IslandConnections Edition 584

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1984 - 2009

Ye Ex ars cel of len ce

The Canary Island’s biggest fortnightly English newspaper read by thousands of tourists & residents Edition # 584 / 13th - 27th Feb 2009

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Craig David at Carnaval

14th February

VALENTINE’S WINNER Betty Jerrison winner of Tenerife Pearl special ValentineS dayy draw Page 32

Exclusive Interview

CRAIG DAVID WILL HEADLINE THE BIG CARNAVAL CLOSING CONCERT ON FEBRUARY 28TH.

A

s promised, Santa Cruz deputy mayor Ángel Llanos has come up with a top name star to headline the big Carnaval closing concert on February 28th.

Audrey Fitzpatrick

Craig David will be a very popular choice among regular Carnaval goers as well as many new ones, and given his current duet with Álex Ubago, a bilingual version of Craig’s big UK hit Walking Away, he is the crossover artist of the moment.

His easy rhythms and excellent melodies have made him a firm favourite and earned him fans of different nationalities and age groups.

This is not Craig’s first visit to Tenerife, he first performed in Candelaria during the 2006 festival. On this occasion, Craig and Álex will appear on stage together as one of 30 performances planned to take place on the beginning at 12 noon. Ángel Llanos, his team and the councillor for fiestas, Maribel Oñate, in their efforts to reduce the costs of Carnaval, have found sponsors for this concert who include Cadena Dial, Coca Cola and Igara Renault.

MOTHER OF TEENAGER AMY, WHO WENT MISSING FROM HER HOME IN MIJAS ON NEW YEAR’S DAY 2008 Pages 6-7

Power surge HOW THE NEW FORM OF ELECTRICITY charges are leaving some consumers in the red Page 3

Greed is good?

JUST WHY IS THE WORLD IN THE FINANCIAL MESS IT IS IN? One local businessman gives his analysis Page 28

...Always near to you with our offer of Spanish and British products!

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The Sports Megastore, 8.000m

Motorway Santa Cruz La Laguna, Exit “Las Chumberas”.

38205 La Laguna, Tenerife. Tel: 922 62 79 00, Fax: 922 82 11 07 © IC/542/2007

www.decathlon.com

CC Fañabé Plaza and Compostela Beach Commercial Zone Playa de las Vistas

Canary Islands

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OPERATION CAPTURA

Index > Interview 6 / 7

Audrey Fitzpatrick mother of Dublin-born teenager Amy Canary Islands 2 - 11

News

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Tenerife South General

12 17

North

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G. Canaria

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La Gomera

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Business News Financial Blevins

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Valentine’s Special p T Tenerife Pearl 33 P

News in Brief

High arrest rate praised According to the British Embassy in Madrid, there has been a 50 per cent success rate within three months of the launch of Operation Captura 2 in Alicante, Spain, with the recent arrest of the fifth ‘Most Wanted’ criminal.

Dennis Hunter was arrested in Hungary, his place of birth, on Tuesday 3 February 2009 and was wanted for a £250 million VAT fraud between 2001 and 2003. Hunter was charged by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for cheating the public revenue through fraud, and for laundering the proceeds of the fraud, presenting a major attack on the UK VAT system.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Crimestoppers’ Chairman and founder, said: “We

Dennis Hunter was wanted for a £250 million VAT fraud

have been blown away by the huge success of Operation Captura 2; to reach a 50 per cent success rate within three months of launching the appeals is brilliant. These results highlight how effective this multi-agency partnership has been in detecting and capturing these dangerous

criminals.” On 6 November 2008, Operation Captura 2 launched with 10 most wanted appeals. The other four to have been arrested are: Anthony Kearney, Donna McCafferty (both wanted for fraud), Andrew Alderman, wanted for indecent assault and rape of a girl under the age of 16 and Alan Gordon, wanted for supplying drugs.

Operation Captura identifies serious criminals wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for crimes committed in the UK. Crimestoppers and SOCA work closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff in Madrid, British and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on criminals who have European arrest war-

Canarian flights Lifestyle Beauty Fashion Health

34 35 36

Pets

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San Miguel

Book early discounts

Food Business News Rest. Review Seasonal food Food Wine Cheeses

43 44 45 46 47

Classifieds Fly to the Spanish peninsula for 36 euros

Situations vacant Motoring General services Property

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Sport Motoring Boxing Bowling CD Tenerife

58 59 60 63

The drop in demand for holidays owing to the uncertainty generated by the crisis has meant a number of airlines offering amazing discounts on flights.

Fares from the Canaries for residents can be picked up at up to 70 per cent less than normal prices and between 40 and 50 per cent cheaper than previous offer prices.

It is possible to fly from the

rants issued against them for crimes such as drug trafficking, murder and currency counterfeiting.

Calls to the freephone Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number will be answered in the UK

by Crimestoppers’ call agents and a translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the online Giving Information form on Crimestoppers’ website.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every five days is charged with murder.

islands to the Spanish peninsula for less than 40 euros each way. The idea is to fill planes on routes with less demand and to stimulate early booking. The earlier you book, the better the bargain. The discounts don’t stop at the Spanish mainland with Iberia offering return flights from the islands to New York at 298 euros return, Spanair will take

© ISLAND CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER Is published and printed fortnightly by ISLAND CONNECTIONS S.L. Adverts, texts, photos or other parts of this publication are property of Circulation the publishers. They may not be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval controlled by: system or transmitted in any other form or means without the prior Distribución Gratuita written permission of the publishers. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for the contents of articles supplied by our contributors or Publisher & Proprietor advertisers claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish Tina Straub, Joe Schacher adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertisements once contracted Island Connections S.L. cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full. The publishers can not C.I.F: B-38748315 Printed by Artes Gráficas del Atlántico S.A. be held responsible for variation on colour printed in this newspaper.

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you to Copenhagen from Gran Canaria for 136 euros return, or from Tenerife to Stockholm and back for 164 euros. Air Europa has offers for the Spanish peninsula from 36 euros each way, including supplements, taxes and costs, and flights from Madrid to New York from 218 euros for a round trip and to Havana from 278 euros return.

Managing Director

Joe Schacher director@ic-news.com Editor

Clio O’Flynn Commercial Director

Henry Cruz henrycruz@ic-news.com Head Office Tenerife C/ Francisco Feo Rodríguez,6º Las Chafiras 38620.

San Miguel de Abona.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

Rubbish strike continues THE RUBBISH COLLECTION STRIKE IN SAN MIGUEL DE ABONA WHICH BEGAN ON 6 FEBRUARY CONTINUES FOLLOWING FAILURE TO REACH AN AGREEMENT. Staff delegate Francisco Medina estimates that 220 tons of rubbish have already accumulated on the streets.

The workers, who originally opted for strike action as they had not been paid, have since received their wages but have decided to continue with their action to force the company to comply with their agreement to pay the workers between the 1st and 4th of each month.

LANGUAGE AND BUSINESS

No speak English

English not considered relevant for job seekers While many Canarians may rightly bemoan the fact that a large number of expats who chose to live in these islands seem unwilling or incapable of learning Spanish, it is somewhat astonishing to find that in the business world speaking a foreign language is way down on their list of priorities when interviewing prospective employees.

The Spanish institute for entry into the labour market, OPSIL, interviewed 3,373 persons and found that knowledge of a foreign language was, on average, 21 out of a list of 23 characteristics looked for in a new employee. Students and education professionals also confirmed during the study that the teaching of English is poor overall. This would go against the general move towards a more global economy where success and bi- or tri-lingualism would be seen as almost de rigueur.

According to some sources, the reason for the continued irrelevance attributed to knowing a second language could be simply as a result of the geographic location of the islands with regard to the rest of Europe. And despite the reliance on tourism economically, it still, as an industry, doesn’t really feature as a prominent option when it comes to insular third level education.

Island Connections Newspaper http://www.islandconnections.eu

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

LAS PALMAS

A grandmother from Kent who is in a coma in a Gran Canaria hospital is at the centre of a headline-making medical insurance row. 82year-old Joan Grant is in intensive care in the Hospital Insular in Las Palmas after complications set in when she was under treatment for a broken ankle.

Mrs Grant sustained her injury in a fall on board a cruise liner which docked in Las Palmas a month ago. She later developed pneumonia and was transferred from a private clinic

to the main hospital due to her worsening condition. However, insurance firm Travel and General has refused to meet any more treatment costs or repatriate her because the pneumonia ‘was a preexisting condition, which Mrs Grant did not declare when taking out the policy’. Her son Graham, who has been to visit her in Las Palmas but could not talk to her because she is still unconscious, said the decision was ‘shameful’. The plight of the critically-ill grandmother was featured on BBC News recently.

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Horse death The Guardia Civil have charged a man in Ifonche in the south of Tenerife of cruelty to his horse after it was found outside the stable apparently beaten to death with a hammer.

Members of the service’s nature protection unit, Seprona, based in Playa de las Américas received information that the young man, 18 or 19 years old, had received the animal as a gift some two weeks before.

The accused apparently claimed that the horse broke one of its rear legs and as he had no money to maintain it, he decided

to put it down. According to the report filed by the members of Seprona, the horse received two hammer blows to the head and was then covered with quicklime.

When the agents went to the area they found the animal with its head half buried and stinking of decomposition.

The weak excuses given for the killing of the animal, the clear evidence that the place where it was carried out was not the most adequate of settings and the almost certainty of the agony suffered by the horse led to the charges the accused is now facing.

Check your electricity bills

By Karl McLaughlin Power companies are under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in the application of new billing legislation, which consumer bodies accuse them of using to overcharge customers.

As of last November, electricity bills across the country are issued monthly, instead of bimonthly. However, the legislation obliges the firms to read individual meters only once every two months, meaning that the other month is an estimated reading.

Consumer groups have been inundated with complaints that the main utilities have used this possibility to capitalise on the tariff increase which came into effect on 1 January in order to make millions of euros. It appears that companies deliberately underestimated electricity use by householders when calculating the bills sent out in early December. In tens of thousands of cases, bills for as little as 15-20 euros were

Sexual abuse

Scout master in court He tried to abuse her at two scout camps

The scout master accused of sexual abuse of a minor between 1994 and 1998 has pleaded innocent in court.

His accuser who is now 26 years old placed a formal complaint in March of 2005 and she claimed she wasn’t aware that what was done to her was a crime,

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Power outrage

Coma grandmother in insurance row

CANARY ISLANDS

she thought it was her own fault, “I’d blocked it out”, and she didn’t want to remember anything until the accused sent she an email a few days before he presented the charges. It was this email in which the accused declared an interest in meeting and taking photos, “like before” that pushed the

young woman into placing a formal complaint.

She was a member of a troupe in Santa Cruz capital and accuses the scout master of using the respect that she had for him to touch her inappropriately when she was only 12 years old and of having sex with her when she was just 16.

She also claims that the accused tried to have sex with her in two scout camps that she attended in La Orotava and Chio, the first time without success and the second occasion achieving the act in the immediate neighbourhood of other young children who were unaware of what was happening.

The woman has been receiving psychological assistance since 2005 and according to the professional who is attending her, has problems with intimate relationships as a consequence of the supposed sexual abuse.

issued to householders because the estimated reading was only a fraction of actual use, which critics say could have been calculated easily based on average use of

taking the same period in previous years.

In mid-January, the actual reading taken meant that the number of units was much higher than the estimated reading the pre-

vious month and, with the higher rate now in force, consumers have been forced to pay extra for units actually used many weeks previously but which were not included in the corresponding bill due to the underestimation.

Even worse, in some cases the difference in consumption was so great that a penalty, designed to encourage electricity savings by increasing the price of all units used above a ceiling of 500 kwH in a single month, was applied to produce an even bigger bill.

Spain’s biggest consumer associations say the illegal practice was a deliberate ploy to earn more money in January.

Three regional governments, Andalusia, Extremadura and Madrid, have launched official inquiries into the December and January billing procedures and say they will fine the companies heavily if the evidence shows they underestimated readings to backload the January bills in their favour.

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EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CANARY ISLANDS

EXTENSION DELAY

Patient flights

La Santa Sport angry

Travel is good for your health!

The Canarian health ser vice and the interisland airline company Islas Air ways have come to an agreement which will see patients who need to fly from one island to another for medical attention benefiting from a 15 per cent cut in flight prices.

The new deal will see those who need to visit a doctor, hospital, or travel for general medical reasons and on the official recommendation of a health service practitioner pay less for their journey as will those who accompany

Lanzarote’s internationally famous sports and hotel complex La Santa Sport has slammed the Canarian government for giving priority to finding a solution to the situation of hotels built illegally but dragging its feet on its application to add to its current premises.

The complex, which is used regularly by sports teams as well as holidaymakers seeking a more active break, submitted the plans several years ago and has received the green light from the island’s Cabildo.

However, final approval

has yet to be accorded by the Canarian government, which has had the application for the 40,000 square metre extension on its

desk for many months. La Santa’s managing director Leif Rasmussen vented his fury at the delay recently, claiming that the govern-

ment was doing more to help illegal hotels than legal establishments.

“The government constantly stresses the crisis and growing jobless rate. We have work ready for the taking for several hundred people, both on the project and later when it is finished, but are prevented from hiring anyone because the plans have not been approved” said Rasmussen.

In a press release, the complex said it “had spent six years of its time and money ensuring all aspects of the extension comply with legislation and regulations” but to no avail.

Fred. Olsen

COMPENSATION

Ferry prices drop

Tourist health care costs €32 million The Canarian government has stepped up its bid for compensation from Madrid for the cost of treating tourists who fall ill on holiday here.

Regional health minister Mercedes Roldós said that a large chunk of the Canarian Health Service’s deficit in recent years has been caused by the national government’s

refusal to pay the cost of hospital and other care provided to visitors. “We have yet to receive 32 million euros owed in health costs during the period 20022008” insisted the minister during a recent Parliament session. Compensation for tourist treatment bills is one of the claims currently being pressed by the Canarian

In response to falling fuel prices, ferr y company Fred. Olsen have just applied their sixth consecutive reduction to ticket prices since the fuel surcharge was applied last summer.

This means that travelling on Fred. Olsen ferries between the islands is now even cheaper. For example, a ticket from Tenerife to La

authorities in Madrid in negotiations on central funding for the region. The Health Service here also wants Madrid to use up to date population figures when calculating the amount of funding payable.

Regional health minister Mercedes Roldós

them if the patient is not deemed fit to travel alone.

Islas Airways have agreed to give priority to patients and their companions both in the issuing of tickets and boarding planes, and give top consideration to any request from a patient in need of emergency attention. The discount will be applied on the presentation of a voucher issued in each case by the health service in the names of those eligible at the point of sale – Islas Airways offices, airports or travel agencies.

The agreement will continue in place for the next two years, and according to the regional depar tment of health is par t of their overall objective of improving the conditions of patients who have to travel outside their health area to receive adequate treatment.

Palma which last June cost 31.84 euros has fallen to 26.44 euros, matching the level of 2006. Even more attractive are the packages for three or more resident passengers plus a car on a return trip. The cost for a return journey from Tenerife to La Palma for four people plus a car has been reduced from its July 2008 level of 157.70 euros to only 123.96 euros. This is exceptional news for all inter-island travellers who can now not only benefit from fast travel in top class ferries, but also the lowest prices.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

Topless car wash

Business idea draws fury A suggestion by the Cabildo in La Palma that would-be entrepreneurs on the island should consider opening a car wash staffed by topless girls has made the national headlines and drawn fierce reaction from female politicians.

The proposal, included in a list of 501 business ideas published recently by the island’s Local Development Agency, has been slammed

in some quarters as ‘sexist’ and ‘degrading’. Spanish MP Mercedes Coello said the idea was an insult to women, particularly the hint in the proposal that men washing their car “might be in for something extra”. Among the other innovative business ideas in the list is art forgery.

Calls are growing for an investigation into the use of public funds for the Agency’s study

Las Palmas port

Shark fin row Las Palmas has been named by an international marine life protection association as one of the two biggest ports in Europe for trade in shark fins.

Ecology group Oceana recently announced the results of an in-depth

investigation into the trade and says it has ample evidence to show that fishing boats calling in to Las Palmas regularly unload fins and other shark parts for sale on markets in Europe and further afield.

The organisation says it wants to draw attention to the situation to encourage the EU to regulate sharkhunting and help stabilise the dwindling numbers of the endangered species.

Trial date

Johnson murders A man accused of mur dering a Welsh couple in Fuerteventura in July 2006 will be tried at the end of March in Las Palmas.

Prosecutors are seeking a 46-year jail term for the

local man, who is accused of killing Brian and Tina Johnson with a hammer when they called at his apartment in La Oliva to collect rent. He is said to have then buried their bodies under rocks on waste ground. The trial is due to begin on 30 March in the Criminal Court in the Gran Canaria capital.

CANARY ISLANDS

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LEGAL LOG JAM

Strike by judges Courts throughout the Canaries could be brought to a standstill if judges carry out their threat to go on strike over working conditions.

Meetings with the Spanish Justice minister Mariano Bermejo in January failed to resolve the growing crisis and some form of action is now considered virtually certain.

Ironically, the country’s judiciary is thought to be seeking legal advice itself on whether judges can go on strike given that they are one of the branches of power. The government has hinted that the action may be illegal and would lead to

Court log jam if judges strike?

an unprecedented conflict of interest. However, judges throughout Spain appear to be firmly behind the

proposal, which would see a stoppage of some form on 18 February and a full-blown strike later in the year.

Justice sources admit to being very worried at the prospect of having to cancel thousands of trials due to the existing backlog in courts.

There are fears also that some criminals could go free if their trials do not take place as scheduled and they have to be released from custody.

Meanwhile, the government has criticised the profession for over-reacting to the decision to discipline a judge for failing to jail a known paedophile who is believed to have later sexually assaulted and then killed a young girl in Huelva last year.

IMMIGRATION

Asylum requests down It would appear that the current economic downturn as it affects Spain has a few positive sides – depending on your point of view.

No doubt for a variety of reasons the number of illegal immigrants seeking asylum in Spain and in the Canary Islands dropped by almost half in 2008.

That year there were 355 petitions received by the authorities (225 in Las Palmas and 130 in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife). Nationally the number dropped from 7,662 petitions made in 2007 to

4,516 in 2008. Breaking down the requests received here country by country, immigrants from African nations made up the majority seeking refuge – from the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Sahara.

Most of the asylum petitions are still pending – of those 130 made in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife only three have been granted with 84 persons in possession of provisional documentation.

Asylum requests from illegal immigrants have almost halved

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

By Karl McLaughlin

Amy’s Mum clings to hope

Audrey and fiancé Dave Mahon with Island Connections’ Karl McLaughlin

AUDREY FITZPATRICK, MOTHER OF DUBLIN-BORN TEENAGER AMY, WHO WENT MISSING FROM HER HOME IN MIJAS ON NEW YEAR’S DAY 2008

T

he mother of a Dublin teenager who has not been seen for more than a year says that “nothing else matters in her life” at present except the hunt for her daughter.

Amy Fitzpatrick disappeared without trace late on New Year’s Day last year as she walked home in Mijas on the Costa del Sol. Her mother Audrey and stepfather Dave Mahon have spent every day since searching for clues to her whereabouts, a quest that brought them to the Canaries recently to take part in a touching initiative involving two other women who know better than anyone else what they are going through.

Ithaisa Suárez, whose seven-year-old son Yeremi Vargas disappeared in broad daylight as he played just yards from his grandmother’s house in Vecindario in March 2007, and Nieves Hernández, the mother of Sara Morales, who has not been seen since July 2006 when she left her Las Palmas home to meet up with friends, were contacted

by Audrey before Christmas with a view to launching a

joint campaign to keep their children’s disappearances in the public spotlight. New posters featuring all three youngsters were printed and distributed at Vecindario’s weekly street market and the event drew massive interest from the public as well as from the regional and national media. In an exclusive interview with Island Connections, Audrey and Dave revealed the terrible toll the search for Amy has taken on them personally and on those around them. They believe the Vecindario campaign has been a major boost, particularly for Sara’s mother, who confessed to the Irish couple that coming together with Ithaisa and Audrey had given her ‘renewed strength to carry on’.

“The campaign here was needed because many people in southern Spain know nothing about Yeremi and Sara’s cases, while people in the Canaries probably know just as little about Amy” explained Audrey, who has several other initiatives planned for the coming months to ensure the hunt remains uppermost in the public’s mind and also,

hopefully, to jog the memories of anyone who might have seen her daughter. “The search is the only thing in our lives at present and we keep ourselves occupied day in day out exploring every possibility. We have to keep going otherwise we would collapse and wallow in self pity”, acknowledged the 40year-old Dubliner. Audrey is far from convinced that her daughter, whose 17th birthday was on 7 February, is still in Spain but cannot rule out the possibility altogether, which is why she is seeking a meeting with Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero to raise the profile of the yearlong hunt here.

“She had no passport of her own because she was under 16 when she disappeared and was on my passport. But it is so easy to get out of the country by road, so she could be anywhere by now. When she disappeared she had absolutely nothing with her, not even make-up, and anyone who knows her will tell you she would not even go to the swimming pool without makeup!”, explained Audrey in one of the few lighter moments

IF BONO WERE TO CALL ON PEOPLE TO FIND AMY, WITH A GIANTSCREEN PHOTO IN A CONCERT MAYBE,

it would be a great help of our interview, which was interrupted briefly as pictures of the latest teenage girl to go missing in southern Spain (a 17-year-old from Seville) flashed up on a nearby TV screen, causing Audrey to stop mid-sentence and shake her head.

“We simply cannot understand how Amy went missing.

There has been a lot of speculation in the media, including hurtful comments about Dave, that she ran away from home but she had so much to look forward to: she had planned her 16th birthday in Ireland with her best friend for over a year and was really looking for ward to going

back. Yes, we had our clashes - who doesn’t with a teenage daughter - but we were very close and she would always ring me every day no matter where she was. The most puzzling thing about all this, and the most worrying, is that she has not been in touch with any of her friends on Facebook or Bebo or sent a single e-mail to anyone. She missed my 40th birthday, not to mention her Granny’s 80th and her brother Dean’s 18th as well. Not a single call to any of us in all this time” said Audrey.

The search has clearly put a heavy strain on the couple in more ways than one, although Dave - who remains discreetly in the background while Audrey talks to people offering their support - insists they “are very strong and lean on each other all the time for support”. The financial cost is mounting by the day and they could soon lose the family home in Mijas and two other small properties they own at present if they do not keep up their mortgage payments: “We must have spent around 15,000 euros alone in phone calls in the past year. The

costs of travelling the length and breadth of Spain and to other parts are crippling us and we will not be able to sustain this indefinitely. We asked the banks a few months ago to freeze our repayments for a while to allow us some breathing space but they have ignored us and we could be in deep trouble soon. We aren’t looking for charity or a cheque written out, just a bit of leeway to keep going.

