, arrived on the Costa He told the Olive del Sol yesterday. Press last night he believed the tourists Gabrie pool, where British l Diya, 52 Comfo Diya, nine, and rt Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, died ‘hazardous’. on Christmas Eve, was He insisted the (CLC) resort Club La Costa World he is set to visitin Fuengirola - which RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after likely to blame’ this week - was ‘most PEDRO the vote for the shock deaths Sanche of the trio. prime minister z has become Spain’s official Wilson claime after winning confidence yesterd a second vote with just one d the pool’s design of ay. stead of two floor ‘outlet’ – in- The PSOE leader will govern the country for an ‘excessive – could have created next four years, after an agoniz the suction and ing three vacuum two-ye dragged them general electio ar wait ’ and ns. Acting prime minist It flies in the under water. er OVERWHELMED Civil’s official face of the Guardia was forced to recall Sanchez, 47, from Madrid, MPs to sit for investigation, : Podemos’ Pablo the first time which over the weekend to confirm It was no surpris Iglesias in tears his victory. It was his second after the coalit coalition, with e who voted against the left-wi Continues on attempt at an ion victory 165 since the PSOE Page 2 investiture In his letter, he Vox, Ciudadanos, MPs from the Partido Populang general electio won the most seats in Decem vote desire to look referred to the two men’s shared Suma and others Junts per Catalunya, Navarrr, n, ber’s beyond ‘the eterna jority. The vote but failed to win an overall a eignty and he l issue’ of soverThe left erupte saying ‘no’. saw MPs in Spain’s maextend d either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ congress vote behalf of the people ed the hand of friendship ding tears, when into applause, with some to Sanche on shedz’s proposed left-wi of Gibraltar. coalition govern He also offered clinched the vote.it was revealed that Sanche his support for z had sias’s Podemos ment, propped up by Pablo ng ‘policie Repres s Igleparty based entatives and a host on the princip the promotion of After a heated derstanding and le of dialogue, Sanchez hugged screamed ‘si, se puede!’ afternoon sessionof other parties. while edge victory of , he won a knifespective people co-operation between our unin tears. Spain’sIglesias, who was photographed ’. reMPs, the majori 167 votes against 165, while Key to Sanche fourth in as manymost recent election was z’s victory It means Sanchety from Catalunya, abstained. 18 the years as the countr was the absten pro-independe form a cohesiv z will preside tion of the y failed to nce Catalan Repub e lition government over (ERC), which lican Left party “It’s great news government. in Spain since the first coaagreed to sit out for Spain,” leading death of dictato 1977 after the chez vowed to the vote after Sanist, Sir Ian Gibson r Franco. expat Hispanfind The PSOE is proppe flict that has doggeda solution to the politica “There are going told the Olive Press. d up by MPs l conSpain since demos, PNV, EXPERT: Allen ratist regional also solutions.” to be lots of compromises Más País, Compr from Unidos Pogovernment tried Catalunya’s sepaWilson , but tionalist Block, to secede in 2017. He added: “Sanch Teruel Existe andomís, Galego Naez is an amazin Nueva Canarias. remarkable to g man and it’s think he stuck Terrorists kicked out of his it The government’s own party and out after being then came fightopponents ‘Frankenstein ing back. government’ will argue Sanchez’ to Catalan separa “He has the be too behold qualities of a en national unity. tists and pose a threat to Spain’s statesman and While Sanchez speaks very well.true and called on MPs appealed for calm, will be a great He asset to overcome irritation’, his Gibraltar’s Chief for Europe.” adversaries went the ‘atmosphere of PP leader Pablo Picardo also sent Minister Fabian on the offensi a letter of con‘extremist’ who Casado, accused him of beingve. gratulation to an hands of ‘terror had left the country’s future re-elected, afterSanchez on being in the ists In a tweet sent and coup-mongers’. fractious debate ‘a tortuous and ’. “Spain is enterin after the vote, Sanchez wrote: g a time for defend and useful politics ing dialogu that restores co-exis. A government for all peoplee tence and tice. Today is the dawn of a fights for social justime of moder progress and hope.” ation, Spain’s new coalitio icy of raising incomen is expected to roll out a poltax for people earn more than in Spain who €130,000.

34 952 147 8 e r * O f f

v a l i d

f o r

n e w

s o m e r c u s t

e c t S u b j

o n l y .

t o

s . i t i o n c o n d

E n d s

. 2 / 1 9 3 1 / 1

21/6/19 13:30

E02.indd 1

-256x170-HOM

TheOlivePress

February

Opinion Page 6

Tel: 952 147 There were on in February, as 952 147 more 834 gruesome goings 834 we reported how British grandmother Valerie Butroid’s dead body was kept in her Marbella home for a year by her daughter (Issue 311). Meanwhile, questions abounded after a Marbella chiringuito opened by Pamela Anderson and Eva Longoria was torched to the ground. Elsewhere, Chris Stewart’s beloved Driving Over Lemons country was under threat from a new series of mega-pylons being built in the Alpujarras (Issue 312). Over in Mallorca, British filmmaker Carl Whiteley, who mixed with the likes of Sylvester Stallone, was left in a coma after an unexplained balcony fall (Issue 48). But there was also a heartwarming tale to round off the month, as 80-year-old Hector Baglietto survived a boat crash off Gibraltar and heroically swam to shore ANDALUCÍA (Issue 91). See pages 5

John Culatto Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es johnc@theolivepress.es

* O f f e r

v a l i d

TheOlivePress-256x1

70-HOME02.indd

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

Admin Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es

Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es

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

Distribution ENQUIRIES (+34) 951 273 575 distribution@ theolivepress.es

Newsdesk: 0034 951 273 575 For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5, Calle Espinosa 1, Edificio cc El Duque, planta primera, 29692, Sabinillas, Manilva

AWARDS

Mijas Costa

2016 - 2019 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2019 Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

OLIVE PRESS

The

Head office

Deposito Legal MA: 835-2017

OLIVE PRESS

The

Robert Firth robert@theolivepress.es

Mijas Costa Get Planning

ANDALUCÍA

There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

FREE

Vol. 13 Issue 334

Your

expat

voice in Spain

Get Planning There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

FINALLY! ! FINALLY FREE

Vol. 13 Issue 334

y 8th ress.es Januar

www.theolivep

Your

expat

voice in Spain

z EXCL USIVE Joshua Parfit Pedro Sanche By it t r wa Main Man, as ent two yeaONE of the world’s leading expert on swimming n becomes the bul s to Spain to pool deaths has flown The nearly ma ment in Spain after a tur drownings of investigate the tragic ern three gov British citizen a on Christmas s forms Eve.

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

leading experts flown ONE of the world’s pool deaths has on swimming investigate the tragic to Spain to British citizens

three drownings of Eve. on Christmas a health and safety exAllen Wilson, worked on numerous pert who has around Europe, ardrowning cases del Sol yesterday. rived on the Costa Press last night Olive He told the pool, where British he believed the Diya, 52 Comfort tourists Gabriel Praise-Emmanuel Eve, was Diya, nine, and on Christmas the vote Diya, 16, died Sanchez after World RELIEVED: Pedro ‘hazardous’. Spain’s official Club La Costa He insisted thein Fuengirola - which PEDRO Sanchez has becomea second vote of (CLC) resort this week - was ‘most r after winning prime ministe visit to he is set for the shock deaths confidence yesterday. govern the country for the likely to blame’ r wait leader will two-yea PSOE ng The agonizi of the trio. years, after an the pool’s design Wilson claimedfloor ‘outlet’ – in- next four general elections. , z, 47, from Madrid with just one– could have created and three minister Sanche first time stead of two suction vacuum’ and Acting primeto recall MPs to sit for the victory. was forced an ‘excessive under water. d to confirm his vote dragged them face of the Guardia over the weeken attempt at an investiture er’s the second in Decemb his in which It was seats It flies investigation, mawon the most Civil’s official since the PSOE , but failed to win an overall vote s 2 election congres Page general Continues on g saw MPs in Spain’s jority. The vote to Sanchez’s proposed left-win Igleeither ‘yes’ or ‘no’ ent, propped up by Pablo of other parties. coalition governm s party and a host , he won a knifesias’s Podemo 18 afternoon session After a heated 167 votes against 165, while edge victory of y from Catalunya, abstained.coaMPs, the majorit z will preside over the first the It means Sanche in Spain since 1977 after ent lition governm Franco. Unidos Podeath of dictator d up by MPs from NaThe PSOE is proppePaís, Compromís, Galego s. Más Nueva Canaria demos, PNV, Teruel Existe and tionalist Block,

.es January 8th -

January 21st 2020

The Rock’s ONLY free local paper

SADDLE UP FOR MORE ART!

FREE

January 21st 2020

Diving in

www.theolivepress

The nearly ma forms a gover n becomes the Main Ma n, as nment in Spain after a turbu Pedro Sanchez lent two yea r wait

Allen Wilson, pert who has a health and safety exworked on numer drowning cases around Europ ous rived on the Costa e, arHe told the Olive del Sol yesterday. Press last night he believed the tourists Gabrie pool, where British l Diya, 52 Comfo Diya, nine, and rt Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, died ‘hazardous’. on Christmas Eve, was He insisted the (CLC) resort Club La Costa World he is set to visitin Fuengirola - which RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after likely to blame’ this week - was ‘most PEDRO the vote for the shock deaths Sanche of the trio. prime minister z has become Spain’s official Wilson claime after winning confidence yesterd a second vote with just one d the pool’s design of ay. stead of two floor ‘outlet’ – in- The PSOE leader will govern the country for an ‘excessive – could have created next four years, after an agoniz the suction and ing three vacuum two-year wait dragged them general electio ’ and ns. Acting prime minist It flies in the under water. er OVERWHELMED Civil’s official face of the Guardia was forced to recall Sanchez, 47, from Madrid, MPs to sit for investigation, : Podemos’ Pablo on victory the first time which over the weekend to confirm coaliti It was no surpris Iglesias in tears the shared his victory. It was his second s in tears after after the coalit two men’s coalition, with e who voted against the left-wi Continues on attempt at an referred to the os’ Pablo Iglesia ion victory 165 since the PSOE Page 2 issue’ of soverinvestiture MED: Podem In his letter, he In his letter, he Vox, Ciudadanos, MPs from the Partido Populang OVERWHEL beyond ‘the eternalof friendship on the left-wing general electio won the most seats in Decem vote desire to look , who voted against desire to look referred to the two men’s shared Suma and others Junts per Catalunya, Navarrr, n, ber’s extended the hand beyond ‘the eterna It was no surprise MPs from the Partido Popular eignty and he jority. The vote but failed to win an overall a of Gibraltar. 165 eignty and he l issue’ of soverThe left erupte saying ‘no’. ya, Navarra saw MPs in Spain’s mapromotion of coalition, with extend behalf of the people d either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ Junts per Catalun support for the dialogue, uncongress vote behalf of the people ed the hand of friendship ding tears, when into applause, with some Vox, Ciudadanos,saying ‘no’. to also offered his of Sanche le He on shedz’s proposed left-wi of Gibraltar. coalition govern shedon the princip between our reHe also offered clinched the vote.it was revealed that Sanche Suma and others into applause, with some had ‘policies based his support for z z had co-operation sias’s Podemos ment, propped up by Pablo ng and ‘policie ding the promo The left erupted it was revealed that Sanche Repres s based on the Iglederstan entatives . of the After a heated party and a host of other parties principle of dialogution of ding tears, when derstanding and spective people’ victory was the abstention Sanchez hugged screamed ‘si, se puede!’ afternoon session . while e, z’s while edge victory of , he won a knifeican Left party clinched the vote.screamed ‘si, se puede!’ spective people co-operation between our unKey to Sanche in tears. Spain’sIglesias, who was photographed nce Catalan Republ ’. reafter SanMPs, the majori 167 votes against 165, while Representatives Iglesias, who was photographed pro-independe Key to Sanche the to sit out the vote fourth in as manymost recent election was ty was 18 confrom l agreed hugged z z’s Catalu victory election which politica Sanche It means Sanche the nya, abstained. to the (ERC), years as the countr was the absten pro-independe most recent to form a cohesiv find a solution Catalunya’s sepaz will preside tion of the y failed to nce Catalan Repub in tears. Spain’s years as the country failed e government. chez vowed to lition government over the first coasince Spain (ERC), many as lican 2017. “It’s dogged in in which great news for Left party in Spain since fourth agreed to sit out to secede flict that has death of dictato Spain,” leading e government. 1977 after the chez vowed to the vote after Sangovernment tried ist, Sir Ian Gibson r Franco. form a cohesiv for Spain,” leading expat Hispan expat Hispanratist regional find The PSOE is proppe flict that has doggeda solution to the politica “There are going told the Olive Press. “It’s great news told the Olive Press. d up by MPs l cons but Spain since demos, PNV, orist EXPE ratist regional Terr ist, Sir Ian Gibson to be lots of compromises, RT: also solutions.” to be lots of compromises Más País, Compr from Unidos Poz’ Allen argue government tried Catalunya’s sepaWilsoSanche , but tionalist Block, n “There are going to secede in 2017. He added: “Sanch Teruel Existe andomís, Galego Naent’s opponents be too beholden The governm g man and it’s ez is an amazin Nueva Canarias. also solutions.” government’ willa threat to Spain’s remarkable to z is an amazin g man and it’s being ‘Frankenstein think he stuck He added: “Sanche he stuck it out after Terrorists ists and pose kicked out of his d for calm, think it out after being fightto Catalan separat The government’s remarkable to own party and then came Sanchez appeale own of While party here unity. and l his ‘atmosp then came fightopponents nationa kicked out of ‘Frankenstein ing back. to overcome the the offensive. true ing back. government’ will argue Sanchez’ and called on MPs ries went on qualities of a He to an the “He Catalan be adversa has being too his has of “He beholden separatis the qu irritation’, s very well. cused him

