Costa Blanca South Olive Press - Issue 5 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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FINALLY!

“QUICK, simple and painless. The pain comes later,” King Felipe told incoming Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at a swearing in ceremony yesterday. The PSOE leader will certainly hope not, having had to endure an agonizing two year wait and three general elections to get this far. It was his second recent attempt at an investiture since the Socialists won the most seats in December’s general election, but failed to win an overall majority. And Sanchez, 47, pulled out all the stops as he cracked heads at a mammoth two day weekend session in Madrid, after which he finally won the vote by two seats. After years of instability, it is ‘great news for Spain’ insisted one of the country’s best known expats. Irish author Ian Gibson told the Olive Press: “While there are going to be lots of compromises, there will also be solutions.” The Madrid-based writer, who has lived in Spain for half a century, added: “I’m delighted. He’s an amazing man and it’s remarkable to think he stuck it out after being kicked out of his own party and then fighting back. “He has the qualities of a true statesman and speaks very well. He will be a great asset for Europe,” added the Hispanist, who has penned numerous books on Spain.

Frankenstein

Sanchez was sworn in at Zarzuela Palace after winning a second vote of confidence. MPs voted by a knife-edge 167 votes to 165 to support Sanchez’s leftwing 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. The coalition government, which includes Podemos, PNV, Más País, Compromís, Galego Nationalist Block, Teruel Existe and Nueva Canarias, is the first since 1977 after the death of dictator Franco. The parties opposing included the PP, Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts per Catalunya and Navarra Suma. 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 regional 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. Opinion page 6

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January 9th - January 22nd 2020

Mission Impossible A CONVICTED British conman has been accused of striking again in a car transport scam running up and down the Costa Blanca. Simon Davies, 58, who now runs Mission Impossible Transport from Almeria, was jailed in 2008 for his part in a €450,000 mortgage fraud. But the trickster - who goes by various aliases - has now been denounced to the Guardia Civil, in Alicante, for ‘stealing’ a top-of-the-range car from a British expat. According to Kenny Greenhow, who lives near Ciudad Quesada, Davies has nicked his BMW convertible, worth €8,000, en route to the UK. The paint inspector, from Tyneside, told the Olive Press he had paid £820 (€970) to get his beloved 120i back to the UK, last year. He has not seen it since. “It’s important that police catch up with the guy, and stop other people being conned the way that I have,” said Greenhow, 61, who has also reported the theft to the UK police. “As long as justice is done and he is behind bars.” Greenhow had first come across Mission Impossible, via an online broker uShip, last summer. The company’s profile, which is still on the website, claims to have five vehicles and drivers and ‘has £50,000 goods in transit insurance and £2 million public liability insurance.’ “I got plenty of quotes, and Davies was the cheapest,” he explained. “With the query going through a broker, I thought he’d be legitimate. “But when the car didn’t arrive after its delivery date in the UK, I started digging around and to my horror dis-

Conman accused of stealing expat’s BMW claims his transport company left it in ‘northern Spain’ due to ‘paperwork problems’ EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade

covered his reputation and past.” This included damning reviews on sites calling Davies ‘a complete scammer’ and ‘a liar’. Other reviews about a previous company, SD Sameday Couriers, on yell. com gave him one star and claimed he had ‘disappeared’ goods and failed to respond to customer queries. Our research reveals that Davies, 58, is no stranger to fraud. SD Sameday recently shared an address with Cleanrite Ltd and Sparklebrite Ltd in Essex, companies run by his wife, Anita.

Disqualified

Their marriage certificate, available online, shows Simon Clive Davies to have previously been known as ‘Clive Emmanuel Smith’, who was jailed for fraud in 2008. The Lancashire Telegraph reported that Davies (then 46), aka Clive Emmanuel Smith, had been handed three years and six months for his part in a £380,000 mortgage fraud. Shockingly, Davies has other convictions, including when he persuaded an investor to hand over £30,000 to start a new mobile phone business

called Callfree.net Ltd, in 2005. What he hadn’t revealed was his banning as a director from 2004 to 2010 after a previous company had gone into liquidation with debts of nearly £200,000. A few years later a bankruptcy order was made against him in the name of ‘Clive Smith, which again disqualified him from acting as a company director. Despite this, he went on to act as director of property company Safe as Houses Ltd under a different identity. “We are determined to crack down on cheats like these who profit by deception,” said Pat McFadden, of the UK’s Department for Business. When contacted this week, Davies claimed the BMW had simply been left with police in ‘northern Spain’ due to ‘problems with paperwork’. Davies said he was ‘sick of being stopped by Spanish police’, saying the car had become a ‘hot potato’ over unspecified problems with bureaucracy. He failed however to name the police station nor region where he left the car. Davies added he had been in touch with the UK police over the issue. Mission Impossible Transport’s broker, uShip, confirmed to the Olive

FRAUDSTER: Davies, while (top) the missing BMW Press that Davies’ account is currently suspended. Mission Impossible Transport Limited was set up out of an office in Old Street, London, in 2018, and despite a threat of being struck off last year, is still apparently trading. If you know Davies in any of his guises contact the Olive Press at +34 951 273 575 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es Opinion page 6

CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Work boost PILAR DE LA HORADADA council has received a €178,000 subsidy to give jobs to a dozen unemployed people to work on repairing flood damage from September.

New bus routes ORIHUELA COSTA will get additional bus routes to Orihuela City this year. Stops will include La Zenia Boulevard, Playas de Orihuela City Hall, Torrevieja University Hospital and Entrenaranjos Urbanisation.

Picasso show ALICANTE’S Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is now showing an exhibition of Pablo Picasso’s works, with family workshops about Malaga’s famous son.

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

‘It’s a cover up’ 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

Council surplus LOS MONTESINOS announced a budget surplus of €2.3m after closing the books for 2019. Investment can now be made in new street lighting and job creation. EXPERT: Allen Wilson

Top swimming pool expert jets into Spain and slams investigation into how British family drowned 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.

Suction

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’. 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. He suspects that a drop in water level – reportedly evidenced on pictures after the incident – could have put pool-side skimmers out of action. This would have concentrated all suction onto one floor drain. “There should be two floor vents spaced two metres apart, so you never get more than 50% of suction in a freak event,” Wilson said. “The floor vent looks like a drain in your back garden, so

Murder

TRAGIC: Gabriel and wife Olubunmi just from the pictures I’m already seeing non-compliance to international standards.” The trip is being funded by Wilson’s current health and safety firm, Studies in Work. 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.”

Burglars busted TWO men responsible for a dozen burglaries at empty holiday homes near Cartagena have been arrested. Guardia Civil officers have been tracking the pair, aged 23 and 45, since 2018, when a number of similar robberies started in Los Nietos. The detainees ensured that

Coca crew

TEN ‘dangerous criminals’ have been busted in an international drug smuggling operation involving the Policia Nacional, Europol, the DEA and Colombian Police. The group had been in operation for ‘several years’ according to Europol, operating in Galicia, Madrid and Alicante. A hotel was used as their base, along with a car workshop where ten luxury vehicles were also seized. In total, 1,300 kilos of cocaine was discovered in 25 huge black bags, meant for distribution throughout Spain. A cash haul of €550,000 was also found.

all properties were out of sight from the general public, picking homes they knew to be empty, entering via upstairs terraces or balconies. Police focused on the local area, as the crimes were all committed within close proximity of each other.

The investigation had been ongoing for 18 months after agents detected the gang along with Colombian authorities. The gang of Spanish nationals all had previous records for murder, violent robbery, fraud and money laundering with some having in excess of 50 convictions. Five were arrested in the Galician port of Pontevedra as they were boarding a ship, while the remainder were detained in Madrid. It is believed that most meetings between the traffickers were held in the capital, before they moved to locations in Galicia and Alicante.

Gun bust

GUARDIA Civil officers have dismantled at gun-point a drug smuggling gang in the Mar Menor region of the Costa Blanca. Operation Tizas saw five drugs traffickers arrested in San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier, with 500 cocaine wraps, 500g of marijuana buds and 36g of methamphetamine seized.

Hunt for Russian fugitive switches to wife A TRIO of European MEPs are demanding Spain help track down wanted Russian fugitive Alexander Chikovani and his wife. EU deputies Giuseppe Milazzo, Fulvio Martusciello and Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar have asked Spanish police to seek his current home, believed to be on the Costa Blanca or Costa Brava. They also want the authorities to probe his current business activities in Spain, in collaboration with his Russian wife Ksenia. According to Russian media, Chikovani transferred various assets to his wife, which were set to be frozen by the Russian authorities. Moscow court had ruled that Chikovani had to pay off a series of debts to creditors back home, before fleeing to Spain. However, he was able to transfer much of his property and other assets to his wife, who was able to withdraw the cash in Spain under her name. The court has now ordered Ksenia to return the multi-million euro debts to a series of creditors back home. The court insists she returns the ‘illegally ob-

tained assets to the bankruptcy estate for the payment of multimillion debts to defrauded creditors’. The fraudulent funds are now being used, it is claimed, for money laundering in Spain. According to Russian media, the pair are closely linked to various Russian criminals, ‘who protected their illegal activities for many years’. The Olive Press has discovered that Ksenia and Alexander set up two Spanish companies in Catalunya in 2018 to buy, sell and run hotels, spas and restaurants. Initially set up in Tarragona, they more recently moved their registered address to Barcelona, perhaps to evade the authorities. Alexander’s name was taken off the deeds of one of the companies in February this year. The EU deputies have now sent their request to the Ministry of Justice, which oversees money laundering and law enforcement probes in Spain. Chikovani, who is accused of major financial fraud in Russia, is on the Federal wanted list, as reported by the Olive Press in September last year.

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Courting the quokka CHEEKY: Rafa and quokka

NEWS

January 9th - January 22nd 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 investi-

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

BURIAL: Of Spain’s Lorca? gation 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

Rising Phoenix IT would have been a case of fifth time lucky. But sadly it was not to be for Antonio Banderas on his fifth attempt at winning a Golden Globe award in America. Once again, the Spaniard had to settle for a nomination, as Joaquin Phoenix walked away with the Best Actor award for his role in Joker. It was the second time that Phoenix had bagged the award. Banderas, 59, was nominated for his role as Salvador Mallo in the Spanish drama Dolor y Gloria, di-

RUNNER UP: Banderas

rected by one of the godfathers of Spanish cinema, Pedro Almodovar. The film, which draws on Almodovar’s own life, is set across two timelines. In the present, Mallo is a film director who achieved major success in his prime but is now in his 50s and is quite depressed and lacks

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WINNER: Phoenix

inspiration. In the past timeline, we witness young Salva’s youth, where he shares a tender relationship with his mother Jacinta (Penelope Cruz), as she tries her hardest to get him a good education in order to find a way out of poverty.

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.

HISPANIST: Gibson

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.

MUNOZ: And Pedroche

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

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January 9th - January 22nd 2020

Action stations

Reporters Simon Wade and Joshua Parfitt

Your reporters, here to help on the Costa Blanca Contact them with any stories or news on 951 273 575 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es (Personal contacts on page 6)

A SQUADRON of US military planes have arrived in Spain in apparent anticipation of conflict following the recent tension in Iran. The military bases of Rota and Moron de la Frontera in Andaulcia have seen dozens of large cargo aircraft arrive in the largest deployment since the 2003 Gulf War. Residents of the small coastal town of Rota and Sevilla town of Moron have reported a large increase of traffic at the nearby base. This included large C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemas-

Rapid arrival of American military planes in Andalucia is set to cause an early test for new leader Sanchez By James Warren

ter III cargo aircraft carrying personnel and military equipment, as well as vehicles and smaller aircraft and helicopters. The arrivals coincided with a controversial US attack in Iran, which killed the head of the elite Quds Force of Iran, Qasem Soleimani, last week.

The move has caused considerable tension between Iran and the US with numerous threats coming from both sides, leading to worldwide concern that conflict is imminent. The move comes after the Olive Press reported that the US had requested to in-

That’s the life!

THERE will be 12 national holidays in Spain this year – the same as 2019, with four of them being locally in the Valencian region. The eight national holidays are January 1, January 6, April 10 (Good Friday), May 1 (Workers Day), August 15 (Assumption of the Virgin), October 12, December 8 (Im-

maculate Conception) and December 25. The Valencian Community will have additional holidays on March 19 (San Jose), April 13 (Easter Monday), June 24 (San Juan) and October 9 (Valencian Community Day). In contrast, the UK has seven public holidays.

crease its presence at the base back in December. The naval base at Rota is currently home to a fleet of US Destroyer vessels that were placed there as part of the NATO missile shield in 2011.

Closure

They are tasked to provide a forward mobility base in the event of an attack from Iran. US President Donald Trump issued a request to double the personnel and increase the number of warships docked at the base by 50%. The situation is set to provide the first test for the newly formed coalition government of left-leaning Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. His coalition partner Pablo Iglesias, of Podemos, is already strongly opposed to the existence of the bases and has long campaigned for their closure.

Iranian rape hunt A MANHUNT is underway for three Iranian men accused of raping three American sisters in Murcia. The shocking assault is said to have occurred on New Years Eve after they met the men at a pub in the capital. Two of the women told police they were raped while the third said she fought off her attacker, although she is reported to have been sexually assaulted. Murcia police are investigating the attack on the sisters aged 23, 20 and 18. One of the sisters has been studying in the city. There are yet to be any arrests but the three men were described by the women as being ‘Iranian’, according to Spain’s national TV network RTVE.

Toy story A PENSIONER nearly lost an eye from a toy thrown during a Three Kings parade in Alicante. The Elche parade left the 74-year-old with serious injuries, alongside five other people. Alicante’s Department of Security is now investigating how the woman and two others ended up in hospital, one 76 with chest pain the other, 58, after a bad fall.

Murcia family tragedy

A FATHER who lost his wife and then his new-born son due to birthing mistakes, has been awarded over €400,000 following an eight-year battle for justice. His 35-year-old wife was admitted to the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital in Murcia in April 2011, but had to endure an emergency caesarean after multiple mishaps that threatened the life of both mother and child. The newborn survived the ordeal, but suffered for two years with severe respiratory problems, seizures, attacks of hypothermia and epilepsy. The mother died of a sudden illness in August 2012, with the son living until 2014 before dying of encephalopathy. Madrid Courts awarded 416,611 plus interest to compensate the father.

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

Costa to caravan 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 badly-invested funds left her with just €16,000 two years later. Jones - who was forced to sell her villa in the Algarve, Portugal, to survive - is now being punished by HMRC with a €70k tax bill for violating a fiveyear 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.

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

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 in the UK’s technology industry, promising her a 10% annual profit. But the non-FCA regulated company recklessly invested her pension (alongside hundreds of other expats) into toxic investments that paid instant commissions to advisers and were doomed to fail,

We’re on a road to somewhere IT has been years in coming. Now, as the Olive Press reported in December, Ciudad Quesada’s much-anticipated €700k road improvements will start this month. From January 13 until April, Avenue de La Naciones will be blocked in one direction as it is totally remodelled. Pavements will be widened, while traffic entering the town at the arches will be rerouted left and right, depending on the destination.

Once these works are complete, a new roundabout will be installed at the junction beside the Municipal Centre. The reduction of parking spaces on the street has been compensated for by spaces being made available at the new shopping centre. Rojales councillor Derek Monks told the Olive Press further parking plots were being sought - but it depended on whether local landowners would be willing to lease space.

CONTRASTS: Cassie’s caravan and high life Jody 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 selling 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.

Year of the scammer POLICE on the Costa Blanca have issued a warning to anyone signing or filling out important documents in 2020. It warned that scammers can easily doctor forms if any dates given are written in short form as, say, 12/01/20. According to cops, two extra digits can easily change the date… to 12/01/2012, for example. Police are therefore advising that dates be written in their full year form to avoid any potential legal or criminal consequences.