Losing the Mijas house would be a devastating blow because we have always promised each other that Amy will have her house, her same bedroom, to return to when she turns up”.

Apart from a small number of fund-raising initiatives, such as the Amy Day organised by a Fuengirola bar on October 19 and a friend who raised sponsorship to run on their behalf in the Dublin Marathon, all the money has come from the couple’s personal savings. They have no income because Dave has not worked since his step-daughter disappeared, although he has tried unsuccessfully a couple of times to go back to running his estate agents

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

World Heritage Cultural Site Free guided tours in English, German and French.

Tourist Information Office Casa de los Capitanes Call to book tour: 922 631 194 Fax: 922 608 974 . E-Mail: turismo.laguna@cabtfe.es Mondays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm

Tourist Information Office Los Rodeos Call to book tour: 922 825 046 Fax: 922 608 974 . E-Mail: turismo.laguna@cabtfe.es Mondays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

business. “The company still exists but I will have to begin from scratch once all this ends” he admitted.

The question of when it will all end is a delicate but inevitable one. “While on the BBC’s Missing programme last year we heard about a family who have been looking for their child for 14 years so we know what some are going through. A number of people, well-meaning it has to be said, ask us if we would not prefer closure on this as soon as possible. Closure means death and death is pretty final. We prefer the glimmer of hope that Amy is alive, regardless of the circumstances, than so-called closure,” insisted

a friendly policeman was on the phone soon after to tell us it wasn’t Amy. Those few moments were terrifying”.

A second was even worse and lasted considerably longer. “We got a call from the police station a few months ago asking us to drive over and ask for Forensics. We had no idea what they wanted but the mention of forensics sent panic through us. Dave could not even drive he was shaking so much and had to use a taxi. It turned out to be a false alarm, however.

What they wanted was for us to look at a TV commercial by the Corte Inglés department store because someone had contacted them to say

Audrey Fitzpatrick and the two Gran Canaria mothers whose children have disappeared

Dave as he watched Audrey and her two Gran Canaria counterparts go out live on Spanish TV’s Cuatro channel from the Vecindario market place. “My own mother died of cancer not so long ago but eventually you get over it. But Amy’s situation is a bereavement day in day out for us. It is the first thing we think of every morning and the last thing at night” particularly for Audrey, who admits to having sleep problems.

The past 13 months have brought many low points for both mother and stepfather, including occasions when they literally fell to their knees in despair. The worst moments are etched in their minds.

“One was when we received a call from the police to say human remains had been found in nearby Benalmadena. Word was already leaking out and we had the helicopters flying over the house immediately. Luckily

one of three foreign models used in the ad looked very like Amy. Once we saw the ad we knew it wasn’t her”.

Other scares have included the discovery of clothes on wasteground near the spot where Amy went missing and then several months later in hills well outside Malaga. “My DNA has been taken to check against any clothes found to see if they were worn by Amy but so far there have been no matches” said Audrey.

The stress has taken its toll also on Amy’s elder brother Dean, now nearly 19, who has returned to Ireland to start a new life away from Mijas.

According to his mother he could not cope with seeing the posters of his sister everywhere or even walking past her bedroom in the house.

The family agreed with him that going back to Ireland was the best thing to do and he is now enrolled on an art and design course at college and shares his time between his

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

7

Amy’s Mum receives an emotional hug from a well-wisher in Vecindario

Locals turned out in force in Gran Canaria to support the three mothers

Amy Fitzpatrick

father and his grandmother on Audrey’s side. Another person who is counting the cost of Amy’s disappearance is a close family friend, Englishman Richard O’Shea, whose old Ford Fiesta became the subject of a nationwide hunt after it was reported missing around the time the teenager disappeared.

O’Shea came forward for questioning even though he knew he had an outstanding warrant for a drink-driving offence and he was immediately arrested, triggering frantic media speculation that he had something to do with her disappearance. He has since lost his licence and been fined for the offence.

In terms of future plans, Audrey and Dave have a couple of ideas in mind to keep Amy’s case in the spotlight. After distributing over 10,000 posters in Puerto Rico, Mogán and Playa del Inglés during their trip to Gran Canaria, they flew to Dublin to

Audrey and Dave, now into its second hour and drawing to a close, turns to the inevitable question of what may have happened to the teenager.

Audrey is convinced she is being held against her will.

“I have to believe she will be found. I still think she was probably befriended by someone in the weeks beforehand and persuaded to go away. She herself may want to come back home but is being prevented from doing so.

How else could you explain that she has not contacted all the people she used to chat to regularly on the Internet?”

Websites are one of the few sources of comfort to Audrey, particularly the messages posted almost every day on the official Missing Amy site, which is run from home by Antoinette McLoughlin, also originally from Dublin and who Audrey describes as an ‘absolute treasure’ and lynchpin. “The website keeps

meet with Irish government officials to discuss the search and hear from them first-hand about the latest developments. Then (36 hours later) it was back to the Costa del Sol for the monthly meeting with senior police officers to review the case. Audrey hopes to enlist the support of U2 lead singer Bono, also a Dubliner, to publicise the plight of her daughter. “Bono is huge in Spain and everywhere else. If he were to call on people to find Amy, with a giant-screen photo in a concert maybe, it would be a great help. It would be just five minutes of his life but it would mean the world to us.

It’s not our photos that should be appearing in public, it should be Amy’s. If papers in tourist resorts inserted flyers or Amy cut-outs for people to carry around or take back home, it would spread her face around and make the chances of a sighting much higher”. Our interview with

me going, knowing that thousands of people are thinking and talking about her”.

In the meantime she and her fiancé continue their crusade and will do so “for as long as it takes” until Amy turns up safe and sound. In the midst of their own personal tragedy, they have time to remember their fellow-sufferers Nieves (whose frail appearance reflects the heavy toll the search for Sara has taken on her health) and Ithaisa, who confided in Audrey that she bought Christmas presents for Yeremi to keep up the pretence that he will be back soon, for the sake of her other son aged three. The best present Audrey, Christmas or otherwise, would be to receive a call from Amy (her ‘Amy Lou’ or ‘Buntin’ as she is known affectionately in the inner family circle) or from someone with information on her whereabouts. Her phone, 617561319, is on all the time to receive that vital call.

00 44 1522 527439 jason@probatesolutions.co.uk

8

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CANARY ISLANDS

SUPREME COURT RULING

Lanzarote

Citizenship obstacle removed

Urticaria manifests itself in the form of blotches of hives

Some want Religion to be made compulsory if Citizenship is too

Urticaria

Dermatologists meet in Playa Blanca Dermatologists from all over Spain met in the Lanzarote resort of Playa Blanca recently to update their knowledge of treatment of the common skin disorder urticaria.

Almost a hundred skin specialists attended a three-day event organised by pharmaceutical firm Schering-Plough, which produces one of the most widely-prescribed drugs used to tackle the condition.

Urticaria, which manifests itself in the form of blotches of hives or wheals lasting for

The way has been cleared for the controversial Citizenship subject to be placed on the school curriculum nationwide.

Uncertainty has surrounded the new subject, which was introduced by the Zapatero government shortly after coming to power in 2004 but

has faced a number of legal challenges by parents who feel the content clashes with their right to decide what values to instil in their children. Several regions, particularly those with conservative governments (some of whom want Religion to be made compulsory if Citizenship must be studied), have

held back on adding Citizenship to the syllabus until the matter is resolved.

Spain’s Supreme Court has now ruled that parents do not have the right to object on grounds of conscience to their children being taught the subject.

In a 22-7 majority verdict, judges said Citizenship in no way encroached on

parents’ manner of rearing their offspring and, in any case, the right of conscience objection was not an absolute right.

Some parents’ groups are determined to continue the fight and have confirmed that they are willing to take the case to the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg if necessary.

periods of several weeks, is one of the most mysterious skin disorders known to doctors. It can be triggered by anything from water to contact with warm objects and is believed to affect 15-20 per cent of the population at some point in their lives. Keynote speaker at the conference was Ger man specialist Markus Maurer, from the Charité Hospital in Berlin, who presented evidence suppor ting the beneficial effects of an increased dose (x4) of desloratadine in chronic cases.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

CANARY ISLANDS

9

DRIVE SAFELY

Belting up

The new campaign aims to encourage safer behaviour among young drivers

According to the results of a survey carried out by the Lanzarote Cabildo department of youth, a high percentage of young people are aware of the need to have their seat belts fastened and are also doing so.

A campaign, called ‘With a seat belt wherever you are’ saw a series of street stands in place all over the island between January and July of last

year carrying information regarding the use of seat belts and asking young people to fill in a questionnaire reflecting their level of knowledge regarding the use of seat belts in different zones and for drivers and passengers, back and front.

According to the Cabildo, 93 per cent of those interviewed were aware of the safety features of their cars, and 71 per cent said they felt and assumed responsibility for their passengers.

Almost three quarters of those surveyed said they used their seat belt in urban areas, a number which rose to 95 per cent with reference to inter-urban roads/zones.

Regarding the use of a belt when sitting in the back of the car, 60 per cent said they did so all the time (research does show that in crashes, unbelted rear passengers increase nearly fivefold the risk of death for belted front passengers as well as themselves).

Last year in Lanzarote there were nine road deaths, 107 injuries, 20 of them serious. The latest campaign from the Cabildo is also aimed at the next generation of drivers, and under the title ‘Young people, leisure and driving’, will take the form of a travelling roadshow, visiting secondary schools throughout the Island between now and the end of March, offering talks and workshops on safe driving, how alcohol consumption and driving don’t go hand and hand, and generally letting young drivers and those learning to drive know that car use can be a lot of fun but only when used sensibly and responsibly.

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El Hierro switched on The smallest island in the Canaries can now receive digital TV, albeit not everywhere. The eagerly-awaited switchon occurred at the end of January and extended the initial digital signal which was being piloted in the capital Valverde to other areas including El Golfo, El Pinar, El Mocanal and San Andrés.

Local Cabildo boss Tomás Padrón welcomed the development, which has

allayed fears that El Hierro would be left behind when the entire country switches from analogue TV next year.

The initial work to bring the digital signal to the island was carried out by the Spanish Ministry for Public Works and it is now up to the Canarian government to complete the job to ensure the remaining areas, among them the port at la Restinga, are covered in the coming months.

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Transport strike

Lanzarote’s image damaged The head of Lanzarote’s influential hotel association (Asolan) says that the island has still not recovered from the repercussions of the transport strike back in 2007.

Susana Pérez revealed in a recent media interview that German tour operators had acknowledged to her in private that the damage done to the island’s reputation when thousands of holidaymakers were left stranded without transportation has been more serious than anticipated.

Speaking to the La Provincia daily, Pérez

added that Germans increasingly switched to other destinations after wards and the lost ground has not been made up.

“Fuerteventura has also become more popular with German tourists of late and that too has had an effect on us”, she added. The Asolan boss also revealed that bookings by Britons for the summer season are down 20 per cent compared to last year, due to the economic crisis and particularly the weak pound, which is making many think twice about holidaying in a euro currency destination.

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EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CANARY ISLANDS

Carnavals 2009

2009

C

Carnavals Get ready to party

ar naval is the festival just before Lent, and not to be missed in the Canar y Islands, whether you visit one of the more famous ones, or a smaller affair in your local town.

expect the Islands to be fairly busy. Main events for both adults and children include competitions such as fancy dress, murgas (satirical songs about current af fairs and politics) and singing and dancing groups.

The best known internationally and most extravagant are in Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, but Carnaval actually goes on in most towns across the Canaries.

Many people time their holiday visits to coincide with Carnaval, so we can

There are also processions, and of course galas for the election of the adult, senior and infant Carnaval queens.

Some towns such as Las Palmas, Playa del Inglés and Puerto de la Cruz stage a series of events aimed at the gay community including a drag queen contest. In Las Palmas the 12th drag queen

gala will be presented by well known and loved TV personality Boris Izaguirre on 20th February.

Carnaval is the time for the ridiculous – you will feel completely out of place if you don’t dress up, and this can be done on a budget so do give it a try! The Carnaval theme in Santa Cruz this year is Horror Films, in Puerto de la Cruz, Africa Land of Tribes, and in Las Palmas it is Pirates.

In Las Palmas, the design of the magnificent stage was inspired by the histor y of the city and the numerous attacks it suffered by pirates

in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The stage in Santa Cruz has a backdrop of scenes from horror films while the floor resembles a giant spider’s web. We can look forward to absolute fun from now until 25th February in Santa Cruz, and until the 28th in Las Palmas and Puerto de la Cruz with dancing in the streets continuing long into the early hours. Smaller towns around the islands either celebrate their Carnavals at the same time, or in early March, so if you don’t want to travel too far, look out for information

locally. The most significant dates are listed in our What’s On section.

The ritual of the Burial of the Sardine marks the end of the Carnaval. Much work goes into the creation of the huge papier-mache fish which is towed around the town in procession followed by an entourage of weeping widows who are not always all that they seem. At the end of the procession, there is a fireworks display during which the sardine is set alight, and this is followed by the

widows’ ball.

There are usually special bus services to help you get to and from the Carnaval on the main procession day, so that you can leave your car at home. One word of warning: be careful to guard your purses or wallets. It is sometimes better not to take anything valuable with you at all if you are partying, just enough cash for food and drinks. So get dressed up, put on your make-up, leave your problems at home and enjoy!

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

PROMOTION

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12

Tenerife South

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

COSTA ADEJE

SWALLOWS ART EXHIBITION

Callao Sport opens

Colourful contrasts

The doors of a new four-star hotel complex in Callao Salvaje are now open to guests and the public. The inauguration was attended by the mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, the hotel owners, Benito and Miguel Ángel Domínguez and manager Luis Sainz Bravo, as well as a host of guests from the tourism and business sector of the south of Tenerife.

During the inauguration speeches, Benito Domínguez thanked everyone who had contributed towards this project, which has taken around two years to complete.

The mayor said that, “this family has a long business history during which they have developed quality spaces and generated employment, wealth and economic activity in the municipality”.

Callao Sport is a hotel complex constructed on a plot of 54,000 square metres, offering a mixture of rest, relaxation, sports and nature for the whole family and described as an oasis of peace in the south of Tenerife. The hotel has 180 beds divided between double rooms and suites which are all totally equipped for comfort and have magnifi-

The Swallows Ar t Exhibition will run for two weeks, from Februar y 23 to March 6 at the Swedish Church on the sea front at Los Cristianos.

cent views of the gardens and across the sea to La Gomera.

The hotel design is based on traditional Canarian architecture and it is surrounded by several beautiful gardens and sporting facilities including pitch and putt, three tennis courts, three padel courts, badminton, squash, a nine-hole golf course, an area for multiple sports including volley basket, indoor football, yoga and three swimming pools including one for children.

There is also a gymnasium and a specific area for nudists. According to director

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Luis Sainz Bravo, the main attraction at Callao Sport is its incredible health and beauty spa occupying 1,800 square metres and based on the Aztec culture. It has all the services and the most modern equipment needed for hydrotherapy: jacuzzi, Turkish bath, Roman thermal bath, cold room, hydromassage pools, jets, saunas, cascades, shower circuit, and offers an ample selection of treatments, therapies and massages as well as beauty treatments, all at reasonable prices and with residents’ membership available.

Callao Sport Hotel offers

Canarian and International cuisine and promotes healthy eating by using first class ingredients. There are cafés, indoor buffet, internet café, bars, a shop, chillout area, rooms for events and banquets, meetings and congresses.

The mayor spoke of the hard work of the Domínguez family to turn Callao Salvaje into a top class tourist resort and residential district, of their courage in doing so during such hard times, and described Callao Sport as, “a breath of fresh air with which I am convinced we can move ahead”.

This excellent art group have had successful exhibitions at the Cultural Centre in Los Cristianos and the Hacienda Cristoforo near Playa Paraíso as well as a very successful exhibition at the Swedish Church last year.

This year’s exhibition has a variety of paintings showing the dedication, inspiration and enjoyment of all the artists painting in water colours, acrylics and oils. The group venture out each week sketching in the spectacular locations of Tenerife , sometimes on the beautiful beaches or up in the hills in the picturesque villages.

Among the many paintings on view they aim to capture the vibrant colours of the landscapes and seascapes, flora and fauna of the beautiful Canar y Islands. The artists will

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be happy to discuss their paintings and techniques.

Some of them hold workshops and painting classes, information about which can be obtained at the exhibition.

All the paintings are for sale so don’t miss your chance to purchase a future masterpiece. The exhibition is open on weekdays, Monday and Friday at 10.30 until 1pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.30 until 1pm and 4pm until 7pm.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

TENERIFE SOUTH

13

PLAYA DE AJABO

Beach plans approved One good piece of news to come out of FITUR, the annual international tourism fair in Madrid, was the confirmation that the council’s final plan for the creation of a proper beach in Callao Salvaje – Playa de Ajabo, has been approved by the relevant departments and work should start sometime this year.

Adeje’s tourism councillor, Miguel Ángel Santos, said “we are delighted for our borough and particularly for residents of Callao Salvaje and, of course, for those who visit the region; we are reaping the benefit of a job well done thanks to the work and dedication of those working on the improvement and rehabilitation of this tourist zone”.

Included in the plans are the expansion of the beach size and levelling off parts of the existing area, as well as cleaning up and making safe the walls and crumbling masonry near the back of the beach.

The plans also see a new infrastructure design for the beach which will, according to the council, take full account of the surrounds, in that any additions will inte-

but we believe that we cannot rush the redevelopment of a zone that is so important to the borough, and we would prefer that once the work is complete it will last a long time”. The plan also Miguel Ángel Santos Cruz and Manuel Rodríguez Herrerías, head of Canarian project development, under the auspices of the national department of the environment

grate well into the zone and have minimum visual impact. According to Santos the duration of the work is currently envisaged to be 12 months and will also see the beach comply with all the requirements of the Blue Flag scheme and the in-place beach development quality conditions Adeje has adopted. However Santos added that while the hope is that the beach will be complete in 2010, “it’s difficult to accurately predict the time work of this magnitude will take to complete, so we are hoping that the beach will be ready in 2010

Sunway Estate Agents

Barry Macdonald, RIP

It is with great sadness that we inform you that the owner of Sunway the Estate Agents, Mr Barry Macdonald passed away on Thursday 15th Januar y 2009.

With well-established of fices in Tenerife and Fuer teventura, Bar r y was recognised as one of the most respected businessmen in the Canarian property market, having successfully run his company, Sunway the Estate Agents, for

over 25 years Bar r y Macdonald str ongly believed in Sunway and always maintained a positive appr oach taking advantage of new opportunities whenever they arose, expanding the business in order to offer a full professional ser vice package to people wishing to sell or purchase property in the Canaries.

Barry´s daughter Sarah Macdonald, has now taken over the company and the future can only be described as exciting, as she carries on this legacy of success for many years to come.

A memorial ser vice was held on Thursday 22nd January to celebrate Barry´s life, close friends and family would like to thank all who attended.

Barry will be greatly missed by his family, friends and employees, may he rest in peace.

envisages the completion of a coastal pathway linking Callao Salvaje to Playa Paraíso, which will see, according the councillor, the whole of the coast of Adeje connected and easily accessible. Regarding the work on the La Enramada beach at La Caleta, the councillor said that phase two of the work was still to be completed, and would see the development of a pedestrian area.

14

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE SOUTH

GOT A FAST CAR? Granadilla

Maybe we can do a deal

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Power solution on the cards isfied and optimistic with the outcome of the meeting, stated that he, “wants this type of illegal car sales which have been detected in the district stopped quickly, because they are not only negatively affecting the legal companies, but creating significant problems for the consumer and the local council”.

Tenerife’s two most prominent car sales organisations have expressed their preoccupation over the illegal vehicle wheeling and dealing carried out on the streets of the island.

Cristóbal Nuñez, the secretary general of FREDICA (the Canarian regional federation of vehicle importers and agents) and José Manuel Martín, the president of ASATE (the Tenerife association of new and secondhand car sales companies) recent-

ly met Secundino Yanes Falcón who is the councillor responsible for the local police force in Guía de Isora, to discuss this problem which has escalated over the last few years. This was just one of the island-wide meetings planned by the two organisations, during which solutions are being sought.

cars are being displayed for sale on public roads in Chio and Playa San Juan”. Yanes Falcón expressed his, “total support for stopping this activity in Guía de Isora” and added that, “recently we have managed to practically eradicate illegal car sales, especially where they have invaded public roads”.

Nuñez indicated during his meeting in Guía de Isora, “that this district doesn’t actually have any significant ‘black spots’, although there are isolated cases where

He assured those present that he is committed to, “definitively eradicating any form of organised sales on the streets of the district”.

Meanwhile, Martín, sat-

The practice of selling vehicles illegally on the streets of the Canary Islands has grown with the passing of the years, and with this, the competition between these supposed car dealers has also escalated. They are now using shopping centre car parks, unused plots of land, petrol stations and public streets as secondhand car lots.

The two organisations are working together to track this activity and consider that the support of the local corporations which are affected is essential so that efficient and permanent measures can be adopted which will hopefully solve the problem.

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Can’t buy me love, but...

If you really really wanted to impress your other half this Valentine’s the way to do so would have been a three night stay at the luxurious Bahia del Duque in South Tenerife.

This five (would be more if they existed) star hotel went that bit further this year in making their Valentine’s offer a bit more

exclusive than most. As well as the limousine pick up from the airport, some excellent dinners in their top gourmet restaurants, serenaded by a violin duet as you eat, couples are also treated to an exclusive three-hour catered yacht trip, with the boat all to themselves (shades of Some Like It Hot). But that’s not all.

For the

asking price of €29,800.00 the couple will also receive a Damián diamond ring and a Audemars Piguet watch.

According to the hotel’s commercial spokesperson Armando Pinero the number of visits to their website (www.bahia-duque.com) doubled on the first day the ad appeared, and though it may seem like nothing more than a clever

Electricity supplies in south Tenerife will not be fully guaranteed until the power station in Granadilla is allowed to operate two new generators capable of producing 220 megawatts.

marketing ploy, he insists this is a genuine offer.

“While its the first time we have promoted a special offer of this nature, many of the world’s top hotels have created similar deals and very successfully”, he told Island Connections, adding that he expected that they would receive at least five bookings in response to the offer.