Mad for Murals see page 8

livepress.com Vol. 4 Issue 91 www.gibraltaro

February 27th - March 12th 2019

‘RUBBER MAN’ BOUNCES BACK

Plane terror

THIS is the dramatic moment a British Airways plane hit heavy turbulence while trying to land in Gibraltar. The clip, which went viral on social media, shows the plane tilting violently from side to side while attempting to land. One Gibraltar resident, said: “I was in that plane, it was very scary indeed.” Another witness of the plane, that was eventually forced to divert to Malaga, wrote: “It was awful! Never seen a plane rock from side to side as much! I’m still shaken by it!” British Airways confirmed the plane was diverted due to strong winds and that it landed safely in Malaga. Opinion Page 6

EXCLUSIVE

AGAIN AN octogenarian fisherman whose boat was smashed on rocks during strong winds has told the Gibraltar Olive Press how remaining calm was key to staying alive. Pensioner Hector Baglietto, 80, was forced to swim to safety and clamber over jagged rocks when his sixmetre fibreglass ship, Tyjack, ran aground close to Europa Point (pictured left). The former fireman, who had been fishing when a three-metre wave slammed his vessel onto rocks, told the Gibraltar Olive Press: “I am lucky to be alive.” He added however he was ‘never afraid’ when he got into trouble during strong winds last Tuesday.

Best to remain THE Gibraltar government waded into a dramatic day in Parliament yesterday, insisting the cancelling of Article 50 and staying in the EU would be ‘the best possible outcome’. A spokesman made the comments, just hours after the UK’s Labour Party announced it would support a second referendum, while Theresa May confirmed MPs would get a vote on whether to delay Article 50 on March 13. Gibraltar said it would back a ‘remain’ outcome in any new referendum, despite the many concerns it had over EU institutions and countries. However, the Rock remains concerned over the delay of the so-called meaningful vote for MPs until March 12, just two weeks before the UK departure date.

80-year-old Hector Baglietto tells Olive Press how he survived dramatic Europa Point boat crash

EXCLUSIVE By John Culatto

“That first wave knocked me forward, cracking my rib and half-flooding my boat,” Baglietto, a former Gibraltar footballer, revealed. “The next wave threw it onto shallow rocks. It was very scary. If it had capsized I would not be here to tell the tale.” Speaking at his Glacis Estate home, he revealed: “I then waded across the rocks while being lashed by the waves until I got to dry land near the Europa Point cottages.” He continued: “I was soaked right through and in quite a lot of pain, also with a broken toe and plenty more

Consequences

REPLICA: Of boat while (above)

brave Hector

If May’s deal is rejected, MPs will then vote on whether they want to leave the EU with or

treated the ‘shaken’ without a deal on March 13, bruises.” Despite his inju- Service before he was a vote is held on exries, he added that he was Gibraltarian,to St Bernard’s before Article 50. tending ‘very calm’ throughout the transferred for medical atten- “The Government is conordeal thanks to his de- Hospital cerned about the consequenction. cades of experience. explained how he es of an extension for obvious The grandfather, who is Hector been brought up in a reasons,” the No6 statement one of 11 children, is known had of fishermen in Cata- added. family ‘rubber the as to his friends Gibraltar will continue to Bay. man’ as he always manages lan brave local, who re- brace itself for a no deal Brexto get back up without seri- The from the Admiralty it. tired position of the Governous injury. Service at 50, admitted “The is that Gibraltar must “It is a nickname that I have Fire st time he ment

2019 round up

stories that made 2019 another r for the Olive Press non-sweating) Prince Andrew hid from the British press out here in Spain. There were numerous floods across the country, a Mercadona crimewave, a Champions League final, celebrity weddings and even a scrape with

Paul Hollywood of Great British Bake Off fame. Spain also saw the birth of not one but two new Olive Press newspapers. This year definitely has a tough act to follow. But in the meantime, here are the top news stories

March

Mijas Costa

OLIVE PRESS

There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

Your expat

voice in Spain

FREE

January 8th - January 21st 2020 Vol. 13 Issue 334 www.theolivepress.es

Main Man, as Pedro Sanchez The nearly man becomes the after a turbulent two year wait forms a government in Spain

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

ONE of the world’s leading experts on swimming pool deaths has flown to Spain to investigate the tragic drownings of three British citizens on Christmas Eve. exAllen Wilson, a health and safety pert who has worked on numerous ardrowning cases around Europe, rived on the Costa del Sol yesterday. He told the Olive Press last night he believed the pool, where British tourists Gabriel Diya, 52 Comfort Diya, nine, and Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, died on Christmas Eve, was ‘hazardous’. He insisted the Club La Costa World (CLC) resort in Fuengirola - which he is set to visit this week - was ‘most likely to blame’ for the shock deaths of the trio. Wilson claimed the pool’s design inwith just one floor ‘outlet’ – stead of two – could have created an ‘excessive suction vacuum’ and dragged them under water. It flies in the face of the Guardia Civil’s official investigation, which Continues on Page 2

the vote RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after Spain’s official PEDRO Sanchez has become second vote of prime minister after winning a confidence yesterday. country for the The PSOE leader will govern the wait two-year agonizing an next four years, after and three general elections. from Madrid, Acting prime minister Sanchez, 47, the first time was forced to recall MPs to sit for over the weekend to confirm his victory. investiture vote It was his second attempt at an in December’s since the PSOE won the most seats overall maan general election, but failed to win congress vote jority. The vote saw MPs in Spain’s left-wing either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Sanchez’s proposed by Pablo Iglecoalition government, propped up parties. other of sias’s Podemos party and a host he won a knifeAfter a heated afternoon session, 165, while 18 edge victory of 167 votes against abstained. Catalunya, MPs, the majority from the first coaIt means Sanchez will preside over 1977 after the lition government in Spain since death of dictator Franco. Unidos PoThe PSOE is propped up by MPs from Galego Nademos, PNV, Más País, Compromís, Canarias. tionalist Block, Teruel Existe and Nueva

May

Get Planning

ANDALUCÍA

FINALLY!

Diving in

EXPERT: Allen Wilson

History was made in March, as the Olive Press launched its fourth newspaper on the Costa Blanca. The paper’s first front page carried a classic story about a neighbourly tiff, in which one expat rejoiced as his neighbour was forced by police to cut a row of cypress trees (Issue 1). Meanwhile, ‘Michelin muppet’ Marbella chef Dani Garcia angered green groups with a new chiringuito in a protected area (Issue 314) and plucky group of British expats travelled to London to protest against Brexit – the largest public demonstration since the Iraq War.

January 10th - January 23th 2020

The

a year! www.theolivepress.es

the coalition victory Pablo Iglesias in tears after OVERWHELMED: Podemos’ men’s shared In his letter, he referred to the two the left-wing issue’ of soverIt was no surprise who voted against desire to look beyond ‘the eternal Popular, of friendship on coalition, with 165 MPs from the Partido Navarra eignty and he extended the hand Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts per Catalunya, of the people of Gibraltar. behalf promotion of Suma and others saying ‘no’. He also offered his support for the some sheddialogue, unof principle the The left erupted into applause, with on based ‘policies Sanchez had our reding tears, when it was revealed that derstanding and co-operation between clinched the vote. spective people’. puede!’ while of the abstention the was victory Representatives screamed ‘si, se Sanchez’s to Key photographed Left party Sanchez hugged Iglesias, who was pro-independence Catalan Republican after Sanwas the vote in tears. Spain’s most recent election failed to (ERC), which agreed to sit out the political confourth in as many years as the country chez vowed to find a solution to the sepaform a cohesive government. flict that has dogged Spain since Catalunya’s Hispanexpat 2017. leading in Spain,” secede to for “It’s great news ratist regional government tried ist, Sir Ian Gibson told the Olive Press. but “There are going to be lots of compromises, Terrorists also solutions.” argue Sanchez’ man and it’s The government’s opponents He added: “Sanchez is an amazing after being beholden too be will out ‘Frankenstein government’ remarkable to think he stuck it to Spain’s came fightto Catalan separatists and pose a threat for calm, kicked out of his own party and then ing back. national unity. While Sanchez appealed ‘atmosphere of “He has the qualities of a true and called on MPs to overcome the the offensive. statesman and speaks very well. He irritation’, his adversaries went on him of being an will be a great asset for Europe.” PP leader Pablo Casado, accused future in the Fabian country’s the left Minister had Chief who Gibraltar’s ‘extremist’ ’. Picardo also sent a letter of conhands of ‘terrorists and coup-mongers Sanchez wrote: gratulation to Sanchez on being In a tweet sent after the vote, dialogue re-elected, after ‘a tortuous and “Spain is entering a time for defendingall people for fractious debate’. and useful politics. A government for social justhat restores co-existence and fights moderation, of tice. Today is the dawn of a time progress and hope.” a polout roll to Spain’s new coalition is expected in Spain who icy of raising income tax for people earn more than €130,000. Opinion Page 6

‘We’ve got the power’ was the triumphant headline gracing the Olive Press front pages in Mallorca in the month of May (Issue 318). This was the story that from Mallorca to Alicante to Andalucia, expats were joining gypsies and Down syndrome candidates on the ballot lists in one of the most diverse elections in Spanish history. In other news there were two huge governmental blunders as much-loved expat nursery Wonderland in Marbella was closed down due to a council error, while a Mijas-based British ex-

Tel: 952 147 834

See pages 5

952 147 834 v a l i d

* O f f e r

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

S u b j e c t

o n l y .

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

pat had his passport cancelled by the UK Government (issue 317). A British expat was also cuffed for starting a forest fire in Nerja, while the world also said goodbye to penniless British comedian Freddie Starr, who was found dead at his Mijas home. TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd

GOODBYE: To longtime controversial expat Freddie Starr

Voted BEST

REuse REduce REcycle We use recycled paper

expat paper in Spain

(Free or paid for)

FREE

Vol. 1 Issue 1

www.theolivepress.es

March 28th - April 10th 2019

HOUSE RULES

ANXIOUS expats breathed a sigh of relief this week after Parliament voted to wrestle back control of the Brexit process in yet another humiliation for Theresa May. The fresh blow for the British Pri-a me Minister has put the future of million expats in Europe firmly into the hands of MPs, who are expected to vote against a hard Brexit. It comes after thousands of expats joined a million marchers at a mas-

What drove this expat to cut off his member? Page 7

WORRY: One of the posters at the huge antiBrexit demo

Celebrating the end of the Spanish Civil War

Page 14

GROWING PAINS

Costa Blanca home is voted best in Europe

Page 20

Olive Press reviews Madrid’s hot new hotel Page 26

go awry with his neighbours, who he insists refused to be friendly ‘from the outset’. Capps, who trained as a paramedic, claims the neighbour’s four dogs barked continually and their owner hid inside the house whenever approached. Despite calling in the Guardia Civil to investigate and contacting the mayor of Benissa for help, he said the neighbour refused to negotiate a compromise. A letter to the town hall, seen by the Olive Press, pleaded for help, insisting the man was deliberately threatening them and that he carried a gun.