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OPINION Dishing out justice

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

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Death probe

EXCLUSIVE

THE uncle of little Julen Jimene z, whose body pulled out of a was on Saturday, well blasted state has secutors who proare seeking a reckles s homicide against him. charge David Serrano secution alongsiAlcaise is facing proowner of compa de Antonio Sanchez, ny Triben Perfora nes, which origina cioBoth are facing lly dug the well. and four years between 18 months behind bars and be ordered to pay could costs borne by up to €1.5 million in rescue mission the state in the biggest Marbella lawyerin Spanish history. is representing Antonio Flores, who Alcaise, told the Press he is devasta Olive ling from losing ted and is still ree“It is a very sad Julen. situation and totally unfair,” he insisted . “This family really poor and are are in no way respon sible. “If anyone it is responsible it professional who dug the well. is the “By law he should have plugged hole with concre the Speaking from te and he didn’t.” Palo, Malaga, the family home in El bought the landhe added: “They only wanted to use two months ago and “We will fightit for horses. as hard as we prevent him having can to to face these charges." Little Julen fell down the openin January 13, sparkin g on operation involvi g a 13-day rescue and costing the ng 300 specialists state at least €1.5 llion. miHis lifeless body was recovered the wreckage from AN invest igatio at around 1.30am n has been launSaturday. last ched after an See The World

led police to Olive Press tip off human remaia mysterious set of It came afterns. British expat Ni-

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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

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By Charlie Smith Steve house we rebuilt having a fantastic years ago, we’ve from scratch tendisaster. Global THE sister of a British filmma into itplant must ended up with aour life saving The who plunge ker be with “We put all of will close earlier if closed by 2025, but lorca has d from a balcony in Malhaving to live the second natural and now we face directly behind spoken of her gasour link to the mainla heartbreak as her brother a 220 volt tower nd is finished beremains in a coma foreserthen. hospital. home.” in adjoining and "It their was necessary Emma Whitel If built, the tower right through to propose a change – and this change vice road will cutpanels. last night sheey told the Olive Press in the solar energy was ‘still speech is a and global model after her field of 13 y gets an less’ in Germanislands brother Carl Whitel as athat can opportunity for our “So somebody y from Morocco from ey, Lincoln 39, not electricit leave load of the back said president Armenanyone be- floor flat in shire, fell from his firsta tower athind," Palma a fortnig result of putting we end"It upislosing gol. a solution and ht myster ago house that in ious fits in with of our circum for oursely we havemate Change Law and is also the Cli- The ‘friend of the stances. in the little electricit“It has been stars’ - who mixed a guaran- with tee done ofcould continued ves.” He added: r fashion you ees," she continu work. for the employ- and the likes of Sylvester Stallon the most chevalie Johnny e When the first ed. imagine. head open at Depp - smashed his two sections close 2020, Lecrin in an argum around 11pm, following FAMILY: (Left) Sister t in the the Balearic Islands will Emma and (right t pylon projec , who has lived10% emit Muñoz ent with his wife, Esther the OliCO2 immediately , told less g protest agains to take Howardfor two decadeslorca's from Palma’s ) Carl with Sylve – Mal- Carl’s , 33. long, snakin these ns dly necessary to takeemissio ster Stallone above) join alone sister projectthat While suppose Morocco to Europe, Valley where Carl stillSon Espases Hospital, She “The (inset will t Emma is drop and wife Esthe Press: valley 33% made the immediately “I Dr Rober lays in a coma. said: “We across ourday. electricity fromthe untouched beauty ve EXCLUSIVE ty r journe Stewart and miss devasmassive pylons ples, but that’s argue like other cou- some GLE: Christ Balearics to be y from the UK to the pretty my brother. His progre it is set to ruin made the reBy Tim McNul tens of thou- an abomination. It will have mentaby it, everybody has novel POWER STRUG ss is own with enjoyed much the a Lemons to her ‘critically ill’ their “Thenfresh air. year. of the area, ences environ er Chris Over famous - added his namegning no change, but same, there is still “The problems. s are sands of nature lovers each No To tating consequ ically. I heard a noise, X-GENESIS drumm we are praying fi- gion (Say brother. neighbour banged of campai financial interest e the econom ran out and Torres Haand private Of and Las joined collectiv recover lly A will again ‘Vale for a becaus y.” l. on our door, saw him lying his head busted The Di No high volplace, a Stewart has ‘motorway’ of growing od over the “I e she could hon- Meanwhile blood everywhere ) group argues battling the proposa called it, a , with - “It’s a magical Doc- riding roughsh leaving, as ght against a “She was upset hear Lucy crying. his wife Esther for An- expats include former 80s star ’, as the Moors and conserand of the people, s destruc- The Towers would have a ‘devasta estly rights don’t ppiness planned s, bulanc the lines that These because of all denied noise.” e straight away.”I rang the ambeauty agricultage towers power the Blow Monkeyli- ever, a wake of heedles k n o w in hisshe had been in any way involve the The accoun place of natural Press, ting effect’ on tourism and Alpujarras region. tor Robert, from who told the Olive horror plunge d She explain tant continued, dalucia’s iconic the health. Stewart as scar vation. w - whose Driving tion,” well h will on the as a TM while Januar author in ed want him to wake TM t She told the “I just ture, ves launched, giant pylons The British local week. Olive Press that y 30. only just movedthat the couple had happen up and tell us what to petition has been a thousand peo- “These pe, could destroy the the say,” band, with n e a r b y this day the tide will turn and more her hus- central into a new flat ed. I want to over will A landsca whom saw ravage “One n ways i and E r Conshe c protest be m in able of e ses Palma a L has a daught m a Lucy, away from this nightmare and ble, sustain so... ple march near the village tourist busines that we told the gust nine, may have fallen after er only just getting usedthat they were After V a l l e y , reasona but seemingly not yet; local . a new brain are living.” environment. benefits at all for of to a wind their Untitle many “It d or home. was which is prevail; to the barricades again.” re- char on Sunday O due d-1.pdf scan on Carl’s l i v e after having a windy to being ‘dizzy’ fractur 1 which include start of “There are no 16/06/2017 fight to stop them.” after it was The protest, before Carl fell, night and two hours confirmed skull, meanwhile, doctors a few drinks. also set to it’s back 15:36 P r e s s Speaki , is the outrage comes people - we mustvital to the region, the wind blew ed to his wife that be badly The energy company Red Electri- expats and children TM door open ism is after re- hospitang at Palma’s Son Espase the the scheme. ted as a SEE PAGE 2 a f f e c t e d vealedEspaña (REE) plans to install many to stop s singer Robert Ecotour l, she insisted s the wall,” and shut and broke part of and has made good progrehe is stable which was nomina turning to the that reports she explain ss. Heritage site “Doctors have the ca de 211 giant pylons Blow Monkey by UNESCO World for having begun to take the E n g l a n d had Mallorquin press that the in “The balcony door ed. a network of some morproject. argued were ‘totally pair when I was shut, but phine off bit by bit,” she in 2017, mainly oldest olithe two valleys. was in bed I confirmed untrue’. this week, “but “ O n c e across See pages 40 some of the world’s heard

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There were more gruesome goings on in February, as we reported how British grandmother Valerie Butroid’s dead body was kept in her2/ Marbella home for a year by her daughter (Issue 311). 8/18 17:01 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 heartwarmingThretale e Lions to round off pub the month, as 80-year-old Hector Baglietto sured vived a boat crash offVot Gibraltar expat er and heroically swampapinto shore Spain Mijas Costa (Issue 91).

On the eve of Andalucia day, we look at the history of one its most famous group of residents, gypsies

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of the investigatorProgram the The principal director of Public Healand study and Marrugat, of Epidemiology IMIM, Jaume illustrath of the latest figures error, the said: “The margin of maxite, with littleof initiating thegrowing importance to reverse the society. in our mum effort the of obesity epidemic only way to reduce eco“It is the social, health andin the enormous that will emerge nomic costs being overweicoming years.” related to cancer and Diseases diabetes, ght include heart disease.

expat paper in Spain

SHOCK FIND : Expat Nicho with bones found las in garden

By Charlie

January

Spain of men in by the year A HUGE 80% or overweight be obesenew study has warned. from 2030, a of to researchers Institute According del Mar (IMIM), women the Hospital Research although with Medical to be affected, 55% set will be less a still concerning Spaor obese. overweight published by the estiThe study, of Cardiology, were nish Journal in 2016 there adults mates that million overweight50% of some 24 70% of men and in Spain, to inwomen. is expected if nothing That number three million current crease by to counter the is done the Spatrends. already costing per Obesity is service €1.9 billion nish healththe current projections billion year, but could exceed €3 say this next 11 years. over the

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Smith & Laure cholas Smith nce Dollimore , 63, got in After meeting after discovering touch the former bricparts of a sku- garden. The dad-of-four klayer ll, jaw and leg Leicester was from find, and authenticating the left stunn the Olive Press TMbone in his back he happe tipped ned upon the ed when the Guardia discovery Civil immediatel off Cops were on while buryin the scene at y. g his home his dog at his home within of taped off the the hour and had 12 years on the area before Costa ying out del Sol. a full excavation. carrThey He believes THE COAST’S PREM the bo- week: told the Olive Press this IER, nes are those “We CARE PROFESSIONENGLISH SPEAKING HEARI of set of huma can confirm that a NG ALS AND AUDIO a teenager, n remai LOGISTS appears to have who located on a prope ns have been rty in the La murdered and been Cala area. See pages 39 & ried at his homebu- “We cannot comm 40 La Cala de Mijas in ther as this is nowent any furan ongoing . investigation.” Smith believ bones could es that the UK BASED years old, a be up to 100 *Offer ends med to him byfact, confir30/11/18. N the ot valid for The East Midla police. renewals. S ubject to c pat also believ nds exonditions. nes could be es the boReliable private hire transfer a series of the cause of for Spanish services for any supernatural occasion BUYING OR

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Issue 309

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dence that a no confi soon as next May admitted happen as vote could but said it did not show Wednesday, were willing to support. what deal MPs leader added that she The embattled with the DUP and ‘sethe would hold talkstarians from across nior parliamenify what will be required house to ident ort’. teto secure supp000 UK citizens regis For the 300,in Spain, it is still not clear it, red as living they will have after Brex e s what right ances by Spanish Prim despite assur o Sanchez. rved whateMinister Pedr to s will be prese “Their right rio,” he said, in a bid ver the scena a no-deal Brexit. be allay fears over that clarity would May also said citizens in the UK and needed for EU EU. to ns in the British citize nt will now be forced The governmeB’ for Brexit within three reveal a ‘plan amentary days, expected working parli ary 21. to be on Janu

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Vol. 13 Issue 310

February

Publisher / Editor

- Janu January 16th livepress.es

the UK goturmoil after BREXIT is in recorded one of its bigvernment has tary defeats in modern gest parliamen s, voted history. 118 Tory rebel esa May’s Ther MPs, including e Minister against Prim a majority of 230. eBrexit deal byr Jeremy Corbyn immby Labour leaded on the opportunity the diately seize of no confidence in vote a tabling government. trophic defeat, the hou“This is a catas its verdict on her deal. se has delivered l has reached the end Delay and denia he said. of the line,”

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

The year began with British expats in Spain still facing the uncerat tainty of unresolved Total defe Brexit chaos – some things never change. Our first front page of the year (Issue 308) carried the news that the Spanish Prime Minister had promised British expats their little Parents say the n Julen fell dow while rights would remain unchanged after Brexit ‘no matter what’. well on Sunday friend playing with Weeks later the world held Vo itstedbreath as rescue efforts began for ence No confid Spanish Expert claims BEST hunting little Julen Rosello, the two-year-old who fell down a Malaga well it is ‘almost t boy expat tha dogs impossible’ well paper killed (Issue 309). is inside the r claims Mi my beloved jas Costa in while builde ‘weeks rescue pup Spa it in led Olive Press journalists were at the site alonghe sea Tommy ago’ ‘Julen family See page 5 side the global meCOULD SET OF A-team who HUMAN BONES must NOT nd DUG UP IN GAR famously fouers last DEN BE BEHIND dia, before it HAU NTIN be charged!’ G? Chilean min to help year flown in emerged Julen rt rescue effo ion Rescue operat had died and a l be predicts it wil hours family legal batanother 24-48 s che before it rea Julen tle ensued. say Junta bosses ‘first In other news situation is the the Olive Press he of its kind in lps the British PM police after exp world’ uncovers body at Theresa May (reof a ‘teenager’ in his back garden member her?) still couldn’t get her Brexit deal through Parliament. The month was rounded off with the grisly tale of British expat Nicholas Smith (left) who unearthed the ‘human remains’ of a teenager in his back garden in Mijas Tel: 902 123 282 (Issue 310). 90 2 123 282

Government in action

TheOlivePress-256x

A look back at the biggest s landmark year

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 word-of-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.

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.

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

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

a year! www.theolivepress.es

ll about

Issue 318

THE NEW: Michelle Obama and Hugh Grant among most recent visitors

LAVANDERIA

Your

Mijas Costa

DOZENS of expats are joining gypsies and Down syndrome candidates in the most diverse local elections in Spanish history. All around Andalucia, Brits, ScanEudinavians and other northern in ropeans have thrown their hats the ring in the hope of representing the important international

www.theolivepress.es

Party time in Gib National Day kicks

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,

Costa Blanca home is voted best in Europe

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see Casado insisted the move would Spain being administered ‘more effectively’. his The election hopeful stated that reparty would carry out a sweeping view of how the regional authorities operate looking at ‘efficiency and equity.’ Spain’s quasi-federal political system to added was states’ ‘autonomous of the constitution in 1978. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose party drafted the the constitution, strongly opposed plan, insisting the PSOE would defend ‘tooth and nail’ the principal of regional self-government.

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SPAIN’S prime minister has accused Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont of causing ‘confusion’ after signing a declaration of independence. Mariano Rajoy demanded he clarify if he had really declared independence following Tuesday’s nail biting address to the Catalan parliament. If so, Rajoy insisted he could trigger Article 155 of Spain’s constitution to allow Madrid to take direct control of Catalunya. “There is an urgent need to put an end to the situation that Catalunya is going through - to Continues on Page 7

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CONFUSION reigns over who should foot the bill for Mallorca hotels hit by the collapse of airline Monarch. Balearic hotels are facing a €10million bill over the collapse that saw the emergency repatriation of over 110,000 back to the UK, many from Palma. Administrator KPMG told the Olive Press ‘the debt owed by Monarch to hoteliers will rank as an unsecured claim’ against the defunct airline. “They will have to file a claim to the joint administrators for all the money they are owed,” said a spokesman. “It has not been determined (yet) how much money will be available to creditors.”

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Expats lose millions in life savings through failed investment scheme

national and Momentum Pensions. “People are terribly disGranada-based tressed,” Brooks told the Olive Press. “They have lost large amounts of their retirement savings.” She added: “Some of these EXCLUSIVE people are going to end up By Joe Duggan back in Britain on benefits.” “I have nothing but praise for HUNDREDS of British expats Tony Barnett [Trafalgar MD] are battling to retrieve their (above) team at March and Stewart Davies [Momenpensions after losing up to OFF TO OZ: Boss Kirby and tum chef executive]. They £20 million in a failed pension charity bash have been magnificent in tryinvestment scheme. It is believed at least 300 of ing to recoup people’s money.” clients have had Spanish-based financial advi- One Marbella-based expat remain anonymous. Press understands it me, CWM’s 900 sory firm Continental Wealth told the Olive Press he sunk “The adviser kept telling go their pension pots decimated, The Olive Management (CWM) folded £59,000 through CWM, only ‘This is guaranteed, it can’t with victims shocked to later last month obliterating many realising he had lost £39,000 below a certain level’.” discover the value of their inheartbroken Brits’ life savings. when his pension trustees sent His money, and that of others vestments had plummeted across Spain and France, was dramatically. Many of them had transferred a statement. their private UK pensions “I couldn’t believe it. I have put into high-risk ‘profession- However, a source close to assets, it has the case insisted: ‘There are through the company, whose of pounds,” al investor only’ 15:36 lost thousands is highly possible legal action Untitled-1.pdf Kirby has now1 al-16/06/2017 been claimed. boss Darren still many customers who are may be taken by some parties revealed the victim, asking to legedly moved to Australia. happy with their pension port- against CWM, based out of folio.’ headquarters in Alicante, and Andalucia-based tax specialist its executives. Angie Brooks, a leading expert Both the office in Javea and on pension liberation schemes the website have recently shut. and the founder of Pension The group were pictured celLife, has now launched a fight ebrating at a charity ball as reto help get victims’ money cently as March this year. back. When the Olive Press spoke She is working alongside pen- to boss Kirby he ‘definitively’ sion trustees Trafalgar Inter- denied responsibility over the crash. “I have lost my world,” he said. A close associate of Kirby’s said former CWM staff were all ‘very upset’. “It is still quite raw for them, and they are working out what to do next,” he said.