The station built its extension to accommodate a new combined-cycle power plant with three turbines but the facility was closed down by the local council, apparently because it did not have a licence. Granadilla says the power plant was built on land which was not classified for such a purpose and local and island planning instr uments need to be changed before an operating licence can be granted. The town’s mayor Carmen Rivero met with the Tenerife

Granadilla mayor Carmen Rivero is working to resolve the problems

authorities recently to explore a solution to the problem and stressed that she was aware of the potential repercussions of further delays. According to sources at the island’s Cabildo, planners have already agreed to amend the current legislation to reflect the public interest in having the extra output brought on line as soon as possible.

Santiago del Teide DRIVING

Councils demand traffic sub-office Councils in south Tenerife have joined for ces to pressure the government into opening an office in the area to issue driving licences and deal with car registration formalities.

Local mayors have long called for the Santa Cruz headquarters of ‘Tráfico’ to be decentralised to make life easier for the thousands of people who have to make the trek up to the capital ever y month for the formalities, spending an entire day in

many cases. Santiago del Teide is among the most vociferous advocates of a sub-office although it admits that if the request is granted the office would probably have to be sited in a larger town.

It would also be hoped that sooner rather than later the whole issue of the location of driving tests, both theoretical and practical, will be resolved to give those lear ner drivers in the south and north of Tenerife the same opportunities as those in the capital.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

PROMOTION

15

16

Tenerife

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

SUMMER HARMONY

DISNEY ON ICE

Princess Classics All the magic of Disney in La Laguna

Anyone who enjoyed the magic of Disney On Ice at the Santiago Martín pavilion in La Laguna last year will want to make sure they have their tickets for this year’s offering – Princesses...a show that brings together, for the first time, Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Jasmine,

and much much more.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Inc., Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics is a tale of triumph against evil using the magical combination of heart, humour and hope, as told through the eyes of the seven princesses. The ice rink transforms into lands of enchantment with a jewelled,

three-story, revolving castle.

An international troupe of more than 40 award-winning figure skaters take to the ice under the helm of world-renowned choreographers Tom Dickson and his wife Catarina Lindgren, a former Olympian. For this 23rd production of Disney On Ice, the couple incorporates the current interna-

The most important Spanish travel agents were interested in the concert

tional phenomenon of synchronized skating into the high-impact choreography of Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics. Dickson and Lindgren guide a team consisting of more than half the cast in performing fast-paced, highly detailed manoeuvers in exact precision to create unique formations on the ice. Skaters will add samba flair with Latin numbers; daring pair performances will make jaws drop; and elegant ice dancers will bring an element of romance to favourites such as Once Upon a Dream, So This Is Love and A Whole New World.

A show for all the family, the professional cast and extraordinary set create a world of Disney magic that will capture your heart and soul. There will be nine shows over four days (including weekend matinees) from April 17th – 21st and tickets are now on sale in El Corte Inglés or online at www.elcorteinglés.es.

If you have always believed that someday your prince would come, this could be the day!

La Orotava

The future of Doña Chana According to La Orotava mayor Isaac Valencia the future of Doña Chana, the cultural parquet in the city, is an interesting and secure one.

The zone, located in the centre of the town by the bus station, and acquired by the council in 2004 currently has only about 40 per cent of its potential realised and open to the public.

Within the grounds there is a large building and terrace, though a large part of this is still in need of reforms before it can be opened up. There are also plans to build a large underground car park with space for up to 200 cars with the

roof connected to the parquet via a new bridge. Valencia said he hoped the improvements would see Doña Chana used as a new attractive centre for residents and visitors. The gardens already house old laundries, also in need of restoration.

The work on the above should take the rest of this year to complete.

However there are further plans to house a nature room in the house, as well as a salon for the Orotava musical group performances, a section for the Language School and space for exhibitions, workshops and talks. A bar or cafeteria is also in the plans.

La Orotava mayor Isaac Valencia is working to restore Doña Chana

Rod Stewart concert The stunning early summer concert on 16 May in the south of Tenerife by Rod Stewart is attracting all the right kind of attention from authorities and travel companies according to the production company Canarias Live Sun Festival.

The company were present at the recent Fitur travel fair to present details of the event to all those involved in the travel industry and of their overall project to revolutionise the tourism and leisure offer in Tenerife, offering a selection of major shows which it is hoped will increase the demand for tourism services in the area, hotels, bars, restaurants etc. and at the same time promoting the island and the Canaries in general in a different way and increasing the satisfaction level of the clients in a spectacular way.

The most impor tant Spanish tourist groups such as Orizonia and Viajes El Corte Inglés amongst others have given the idea a great reception and all agree that this kind of event

gives a great promotional impact to a tourist destination and means that the area is given an added extra to offer to the clients. It is hoped that this project will catapult the Canaries onto the map of the major cities in the world which organise these types of events, playing a fundamental part in maintaining tourism as the economic motor of the islands, especially in these moments of crisis and maximum worldwide competition.

Business people agree that the project should be supported at all levels of government and Canarias Live Sun Festival commented that they have decided to continue fighting for Tenerife, despite the crisis and stated that it is now time for the business community to demonstrate what they are worth, taking a risk for the land which has given them so much money, “conservative positions are no good in these times.

We have to wager more than ever now to save the economic motor of our land on which so many people depend.”

The Media Group under one roof Island Connections | English newspaper Kanaren Express | German newspaper The Magazine | English magazine Express FM | German radio C/Francisco C/F i Feo F Rodríguez, R dí No. 6, Pol. Ind. Las Chafiras. 38620 San Miguel de Abona · Tenerife · Tel: +34 922 750 609 · Fax: +34 922 795810

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

TENERIFE

17

SANTA CRUZ COUNCIL Tourism transport

Stab in the back for Llanos?

Canaries priority plea Regional tourism Minister, Rita Martín has asked the central government that if there are problems at the Madrid airport of Barajas as there were recently, that flights to the Canaries get priority over all other regions.

Her argument is that there are other ways of getting around the Spanish peninsula and that even the Balearic Islands have a ferr y ser vice, but the Canaries are practically cut off from the Spanish capital without a plane service.

Her arguments haven’t gone down well with the other islands region, the Balearics, which also depends heavily on tourism, however the dependence of the Canaries on air travel is clear.

Sea connections to Portugal and the peninsula are measured in days rather than hours and tourists

Martín wants the Canaries put first

will not want to spend five days out of a seven or ten day holiday travelling.

Making a speech at a meeting with over 70 businessmen from the tourism and leisure sectors of the islands, the Minister confirmed that the regional government will be investing 30 million euros in the Plan for the promotion of air transport to the Islands and that in total 130 million euros is to be pumped into the tourism sector, 60 per cent from the Regional Government and the remainder from the island councils.

She underlined, “renovation is the future”.

Socialists in the Santa Cruz council who have refused mayor Miguel Zerolo’s offer to join the city’s government claim it is just a ruse to weaken the head of his current power-sharing partner, Ángel Llanos, and prepare the ground for a new coalition government.

The two members of the Citizens for Santa Cruz party, Guillermo Guigou Suárez and Ángel Guimerá Gil have already confirmed their willingness to enter government if their local party committee agrees, possibly surprising bedmates for Zerolo considering that one of their electoral campaign posters showed the mayor with a very long Pinocchio nose.

The third person to be invited is councillor Ignacio González Santiago, island president of the Canarian Centre Nationalist party.

Llanos is the only member of his party to lose any of his current areas of government, both employment and the Santa Cruz Development

Ignacio González has been offered two areas currently held by Llanos

Society are supposedly to be handed over to González.

The leader of the conservative faction in the council was not consulted nor notified before the invitation was issued to the other parties to join the governing group to see if he was in favour. He made it quite clear in recent statements that if there were to be additional members,

that his party would not be handing over any of their spheres of interest. If their party agree, Guigou will preside over a new social services commission and Guimerá will be over housing, which is currently run by one of Zerolo’s supporters.

Zerolo insisted the offer is a good idea to secure, “the consensus needed to see

Santa Cruz through these hard times.” However it is hard to see how three more councillors in the governing group and presumably three more wages or at least expenses claims are going to help the city struggle through a financial crisis, so there may be more to the socialists’ claims than political hay-making.

18

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE

Mercy ships

Making a difference WE LEARNT MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE LARGEST NON-GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITAL SHIP IN THE WORLD.

W

e took advantage of a rare off-duty visit to Santa Cruz of the latest Mercy Ship, Africa Mercy, to learn a little more about the work of the largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world.

Collectively the undeveloped countries are known as the third world and most of us manage to dismiss them from our consciences except for the occasions when the cholera, famine or war victims reach their thousands in one particular state and reach the headlines.

However there are many individuals and organisations who work on a daily basis in the heart of these nations to try and make a difference to the quality of life of their fellow human beings, the Mercy Ships is one such organisation.

One in five people in the world live on less than one euro a day and have no access to clean drinking water. Six million children die every year from preventable diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia and 75 per cent of the worldwide cases of blindness are preventable or reversible. In Africa around half the population has no access to a hospital or doctor and the average lifespan is just 41 years. It was shocking statistics like these that led to the creation of Mercy ships in 1978.

They bought an out-ofser vice transatlantic ship and refitted it as a floating hospital to provide a stable and por table ambience where they could carry out specialised operations which are not normally available in the developing countries.

Since then the various ships of their fleet have seen service in over 550 ports in 70 countries all over the world making a lasting difference in millions of lives.

Some of the illnesses that they treat such as squints, club feet and cleft palates and lips are considered in the more backward areas as the mark of a devil and as such the person suffers socially as

well as physically, in extreme cases they can be cast out from their community or simply left to die. Women who suffer facial tumours or permanent urinary problems following a difficult birth can be divorced and have their children taken from them.

The latest visit to Santa Cr uz was for a routine engine overhaul and some rest and respite for the crew.

Travelling the ship will carry

around 250 skeleton staff, but once in place with all the sanitary staff etc. around 400 people live and work aboard the Africa Mercy. All the staff work free and in fact pay up to 401 euros a month to be aboard to cover the cost of their board and lodgings. The quarters are comfortable, but not luxurious and are divided into singles, married and family lodgings. Children live aboard with their parents and

1. A STABLE AND PORTABLE AMBIENCE FOR OPERATIONS 2- 3. CYRUS CAN NOW LOOK FORWARD TO A NORMAL LIFE 4. ISABEL BEFORE THE OPERATION TO CORRECT HER CLUB FOOT

a nursery and schoolrooms are as much a part of the ship’s fittings as its six operating rooms. One of the chief surgeons has been aboard for 20 years, met and married his partner there and raised his family aboard.

In fact they took a year out so that the children could experience living ashore, but they are all back on board again. Volunteers come from all over the world and from all

walks of life. English is the common language on board although many tongues can be heard. People volunteer for a ten day work spell on a Mercy Team, helping to dig wells or build schools and clinics, or on board from a month at a time or for many years. All skills are needed from cleaners to accountants as well as medical staff. This is a floating town with all the needs that a small town has and the necessity of being completely autonomous.

In a non-denominational Christian environment, all faiths are welcome as volunteers and there is no pressure to attend church ser vices or even to be a believer in the Christian faith – one of their top surgeons is a self-confessed atheist.

In the same way they treat all comers, irrespective of colour, gender or creed and ask for nothing in return.

Nor do they ask for proof that someone is really poor before treating them, assuming that someone who is willing to travel to one of their out patient posts and queue many hours for assessment is in need of their care.

Once in port, some workers travel into the country to help in the Mercy Teams building whatever basic facilities are needed, or of fering education for example on Aids, disease prevention, modern agricultural methods or nutrition and instructing locals who then carr y on the work. Dental teams too travel around the towns and villages treating the population. Others set up centres where possible future patients for operations are assessed as to whether or not their particular illness can be dealt with on board.

As mentioned, among the cases they can deal with are the correction of squints, cataracts, congenital defects, cleft lips and palates, removal of tumours, treatment of burns and war wounds, work and birth injuries and plastic surgery for leprosy victims.

Each patient who comes on board is given a small woollen doll to cuddle, something

TENERIFE PROMOTION

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

8

19

7

5. STAFF PAY FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING ABOARD 6. ONE IN FIVE PEOPLE HAVE NO ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER 7. SHOWING LOCALS HOW TO BREED AND KEEP RABBITS 8. BUILDING MUCH NEEDED INSTALLATIONS 9. PEOPLE QUEUE FOR HOURS TO BE ASSESSED

which can be particularly touching with women with problems following a difficult birth who have often also lost their babies.

This is no cruise liner, those aboard work and work ver y hard. One cataract surgeon treats almost 40 patients a day, working so fast staff have a hard time keeping up with him, but it

is extraordinarily rewarding and the atmosphere aboard is one of optimism, peace and support. Costs are covered by donations and of course greatly reduced by the almost 100 per cent volunteer staff.

Very rarely they have to pay someone to come in and carry out a particular task, but that would be the exception rather than the rule. Companies

donate goods and services too, for example they pay no port fees whilst in Santa Cruz, Zeiss gave them top of the range microscopes and the thousands of lenses that are needed for the cataract operations each year at a cost of between two and three hundred euros each are also donated by Alcon, the world leader in ophthalmic

surgical products. Charitable organisations also help by fitting out a particular area of the ship, a recovery room or a laborator y and they receive cash from wills and from fundraisers, all of which is very welcome.

However the backbone of the organisation, the regular funding is supplied by what their press officer Ricardo

called, “the widow’s mite”, those monthly donations of a small regular sum (tax deductible) which means that they can calculate what they can do and where based on what they can reasonably expect to receive. Their outgoings are so low, that even as little as 15 euros a month, less than most of us spend on a daily cup of coffee,

can make a real difference to someone’s life.

For more information on the work of the Mercy Ships, on how to donate time or money see their website http://www.mercyships.es or those with Spanish mobiles can donate 1.20 euros by sending an SMS with the word ESPERANZA to 7217.

20

HOROSCOPE

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Chinese Astrology

T

he legend says, that one day Buddha called all the animals of the jungle to get advice. Twelve different animals followed Buddha’s call and one after another appeared. First the smart rat came along and is therefore the first animal sign of the zodiac followed by ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Pastime

Crossword

By Daniela Herzberg & Roger Keller Daniela Herzberg & Roger Keller are based in in the south-west of Tenerife. They both are certified Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology consultants and Cosmic Healers and work and teach in Tenerife and Germany. Their comprehensive knowledge about Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology and the five elements is a result of their work with Derek Walters, one of the most respected Feng Shui masters in the world. They have published several books about Chinese Astrology and how to increase your health and vitality with the five elements, with recipes from all over the world.

You can contact Roger and Daniela by email daniela@5-elementos.com, phone: +34 650 830 506 or visit their webpage www.5-elementos.com

Your Chinese horoscope General forecast for the second half of February 2009 Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) Now you can put your ideas into practice and realise long-held ambitions. But you have to work for these benefits, they do not come easily. You are better off concentrating on those projects that you probably can finish this year. Too much creativity may cause major problems.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) If you have issues to discuss with your superiors you should put them on the table right now. There is no way to avoid the confrontation anyway – so you‘d better take care of it now! You should really try to be more tactful, especially with your partner.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998) Establish what you want to achieve, plan your course of action, and proceed. Even if the reigning ox tries to slow down your plans, you should not be irritated. In love matters you should show your reliability and commitment to make your relationship work.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) Too many distractions are caused by the Rabbit having to spend time trying to patch up differences among friends. You should concentrate on your own prospects instead of taking care of everybody around you. This is a good month to expand!

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000) If you define your objective now, no matter how wild or impractical, a solution can be found. But plans are not enough – they have to be acted on. This is a good time to explore and look for new longterm activities. Make sure that you find allies to make things work.

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001) You should be very careful this month how you present yourself. It is best to be absolutely honest. Do not make hidden plans or disguise your real intentions. Put yourself in the spotlight and be open about your ambitions, even if you do not really like to be exposed.

Sudoku

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002) An invigorating atmosphere of enthusiasm may surround the Horse at work and at play. Enjoy yourself and take some time to extend the circle of business contacts and friends. You could even take some time to travel – you will meet a lot of interesting new people out there.

Sheep (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003) You should really start to make some plans! It really is of no benefit to you if you just sit and wait. If you do not take action now, somebody else will have the best slice of the cake. Think of your own future and move forward. Let the spirit of optimism carry you along.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004) Even if you have to cut down your leisure activities, you should really meet the demands they put upon you right now. The faster you fulfill your commitments, the faster you can go on with your own stuff. Look for contrasts in your love life to spice up your relationship.

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) Many opportunities are offered to you and it is a good time to develop a recently established relationship. Try to be a little less self-possessed and show your emotions to the ones you love. This is a good time for any business venture.

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006) Your surrounding friends, family and business partners should all be very sympathetic and encouraging and assist you in practical ways. Look forward to receiving a reward for your determination and loyalty. You have a lot of reasons to be a little more optimistic now.

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007) This is definitely not the time for making great changes. Career moves are likely to bring the Pig into conflict with senior management, and a new position may not meet your expectations. Make the best of the situation and see what future improvements can be planned.

The Chinese solar year starts around February 4. If your birthday is in January or at the beginning of February your Chinese animal sign belongs to the year before. Example 27.1.

1967 belongs to the year of the horse.

[ For Crossword and Sudoku solution see classifieds section ]

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

YOUR OPININION

21

Vox Populi

Letters editorial@ic-news.com

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

La Caleta beach Dear Editor

A

s part-time winter residents in La Caleta for seven years, we were delighted when the beach improvement began last summer.

The beach was opened with a great fanfare and publicity in December. Seven weeks later the beach is in decline, high tides are washing the sand away, creating channels and washing stones back on to the beach. It looks as if the cart was put before the horse; breakers were needed as has been done at El Duque as this would have lessened the severity of the tides on the beach and greatly enhanced the swimming opportunities.

It is not a user friendly beach, there are no facilities of any kind nearby, unlike those that were available on

the previous beach. No walkways across the beach make it difficult for those with small children and anyone with walking problems, meaning a long detour.

Adeje council has not publicised any plans regarding the future development and completion of the beach. It is most important that this is done as soon as possible.

La Caleta is now a very busy tourist area. It is vital for its future that this beach is upgraded and completed as a matter of urgency.

J & P Hayes (Just this week Adeje’s tourism councillor Miguel Ángel Santos said that there was still work to be done on the beach, as we report on page 13. Ed)

Close the island, it’s raining

How are you preparing for the financial crisis?

Beatriz,

Leticia,

LOS ABRIGOS

LOS ABRIGOS

I am looking at each euro I spend. I minimise costs. I do not go to restaurants, for example, lunch, dinner and every cup of coffee, I always eat at home.

I do not really prepare. I am waiting to see what will happen, because anyway it is not in my hands.

Dear Editor

D

espite my years of living in the normally delightful island of Tenerife, sometimes I still despair!

What am I talking about – the rain.

It rains a few drops, there’s a bit of wind and the whole place comes to a standstill.

Luckily most of us who have lived here for a few years are now aware of the official panic that seems to set in with alerts being issued all over the place, and people being told to stay

indoors, and we tend to ignore the high tension and just get on with it.

And admittedly many of our homes are built more with sunshine in mind, with open terraces and glass doors and panels rather than too much insulation, but an extra sweater and a thick pair of socks and we survive.

With about 361 rain free days in South Tenerife a few days of discomfort is something we can put up with actually its kind of nice to be reminded just how good we generally do have it. B Turner

Fulgencio, ALCALÁ DE HENARES (MADRID)/LA CANDELARIA

José Luis,

With resignation and hoping not to lose my job.

I am trying to ignore the word ‘crisis’ and not be alarmed, because fear paralyses.

I read a lot of books about self-help and that helps me a lot. I also reduce costs, for example I cut my hair myself. But above all, I don’t worry too much.

Beauty spot vandals

SAN ISIDRO

Dear Editor

W

hen driving between Puerto de la Cruz and the airport I often take the scenic route over the hills through Guía de Isora and El Tanque, especially if I have time to stop off in the picturesque village of Tierra del Trigo for lunch.

There is a statue made out of trunks marking the entrance to the access road and several places to stop off and check out the amazing scenery in this little hamlet that seems to have a balcony over all of the area known as Isla Baja. The first is signposted and has parking. It is the site of a restaurant with views over Garachico and up to Teide, but my favourite is the next one down with pine trees shading a small area of rough ground and a short hiking path down the hill.

If you go up to the highest point you feel like the king of the world and there their are views all the way to Buenavista and over Garachico.

It is a favourite stopping off point for jeep safaris, where they explain how the town was hit by several natural disasters culminating in the eruption of a local volcano in the 18th century.

It’s the ideal place to see where the lava flowed down the hillside to bury part of the tiny town.

Locals tr y ver y hard to keep it clean which is why I was furious to see the other day that some brain dead individual had decided it was the ideal place to empty his car ashtray. It takes 12 years or more to decompose those dog ends. Smokers, continue to pollute your lungs if you must, but please have some respect for the countryside.

Silvia, EL MÉDANO

Emilie,

I cancelled my membership to the books club, I won’t use my credit card any more, I won’t buy a new car (as I had planned), I buy more consciously in the supermarket, asking for governmental help for nappies and milk.

I try to spend a little bit less. But nevertheless if I feel like going out to eat in a restaurant, I do it. As I have no mortgage to pay and do not have children, the crisis does not affect me too much.

EL MÉDANO

22

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE

LAS TERESITAS

News in Brief

Lottery wins arouse suspicions Financial crime experts investigating the origins of massive sums belonging to some of the people at the centre of the Las Teresitas corruption inquiry have uncovered an “alarming rate of lottery success” in some cases, according to a Tenerife paper.

La Opinión has revealed that the preliminary conclusions of a two-year probe into the sources of the wealth of some of those accused, including top council officials, show that much of the money “cannot be justified logically”. It is believed that some of those under suspicion of taking

ART FACULTY

University falls foul of planning office

massive kickbacks in the sell-off of land at the popular beach for a redevelopment project (which now looks to have collapsed) alleged to investigators that they had won the money on the lottery. Buying winning lottery tickets from the real owners is a common form of money laundering in Spain and it is thought the special anticorruption prosecutor in charge of the case has ordered further inquiries into the lottery claims due to the frequency of the wins. The investigation has also produced substantial evidence of funds held in foreign bank accounts, according to La Opinión.

La Laguna University’s new Art Faculty fell foul of what some academics have described as over-zealous planning officials, who sent the police in to halt work on the project as soon as the first bulldozers began flattening the land.

The JCBs had to stop the earth-clearing operation because the University had not received the definitive licence to begin the work on the Guajara Campus. It later emerged that the order was given even though the granting of the licence was a matter of days away and had been held up due to modifications added to the original plans.