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

AN expat is celebrating after his nuisance neighbour was told to trim a row of ‘intrusive’ trees, following an Olive Press probe. American expat Gordon Capps, 59, is overjoyed after police confirmed they had ordered his Portuguese neighbour to cut the line of cypress trees to just 1.5 metres in height. Capps had sought our help after the ‘disturbed’ 30-something neighbour planted a dozen trees alongside his garden fence, threatening to block his stunning views of the Sierra de Bernia y Ferrer. The 59-year-old film worker said the move was the ‘last straw’ in a bizarre ongoing feud with the neighbour, who he claims recently approached him with a rifle on his shoulder. “It feels like he’s putting up 12 middle fingers at us,” Gordon,

Gun

and armed neighbour at home of his ‘threatening’ CONCERNED: Capps points Benissa last March with his everything about it, except French wife Catherine, a retiwho worked as a prop master that one thing.” for CSI Las Vegas, told the Capps, from Los Angeles, red yoga teacher. But things quickly began to Olive Press. bought his stunning villa in “We love this place, we love Tel. (+34) 96 649 18 29 info@hispaniahomes.es www.hispaniahomes.co.uk

GUIDE

UK BASED

HOW TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY QUICKER AND BETTER

Want to sell your property? Ask here for our VENDORS GUIDE

for Spanish residents The Proven Path to Success

96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082

96 649 1883et

and get the most success in your task

Certified Residential Specialist

www.globelink.co.uk SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS ltea Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•A

Avda. Madrid, 24, 03724 Moraira - Alicante

As well as asking the town hall to check if he had a licence for the rifle, the September 2018 missive asked if local police could speak to him about his dogs. Capps claimed he was ‘worried for his life’ and that the neighbour appeared to have ‘mental health issues’. Another neighbour, Spaniard Jaime Serra Ortola, 43, has also denounced the neighbour for ‘death threats’ against him and his dog. “I’ve denounced him countless times and the police have twice been round. It’s fair to say he is unhinged,” he told the Olive Press. The feud began when Capps put up a low bamboo fence to create some privacy from the neighbour who spied on him while swimming, and then reacted furiously, screaming ‘this is war!’ Capps now fears the trees will not only block his view, but the roots could destroy his pool. The Olive Press was unable to speak to the neighbour, despite various visits.

www.moraira-hamiltons.n

Vol. 4 Issue 94 www.th eolivep

The Rock’s ONLY free local paper

Property

a’s ty Malagproperine bestmagaz

Mijas Costa

www.theolivepress.es

Issue 28

April 2019

PLASTIC FANTASTIC: How this remarkable centre architectural prize, See could win Spain important page IV

WOAH: Emerging from the rock, this stunning home in Valencia is trademark Fran Silvestre, a Spanish architect who is continuing to make his mark in the architectural world. See Fran-tastic page XVI

ON LAND AND SEA

ress.es April 10th - April 23rd 2019

ROCK STEADY

HE average property price two consecutive years for thein Spain has grown for Prices rise for two consecutive years, The national average house first time in a decade. price rose from between while mortgage 3.9% to 8.4%, according values continue to grow Along the Mediterranean coasts to various sources. foreigners buy, the average price and on the islands, where most Balearic Islands. hike has been 4.06%, according to Tinsa, Spain’s leading property “Prices have been rising most appraisal company. But the figures have mostly but nothing like they did in years since the recovery began, not yet made up for the big the boom years, and nowhere during the long six year recession, drops with the exception of the enough to claw back the ground lost in the bust,” explainednear spected analyst Mark Stucklin, of Spanish Property Insight.re-

However, he added ‘at the very Spanish property continued least, the data suggests that the Mortgage lending to home to grow last year.’ January to 19,390 new loans,buyers meanwhile was up 6.1% in according to the Association Spanish Notaries. of The average new loan made an increase of 0.9% in a year.in January had a value of €135,616, As long as mortgage lending residential acquisitions continues for to increase, as it has done the last few years, the Spanish property market is set to grow.for

Don’t miss Spain and Gibraltar’s coolest Property Magazine FREE INSIDE

Government announce major new harb our basin development

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Get Planning

FREE

June Despite temperatures hotting up in June, the mood was relatively cool among Tottenham and Liverpool fans gathered in Madrid for the Champions League Final. Olive Press reporters in the Spanish capital watched as the Reds’ 2-0 victory passed almost without incident (Issue 319). One man not celebrating was British businessman Robert MansfieldHewitt. As we reported on our front page (Issue 320), he spent a year of his life locked up without charge in the notorious Botafuegos prison after being falsely fingered in a drugs raid on a garage.

There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

Your expat

voice in Spain

2020 ss.es January 8th - January 21st Vol. 13 Issue 334 www.theolivepre

Mijas Costa FREE

Main Man, as Pedro Sanchez The nearly man becomes the after a turbulent two year wait forms a government in Spain

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

OLIVE PRESS

The

ANDALUCÍA

FINALLY!

Diving in

Continues on Page 2

THE Gibralta announced a r Government has land. major new development in the Harbour area with the The project will be underta creation of a entirely locally-b ken By Timothy mation project.£300 million recla- and McNulty ased developeby The Governm will be made up rs The Victoria the land will ent has also said space of leisure, situated insideKeys development, commer community, retail and our tiger-like econom growth on the provide sustainable mand has a knock on effect on dey, and western side of cial space. for residential timing could not next to Coalingthe harbour basin The the tion. accommodabe any better. the rock for the next 10 years. Chief Minister Island, aims “It is with a huge create up to 60,000 Fabian A No.6 to metres of new said: “This deal represen Picardo that we are able sense of pride gether spokesperson said: “To- Picardo said: “A larger ts yet an- another site would other great vote to announce yet with the Coaling deliver of confidence multi-million site, the Victoria Island project the best future-proofed pound in ect at this important junctureproj- ment will complem Keys develop- Spain for our community.” has opposed ent the natural .” growth of our tions in the past land reclamamodern city for on the grounds de- that Gibralta cades to come. r waters, making has no territorial “It will create such projects siggal in Madrid’ illenificant recreatio s eyes. nal Spanish authorit UK BASED areas for the ies have warned com- London they munity and could take legal acpublic accessprovide tion if similar construc tion projnew stretches along ects infringed on Spanish Reliable private ‘soverharbour and of our eign waters.’ Lettings | Sales hire transfer mari- Meanwhile, services for any nas.” Picardo said it occasion Investments | Relocatio was essential the for Spanish This continue • Luxury vehicles ns d re- ed by the opportunities present• Door to quest for commer Victor Keys project residents Commercial and Residenti door service cial ‘exploite were • Airport al d to the fullest.’ TM collections www.globelink • Wedding s transport .co.uk Tel: +350 200 44955 • Sightseei ng day trips enquiries@seekersproperty • Restauran gibraltar.com t shuttles Find out more 96 626 5000 www.simply-shutt at: +44 (0) 1353 les.com 699082 tel: 951 279 117 10 Engineer Lane, info@sim

OLIVE PRESS

The Mijas Costa

EXPERT: Allen Wilson

ply-shu

Border battle as nuisance neighbour forced to cut down intrusive cypress trees

TRAVEL INSURANCE

As spring came around it was Mercadona hitting the headlines on the Costa del Sol, after a spate of thefts from expats at Spain’s biggest supermarket chain (Issue 316). From across the frontier on the Rock came the Government’s huge announcement of a £300 million land reclamation plan to create the Victoria Keys development (Issue 94). The first of several Olive Press articles on Continental Wealth Management (CWM) on the Costa Blanca (Issue 2) also revealed the seedy business habits of Darren Kirby.

FREE

Continues on Page 4

VENDORS

April

PROTEST: Puns, pets and expats were all in attendance at the antiBrexit march in London at the weekend

sive anti-Brexit protest in London at the weekend. “It was great to be there making of history I hope,” said Sue Wilson Bremain in Spain. “It is not the first time we have vobited with our feet, but it was our ggest ever march contingent,” she added. so “It was a sign of commitment that

Diving in

ANDALUCÍA

Get Planning Your expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 13 Issue 334 www.theolivep ress.es January 8th - January 21st 2020

There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

FINALLY! The nearly man becomes the Main Man, as Pedro Sanchez forms a government in Spain after a turbulent two year wait

In lighter news, Sergio Ramos and Pilar Rubio tied the knot at a bash attended by the Beckhams and catered for by Dani Garcia. Meanwhile, Mallorca breathed a sigh of relief, as a notorious arsonist behind 36 separate bin fires, was finally snared by police (Issue 56).

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

the vote RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after Spain’s official PEDRO Sanchez has become second vote of prime minister after winning a confidence yesterday. country for the The PSOE leader will govern the two-year wait next four years, after an agonizing and three general elections. from Madrid, Acting prime minister Sanchez, 47, the first time was forced to recall MPs to sit for over the weekend to confirm his victory. investiture vote It was his second attempt at an in December’s since the PSOE won the most seats overall maan general election, but failed to win congress vote jority. The vote saw MPs in Spain’s left-wing either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Sanchez’s proposed by Pablo Iglecoalition government, propped up other parties. sias’s Podemos party and a host of he won a knifeAfter a heated afternoon session, 165, while 18 edge victory of 167 votes against abstained. MPs, the majority from Catalunya, the first coaIt means Sanchez will preside over 1977 after the lition government in Spain since death of dictator Franco. Unidos PoThe PSOE is propped up by MPs from Galego Nademos, PNV, Más País, Compromís, Canarias. tionalist Block, Teruel Existe and Nueva

the coalition victory Pablo Iglesias in tears after OVERWHELMED: Podemos’ men’s shared In his letter, he referred to the two the left-wing issue’ of soverIt was no surprise who voted against desire to look beyond ‘the eternal Popular, of friendship on coalition, with 165 MPs from the Partido Navarra eignty and he extended the hand Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts per Catalunya, behalf of the people of Gibraltar. promotion of Suma and others saying ‘no’. He also offered his support for the some shedThe left erupted into applause, with on the principle of dialogue, unbased ‘policies had Sanchez our reding tears, when it was revealed that derstanding and co-operation between clinched the vote. people’. spective while puede!’ of the Representatives screamed ‘si, se Key to Sanchez’s victory was the abstention photographed Left party Sanchez hugged Iglesias, who was pro-independence Catalan Republican after Sanwas the vote in tears. Spain’s most recent election failed to (ERC), which agreed to sit out the political confourth in as many years as the country chez vowed to find a solution to the sepaform a cohesive government. flict that has dogged Spain since Catalunya’s expat Hispan“It’s great news for Spain,” leading government tried to secede in 2017. regional ratist ist, Sir Ian Gibson told the Olive Press. but “There are going to be lots of compromises, Terrorists also solutions.” argue Sanchez’ man and it’s The government’s opponents He added: “Sanchez is an amazing after being too beholden out ‘Frankenstein government’ will be remarkable to think he stuck it to Spain’s came fightto Catalan separatists and pose a threat for calm, kicked out of his own party and then appealed Sanchez While ing back. national unity. ‘atmosphere of “He has the qualities of a true and called on MPs to overcome the the offensive. statesman and speaks very well. He irritation’, his adversaries went on him of being an will be a great asset for Europe.” PP leader Pablo Casado, accused future in the Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian ‘extremist’ who had left the country’s Picardo also sent a letter of conhands of ‘terrorists and coup-mongers’. Sanchez wrote: gratulation to Sanchez on being In a tweet sent after the vote, dialogue re-elected, after ‘a tortuous and “Spain is entering a time for defendingall people for government A politics. debate’. fractious and useful for social justhat restores co-existence and fights moderation, of time a of dawn the is Today tice. progress and hope.” to roll out a polSpain’s new coalition is expected in Spain who icy of raising income tax for people earn more than €130,000. Opinion Page 6

Tel: 952 147 834

See pages 5

952 147 834 * O f f e r

v a l i d

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30 TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd

ONE of the world’s leading experts on swimming pool deaths has flown to Spain to investigate the tragic drownings of three British citizens on Christmas Eve. Allen Wilson, a health and safety expert who has worked on numerous drowning cases around Europe, arrived on the Costa del Sol yesterday. He told the Olive Press last night he believed the pool, where British tourists Gabriel Diya, 52 Comfort Diya, nine, and Praise-Emman Diya, 16, died on Christmas Eve, uel was ‘hazardous’. He insisted the Club La Costa World (CLC) resort in Fuengirola - which he is set to visit this week - was ‘most likely to blame’ for the shock deaths of the trio. Wilson claimed the pool’s design with just one floor ‘outlet’ – instead of two – could have created an ‘excessive suction vacuum’ and dragged them under water. It flies in the face of the Guardia Civil’s official investigation, which Continues on Page 2

EXPERT: Allen Wilson

RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after the vote PEDRO Sanchez has become Spain’s official prime minister after winning a second vote of confidence yesterday. The PSOE leader will govern the country for the next four years, after an agonizing two-year wait and three general elections. Acting prime minister Sanchez, 47, from Madrid, was forced to recall MPs to sit for the over the weekend to confirm his victory. first time It was his second attempt at an investiture vote since the PSOE won the most seats in December’s general election, but failed to win an jority. The vote saw MPs in Spain’s overall macongress vote either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Sanchez’s proposed left-wing coalition government, propped up by Pablo Iglesias’s Podemos party and a host of other parties. After a heated afternoon session, he edge victory of 167 votes against won a knife165, while 18 MPs, the majority from Catalunya, abstained. It means Sanchez will preside over the first coalition government in Spain since 1977 after the death of dictator Franco. The PSOE is propped up by MPs from demos, PNV, Más País, Compromís, Unidos PoGalego Nationalist Block, Teruel Existe and Nueva Canarias.