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HE average property price in Spain has grown for two consecutive years for the first time in a decade. The national average house price rose from between 3.9% to 8.4%, according to various sources. Along the Mediterranean coasts and on the islands, where most foreigners buy, the average price hike has been 4.06%, according to Tinsa, Spain’s leading property appraisal company. But the figures have mostly not yet made up for the big drops during the long six year recession, with the exception of the

Prices rise for two consecutive years, while mortgage values continue to grow

Balearic Islands. “Prices have been rising most years since the recovery began, but nothing like they did in the boom years, and nowhere near enough to claw back the ground lost in the bust,” explained respected analyst Mark Stucklin, of Spanish Property Insight.

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

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Expats lose millions in life savings through failed investment scheme EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

HUNDREDS of British expats are battling to retrieve their pensions after losing up to £20 million in a failed OFF TO OZ: Boss Kirby pension investment and (above) team at scheme. Spanish-based finan- March charity bash cial advisory firm Continental Wealth Man- Many of them had agement (CWM) folded transferred their prilast month obliteratvate UK pensions Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 ing many heartbroken through15:36 the company, Brits’ life savings.

reports

whose boss Darren Kirby has now allegedly moved to Australia. One Costa-del-Solbased expat told the Olive Press he sunk £59,000 through CWM, only realising he had lost £39,000 when his pension trustees sent a statement. “I couldn’t believe it. I have lost thousands of pounds,” revealed the victim, asking to remain anonymous. “The adviser kept telling me, ‘This is guaranteed, it can’t go below a certain level’.” His money, and that of others across Spain and France, was put into high-risk ‘professional investor only’ assets, it has been claimed.

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It is believed at least 300 of CWM’s 900 clients have had their pension pots decimated, with victims shocked to later discover the value of their investments had plummeted dramatically. However, a source close to the case insisted: ‘There are still many customers who are happy with their pension portfolio.’ Andalucia-based tax specialist Angie Brooks, a leading expert on pension liberation schemes and the founder of Pension Life, has now launched a fight to help get victims’ money back. She is working alongside pension trustees Trafalgar International and Momentum Pensions. “People are terribly distressed,” Granadabased Brooks told the Olive Press. “They have lost large amounts of their retirement savings.” She added: “Some of these people are going

to end up back in Britain on benefits.” “I have nothing but praise for Tony Barnett [Trafalgar MD] and Stewart Davies [Momentum chef executive]. They have been magnificent in trying to recoup people’s money.” The Olive Press understands it is highly possible legal action may be taken by some parties against CWM,

based out of headquarters in Alicante, and its executives. Both the office in Javea and the website have recently shut. When the Olive Press spoke to boss Kirby he ‘definitively’ denied responsibility over the crash. “I have lost my world,” he said. A close associate of Kirby’s told the Olive Press former CWM staff were all ‘very upset’. “It is still quite raw for them, and they are working out what to do next,” he said. Opinion Page 6

former member of staff. “It was a prestigious place but one she day they just shut the door,” said, asking not to be named. Victims had raised fears about being asked to sign blank dealing instrucintions and their pensions being vested in high-risk assets which paid large commissions. One pensioner based on the Coshe ta Blanca told the Olive Press lost €210,000 after transferringa €470,000 despite stating he had low to medium risk attitude. “I was asked, ‘Can you sign this blank form. We will fill in the detaiact ls.’ I did that trusting they would said. he in my best interests,” out “They should have been looking for me and they were just feathering their own nests. To me they knew what they were doing.” Lawyer Antonio Flores, whose firm Lawbird is representing a number of victims, said signing blank investment sheets was ‘very worrying’. of “This negates the very essence financial advisory services,”said Flo-

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A PAIR of cold-hearted expats went for a curry after killing a mother in a horrific hit-andrun incident. Notorious Brit Westley Capper supped beers and chatted with pal Craig Porter just 30 minutes after knocking over the Bolivian mother of a two-yearold in San Pedro. Privately-educated Capper linked to the disappearance of stunning Latvian expat Agnese Klavina, in 2014 - has now been remanded in custody after pleading guilty at Marbella court. He was seen being taken to

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Expats - linked to missing Agnese - head for an Indian moments after hit-and-run killed a mother Alhaurin prison wearing flip flops and a grey t-shirt. The son of multimillionaire Fred Capper was arrested in Estepona restaurant Mini India after a manhunt was launched to track him down. He had been driving a black English-plated Bentley GT Continental, alongside his friend Liverpudlian Craig Porter, who is also charged with the disappearance of Agnese.

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THE stepfather of missing Amy Fitzpatrick has been found guilty of killing her brother Dean. Former Mijas resident Dave Mahon was found guilty of manslaughter after his stepson died from a single stab wound in Dublin in 2013. Mahon is now facing a potential life sentence, after a jury ruled he had taken out a knife and viciously stabbed the teenager after an argument on New Year’s Day. "If Mr Mahon had not taken the knife out of his pocket Dean wouldn't be dead, and he has admitted that," said his lawyer Sean Guerin. "Mr Mahon has admitted taking the knife out was a very, very stupid thing to do and had tragic consequences", he added. Mahon and Audrey had moved to Mijas Costa in 2004, with Audrey’s two children Amy and Dean. Amy went missing four years later in mysterious circumstances, at the age of 15, with evidence pointing to neglect by her parents. They have always insisted they had nothing to do with her disappearance, and later returned to live in Ireland.

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore and Rob Horgan Ordering chicken tikka masalas and drinking Cobra lager, the pair had fled the crash, which happened at 8.30pm on Monday evening. “They were acting strange and seemed to be in a rush,” waiter Jolal Uddin, 34, told the Olive Press. “Soon another three people joined them and they were locked in hushed conversation at the back of the restaurant. “It was clear they were trying to work out what to do, then minutes later the police arrived and they took them outside. “Incredibly just two local policemen was enough,” he added. Eyewitnesses at the crash scene revealed that the woman’s body was sent flying 25 metres through the air.

CALLOUS: Capper and (right) Porter

TRAGIC: Paramedics try to revive victim and (top) Mini India “ I saw the car hit her and it of Agnese outside Aqwa Mist threw her flying 25 metres,” nightclub in Puerto Banus, in Jose Maria, 25, of Japanese 2014. restaurant Inch said. “It was While his lawyer insists he has the worst thing I have ever not been charged, the courts have not returned his passport seen. “Everyone rushed towards her and he has to report to police twice a month. from the restaurant.” Tobacconist Antonio Navarro “He is still having to attend added: “I saw the Bentley go on the first and 15th of every screeching past, then heard a month,” said a police source. “A lot is going on behind the thud.” Capper pleaded guilty to the scenes. hit-and-run in Marbella court “It is a scary case and I am yesterday. Meanwhile Porter pleased he is currently locked up. has been released on bail. Essex-man Capper drives a “He shouldn’t have been out in number of luxury cars includ- the first place.” ing a Mercedes S-Class and Marbella Town Hall meanlives in the exclusive Madronal while has promised to make alterations to the road system development, near Marbella. He is not expected to be given in central San Pedro, as it is bail, as he is already under in- the second death near the new vestigation for the abduction boulevard in two months.

THE ex-boyfriend of missing Lisa Brown, has been arrested in Copenhagen. Simon Corner, 33, is facing extradition to Spain for questioning over the disappearance of Lisa, who has a nine-year-old son. Corner is expected to appear before a San Roque judge before the end of the week, alongside another British man, who is believed to be his accomplice. Fugitive Corner, whose real name is Dean Woods, has been wanted for questioning since Lisa disappeared from her home in Guadiaro last November. Spanish authorities fear the 32-year-old Scot may have been murdered and dumped at sea. A European Arrest Warrant was issued last month for Corner, who fled Spain soon after Lisa’s disappearance, abandoning his yacht in Sotogrande. Lisa’s sister, Helen Jordan, said: “An 'innocent' man that had nothing to hide has been to the Far East, Europe, Ireland and beyond. “While we are delighted that he's been caught, we still have a long road to go. We still appeal to anyone that knows where she might be to contact the Guardia Civil.” David Cameron has vowed to ‘make sure everything possible is done for Lisa's family’.

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Mijas-based British expat 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-BIKE-4.indd

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England.” The Olive Press exclusively revealed how CWM abruptly folded in 2017, salosing hundreds of expats’ life vings in the process. the The firm, which was based out of Marriott Hotel, in Denia, had ‘eight to ten’ telesales staff and clients sca-a ttered around Europe, revealed

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Pension peril

who lost up BRITISH expats a failed pento €20 million in believe their sion advisory firm been phosignatures may have docutocopied onto investment ments. extradition most living Given the whole up to 60 Around 300 Brits, to retrieve rying’. are battling very essence process can take he may have in Spain, after Alicante-based “This negates the are meant to they were days, it means election their funds of the service they “It is a blank me they knew what Wealth Manto run his entire the Catalan firm Continental offer,” said Flores. wherever, doing.” folded in Sepsome of campaign for Party agement (CWM)reported in the cheque to invest He added: “I believe European Democratic were made tember, as first whenever. the investments this is I think from Belgium. him to fight Olive Press a month ago. “If standard practice, without my knowledge.I do not left for AusHis party wants of Boss Darren Kirby of very worrying. that is the case because for all the documents for continued leadership in tralia following the closure ofhalf and I Javea “Signing blank recall signing sheets has gone down by to get it the regional parliament would be seen the company’s main elections. investments I had.” need compensation the December 21 by the Olive as irregular in a he had fices. An email, seen asking a cliback on track. who are spread across Puigdemont denied court of law. The Malto avoid jus- Victims, Press, shows CWM “But some people with a blank fled to Brussels left because Spain, as well as in Ibiza, and problem ent to sign and return France have lost everytice but that he these firms is that was lorca, Portugal, dealing instruction. thing and don’t fear illegal practices 55, who the Spanish government they were all inof oppres- Turkey, Another British expat, around to sign blank have enough to preparing a ‘wave vesting in highly against after being asked is trying to recover pensionlive on. One rePENSION risky investments sion and violence’ dealing instructions. were then €200,000, said some pots tired victim only the cliseparatists. OUTRAGE without convinced Their pension assets ers ‘have lost everything’. has €50,000 left “I’m absolutely preparing invested in high-riskout large that I sent ents knowing.” “My paper work my risk level from €480,000.” that the state was repression which promised to pay He claimed that has been altered, ‘medium’ to Andalucia-based a harsh wave of losses sustained have all commissions. pensioner was changed from lawyer Antonio instrucinvestors for which we would by he One 69-year-old whose he lost ‘high’ and my dealing Flores, been held responsible,” photocopied would hopefully told the Olive Press Lawbird tions have been firm after transferring and sellrecoverable said yesterday. be is com- €210,000 despite stating he BOSS: Kirby now in representrepeatedly for buyingauthorise,” are that failed “The Spanish state repression… €470,000 aversion Australia as the investments bust, were ing assets I didn’t ing some CWM mitting a brutal repression had a ‘low to medium blank into perform, or went policies. he said. to investment. victims, said signing ‘very wormoney left if we don’t battle state to risk’ attitude linked to life insurance looking “I still have some enough to you sign this he said. vestment sheets was Momentum together, the Spanish “I was asked, ‘Canwill fill in the “They should have been am still young Pension trustees now attempt15:36 We my fund but they were just and I may win this fight.” 16/06/2017 for me 1 to the blank form. To get compensation, but and Trafalgar are Untitled-1.pdf that trusting they out clients’ their own nests. In a show of supportaround details.’ I did ing to recoup CMW interests,” feathering deposed president, would act in my best losses. so far been 200 Catalan pro-indepentravelled to The Olive Press hasif CWM was dence mayors to stage unable to discover investBrussels on Tuesday registered to provide Spain’s offia rally. SPECIALIZING IN: ment advice with CNMV. cial financial regulator LAW

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beleaguered CATALUNYA’S to fight on leader has vowed from abroad. PuigdeIt came after Carles in to mont handed himself a EuroBelgian police when was ispean arrest warrant sued. politicians He and four other of reare accused on charges misuse of bellion, sedition, disobedience public funds, and breach of trust. now has A judge in Belgium to decide if up to two weeks the group they will extradite to Spain.

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and vian’s disappearance remain the British expats HE mystery surroundthe main suspects. charged expat missing ing The pair have been unlawcontinAgnese Klavina since with aggravated have to years ues exactly two ful detention and court her disappearance. report to a Marbella Press can reand are forYet, the Olive months of intwice a month Spain veal that after are narrowbidden from leaving conditions. and our activity, police under their bailto the inveswhere HOME: Capper ing in on the location A source close Olive Press after leavprevious story Agnese was taken tigation told the ‘closing in’ nightclub, in ing Aqwa Mist Brits, Westley that police are of Agnese’s by Capper. less nature’ shown Marbella, with how he on the location Porter. “I cannot understand no reCapper and Craig possible death. the sechas shown absolutely out to September 6 marks of the Lathas not reached ond anniversary has no after slamming his morse, the family and clearly being just hours into Fatima in pourvanished after whatsoever,” the the court who getting into his car after Bentley then fleeing the conscience builder said. family have paid in seen two ing rain and 48-year-old out in Marbella €50,000, plus €310,000 aside a night above). scene. four charges includfaces ‘blood money’ setof Do- years ago (see pullout recent 91- He manslaughter, failure to Heartless for the family ing During Westley’s victim, driving “It really puzzles me. What a Alhaurin prison rada. to day stay at Tues- aid his alleged person he must be.” This is in additionbail (he was released last the influence of alcohol lost 35 under offence re- heartless London-based lawthe €300,000 Capper’s day) the Essex-man a ‘shad- and drugs and an strikes documentation. yer said he could not confirm money his father, i r e kilos and now self’, accord- lating to false had been the invesmultimilliona A source close to that the or deny that Capper ow of his former businessman John ing to an Olive Press source. tigation confirmed re- granted bail. instructed on ‘Freddie’ Capper, Capper was arrested, along- 38-year-old’s Bentley “I have not been on has put up in the side sidekick Craig Porter, mains impounded and that how to answer questions of Cubmissing Estepona bail prevent in of his case this,” Robert Taylor the terms of at a curry house on Latvian Klavina, said. “I have been him from driving. banned ism Law and I will be talking Capper is already country un- holiday the next day from leaving the set in the to my client in Est 1984 two.” der bail conditions nor court, persons case or Neither the police, ongoing missing case. comment on the of Klavina. Tomas would Fatima’s husband Opinion Page 6 Olive Press Ramirez told the the ‘hearthe was stunned by For all your Jewellers & Pawnbrokers

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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 It’s fair to roperty twice been round. 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 ROCK STEADY T ‘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.theolivepress.com

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THE beleaguered boss of a failed wealth management company which allegedly lost expats more than €20 to million has ignored a summons court. Darren Kirby, of Alicante-based Continental Wealth Management (CWM), failed to turn up at Denia court on March 26. he According to Olive Press sources was due to turn up, alongside former business partners, who did turn up. The case involves a trio of investors, of who lost substantial amounts in money when the company folded 2017. foKirby allegedly fled to Australia llowing the collapse, finally returning to Alicante last year. “Darren has been sent a Burofax court the which he didn’t sign for, so will now have to pursue him in other ways,” a source said. “A judge is dealing with this and it’s under legal review,” he added. in “We understand he is currently

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SPAIN’S PP party has set out audacious plans for a power grab to take control back from Valencia and the other autonomous regions. Leader Pablo anCasado his nounced commitment to strengthen the up central government’s role in the run to the national elections in a fortnight. He insisted that such a move would prevent corruption and lead to a drop in taxes. see It comes as the party attempts to off the threat from an insurgent Vox the Party, whose leader has described autonomous parliaments as the ‘cancer of Spain’. Under the plan, the PP wants to increase resources for regional government delegations and paralyse any further transfer of power to the regions.