Furious University officials said the council had been hasty in halting the work but insisted the hiccup would not set the project back.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Film producers visit Island in Santa Cruz as well as some of the delightful historic town centres throughout the islands, many of which have already been featured in international cinematic offerings. They also had time to visit the Anaga Parque Rural, Siam Park, Teide, Garachico and attended a number of talks outlining the advantages of filming in Tenerife.

The existence of programmes for external producers wishing to take advantage of all the Island has to offer as a location through the ZEC and the RIC were also outlined in detail. To date over 500 productions have been made through the offices of the Tenerife Film Commission, 84 alone in 2007.

The historic streets of Tenerife have been the setting for a number of foreign films

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For its part, La Laguna’s town planning councillor stressed that “the system had worked effectively” and that action would be taken against the University for jumping the gun. A council insider reacted angrily to media coverage of the incident by saying “we are pilloried for not acting soon enough over Alcampo’s unlicensed extension and are slammed again when we do inter vene swiftly to prevent illegal building”.

Saturdays

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Tenerife recently hosted 12 British media producers at the invitation of Turismo de Tenerife through the Tenerife Film Commission to explore the island for potential film, television and commercial locations.

According to Tenerife’s tourism councillor, José Manuel Bermúdez, these kind of visits are “highly productive, and allow us show off Tenerife as a film location, as well as offering excellent audiovisual production facilities”.

During their four day stay the visitors had the chance to visit many of the Island’s newer buildings such as the Magma conference centre in Adeje and the Auditorium

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Tenerife North

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

PUBLIC SCRUTINY

More trouble for mayor The urban development department at the town hall in La Orotava and Pejomar, a major construction company, have both come under public scrutiny again.

The independent opposition party on the council, IpO, is now referring to the builder as, “that case firm” as a result of the number of times it has gone to court for alleged irregular building activities blessed by Isaac Valencia, the mayor. This is the same company which appears to be still in legal trouble after demolishing the Atlante Theatre a few years ago with

the permission of the mayor.

The latest suspicions apparently involve the company’s massive building project at Los Frontones. It would seem that construction work there began illegally because the council had not yet issued the necessary permits. It seems the plot was actually classified by the urban development office as “not apt for construction” at the time work began. Now, two years later and when the project is almost complete, the company has been fined a puny 450 euros for their naughtiness. In the meantime the council had reclassified the

The mayor faces continued criticism for his urban policies

Crisis consequence

New pressure group The Assembly for Wealth Distribution is the name chosen by a new pressure group formed in La Orotava in January as a result of the current economic crisis.

As its name suggests, it responds to the left- wing ideal that everyone should have their fair share of wealth and that what is of surplus to some should be divided up. Naturally its founders are expecting to get plenty of support now that the recession has begun to hit hard and they hope to denounce inequality throughout the Canary Islands. To begin with they are targeting homelessness, unemployment and the poor state of the education and health services in their demonstrations.

Job creation in the fields land as “apt for construction” after the company secured the plot by creating a false tunnel to protect it.

What most infuriates the opposition group, which has

again accused the mayor of favouring friendly builders and of corruption, is the sheer transparency and with what impunity these manoeuvres are apparently carried out.

PUERTO TRANSPORT

Drivers don’t strike Most taxi drivers in Puerto de la Cruz were prepared to go on strike towards the end of January after an internal split in their ranks, caused by a modification in their regulations which a minority refused to accept.

However they decided not to carry out strike action until further negotiations had been held after the FITUR international tourism show in Madrid. The problem is due to two fundamental changes.

One is that the council wants

the drivers to start wearing uniforms. The other is that a new satellite control system is going to be used. Whilst the majority of the 180 drivers of the San Telmo radio taxi company accept having to wear uniforms and see the advantages of controlling their movements by satellite, so that they can be located rapidly, the minority feel their freedom would be curtailed. These have now formed an independent company called Taxi Tour.

Courses for farmers The economic crisis has put so many people out of work that local authorities are being urged to find ways of creating employment rapidly.

At the moment there appear to be two alternatives. One is to create temporar y construction jobs with public works projects.

The other is to get smallholders to make their abandoned fields producing again. The council in Santa Úrsula is the first to have come up with initiatives aimed at persuading farmers to produce crops and in doing so, to employ labour. It will be offering courses in grafting and planting techniques under a project called Plan Formativo 2009 and smallholders will be invited to participate in competitions for the best field prize for the most productive plot.

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24

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE NORTH

COMMERCE REPORT

Friends of Tenerife

Icod’s shops in trouble The retail trade in Icod is in desperate trouble, some are in imminent danger of closure and the authorities admit something has to be done to put some life back into the shopping streets.

A recent report, ordered by the council and which cost the taxpayer 12,000 euros, suggested that retailers should be doing more to encourage shoppers over from the south of Tenerife.

It also recommends shops should modernise and that opening hours should be standardised.

The report, apparently oblivious to the fact that the economic crisis is biting very hard or that the council could be considered partly to blame for the decline in business as a result of closing the main shopping streets off to vehicles, suggests retailers should recuperate faithful clients and that strategies should be implemented to get pedestrians flowing down the now pedestrian

streets. The report appears to put the ball in the retailers’ court. These, on the other hand, immersed more than most in the recession, have no doubt that the blame is clearly the council’s for having turned the two main shopping arteries into pedestrian only zones and for getting rid of vital parking spaces, influencing driving shoppers to seek out the giant stores in the Orotava valley. The same sort of policy was adopted in Puerto de la Cruz ten years ago and proved disastrous for many retailers.

Councillors should realise that what may work well in a flat area such as La Laguna, does not necessarily work in hilly areas like Icod or Puerto. People do not like lugging bags of shopping, trolleys etc. up and down hills, no matter how quiet and free of traffic they are.

OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD THE FRIENDS O F T E N E R I F E COMMITTEE WERE BUSY DISTRIBUTING CHEQUES TO VARIOUS CHARITIES.

The council is partly to blame for closing off the main shopping areas

HEALTH CARE

Hospital news The opening of the new public health centre in Puerto de la Cruz brought a wave of complaints from ordinary citizens, excuses from the town council and criticism in the local press.

The problem seems to have been that it was perhaps opened before time, painting a picture of disorganisation and leaving the council and the police to work out last minute logistics. However, as Canary Islands President, Paulino Rivero pointed out at the official opening towards the end of January, this new health centre will take a lot of pressure off doctors and staff at the old medical centre near the bus terminal, therefore improving medical attention and cutting waiting lists.

He also took the opportunity to

Paulino Rivero promises the northern hospital will open in this legislature

promise that the new north hospital which is under construction near Icod would receive the necessary funding to be completed during the regional government’s current term of office.

Unlike the new health centre in Puerto, the hospital has faced numerous delays. Those who remember pre-election promises from his governing parties are understandably sceptical.

W

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TF-1 JUNCTION 79 ADEJE

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Those charities included the Marie Tellez Orphanage, Puer to de la Cruz, 1,000 euros and specially chosen gifts for the childr en, Apanate, the La Orotava Centre for autistic children, 2000 euros, the Hospital Immaculada in Puerto de la Cruz, 1,000 euros and the Santa Rita Alzheimers Unit in Puerto de la Cruz, 2000 euros to help rebuild and repair after the recent fire. There were also several well-attended functions such as the Christmas Lunch on December 15th at the Restaurant Lucas, the Thai Restaurant, where during the second week of 2009, forty people gathered for a buffet with wine - another great get-together.

The recent Burns Night on Januar y 24th was also a resounding success and was enjoyed by almost one hundred people. Beginning with a whisky mac reception things just got better and better as the evening progressed. Stuart Lorrimer addressed the haggis with his customary eloquence, the hot and cold buffet provided by the Hotel Parque San Antonio was a great success and was followed by Scottish dancing. After this came the raffle and music was then played for dancing. Future events include a barbecue with wine at the Orchid Garden on February 19th – sausages, chicken, steak, salads and potatoes, cost 18 euros for members and 20 euros for guests. On March 17th there is to be a St. Patrick’s Day Lunch at the Hotel Masaru, the usual great buffet with wine, members 21 euros, guests 25 euros.

For reservations and details of payment beforehand please ring Susan on 922 368088. Members are also reminded that the AGM will be held on April 14th, members will be receiving their notifications through the post before the end of March.

TENERIFE NORTH

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

Robbery with violence

Theft at Alcampo A violent theft took place at the giant Alcampo shopping centre in the Orotava valley at the end of Januar y when an individual attacked the lady attendant at a coin machine hall with a knife.

She had just opened the games hall in the morning when a 33 year old individual wearing a balaclava entered the premises, closed the door, put a knife to her throat and forced her to give him 1,500 euros in one euro coins. The man then slipped out through one of the emergency exits and drove off in a hire car. The Guardia Civil police tracked him down very quickly indeed because his every movement, even his driving off in the car, was recorded by the security cameras.

The police eventually found him parked near the Humboldt mirador. Police are worried about copycat attacks and anyone owning or working in a similar establishment should take additional precautions.

25

REFURBISH OR BUST

Run down hotel gets facelift The tourist sector in Puerto de la Cruz had something to cheer about in January after a company called Orizonia Corporation announced it was to invest 1.5 meuros restoring the 34 year old Florida Hotel.

The hotel is near the Playa Jardín beach

Although the Florida Hotel is not one of the oldest, it is one of the least fashionable, possibly because of its situation at what may be considered the least attractive end of town, and has been allowed to deteriorate in recent years although it has maintained a high level of occupation. However it is close to the reformed Playa Jardín beach and if the new sporting harbour is eventually built the hotel will be in a prime position.

Indeed the new manager, Jorge Barrios, hopes the refurbished Florida Hotel will be able to compete to the highest standards with affordable prices. His is one of the first hotels to begin the necessary task of modernising the tourism industry in Puerto and work is due to start this April. All of its 337 rooms will be completely redecorated and fitted and common areas like restaurants, cafes, conference rooms and swimming pool will be restored to make the hotel much more attractive to visitors. The new manager hopes the reforms will mean the Florida will soon obtain an even larger number of faithful yearly visitors.

Presidency handover

Mayor steps down Isaac Valencia, nationalist mayor, is no longer president of the CC nationalist party in La Orotava. Although he continues to be mayor and will be given the title of honorary party president, his official position goes to Juan Dóniz, one of his faithful lieutenants. Nevertheless, despite an emotional and happy hand over meeting attended by the party faithful who voted unanimously in favour of Dóniz, Valencia did not volunteer his position as party president. He was merely carrying out new regional party guidelines which state that no-one can be both mayor and local party president at the same time.

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Gran Canaria

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CIVIL WAR SHOOTING

News in Brief

Progress on reconstructions Work by forensic experts continues to try and reconstruct what happened to a group of Gran Canaria men who were abducted and shot dead during the Spanish Civil war over 70 years ago.

As reported in Island Connections, the remains of nine men were discovered in a deep well in Arucas several

months ago and tests have been ongoing since then to establish their identity.

The painstaking efforts, which have been boosted by resources from Spain’s new Historic Memory Law, focus on two aspects: who the men were and how they met their deaths. Progress on the ID front is slow at present due to the need for comprehensive DNA tests

to find matches with locals thought to be relatives of the men, eight of whom were in their 30s and one in his 60s.

Scientists are making better progress on the causes of death and are now certain that several of the deceased received bullets to the head at point-blank range in executions. It is thought that the remains of up to ten more men executed by Franco supporters still lie in the well. Excavations were halted back in December at the well and no date has been set for their resumption.

The executions took place during the civil war which preempted the Franco regime

Lady Harimaguada Award

Las Palmas honour Swiss actor Bruno Ganz is to be honoured by the Las Palmas Film festival in March.

The 67-year-old, who divides his time between his native Zurich, Venice and Berlin, will receive the festival’s Lady Harimaguada Award in recognition of his screen achievements in a film career lasting almost four decades.

Best known in recent times for his portrayal of Adolf Hitler in the 2004 film Downfall, Ganz’s popular-

ity in Europe and America has increased further thanks to his performances in The Reader, which has been nominated for an Academy Award as best picture and stars, among others Kate Winslett. A second film in which he appears, Der Baader Meinhof Komplex, has also been nominated (best foreign film).

The Festival takes place from 614 March.

CALENDAR MAP

Island feud reignited

Ganz plays Horst Herold in the Oscar nominated film, Der Baader Meinhof Komplex

Mayor escapes prosecution called Operación Góndola (an investigation into alleged financial irregularities in Mogán town hall), called the press conference in the Tryp Iberia Hotel in Las Palmas almost a year ago to counter some of the accusations made against him. The 157 euro bill for the room

The heavy rain in Gran Canaria has brought an expected bonus to the local archaeology community in the shape of a new site containing the remains of at least one native of the island.

Two walkers hiking in the hills outside the northern town of Agaete came across bones in the area known as Roque Antigafo and contacted the heritage office to report the find. It is thought that run-off water along the hill removed a substantial layer of earth and exposed

Operación Gondola

Attempts to have the mayor of Mogán stand trial for using public money to pay for a press conference he called to give his version of events in a corruption probe have failed.

Francisco González, who faces charges in the so-

BONES

Rain brings archaeology find

hire was paid out of council funds, prompting calls for him to be prosecuted for using the funds for private matters. However, the Public Prosecutor in Las Palmas says it sees no crime in the action because “the meeting with the media dealt with aspects relating to the mayor’s

E

job”, since the corruption charges concern practices allegedly committed in office. The Prosecutor stressed that González’s defence of his actions was in the public interest because his explanations could help lift the current suspicions hanging over Mogán council.

The Canarian government’s newly-released 2009 calendar may have to be withdrawn following complaints from Gran Canaria concer ning an old map featured on it.

The map dates back to 1750 and was drawn by French cartographers. It uses the old name ‘Canaria’ instead of Gran Canaria and, although government officials have played down the incident, the island’s media, not to mention

the remains, which are those of a young man. The discovery has been hailed by archaeologists, who have long believed the district was an important settlement or burial site in old times. Not long after, in a separate find unrelated to the weather, a cave thought to have been inhabited by natives long before the arrival of the Spaniards to conquer Gran Canaria was discovered near Telde. The cave, which contains a host of valuable ar tefacts, was exposed by excavators during building work. several local politicians, want the error rectified because it plays into the hands of Tenerife daily El Día, which has been waging a campaign to downgrade Gran Canaria’s importance and have its name amended by law.

The Tenerife paper regularly publishes editorials arguing that “there is nothing Grand about Gran Canaria” and recalls that it is only the third biggest of the Canary Islands in terms of size, after Tenerife and Fuerteventura.

Within hours of the revelation, almost 400 readers from Gran Canaria had submitted protests about the calendar to the Canarias 7 newspaper’s digital edition.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

By Barbara Belt

VALLE GRAN REY

Ferry service to be resumed U

ntil November, the little Garajonay Exprés ferry went between the ports of Valle Gran Rey, Playa Santiago, San Sebastián and then on to Los Cristianos. Prices were cheap. The service was frequent and reliable and it became part of daily life on the island.

Students studying pre-university bachillerato in the island’s only F.E. facility in San Sebastián used it to go to college daily. Pre- Garajonay, they said goodbye each Monday morning, stayed in a student hostel and came home on Friday afternoon when classes finished.

The Garajonay changed that and much more.

It changed habits.

La Gomera’s rugged topography has determined its social

The service to and from Valle Gran Rey will resume shortly

development. The island is a series of deep valleys. As settlements established themselves over the years, they tended to depend on other hamlets within the same valley for social contact. It was time consuming and difficult

to reach people in other valleys and was not common practice. The island’s whistled language, the Silbo, developed, and survived, for exactly that reason. Of course, there was contact.

The summer fiesta season

provided an opportunity for seeing islanders from other valleys and for following the important ‘marry far’ dictum. All livestock keepers know the inherent dangers of breeding within the same reduced herd. On

La Gomera

27

more easily traversed islands like El Hierro, where an energetic day’s walking takes you to most of the island’s villages, a different, more cooperatively inclined society evolved. Island wines and cheeses have been cooperatively produced, marketed and sold there for many years. In La Gomera, cooperative effort is still in its infancy.

It has always been quicker to go by sea between some parts of the island.

Road journeys are slow, with roads a series of bends.

The Garajonay ferry service provided a bridge between towns. Then in November, the clock turned back when the service was withdrawn, largely due to political ineptitude, and for nearly three months nothing changed.

On an island where organised protest is virtually unknown, with most politicians otherwise engaged on all-absorbing, personal, point-scoring missions, this was not surprising.

Deadlines officially set for resolving the problem came and went. Original assurances that tenders presented would be assessed, “...and

a contract awarded for the imminent recommencement of the service...in the new year at the latest,” were hot air.

The whole island knew that only the Ustica (ex Garajonay) tender met the officially stated requirements. However there was doubt in many quarters that it would actually be awarded the contract as other competitors were believed to have more ‘sway’. As we go to press though, there is good news - an agreement has been signed giving Ustica the contract. The head of Obras Públicas and Transportes (public works and transport), Juan Ramón Hernández, signed the agreement with Ustica lines S.P.A. to operate until 2010, with a budget of four and a half million euros.

Fare prices for residents have been fixed at a very reasonable €4.90 from Valle Gran Rey to Santiago and €6.55 from V.G.R. to San Sebastián and Los Cristianos, less than half the price of current bigger companies’ fares to Tenerife. The service is to be resumed, “as soon as possible .”

became apparent that there were problems. The house is set back from the road along a footpath and surrounded by neighbouring houses.

Neighbours, aware of the situation, were alarmed to hear shouts coming from the house and ran to investigate. They found one of the victim’s other sons trying to restrain his brother who, large knife in hand, was repeatedly slashing at his mother. Unable to stop him by other means, he had jumped onto his brother’s back, knocking him to one side. The attacker fled the room, leaving his mother with stomach wounds and bleeding heavily. The emergency services were called.

Then it was discovered

that the attacker had set fire to his mother’s home before using the stairs to enter his own apartment, which he also set fire to.

The fire brigade was called. There was a period of considerable disturbance as firemen fought to extinguish the growing fire while police attempted to restrain the violent man and get him out of the building, which had been evacuated. He was taken away by police and is currently in custody, awaiting medical reports, charging and trial. His mother was rushed to San Sebastián’s Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe hospital, where she is described as comfortable and recovering well.

Vueltas

Mother attacked by son Valle Gran Rey was the scene of a sad incident recently, when a woman in her sixties was attacked and injured by one of her sons, who then set fire to their home.

The incident took place in the Vueltas district, where the family lives in a house divided into several apartments, one of which is occupied by the eldest son.

For most of his adult life, he has suffered from the mood swings and depression that characterise schizophrenia.

He was diagnosed with the debilitating bi-polar condi-

tion years ago. Now over forty years old, he is rarely seen outside the house, preferring the security of his apartment. Until now, he has lived a quiet, apparently heavily sedated existence, looked after by his mother.

Social contact is limited to members of the immediate family, principally his two brothers.

Recently, the man decided to stop taking the medication that maintains his stability. Friends reported that the mother was, “very concerned”, some time before and that she had made at-

The family live in the Vueltas district

tempts to get help with the situation, which she was having difficulty dealing with and felt to be potentially dangerous. She had been told, “not to worry”,

and to refer back to both health and social workers, “...should the situation get worse”. At about eight in the evening, weeks after the woman had sought help, it

F e w t h i n g s i n l i f e a r e co n s i d e r e d p r e c i o u s , a n d w a k i n g u p to p e a ce, q u i e t a n d a n o v e r a l l s e n s e o f t r a n q u i l i t y i s w o r t h e v e r y p e n ny.

Fr e d O ls e n , S . A . h a s c h o s e n L a G o m e r a a s t h e p e r f e c t s p o t f o r t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f e x c l u s i v e l u x u r y v i l l a s a n d a p a r t m e nt s . O n e o f t h e p r i m a r y r e a s o n s f o r t h i s u n d e r t a k i n g i s t h a t L a G o m e r a i s g u a r a n te e d to k e e p i t s t r a n q u i l i t y, s i n ce o v e r 6 0 % o f t h e i s l a n d h a s b e e n a l l o c a te d to n a t u r e r e s e r v e s .

Good Morning For more information please visit: w w w. p u e b l o d o n t h o m a s . c o m o r c a l l : + (3 4) 92 2 62 83 8 0 + (3 4) 92 2 14 59 39 Pueblo Don Thomas, La Gomera, Canar y Islands, Spain.

28

Business NEWS

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

LOW TAX ZONE TRIUMPH If anyone else would like to contribute to the debate/ propose their own reading of the current situation and a way forward, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Greed is good AS GORDON BROWN PRESIDED OVER THE UK ECONOMY FOR SOME 10 YEARS, TODAY, HIS VISION OF A UTOPIA IN ECONOMIC TERMS LIES IN TATTERS.

By Bruce Urquhart

S

ometimes arrogant, sometimes smug in delivering his budgets, that on his watch, the economic performance of the UK was on target and ever ything in the garden was rosy.

The reality was that he handed over a thorny rose to Darling. An economy with high debt levels, government, corporate and personal. Only a few years earlier we had prevented an economic downturn by encouraging spending.

I am tasked with opening up a debate and put into simple terms what is this crisis? How did it start? How did this happen? And what is the way forward?

In 1997, the New Labour Government took over a healthy balance sheet and adhered to the previous spending plans of the Conservative government.

Blair and Brown had made election promises to invest in UK plc and were looking for ways to raise cash in order to do this. One of their avenues was to tax the income made by pension funds (previously untaxed) and to date some 120 bn pounds has been extracted and ‘reinvested’ Now, before you say hear hear, this extraction was not going to greatly affect ‘fat cats’, no, it was main street, blue collar, white collar workers, it did not discriminate. People saw their retirement funds dwindle and the thoughts of a comfortable retirement began to dwindle.

If you combine this with the younger generation they looked for a new route to secure their future.

Answer. Property. Method buy to let. I remember sitting in an introductory seminar on how to become a property millionaire in one year.

Sound too good to be true?

Yes it was. Founded on debt (mortgage), interest only loans and a rising property market. I asked only one question ‘When do you actually own your portfolio of properties?’ Whoops have I said something wrong?

Please don’t tell me you are expecting the property market to continue to rise ad infinitum? The presenter looked at me and some others as if we were from

the planet Zog and how dare we question his spreadsheet and profit margins. But herein lies one fundamental problem with interest only - the capital (the amount you borrow) only gets repaid when you sell. During the life of the loan you never pay down any of the debt. Thus the banks still have this debt on their books, they are only collecting interest.