OVERWHELMED: Podemos’ Pablo Iglesias in tears after the coalition victory It was no surprise who voted against the left-wing In his letter, he referred to the two coalition, with 165 MPs from the men’s shared Partido desire to look beyond ‘the eternal Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts per Catalunya, Popular, issue’ of soverNavarra eignty and he extended the hand Suma and others saying ‘no’. of friendship on behalf of the people of Gibraltar. The left erupted into applause, with He also offered his support for the ding tears, when it was revealed that some shedpromotion of Sanchez had ‘policies based on the principle clinched the vote. of dialogue, understanding and co-operation between Representatives screamed ‘si, se our repuede!’ while spective people’. Sanchez hugged Iglesias, who was photographed Key to Sanchez’s victory was the in tears. Spain’s most recent election abstention of the pro-independence Catalan Republican fourth in as many years as the country was the Left party failed to (ERC), which agreed to sit out the form a cohesive government. vote after Sanchez vowed to find a solution to the “It’s great news for Spain,” leading political conexpat flict that has dogged Spain since Catalunya’s ist, Sir Ian Gibson told the Olive Press. Hispanseparatist regional government tried to “There are going to be lots of compromises, secede in 2017. but also solutions.” He added: “Sanchez is an amazing Terrorists man and it’s remarkable to think he stuck it The government’s opponents out argue Sanchez’ kicked out of his own party and then after being ‘Frankenstein government’ will came fightbe too beholden ing back. to Catalan separatists and pose a threat “He has the qualities of a true national unity. While Sanchez appealedto Spain’s for calm, statesman and speaks very well. and called on MPs to overcome the He ‘atmosphere of will be a great asset for Europe.” irritation’, his adversaries went on the offensive. Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian PP leader Pablo Casado, accused him Picardo also sent a letter of con‘extremist’ who had left the country’s of being an future in the gratulation to Sanchez on being hands of ‘terrorists and coup-mongers’ . re-elected, after ‘a tortuous and In a tweet sent after the vote, Sanchez fractious debate’. “Spain is entering a time for defending wrote: dialogue and useful politics. A government for all people that restores co-existence and fights for social justice. Today is the dawn of a time of moderation, progress and hope.” Spain’s new coalition is expected to roll out a policy of raising income tax for people in Spain who earn more than €130,000. Opinion Page 6

Tel: 952 147 834

Continues on Page 8

2019 round up

www.theolivepress.es

From Page 7

September

Oh what a wonderful year! July The Olive Press went from strength to strength in the summer, as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our Costa de la Luz supplement. We also congratulated our columnist Bill Anderson on becoming the first British councillor in Mijas. July also saw a grinning Robert Mansfield-Hewitt (left) walk free from Algeciras’ violent Botafuegos prison, thanking the Olive Press for our campaign for his freedom (Issue 322). It was also a good month for Javier Sanchez, after it was proven by a Spanish court that Spanish pop star lothario Julio Iglesias was in fact his father. There was another anniversary too, as we celebrated the 100th issue of the Olive Press Gibraltar, which splashed on a pledge by Chief Minister Picardo to ‘fight Brexit’. The

OLIVE PRESS

August In August (yes August!), tornadoes and hail storms battered the Costa del Sol, while a shocking string of ‘werewolf syndrome’ cases saw children suffer excessive facial hair growth after taking a dodgy medication (Issue 325). Over on the Costa Blanca, a court ruled in favour of the victims of the aptly named Jane and Bill Scammell, who stole €270,000 from an elderly couple to fund their glamorous lifestyle (Issue 10). There was also a horny tortoise on the loose after it escaped from its British owner (Issue 12). Meanwhile Mallorca was reeling, as the island woke to the news that a muchloved British expat bar, Betty’s, was fighting for its life after its owners were subjected to vile homophobic abuse (Issue 60). The Balearics were at the centre of another huge story when Harry and Megan had their environmental credentials questioned over the use of a private plane to jet into Ibiza for a family holiday (Issue 61). Finally, the exclusive golf courses of Sotogrande drew a panicking Prince Andrew, who escaped to southern Spain amid the storm of his paedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein. ROYAL ROMPS: From Andrew’s summer sojourn to Sotogrande, to Harry’s green credentials in Ibiza

Mijas Costa FREE

Diving in EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

ANDALUCÍA

Vol. 13 Issue 334 www.theo livepress.es

January 10th - January 23th 2020

Tensions ran high in September, as British expats took to the streets of Spain to protest the harmful ‘nodeal’ Brexit threatened by the new UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Issue 326). Our exclusive poll also revealed that a shocking 27% of British expats in Spain still wanted Britain to leave the EU. And then, a story that rocked the world – the collapse of Thomas Cook. Olive Press reporters across the country recorded the plight of some 70,000 Brits, whose holidays with the travel giant had left them stranded in Spain (Issue 327). In other news dogged Olive Press hack Simon Wade was given a bloody nose after he was headbutted by a young man while investigating squatters in Formentera del Segura, Alicante (Issue 13).

Get Planning

Your

There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

expat

voice in Spain

FINALLY! January 8th - January

21st 2020

The nearly man beco mes the Main Man, forms a government as in Spain after a turb Pedro Sanchez ulent two year wait

ONE of the world’s leading on swimming pool deaths experts to Spain to investigat has flown e the tragic drownings of three British citizens on Christmas Eve. Allen Wilson, a health pert who has worked and safety exdrowning cases aroundon numerous rived on the Costa del Europe, arSol yesterday. He told the Olive Press last night he believed the pool, tourists Gabriel Diya, where British 52 Comfort Diya, nine, and Praise-Em Diya, 16, died on Christmas manuel Eve, was ‘hazardous’. He insisted the Club La Costa World (CLC) resort in Fuengirol RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after the vote he is set to visit this week a - which likely to blame’ for the - was ‘most PEDRO Sanchez has become shock deaths prime of the trio. minister after winning Spain’s official a second vote of confidence yesterday. Wilson claimed the with just one floor pool’s design The PSOE leader will stead of two – could ‘outlet’ – in- next four years, after govern the country for the an agonizing two-year an ‘excessive suction have created and three general wait elections. vacuum’ and dragged them under water. Acting prime minister Sanchez, 47, from Madrid, It flies in the face of the Guardia was forced to recall MPs to sit for Civil’s official investigat the ion, which over the weekend to confirm his victory. first time It was his second attempt at an investiture vote Continues on Page since the PSOE won the most 2 general election, but failed seats in December’s jority. The vote saw MPs to win an overall main Spain’s congress vote either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Sanchez’s proposed left-wing coalition government, propped up by Pablo Iglesias’s Podemos party and After a heated afternoon a host of other parties. edge victory of 167 votessession, he won a knifeagainst 165, while 18 MPs, the majority from Catalunya, abstained. It means Sanchez will preside over the first coalition government in Spain since 1977 after the death of dictator Franco. The PSOE is propped up demos, PNV, Más País, by MPs from Unidos PoEXPERT: Allen Wilson tionalist Block, Teruel Compromís, Galego NaExiste and Nueva Canarias.

OVERWHELMED: Podemos’ Pablo Iglesias in tears after the coalition It was no surprise who victory voted against the left-wing coalition, with 165 MPs In his letter, he referred from the Partido Popular, Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts desire to look beyond to the two men’s shared ‘the eternal issue’ of soverSuma and others saying per Catalunya, Navarra eignty and he extended ‘no’. the hand of friendship The left erupted into behalf of the people of on applause, with some shedGibraltar. ding tears, when it was He also offered his support revealed that Sanchez for the promotion of had clinched the vote. ‘policies based on the principle of dialogue, Representatives screamed understanding and co-operati on between our reSanchez hugged Iglesias, ‘si, se puede!’ while spective people’. in tears. Spain’s most who was photographed Key to Sanchez’s victory recent election was the was the abstention of the fourth in as many years pro-indep endence Catalan Republican Left form a cohesive governmeas the country failed to party (ERC), which agreed to sit out the vote after San“It’s great news for Spain,”nt. chez vowed to find a solution leading expat Hispanto the political conist, Sir Ian Gibson told flict that has dogged Spain the Olive Press. “There are going to be ratist regional governme since Catalunya’s sepalots of compromises, but nt tried to secede in 2017. also solutions.” He added: “Sanchez is an Terrorists remarkable to think he amazing man and it’s stuck it out after being The government’s opponent kicked out of his own party s argue Sanchez’ and then came fight‘Frankenstein governme ing back. to Catalan separatists andnt’ will be too beholden “He has the qualities pose a threat to Spain’s national unity. While Sanchez statesman and speaks of a true and called on MPs to overcome appealed for calm, very well. He will be a great asset for the ‘atmosphere of irritation’, his adversarie Europe.” s went on the offensive. Gibraltar’s Chief Minister PP leader Pablo Casado, Picardo also sent a letter Fabian ‘extremist’ who had left accused him of being an of conthe country’s future in gratulation to Sanchez the hands of ‘terrorists and on being coup-mongers’. re-elected, after ‘a tortuous In a tweet sent after and the fractious debate’. “Spain is entering a time vote, Sanchez wrote: for defending dialogue and useful politics. A government for all people that restores co-existen ce tice. Today is the dawn and fights for social jusof a time of moderatio progress and hope.” n, Spain’s new coalition is expected to roll out a policy of raising income tax earn more than €130,000for people in Spain who . Opinion Page 6

Tel: 952 147 834

952 147 834 * O f f e r

v a l i d

TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME

02.indd 1

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

See pages 5

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

OLIVE PRESS

The

Mijas Costa FREE

21/6/19 13:30

Diving in EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

ANDALUCÍA

Vol. 13 Issue 334 www.the olivepress.es

Get Planning

Your

There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

expat

voice in Spain

FINALLY! January 8th - January

21st 2020

The nearly man beco mes the Main Man, forms a governmen as t in Spain after a turb Pedro Sanchez ulent two year wait

ONE of the world’s leading on swimming pool deaths experts has flown to Spain to investiga te the tragic drownings of three British citizens on Christmas Eve. Allen Wilson, a health pert who has worked and safety exdrowning cases aroundon numerous rived on the Costa del Europe, arSol yesterday . He told the Olive Press last night he believed the pool, tourists Gabriel Diya, where British 52 Comfort Diya, nine, and Praise-Em Diya, 16, died on Christma manuel s Eve, was ‘hazardous’. He insisted the Club La Costa World (CLC) resort in Fuengiro RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after the vote he is set to visit this week la - which likely to blame’ for the - was ‘most PEDRO Sanchez has become shock deaths prime of the trio. minister after winning Spain’s official a second vote of confidence yesterday. Wilson claimed the with just one floor pool’s design The PSOE leader will stead of two – could ‘outlet’ – in- next four years, after govern the country for the an agonizing two-year an ‘excessive suction have created and three general wait elections. vacuum’ and dragged them under water. Acting prime minister Sanchez, 47, from Madrid, It flies in the face of was forced to recall MPs to sit for the first time Civil’s official investigathe Guardia over the weekend tion, which to confirm It was his second attempt his victory. at an investiture vote Continues on Page since the PSOE won the 2 most seats in Decembe general election, but failed r’s jority. The vote saw MPs to win an overall main Spain’s congress vote either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Sanchez’s proposed left-wing coalition government, propped up by Pablo Iglesias’s Podemos party and After a heated afternoon a host of other parties. session, he won a knifeedge victory of 167 votes against 165, while 18 MPs, the majority from Catalunya, abstained. It means Sanchez will preside over the first coalition government in Spain since 1977 after the death of dictator Franco. The PSOE is propped up by MPs from Unidos Podemos, PNV, Más País, EXPERT: Allen Wilson tionalist Block, Teruel Compromís, Galego NaExiste and Nueva Canarias .