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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

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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.

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months. IT only took three days after Indeed, just 91 mother killing a Bolivian influence of while under the British exdrink and drugs, is back at pat Westley Capper euro luxury his multi-million villa. being inCapper - who is also unlawful vestigated over the expat detention of missing - has been Agnese Klavina coughing granted bail after up €360,000. admitThis is despite Capper that ting to the hit-and-run Fatima left mother-of-fourfeet to her Dorada thrown 20 in death on a roundabout 2 complete San Pedro in May. glasses The privately-educated at Capper is now living for details. his exclusive BenahaSee our ad inside be vis bolthole, it canthe revealed, enjoying heated pool, expanand sive grounds use of a chauffeur. In total, the Olive his Press can reveal

Life’s a picnic review

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

EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt

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Olive Press reviews Madrid’s hot new hotel

As spring came around it was Mercadona hitPower ting the headlines on grab 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.

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Vol. 10 Issue 247

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include Elizabeth Morrison and Paul Knight for Izquierda Unida Mi in Sedella, Liz Keag for Por Pueblo in Competa, and Chris AlCluderay for Ciudadanos in ropean elections, in which expat caucin. part. take of can residents In Manilva, where nearly 50% no “We can actually make a differenis foreign, it is population the Olive ce in this election,” explains surprise to find Dutch business Press columnist Bill Anderson, lady Kaat Buelens, from the who is standing with the PP PSOE, competing against Mijas. in counciparty current British The former UK political llor Dean Tyler Shelstrategist is running ton. alongside former ma“I’ve finally decided yor Angel Nozal in a to get on board and campaign to restore improve my town. security and clean“It’s been a long time liness to the town’s coming and will be a streets, as well as repleasure if I can get duce bureaucracy, enin,” she told the Olive courage transparency Press. and improve animal In what is believed welfare. to be the most diLonMeanwhile, verse elections in doner Chloe Gavin Spanish history, four is running with the young adults with PSOE in Periana, in Down Syndrome are the for the Axarquia, standing in Valencia, first time after moExtremadura , Sevilla ving to Spain 19 years and Murcia. ago. “I want my city to She hopes to imbe a pioneer in worintegration prove king with people of the international with disabilities and community and boost for us to truly have tourism, an essential a voice and a vote,” sector for her village. Sevilla candidate Lovillage nearby the In pez-Saez de Riba exof Arenas, Ann and plained. Simon Hewitt are The employee at the supporting the PP Barceló Renacimienparty, saying they to Hotel says 'people ‘need to stand up for like him' can offer 'so something they believe much more than people in’. think, including a fresh British businessman Daa different point and outlook for rren Sands is also standing the PP party in Mar- of view'. after four gypsies were It comes bella. congress in April’s geAnne Hernandez, a elected to in a Spain first. well known figure in neral elections Cs and Podemos PSOE, PP, The the expat communione gypsy to the ty through her group each brought house of representatiBrexpats in Spain, country’s Sevilla, Madrid and Tawill stand for new Mi- ves from They have all vowed to jas party Movimiento rragona. at the xenophobia and away chip and Mijeño Vecinal discrimination affecting will concentrate on systemic Spain. Many other animal welfare, the gypsies across local Reliable private hire transfer and gypsies are standing in the environment services for any occasion elections around the country. Brexit. Opinion, pg 6 • Luxury vehicles Other expats running

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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

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In a country - where many coastal towns comprise up to 50% expatatriates - local elections are vital. is The poll this Sunday (May 26) the ONLY vote, apart from the Eu-

community at a local level. in total, hundreds of foreigners have been included on the various bepolitical party lists in a bid to come councillors.

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

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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-

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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 pubGROWING lic demonstration since the Iraq War. PAINS (Free or paid for)

‘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

Marbella has never lost its charm - in fact it’s only getting better, writes Laurence Dollimore SMOKING sardines, bikini-clad roller skaters and children with ice cream-covered faces… this is Marbella in full seasonal swing. Forget the odd TOWIE nonsense and celebrity wannabes, this is still a Spanish town at heart and is packed

Agnese shocker as Capper ‘walks free’ on lesser charge

March 28th - April 10th 2019

May 2019 - May 2020

THE OLD: Audrey Hepburn and Sean Connery were regular visitors

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 of 2019:

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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

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

NO SHOW: Darren Kirby

res. “It is a blank cheque to invest wherever, whenever. “It is very worrying as they were investing clients’ money in highly risky investments as well as dubious hifunds just because they paid the gher commissions.” by He added that losses sustained investors should however, be recofaiverable as the investments that led to perform, or went bust, were linked to life insurance policies. got When the Olive Press finally he hold of Kirby in October 2017,lost denied all responsibility. “I have my world,” he said. Are you a victim or former staff member? Do you know more about at the case? Contact the Olive Press newsdesk@theolivepress.es

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 Mansfield-Hewitt. 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. 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).

Continues on Page 8

2019 round up

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From Page 7

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

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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

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September 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).

Still a be-leaver! Your expat

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Vol. 13 Issue 325 www.theo livepress.es August 28th - September 10th 2019

TWIST OF FATE

The British expats who Brexit and proud SEE are proPAGE 7

Spain battered by tornadoes and hail in series of weather phenomenons

CASES of ‘werewolf syndrome ’ have grown after 16 children contaminated medicatio were given n on the Costa del Sol. Infants developed hypertrich osis - excessive body hair growth omeprazole which had - after taking been contaminated by minoxidil – the active ingredient for alopecia medicatio Some 13 babies had initially n. nosed with the condition been diagmore cases linked to the before three were discovered earlier tainted drugs Officials believe the this month. contamina tion could have affected up cian pharmacies and to 30 Andalumore than 50 batches of the drug. Malaga-based pharmace pany Farma-Quimica Sur utical comfound to be the source of SL has been The affected batch the batch. 11072/10/42 and most is from lot have been recalled while any missing packets are being tracked down. Parents have been advised medical help if their child to seek given the formula and check has been with their pharmacy if they have affected lot. Hypertrich purchased an osis, known as ‘werewolf syndrome’, is CHAOTIC: (Top right) tion characterised by a rare conditornado in Malaga excessive hair of goats and (right) growth anywhere on a person’s which killed dozens lightning strikes across body. while (above left) cars Those with the condition swept by rapids southeastern Spain and (above right) a cally been subject to greathave historieast of Madrid huge hailstone which Mancha region in somes cases forced interest and fell in the Castilla La to perform in travelling circuses and freak shows. Spanish authorities have said this in- TORNADOES, rivers cident is isolated to children’s of hail and fero- six warehouses destroyed. formula cious storms have struck and that adults taking omeprazo rapids after le cap- this week in a series ofacross Spain The weather phenomenon was sules should not worry frightening by colliding caused square metre40 litres of hail fell per At least 50 vehicles in just 10 minutes. winds, a process were damaged in oping symptoms. When about devel- weather incidents. Arganda alone while several the children Campillos in Malaga DANA (Depresión Aislada known as Spain’s meteorological agency stopped taking the prescriptio vineyards saw AEMET en Niveles recorded n their tornadoes destroy power several huge Altos). more than 9,300 lightning were also completely destroyed. hair growth subsided. Residents, who had been strikes in six hours. root olive trees, causing lines and up- This is similar to the famous temperatures close to 38Csweltering in warnings to residents toblackouts and - or cold drop - according to gota fria The hail storm caused serious the day belocal flood- fore, were stay metein their orologist Jose ing in several villages south homes. Opinion Page 6 Luis Escudero. east of the their homesforced to shovel hail out of capital, with Arganda, Valdemor It came as the streets of and Some 70 goats were killed businesses . Arganda, near Pinto o and “The storm started and at least Madrid, among the worst hit. were turned into ferocious around only lasted about 10 minutes6pm and Parts of the M40 and M30 but has motorway were cut off while lines s caused a disaster,” one local said. and 9 of the metro were5 “I have been living here for 20 years and have never seen anything also affected. like it.” According to meteorol- One shop owner says his premises ogist Benito Fuentes, looks like it has taken a tonne of hail strong storms are com- and said there are scenes of chaos as businesses are totally flooded. mon in August. “The rain has been fairly Meanwhile, Valencia saw a huge storm heavy but it is not un- light up the skies last night while its usual for this time of the whole coast has been placed on orange year. At the end of sum- alert for strong winds and rain. mer, the atmosphere is The Balearics too, were struck by Auunstable, which causes gust downpours yesterday, causing air streams to collide. severe flooding in Mallorca and Ibiza This leads to quite strong - the latter of which saw sewage pipes rainfall and storms,” he burst, sending human waste into the Port of Ibiza. said.

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Turn to page 7 to find out which were the biggest stories this fortnig ht and how to get the most up to date info

WE WON’T GO QUIETLY

AN Olive Press journalis attacked after exposing t has been a ‘violent’ gypsy family allegedly squatting and stealing electricity. Simon Wade was chased down the street and headbutted man tore off his glassesas a young and tried robbing his camera in on the Costa Blanca. broad daylight The dedicated journalis graphing alleged squats,t was photopat homes, when the man next to exflung open the door with chest exposed and a tattoo reading ‘I die for my family’. “My specs can be replaced, and the bruising will fade, but here are living with thisdecent people 24/7,” Wade said. A denuncia was made Guard, who revealed the to the Civil perpetrator was a ‘wild beast’ with a string of convictions. EXCLUSIVE It comes after British By Timothy McNulty resident, Ena Cummings, 53, contacted ing gypsies had thrown us claim- BORIS Johnson has managed into the Virgen del Rosario‘dead rats’ silence Parliament, but British to pool and repeatedly set complex’s pats in Spain have shown they exterraces on not be cowed will fire. into a harmful nodeal departur “They're stealing electricity and wa- Brits around e from the EU. ter,” the Formentera del the country are moident told the Olive Press.Segura res- bilising to oppose the shutdow n

Expats take to stree reveals unflinching ts as Boris shuts Parliament and exclu sive Olive Press poll Remain support and stand up for their Protests have spread EU rights. to the Costa del Sol where pro-rem paigners are planning ain camOur Rights march in a Protect Malaga on September 22. It comes as an exclusive online poll by the Olive Press revealed an astonishing 73% of expats remain

staunchy in favour within the Europeanof remaining Union past the October 31 deadline (Pages 6-7). The Facebook poll shows that had they been able to participa te fully in the biggest ‘democra for generations’, the tic exercise expat vote would have proved decisive.

Damage

MEET AND GREET WITH PETE WHILE LIAM STEALS THE SHOW AT GIBRALTAR CALLING FESTIVAL

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“We are the people most affected and we didn't get a say, that is what is most unfair,” said protest organiser Valerie Lawrence, Torrox, in the Axarquia68, based in . “Most of us could not vote and postal votes went missing. “Now we are just trying COUP: Protesting MPs to Brexit or at least minimis stop surroun d Speaker Bercow e the damage,” added the retired Yorkshire woman. Commons doorkeepers intervened It comes after an alarming as other report issued two weeks treasury ing Greenopposition MPs includago MP Caroline Lucas spelt extreme danger for expats in var- helped up signs emblazoned with ious ways. the words ‘silenced’ amid cries of The leaked Yellowha ‘shame’. mmer document warned of issues over pen- The PM has claimed the governsions, healthcare and crossing bor- ment will use the suspension to ders, particularly in press ahead with negotiations with the EU to reach a deal, Gibraltar. while still The warnings howev- ‘preparing to leave without one’. er have not stopped "No matter how many devices this Parliament invents to a five-week shutdow tie my hands, n I will strive to get an of Parliament begin, agreement in amid chaotic and an- the national interest," he said. gry protests in the "This government will not delay Brexit any further." House of Common by opposition MPs. s It comes after Johnson was warned Scuffles broke out he could face legal action if he around speaker John chooses to ignore new legislation Bercow’s chair as passed by Parliament blocking a Labour’s Lloyd Rus- no-deal Brexit. The law received Royal sell-Moyle made assent on symbolic bid to pina Monday and forces Johnson to Bercow in place late seek a delay until January 31 2020 unless MPs approval on Monday night. a deal by October 19.

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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.

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HORRIFIC: Millions of fish died

Demands for €80m flood aid

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Petrol bombs and bullets, an Olive Press dispatch from Barcelona Page 6

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.

Your expat

Big Chief in local mischief Theft row involving horse-riding Indian with ‘Cherokee roots’ is former con man from the US EXCLUSIVE By Robert Firth

EX CL US IV E

Green row over Spain’s biggest new theme park Page 48

CHIEF CON: Karim was involved in a series of US fraud cases

FEATHERING HIS BED: Karim accused of stealing wood for his luxury apartment and (right) report from US involved in a political scandal that In the legal claim, seen by the Olive rocked the Caribbean Island of Mont- Press, the manager of the Altavista serrat in the 1980s and briefly led to development, Antonio Navas, claims the arrests of the island’s former chief Ismaili stole the wood for his five bedroom luxury mansion, also in the minister. In the bizarre case, that involved theft, Valtocado area, with 360 views and he was described by lawyer, Leon St. swimming pool. John, in the Florida Sun Sentinel, as It came when a gardener at the site ‘the brightest and most enterprising claimed to have spotted Ismaili and another man loading planks of wood con man I have ever run across’. It came before his conviction in 1986 into a 4x4 in June 2018 and informed for mail fraud when using his real Navas who contacted police. name ‘Lakbir Moulay Ismaili,’ he He then filed a denuncia to the Guarscammed manufacturers of custom- dia Civil in Fuengirola a few days later, with the initial court hearing in ised vans out of $43,210. In the clever scam, he deposited mon- July, that year. ey that was meant to go towards slick Ismaili now lives with his partner photography for sales brochures into Carmen Beneyto Simon, who works in the Mijas tourism office and runs his own bank account. Moroccan-born Ismaili received a an export business called ‘La Diosa suspended sentence, and was fined del Carmen’ from the couple’s home $1,000 as well as being forced to re- address. It also claims to have offices in Palm pay the money. But then he did it again, this time un- Beach, Florida, where Ismaili used to der a different name, Karim Abdul live. Ismaili, having legally changed his When the Olive Press tried to talk to name in 1990 and set himself up as a Ismaili about the claims, he refused to comment. financial advisor. Perhaps inevitably bound to go He did however contact Altavista wrong, he was convicted at Kansas manager Navas claiming we had firstCourt in 2002 of defrauding an Amer- ly demanded money from him and ican couple of $70,000 given to an in- then sent him various threatening messages. buy to wanted purportedly who vestor He later insisted by email that one of their shares in a company. Ismaili failed to inform them that the his workers merely took a single plank of wood worth €60 accidentally. investor also owed him $1.2 million. Which brings us to the present day, “The worker returned that wood to with the current court case, which Altavista in the presence of the Guardia Civil and explained that he did not started at Fuengirola Court last year. know was the line between the property and Altavista’s,” said Ismaili.