“So what?”. Well the government charges stamp duty on a purchase of a property, good income for the Treasury. However, the explosion in the property market, both in price and demand led to the gluttony in lending. In the ‘old days’ money was lent on the basis of deposits taken and this acted as a natural balance for banks and building societies to be pr udent.

The income multiples were conservative i.e. three times your salary plus once times your partner’s. However in recent times this has completely changed, now banks and building societies could raise money from the mysterious ‘wholesale markets’ and in 2001 banks went global.

Six times income, self certification of income and inter bank competition led to this upward spiral of property prices. It did not reflect the small pay increases that were being awarded. Flats and houses for the first time buyers became increasingly more expensive as the ‘would be’ property moguls bought for investment purposes. A strong cocktail. Not only this, people were bombarded by ‘easy loans’ and capital raising from your home (whatever your circumstances, no proof of income etc….) added yet more debt to the UK plc balance sheet. And if this was not enough credit card limits went through the roof with the “you automatically qualify for 1,000 pound credit limit, simply telephone this free phone number” offers.

Bingo, here’s your new card, go spend! And if it’s not enough we will raise it to 3,000 pounds. Go spend some more!

Cheap interest rates, easy to get loans, a glut of money that institutions want to lend and an economy that is ‘growing’. Savings and

The tipping point was the rising price of oil

pensions have disappeared off the radar, banks have gone global, new financial gizmos and hedge funds abound. Oh, I almost forgot employment. (Don’t mention 500,000 new civil ser vice jobs). Oh another omission, the new debt counselling companies that star ted advertising on the TV; IVA and Bankruptcy is ok, no longer a stigma, but a great way of reducing or getting rid of most of your debt.

An accident waiting to happen? Yes. The tipping point was the rising price of oil. This hit hard especially in the United States where ‘gas prices’ suddenly rose sharply (not forgetting all over Europe too). The rumours spread like a forest fire. The US economy was already shrinking (consumer led) and people were losing jobs. The major difference between this and other downturns was this; people elected to pay their credit cards first and forget their mortgages, hand keys back to the lender and rent. This left the banks with their loans unpaid. So the domino effect is created. Globally. As the wholesale loan market witnessed this phenomenon

WE ARE IN THE ULTIMATE HANGOVER FROM

the credit/ have now pay later party so funds began to dry up.

Banks could no longer go into the market and raise the easy money. Result, Northern Rock, result Bradford and Bingley and governments announcing bail-out plans to ensure liquidity (banks have cash) and that deposits from savers were safe and more importantly people did not rush to withdraw their money, thus avoiding a Wall Street Crash. Moreover they worked to avoid the complete meltdown of the banking system. Globally.

As has been commented we are in the ultimate hangover from the credit/have now pay later party. There were indications that we were becoming intoxicated when

in 2004 it was announced that in the UK we had amassed debts of one trillion pounds, the highest in our history.

With low interest rates being given to depositors what was the point of saving (and 25 per cent tax on the interest)?

And with diminishing returns from pension funds it was easier just to borrow. Instead of this crisis happening in one country it has spread as we enjoyed the growth in the global economy forgetting that we could be easily af fected when problems occurred in other countries.

As it is banks do not want to lend to each other and so a log jam exists, businesses are having their overdrafts r educed or withdrawn thereby reducing cash, confidence dwindles, people worry about having a job, which in turn affects people’s spending habits and thus the domino ef fect continues.

We are still unsure as to the strength of banks’ balance sheets.

Just as in the UK, other European countries have been af fected, Spain and Ireland, especially where economic growth was fuelled by cheap money and property

speculation (even East European developments). All have been touched in some way. Empty construction sites, unemployment, empty shells and projects left until another day are the results of over estimating demand and a never ending supply of credit. The interest rate domino to make money cheaper to borrow has been played and it now beggars the question as to whether we have the appetite to borrow wisely without going back to binge credit.

It is a brave person who sticks his/her head above the parapet to forecast the future. We as human beings are resourceful, intelligent (at times) and born survivors.

So let’s look at the situation more positively. Will lending resume? Answer yes, it is the life blood of all economies, I would also comment that given there is a change at the top in the US, for the past few months the situation in the US has been treading water.

The second bail out by the UK government to shore up and force banks’ ability and willingness to lend will begin to filter through and I predict the same for Europe.

But it will take time to restore confidence and trust in banks and governments. It is also dependent on how quickly our uncertainty diminishes and it won’t necessarily be consumer led. There are only so many plasma screens, cars, shoes, handbags, golf clubs and sofas per household. We should not stop spending our money, exercise caution and moderation. As it is often said after a heavy night ‘Never again’; I say the jury’s out.

What this crisis says to me is there is no such thing as a free lunch (excuse the truism) in life we all live in a degree of uncertainty, that there will always be an economic cycle where values such as proper ty will adjust to a level that represents peoples’ incomes.

Our financial institutions are not infallible, nor our governments. We should not excuse ourselves either for drinking this intoxicating liquor. What this crisis can do is dramatically re - align values and open our eyes to the way we choose to spend/invest our money and how we choose to live.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

Financial By Jane Goodall

29

Will your pension be an inheritance for your family?

By Jane Goodall, Director – International Pensions. Blevins Franks Do you remember John Major telling us how wealth was to cascade down the generations, and that he aimed to eventually abolish inheritance tax? All these years later UK inheritance tax (IHT) is still with us, albeit that the limits have increased to £624,000 for couples.

So, what about your UK pension funds? Changes to the pension legislation, such as the introduction of ‘income drawdown’, have theoretically enabled many pensions to cascade down the generations - but is this actually the case? Everyone thinks that they are free of IHT, and so you are‌ provided you haven’t taken any benefits. By that I mean you haven’t taken your tax free cash, and you haven’t taken any income, and you haven’t reached your 75th birthday. They are IHT free if you’ve purchased an annuity, but largely at the cost of

not being able to pass the remainder of your fund to family members on death.

If you are in drawdown the tax charge on death will be 35 per cent with no exempt allowance. By “in drawdown�

I mean that you’ve started to draw benefits - this might only mean that, post April 2006, you’ve taken your tax free cash - you needn’t have taken any income yet to be in drawdown. This 35 per cent charge isn’t strictly speaking IHT, but another type of death tax charged in place of IHT to the UK trustees of the pension fund, so those who are not domiciled in the UK are still liable.

If you buy an annuity it will die with you – any amount you haven’t used doesn’t get passed to your heirs - unless you’ve already bought an annuity for your spouse, which will then cease when he/she dies.

If you don’t want to buy an annuity by age 75 you have

Can you pass your money on to younger generations?

Is there an alternative?

Yes there is! If you are non UK resident you can transfer your pension to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pensions Scheme.

At the time of death, if you are not UK resident and have completed five full consecutive fiscal years of non UK residence, your fund will be entirely free from all of the UK tax charges that are levied on your pension trustees.

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www. blevinsfranksinternational.com

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EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

BUSINESS

Stake suggestion

Promotion: Tenerife Property Shop

Lukewarm response to Spanair Spanair looks to the Canaries for investment

An invitation to Canarian businessmen to take a stake in Spain’s second biggest airline looks unlikely to prosper.

The airline, Spanair, was taken over by a Catalan consortium at the end of January, although its parent company SAS still retains a small stake. The consortium wants to base the carrier at Barcelona Airport to compete with Madrid and is thought to have offered leading Canarian business figures the opportunity to

International Property Award Success!

T

enerife Property Shop has received two International Property Awards at the recent ceremony in London. But what does that really mean to people who want to buy or sell a property?

The prestigious International Property Awards gala was held on the 27th September, in London. This glittering event took place at the Park Lane Hotel, and Tenerife Property Shop scooped two awards: a proud moment!

Tenerife Property Shop has been recognised as the best Estate Agency in the Canary Islands, and has also won the award for best real estate agent marketing. The awards follow previous successes that the company has had, but winning this year is the result of the continual effort to improve the service offered to clients.

“We are continually building on our success, and ensuring that we remain several steps ahead of the rest of the market. Last year, we ensured that every member of staff was covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance, protecting clients, their money and their homes to a greater level than any other agent in Tenerife. This year we have built on that by offering all new purchasers a Title Insurance.

This unique insurance protects a purchaser to such a high degree, and for a period of twenty years.

We are the only company on the island to offer this to our clients”, said Mary Spencer, Director of the award winning estate agency.

At a time when many companies are cutting back on marketing their clients’ properties,

Tenerife Property Shop are as active as ever. “In the last two decades, we have seen the property market go through its cycle more than once,” commented Bruce Grindley, a director of Tenerife Property Shop. “But its no good simply cutting back, or else you are not performing the service you have promised to the many vendors who have trusted you with the sale of their property. This award for Best Estate Agency Marketing should show all vendors that we are really committed to finding buyers for their properties.”

But what do these awards really mean to you, if you are interested in buying or selling property? A recommendation is only as good as the person who made it and buying and selling property are probably the biggest transactions you will make in your life.

So a recommendation should always be from someone who understands the profession and who you trust. The impartial panel of judges involved in selecting the winners of the International Property Awards could hardly be more qualified: Eric Pickles, British Shadow Secretary of State; Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents; Phil Spencer, property expert and presenter of Channel 4’s Location and Relocation TV shows; Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council… it would be difficult to assemble a more experienced and competent group of judges. So when you next need to buy or sell a home in Tenerife, make sure you do it the safe way and give the award winning Tenerife Property Shop a call.

buy shares and thus ensure the Canaries retain a high profile on Spanair routes.

The idea was floated to the head of the Las Palmas Chamber of Commerce, Ángel Tadeo, who agreed to take it up with his colleagues.

However, initial reaction has been lukewarm and it is thought any airline investment from here would aim to set up a Canarian company to operate routes to the mainland, rather than take a small stake in a much bigger company. Sources in busi-

ness circles in Las Palmas say that a move for the troubled Majorca-based LTE, which went into receivership recently, is another possibility under consideration. There have been several reports of late that several leading entrepreneurs have been negotiating with the Canarian government to form a public-private consortium to set up a new airline or take a controlling stake in an existing one, in order to protect the holiday industry from the collapse of foreign-owned carriers.

Out of work

Lanzarote jobless rate fears The unemployment rate in Lanzarote has soared to over 21 per cent according to the island’s governing Cabildo and the situation could worsen further during the remainder of 2009.

Figures released by the corporation show the number of people out of work has more than tripled since 2004 and the rate of 21.48 per cent puts the island above the regional average for the Canaries overall - which at 21.18 per

cent is itself a long way above the Spanish average of just under 14 per cent- for the first time in many years. Until 2005 Lanzarote’s unemployment matched the national figure for most years but since then the differential has widened considerably, according to local economists. The recent rate rise has been attributed largely to the general downturn in the construction sector and slower business in the bar-restaurant sector.

Cheap flights

Binter bonanza Binter are celebrating their 20th birthday and offering a great deal for residents.

Earlybird resident readers have the opportunity to book one of 20,000 flights on offer for just €10.95 to any of Binter’s island destinations (subject to availability). Buy your ticket before 11pm on the 15th February for flights from March 1 to April 30 this year.

Cheap island flights for residents

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

Commercial prospects

Número Uno

BUSINESS

EURIBOR DOWN

Cheaper mortgages

Amid Achi is positive about the Canarian economic recovery

SYRIAN BORN TOP ISLAND BUSINESSMAN AMID ACHI BELIEVES THAT THE ISLANDS WILL RECOVER FROM THE ECONOMIC CRISIS BEFORE THE OTHER SPANISH REGIONS.

The economy here is dependent on two core markets, Britain and Germany and he sees them recovering suf ficiently to refloat the Canarian economy by 2010 but the rest of the countr y he believes will not turn around financially until the following year.

Achi, who is the largest franchise holder in Europe, is backing his gut feeling and market reading by relaunching the Número Uno stores that started him on the way to his current comfortable financial position. He pointed out in an interview with the Teide Radio-Onda Cero station that in the 70s when he began his business, there was also somewhat of a crisis. The new shops will not be a repeat of the old style of buying up surplus goods all over the world, shipping them in, piling high and selling them at bargain prices. He has no intention

of competing for the cheap and cheer ful market cur rently apparently dominated by the ‘Chinese’ shops. Instead he will be concentrating on known brand names, all however below the prices you would normally see.

However Achi is insistent that, “you can’t sit and cry, you have to move yourself” and use your imagination and he also pointed out that, “until they sort out the problems with the banks, there is no business solution” and affirmed, “the financial system has to change because it can’t continue like this”. Achi not only owns the franchises, he also owns or runs many of the commercial centres where they are located, but he is the first to claim that with the exception of the south of Tenerife, the island is saturated with these facilities. He believes that there is still room in the south for a small commercial centre and promised that the first thing he would do if he was allowed to build such a centre would be to offer local shops the chance to rent premises there at a special price.

31

The inter-bank lending rate which is used as the base rate for the majority of mortgages is at its lowest level since September 2005.

Good news for all mortgage holders, but what does it actually mean to each individual? In Spain the majority of the mortgage rates charged to your accounts will be adjusted only once or twice a year and not every time the bank rate changes. For most people this will be on the anniversary of signing their mortgage or, if your mortgage included a fixed rate introductory period on the anniversary of the end of that period (usually six months). For those whose anniversary was in January, the difference between the standard mortgage rate last year and this was around

2.6 per cent which for an average loan of 132,000 euros over 25 years meant a reduction in monthly payments of about 140 euros. What it will mean to you depends on when your mortgage revision is due, the change in rate since the last revision period and how much your loan is for.

The drop in rates has not so far reactivated the housing market which apart from suffering from a loss of confidence is affected by the restrictions placed on new loans by Spanish banks. The number of construction projects approved fell by 62 per cent between January and November last year from 651,627 in the same period in 2007 to 247,446 in 2008.

In a special meeting with the six major Spanish bankers, Spanish president,

Good news for mortgage holders, THOUGH POTENTIAL HOUSEBUYERS MAY FACE MORE OBSTACLES

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero appealed to the banks to think less of huge paybacks for their shareholders and more of their clients, to give more credit to clients to reactivate the economy. The bankers, representing Banco Santander, BBVA, La Caixa, Banco Popular, Caja Madrid and Bancaja, claimed that the drop in numbers of loans given was because of

a drop in demand. They also said that banks were being more cautious with their lending because of the “unstoppable” increase in unemployment. The banking sector agreed that they were willing to lend more money, if the Government through their official financing institute, ICO, were willing to join them in taking the risks. So the more the Government is willing to cooperate in helping out with possible debtors, the more the banks will be able to lend money to businesses and individuals. Despite the downturn, the banks and savings banks that have so far presented their 2008 results have shown a growth in the number of credits, albeit slight, over the previous years. La Caixa showed an increase of nine per cent, Caja Madrid 9.

7 per cent (16.4 per cent increase to the business sector) and BBVA 7.1 per cent. BBVA President Francisco González stated that whereas before they agreed to 77 proposals out of a hundred, they now agree to 72 and claimed that the bank’s position has not changed since last year, a statement which would seem to be contradicted by attitudes at branch level where we are told that a severe crackdown on overdrafts has been called into force, a heavier hand with those in arrears on loans and mortgages and that those working in certain sectors such as construction and tourism may find it very hard to get a loan at all.

32

BUSINESS

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

News in Brief

Help with mortgages If your dream home in the sun has turned out to be a weight around your neck help may be at hand with a new line of financing from the Finance Ministry’s ICO (official finance institute) department.

Under a new scheme, up to half of your mortgage debt payments can be delayed until 2012 at a small additional interest charge from funds provided by the ICO. Over 60 banks have so far shown interest in the new scheme and 35 have already signed up to take part. It could make the difference between being able to ride out the current crisis and losing your home.

Six thousand million euros have been put aside to finance the scheme which is aimed at helping people with mortgage difficulty with loans not exceeding 170,000 euros up to a maximum of 500 euros per month. Funds are available on a first come first served basis to mortgage title holders with loans on their first homes acquired before 1 September 2008, who

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Fuel prices High demand for fuels due to the long cold spell have meant an increase in petrol prices, but curiously, gas prices are set to drop.

The Disa/Shell organisation increased the price of their biggest seller in the Islands, 95 octane petrol, from 0.616 euros per litre to 0.643 euros. In the same way the 98 octane petrol rose to 0.715 euros from 0.688 euros per litre and standard diesel rose from 0.587 euros to 0.612 euros.

In the meantime, the Industry Ministry forecast that the price of a gas cylinder will drop between 15 and 20 per cent from the beginning of April – too late for the cold snap, but just in time for the barbecue season.

are in debt. To be entitled for this new line of credit, beneficiaries must be able to provide certified proof that prior to 1 January 2010, they fulfil at least one of the following conditions: Be unemployed for a minimum of three months with the right to unemployment benefit, be an ex selfemployed individual who has had to close his or her business for at least three months, or have a gross income less than three times the IPREM (income) indicator for at least three

Help for home owners months or be collecting a widow’s pension for a death which occurred once the loan was conceded and post 1 September 2008. The beneficiary may delay up to a maximum of 36 payments

for a total of up to 12,000 euros and repayments of the delayed sums begins in 2012 and may be repaid over three, five, seven, 10 or 15 years, but cannot exceed the length of the agreed mortgage period. Interest is charged at ICO + 0.80 per cent, which would currently be 3.319 per cent.

The theory is sound and it would probably make a big difference to more than one struggling family, however, the banks and the Government are still arguing over how much responsibil-

Government backed finance

Give yourself a break in paradise!

UPS AND DOWNS

Business loans A new range of finance is on offer for small and medium businesses (Pymes) backed by the central government and administered by CajaCanarias.

ICO- Liquidez is designed to give the self-employed and Pymes more liquidity, covering their short term financing needs for up to 500,000 euros over a three year period.

For those looking for investment financing for new fixed assets, up to 100 per cent of the funding is available and there is no account opening charge. For Pymes, up to 1.5 million euros are available to finance up to 100 per cent over 10 years. Entrepreneurs, whether self employed or in micro businesses, have available up to 90 per cent financing of up to 200,000 euros over seven years. For larger businesses of over 50 employees, funds of up to six million euros are available to finance up to 80 per cent of investment and for those companies wishing to start or consolidate their position abroad, preferential financial conditions are available to finance up to 80 per cent of their outlay. Loans are backed by ICO, the official credit institute arm of Spain’s Finance Ministry.

Banks have asked that ICO guarantees are made available to help businesses and the self employed with temporary cash flow difficulties, to pay wages and creditors and the Government have promised to look into the matter.

ity each should carry if the borrowers eventually default on the loan. The banks claim that in prior conversations before the plan was published a 50 per cent responsibility was floated and now the Government only want to take on 12 per cent of the risk. The banks feel that the Government should take on more on the risk because of the increase in unemployment.

Those interested should approach their bank for more information.

TACKLING THE CRISIS

Lower airport taxes Facing a likely loss of 30,000 more jobs in the tourism sector in the Canaries and possible hotel closures, the Regional Government have decided that the best form of defence is to advertise.

Canarian President, Paulino Rivero, and Tourism Minister, Rita Martín, called a strategy meeting between hotel and tourism groups and the islands’ councils to analyse the situation in the wake of the Fitur tourism fair held recently in Madrid and the drop in summer reservations seen so far. The first move is to be an aggressive campaign in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Spanish peninsula for which a budget of three million euros has been set aside.

To follow up they organised a meeting with national authorities to request lower airport taxes. Martín said the regional authorities were concerned at the need to maintain competitive levels in the sector and in this regard were asking for a reduction in the charges, which are among the highest in Europe.

The issue of inter-island connections for those travelling from the European mainland was also discussed, with the Minister stating that she was also working to develop “interlining” agreements with relevant airline companies, to handle passengers travelling on itineraries that require multiple airlines.

ISLAND ND CONNECTIONS ::: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

SPECIAL ST VALENTINES

33

A pearl of a prize

Valentines Versus Love is in the air L L Love me tender love me sweet But please keep clean your smelly feet If my love is like a red red nose You really must respect my nose

I Love You I wrote a poem to say I love you, You know I do but still I feel I ought to, I know I should not take you for granted and do it more often, But I am not good at displaying my feelings I know I need to soften.

I declare it in my own way by poetr y on this special day.

Para mi amadísimo Novela: “yo a tí o. tampoco”. ine.

JG, be mand e g n lu p Take the“Si quiero”, say ...

I sure do because

MMMUACK! ACK!

Campanaa Droopy drawers, meeet me at midnight on February14th in the usual place and find out just how true my love for you really is.

Princess of my heart, you have captured my love, let me be your knight errant and fight your dragons.

Oh my Mu nch kie Moo. I cou ldn't live with out you. Kee p givi ng me tho se snu ggly hug s and my life will be com plet e.

If love makes the world go round you have got me in a spin.

I'm on a monster roller coaster and never want to get off.

For my Scorpio Loving is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.

Minx, who could have guessed that just one heart could hold so much love – not me, but know I know its true.

Thanks

Betty receives her pendant from Nanik

BETTY JERRISON WINNER OF TENERIFE PEARL SPECIAL VALENTINES DAY DRAW

W

hen Betty Jerrison received a call from the Island Connections Media Group commercial director Henr y Cr uz to tell her she was the winner in The Magazine/ Tenerife Pearl special Valentine Day draw she couldn’t believe her ears. But it was really true, and just a few short hours later she was in the Tenerife Pearl showrooms in Armeñime with Operations Director Nanik Daswani Khubchand to receive her prize, an 18 carat gold necklace and pendant with white Akoya pearl and diamonds (Retail price: €445), exclusively designed for Tenerife Pearl. Betty and Sid live in Aldea Blanca and have lived in Tenerife for five years. Regular Island Connections and Magazine readers, they were thrilled to win, and it also gave them

the chance to visit Tenerife Pearl for the first time.

In fact Betty told us it was the perfect place for Sid to find a pair of earrings for her for Valentine’s Day to match her new pendant. Nanik was delighted with the impact of the competition, and told us that many readers called into Tenerife Pearl to see the showrooms and find out more about the exquisite prize on offer.

“We didn’t expect so many people to enter, but we are de-

lighted with the outcome of the joint promotion with the IC Media Group.

It proves that pearls are always in fashion”, he told us, and certainly with the range on offer here there is a pearl to suit all age groups and styles. Tenerife Pearl is part of the World Pearl group, whose knowledge and experience makes them one of the leading pearl specialists in the world.

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Living & lifestyle

34

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Acne Rosacea

Beauty:

THE MAJORITY OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION HAS SUFFERED THE APPEARANCE OF SPOTS AT SOME STAGE IN THEIR LIVES

By Nicola Roberts

T

hey are usually more apparent from the onset of puberty until the mid-twenties.