OVERWHELMED: Podemos’ Pablo Iglesias in tears after the coalitio It was no surprise who n victory voted against the left-wing coalition, with 165 MPs In his letter, he referred from the Partido Popular, Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts desire to look beyond to the two men’s shared ‘the eternal issue’ of soverSuma and others saying per Catalunya, Navarra eignty and he extended ‘no’. the hand of friendship The left erupted into behalf of the people of on applause, with some shedGibraltar. ding tears, when it was He also offered his support revealed that Sanchez for the promotion of had clinched the vote. ‘policies based on the principle of dialogue, Representatives screamed understanding and co-opera tion between our reSanchez hugged Iglesias, ‘si, se puede!’ while spective people’. in tears. Spain’s most who was photographed Key to Sanchez’s victory recent election was the was fourth in as many years pro-independence Catalan the abstention of the Republican Left party form a cohesive governm as the country failed to (ERC), which agreed to ent. sit out the vote after San“It’s great news for Spain,” chez vowed to find a solution leading expat Hispanto the political conist, Sir Ian Gibson told flict that has dogged Spain the Olive Press. “There are going to be ratist regional governm since Catalunya’s sepalots of compromises, but ent tried to secede in 2017. also solutions.” He added: “Sanchez is an amazing man and Terrorists it’s remarkable to think he stuck it out after being The government’s opponen kicked out of his own party ts argue Sanchez’ and then came fight‘Frankenstein governm ent’ ing back. to Catalan separatists and will be too beholden “He has the qualities pose a threat to Spain’s national unity. While Sanchez statesman and speaks of a true and called on MPs to overcome appealed for calm, very well. He will be a great asset for the ‘atmosphere of irritation’, his adversari Europe.” es Gibraltar’s Chief Minister PP leader Pablo Casado, went on the offensive. Fabian Picardo also sent a letter ‘extremist’ who had left accused him of being an of conthe country’s future in gratulation to Sanchez the hands of ‘terrorists and on being coup-mongers’. re-elected, after ‘a tortuous In a tweet sent after and the fractious debate’. “Spain is entering a time vote, Sanchez wrote: for defending dialogue and useful politics. A government for all people that restores co-existence tice. Today is the dawn and fights for social jusof a time of moderation, progress and hope.” Spain’s new coalition is expected to roll out a policy of raising income tax earn more than €130,000for people in Spain who . Opinion Page 6

Tel: 952 147 834

952 147 834 * O f f e r

v a l i d

TheOlivePress-256x170-HOM

E02.indd 1

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

See pages 5

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

2019 round up

www.theolivepress.es

November

October was a month of several shady expats for the Olive Press to investigate. First came Nadine Dijkman, a notorious Dutch businesswoman in Sotogrande accued of taking €300,000 from a couple’s property purchase into her personal account, and not paying her staff (Issue 328). Then it was the turn of former US conman ‘the Chief’ – Karim el indio Ismaili – who caught our attention in Mijas after being bizarrely accused of nicking wooden planks from neighbours (Issue 329). Next up was Jody Smart, the well-known expat fashion designer, accused of using €1 million from collapsed financial firm Continental Wealth Management (CWM) on the Costa Blanca (Issue 16). Nadal also ended an almost two-decade wait by wedding his childhood sweetheart Xisca Perello in Mallorca, while in Gibraltar Fabian Picardo was re-elected to serve as Chief Minister for a third term (Issue 108). And as if that weren’t enough, Spain’s Socialist Government took the decision to exhume the remains of General Franco, while Catalunya faced over a week of violent protests-turned-riots after Spain jailed nine of the region’s separatist leaders.

OLIVE PRESS

HORRIFIC: Millions of fish died

Demands for €80m flood aid

FREE

COSTA BLANCA SUR

The Mijas Costa FREE

A VEGA Baja mayor has demanded €80m in flood aid for the devastated Murcia region. Los Alcazares leader Cervera insisted a majorMario Perez tion project should be flood retenimplemen ted urgently to prevent the sort of serious flooding that happened in September. He told the governme this week that it is alsont in Madrid serve the Mar Menor, vital to prebadly hit by the so-called which was The week of heavy rain Gota Fria. deaths of millions of fish led to the and the destruction of dozens of homes. He insisted future floods needed to Continues on Page

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

POLICE on the Costa Blanca have been slammed allowed a confused andafter they tated British great-gradisoriento walk out of a policendfather station into the dead of night alone. The massive surge - off The family of pensione the recent Catalan crisisthe back of Pearce, 68, are demandir Philip ng anof Islam - could see the and a fear swers from Benidorm DISAPPEARED: Philip ing 15% of the seats in party seizwhy he was released police over (above Pearce on Septemright) the last picture enjoying a drink (above), while The expected gains Parliament. ber 10, at 3am. of the pensioner in damage centre-right will seriously Alicante Airport They now fear for his life after he “It’s absolutely gut-wrenching for which could lose over Ciudadanos, has ther-of-three. half been missing for an alarming its us as a family, not knowing seats, while the ruling PSOE two months. and left wing he is and why he disappea where Owner of Alicante Transfer Podemos are also expected s, red. And in a shocking email David McQueen, said to suf“I just want him home fer. he has so badly. I spent ‘four British Consulate, seenfrom the miss him so much.” to five’ hours every Vox, which has pledged by the Olive Press this week, day Spain from immigran to ‘defend’ there are Philip was known to be suffering ings scouring abandoned buildts, is predictsuggestio and traveller commun ns of a breach of duty from the early signs of ed to finish third in the country’s ities of care. tia, but was ‘happy and demen- around the Costa Blanca. fourth general election in as many The official email years. when he left for Alicantesmiling’ “I even sent my dog out with a with a GoPro camera pensioner had clearlyreveals the friend and travelling The latest polling suggests to search in every Vox, led partner. he ‘did not remembe told police He was having by Santiago Abascal, bush r where he a good holiday we’ve and in every corner, but its 24 seats in Spain’s will increase was staying’ nor where 350-seat parhe was until he left his Playa Levante said. found nothing,” McQueen liament to 46. from in England. hotel at 5.30pm on Septemb er 9 “I’ve got 130 taxi to buy cigarettes before he drivers lost who his start Wallet bearings and was taken Failed to at 4am and finish police. The consulate email Meanwhile Albert Rivera’s at 2am, but none of CiuPhilip was carrying also stated Two months on, Lee told dadanos will be reduced neither his ive Press the Ol- the hotels and esfrom 57 to passport nor his wallet 14. In the 40dB poll a when search and request for ‘a ground tablishments have he was taken by a gain 14% of the vote, Vox is set to sniffer dogs’ has gone seen a alongside the stranger to unanswe sign of PhilPP in second place with Benidorm’s Policia Nacional red, sta- left searchin while the family are ip.” 91 seats and the PSOE 21.2% and tion in the Old Town g for answers. coming The just first family with 27.3% and 121 votes. has midnight, as CCTV footage after “We just need closure on wheth- spent con- er my dad The PSOE’s predicted firms. is still alive or not,” ting up weeks putvictory would see the party posters and Lee said. However, what is not clear handing is seats than in April’s with two less how out flyers “But apart from claiming and why he was allowed last election, prompting another headache the station three hours to leave sent out some drones to have of his missing father for its to look, around Benidorm leader Pedro Sanchez the police “The police are simplylater. form a government. as he tries to not an- anything don’t seem to be doing with contact details. swering our question at all.” A spokeswoman for Pearce, 41, told the s,” son Lee It comes as scores of British Opinion page 6 Olive Press idents res- the British Consullast night. have spent weeks ing for signs of the search- ate told the Olive grandfa- Press it ‘does not A DANGEROUS lurch to the right could see Spain’s anti-imm igrant Vox party becoming ers in this weekend’s the kingmakgeneral election.

expat

voice in Spain

The nearly man becomes the Main Man, as Pedro Sanchez forms a government in Spain after a turbulent two year wait

EXPERT: Allen Wilson

OVERWHELMED: Podemos’ Pablo Iglesias in tears after the coalition victory In his letter, he referred to the two men’s shared It was no surprise who voted against the left-wing desire to look beyond ‘the eternal issue’ of sovercoalition, with 165 MPs from the Partido Popular, eignty and he extended the hand of friendship on Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts per Catalunya, Navarra behalf of the people of Gibraltar. Suma and others saying ‘no’. He also offered his support for the promotion of The left erupted into applause, with some shed‘policies based on the principle of dialogue, unding tears, when it was revealed that Sanchez had derstanding and co-operation between our reclinched the vote. spective people’. Representatives screamed ‘si, se puede!’ while Key to Sanchez’s victory was the abstention of the Sanchez hugged Iglesias, who was photographed pro-independence Catalan Republican Left party in tears. Spain’s most recent election was the (ERC), which agreed to sit out the vote after Sanfourth in as many years as the country failed to chez vowed to find a solution to the political conform a cohesive government. flict that has dogged Spain since Catalunya’s sepaHispan“It’s great news for Spain,” leading expat ratist regional government tried to secede in 2017. ist, Sir Ian Gibson told the Olive Press. “There are going to be lots of compromises, but also solutions.” Terrorists He added: “Sanchez is an amazing man and it’s The government’s opponents argue Sanchez’ remarkable to think he stuck it out after being ‘Frankenstein government’ will be too beholden fightcame then and party own his of kicked out to Catalan separatists and pose a threat to Spain’s ing back. national unity. While Sanchez appealed for calm, “He has the qualities of a true and called on MPs to overcome the ‘atmosphere of statesman and speaks very well. He irritation’, his adversaries went on the offensive. will be a great asset for Europe.” PP leader Pablo Casado, accused him of being an Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian ‘extremist’ who had left the country’s future in the Picardo also sent a letter of conhands of ‘terrorists and coup-mongers’. gratulation to Sanchez on being In a tweet sent after the vote, Sanchez wrote: re-elected, after ‘a tortuous and “Spain is entering a time for defending dialogue fractious debate’. and useful politics. A government for all people that restores co-existence and fights for social justice. Today is the dawn of a time of moderation, progress and hope.” Spain’s new coalition is expected to roll out a policy of raising income tax for people in Spain who earn more than €130,000.

OLIVE PRESS

REuse REduce REcycle

December 4th - December 17th 2019 Vol. 5, Issue 111 www.theolivepress.es

s how he chased and pinned Gibraltar security guard reveal fatal Costa stabbing down an alleged murderer, after EXCLUSIVE By John Culatto

A BATTLE-hardened security guard for Gibraltar’s Chief Minis-a ter has chased and pinned down suspected murderer. Brave James Abecasis told the Olive Press how he tackled the knife-wielding attacker as he fled the scene of a fatal stabbing on the Costa del Sol. reFather-of-one Abecasis, 28, vealed how he chased the alleged in killer, a Brazilian, after stepping to try and stop the vicious attack outside a nightclub in Estepona. While most people wou ld have left the scene, the former him soldier said his ‘instinct’ told to chase the attacker, who was running away. he “I went flying after him and as rounded the block I tackled him to the floor, getting grazed on my hand as I took away the knife from him,” he continued. “I then held him down with a club security guard until the police arrived a few minutes later and cuffed him.”

Opinion Page 6

* O f f e r

v a l i d

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

See pages 5

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd 1

E n d s

The Rock’s ONLY free local paper

Braveheart! FREE

We use recycled paper

Tel: 952 147 834

952 147 834

I vow our ‘progressive’ nation is soon to be reborn

GIBRALTAR

The

Continues on Page 2

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has insisted that legalizing abortion without a referendum would be like ‘shoving progessivism’ down Gibraltarians throats. In an exclusive interview with the Olive Press, the leader, who was recently elected to his third consecutive term, said his government needed to be ‘realistic’ with such hot topics. While he confirmed he was pro-abortion, he insisted: “We have to deliver the progressive agenda in a way that doesn’t break our society.” “Conservative society has adopted our agenda because we have ensured we’ve respected the freedom and liberty of those who wish to disagree with us.” He added ahead of next referendum: March’s “There are others who are so progressive, they would force things down the throats of those who disagree with them. “I think that’s actually so progressive that it becomes anti-libertarian.”

EXCLUSIVE CHAT with the Chief Minister See Page 4

Violent

Gibraltar-born Abecasis - who spent four years with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, much of it in the Middle East - had been on a night out with friends. When they came out of the Mykonos nightclub in Estepona, at 4am, a fight quickly broke out between two strangers. It has since emerged that Sabiel nillas hairdresser Abdessamad Ammali, 21, from Morocco, died within minutes of the stabbing. He had accidentally spilled his beer over the attacker, it has since emerged. “They were on the floor hitting each other and no-one had intervened,” he told the Olive Press. to That is when he decided he had do something.“Someone held one the Royal Gibraltar Regiment of the guys and INSTINCT: Abecasis served with I held the other, who I had faceto-face,” he revealed. “It was really violent and there was literally a UK BASED river of blood as his attacker must have hit an artery,”

TRAVEL INSURANCE

952 147 834 * O f f e r

v a l i d

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

S u b j e c t

TRAGIC: Victim Abdessamad (top), blood at the crime scene (centre) and police arriving at Estepona Port

IT will go down as the hottest decade on record. on With temperatures soaring, both land and sea, global warming has become a major issue for Europe. With temperatures about 1.1C above the average from 2010 to 2019, desertadded. ification has been spreading, in particAbecasis revealed that his army ular, through southern Spain. training has helped him through The provinces of Granada, Malaga and life.“I definitely don’t regret it,” Almeria are at serious risk, while Murhe said. “I am proud of what I did. cia and large parts of Valencia are also Even the judge at the initial court in danger of semi-desert conditions. case hearing this week told me The ‘exceptional’ heat around the how brave I was.” world was announced by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as climate activist Greta Thunberg (pictured) arrived in Portugal by boat in en route for a key climate summit Madrid this week. to stay in the capital for two See page 19 She is settaking part in a huge demonweeks, stration this Friday. Opinion page 6

revealed Abecasis, who has been working in the Chief Minister’s “I security team for four months. think I will have a few flashbacks he because of all the blood there,”

96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082

o n l y .