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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.”

Do you know Karim? Have you had any dealings with him? Contact newsdesk@theolivepres.es Opinion page 6

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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,”

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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,”

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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

voice in Spain

ON the face of it, it’s just another ordinary neighbours’ dispute. Now in court, it hinges on skip-loads of wood allegedly stolen from a property development on the Costa del Sol. However, what makes it a little different is the involvement of a colourful local character, who rides around Mijas dressed as a Red Indian. Known as ‘el Indio’, Karim Abdul Ismaili, 70, has been accused of stealing €15,255 worth of objects, mainly wooden planks at the Altavista development, near the town. But other locals warn that he may also be involved in offering colourful investments to unsuspecting expats in the area. And drilling down into his past, people should certainly be wary. For Karim - who goes by the name ‘Carim Cherokee’ on Facebook - is a serial fraudster who conned victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in the USA, the Olive Press has discovered. The pensioner - who is for known his long black and hair feather headdress - was embroiled in a string of fraud cases in the 1980s and 1990s. He was also

2019

Vol. 13 Issue 329 www.theolivepress.es October 23rd - November 5th, 2019

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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).

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

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October

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

TRAGEDY AND TRICKSTER: December marked the deaths of conman David Klein and a trio of tourists in Fuengirola

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’.

January 9th - January 22nd 2020 Check out our issues online at www.theolivepress.es

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Blame the parents

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

SERIOUS: Fabian Picardo GIBRALTAR will ‘make a success’ of tough ‘challenges’ in 2020, the Chief Minister has said. In his New Year’s speech Fabian Picardo mentioned details of a major investment to be announced in the next couple of weeks Picardo said everyone must work together with ‘stoic sacrifice’ by asking for less ‘to secure our children’s future’. He noted the ‘critical importance’ the MoUs and Tax Treaty which of lowed Gibraltar to take part in althe transition period. Picardo highlighted the ‘dangers and opportunities’ of leaving the EU, pointing out the agreement of a common that was a ‘Brexit Bonus’.UK

Respect

However, the Chief Minister promised to remain firm in agreements over future relations with the EU after the expected final departure date of the end of 2020. “Any negotiation for Gibraltar such a deal will be conducted for for braltar by a team led by me or by GiJoseph Garcia,” he said. “Such negotiations must be based on mutual recognition, mutual respect and an understanding that nothing can ever be imposed on Gibraltar. “The Government I lead is willing walk away if the terms proposed to not favour Gibraltar or respect do our red lines.” This would mean Gibraltar could opt out of a deal which gave other countries like Spain a greater say on the future of the overseas territory. After congratulating Pedro Sanchez on forming a coalition government, Picardo will have breathed a huge sigh of relief he would not be up against a more right-wing Spain.

RELIEVED: Pedro Sanchez after

LEAVERS: Trio of Brits in Spain 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 majority. The vote saw MPs in Spain'san overall vote either 'yes' or 'no' to Sanchez's congress 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 Podemos, PNV, Más País, Compromís, Unidos Galego

OVERWHELMED: Podemos’ Pablo Iglesias in tears after the coalition victory Nationalist Block, Teruel Existe and Nueva CaIn his letter, he referred to the two narias. men’s shared desire to look beyond ‘the eternal It was no surprise who voted against issue’ of soverthe lefteignty and he extended the hand wing coalition, with 165 MPs from of friendship on the Partido behalf of the people of Gibraltar. Popular, Vox, Ciudadanos, Junts per Catalunya, He also offered his support for the Navarra Suma and others saying promotion of 'no'. ‘policies based on the principle of The left erupted into applause, with dialogue, understanding and co-operation between ding tears, when it was revealed some shedour rethat Sanchez spective people’. had clinched the vote. Key to Sanchez’s victory was the Representatives screamed 'si, se abstention puede!' while the pro-independence Catalan Republican of Sanchez hugged Iglesias, who was Left photographed party (ERC), which agreed to sit in tears. Spain’s most recent election out ter Sanchez vowed to find a solutionthe vote affourth in as many years as the country was the failed to litical conflict that has dogged Spain to the poform a cohesive government. since Catalunya’s separatist regional government “It’s great news for Spain,” leading tried to secede in 2017. panist, Sir Ian Gibson told the Olive expat HisPress. “There are going to be lots of compromises, but also solutions.”

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The government’s opponents argue Sanchez’ ‘Frankenstein government’ will be en to Catalan separatists and pose too beholda threat to Spain’s national unity. While Sanchez appealed for calm, and called on MPs to overcome the ‘atmosphere of his adversaries went on the offensive. irritation’, PP leader Pablo Casado, accused him ‘extremist’ who had left the country’sof being an future in the hands of ‘terrorists and coup-mongers’. In a tweet sent after the vote, Sanchez “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.” See page 23 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.

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He added: “Sanchez is an amazing man and it’s remarkable to think he stuck it out after being kicked out of his own party and then came fighting back. “He has the qualities of a true statesman and speaks very well. He will be a great asset for Europe.” Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo also sent a letter of congratulation to Sanchez on being re-elected, after ‘a tortuous and fractious debate’.

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Onto the streets

PROTESTERS have taken to the streets as the fight for Palma’s terraces continues. Dozens of angry restaurateurs gathered on Calle Blanquerna to voice their disapproval of new terrace rules, which could see around 500 terraces affected. Under new rules, pavements will have to be a minimum of 2.5 metres free of any obstructions, leaving little space for tables. It could mean dozens of expat owners - the majority in Santa Catalina will no longer being able to serve clients outside their premises. Protesters argue that the street has 'more than reasonable space for both pedestrians and the terraces’. “The current dimensions have not caused any problems before," said a spokesman for a new group opposed to the plans We All Fit in Palma. A petition has so far garnered

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March 1st - March 14th

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VILLAGE IN THE CITY

HE clinking of wine glasses, clicking of designer heels and the cacophony of foreign languages… welcome to a typical lunchtime in Santa Catalina. Palma's trendiest neighbourhood is often described by locals as 'the village in the city', and there is no doubt look and feel about it. it has a very distinct With the city’s best food market, some of its most exciting restaurants some of the coolest shops, and, bit by bit, that Santa Catalina has it is little surprise become - by the

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case. SEE MORE IN Florian Bogdan Puscasiu, from Sibiu, attacked the man to warn him against givTHE RESTAURANT ing evidence in the ongoing case, which SECTION began a year ago with the arrest of the INSIDE1 216/06/2017 Untitled-1.pdf 15:36

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STANDING UP FOR SANTA CATALINA

nearly 1000 signatures, while the island’s PP party has come out in support of the restaurants. Restaurant owners in Santa Catalina meanwhile, insist that a ‘one rule fits all’ new law will be very damaging to them. Italian Luca Veronesi, at Prosecco, said: “We all rely on these terraces to make a living. Shut mine, I will have to lay off staff for sure and may even be forced to close.”

MORE than one thousand Amazon workers in Madrid are set to stage a twoday strike on March 21 and 22, in protest of alleged plans to block salary increases and reduce wages for working weekends. Avenida Rey Jaime 1, Santa Ponca, 0034 871Find 510 277 out more on page XX 15

Bobbed in

A MESSAGE in a bottle has been discovered in Mundaka, near Bilbao eight years after it was written by a boy in New Zealand.

Shame on you

EUROPEAN Court of Human Rights has condemned Spain for violating the free speech of Catalans who burned pictures of the monarchy by wrongfully imprisoning them.

Over it

ALMOST 60% of workers in Spain do not receive any financial remuneration for working extra hours, a study by recruitment agency Adecco has found.

The attack, which took place in the victim’s garage, is believed to have been ordered by Cursach, who is on trial for murder, money-laundering, extortion, bribery and corruption. During the sickening March 15th - March 28th 2018 assault the victim was dragged to the ground A MINOR who escaped from a juve- Theand kicked while being teens have now been charged nile centre has viciously attacked a withtold hecrimes would be killed hate robbery. gay couple (right) in Palma. he continuedand to speak Theif shocking assault occurred on He and two others, including a girl, February out. 24, when the young gay Puscasiu, and a boy who was UKalso BASED lists his from a ju- couple were who walking along Calle profession venile centre, allegedly, kicked and Arxiduc. as a builder websites, has also TRAVEL punched the victims after shouting Theon From front twisted trio mocked been ordered verbal abuseINSURANCE to pay them for and stealing their back- their before plus punching and city, where she had been plana sexuality fine of €7,200, pack. kicking them the face.to ning to hide his body. €8,000 inindamages for Spanish the witness for the injuAfter 48 hours of questioning residents ries received. she finally admitted to killing The court heard how the lad after an argument, but www.globelink.co.uk the witness, denied she had strangled him, who worked as a waiter in as the autopsy ruled. the VIP zone of CurIn three routine interviews at 96 626 5000 sach’s club Titos, was the beginning of the search, po+44 (0) 1353 699082 lice said the Dominican native Continues on Page 2 VICIOUS: Puscasiu worked for Cursach demonstrated an ‘extreme coldness’ not indicative of someone who was missing a loved one. Police became more suspicious when she failed to give them her mobile phone, before claiming she had lost it. Not wanting to let her know she was under suspicion, police He backed it up with a WhatsApp message told the parents to act normal sent to a key witness by the judge stating: clude with Cursach and his business partner Sbert officially charged on a total of 16 around her while they zeroed in ‘Let’s end these sons of b******’ on their target. Another lawyer representing the co-accounts, including murder, extortion and Gabriel’s mother insisted his cused Bartolome Sbert alleged that Pe- corruption. father Angel certainly had nothnalva has ‘intimate friendships’ with the Cursach, who owned or ran 30 nightclubs and bars on the island, faces 80 years in ing to do with it. police. “He is a wonderful person, Let A new judge, Miguel Florit, has now re- prison after running Mallorca as his own no one doubt him. I will be by placed Penalva and will work closely with personal fiefdom for four decades. One of Judge Penalva’s last actions was to his side because we have to prosecutor Miguel Angel Subiran. overcome this together,” she The investigation stage is about to con- sentence a Romanian man to three years in prison after he viciously assaulted a key said. witness in the case. “It is very difficult to digest the Florian Bodgan Puscasiu atloss of a child knowing that the tacked ‘witness 29’ after he had person you loved killed them.” testified in the courts over CurAnd in a remarkable plea for sach’s drug trafficking and sex calm she pleaded that the torparties that were arranged to rents of rage directed against ing violations. buy off police and politicians. Ana Julia needed to stop. Some of these affected safety, includDuring the sickening assault “I do not want everything to ing emergency exits. the witness was dragged to the end with the rage that this Calvia town insists a reopening deground and kicked while being woman has sown, Gabriel does pends on the violations being cortold he would be killed if he connot deserve it,” she pleaded. rected and the establishment becomtinued to speak out. “Although there was no happy ing fully licenced. It is believed that Cursach orending, the fish is swimming dered the violent assault. towards the sky,” she added.

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MALLORCA’S biggest ever corruption trial has been thrown into turmoil after the judge was kicked off the case. Judge Manuel Penalva has been replaced over concerns that he had ‘lost his impartiality’ in the controversial Tolo Cursach case. In shocking claims, the lawyer working for Cursach, Enrique Molina, insisted that the judge was being ‘manipulated by third parties’.

MALLORCA’S most famous nightclub is to remain closed. The Balearic High Court has ruled BCM in Magaluf must stay closed after losing its licence. It comes after the Cursach Group appealed the decision by Calvia town hall from last year, insisting it was working hard to correct the issues. The club's licence was revoked after inspections found numerous build-

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- the Police, prostitutes and cocaine charged 35 key establishment figures with links to the Cursach case

DISGRACED: Cursach arrives at court, while (top left) two previous front pages

‘King of the Night’ Cursach. The group are being charged over their links to the nightclub mogul, who allegedly bribed and corrupted the island for decades. They include two former police chiefs and two Palma town hall to bosses, all of whom are alleged in have taken money or other bribes return for special favours. Judge Enrique Morell has charged inthem with a total of 15 crimes, of cluding extortion, trafficking influence, blackmail, false documentation, corruption and crimes against public health. poMany of them, including 11 local licemen are accused of partying with prostitutes in Cursach’s numerous nightclubs including Tito’s in Palma. They are accused of taking cocaine, the at alcohol - and even free sex various clubs over many years.

By Gillian Keller

be civil servants and lawyers - are to prosecuted over their links to Mallorca’s infamous businessman Tolo

to be cheerful...

...but there are plenty of reasons

There’s so much to read in this bumper Olive Press special festive edition

Blackmail

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They include the former police chief Juan Miguel Mut, head of the Patrulof la Verde, Gabriel Torres, and head Palma security Guillem Navarro. It comes after a long investigation into the affairs of businessman Bartolome Cursach, previously under the judge Manuel Penalva and public prosecutor Miguel Angel Subiran. ofThe Judge strongly attacked the ficers, who he has probed in a shocking 50 separate cases of blackmail and threats between 2009 and 2016. up The case has now been broken pointo two parts, the crimes of the lice and those of the civil service. In particular, the officers are accused of supporting Cursach and his busihanesses, protecting the clubs from

rassment. Rival nightclubs and anyone opposing him would be routinely harassed and intimidated by the officers, while also receiving excessive inspections. The prosecution is asking for eight years in jail for the officers, who have entered a plea of not guilty. for Visit www.theolivepress.es indepth features on Cursach

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BRITISH expats are understandably in turmoil about their futures in Spain, following the Conservative Party’s huge election victory. Healthcare, pensions and the fate of the pound are bound to keep many of us awake this Christmas, now that Boris Johnson (far right) has promised to ‘get Brexit done’ by the end of January. But, while it could be an unsettling festive period ahead, it may not be as bad as many of us fear, believes Our Man in Spain.

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December 19th - January 8th, 2020

Nightmare Before Christmas

“No deal is now a very remote possibility and our citizens rights are still in place,” insisted ambassador Hugh Elliot at a meeting with expats on the Costa Blanca this week. Putting a little sparkle back on the Christmas tree, he promised that the same healthcare agreements, uprating of pensions and rights to work will not change for British stay ‘the same as long as you reexpats until December next year. main a resident in Spain’. And after that period, they will However, Anne Hernandez, of

Brexpats in Spain, insisted it was still not clear and claimed ‘mounting’ confusion was causing many

...but there are plenty of reasons

There’s so much to read in this bumper Olive Press special festive edition

But British ambassador offers crumb of hope to expats nursing

wounds following Boris Johnson’s landslide victory

residents distress, with some even contemplating suicide. “It is putting people under incred-

ible pressure. Some have said; ‘I am so suicidal,’ particularly some of the elderly,” she told the Olive Press this week. British councillor for San Fulgencio, Darren Parmenter, hit back however, criticising the ‘amount of misinformation’ groups like hers have been pedalling. He told the Olive Press that once the current withdrawal agreement was signed everyone would be much more optimistic. “Not once has any of these groups said that, if the withdrawal agreement is passed, you have nothing to worry about,” he slammed. “It might have saved lots of unnecessary panic, ‘feelings of suicide’ and even people selling up and moving back to the UK because of the uncertainties.”

to be cheerful...