Most people spend a lot of time and money at the chemists, trying many brands of miracle potions and lotions for magically blemish free skin. Spots can also be psychologically scarring, but the occurrence of acne can bring emotional changes to the sufferer. They may find their social life or achievements at work, school or college deteriorating.

Usually the onset of acne is not, contrary to popular belief, caused by eating an abundance of chocolates or chips, but usually by more serious factors. There are normally valid reasons for the occurrence of any form of acne in our lives.

I will explain the causes, treatments and some home care routines for sufferers of Acne Rosacea.

Acne Rosacea has sometimes been described as ‘adult acne’, Actually, there is no connection between teenage acne (acne vulgaris) and Acne Rosacea, but the rash in Rosacea often includes spots that resemble acne.

Sufferers are between the ages of 30 and 50 years, and Rosacea affects the face, particularly the nose and cheeks which are abnormally red. It is fairly common and affects one in ten middle aged women in a wide range of forms.

It is not a life threatening illness but can be distressing, sufferers may lose self confidence and feel embarrassed

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reduced, so spots and irritations will be soothed – this will also prevent permanent skin damage, but will not cure Rosacea.

Steroid creams used to be popular, they produced dramatic results, but unfortunately have bad side effects and as soon as treatment ceased, the Rosacea returned. Flushing experienced with menopause may also contribute to the problem and HRT may be prescribed which will help control the flushes. If the sufferer is following the self help routine and has consulted her GP then she can at any time begin with treatment at a reputable beauty salon.

in social situations. Drugs are now available relieving symptoms and preventing permanent damage to the skin. Rosacea is a condition which only affects the skin, it causes persistent/recurring inflammation mostly of the skin on the face and either side of the nose (in extremely rare cases the back and chest can be affected).

The exact cause of Rosacea is not clearly known but it is thought to be a problem with seborrhoea and with the tiny blood vessels which supply the skin. In some people it seems to be part of a more general disorder of blood vessels which may also cause migraines and headaches triggered by changes in the blood flow to the brain. It can also arise from the over use of steroid cream on the face to treat

other skin problems, leading to a form of permanent damage.

Rosacea may typically start during the teen years with occasional attacks of intense flushing of the skin around the nose, cheeks, chin and ears. This may happen in embarrassing situations, when drinking alcohol or eating hot and/or spicy food. On entering their thirties, people with Rosacea will usually notice papules (small spots), pustules (spots) and redness which resemble bad acne.

More severe cases may include bloodshot eyes and general eye irritation, swelling of the face and spider naevi (broken thread veins), or lumpy skin on the nose (rhinophyma) which may turn a purplish red colour.

The skin may also thicken, coarsen and become very

oily. It affects more women than men and more fair skinned than dark skinned people. Rosacea does tend to be hereditary and some mistakenly think that a reddish complexion is merely a family trait. Anyone should see a specialist before the condition worsens. If broken vessels and a swollen nose are apparent it is probably too late for treatment from a GP. Without correct treatment Rosacea will worsen and cause permanent damage to the skin.

Prevention & self help In some cases certain factors can make matters worse. It can be helpful to avoid particular foods, drinks and any situation which tends to trigger a flushing

attack along with all of the other unpleasant symptoms and complications: • Avoid any food and drink that is too hot or too cold.

• Cut down on alcohol • Use cosmetic products which are not oil based • Avoid over exposure to sun, strong winds and extreme/sudden changes in weather • Try decaffeinated tea and coffee, caffeine free cola etc.

• Cut down on spicy foodsTreatment Antibiotic tablets (containing tetracycline) used to be the most commonly prescribed drug, but recently a topical antibiotic gel (containing metronidazole) designed specifically for Rosacea is available; it is applied directly to the affected areas, the symptoms will be

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• Cleansing the skin manually with sensitive skin cleanser which will not over stimulate the area.

• Toning the skin with diluted tonic or manually using soft rolling movements.

• Massage oils should specifically be mixed for sensitive skin and gentle manual massage should be executed using slow, light movements.

• Treatment masks should again contain products which reduce redness, for example Horse Chestnut, Azulene, St John's Wort, Lavender etc.

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LIVING & LIFESTYLE

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

35

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EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

Nursing profession

Rise in medical complaints

THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE PROFESSION IN THE CANARIES IS THE FOURTH HIGHEST IN SPAIN.

According to the latest figures from the Spanish nurses association, the number of complaints against the profession in the Canaries is the fourth highest in Spain.

The numbers, which see an overall rise nationally in the number of official complaints lodged against nurses, show that there are currently 94 cases to be investigated in the Canaries – relatively few when compared to the 390 registered in Andalucia and 222 in Madrid. The main reasons given for complaints include negligence, incorrect administration of injections and medicines, transfusions of the wrong blood group or ignorance of allergic

reaction to certain medicines.

Complaints were also lodged against physiotherapists for injuries to limbs, against chiropodists for incorrect treatments and against midwives for foetal damage.

According to spokesperson for the association Máxima González Jurado the growing tendency to take official complaints against nurses is pushing them and doctors to practise “defensive medicine”, meaning that perhaps they won’t carry out certain treatments if they feel they might be placing themselves in some legal danger. He also complained about certain legal practises who have now established offices in-

side hospitals and spend time looking for possible clients – ambulance chasing in other words.

Complaints are, in many ways, a form of “Calvary” for the profession, he stated, as often they can take years to resolve, during which time the nurse or medical professional is made to feel “stigmatised”. To work to try and resolve the growing number of complaints, the association have proposed the establishment of a conciliation board, working in conjunction with the legal profession as well as the opening of an office operated by non-nursing medical professionals who would examine each case and offer a legally binding resolution.

The incorrect administration of injections is one of the most common complaints

Puerto del Rosario

Fitness versus drugs In Fuerteventura, sports trainers are becoming involved as mediators in the prevention of drugs abuse. Several of these professionals have recently attended a course on the subject, organised by the Canarian government’s ministry for health, with the authority for drug dependency and the Canarian health and social services school (ESSSCAN) which took place in Puerto del Rosario.

The main objective of this course was to educate sports trainers and monitors in the Canaries in the prevention of drugs consumption. Following training, these staff are now qualified to explain the benefits

of a healthy lifestyle to the many children and youths they come into contact with on a daily basis. On the basis that the best form of education is a good example to follow, these trainers and monitors will show young people how to use sports to distance themselves from unhealthy habits.

The course was given by psychologist Miguel Tomé Pueyo who is not only the president of the JADE association for the protection of infancy and the promotion of health education, but also an expert in drug dependency programmes, and Antonio Ramos Gordillo, who is a professor of physical activity and health, and also a specialist

Sport not drugs is the message

in medicine at the University of Las Palmas. It formed part of a project already aimed at educating government, cabildo, council and social initiatives staff, and which is now targetting professionals in different areas and outside of the capital islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

This has been made possible by the use of videoconferencing which means that simultaneous training can reach all corners of various islands, and savings can be made on travelling and accommodation costs.

The experienced sports professionals chosen for this course are now expected to actively promote the practice of sports to prevent the consumption of drugs.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

birth control may muddy the playing field. Many women spend half their life trying not to get pregnant by using birth control pills or other contraception methods and this can sometimes alter your cycle.

Start tracking your cycle and aim to focus your efforts at the midway point for the greatest success.

Health: Dr. De La Flor

Dear Doctor, Is there a natural way to fight off the flu or colds such as using an antioxidant supplement?

What do you take to stay well?

Richard

Dear Richard, There are seven pharmacists in my family, including my dad, two brothers and an uncle.

Unfortunately (for them) my advice, is not to spend unnecessary money at the pharmacy but to spend it wisely at the grocery store.

There are some exceptions, people with underlying medical problems or junk food junkies might require supplementation.

Since you asked me, my answer is no. I’m a lucky fellow since my wife is a great cook, health-oriented and with a diploma in nutrition. Added to that, I trained myself years ago to love fruits and vegetables, that’s a fruitful love affair.

Experts constantly remind us that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you ward off infections like colds and flu. That’s because some foods contain immune-boosting antioxidants.

What are antioxidants?

They are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals. Many experts believe this damage plays a part in a number of chronic diseases, including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), cancer, and arthritis. Free radicals

House Calls with Dr. De La Flor can also interfere with your immune system. So fighting off damage with antioxidants helps keep your immune system strong, making you better able to ward off colds, flu, and other infections.

Adding more fruit and vegetables of any kind to your diet will improve your health. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You’ll find them in colorful fruits and vegetables – especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues. To get the biggest benefits of antioxidants, eat these foods raw or lightly steamed; don’t overcook or boil.

Beta-carotene and other carotenoids: Apricots, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn, green peppers, nectarines, peaches, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Vitamin C: Berries, broccoli, cauliflower, grapefruit, kiwi, orange, papaya, red, green or yellow peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Vitamin E: Broccoli, carrots, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

Other ‘super foods’ that are rich in antioxidants include prunes, apples, raisins, all berries, plums, red grapes, alfalfa sprouts, onions, aubergene, and

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37

3. Forget about position myths for getting pregnant: There’s no scientific evidence for most of what’s out there, but if any of the theories that you may have heard make doing the deed more entertaining – than by all means go for it.

healthytenerife@gmail.com

Fresh fruit and veggies are a great source of healthy natural supplements

4. Lay low right after intercourse: It’s good advice to lay in bed for about 15 minutes after intercourse, but you don’t need your feet in the air. Don’t go the bathroom during this time either since it won’t help the sperm fulfill its role.

beans. Vitamins aren’t the only antioxidants in food.

Other antioxidants that may help boost immunity include the mineral zinc (found in oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood, whole grains, and dairy products); selenium (Brazil nuts, tuna, beef, poultry, and other grain products).

I love fruity teas and others that come with antioxidants. Since the Adeje market started a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been there with my family buying fruits and veggies at a great price. I love to see my kids asking for fresh tomatoes …

Have a conversation with your GP and share your concerns about following a healthy diet, he/she should be able to help you out and

answer your questions.

Dear Doctor My husband and I have been trying desperately to have a baby for several months now, but even after giving it a really good effort I’m still not pregnant. We thought this would be easier.

What can we do?

Erin

Dear Erin, You’ve come to the right place! As a father of four, I consider myself to be somewhat of an expert in this area. Of course, I

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suppose my wife deserves some of the credit too! On the face of it, making a baby seems rather simple.

After all, the basic “how to” is probably something you more or less have mastered.

Even so, there are some steps to follow to help bring that little bundle of joy your way.

1. Get a preconception checkup: This is vital especially if you have any underlying medical issues.

2. Master your cycle: Ovulation is the time to get pregnant, so this is the time to grab your husband and run, don’t walk to the bedroom! Being aware of the symptoms of ovulation is key - changes in cervical mucus such as thin, mucuslike clear discharge. Use of

DOCTOR

5. Don’t think too much about it! My experience tells me that for a good number of my patients this has been the most important one. About 85 per cent of women will become pregnant within one year of trying. If it is taking longer than a year, consult a doctor for an infertility workup.

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38

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

Find your inner balance

Five elements nutrition

By Daniela Herzberg 1,500 years ago, the Chinese philosopher Confucius said the first things he looks at when he comes to a foreign country is the music and their food to see whether they have a good or a bad government. Obviously, even then people knew about the importance of a healthy diet.

Being fit and lean still is big news in modern life. This is why you can find a lot of tips and tricks for a healthy and slimming nutritional lifestyle in every tabloid magazine.

Unfortunately those diets are often unbalanced and of no long-term benefit, because they only look at ways to lose weight. A more balanced way to your personal well being is the Chinese Five Elements nutrition approach, an ancient method of choosing and preparing your daily food taking into account personal needs, climate and seasons.

According to the oriental philosophies, nutrition and respiration are the most important energy sources we have to replenish our inherited life force. Hence a healthy Five Elements nutrition can help to boost your energy level and/or to get rid of stagnations and blockages.

The Five Element nutrition works for everybody who wants to be healthy and full of vitality on a long term basis. If the elements are in harmony in your body you will not get ill and will be strong enough to even out smaller imbalances. This is not a diet that you should only apply in certain situations. Rather you develop a deeper understanding of the effects that daily food has on your organism and find out what is good for you and why.

WOOD

FIRE

EARTH

METAL

WATER

TASTE

sour

bitter

sweet

spicy

salty

COLOUR

green

red/orange

yellow/brown

white/grey

black/dark blue

FORM

long stretched pointed, sharp, triangular

square

round

irregular

EFFECT

astringent

moistening

dispersing

diuretic

dehydrating

How can I know which food is good for me?

The Five Elements nutrition divides all food according to the principles of yin and yang and the five elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Thus, we can classify each food because of its taste, its colour and form and because of the effect it has on us (see table). For example a lemon has a sour taste and an astringent effect and thus belongs to the wood element.

A salty black olive belongs to the water element, whereas red wine with its slightly bitter taste and red colour belongs to the fire element.

To start with this kind of diet, you should first take

Five Elements nutrition is a very personal thing...

We are all unique which is why our nutrition has to be adjusted to meet our personal needs, which depend on our individual elements balance. As the elements correspond to the organs, sensual organs, tissues, emotions, body fluids and so on, imbalances can

be discovered with the help of physical symptoms. If you have too much dampness or phlegm in your body, or if you are suffering from excess weight, your earth element needs attention and you should eat more draining spices from the metal element such as ginger, pepper or clove. If your kidneys are not strong enough and you tend to have bladder or kidney infections, in ancient China they would have given you salty consommes to strengthen your water element.

Adapt your meals to the climate you live in In addition to the elements, every food has an

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‘energetic’ value (cold, refreshing, neutral, warm and hot). Here, given the islands’ mild climate, we should eat more refreshing food than in Northern European countries. This means that, in general, we have to adapt our nutrition to the temperatures outside. On the other hand we have to take into consideration our personal health condition. If you tend to feel cold and always have cold hands and feet as well as slow digestion, you should concentrate on warm, cooked meals. Fresh salads, raw fruit or dairy products would enhance the inner cold and lead to depositions and phlegm in your body, because they don’t offer enough heat (energy) to assimilate the raw food.

Should you tend to have too much heat, dry skin and dry mucous membranes, you should opt for refreshing and moistening food such as fresh fruit or raw vegetables.

Your personal February health tip February is the month of yang wood, a renovating energy to relieve and detoxify your organism. Hence you should take the next two weeks to do a profound liver cleansing. This means refrain from all stimulants (like coffee, alcohol, cigarettes...) and nourish your wood element with light dishes of grains or cereals, vegetable broth, fruit juices and slightly sour herbal teas.

To strengthen the cleansing effect, take a mixture of one teaspoon of virgin olive oil and the juice of half a lemon in the morning before breakfast. Freshwater algae such as Chlorella can enhance the detoxifying process.

The liver and gall bladder meridians have their most productive time between 11 pm and 3am. Hence, if you go to sleep a little earlier you give those organs more time to revitalize.

For more information on Five Elements nutrition, health consultations and personal element constellations, call Daniela at +34

650830506 or send her an email: daniela@5-elementos.com

THE FIVE ELEMENTS For thousands of years the Chinese have recognised that the Five Elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water - exist in everything, everyone, and are essential for life. Traditional Chinese Medicine asserts that every human being is born with, or develops in life an imbalance in the natural functioning of these five elements.

This imbalance becomes the root cause of illness of body, mind and spirit.

The Generating Sequence In the cycle of the seasons, each element generates another, i.e., one element is the “mother“ of the next.

Wood (liver) creates fire (heart), thus wood is the mother of fire.

Fire (heart) creates earth (spleen), thus fire is the mother of earth Earth (spleen) creates metal (lungs), earth is the mother of metal Metal creates water, thus metal is the mother of water Water creates wood, thus water is the mother of wood Naturally, therefore, each element is generated by another: Fire is the child of Wood, Earth is the child of Fire, etc. In nature, we see this in the seasonal changes: Winter transforms into Spring, Spring changes into Summer.

The Controlling Sequence Each element is said to control, check, or regulate another. If the cycle has a destructive effect, one element is said to ‘over-control‘ or ‘destroy‘ another, causing the controlled element to become deficient. This happens when balance breaks down so that one element becomes excessive in relationship to another.

• Wood controls Earth • Fire controls Metal • Earth controls Water • Metal controls Wood • Water controls Fire

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Pets corner

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

Pets Portrait

Old friends Welcome back

Whilst the Autumn splendours of Northern Europe cannot be beaten, Xena and Luna, long-term Tenerife residents missed the climate and their friends and have made a welcome return.

Live Arico

Thanks to...

SONIA, PETE AND STAFF AT THE IRISH ROSE FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPOR T. MUCH APPRECIATED. Get geared up for Carnaval at the Nearly New shop

Nearly new Carnaval is upon us, and the Live Arico Nearly New shop has been given many fancy dress costumes to sell. Why not pop down and have a browse.

The ‘everything for 50 cents or €1 sale’ has proven so popular they have extended it. Yes its true, come along and see for yourselves. The shop is situated on the top level of Coral Mar, Costa del Silencio, and they sell clothes, books, toys, household items and much, much more. In addition, Sally from Tenerife Nursing and Care is there daily to discuss any medical issues you may have or to have your blood pressure taken or for you to discuss care in the community. If anyone has anything they would like to donate or any queries then please contact Lynda on 671 105913.

Help always needed Live Arico are really struggling with the amount of dogs they have, 165 at the moment.

They told us, “the refuge flooded in the heavy rain recently leaving the animals paddling around in mud.

As you know the dogs are in a temporary place and its not possible to have any more there, we really are desperate to find some land to rent. We also have very little money to feed and care for these dogs, and they cost around €90 per day to feed. Put vets bills on top of that and you can imagine the scale of the fundraising problem.” Please contact Eugenio 649001907 or Karen 687905511 if you can help in any way.

39

POSITIVE PET NEWS

Purrfect health!

Sharing your home with a pet can be extremely good for your physical and mental wellbeing.

Some of the benefits are obvious; walking a dog every day is bound to keep you fitter than if you weren’t getting any exercise at all.

However, studies have shown that there are also plenty of other advantages.

For example, pets can have a positive effect on your emotions; it’s hard to stay in a bad mood when a pair of loving doggy eyes are looking up at you or a friendly cat comes for a cuddle. The unconditional love they provide can be a great confidence booster and the companionship is particularly good for people who live on their own. They can also be great for talking through your feelings with; they’re wonderful listeners and always keep your secrets!

Dogs can be good for your

A cat in the hand is worth more than you might realise

social life too. People out walking with their pooches are more approachable and others are more likely to stop and make conversation.

This is a useful opportunity to increase your network of acquaintances and improve your social life. Studies of nursing home residents have

indicated that contact with their own, or visiting, dogs or cats can make them feel less isolated. People recovering from major illnesses have also been shown to recover quicker when they can spend time with their pets.

Some research has also demonstrated that dogs

may be able to detect major illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy and diabetes.

For instance, a case was reported in the medical journal, The Lancet, of a dog sniffing repeatedly at a mole on its owner’s leg which later turned out to be malignant. There have been many other similar cases and the possibility isn’t as far fetched as it would seem.

Tumours normally produce odorous compounds that are released into the air via various routes, including breath and sweat. Dogs, with their acute sense of smell, appear to be able to detect these, even in minute quantities, and some canines have even been trained to do so. Pets do, of course, come with additional work and responsibility, which can bring its own stress. However, for most people, the benefits of having one far outweigh the disadvantages.

IMPORTING ANIMALS

Exotic turtle hazard Imported aquatic turtles can not only be carriers of salmonella, but are also proving a danger to indigenous populations.

These are two of the conclusions of a joint project between the Andalusia Commission and the Superior Council of Scientific Investigations (CSIC).

Unfortunately the majority of turtles bought and sold as pets are seen as little more than a pastime or toy; when in reality they are wild animals that need high levels of specialist care and attention.

As a minimum they need regular sunshine, nutritionally appropriate food and clean water at all times. Even healthy animals can carry salmonella bacteria, which live in the digestive tract and are excreted in the faeces, and the risks multiply greatly when the turtles are kept in poor, unhygienic conditions,

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as they often are. If keepers do not wash after handling the animals the bacteria can easily be transferred to other surfaces.

Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with a weak immune system are especially at risk from salmonella poisoning which is a serious, and possibly fatal infection.

One of the most popular turtles for pets has traditionally been the red-eared slider which was sold widely in North America from the 1950s onwards. They were

bred on huge farms, but by the 1970s there were approximately 50,000 cases of salmonella being detected each year and a subsequent reduction in the animal’s popularity in the country.

This led to breeders expanding their markets to other areas, including Europe where millions were imported until a ban was imposed in 1997.

However, there are still many other species and subspecies of turtle still being sold in Spain, such as the yellow-eared turtle and the map turtle. A large number

of these are being abandoned in the wild by unscrupulous owners and are proving a threat to the two native types: the European pond and the Mediterranean turtle.

The hazard comes from the fact that the introduced species are often able to reproduce at a much quicker rate. For instance, the Florida turtle reaches reproductive age much quicker than the indigenous ones, it reproduces more times a year and has a greater number of offspring each time.

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40

WHAT’S ON

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

What’s On Tenerife

Until February 21,

MUSEUMS & CULTURAL EVENTS

CARNAVAL

February 13, Final of the adult

Mirta Silvia Tabares, artist, displays her paintings at the Abama Art Gallery, Hotel Abama, Guía de Isora.

[ Tenerife ]

Murgas competition (satirical songs)

Until May 24,

Auditorium Tenerife

February 14, Comparsas

www.auditoriodetenerife. com

February 18, Gala for the

Av. Constitución, 1 38003 Santa Cruz phone 902 31 73 27

Santa Cruz (galas in the Recinto Ferial):

Mirar de Reojo, Roland Penrose and surrealism. Sala C, Photography Centre, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, Santa Cruz.

competition (musical groups) election of the Carnaval Queen

February 20, Opening procession

February 21, Comparsas

Guimerá Theatre

rhythm and harmony competition

www.teatroguimera.es

February 24, Grand Carnaval

Plaza Isla de la Madera, 2- 38001 Santa Cruz phone 902 36 46 03

February 25, Burial of the

Procession from 4pm

www.canarynet.com

Puerto de la Cruz: February 15, Gala for the election of the Infant Queen

February 19, Gala for the election of the Carnaval Queen

Museum of Science & Space (MCC)

February 21, Opening

www.museosdetenerife. org

February 22, Fancy dress

C/ Vía Láctea, s/n 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna phone 922 315 265

procession competition

February 24, Classic and vintage car exhibition

February 25, Burial of the Sardine

Museum of Nature & Archaeology (MNH) www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ Fuente Morales, s/n 38003 Santa Cruz phone 922 535 128

Tenerife History Museum (MHAT) www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ San Agustín, 20/22 38201 San Cristóbal de La Laguna phone 922 825 949/43

Tenerife Anthropology Museum

February 27, Masculine marathon – fancy dress with high heels

February 28, Grand Carnaval Procession

La Orotava February 9 to 28,

Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes March 11 to 16, Granadilla To March 15, Only main dates are shown.