A NEW STORM

Tel: 952 147 834

for Spanish residents www.globelink.co.uk

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30 TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd

LANDMARK: The remains of dictator Franco removed from Madrid shrine

comment on individua l cases’ such as Philip’s. A Policia Nacional claimed ‘helicopters’ spokesman scrambled to search forhad been Philip on various Benidorm hillsides. However, he failed to answer questions about the exact details of his release from the whether sniffer dogs station or and ground searches had been deployed or would be soon.

Have you seen Philip? Get in touch at newsdes k@ theolivepress.es

December

There’s a whole year ahead. Contact us if you missed your copy of our annual wall planner

Your

Vol. 13 Issue 334 www.theolivepress.es January 8th - January 21st 2020

RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after the vote PEDRO Sanchez has become Spain’s official prime minister after winning a second vote of confidence yesterday. The PSOE leader will govern the country for the next four years, after an agonizing two-year wait and three general elections. Acting prime minister Sanchez, 47, from Madrid, was forced to recall MPs to sit for the first time over the weekend to confirm his victory. It was his second attempt at an investiture vote since the PSOE won the most seats in December’s general election, but failed to win an overall majority. The vote saw MPs in Spain’s congress vote either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Sanchez’s proposed left-wing coalition government, propped up by Pablo Iglesias’s Podemos party and a host of other parties. After a heated afternoon session, he won a knifeedge victory of 167 votes against 165, while 18 MPs, the majority from Catalunya, abstained. It means Sanchez will preside over the first coalition government in Spain since 1977 after the death of dictator Franco. The PSOE is propped up by MPs from Unidos Podemos, PNV, Más País, Compromís, Galego Nationalist Block, Teruel Existe and Nueva Canarias.

2019

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

ONE of the world’s leading experts on swimming pool deaths has flown to Spain to investigate the tragic drownings of three British citizens on Christmas Eve. Allen Wilson, a health and safety expert who has worked on numerous drowning cases around Europe, arrived on the Costa del Sol yesterday. He told the Olive Press last night he believed the pool, where British tourists Gabriel Diya, 52 Comfort Diya, nine, and Praise-Emmanuel Diya, 16, died on Christmas Eve, was ‘hazardous’. He insisted the Club La Costa World (CLC) resort in Fuengirola - which he is set to visit this week - was ‘most likely to blame’ for the shock deaths of the trio. Wilson claimed the pool’s design with just one floor ‘outlet’ – instead of two – could have created an ‘excessive suction vacuum’ and dragged them under water. It flies in the face of the Guardia Civil’s official investigation, which

expat

November 7th - Novembe r 20th,

VANISHED!

FINALLY! Diving in

Your voice in Spain

Another milestone in November – the Olive Press Costa Blanca Sur / Murcia was born. Duty of care A roaring first front page splashed claims after missing British on the Mar Menor crisis and the great-grandfather was allowed to news that a missing British grandfaleave police station at 3am in clearly ther was allowed to walk free from a disoriented state police station in a disoriented state. Right turn And who could forget when grumpy British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood threatened to fill in the Olive Press cakehole just for asking a question. There was also the news that Swedish teen activist You Greta Thuntotal doughnut! berg was stranded in Find out what’s eating Paul Hollywood America in on Page 3 need of a lift after the location of the Chile COP25 climate conference was switched last minute to Madrid (Issue 330). Meanwhile we reported how Triple A, the beleaguered Marbella animal shelter – vehemently supported by another local paper – slammed allegations that it allowed the slow and agonising deaths of animals. We also splashed on the connections between Irish and Dutch gangs and local criminals after three suspected murders in three months (Issue 331).

Get Planning

ANDALUCÍA

/ MURCIA

Vol. 1 Issue 1 www.theo livepress.es

RIOTS AND WEDDINGS: Catalans take to the streets, while Nadal finally tied the knot

OLIVE PRESS

The

October

January 10th - January 23th 2020

The final month of the year began with the news that notorious scammer and Euro Weekly News columnist David ‘the Dogman’ Klein had kicked the bucket (Issue 332). Meanwhile, James Abecasis proved that Gibraltarians are rock solid, after the Chief Minister’s security guard revealed how he tackled and held a knife-wielding thug who stabbed a clubber to death in Estepona Port (Issue 111). Up in Murcia an unlikely group of expats were forced to take to the streets and defend their community after a series of muggings (Issue 4). A bumper festive final edition of the year also delved into the ‘Costa del Crime’ in a special report by author and journalist David Baird, following a string of shocking gangland killings along Spain’s southern coast (Issue 333). There was a Christmas Eve tragedy too, as three members of the Diya family drowned in a swimming pool at the Club la Costa World resort in Fuengirola. And finally, a rollercoaster 2019 ended with a nightmare before Christmas as Boris Johnson led the Tory Party to its best general election victory since Thatcher, giving him a mandate to govern Britain for the next five years and make good on his primary campaign promise to ‘get Brexit done’.

PROPERTY

January 10th - January 23th 2020

Bulldozer warning A WARNING has been issued to residents of Mallorca, reminding them of the penalties of putting up prefabricated homes on land classified as rustic. It comes after the island has seen a surge in the number of illegal pre-manufactured homes being discovered and subsequently demolished. A total of 261 structures have been razed in Mallorca since 2015 by the ADT (Defense Agency of the Territory of Mallorca). Multiple real estate companies have been caught advertising the appeal and low cost of putting up prefab properties on rustic land. The ADT called out one such company, Casas Lujo Modulares, whose advert read: ‘Build

luxury modular homes, with all the comforts, without licenses, in non-developable areas for better prices’. Although more and more companies are claiming

Green money SANTANDER has committed itself to being carbon neutral in 2020. It comes after the main Spanish banks presented a joint pledge to reduce their carbon footprints at the COP25 climate conference in Madrid. Santander, which employs 200,000 people worldwide, will now offset all the emis-

sions it generates. The bank already achieved reductions in its emissions and electricity consumption by 27% and 36% respectively between 2011 and 2018. Around 43% of Santander’s electricity is already renewable and it has promised that all of its electricity will come from green sources by 2025.

Cool down

THE average price of new housing in Spain has risen 4.5% in 2019, but mostly thanks to provincial capitals. According to the Appraisal Society, price per square metre is on average €2,453, while in Barcelona and Madrid it is €4,433 (average annual growth 6.1%) and €3,627 (average annual growth 6.6%) respectively. In the rest of the 400 municipalities analysed by the appraiser, the average price per square metre at the end of 2019 is €1,682 per square metre, with an increase of 1.8%. Prices are expected to slow down in 2020.

By Amanda Butler

they can bring new homes to rustic lands, the ADT says it is illegal. “One of the ‘urban legends’ that some businesses, due to commercial interests, insist on spreading is one that says that prefabricated or modular homes can be implanted for everything and without a town planning license,” said the agency. “The law of rustic land in the Balearics prohibits the implantation of any movable element that can be habitable on all rustic land, except for zones expressly authorised for it in the urban plan.” Most rustic lands are protected, and unless specifically authorised, no homes of any sort can be built or moved onto it, including homes made in natural caves, self-sufficient homes and mobile homes.

Building block INVESTMENT in construction and remodelling hit a brick wall in the Balearics in 2019, especially in the hotel sector. In the first nine months of 2019, hotels spent a mere €77.4 million on construction updates, less than half of the previous year’s investment over the same period when the islands spent €171 million. Residential construction grew, but only slightly with €638 million spent in the first nine months of last year, 7% up on 2018. A large increase in apartment blocks was largely responsible for the uptick. Last year 56 units of social housing were built compared to just five the year before.

Keys Isl nd to the

Ok, so Brexit it is then!

Amanda Butler looks ahead to finally getting Brexit done after a rollercoaster 2019 for property markets

appy New Year! A new year, a new decade and a new future ahead of us! With the election now consigned to history and Boris firmly in the driver’s seat, we finally have much of the Brexit uncertainty removed with the knowledge that 2020 will now be the year Britain leaves the EU, like it or not! There is still a great deal ahead of us with both the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and a security and law enforcement agreement to be determined. But the pound is rallying which reflects some positivity in the markets and hopefully we will be able to come to a positive and relatively satisfying conclusion. All this uncertainty in the UK, as well as global turmoil, has inevitably affected visitor numbers. But surprisingly figures published by the National Statistics Institutes Frontur and Egatur show a reduction in 2019 of only 0.8% in the Balearics, to just under 13.6 million visitors.

Attitude

Although numbers were down, interestingly enough spending increased in 2019 compared to 2018 figures – showing that the Mallorca Tourist Board’s endeavours of attracting a higher spend tourist appears to be working. For comparison’s sake it’s worth noting that the Balearics received the second highest number of visitors in Spain over the first 11 months of 2019 (with December still yet to be calculated), compared to the number one position of Catalunya with around 18.4 million tourists. The Canary Islands took third position, suffering a loss of 4.4 % to just 11.9 million, with the national figure coming to Spain being 79.4 million visitors. Interestingly the UK had the largest share of the foreign market with 17.9 million tourists, showing a smaller

FINALLY: Boris Johnson taking Britain out of the EU could provide market stability fall than anticipated of 2.15%, despite the Brexit crisis and the lower pound to euro exchange.

Mallorca Real Estate Market – 2019 Year in Review According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), the official real estate sales figures in the Balearics for the market as a whole were down on 2018. The biggest dip in sales was in July with a 21.9% drop and September showing a drop of 13.9% compared to 2018. The only positive increase for the year was in May, showing a 4.6% rise. Official figures are not yet out for the final quarter and although there was a flurry of activity in the fall with substantially improved sales figures reported by many, there will certainly be a substantial deficit in property sales compared to 2018. This of course reflects the general uncertainty in the market due to global politics, the shortage of new-builds and low cost housing, and the continued difficulties with financing. With a drop in sales, one would

normally expect a reduction in prices, but this is not the general trend in the Balearics with a growth in prices of 37% over the past five years, behind only Madrid and Catalunya. The reason for this un-typical market trend is multi-faceted, with one prime reason being the lack of stock and the second key factor being that many owners in the Balearics are wealthy wsecond home owners and local Mallorquin owners without the need to sell, with an attitude of ‘que sera sera’…if I sell, fine - and if I don’t, I’m in no hurry. Mallorca continues to strengthen its reputation as a high end destination, building on its offerings with its strong well developed infrastructure, high end services including seven Michelin Star restaurants (holding eight stars) and a plethora of five star hotels opening in the last few years, supporting tourism all year round.A tourism powerhouse, Mallorca sits firmly within its own unique real estate bubble, remaining comparatively stable even amid global financial crises.

Mallorca Blog

Real

Estate

For me, personally representing predominantly British buyers in 2019 was a proverbial roller coaster ride. But thankfully the year ended positively with strong interest being shown in a luxury sea view residence in Old Bendinat on the market at €7.7 million, which I am very fortunate to be representing exclusively as an Exclusive Seller’s Agent (mentioned in my previous Olive Press article). We have an offer in process, and although not as yet finalised, I am keeping my finger’s crossed in the anticipation this New Year is already starting on a very positive note (for more information on this property, please see www.mjcassociates.net, property Ref 19021). That’s it from me, but before I go, and on behalf of all of us at the Olive Press, I would like to wish all our readers a very happy, healthful and prosperous 2020!

LA CULTURA

January 10th - January 23th 2020

January Jamborees

The Spanish know a thing or two about throwing a party but los Mallorquines take it to the next level, writes Gillian Keller

HILE the Reyes revelries are only just over, TWO of Mallorca’s biggest fiestas are set to keep the festive feeling going through the gloomy month of January. Indeed, there are more than a week of celebrations just around the corner for all the lucky Mallorca residents and visitors. First of all, Palma pays homage to its patron saint,

San Sebastian, with a ten-day shindig of cultural activities for all ages, kicking off on January 13. And while that bash is still in full swing, San Antoni gets his day of celebrations on January 16 with bbqs, bonfires and dancing devils. Here, the Olive Press gives you the lowdown on the coolest gigs.

What’s on at Palma’s Revetla de la Reina, including Xangito, Las Migas, Panamera Collective and La Vereda. Plaza de Cort Jazz and funk music is hosted at Plaza de Cort, with top musicians from around the globe playing together. The funky rhythms will be brought by the Pep Garau Quintet, then Elas and Rita Payés hit the stage. Cuban star Chuchito Valdes - son of famed Chucho Valdes will be on state, followed by funky R&B band the Jo Se Te Trio to close out the night.