Total lack of care Dear Olive Press, they take live here, come toedu ExpatsGet don dogs, cats cate and maybe even horses (In Spain three animals

abandoned every five minutes, Online, Janu-

areMoore sees the EU, essentially, as a political Rose ary 5).hip (Leave and proud, Issue 325, pg 7). The dictators they give love. states, them a.home, Theyis give There are 28 sovereign the opposite reality bags and pack their they sour turns all it when But to become ly chose voluntari including the UK, which l animals beautifu on those backs their turn wouldwithUK the that believes Dunne Steve d. associate glance. second a even out to going not I’m so. Not terms. fair better on WTO to death, locked to starve leftpage been have Many and in by quoting chapterere. letters your down weigh or chained up somewh a rented looks into the in recommend that Steve but I property verse, , they don’t believe the Spanish have you Then Trump that he knows. That industry any of specifics with their relido to all spayed, pets deal their getting with an EU-free UK should a trade to get is trying trade deals to know: Trump’s you all you want the tellgion. of any animalforhave to letFinally,females it is ok ButUS-first Brent Mahler speaks labels. have either they born and as they their babies, force armed an EU of are of UK citizens warythem, a number in the them putare or drown or neck the snap ideas these , However and an ever closer union. rubbish. with crushed be to bin am I policy. people and not EU from cars. floated by specific d dogs being thrown witnesse I have years of proat the insidious 40-plus worried more in a carrier bag was dogs own our of One the Mail, Telegraph, byfound EEC/EU the against paganda die. to sun full in a tree fromand, hanging Sun. What did six of course, Thesole Times Express, survivor of and the oldasked hours She was why he was so anhe was when sayonly Murdoch ds. shepher Belgian l beautifu of: “When I go into d g along the lines ti-EU? Somethinful are suppose how us as humans I go to the EU.” The they do what I say: when 10disgrace No.It’s this is. wrongent! how ones, sionate compas the be to appointm an for ask to had implication is that he

Lorraine Islip, Malaga

How any respectable parent could want their child to go on a workshop to teach them it is acceptable to torture and kill any animal is beyond words. But all the time this ignorant country allows this bloodthirsty sport to carry on, the spectators will relish in this slaughter. Sheila Farrelly, Barcelona

Unacceptable

Whether it’s bulls, dogs, cats, birds or whatever...there is no need to hurt these animals. Yes I understand about keeping these traditions alive, but that can be done without putting animals through the most awful pain and death. How can anyone can say that no one has the right to speak in defence of these animals just because they are not from Spain? Based on that attitude there would be no one helping those in distress in war torn countries...there would be no one helping anywhere in the world and that cannot be the right way in the future. Cruelty and torture to any animal is totally unacceptable. Margaret Rowse, Malaga

Children are the future

Teach the kids the history of bullfighting and draw the line there. Teach the kids that it’s not ok to torture an animal to death. Kids today need to be taught empathy and respect, not how to kill. Rebecca Kitchen, Marbella

vote

We trace the origins of the Costa del Crime Page 6-7

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Christine Rowlands, chair of Conservatives Abroad on the Costa del Sol, had a more conciliatory view. Despite being a ‘staunch remainer,’ she told the Olive Press she was glad the election result meant Brexit would ‘finally be over’. “The reaction has been good from both sides,” she said. “My members just want the job done.” She added the party was now ‘passionate’ to overturn the 15-year voting ban for expats who have lived abroad that long.

Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@ theolivepress.es or message us on at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

Rental woes The last property I rented didn’t have an LFO (Rent and be damned, pg 37, Issue 333). I didn’t know, as I rented through an agent who I would have thought would have checked this out. The landlord then went on to sell the house while we were a few months into a year-long tenancy. He removed the water pipes from the property in a bid to make us move, when we went to the police to denounce him we learned he didn’t have a license. We also learned he was ex-Guardia, who was booted out for drug smuggling (lovely guy). We mistakenly went with the same agent for our current rental, but luckily the property is properly licensed, although I wouldn’t trust the agent for a third time. Sarah Jayne Harlington, Malaga

Practice what you preach It seems that a lot of people who say that they are Christian have only read the old testament and not the new (There’s room at this inn, pg 12, Issue 333). They like to publicly be seen going to church but that’s as far as their charity goes. Let’s face it the Tories who profess to be religious and pious introduced austerity and food banks; if they saw Jesus on the streets now with his followers, the Police on horseback would be summoned to kettle and arrest all of them. Stephen Taylor, Yorkshire

No fear I pay my taxes, both national and local, in Spain. I also pay HMRC in the UK although I no longer have a vote there. I pay my Social Security. I drive a taxed car on Spanish plates. I shop locally and drink local wine. I participate in local village festivities where I am on the ‘Padron’. What have I to fear from Brexit? Peter Miln, Campanillas

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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 22

LA CULTURA

Cakes and ladders Spain’s oldest Three Kings parade in Alcoi is a foodie’s heaven and an HSE officer’s hell, writes Joshua Parfitt

IT would leave health and safety experts quivering in a corner back home in Britain. And yet every year the Cavalcade of the Three Kings sees hundreds of school-age children scaling second-floor balconies on bright red ladders with giant parcels on their backs. The pages still go in blackface, making the event a political

correctness crisis to boot. But this is untouchable tradition here, where every 5 January since 1885, local teenagers have distributed gifts to terraced houses all around the Alicantine city’s central Plaça d’Espanya. And it is these traditions that have cemented Alcoi as the most famous host of Spain’s nationwide festivals celebrat-

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.

ing the arrival of the magi in Bethlehem. “Alcoi has the oldest continuous cavalcade of the Three Kings in all of Spain,” Gaizka, an 18-year-old traditional dancer, tells me. “I love it because it reminds me of the excitement of Christmas time when I was a child. “Parents sit by the cavalcade with their toddlers, and hold them up to receive a kiss from a Melchor, Gaspar or Baltasar riding in on camelback.” Gaizka then cracks his castanets to music from 18th century rural Spain and leads the cavalcade down from old town at 6pm towards a nativity scene with a waiting Joseph, Mary and Jesus. “It’s something that, if you’re from Alcoi, you carry the festival in your blood,” Gaizka says.

Playstation

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.

The Kings arrive at Plaça d’Espanya around 8pm, before fireworks and church bells go off as they walk towards the baby Jesus with their gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then from 8pm until 10pm, the Kings continue their journey around Alcoi leaving the pages no time to catch their breath. “The packages are bloody heavy,” says Rafa, an 18-yearold page carrying a huge parcel at the foot of a red ladder. “The children don’t think of us when they ask for a playstation!” “In the past families would give us a shot of some spirit or other on the balcony, but they’ve banned that now due to bad behaviour.” Still, on what bartenders tell me is the busiest day of the year, there’s still plenty of time to have a caña after the show and sleep it off and eat your way through bank holiday Monday.

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

he portrayed herself as nobility from a long Moorish/Andalucian bloodline. Yet birth records indicate she was 100% Irish, born in County Sligo to “common stock”. She claimed her name was Maria Dolores (“Lola”) Montez, but her birth certificate states her official name as Eliza Gilbert. She was considered to be breathtakingly beautiful, intelligent, courageous and above all, independent. Others considered her as egocentric, manipulative and temperamental to the extreme. She was known to the public as a lustful dancer, but behind the curtain, she was a political force who mingled with European monarchs, artists and intellectuals. To be sure, her life was full of contradictions, but she possessed one trait that nearly everyone could agree upon: She was a charismatic seductress of the highest order. Meet Eliza Gilbert…a.k.a. Lola Montez .

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BEAUTY: Lola’s beauty captured men’s hearts across Europe

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Eliza’s mother described her daughter as “fanciful, wayward, and given to fibbing”. One school teacher recalled Eliza’s “beautiful countenance” with a “habitual expression of indomitable self-will”. Young Eliza courted scandal from an early age. She eloped as a teenager and not surprisingly her marriage didn’t last. Her much older husband was able to win a judicial divorce on grounds of Eliza’s adulterous behavior. At 20, she was a “woman with a past”. With her reputation in tatters, she fled to Cadiz, Spain in an attempt to reinvent herself. She studied Spanish

ENCHANTRESS: Lola Montez dance, customs and language. Knowing full well that Spanish culture was very much in fashion in Victorian London, she decided to return to England to launch her new career as: “Lola Montez -The Spanish Dancer”.

Thu 9 Jan FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Rumours Bar, 8.30pm. Quiz Night, free entry.

EL GALEN, That’s Life, 4pm. Deja Nielsen sings soul, Motown, jazz, disco, funk & boogie.

FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, The Inn Place, 2.30pm. Spanish ‘meet-up’, learn Spanish for free at a relaxed pace.

CAMPOAMAR, Champagne Bar, 4pm. Live music with Chloe Leigh - Motown, country, rock, disco, soul. LA MARINA, Chiefs on Broadway, 6pm. Northern Soul and Motown with DJ Vinny.

Fri 10 Jan ROJALES, The Marquee Bar, 9pm. Opening NIght with Attitude - The Band. TORREVIEJA, Cafe Bar El Paso, 10pm. Jam Session featuring Robine Henrothy. LA MARINA, Chiefs, 9pm. Bella Luna on stage. FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, The Inn Place, 8pm. Fun quiz and card games.

BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha 7.30pm. Debbie H - vocalist.

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Sat 11 Jan LA MARINA, Chiefs, 9pm. The Ambassadors on stage. FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, The Inn Place, 8pm. Karaoke with Barry Fisher. QUESADA, Aurora Bar (D.ona Pepa), 7.30pm. Debbie H - vocalist.

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Eliza, now known as “Lola”, booked passage on a ship to Southampton. There, she met The Earl of Malmesbury—a prominent nobleman and a generous art patron. Immediately charmed by Lola’s mag-

netic personality, the Earl used his influence to book her dancing debut at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. He would later write that he was among the first to be ‘‘duped by the beautiful and wily Lola Montez”. Her behavior later

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ENCHANTED: KIng Ludwig I

Sun 12 Jan SAN LUIS, Reflections Bar, 2.30pm. The Sunday Jam, all musicians and singers welcome. TORREVIEJA, Bar Carlos, 1pm. Live music with Forever Young. ROJALES, Coctaleria el Trastero, 8.30pm. Medusa Classic Rock Trio.

QUESADA, The Club, 12.30pm. Maria O’Hara, fantastic female entertainer. Mon 13 Jan ORIHUELA, Avenida Doctor Garcia Rogei, 10am. Trekking with Torrevieja Sharks. Make friends, keep fit, free of charge. LA MARINA, The Lounge Bar, 8pm. 2B’s Karaoke, sing along with Sarah & Dave. Tue 14 Jan SAN LUIS, Reflections Bar, 7.30pm. Quiz Night with Arthur, meals from €4.50. BENIJOFAR, The Pines Bar & Restaurant. Quiz Night with Mike, reservations essential. ALGORFA, Jilly’s Bar, 7pm. Free Fun Quiz, discounted meals available. Wed 15 Jan FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Rumours Bar, 7pm. Weekly pool tournament, winner takes all! ALGORFA, The Yorkshire Pud, 9pm. Quiz Night incl. Play Your Cards Right, free to enter. Thu 16 Jan QUESADA, Aurora Bar & Lounge, 5pm. Fun quiz - general knowledge, music, family fortunes. FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Rumours Bar, 8.30pm. Quiz Night, free entry.

FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Sunley’s Bar, 5pm. Jammin’, all singers & musicians welcome, free buffet. QUESADA, The Club, 8pm. Quiz Night, brain aerobics at it’s best. Sat 18 Jan SAN MIGUEL, Captain Morgan’s Eagle’s Nest, 9pm. Karaoke show with Rich James. TORREVIEJA, Playa Naufragos, 12am. Torrevieja Sharks rugby beach session, open to all. ALGORFA, Jilly’s Bar, 8.30pm. Skittles Night. Sun 19 Jan FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Rumours Bar, 6.30pm. Karaoke with Nikki Nock, great fun. Tue 21 Jan SAN LUIS, Reflections Bar, 7.30pm. Quiz Night with Arthur, meals from €4.50 Wed 22 Jan FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Rumours Bar, 7pm. Weekly pool tournament, winner takes all! ALGORFA, The Yorkshire Pud, 9pm. Quiz Night incl. Play Your Cards Right, free to enter. Thu 23 Jan FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Sunley’s Bar, 5pm. Jammin’, all singers & musicians welcome, free buffet. Fri 24 Jan FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, The Inn Place. Burns Supper with traditional Pipe Major, haggis and a special guest appearance from the Mayor of Formentera. Booking essential.

NB: If your business has events from 24th Jan to 5th Feb, please email full details to us at simon@theolivepress.es

pproval

LA CULTURA Jack Gaioni reveals the fascinating story of Lola, the fake Spanish dirty dancer who captured a king’s heart

SEDUCED: Franz Liszt in life would suggest that it would befriended the city’s most popuhave been unusual for Lola not lar literary bohemians. There she to have traded sexual favours won the confidence of novelist with the Earl. Alexandre Dumas—a social dyHer performances were unlike namo in Paris with a unique staanything the London audiences tus among Parisian high society. had ever seen: “The Spaniard He would later write the classics: dances with the body, the lips, The Count of Monte Cristo and the eyes, the head, the neck, the The Three Musketeers. Their roheart .... her dance IS Spanish mantic dalliance was legend but passion” wrote London’s Morn- short-lived. ing Post. Her tour-de-force was Lola made friends easily-espea routine which became known cially among journalists and as The Spider Dance. With her wealthy men. Alex Dujarier was head thrown back, eyes flashing both. He was the drama critic and fluid burlesque like aban- and owner of La Presse -France’s don, Lola mimed the crushing of most widely-read newspaper. spiders that had invaded her un- Dujarier was swept away by the dergarments. She did not leave fearless and lighthearted spirit much to the imagination as she of Lola’s personality. They too often did not wear her bloomers. became lovers, but it didn’t end Audiences were enthralled. But well for young Alex. When one Paher run on the British stage was risian art patron criticized Lola’s short-lived. She dance routine, was recognized Alex challenged as the former the man to a pisLola mimed Eliza Gilbert tol duel. Dujarier the crushing and booed off was shot and stage. Exposed killed. He died in of spiders that in the press as Lola’s arms. a fraud, she fled had invaded her Lola moved on to the Continent. to Munich where undergarments she captured the Europe had not seen anything or heart of Bavarianyone like Ms. an King Ludwig Montez. Lola was outrageous I. Ludwig was an eccentric monin ways that were beyond beauty arch and notorious ladies’ man. and sexuality. She had enormous Upon meeting Lola, he stood appeal and powers of seduction. motionless, and gazing upon her Her Spider Dance garnered the enormous appeal, he is said to attention (both positive and neg- have become truly bewitched by ative) of kings, the press, artists, the 61-year-old monarch became theatre managers and most im- obsessed with the 21-year-old portantly the public. It was her dancer. In a short time, Lola beroll-call of lovers however which came a royal mistress, lavished vaulted this “tigress persona” to with jewels, a pension and a international celebrity. small palace. Ludwig crowed her In Paris she met composer “The Countess of Landsfeld”. Franz Liszt. His concert tours Over time however, Lola did little attracted wildly enthusiastic au- to gratiate herself to the King’s diences and royalty throughout subjects. Lola was discourteous Europe. Lola, with her immense to the queen. She flaunted her power of seduction, initiated questionable morals, had a disa very public love affair which dain for etiquette and insulted would deeply affect Liszt’s music her audiences. When she started compositions and his personal meddling in Bavarian politics it life. The composer was so infatu- became too much for the locals. ated with her that he would write There were riots replete with arglowing letters of recommenda- son and physical violence. The tions that opened the doors for lords of Bavaria, by royal decree, her in music venues through- revoked Lola’s rights and deout Europe. In Paris (post-Liszt) manded she leave the country. she frequented the fashionable Ludwig protested claiming: “I high-society salons where she would rather lose my Crown!” He

got his wish. King Ludwig I was forced to abdicate giving up his crown. Lola once again was seductive in ways which often ruined some of the most influential men in Europe.