Carnaval is celebrated in most towns, check locally for more information.

CONCERTS

www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ Vino, 44 38270 Valle de Guerra (La Laguna) phone 922 546 300

25TH CANARY ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

[ Gran Canaria ]

Auditorio de Tenerife,

Cuyás Theatre www.teatrocuyas.com

Pérez Galdós Theatre www.teatroperezgaldos.es

Tours by kayak for all abilities: Last Saturday of every month. The activity may be combined with snorkelling, hiking, climbing or potholing.

More info on 922 127 938.

March 1, XXXVIII Vintage Car Competition

Santa Cruz, 8.30 pm

J. Brahms: Concert for violin and orchestra B. Bartok: Concert for orchestra Tickets: A- 75€ B- 60€ C- 35€ D- 25€

Masonic Meetings South of Tenerife. Visitors always welcome. Tenerife Craft, Chapter, Mark. For more information phone 922 794 502 or 922 732 386.

Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia II. Antonio Pappano, conductor; Martha Argerich, piano R. Panfili: Danzario. New Commission of the ANSC and the FMC. Premiered in Rome on 7 February. L. v. Beethoven: Concert No.1 for piano and orchestra D. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 Tickets: A- 75€ B- 60€ C- 35€ D- 25€ Tickets available in advance from: 902 405 504 (La Caja de Canarias), 902 317 327 (CajaCanarias), or from special ticket vending machines at branches of these two banks, at the ticket offices of the auditoriums, or online at www. generaltickets.com or www. festivaldecanarias.com.

(European Citizens Group) meets monthly September to April at the Cultural Centre (Casa Cultural), Los Cristianos. Full programme of interesting speakers, advice, and social activities. For more information contact the Secretary, Chris Stanyer on 922 751507 or the President, Harry Davies, on 922 781905. e-mail: ceten@ fsmail.net

Hiking:

K9

Discover Arona. More information about trekking routes: 922 725 180 or www. arona.org

Pleasure Island in Playa de las Américas, just behind Lineker’s bar in Starco, now hosts the K9 and San Francisco charities for animals car boot sale.

All proceeds go to the charities.

Stallholders are very welcome but booking is advised, enquiries and reservations can be made by calling Pat the Cat on 608 121 081. Open from 8am to midday, great for bargain hunters and those who love a good rummage.

All year round February 14, Orchestra Dell’

Guided walks for groups through the most emblematic buildings of the lovely northern town of Los Silos. Contact Oscar on 922 841 086.

Barranco del Infierno Adeje: Mondays to Sundays from 8.30 am till 5.30 pm. No access allowed after 4 pm. Price: 3 euros. Max. 200 people a day.

Free entrance on Sundays. More info and reservation on 922 782 885.

Guided trails For the general public.

The National Park’s interpretation service offers guided tours free of charge. You need to book in advance with the National Park Office Tel. 922 290 129 / 922 290 183.

MISCELLANEOUS

English Library Calle Irlanda, Parque Taoro, Puerto de la Cruz: Monday 3pm to 5.30pm, Wednesday 10am to 12 noon, Friday from 4pm to 6pm and Saturday 11am to 1pm.

Information: Julia Gaskell 922 37 2 579.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings in the South: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5.45pm, Friday at 11.45am. 1st Floor Apolo Centre, Los Cristianos (next to bus terminal). Information: 630 478 448 (24 hrs).

February 14, 12 noon, family concert by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. Un cuento de invierno (A winter’s tale), ideal for children aged 4 to 5 years.

Auditorio Teobaldo Power, La Orotava. Entrance 4 euros. More information, www.ost.es.

Alcalá market has reverted to Sunday following public demand complete with food stands.

The Wednesday market at Playa San Juan has been extended to include two popular sections, car boot and fruit.

EXHIBITIONS

La Baranda WINE MUSEUM

Until February 16, El Monte Canario. Centro Cultural, Adeje.

A renovated 17th century Canary Island hacienda used by the Island Cabildo to promote local

February 13, Orchestra Dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia I. Antonio Pappano, conductor; Christian Tetzlaff, violin G. Ligeti: Concert Romanesque

Castles Tours: Tenerife History Museum offers guided tours around the island’s castles for schools and groups. More information on 922 825 949

Ciudadanos Europeos Kayak

Sardine

CajaCanarias Cultural Centre Pl. el Patriotismo, 1 38002 Santa Cruz phone 922 471 000

SPORT & NATURE

quality wines. Autopista Gral. del Norte. Km 21, (El Sauzal exit), 38360 El Sauzal, Tel.: 922 572 535 Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. Wine tasting and shop until 10 pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 11 am to 6 pm, closed Monday.

MUSEUMS Casa Lercaro C/ San Agustín, 20-22 38201 San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Phone 922 82 59 49

Casa de Carta Tacoronte main road, Valle de Guerra, s/n. 38270 Valle de Guerra (La Laguna) Phone 922 546 300

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

February 21, Rock ‘09. 9

Gran Canaria CARNAVAL

pm, Maneta de Kamioneta (ex O’Funk’illo) (funk-rock / Sevilla), ÁREA 62 (nu-metal / Gran Canaria-Chile-Barcelona), EREBO (heavy metal / Gran Canaria). 15 euros. Duke’s Club, Playa del Inglés Festival Flamencoencaja 2009, Centro Cultural de La Caja de Canarias, Las Palmas, 8.30 pm:

February 13, Chano

Las Palmas

Dominguéz Trio

(Parque Santa Catalina):

February 27, Diego Carrasco

THEATRE February 13 to 15, El otro lado (the other side) by Ariel Dorfman. Teatro Cuyás, Las Palmas

WHAT’S ON

Archaeology Guided visits to the principal digs in the island: Bentayga (Tejeda), Cenobio de Valerón (Guía) etc.

For more information 928 219 229.

February 14, 8.-30 pm, El Monográfico by Teatro Tamska.

Auditorio de Teror.

MARKETS

February 20 to 22, Dance: Doramas by Gelu Barbu. Teatro Cuyás, Las Palmas

February 26 to March 1, Musicall by Imprebis Yllana.

Teatro Cuyás, Las Palmas

February 13, Gala for the

Every day: San Bartolomé de Tirajana, 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm, craft fair in the Parque Europeo

Mondays:

February 14, Children’s comparsas and adult fancy dress competitions

EXHIBITIONS

Santa Lucía de Tirajana, 8 am to 2 pm. Farmers’ market in the neighbourhood fair ground

Until February 20, Contorno

Tuesdays:

February 15, Gala for the election of the Infant Carnaval Queen

de las Islas I, a collection of paintings by Canarian artists.

Casa de la Cultura, Santa María de Guía

Mogán, 8 am to 2 pm.

C/ Paco González

election of the Carnaval Queen

February 20, Gala for the election of the Drag Queen presented by Boris Izaguirre, followed by Drag disco

Until February 26, La Materialidad de lo Intangible, Casa de Colón, Las Palmas

February 21, Grand Carnaval

Until March 15, Photography

Procession

exhibition: Polis by Rubén Costa. Puerto Calero art gallery, Lanzarote

February 23, Children’s procession

Until March 28, La Entidad

February 24, Events in Las Canteras

February 28, Burial of the Sardine Other locations:

February 12 to March 8, Agüimes

February 13 to 28, Gáldar February 20 to March 11, Teror

February 21 to 25, Ingenio March 12 to 22, Maspalomas

February 13 to 25, Arrecife, Lanzarote

February 26 to 28, Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

February 15, Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura February 12 to 18, Gran Tarajal, Fuerteventura February 20, San Bartolomé de Tirajana Only main dates are shown.

Carnaval is celebrated in most towns, check locally for more information.

MUSIC February 26, 9 pm, Tony Hadley in concert (former member of Spandau Ballet), accompanied by the Barcelona Jazz Orchestra. Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas.

Tickets, 20 or 25 euros available at the Auditorium box office, Monday to Friday 10 am to 2 pm and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm, via internet at www. generaltickets.com or ticket dispensers at branches of La Caja de Canarias, or call 902 405504. More information on www.auditorio-alfredokraus. com or www.tony-hadley.com

Tony Hadley file

CONCERTS 25TH CANARY ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 8.30 pm

February 15, Orchestra Dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia I. Antonio Pappano, conductor; Christian Tetzlaff, violin G. Ligeti: Concert Romanesque J. Brahms: Concert for violin and orchestra B. Bartok: Concert for orchestra Tickets: A- 75€ B- 60€ C- 35€ D- 25€

February 16, Orchestra Dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia II. Antonio Pappano, conductor; Martha Argerich, piano R. Panfili: Danzario. New Commission of the ANSC and the FMC. Premiered in Rome on February 7.

L. v. Beethoven: Concert No. 1 for piano and orchestra D. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 Tickets: A- 75€ B-60€ C- 35€ D- 25€ Tickets available in advance from: 902 405 504 (La Caja de Canarias), 902 317 327 (CajaCanarias), or from special ticket vending machines at branches of these two banks, at the ticket offices of the auditoriums, or online at www. generaltickets.com or www. festivaldecanarias.com.

y su Patrimonio, paintings by Julio Romero de Torres, Francis Bacon, Christo, George Segal, Miró Mainou, Juan Ismael, César Manrique, Pepe Dámaso, Manolo Millares, Juan de Miranda, Giraldo, Plácido Fleitas and Felo Monzón. CICCA, Las Palmas

Until June 2009, sculpture by Agoney Santana, Saulo Torón square, Las Canteras, Las Palmas

Until June 2009, Un mar de Vergüenzas, Saulo Torón Square in Las Canteras

SPORT AND NATURE February 28 to March 10, Fuerteventura Wave Classic 2009. Windsurfing competition at El Cotillo and La Oliva.

More information on www. fuertewaveclassic.com

Trekking February 20, Emisoras, Calderetas, Barranco de Madrelagua, Teror. Caminatas por Valleseco. More information, 928 618740.

February 28, Tunte, Rosiana, La Sorrueda (Teror). 12 kms, 3 hrs, fairly difficult. More information, 928 630906 Local councils in various areas of the island organise guided treks and other open-air activities. For more information, call UPNature, Guanarteme 928 270084 or 928 473265, Arucas 928 621754, Maspalomas 928 764201, Tablero 928 140640, Mogán 928 158805, Aldea de San Nicolás de Tolentino 928.891.252 or www.alberguelaaldea.com, or Valleseco 928 618740.

41

Wednesdays: Santa Lucía de Tirajana, 8 am to 2 pm.

San Bartolomé de Tirajana, 8 am to 2 pm.

San Fernando

Thursdays: San Bartolomé, 10 am to 5 pm. Craft fair in the Maspalomas parking terrace next to the Global bus station, Agüimes, 8 am to 1 pm. In front of the borough swimming pool.

Gáldar, 8am to 2pm.

Plaza de Santiago

Fridays: Mogán, 8 am to 2 pm. Marina

Saturdays: Telde, 8 am to 2pm.

Plaza de San Gregorio Arucas, 8 am to 2 pm.

C/ León y Castillo, Santa Brígida, 8 am to 8 pm.

Near the Borough Park.

San Mateo, 8 am to 8 pm.

Town centre

Sundays: Telde 8 am to 2pm.

Ramblas de Jinámar, Santa Brígida, 8 am to 2 pm.

Near the Borough Park San Mateo, 8 am to 3 pm. Town centre; Valsequillo, 8 am to 2 pm.

C/ Isla de la Gomera; Teror, 8 am to 2 pm.

Near the Basílica of Nuestra Señora del Pino Moya, 8 am to 2 pm.

Bus station; Valleseco, 8 am to 2 pm.

Town centre San Bartolomé de Tirajana, 8 am to 2 pm.

San Fernando & La Vegueta, Las Palmas, 11 am to 3 pm.

Flowers, children’s area, art and crafts, with popular Canarian dancing, music and food

Church Services: Living Spring Pentecostal Church Guaza Calle Almorejo 2, beside the Guaza sports complex.

Rev. and Pastor (Mrs) Nelson Olajide Tel: 609 505 915. livingspring75@hotmail.com The Anglican Parish of All Saints Puerto de la Cruz Sunday services 9.30am and 11am 29 Carretera Taoro. Parish Priest: David Jenkins. Tel: 922 384 038 www.allsaintstenerife.com Saint Francis Anglican Chaplaincy Tenerife South Chaplain Fr. Keith Gordon, phone 679660277 or 922742045 Christian Fellowship Los Cristianos 1st floor of Apolo Shopping Centre Pastor Adrian McBride.

Tel: 922 790 007.

Costa del Silencio Coral Mar. Sunday Services 11am-6pm. Mothers & Toddlers group Tue.10.30 to 12 noon.

Counselling and info: Pastor Bill Jeffrey Tel: 617291751. www. silenciochurch.com Calvary Assembly International Church Buzanada Sunday 11.00am, Wednesday 7.30pm Nursery is provided during the Sunday morning service as well as Sunday School for children under 12.

For more information, for counselling, or for information about the International Bible Institute, call: Missionary / Pastor Mark G. Baumgartner 628 107 316.

Catholic Mass Puerto de la Cruz International service Sundays (almost always in English) in the Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia parish church Los Gigantes Daily mass in English in the Espíritu Santo church St. Sebastian’s Inclusive Church Mogán, Gran Canaria Sundays 7pm at Cordial Mogán Playa Chapel

Canarian C-Days www.diasc.com/diasc/ Travel between the islands to cultural events is 50 per cent cheaper on certain days and for selected events with Fred Olsen, Islas Airways and Binter.

Discounts on hotels and car hire are also available.

C DAYS At the time of going to press the C Days web site was not announcing any events for these dates. Check for the special selection of subsidised cultural events on http://www.diasc. com/diasc/

You will need to book by telephone 902 292 999, Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm or via the web

Make sure you know the full price of the ticket (including Canarian residents’ reduction) to ensure you receive the full discount.

Gadget TRENDS

42

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

SuperGadget

Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital All the fun

Star Wars clock

Sony VAIO

of the old style Polaroid with digital technology – print ‘n go http://www.polaroid.com/CES/ProductDetail.jsp?folder_ id=2534374302037099&prod_code=PG009

What time is it? Time to battle the force, which may well be with you! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_ id=19066051

Information in the palm of your hand www.sony.co.uk

Paparazzi play set

Designer fridge panels

Kinesis K2

Who needs reality TV when you can entertain the press at home. http://www.mcphee.com/items/11764.html

Who said electro-domestics had to be boring? http://www.yoquierounodeesos.com/para_ella/ panel_decorativo_nevera/index.html#top

A solar / wind charger that will power any USB device – clever and clean http://www.kinesisindustries.com/products.php

?

British Television in the Canary Islands

what´s your style

Q-Bass Unleashed with Chris Merrick Tuesdays & Thursdays Midday

Sunday 7pm & Friday 2pm

Dinner In Ibiza with Tony H Saturday 8pm The Lounge King with Agent 69 Friday 9pm Zoologic Radioshow with Café del Mar’s Valentin Huedo winner of the 2008 Ibiza 2008 resident dj award.

Thursday 5pm & Sunday 11am

Soul Unsigned with Phil Driver A weekly selection of the world’s most influential newcomers to the Soul and Jazz scene. Thursday 6pm & Monday 9pm

Brazil Eclético with Anna Paula Reis Bossa Grooves, Brazilian Blues and Eclectic Excellence. Friday 8pm & Sunday 3pm.

www.Qmusica.com

And not forgetting

The Qfm Sunset Sessions every evening...

Qfm 94.3 ® is guaranteed 100% free from artificial additives, colourants and commercial bullshit.

TeleClub

Delfin-Computer

BBC 1- BBC 2 - ITV1 - CH4

Hardware & Software Sales Full Technical & Maintenance Services

All programmes are in English including British Premier League Football.

Buy directly from the source!

Price includes licence fee for copyrights.

2 years guarantee including g failure of receiver!! er!!

Tel: 922 783 177 · Fax: 922 783 141 email: info@delfin-computer.com www.delfin-computer.com

©IC/511/2006

R&B with Roxy B Saturday 7pm & Wednesday 2pm Smokey Lee´s Smooth Sailing Soul Sessions Sunday 8pm & Saturday Midday Eddie Meyer´s Jazzy Box Saturday & Monday 2pm Ritmos Fascinantes with Mercedes Lago

Ctra. Gral. Guargacho 52

TeleClub canarias

CALL 922 169 151

©IC579/08

So

Food FOR THOUGHT

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

43

Wind down at

EL MOLINO BLANCO EXIT 29 OFF THE MOTORWAY DRIVE ALONG AVENIDA AUSTRIA, TO NO 5 SAN EUGENIO ALTO LAS AMÉRICAS

El Molino Blanco

TABLE RESERVATIONS :

922 796 282

By Our Galloping Gourmet

El Molino Blanco, the White Windmill.

I

have driven past a number of times and felt attracted by the lights of the windmill, and recently, at last, I had the pleasure of dining in this excellent restaurant. It’s simple to find, just take Exit 29 off the motorway and drive along Avenida Austria, to No 5. Parking is easy and soon you enter the meandering green garden and already you are in another world. In the midst of the dry south this is an oasis of greenery, lush and exclusive, allowing clientele to sit and dine either outside or inside the restaurant.

Whether you’re a music fan (the live offerings are worth the visit in themselves), on a lover’s tryst or entertaining a family party, there’s a special table just for you at El Molino Blanco.

We sat and sipped one of the excellent wines on offer, a red from one of Tenerife’s own bodegas, and were joined by the owner of El Molino Blanco, Felipe, a treat in itself.

This 63 year old Tinerfeño is well known as one of the Island’s leading gastronomes, and as we talked he was also keeping one eye on ever y table in the place, making sure that everything was as it should be and that every one of his highly trained staff were where they should be.

He has been in the food business since he was 18, and has built up a wealth of experience. It was 13 years ago that the idea for the restaurant and its name was born. He told us that where we were sitting, in the garden, was once nothing more than a heap of stones on a hillside. He was sitting in that exact spot enjoying a cooling breeze when he realized it would be the ideal spot for a restaurant. Old style windmills in Tenerife used to be used for the making of gofio, the toasted ground cereal that every Canarian is brought up on (even today it’s served in homes and schools as an essential part of the local healthy diet), but there are few windmills left in good condition on the island. Such was the inspiration behind a restaurant whose name

would become synonymous with good food.

Ten years later Felipe decided to let out the premises and take a step back, believing he was too old for the business. But he couldn’t stay away for ever and now is happily back at the helm of his famous restaurant, which has seen some of the world’s top singing and sporting stars grace its terraces, as well as world leaders in business politics and even religion.

Today you can enjoy a selection of tapas – local cheeses, Iberian cured ham, Pimientos de padrón or white asparagus with sea urchin caviar. Alternatively choose from a delicious starter selection including cheeses and hams. Salad, Nor wegian salmon salad, Black potato soup with truffle oil. For a

main course you can choose from a variety of select fish dishes – gilt head bream in salt with fresh vegetables, or Rice broth with lobster for instance, or if meat is more your preferred choice you can dine on roast leg of suckling lamb, fillet of beef stuffed with cheese with Boletus and foie gras, or Segovia roast suckling pig.

accompany your meal, as well as a performance by The Singing Chef, a Canarian folk music group, and a virtuoso performance by a violinist from the Carmen Mota/Airam ensemble brings the evening to a splendid conclusion musically.

Felipe insists that at El Molino Blanco the customer comes first (and second, and third…) and you are guaranteed a wonderful evening in an outstanding venue with a menu to match. Canarian specials sit side by side with the best in Mediterranean dishes, accompanied by an excellent selection of fine wines. Entertainment is also a priority, with an excellent selection of piano music to

The restaurant can hold up to 200 guests and is perfect for all events, from wedding parties to business outings, birthdays and romantic interludes.

Reservations are recommended as El Molino Blanco continues to be one of the most popular restaurants in South Tenerife – call them on 922 796 282.

Your new meeting place in Piedra Hincada

Eat, drink and be merry!

©IC/580/08

LA SABINITA

Residencial El Camisón, Playa de las Américas Open from 1PM till 1AM Tuesday closed Tel: 922 79 63 05 922 79 21 36 www.mesoncastellano.com

Mesón Castellano Superb Spanish Cuisine

Offering the best in meat, including steak, pork and lamb, not to mention our fine range of fish, cold cuts & tapas.

We combine tradition and good taste to offer you the best of our gastronomy, plus an extensive selection of top quality wines from our Bodega.

RESTAURANT

LA SABINITA 1 metre long pizzas • 1 metre long sausages More than 50 types of beers • Fresh bbq meat (cooked over coal) Hen / Stag nights • Birthdays & all types of celebrations Tue - Sat 6pm - 12am. Sun 1pm - 12am. Closed on Monday Mob. 636 378 017 • PIEDRA HINCADA, NR.42 - GUÍA DE ISORA TAKE THE EXIT 'PIEDRA HINCADA' - THEN FOLLOW THE ROAD UPHILL FOR 2 KM

44

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Making the most of seasonal food

Sweet and savoury soup Equally great served hot or cold, this is a family favourite and particularly popular with the children. his tomato based soup is from Extremadura and stands out for the addition of dried figs. It is a sweet and savoury mixture that has a wide appeal. The recipe uses the long green peppers known here as Italian, rather than green bell peppers.

We bought our ham bone (hueso de jamón) in a pack from Mercadona, but they are on sale in most large supermarkets. We used a wholemeal bread roll, which tends to have a more solid consistency and a majado is the name given to a mixture that is prepared with a mortar and pestle.

T

Recipe In Pictures

EXTREMEÑA TOMATO SOUP (SERVES FOUR)

Ingredients • Two slices of day old bread per person • 400 grams peeled and chopped tomatoes • One medium onion • Two red peppers • Two green Italian peppers • 150 grams dried figs • Two laurel leaves • Two garlic cloves • Several sprigs of parsley • A good pinch of thick grain salt (sal grueso) • One tsp cumin seeds • Ham bone • Two tblsp olive oil

Preparation 1. Chop the onions and peppers and fry lightly in the olive oil with the ham bone until they are soft.

2. Add the tomatoes and fry gently until they are cooked. Cover with water, add laurel leaves, bring to boil and lower to simmer.