Tate crime A BRITISH man has been charged with criminal damage after he trashed a €23.5 million Picasso painting. Shakeel Massey, 20, from London remains in custody for the attack on the Spanish artist’s Bust of a Woman (1944). The work of art is housed at London’s Tate Modern and the gallery has now removed it from public display. It was reported to have been ripped although the venue has not revealed any details regarding its condition. Malaga-born Pablo Picasso created the piece, which portrays his lover Dora Maar in Nazi-occupied Paris. “The work of art is with our conservation team for expert assessment. Tate Modern remains open,” said a gallery spokesperson. A Met Police statement said: “Detectives investigating an incident of criminal damage at the Tate Modern, Bankside, on Saturday, 28 December have charged a man.” Massey is to attend a pretrial hearing at Inner London Crown Court on January 30 after being denied bail.

Hooray for Hinds! Plaza Joan Carles I Rock and indie music, along with some metal and hardcore punk-rock will be played all night at Plaza Joan Carles I. Excellent female indie rock bank Hinds from Madrid headline, with Mallorcan pop band Actuán Gahra also playing here.

La Feixina Funky beats and electric music plays all night at La Feixina, with house music and electric remixes by Super Agent 86, Raisol and Chicago-based DJ Derrick Carter and Mallorca home-grown band, The South Normales, playing the closing set.

Plaza de España Fun and funky music will take the stage at Plaza de España, with plenty of cover songs to trigger everyone’s nostalgia. Popular Furious Monkey House start the night with Murcia pop band Funambulista headlining. Plaza de la Reina This is the place to be for fans of Andalucian music – with rumba bands, flamenco music and salsa dancing taking over. Bands from both the mainland and Mallorca put on a show at Plaza

Plaza del Olivar Sway the night away at Plaza del Olivar with swing music, salsa, cumbia and more taking the stage. Bands include Piolet Swing, Rumba Katxa and, closing the programme, the hilarious Super Cumbia and League of Joy. Plaza Major A traditional Allsorts of music is the theme of Plaza Major. Mallorcan music starts the action early at 18.30 in the square by the Glasodors, followed by classical symphony music from Al-Mayurqua, then folk band El Petit de Cal Eril. Catalunyan pop band L’últim indi – The Last Indian – finish the night off at Plaza Major.

Salute to San Seb The patron saint’s feast day falls on January 20 so, in typical Mallorcan style, we celebrate the night before. On January 19 there will be a big bonfire in Plaça Major to kick off the festivities at the annual ‘Revetla’. A parade of giants and the famous dragon, Drac Na Coca, dance around the square to traditional bagpipe music played by the ‘xeremiers’. This year a staggering 32 bands then playing at different locations around the city. On January 21, the famous Correfoc run takes place, with ‘dimonis’ - dancing demons and devils - parading around with fire and drums. Hail to Sant Ant Sant Antoni has been celebrated around Mallorca for centuries with combinations of Christian traditions and pagan rituals – Son Severa’s fiesta dates back to 1698, for example. Saint Anthony the Great’s feast day is January 17 with many towns celebrating the traditional Mallorcan way – with bonfires and dancing demons. In the afternoon of January 16, bonfires are lit in many town squares to begin the Revetla de Sant Antoni – soon after demons and devils appear and dance around the flames. From Manacor to Andratx, Pollenca to Playa de Palma, it’s harder to find a street NOT occupied by an immense bbq on the eve of the holiday. It’s a neighbourly day with families and friends grilling up dinner on the streets together and many bars and cafes also moving their menus to bbqs outdoors, weather permitting. Sa Pobla, Manacor and Arta throw some of the most famous celebrations. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of animals and farmers, among other things and many children take their pets and animals to church to be blessed on his special day.

January 10th - January 23th 2020

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

S the temperatures drop and the mountains around Spain ‘white up’, a host of romantic weekend escapes and family capers open up. While skiing is on many tourist and expat agendas, simply getting up into stunning mountain scenery is enough for most. Sitting by a fire, reading a good book, taking a bracing stroll, followed by a massage or dip in a spa is a wonderful way to relax during winter in Spain. Here, the Olive Press offers 10 options to find yourself in soaring hills and peaks around the country.

Winter Olive Press editor Jon Clarke picks out his top ten seasonal chestnuts in the Spanish mountains - and they’re not just for skiing

La Pleta

Baqueira Beret (Lerida)

This Pyrenean gem sits in the heart of Spain’s most regal skiing retreat Baqueira. While you may spot any number of Spain’s Royals taking to the slopes, you can equally happily hole up and enjoy the interior of La Pleta with its stunning snowy vistas. As well as a spa and Alpine style rooms, it also counts on noless than four restaurants, each with their own style and pricepoint. (www.lapleta.com)

Casa Irene Arties (Lerida)

In breathtaking mountain scenery you can’t avoid being impressed. Since 1974, Casa Irene has been serving visitors to the stunning Valle de Aran area, a dream for walkers and skiers, sitting just six kilometres from the celebrated nearby slopes of Baqueira. There are just 22 rooms, each very Alpine in style, as well as its own spa, pool and highly-rated restaurant. (www.hotelcasairene.com)

Terra hotel Bonansa (Huesca)

Well integrated into the rolling landscape, the Terra hotel in Bonansa is leading the way in eco-accommodation. High in the Aragon Pyrenees, it has been carefully built with bioclimatic and contemporary lines. A stylish escape, it was designed by architect Alejandro Royo, who was born in the village, and counts on just six suites. The area is perfect for walking and birdwatching in winter. (www.hotelterra.es)

Vinas de Larrede Larrede (Huesca)

Looking like an Alpine chalet, constructed of Siberian wood and with its ornate carved balconies, charming Vinas de Larrede is the very epitome of a mountain retreat. It is also an award-winning hotel for both its romantic luxury and innovative cuisine. Even better, the 17-room boutique hotel sits in the Valle de Tena, just 20 minutes from the Pyrenean skiing resort of Formigal and you can rent skis and gear at the hotel. For nature lovers the breathtaking Ordesa National Park is just 30 minutes away. (www.hotelvinasdelarrede.es)

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

January 10th - January 23th 2020

wonderland La Vella Fraga

Solsona (Lerida)

This historic 11th century country estate (or masia) sits at the entrance to the Catalan Pyrenees. Sitting in 300 hectares of its own stunning woodland scenery, in winter expect it to turn white with snowy peaks as a backdrop. Just 90 minutes from Barcelona, its 13 rooms are all well appointed and feature plenty of antique furniture (www.hotelvellafraga.com)

Hotel Kenia Nevada Sierra Nevada (Granada)

This grande dame of the Sierra Nevada resort, in Granada, couldn’t be better located or established. Just 100m from the main ski lift, as well as 200m from all the resort’s main restaurants, its staff are friendly and bend over backwards to ensure you have a fabulous stay. The rooms are comfortable, without being luxurious, but there is a heated indoor pool and a full massage and spa area for apres-ski relaxation.

Las Mugas Formigal (Huesca)

There are few ways to get closer to the slopes than to literally sleep next to them. The exclusive handful of igloos - called Las Mugas - that sit at 1,800m in the skiing resort of Formigal - are a brilliant way to eat and sleep surrounded by snow. You are taken up to these ingenious tents by snowmobiles from the main resort and will enjoy 24-hour service and dinner served up after a hard day on the slopes. At night, the stars will be your main companions. (www.formigal-panticosa.com/mugas)

Cortijo rural las Navas Parauta (Malaga)

Appropriately sitting in the Sierra de las Nieves (Sierra of the Snows) at 1,100m high above the Costa del Sol, Cortijo las Navas is one extraordinary escape. Halfway along the road to Ronda you take a right turn into the recently turned National park and drive for 10 minutes into the hills. A stunning old farmhouse, while it has been reformed it is very much a rustic, not luxury, retreat, where the focus is on hiking and nature. The owners live next door and manage the enormous hunting estate, culling and preparing various game, such as boar and deer, for guests to eat. (www.i-sierradelasnieves.com/cortijo-rural-las-navas/)

Hotel El Lodge Sierra Nevada (Granada)

If money is no object then you should consider whiling away a weekend in El Lodge, in the Sierra Nevada. The sister hotel of the five star Marbella Club, this is the very epitome of mountain luxury. Originally built for Spain’s king, it was always set up with luxury at its heart and these days Spain’s top celebrities and captains of industry stay here. There is a heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi and Turkish bath and plenty of luxury trimmings like boot warming, while you ski literally from the door. (www.ellodge.es)

Can Borrell Meranges (Girona)

Can Borrell is one of the most remarkable rural escapes in Spain. Set in the Medieval hamlet of Meranges, in the Catalan Pyrenees, this charming rural hotel sits at a staggering 1,500m and has wonderful views in all directions. Rooms are simple but comfortable and you can walk from the door up into the nearby peaks, which are covered in snow in winter. Best of all there is a wonderful restaurant and you can hole up in the cozy lounge reading books or playing the numerous board games with your kids. www.canborrell.com

January 10th - January 23th 2020

In a new monthly column on the trials of learning Spanish, Charlie Smith (a French speaker from ‘up north’) makes a lasting impression on his first profesora

COLUMNISTS Lost for words

My language-learning First there was the bus journey didn’t start in ticket office to negotiate Spain but some 1,200 – handing over euros miles away in the rain-batwith pleading eyes only tered classrooms of Rochgets you so far. Then dale and Oldham. there was the grumpy For some reason, pupils driver, later on Mercaat my secondary school dona, later still the real(think Grange Hill on stely exciting bit: the Spanroids) were forced to take ish bar. German or French. So On the advice of a mate from Year 7 I was grapback home, I immedipling with the ‘language ately got stuck into the of love’ in a classroom where no love Coffee Break Spanish podcast. Its was lost - dodging flying chairs and 20-minute segments took me from stationary, ploughing through battered the two words I knew, hola and gratextbooks that doubled as goal posts cias (seriously), to hundreds of senfor football practice and dictionaries tences and potential conversations. I covered in the kind of graffiti that cre- also explored the apps Memrise and ated dividing lines between friends. Duolingo to varying levels of success By the time Spanish hit the school, but managed to pick up a lot over I had already scraped a C in GCSE several months. French and vowed never to I thought everything had learn a language again. finally clicked when I triumBut six years later, I walked phantly finished a phone Abuela out of Malaga Airport, havcall (entirely in Spanish) neighbours ing booked a one-way ticket with a cafe-owner who hurling from Manchester to come charged her customers for gazpacho at and work for the Olive Press. ice (Cent-imental, pg 40, Iseach other And as I stood, sweating in sue 326) - only to be asked a ridiculous parka coat – by our Andalucian graphic which I later realised you designer: “Why are you do need on the Costa del Sol – it was speaking Mexican?” clear a bit of Spanish would probably Nor was I getting anywhere with my come in handy. neighbours – three elderly Andalucian

women, one part-deaf, one extremely rude (though one of them seems nice). After trawling the web for local clases de español – some of which charge €40 an hour – I came across Millinguals in Estepona whose website offers Spanish classes and ‘an intensive Andalusian experience’. It immediately conjured up visions of my three abuela neighbours hurling gazpacho at each other. But the price was

Charlie Smith

good so, cold soup-slinging aside, off I went to meet Carola, potentially my new teacher. Let’s just say our first meeting could have gone better... I don’t know what ‘Oh my God I’m so sorry, I can’t believe I just accidentally caught the cable from your wireless router around my chair leg and pulled it off the wall and smashed it’ is in Spanish. Maybe she’ll tell me next time...

Paws for thought ONE of the Olive Press’ most popular columnists over the years has sadly hung up his paws. Eddie the hotel hound passed away at Christmas, after a short illness. The popular dog wrote a col-

umn for the Olive Press for two spells over the last decade, with the help of his owner Andy Chapell, of popular Ronda hotel Molino del Santo. Here, Chapell writes a tribute to his best furry friend:

A dog’s life,

So did you have a good Christmas?