Allure

Once again , Lola was forced to flee the country. She headed across the Atlantic where she toured the United States and later Australia. However, as her beauty began to fade, her dance routine became less “art’’ and more “stripper burlesque.” She would find religion, tried lecturing and writing a book, none of which resulted in much distinction. Sadly, Lola died in New York on January 17 1861 when she was just 39 years old. It would be easy to write off Lola as a scheming high priced prostitute. It would not be a stretch to moralize that her life was a display of egotism and vanity. It would be easy to make the case that she used sexual manipulation to run roughshod over everyone around her. Yet in a way, Lola was an example of allure, intelligence, daring and forceful will that challenged the constricted roles allowed to women in the Victorian Age. She had the uncanny ability to charm some of the most powerful and influential men in Europe that could further her aspirations. She fought to free her own life from society’s prejudices and restrictions. Lola achieved fame and success (such as it was) on her own terms. Lola knew exactly what she was doing. We don’t have to like her life to admire her life. In her book, The Arts of Beauty, she best summed up her life’s philosophy: “To all Men and Women of every land Who are not afraid of Themselves Who trust so much in their own souls that They dare to stand up in the might of their Own individuality To meet the tidal currents of the world.” ********** R.I.P. Lola

ICONIC: Lola’s Spider Dance and Parisian

social dynamo Alexandre Dumas

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

BUSINESS Sensible

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

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 emissions 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.

Spaniards

FOUR out of 10 Spaniards would use their ‘El Gordo’ winnings to pay off debts, it has been revealed. Murcia is the region most likely to try and get rid of its debts with the prize money (43.6%), while Andalu-

xxx

cia is the least (36.6%), according to a new poll by iAhorro bank. Spain’s famous lottery attracts millions to buy tickets every Christmas, with the hope of winning the €4,000,000 jackpot. The second most common option for spending winnings is buying a house (26.8%), third is adding to a savings account (23.5%) and fourth is splashing out on family and friends (10.5%).

No silver lining

THE number of people employed in Spain has increased by 2.02%, according to new government data. Figures from the Ministry of Employment show that there were 384,373 more registered workers in December 2019 than in the

No tickets to ride

Number of ‘employed’ increases, but at slowest rate since recession

same month in 2018. This leaves the country’s total workforce standing at 19.4 million, although the actual employment increase

A TOTAL of 147 train stations have stopped selling tickets at their ticket offices. The move by railway companies Adif and Renfe is a response to lower passenger rates at smaller stations. Andalucia is the most affected region, with 20 stations no longer selling tickets at offices, while Castilla y Leon has 15, Castilla-La Mancha (15), Extremadura (12) and Galicia (10). As of January 1 ‘face-to-face’ ticket sales will only be maintained at stations which have more than 100 passengers per day. Ticket machines are to be installed at all stations, where they aren’t already, and tickets can now be bought at Correos.

A New Year, but are you bringing old issues with you?

’m sure we all woke up on January 1st with a list of resolutions for 2020. You’ll no doubt make use of that new gym membership until at least January 12th, resist the wine in your fridge until… maybe the 4th? We all go into a new year, and indeed a new decade, with the right intentions, but old habits soon take over. A few months into the year we’re already wondering which of the resolutions we attempted would be worth trying again next January!

These are generally trivial things. Will it really do you so much harm to have that nice glass of wine, and perhaps a swift walk along the beach will do you better than a painful hour in a gym anyway? Areas where we can’t be so complacent are with our personal finances, as making just one wrong decision can affect you for the rest of your life.

Get legal There’s a couple of areas that I’d encourage you all to consider as you go into 2020. 2019 saw record numbers of Brits registering for Spanish residency. This was aggressively encouraged by the British government. Chorus were honoured to have been on the panel for dozens of Brexit information events alongside the British Consulate, and these events reached 10,000s of people over the course of the year. The overriding message to survive Brexit in Spain was to

is the lowest in six years. Not since 2013 – a year when employment rates took a kicking from the last recession – has there been

get legal! Many of you will now be resident here in Spain, or on your way to residency, and with that means getting your financial affairs aligned with a new tax system. It’s so important to seek appropriate advice in this area. The number one mistake we see is Brits continuing to rely on financial advice from the UK. Despite having the best intentions, a UK advisor cannot possibly be expected to have access to the right products and indeed knowledge of the Spanish tax system to advise appropriately. As a fully UK qualified financial advisor I can you tell you that the exams I sat there did not arm me with the appropriate knowledge to operate in Spain. It has taken many years of additional training here in Spain for me to be in the position where I have a unique and intimate knowledge of both UK and Spanish tax and financial systems. The risks of receiving advice from a UK advisor are that firstly it is very unlikely their regulation or indemnity insurance actually extend to Spanish resident clients. Chorus have specific licenses here in Spain that ensure appropriate advice and protection for our clients here. From a product point of view, many popular products in the UK can lead to full taxation and indeed sometimes double taxation here in Spain. These include ISAs, and popular products like UK Aviva and UK Prudential bonds. There are specific products designed for Spanish residents

By Sam Kelly DipPFS, EFA, BA (Hons). Managing Partner, Chorus Financial

such a small increase. Steady rises have continued for the last six years, until last summer when the number of those registered with Social Security as ‘employed’ hit record levels. However signs of exhaustion have been reported and a similarly weak decrease has also been registered in unemployment levels. In the last 12 months unemployment has fallen by 38,692 people, the lowest decrease since 2012. The drop in unemployment also slowed down locally and Malaga only reduced its figure in 2019 by 2,764. That meant 148,485 were registered as unemployed at the end of the year, a drop of 1.83% – half that of 2018. Yet despite the slowdown, Malaga is still reducing its number of unemployed at a faster rate than Andalucia (-1.37%) and Spain as a whole (-1.21%).

Helping hand

BinckBank Saxo Bank has announced its first seminar of the new year. Kaspar Huijsman will be leading the Tips and Trends talk in Marbella on January 23 from 15:30 - 17:00. The talk will provide a general overview of the current state of the stock markets, highlight current insecurities, evaluate the sectors to consider and those to avoid, and assess the risks involved in investing. The event is suitable for investors and traders of all levels and the bank’s friendly team are there to help you and will be around for a cocktail afterwords. Sign up for one of the last remaining places at www. binckbank.com

Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning.

that can help with your investment and tax planning goals, whilst providing the best tax efficiency available. Pension planning can be equally complex, with special consideration given to currencies and other issues unique to living overseas, including the tax implications of any income you take. Another area to be wary of is the appropriateness of local advice here in Spain. Remember, as soon as an advisor operates outside the UK, even if they’re from companies that appear to be British on the surface, the rules are very different.

Ethical In Spain we see people tied into products for long periods of time – 5, 8, even 10 years. Although this doesn’t always lead to issues, these tie-ins are no longer legal in the UK, and are often there to facilitate commissions as high as 7 or 8% to your financial advisor. Chorus will always now offer an option without a tie-in and through our ethical approach and full fee-disclosure, our clients can save up to 75% in fees on popular products like Spanish Compliant Investment Bonds and pension transfers. Even for those with existing plans, we can dramatically improve your portfolio and reduce your costs. So, don’t be complacent, it’s easy and stress free to have existing or new financial plans

965 641 163

www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es reviewed, and with the right advice you can vastly improve your prospects for the coming year, and indeed the coming decade. If you’d like an initial consultation for free and without obligation please call me direct on 664 398 702 or email s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es.

Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.

Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B, registered with the UK FCA reference 539348, registered with the Spanish DGS and CNMV Nº Registro Oficial 3214.

PROPERTY

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

On the up

Property values soar but still less than 2007 peak THE Costa Calida saw some of the biggest price increases last year. The Murcia area saw an 11% increase in value of property,

one of the highest in Spain. While this still leaves homes 43% lower than at the 2007 peak, it is a sign that prices will continue to rise this year.

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.

OP Puzzle solutions

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. 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 the whole of the Murcia region prices have gone up by 2.8%. This is just above the annual rise of 2.6% during 2019, claims valuation firm Tinsa. In northern and northwestern regions, there has been an overall decrease in values, with properties in Asturias dropping by almost 4% in a year. Blackspots such as Ciudad Real in central Spain have seen values drop by over 10%. In the Murcia region Spanish properties are still worth a third less than in 2007.

Dear Jennifer: What makes Jennifer Cunningham Insurances so different?

good question and I can offer you a number of answers. I started my company over 26 years ago, originally working from home and developing the business slowly. Once established, I employed staff and rented a large office in Javea port, where I am still to this day. How life has changed for me since, and for the better. I realised when I moved to Spain that there was very little help available, and what was available was normally in Spanish. There was no private health insurance, no funeral plans and no insurance dedicated to the expat, and little customer service. So I started my business selling health insurance for a British company, along with funeral plans. Having lost my husband in Spain, I realised how difficult it was to arrange a funeral and the costs were enormous. Being very disciplined myself (probably due to my time in the Air Force), I have a strong work ethic. I used to work from home during

the day, and I would go out early evenings making home visits until I was busy enough to take someone on to help me. From those early days when I worked tirelessly, I built my company and now have seven offices. I demand from my excellent and loyal staff that they treat all my clients with respect, courtesy and honesty and offer them the best service possible. I pride myself that the after sales service is the best – a service very rare in Spain. I have a Claims Administrator and a dedicated Renewal department, who will make sure that as your circumstances change, your policies could change, and you should remain fully aware of your coverage. These are just some of the reasons why we are so special. We are more than just a voice on the phone, offering good, old fashioned service. Not always the cheapest, but the best, working with Liberty Seguros and ASSSA healthcare, who both provide special expat policies and are the best in the market.

For more information or a quotation, please call one of my offices or visit the website www. jennifercunningham.net

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

THE ageing of fish, artificial intelligence in the kitchen and the challenges of allergies are three of the subjects to be tackled at Spain’s leading international food festival next week. Now in its 18th year the culinary congress, Madrid Fusion, will also address the relationship between neuro-marketing and haute cuisine, as well as ethics and environmental responsibility. A stunning range of speakers have been lined up for the three-day event, which kicks off on January 13. They include Cadiz’s Angel León and Marbella’s Dani Garcia, as well as Juanlu Fernandez, of Lu, in Jerez. Madrid’s innovative three Michelin star whizkid David Munoz is being joined by Alicante’s Alberto Ferruz, from BonAmb, in Javea. Flying in from abroad are legends such as Kojo Kimura, from Tokyo, as well as Ivan and Sergey Berezutsky, from Twins Garden, in Moscow, Rene Frank, from Berlin, Vicky Cheng, from Hong Kong, and Isabella Poti, from Italy. Some of the highlights of the event include Joan Roca’s keynote address on sustainable cooking on the 13th. The celebrated Catalan chef from el Celler de Can Roca will be joined by his brother Josep the following day looking at food intolerances and allergies. One of the most interesting seminars is on fish ageing and features Australian Josh-

Fusion of fun Artificial intelligence and fish ageing on the agenda as international culinary jet set land at Madrid Fusion

ua Niland, from Saint Peter restaurant. He is joined by Dani Garcia from Marbella’s Lobito de Mar. On the 15th the subject is revisited by Japanese chef Kimura, of Sushi Kimura. Another fascinating session is described as a ‘world first’ looking at ‘Artificial Intelligence and cooking’. The event features Munoz, from DiverXo, as well as Fernando Sáenz from DellaSera, alongside Juan Carlos Martínez and Carolina Martín from Spanish company I+DEA Siro Foods. Two chefs from the Murcia region, David Lopez, from Local de Ensayo, and Maria Gomez of Magoga, will host a session called ‘The Truffle of the desert’. Famous Russian chefs Artem & Alexei Grebenshchikov, of Bourgeois Bohemias, in St. Petersburg talk about their success on the 14th. On the 15th a session, Malaga, Tradition and Michelin stars, features Diego Gallegos from Sollo, in Fuengirola, José Carlos García, from Malaga, and Juanjo Carmona, from El Lago, in Marbella.

POINTED: Kimuna SESSION: With Munoz

TALENT: Poti

Patisserie porn Vibrators baked into festive dish at baker in celebration of Reyes COSTA Blanca bakers, Lozano have spiced up the Reyes celebrations with vibrators and other sex toys baked into heartshaped pastries. More than 300 of the ‘erotic king’s roscónes’ were made as the Elche based company celebrated over 40 years in business selling cakes throughout the Valencian community.

Satisfyer

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

The saucy ‘satisfyer’ cakes are becoming a tradition for Lozano who have been making them for several years, reportedly ‘with great acceptance’. Other festive treats in the dish included figurines and cash, with 15,000 cakes be-

ing sold over the weekend of the Three Kings due to roaring popularity. Not all of the roscónes have an adult theme, there were a more conventional fillings of cream, meringue, Oreo biscuits and lactose free versions.

LAST YEAR closed with over 81,000 holiday apartments registered in the region, nearly double the number recorded in 2015. Figures released by the Valencian Community Tourism show that the Alicante region, in particular, has seen the biggest increase. Unregulated tourist flats came under scrutiny last

decade, especially from the hotel industry, because of a perceived lack of standards and guarantees. Such was the uproar, that Spanish government introduced the Tourism Law that threatened sanctions on owners that didn’t register their property in a tourist registry. Online platforms such as TripAdvisor insisted that clients

Legal lettings

show their registration number, otherwise holiday homes would not be promoted. Indeed, the Supreme Court fined AirBnB €30,000 for hiding registration numbers.

ALICANTE’S: Ferruz

Boca battle

A PAIR of Andalucian chefs are to do battle at Madrid Fusion over who makes the best sarnie! Irene Garrido, from Gastrobar KGB in Malaga, is joined by Angel Rodriguez, of Palo Cortao, in Sevilla, along with four other sandwich specialists from around the country. The winner of the seventh Concurso de Bocadillos de Autor, on January 13, will scoop a cup and a cheque for €1,500. The two runners up will get cheques for €300. The event sponsored by bread brand Saint Honore Perlage, gives each contestant an hour to make the perfect gourmet bocadillo. They can use any one of five different loaves from the firm, along with any ingredient. Previous winners included Raquel Garcia from the Benahavis cookery school. The first two winners of the coveted prize came from Valencia; Raul Lopez, of Casa L’Art, in Alicante, and Juan Casamayor, from Restaurante Moltto, in Valencia.

Gastro: Angel Rodriguez

LOCAL: Raquel Garcia

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

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)

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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)

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The Olive Press gives you more!

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 9th - January 22nd 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

HEALTH

www.weekender.news

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

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Triple transplant

A 10-YEAR-OLD girl with a rare condition affecting just 10 children globally has been saved with a triple organ transplant. Little Iria was born with a mutation of the NEK8 gene, which causes tissue sclerosis by BPT and organs to stop working. After being with runners and yoga born enthusiasts heart failure, the youngtopping the list. ster underwent a heart According before to doctors boardtransplant, discovered she had liver certiﬁ ed plastic surgeon problems, for which MD she Walter L. Bernacki, on medication. ofwas OhioputPlastic Surgery in But after her liver failed, Central Ohio, at“The Barcelonewest surgeons non-surgical contouring na’s Vall body d’Hebron Hossystem Cutera’s truSculpt pital isperformed a liver transplant. iDand that kidney uses radiofrequency Spain’s first child to under(RF) technology to target and go a triple organ transplant permanently destroy fat in your has said she is ‘happy’ and trouble (think muﬃ n tops plansspots to return to school.

THE Mediterranean diet has been crowned the healthiest nutritional plan to follow by a panel of doctors, nutritionbut ists additional and fitnesstreatments experts. may required For bethe third for yearoptimal in a sculpting results. row, the Med diet with its emphasis “TruSculptoniDplant-based is a very foods, new whole grains, lean exciting development in protein and olive oil took non-surgical body contouring. thelower top abdomen spot in and the love US The News & World Report’s handles be treatedofin diets. just a annualcanranking single 15-minuteinclude comfortable Its benefits lowtreatment session. Our patients ering the risks of dihave been very pleased with the abetes and dementia, andsculpting Penelope is body resultsCruz they can even known to innovative be a fan. achieve with this The actress the diet system,” says said Dermatologist ofreyher nativeMD, Spain is Jeﬀ S. Dover, FRCPC how she reached her goal

Good news for expats and Spaniards as Mediterranean diet voted healthiest in world

loving their truSculpt iD results. In a separate study of individuals who had the procedure, 100 percent said they were satisfied, would get it done again and would refer a friend for truSculpt iD. And everyone felt better in - or out of - their clothes. So, if you’re thinking about looking into a new kind of personalized body sculpting without resorting to drastic weight four measures, find a months truSculpt afiD ter giving birth to her provider near you by searching son Leo in January 2011. and love handles) - in just 15 of Skincare Physicians in https://trusculpt.com/find-aEating a Mediterracomfortable minutes with no Chestnut Hill, MA. provider. nean diet could also downtime. We have found that By and large, people are help preserve kidney the treatment works on all skin function in thousands of patients who have altypes, sizes and physiques, ready had transplants, including individuals who new research suggests. were previously not considered Figures suggest around candidates for body contouring a third of patients who procedures.” receive a donor kidWhat’s more, truSculpt ney lose function withiD produces an average fat in a decade of the reduction of 24 percent, and life-changing operation. But scientists have found visible improvements are seen following the fish and in 6 to 12 weeks following the nut-heavy diet, which first treatment. Multiple areas can be treated in one session,

Men stub it out

THE number of men lighting up around the world has fallen, although a quarter of Spain still smokes, it has emerged. The World Health Organization (WHO) figures show that the number of men smoking has fallen for the first time ever. But Spain is still one of butthe additional by BPTheaviest smoking nations mayinbe require the EU and sees 52,000 smokrunners ing-related and yoga enthusiasts results. deaths a sculpting year. topping Three the list. quarters of Spanish “TruSculpt i According to board-to exciting smokers have tried ditch new de certiﬁedthe habit, plasticwith surgeon non-surgical bod the low success blamedMD on ineffecWalter rates L. being Bernacki, The lower abdo nicotine patchesin andhandles gum. can be tr of OhiotivePlastic Surgery

Looking sexy, svelte or built in your clothing is one thing. Looking better in the buff is a whole other ballgame. Clothing - even low-cut necklines, shortshorts or tight-fitting tees - can hide your flaws and accentuate your assets, but when you are nude, there’s nowhere - or way Central Ohio, “The newest single 15-minut cuts back on red meat, according non-surgical body contouring treatment session - to hide anything. to the results could help keep the or-If you published Clinical system is Cutera’s truSculpt have been very p want to in lookthe better gan healthier for longer. Journal of the American chilli peppers body foursculpting r uses radiofrequency naked, you are not alone. Far iD thatEATING Academics at the Uni- Society of Nephrology. times a week could cutachieve your with th (RF) technology to target and from it. More and more people versity of Groningen in Gomes-Neto said: “In- risk of dying from a heart atfat in your system,” says are into healthy scientific living and permanently the Netherlands followed creasing evi- tack, destroy scientists have claimed. (think muffi n tops 23,000 gettingdence fit these days. good trouble spots Jeffrey S. Dover 632 kidney transplant has The demonstratResearchers followed and lovevolunteers handles) - over in justeight 15 of news ed is that is finally Skincare P years patients for five years. thethere health benefits minutes nowho something do about comfortable Chestnut Hill, M and found thatwith adults ate Dr Antonio Gomes-Neof you the canMediterranean chilli regularly Wepeppers have found that were it that diet doesn’t on involvecardiovascugiving downtime. By and larg to and his team gave less likely the treatment workstoondie all prematurely. skin up carbs doing participants a score belar and andsweets, kidney health. And they 40 % less types, sizes and were physiques, tween zero and nine for “Wecrunches show orhow excessive havingkidney likelyindividuals to die fromwho a heart athow much they adhered transplant including invasive cosmetic surgery.recipients tack according to a report to a Mediterranean diet.Fully with higher adherence to not considered one-third of were previously in the Journal of the AmerPatients with a score Americans of the opt Mediterranean candidates body contouring for minimally diet icanfor College of Cardiology. seven had a 29% lower risk are less likely to expeprocedures.” invasive fat reduction or body Capsaicin – an anti-inflamof kidney function decline. rience function loss of What’s more, truSculptand the matory compound sculpting treatments to look They also had a 32% lowtheir kidney transplant.” substance that creates the an average fat better in the buff, according to iD produces er risk of kidney failure, burning is thought of 24sensation percent, –and a new survey of 500 men and reduction to be the reason are seenfor this. women from Cutera, Inc. And visible improvements in 6 to 12 weeks following the those who exercise regularly are most likely to have a first treatment. Multiple areas body-sculpting treatment, with can be treated in one session,

Hot stuff!

Things looking up Bye bye Viagra as revolutionary new shockwave therapy is radically improving sex lives

A REVOLUTIONARY new ‘shockwave therapy’ is improving sex lives on the Costa Blanca. The pioneering method, invented in Switzerland, treats erectile dysfunction with ‘permanent effect’. The treatment is more commonly used to crush kidney stones, but has so far invigorated the sex lives of over 20 patients at Clinica Britannia without any side effects. “It’s the first time this machine has been used in Spain for erectile dysfunction,” Dr Vicente Mera, owner of Clinica Britannia, told the Olive Press. “The results have been excellent.” Penetrating the penis to a depth of 40mm, the machine uses shockwaves designed to ‘stimulate circulation’. “Think of the penis like a tree with roots, and what we are doing here is stimulating those roots,” Dr Mera explained. “It’s almost like producing muscle through exercise.” The machine is similar to abdominal muscle stimulators, though it’s in the

shape of a ‘gun’ and applied to the penis and groin area in six sessions over a six-week period. Dr Mera, an expert in anti-aging, said he has treated patients aged from 45 to 80-years-old so far, though suitability depends on a number of factors, including habits such as smoking. “The person suffering from erectile dysfunction is often the last to realise,” Dr Mera added, saying that sufferers do not, most likely, have a reference point. “But we can now say ‘bye bye viagra, and hi hi shockwave therapy’.”

Come and visit us. We will inform you. CLINICA BRITANNIA, 16 BIS (next to 16) FIRST (not Ground) Floor, Ejercitos Españoles Av Tel 965 837 553 - 24H 607 255 755

HEALTH

Back to School

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

APPOINTMENt

By Jeremy Kenton

With divorces on the increase among the over-50s, medical expert Jeremy Kenton looks at the perils of sexual promiscuity

Drop in the overweight THREE out of ten children children in Andalucia are obese or overweight, new government data has revealed. Rates have decreased slightly, but since 2011, the number of overweight kids has remained steady at 21%, according to Ministry of Health figures. Obesity prevalence has dropped from 17.7% nine years ago – when the Comprehensive Plan for Childhood Obesity was introduced – to 11.8% in 2019. An average of 25,600 children are treated for being overweight or obese in Andalucian medical centres every year. More boys than girls are overweight, while children aged nine to 12 are most at risk.

The wobbles You may think that loose teeth can only be solved by dentures, but Karan Sud Dental’s fibrebond technology can save you the time, effort, pain and cost

SUFFERING with loose teeth? You may have been told you will now need dentures or implants. But this is not actually the case, especially with regards to the front teeth. At Karan Sud Dental, in Calpe, we use fibrebond technology to splint loose teeth together and replace missing teeth. This innovation uses a resin-based fibre, placed behind the affected teeth, that can strengthen them without having to pull them out and allows you to keep your teeth for much longer. Dentures are bulky, and affect both taste and function. They also can jeopardise the health of remaining teeth. Dental implants in the anterior region - or front teeth - are also very complicated. They involve surgery, and take a lot of time, effort and expense. With fibrebond technology, however, you can save on all of these things, as well as pain. If you have mobile or missing teeth, please call us to see if you’re a suitable candidate for this innovative treatment.

Dr Karan Sud British dentist Calpe

“Very pleased with my new dental treatment from Karan and the team. My teeth were loose, but this treatment solved the problem completely. I am usually very nervous around the dentist, but the procedure was pain-free and the aftercare was easy and exceptional. Well done.” Glenys Cook

For more information visit www.ksuddental.com Tel: (+34) 965 837 553 - 24h emergency: (+34) 602 612 688 Clinica Britannia, Avda Ejercitos Españoles 16, first floor, Calpe

With an increase in the divorce rate in the over-50s, sexual promiscuity is on the increase. On par with this increase, there has also been a rise in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases STDs as 60 becomes the new 20. Genital warts and gonorrhea cases have jumped by 56% in the last 10 years in the 50-65 age range in the UK. Chlamydia, the silent STD which does not always show symptoms, is also on the increase in the over 50s. Holiday destinations abound for single men and women with sex sometimes being as important as sun, sea and sangria. Internet dating sites also show a marked increase in over 50s seeking not just love and companionship, but one night stands. Even Age Uk now publishes a series of pages on their website offering advice on a series of sexual issues. There appears to be a ‘throwing caution to the wind’ attitude in older lotharios not using condoms as protection for their sexual

encounters. I questioned a number of 60-year-olds who are blissfully unaware of the risks of unprotected sex and regard it as only for unwanted pregnancy. One person said to me that his target females are all ‘over 50’ and so believes protection ‘is not needed as they can’t get pregnant and I can’t get AIDS as I don’t do it with men’. Such sexual ignorance is rife amongst many as they see no need for safety precautions in the throes of passion. But even oral sex has a number of risk factors of which many are unaware. Two years ago I interviewed some swingers at a swingers club for a TV station and I was horrified at the fact that although perched on the bar was a massive bowl of sweets, there was not a single condom insight. Governments rightly are pushing sex education for the young – but it appears they need to aim their advice at the more senior end too.

Men stub it out THE number of men lighting up around the world has fallen, although a quarter of Spain still smokes, it has emerged. The World Health Organization (WHO) figures show that the number of men smoking has fallen for the first time ever. But Spain is still one of the heaviest smoking nations in the EU and sees 52,000 smoking-related deaths a year. Three quarters of Spanish smokers have tried to ditch the habit, with the low success rates being blamed on ineffective nicotine patches and gum.

Hot stuff! EATING chilli peppers four times a week could cut your risk of dying from a heart attack, scientists have claimed. Researchers followed 23,000 volunteers over eight years and found that adults who ate chilli peppers regularly were less likely to die prematurely. And they were 40 % less likely to die from a heart attack according to a report in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Capsaicin – an anti-inflammatory compound and the substance that creates the burning sensation – is thought to be the reason for this.

January 9th - January 22nd 2020

COLUMNISTS GetTING ConnectED

Breaking the umbilical chords

By Loraine Gostling

Loraine Gostling’s wish for the new decade is that it takes some inspiration from its ‘roaring’ predecessor

SO, here we are then. One hundred years ago we headed into the Roaring Twenties, so I’m hoping the next decade sees some changes to the crap music we’ve had to endure over the past few years. Now, I know some may disagree with me – ‘cos I am pretty much fossilised by now – but really, someone needs to take the new Twenties by the nose and up the game by kicking out the same four boring chords used in every pop song since Barney the Dinosaur sang I Love You – You Love Me. I will not deny the fact that Baby Shark has a certain appeal to those who wish to annoy the hell out of their friends and family, and it deserves every cent of the $24 million revenue, but, really?! (“doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo”). As usual, I had no idea what I intended to be my subject base this week, as the past 27

or so days of Christmas fever have lost me somewhere in the region of 1.020.000 brain cells – and that is only since December 25th! But, thankfully, the guys and girls on my Javea Connect Facebook group have been pretty well behaved this year. It was quite refreshing to see a post on the group asking people what they have done to make them feel proud. The stats tell us that well over 10,000 people engaged in that post, and they were happy to tell us their stories, which ranged from publishing a book, to helping charities, to rescuing animals, to finally getting to grips with learning Spanish, to saving a life, to managing not to kill a spouse and – most importantly it seems – overcoming the fear of a Labour Government! So there we have it, a new year, a new decade. Another blank page is now about to be written, so what is my New Year greeting to everyone? Well, aside from the usual clichéd ‘health and happiness’, I would like to wish you all an Ed Sheeran-free decade of living in hope that someone, somewhere, is about to change those four chords and hit the Bigtime!! Oh... and Happy Brexit (almost forgot about that bugger!)

O Little Town of Rojales

Farm Flash By Susan Weeding

On Christmas Eve, the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre takes in two equines in need of shelter It was the day before Christmas Eve, and for Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre it was another busy routine of caring for our 120 horses, ponies and donkeys. Just to make matters worse, one of the three workers was on holiday, and another had his day off. Rod had to make a trip to the Alicante Horse Hospital, and Sue had already headed off to the Charity shop to work. It was hectic to say the least! And just then – you guessed it – the police phoned to say there was a little pony and donkey wandering around and desperately in need of help. So, no sooner had Rod returned, he headed to meet the Policia Local in Almoradi. Being the time of year it was, they felt it fitting to call the little pony Mary and the white donkey Joseph. Mary, 12, and Joseph, 10, really were in quite a state of neglect – particularly Joseph, whose feet were horrendously overgrown. Following essential hoof treatment by farrier Enrique, and a full check-up by Dorothea, we discovered they both had microchips.

The police were very keen to have all these details, as they intended to track down the owners and make a denuncia. Then the second surprise: Mary might be in foal. We kid you not; they are awaiting an ultrasound to confirm this Christmas miracle! Although it puts the EHCRC under even more pressure, it’s so encouraging to be part of a forward-thinking approach to animal welfare. The police especially were very grateful, as without us they would not be able to rescue these animals quickly and push for prosecutions. Sue, Rod, the 120 equines, 5 pigs, 6 dogs, 16 cats, parrots, budgies, chickens, peacocks and Christmas the goose, oh and the mouse in the house, would like to wish you all a very happy new year. And, given the festive season when we wish peace and goodwill to all man – and animal – kind, maybe you will consider supporting this deserving Charity throughout 2020. To donate, volunteer or visit on an Open Day, visit www.easyhorsecare.net.

SPORT Match Point SPAIN go into their final round-robin 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 9th - January 22nd 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 all-Spanish 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

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 second. The Queen – as Madrid is commonly referred to – defeated French champions ASVEL Villeurbanne, 87-77, and moved to a record of

End of the road

Baskonia defeat Barcelona in all-Spanish derby as first round of Europe’s premier basketball league comes to a close 14-3, one win ahead of Barcelona. The fourth and final Spanish team in the Euroleague this season is Valencia, who de-

Wolves’ wandering Spaniard 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.

feated Alba Berlin from Germany, 91-77. With this win the Bats – Valencia’s nickname – moved 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.

ALONSO: Fixes car

POLICE have broken up a gang that was allegedly planning to steal from a rival gang, kill one of their men and then frame him for the theft.

Bullseye

FINAL WORDS

A WOMAN has had to be hospitalised after she got struck in the eye by an airborne toy during Dia de Los Reyes Magos parade in Alicante.

Have your cake TWO military personnel have found a €10,000 cheque in their traditional Three Kings roscón cake. The Leónbased bakery Conrado put the cheque in as part of an annual tradition that has seen sales balloon across Spain and even Europe, selling well over 12,000 roscóns this year.

Blind turn A BLIND woman has denounced a shoeshop in Valencian 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.

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January 9th - January 22nd 2020

Lucky skywalker

Wall of shame

Toddler cheats death after walking high rise tower ledge while ‘mum in shower’ THIS is the moment a toddler cheated death by walking along the ledge of a Spanish

Poke in the eye 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.

block of flats while her ‘mother was in the shower’. The video, taken by a horrified The compensation was intended to cover taxi expenses while taking her daughter to hospital and three lost days of work. The Legal Council of the Region of Murcia has advised that the Government is not responsible for the accidental injury of an unknown cause. It said teachers cannot be held responsible for the incident, and suggested the claim would be disregarded.

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. The unbelievable footage was posted on the ‘I Love Tenerife’ Facebook group. An accompanying caption read: “OMG! This toddler managed to climb out of this building window whilst the parents were taking a shower. “This apparently happened over the weekend at a property in Playa Paraiso, Tenerife!”

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