RIP Eddie the hotel hound

Ours was shaping up to be idyllic. We’d spent hours decorating. The daughters’ flights were booked from London, my sisterin-law was suddenly able to get time off work to be here too and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. With a larder full of Christmas fayre and plenty of fine wines in the cellar, what could go wrong? The dog having a sudden, unexpected, fatal heart attack on December 23 – that’s what messed it all up. And not just any dog but Eddie Dogg – a special spirit, rescued by Adana from a rubbish bin ten and a half years ago. A dog who could not have been a bigger part of all of our lives – he’s at the heart of virtually every family photo we’ve taken in a decade. A dog with his own Facebook page – search Eddie Chapell Elkin. A dog who inspired his master to write a se44 ries of columns for this esteemed publicaFOOD & DRINK LEGEND: Eddie, the much-loved INING Slife. ECRETS of ANDAL tion with a canine’s viewwithofDhotel hotel hound and (below) one of his UCIA.com Hotel guests brought him toys from the UK, columns staff kept him leftover breakfast sausages, he even wheedled his way to sleeping along- him so much. The evening of his death I sat alone under the stars in the garden and side our bed every night. He knew exactly how to tease keeping his howled. rubber toys just outside of arm’s reach and Eddie might have thought that amusing: then laughing at us as he trotted off, and he master imitates dog. Christmas presents already bought for and had an uncanny sixth sense. from Eddie were distributed in his memory COOKE Cookery schoAolsgood RY schools across An-had friend who suffered a terrible It’s the same problem at the dalucia are going hungry as nearby La Fonda culinary on the 25th – and we all blubbed again. go hungry in the Junta fails to payand out for Ed trauma visited instantly knew he school in Benalm adena, untheir ingredients. Andalucia due Today I discovered some moulted hair bepaid wages are crippling the Students at La Consula school school, consolation. A daughter going to budget cutsneeded which has been left in Churriana have launched RIOT:bathroom David Munoz’s new hind the door, thought I saw him Streetxo Irescrumbling under pressure. and unpaid through indefinia taurant in Madrid boasts unusual te strike difficult time didn’t need to ask to action, after chairs funding cuts left the school Employees of the school (inset) as wellearlier in the garden and as adventurous wages have now food now he’s sneaking unablecompany. be kept to purchase food and for more been left waiting than eight months other cooking supplies. into my dreams. for their salarieson , which have thigh, A weighted furry headbeen resting your postponed again after the Junta allegedly unaccompanied by a heavy sighwaswhilst sad eyes Hey ho. We were very lucky to share over able to ‘justify the payments’. ten years with a black and white creature The desperafeel IT is the most exciting restaurant te staff less meet yours makes anyone are at alone. opening of A riot of colour, quirky their wits’ end, despite Manthe year so far. chairs and and he suffered little the end asanfar as equally adventuat rous mix of Far Eastern and Spanish uel Jesus Garcia, the director Spain’s hottest chef David Munoz Eddie just knew. has moved cuisine, it is little surprise general of the Junta, promishis super-hipwe the queue to get in can tell. Streetxo restaura nt ing in mid-February that they Ingles on Calle Serrano, in the heartto Corte is normally between one and two hours. of Ma- That said, the waiting would be paid ‘as soon as posdrid’s upmarkThanks list forofeverything Ed –nt for your of hisadopted et neighbourhood flagship DiSalaman- verxo restaura sible’. is currently over ca. six months so it isn’t A sit-in at the school was canThe young three-M family you special pooch. too bad. ichelin star were one mighty celled following the promise created the same sort of buzz hegenius has And his next big project: A has at his plan to open a Streetxo of payment last month, but other joint Diverxo, also in the capital. in Faithful but not very the brave, scruffy London in June this year. staff are now looking at new ways to pressurise the but not (very) naughty, Juntaenthusiastic as their needs have still Lates t not been met. Olive Press colum nist for anything that meant we’d spend Eddie EXOTIC: Florida feeling heading to Marbella the dog is ‘em-barking’ on a A dog’s life, time together, perfectly behaved on great career – no bones about it by Eddie the hotel hound Miami vib es car long journeys in Ma rbsto Atlantic beaches. RETRO Marbella hangou t South spring with an all-American twist, Beach is celebrating with a Miami Grill event swimming, playing, dozing launching this month. Walking, The exotic Florida feeling will A was in Barcelo be almost tangible na is break– meat everything we enriched fromdidingBAR March 14 to April 12, with the mould, not because and fish served O the editor – woosizzling from the BBQ every Friday, Saturda of what it is serving up, but y and Sunday having that mutt at our side. ing me with prom, and - among other bands - live because of who is doing the Blues Brothers-style music at ises of becoming weekends. serving . As freewe drive and walk in our area Andalucia’s premier There will also be, as always, In a unique move, Entrepanes children’s entertainment pooch – wants me to write a on Saturdays, while pancake Diaz, a trendyabound. near memories s are Ronda, bar in the heart column about my life. Small South Beach is open every day on available for children. of the Catalan capital, is now Avenida del Limonar 124, village dog hits the big time... Marbella (exit El RosarioEvery only hiring track, path, river, stream and ). waiters over Not bad for an Adana rescue 50. For reservations, call 952 113 And with two million people 005, email info@southmutt, eh? beachmarbella.com, or search mountainside been experiaged between 45 South Beach Marbellahas and 64 out As you may know I live at on Facebook. of work across the country, Hotel Molino del Santo in enced together. owner Kim Diaz is urging the station of Benaojan. It’s bosses to follow suit. pretty much dog heaven, Maybe 6000 walksmore we shared, more than twice that many sticks chased and retrieved. We try to be British Foo d Sho positive – ppi ‘no ng, dog was everred moreWorldw Delive ide adored’ one friend wrote – and we LOVE AT FIRST BITE: Eddie with owner Andy know he had a great life. with semi-wild countryside mings But his loss still reduces us to sie and d bones appearing o with all the olfactory treats at the door – so it’s mostly use c E0315 one could desire. (My master dried lence two weeks on. We all miss dog food for me. LIV had to

Half-baked promises

Streetwise

Suffered

A good vintage

Humouring humans

£15

off your first order*

*Valid until 30/04/15 when you spend over £75

BCSO

check the meaning of olfactory when I dictated it. I’d like to bypass him totally thus avoiding censorship of what I discuss but paws were not designed for keyboards). There is a river nearby where I swim in the warmer months and barely any cars – which is just as well as my road sense is somewhere south of zero. Most importantly, there are more sticks than

Upsides: hotel closed equals Master and Mistress around a lot more to talk to me and take me out and about with them. Hotel closed equals change as they go off on holidays and family visits. I’ve been advised by my mates that it is imperative to perfect a sad and sulky look when I see suitcases, but this is just

SPORT Match Point SPAIN go into their final roundrobin game against Japan for the ATP Cup undefeated with two wins from two. The Spanish team led by Rafael Nadal defeated both Georgia and Uruguay 3-0 and now face also unbeaten Japan. The ATP Cup is a new tournament held in Australia where the top 24 teams get to compete. Split into six groups of four, the top team from each group qualifies to the quarter-finals, along with the two best second placed teams. Spain need to come out on top against a talented Japanese team led by Yoshihito Nishioka in order to guarantee their spot in the quarter-finals and not have to rely on other results.

January 10th - January 23th 2020

Basques topple Catalans

THIS week marks the start of the second round of the Euroleague – Europe’s top tier basketball competition. In the final gameweek of the first round, we had an allSpanish clash as Baskonia and Barcelona went head to head with the Basques managing to hold on and defeat the Catalans by just two points, 76-74. This was a much needed win for Baskonia who have now moved to a record of 7-10

Baskonia defeat Barcelona in allSpanish derby and sit in 12th place, four places outside the play-offs. This defeat meant that the Blaugrana – another nickname for Barcelona – slipped to third place in the standings, allowing their arch rivals Real Madrid to move ahead of them into

End of the road

xxxxx

second. The Queen – as Madrid is commonly referred to – defeated French champions ASVEL Villeurbanne, 87-77, and moved to a record of 14-3, one win ahead of Barcelona. The fourth and final Spanish team in the Euroleague this season is Valencia, who defeated Alba Berlin from Germany, 91-77. With this win the Bats – Valencia’s nickname – moved

Wolves’ wandering Spaniard

OP Puzzle solutions

Down: 2 Eyewash, 3 Martini, 4 Taste, 5 All gone, 6 Swarm, 7 Nehru, 12 Ore, 14 Alp, 15 Drawing, 16 Slammer, 17 Reactor, 19 Phase, 20 Riyal, 21 Hythe.

SUDOKU

Quick Crossword

Across: 1 Helmet, 5 Absent, 8 Reprisal, 9 Aahs, 10 Maui, 11 Enormous, 13 Hairdresser, 18 Approach, 22 Arab, 23 Waxy, 24 Intimate, 25 Peg leg, 26 Errors.

to 10th place with a record of 8-9, lying just outside the play-offs due to head to head results. While the two El Clasico rivals seem to be cruising through to the play-offs, the other two Spanish teams have their work cut out for them and need to come up with some big wins in the second round in order to get all four Spanish teams in the play-offs, for the first time since the 2010-11 season.

SPAIN’S greatest Formula One driver, Fernando Alonso, has suffered heartache at the Dakar Rally, with a ripped wheel that cost him over two and a half hours. The former two-time world champion retired from F1 in 2018 but has not stopped racing. Recently he has taken part in the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, which covers uncharted miles of desert. Sand dunes 250 metres tall are just one of the many difficulties the drivers have to face. Although Alonso wanted to win the Dakar Rally, he said he was realistic about his chances as a rookie in an event that requires lots of experience, and this accident proves just that. Alonso and his co-driver – Dakar legend Marc Coma – ended up fixing the problem themselves and drove the final 120km without any front brakes.

xxxxx

PREMIER League star Adama Traore has revealed he is yet to decide on whether to play for Spain. The Wolverhampton Wanderers winger, who has netted five goals this season, was born in Spain to Malian parents. The 23-year-old said he hoped his league form would get him another

call-up from Spain after he couldn’t take up the national team’s offer the first time around due to injury. “My mentality is to work for the team and the performance for the team gives me half a chance with two international teams and I am happy for that,” he told the BBC.

MOTORCYCLE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE MOTORCYCLE BREAKDOWN COVER Breaking down at the roadside, at night or in bad weather can be an unsettling experience. There’s nowhere to wait in relative comfort and warmth will help arrives. And if you don’t have quality breakdown cover, you could be there, stranded, for some time. IN SAFE HANDS Our roadside assistance experts can usually fix your bike at the roadside, allowing you to continue with your onward journey as soon as possible. And if you’ve simply ran out of fuel, then they can tow you to the nearest garage, simply let our customer service staff know of the situation when you call. TRAVEL ASSISTANCE Motorcycle insurance form Línea Directa starts from just €77 and comes with two types of additional breakdown cover: Urban Travel Assistance or Total Travel Assistance. Both include emergency repairs on-site,

free towing service and transport of rider and passenger to either their home address or destination. For more information, simply call our English speaking hotline on 902 325 325 and we’ll come to your rescue. Our breakdown assistance covers motorbikes, scooters, mopeds and all types of powered two wheelers. Wherever your two wheels take you, Línea Directa has you covered.

902 123 282

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 952 147 834. More information about Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com * Fu l l y co m p re h e n s i ve o f fe r v a l i d fo r n e w c u s to m e r s o n l y. G u a ra n te e s u b j e c t to cove r, re p a i r a t a p p rove d g a ra g e, a n d co u r te s y ve h i c l e av a i l a b i l i t y. S u b j e c t to co n d i t i o n s. O f fe r e n d s 3 0 / 1 1 / 1 8 .

TheOlivePress-256x170-CAR-4.indd 1

2/8/18 17:01

10thhas - January A January WOMAN had 23th 2020 to be hospitalised after she got struck in the eye by a toy during the Three Kings parade in Alicante.

FINAL WORDS

Blind turn A BLIND woman has denounced a shoeshop in Valencia that she claims kicked her out for entering with her guide dog. An employee has hit back saying she asked the woman to leave because the shop was closed and not because of discrimination.

, FOOD DRINK & TRAVEL OLIVE

The

16 Bullseye

FREE

MALLORCA

PRESS

Ghost ship

A MOTHER is demanding compensation from the Murcian government after a boy poked her daughter in the eye at school. The woman has asked €200 from the regional Ministry of Education following the incident at an education institute in Los Alcazares.

A WARM December has led to Mallorca’s almond trees to blossom a month early as pink and white blossoms begin to fill the countryside.

expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 3 Issue 71 www.theolivepress.es January 10th - January 23th 2020

Poke in the eye

Early blossoms

Your

A LUXURY yacht mysteriously marooned in the waters off Palmanova has been vandalised with graffiti in the new year. Neighbours near the beach of Son Maties have complained for nearly a year about the modern-day Marie Celeste that sometimes has squatters aboard. The 20-metre abandoned ship was pushed to shallow waters close to the shore of the popular beach during a storm last April where it has remained, with the anchor down, ever since, being roped off from beachgoers since the summer.

Lucky skywalker A TODDLER has cheated death by walking along the ledge of a Spanish block of flats while her ‘mother was in the shower’. The video, taken by a horrified onlooker, shows the unidentified tot tiptoeing along a narrow section of the building’s exterior. She can be seen emerging from the window, before venturing along the corner of the block, where there is no barrier. Using her hand for support, she reaches a balcony before she doubles back and climbs through the window. The young daredevil is thought to be from a young Finnish family, who are holidaying in Tenerife at the apartment in Playa Paraiso, Adeje. Police reportedly didn’t find out about the incident until they saw the video on Spanish TV channel La Sexta on Monday.

Toddler cheats death scaling high rise tower ledge while ‘mum in shower’

Wall of shame SAUSAGE, corn on the cob, sardines… These are just some of the offending ingredients included in the worst paellas of the year. Jamie Oliver already angered Spain for his use of chorizo and now the Olive Press has compiled a Top 10 of the ugliest examples of Spain’s signature dish. Paella originates from Valencia and the traditional recipe consists of ingredients such as rice, chicken, rabbit and beans amongst others. For the full list visit www. olivepress.es