3. In a mortar prepare the majado with the salt, parsley, garlic, a spoonful of liquid from the soup and the cumin seeds.

4. Put the bread to cook in an oven at 150ºC for three to five minutes. It should be hard, but not toasted.

5. Add the majado to the soup and leave to simmer a couple more minutes.

Chop the figs into halves or quarters depending on the size and pile them in the middle of each soup bowl, surrounded by the hardened bread.

6. Ladle the soup over the top and serve.

Restaurante

La Romántica International cuisine, flambées a speciality Superb food, stylish service, a touch of class in Callao Salvaje

Tel. 922 741 518 Open daily 12 midday - 11pm

El Ancla, nº 21. C/ El Jable Callao Salvaje, Adeje

Restaurant and Cocktail bar I celandic Restaurant with S outhern Flair

BAR & GRILL

Terrace ace with amazing sea views Open n daily from 2 pm

International cuisine House specialities Snacks Ideal for parties Gourmet buffet, made to measure asure Large selection of cocktails Spanish ‘green’ wines

CC Salytien, Local 37, 50 metres in front of the underground parking Playa de Las Américas (next to the Casinos) Tel: 922 798 944 · Email: mio.bar.grill@gmail.com

CASINO SALYTIEN

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

45

NESCAFÉ COMPETITION

Food Ideas;

Three in one

AN IDEA SO SIMPLE, IT MAKES YOU WONDER WHY IT HASN’T BEEN DONE BEFORE.

From Lakeland, a spaghetti measurer that serves and grates the cheese too for just £7.82. www.lakeland.co.uk/

Julienne peeler

Win cash for coffee Buy any two Nestle coffee products and join in a draw for 2,000 euros a month for life.

To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Nestlé have once again launched their wage for life competition for Spanish residents. To enter simply send two Nescafé wrappings or tickets off the back of the jar with bar codes with your name, full address and daytime telephone number to Nestlé, Apartado 1520, 08080, Barcelona. For Nescafé Classic or decaffeinated coffee you can enter the web page www.nescafe.es/sueldo/ and follow the instructions there to enter the 10 figure codes you will find on the inside of each bar-code bearing ticket or inside the boxes of sachets of coffee, or send an SMS to 25013 with the words NESCAFE

SUELDO followed by two 10 figure codes (cost of the call 0.30 cents). Make sure you leave spaces between the words and the codes. For both SMS and web entries you must keep your ticket safe as it is the proof of

purchase necessary for your entry to be valid. Final entry date June 30, 2009 and you can send as many entries as you like. Those making multiple entries by email go into an extra draw for oneoff cash prizes. For four en-

tries you can win 1,800 euros, for seven entries, 3,000 euros and for 10 entries your name goes forward for 6,000 euros, all in addition to the correspondent participation in the monthly wage for life competition.

Cheese awards

Cheesy date for Gran Canaria NOT FOR THE EVERYDAY CHEF, BUT A GREAT TIMESAVER IF YOU ARE FOND OF ENTERTAINING OR COOK FOR A LIVING.

From Swiss company, Zyliss, this peeler makes thin, restaurant-style julienne strips with one easy stroke. It has a gismo for removing eyes and an ergonomic design which makes it comfortable to hold. Sharp steel blades and a five year guarantee. A popular brand, this product is widely sold, priced at £7.50 www.headcook.co.uk

Regular readers will no doubt be aware that the World Cheese Awards will be held in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria this year.

The event which has finally been scheduled for September 30 to October 4 is expected to present the Canaries as a first class tourist and gastronomic destination and information was clearly on show at Europe’s largest tourism fair in Madrid, Fitur.

Four thousand cheeses are expected from all over the world

NEW in Puerto Santiago

and given that the winner of the prize last year in Dublin was from Arico, it has come as some surprise that we haven’t had so far the petty sniping between Tenerife and Gran Canaria as to who should be hosting the event.

Canarian cheeses have won over 40 medals in the last six Cheese Awards and 45 entries are expected this year from the archipelago. The competition will be run parallel to a world congress on the topic and a food exhibition with participants also from all over the globe.

First class modern international food

sauc Pizza - Pasta - Brasa

Fresh homemade Pasta Pizzas - Fresh Fish - Meat Eat in or take away

Homemade desserts Great Range of Spanish and Italian wines

One of Tenerife‛s up and coming restaurants.

Mon - Wed - Thu till 5 pm: Starter + main course + drink + coffee only 10€

A delightful stylish restaurant in a wonderful tranquil setting offering an extensive modern menu and the very best of service.

Wed - Mon 1pm - 5pm / 7pm - 12am Calle la Gaviota. Playa de la Arena, Puerto Santiago On the main road between Hotel ‘Barceló Varadero’ and Mercadona

©IC/558/08

Tel. 922 860 744

Car park 50 metres from restaurant Open Mon – Sat 7 'til late For reservations call 922 712 257 after 6pm.

Av. Colón, C.C. Club Atlantis, San Eugenio, Puerto Colón

46

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Taking a look at Spanish cheeses

Cooking with cheese A SERIES OF RECIPES CREATED BY THE BEST OF TODAY’S SPANISH CHEFS • 50 gr extra virgin olive oil (Assut)

• 9 gr sliced garlic • salt

Raw red cabbage on a cheese cream, chard sauce.

Truffle and ham balls and red pepper Idiazabal cheese frost

By Martin Berasategui (www.martinberasategui. com)

Ingredients:

For the liquefied chard:

Red pepper & Idiazabal cheese frost: (20 servings)

• 450 gr grated Idiazabal cheese

• 250 gr whey • 8 gr paprika red pepper • 5 gr soy lecithin powder

• 400 gr truffle juice • 5 gr xanthen gum • 1 gr glycerine for the ham • 1 kg Spanish cured ham

• 1 kg red cabbage leaves • 55 gr extra virgin olive oil

Blanch the chard leaves in salted boiling water for one minute.

Chill in ice cold water and drain. Lightly sauté the garlic in hot oil, add to the drained chard leaves and liquefy in the blender. Filter and season to taste.

For the cheese frost:

Truffle and ham balls:

broth

For the juice:

the cheese. Mix the cheeses in a bowl with the help of a spoon and add the chopped chives.

bones

• 1 litre water

Mix the whey and the grated Idiazabal cheese. When it is brought to a boil, add the paprika and remove from heat and let infuse for one hour.

Filter through a fine sieve.

Mix in the soy lecithin and emulsify. Carefully spoon into small shot glasses and store in the freezer until ready to serve.

(Assut for preference)

For the balls:

• 10 gr. sliced garlic • salt

Preparation:

For the raw red cabbage: (60 servings)

• 350 gr cabbage juice • 1.7 gr agar-agar gelatine • 1 gelatine sheet

Cheese cream: • 100 gr Torta del Gran Casar cheese

• 50 gr. Torta de Castuera El • Porfiao cheese • ½ cubic centimetre chives

Liquefied chard: (17 servings)

• 900 gr. young chard leaves

Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling salted water for three minutes. Chill in ice water and drain. Lightly sauté the garlic and add to the leaves. After liquefying the leaves in the blender, filter through a fine sieve and season to taste.

Take one tenth of the liquid and mix in the agar-agar and boil with the gelatine sheet, (pre-soaked in water). Add this mixture to the rest of the liquid which should be at 38ºC. Filter the liquid into a baking pan that has a depth of 20 millimetres and leave to set.

Have the cheeses at a warm temperature, taking care that the fat doesn’t separate from

As

Mix the truffle juice, the xanthen gum and the glycerine together for two minutes. Put the mixture in silicone baking moulds (small size moulds) freeze and store in a bag in the freezer.

For the broth: Bring one litre of water to a boil. Add the ham bones and let the water return to a boil and cook for five minutes.

Continue by removing the bones and add water as needed to maintain the same amount.

Place on an induction stove on number nine and the moment it boils lower to number two.

Leave on the induction stove for 12 hours. In the morning, filter and clarify the broth.

Asiaticoo Asiatic Buffet Libre As

Japanese, Thai and Chinese Cuisine Choose your sauce and our chef’s will prepare your Wok, Grill & BBQ in front of you.

Information and images from España y sus quesos (in Spanish, English and French) by José Manuel Escorial, ISBN 84-6112686-6 (around 60 euros).

With the kind permission of the national federation of milk industries, FeNIL and the Spanish Institute for External Commerce, ICEX.

Making the balls: Bring the broth with the gelatine to a boil and maintain temperature while dipping the truffle cubes. With the help of a paper clip, poke the truffle cube and dip into the broth and chill on a dish. Remove the paper clip carefully without breaking the umbilical cord.

Presentation: On the edge of a glass plate, using a piping bag, put 1 cubic centimetre of cheese cream.

Place the cabbage gelatine slice on top which should be cut into circles at the last moment with the help of a pastry cutter (number 40). Press down a bit to make an indentation for one of the truffle balls. Place a ball into the indentation and garnish with a bit of chive sprouts and dark sisho. The liquefied chard should be poured in the centre of the dish (20 gr. per dish).

Finish by placing the shot glass of Idiazabal cheese and paprika with both dark and green sisho sprouts.

sushi

Ristorante - Pizzeria - Bar Specialising in Italian Cuisine

A variety of Asian snacks, fresh meat & seafood

EAT WHATEVER AND HOWEVER MUCH YOU LIKE We invite you to eat whatever and however much you like from our wide variety of cold and hot dishes, desserts and ice-creams of all kinds.

All day buffet

7,90€ ONLY

Tel. 922 797 168 • Fax 922 795 618 Lunchtime 1 pm – 4.30 pm Evenings 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm B Blvd. Chajofe 10 • Los Cristianos (Formerly Mercedes-Benz)

Special prices for general & office parties Barbecued meat Authentic pizza Kids park Open everyday from 1 pm - 1 am San Eugenio Alto, Playa de Las Américas (opposite Aquapark). Tel: 922 79 29 58 - 699 445 292

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

Get a grip - how do you hold your glass?

WineGUIDE

By Gerald Ruben

Torres in Barcelona RECENTLY WE WENT OVER TO BARCELONA.

Almost anyone can drink wine; the big question is how do you hold your glass? There are four recognised ways to hold your glass.

By the bowl Holding the bowl between thumb and for efinger is regarded as indecent anywhere except New Mexico. It leaves fingerprints on the crystal and it transfers heat between fingers and wine.

By the bowl, but cupped in your hands This is the style for sniffing brandy and is accepted in wine drinking only if the wine is too cold. It should send a big message to whoever is serving the wine that you would like the wine to stand for a while, until it gets up to room temperature.

By the stem This is the best way to hold a wine glass. It combines control with taste and elegance and keeps your fingers away from the wine. Pinkie extension is discretional.

By the base If you can do this, do it. It’s recognised as a sure sign of status in the wine community, but do practise first!

After all...

Much more important than how you hold the glass is what you put in it.

47

We quickly found the only wine bar in La Roca, run by the Torres family

I

t’s a fantastic city and probably rates as one of my firm favourites.The atmosphere is electric and the restaurants and service some of the best you will get in Europe.

Whilst the main reason for the trip was for the men to attend a number of meetings we were able to get some serious shopping therapy. In fact we visited one of the biggest outlet sites I have ever seen, which is situated about 30 kilometres from Barcelona. La Roca is a small town in Catalonia and it is here that La Rocas shopping village is found. With over 90 international and domestic brands

it offers a majestic choice of shopping. The village has been trading since July 1998 and is an interpretation of a traditional 19th century Catalan market town complete with design cues taken directly from historic buildings in its surroundings. It draws on 11 million residents and 17 million tourists who visit Catalonia and the Costa Brava every year. However whilst I was overwhelmed by the range of shops it did not take too long to track down the only wine bar on the strip, owned and run by the most famous family in Spanish wine making, the Torres family.

The family has been linked with wine making for more than three

centuries, during which time their ancestors have worked vineyards in Penedes. The business really took off when Jaime Torres Vendrell returned from Cuba. It was Jaime who decided that the Spanish wines he and the family made should be exported to Cuba, Argentina and Puerto Rico. In 1870 Jaime joined up with Miguel Torres Vendrell and formed what is today the Torres empire. Their wines were taken to Cartagena de Indias, Santiago de Cuba, Veracruz, Bremen, Hamburg and Saint Petersburg.

They won prizes in Vienna, Philadelphia and Paris.

Torres world wide expansion is

due to the tenacity and boldness of Miguel Torres Carbo.

He never forgot when he carried bottles of wine in his arms and walked around the restaurants selling them. In 1979 a new winery was built and opened in Central Valley of Chile where a great range of wines are made.

In San Francisco Marimar Torres makes wines in the Russian River, and Green Valley in Sonoma County. The wines are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The family now export to more than 120 countries and are constantly looking at better ways to promote their wines and to produce the best wines in the price range that they have selected. The wine that we and our friends found in La Roca is called Celeste, and is brimming with fruit, body and colour.

“At 895 metres altitude you can nearly touch the stars” is the inspiring thought behind this wine, and this is the family’s first wine to come out of Ribera del Duero. On their tasting notes it reads ‘intense blackberry colour, spicy and intense nose with liquorice and black pepper hints at a base of well ripened fruits’. On the palate, very fruity at first with ripened tannins. This wine was awarded 90 out of 100 points by the Wine Spectator in November 2005.

Where can you find this wine in Tenerife? I dont know, but I will be looking out for it in good restaurants and wine shops.

...how a real restaurant should be!

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks • Fresh fish, paellas, vegetarian menu, pasta, pizzas • Specials: Suckling pig, T-bone steak, mixed meat barbecue • Great range of wines. Cocktails

Open 7 days a week from 9am to 11.30pm. Kitchen open all day Golf del Sur. Avda. Galván Bello s/n. 200 metres before the right hand turn to CC San Blas

©IC/577/08

Live music every evening • Flamenco show every Tuesday

48

Showbiz S

By Barbara Law

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

The Merseyside mirthmakers O

ver the years, Tenerife has played host to many of England’s top comedians including the late, loveable, Les Dawson who was making regular visits to the island when I first arrived over 20 years ago.

The cult figure of Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown, who became famous without the power of television, is still coming over here to recharge his batteries. The late Charlie Drake, in the latter days of his career, was overwhelmed by the recognition he received from both residents and holidaymakers who would often call out, “Hello, my darling”.

Then, “for the fun of it”, he says, my hubby George was involved in bringing over a number of the UK’s top funsters to perform at various venues in the south of the island, the likes of Bernard Manning, the most controversial comedian in Britain who, whether you liked him or not, was a superb comedy technician. Then there was Cannon and Ball and the other northern duo Little and Large with their own par ticular brands of comedy. Stan Boardman, Frank Carson and George Roper, who became household names through the power of television in The Comedians, followed.

Liverpudlian Mick Miller made a number of appearances as special guest in the Legends of Broadway show at the Exit Palace in San Eugenio a few years ago and it was a pleasure to meet up with him once again when he was over here on holiday a couple of weeks ago, when he told me he was doing a one-off gig at Leonardo’s showbar.

The easily recognisable funster has built a highly successful showbiz career

on being bald, and on stage makes much fun out of his lack of hair which he started losing at 16, and was bald by the time he was 20. On stage, he tells the audience how his son once ran into the living room and said, “Dad there’s a man at the front door with a bald head”. Mick’s reply?

“Tell him I’ve already got one.

I saw a specialist and said, ‘my hair is falling out’”, Mick tells the listeners, “I’ve asked him for something to keep it in – he gave me a cornflakes packet”.

Showbusiness has been good for the former professional soccer goalkeeper who was signed by the late, great, Stanley Matthews when he was in charge at Port Vale. But Mick is the first to admit that he was a bit short in ability, and also in height for a goalkeeper.

He played alongside future England star Ray Kennedy.

“We were both transferred at the same time”, said Mick, “Ray went to Arsenal, and I went to Pontins, coaching soccer and snooker, followed by a spell as a bingo caller, before deciding on a career as a stand-up comedian. His

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first break came on TV’s New Faces, which he won, then his career went from strength to strength, with summer seasons and appearances at the London Palladium and an impressive list of TV appearances over the years.

Look out for him soon in a new series with Johnny Vegas to be shown on BBC2 on Sunday evenings, called Ideal.

A couple of days after meeting Mick, I can’t tell you ‘how tickled I was’ to receive a phone call from the Squire of Knotty Ash, and master of the tickling stick, Ken Dodd. “I’m staying at a place called Playa Paraíso”, he says, which is only a few miles outside of Playa de las Américas. “Do you mind if Anne and I pop over to see you and George?” As if he needed to ask, for we go back a long way! In fact I first heard his name mentioned around my home town of Warrington when I was a young teenager and had started singing with a local band, and Ken was paying his dues on the local tough comedy circuit, at venues such as Warrington’s labour clubs, when he was billed as ‘Professor Yaffle Chucklebutty – Operatic Tenor and Sausage Knotter’.

Is it any wonder that Ken, who has turned 80, has developed an inextinguishable sense of fun? He still thrives on playing live theatres from Cornwall to the Shetland Islands, travelling thousands of miles a year, performing some 200 shows – each one lasting some five hours – aided only by Anne Jones, his long time partner, working her piano spot, and usually a speciality act.

Just what keeps Doddy going? The king of comedy has been in showbiz for almost a lifetime. He has been awarded the OBE and done ever ything he could

Ken Dodd, with Mick and Barbara have wanted, including being honoured by the prestigious British Comedy Awards with their highest accolade – the lifetime achievement award. The swinging sixties gave birth to Ken Dodd the recording star and his singing claim to fame is cemented in the NME 100 top singles with his recording of Tears, listed at number 19, which knocked fellow Liverpudlians The Beatles from the number one spot and stayed at the top of the charts for six weeks.

In April 1965, despite all the success he had enjoyed in the rest of the country, Ken was ner vous as he headed to do a season at a venue where many northern star comedians had come unstuck over the years, the famous London Palladium.

As it turned out, Ken burst on stage to a packed house on opening night, and by the end of the show the audience refused to let him leave the stage. He had cracked the south and the Palladium hadn’t seen anything like it since the days of the big American stars. Ken’s show stayed at the theatre for 43 weeks – which is an alltime record. Ken Dodd has received countless honours in his career, and when I asked him which one meant the most to him, he gave an instant reply, “the title of the Greatest Merseysider”, he said. “Without doubt that is the greatest honour ever bestowed on me. I was thrilled and truly grateful to receive such a special and

prestigious honour in 2003”.

Lennon and McCartney were voted as runners-up.

These days Ken tours the theatres with his famous Happiness Show which is legendary, lasting anything up to five and a half hours.

It’s not for nothing that he describes himself as the patron saint of taxi drivers, as he makes his punters miss their last bus home. It’s no joke when before the interval in his shows he announces, “we’ll let you out for a few minutes, but no running away.

This is like antibiotics, you have to finish the course”.

I experienced many such late nights when working in shows with Ken in some of the biggest theatres in the country, during his heyday in the sixties and seventies, of which I have many cherished memories.

When Ken paid us a visit I mentioned that a fellow Liverpudlian was doing a gig just down the road at Leonardo’s showbar, and when I said it was Mick Miller, he said he would love to join us, and say hello to Mick.

It’s not surprising how many professional comedians over the years were born in Liverpool, for ever y other person in the city seems

to have a quick wit and an impish sense of humour. I still recall the famous poster outside Liverpool Cathedral in the sixties: ‘Think: what would you do if Jesus came to Liverpool?’ And some scouser had written underneath, ‘I’d move Ian St John to inside left!’ Now that’s Liverpool humour for you, always being one move ahead.

After Mick’s show the two comedians got their heads together for a chin-wag, then we said our goodbyes to Mick.

One thing that surprised me during the evening was the amount of young people in the audience who came up to Ken for his autograph, or have a photo taken with him, but mainly because they all seemed to be in such awe of him. One young man followed us outside, grasped his hand, looked at Ken as if he was some sort of god and said, “Sir, I think you are a comedy great, a genius and a legend. It’s made my holiday meeting you”.

Most people would agree, for Ken Dodd must be one of the finest stand-up comedians in the world. The man is unique and I ver y much doubt that we’ll ever see his like again.

Las Palmas

Tony Hadley in concert

Tony Hadley with our former correspondent Joe Cawley a few years ago

Former member of Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley, will be giving a concert at the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Las Palmas at 9pm on Thursday 26th February and will be accompanied by the Barcelona Jazz Orchestra.

Tony began his solo career in 1990 after the popular eighties group Spandau Ballet split up. More recently he embarked on a new project to fulfill a lifelong ambition and has recorded an album of swing songs, called Passing Strangers. At the forthcoming concert you can not only see him performing crooners’ classics from this album, but also big band versions of well known Spandau Ballet hits. This is bound to be an extremely popular event, so get your tickets now, at only 20 or 25 euros, from the auditorium box office, by internet at www.generaltickets.com, from the special ticket dispensers in certain branches of La Caja de Canarias, or call 902 405504.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

BUSINESS PROMOTION

49

OXYJET

O2 look young again EUROPE’S NUMBER ONE BEAUTY TREATMENT, THE NORA BODE OXYJET, Europe’s number one beauty treatment, the Nora Bode OXYjet, the secret of many celebrities is now here in Tenerife and has been tried and tested

by Island Connections.

This no needle system is gentle, painless, effective and safe. Pulsed oxygen pressure shoots highly effective cosmetic formulations and pre-concentrated oxygen into the deepest layers of the skin where all cell regeneration takes place, significantly reducing expression lines and softening wrinkles while the oxygen energises the skin leaving it glowing and full of vitality. Although the effects of this treatment do give immediately visible results, the active ingredients continue working over a long time.

It’s a superb anti-aging or rejuvenation treatment that is highly recommended for all ages and both sexes.

The Beauty-Tox preparation applied to the skin is a natural alternative to Botulinium toxin (known as Botox) injections, relaxing muscles and reducing forehead lines, furrows between the eyebrows and lines around the eyes. However unlike Botox, Beauty-Tox can restructure and rejuvenate aging skin by stimulating its own collagen and hyaluron synthesis, which tightens and plumps it up. This is the most thorough facial treat-

ment you’ll ever have, you are even asked to fill in a short questionnaire so that the beautician can personalise your treatment. The beauty-Tox facial begins with a cleansing massage using a cream then a milk to remove all make-up and impurities.

Nora Bode toners are spritzed all over your face and neck, rebalancing the pH before a gentle exfoliation, using the Nora Bode Enzyme Exfoliating Cream. You will enjoy a soothing hand massage whilst the exfoliating cream does its work. Then Nora Bode Beauty-Tox Ultra Treatment is applied and transported deep into the basal layers by pure pulsed

oxygen pressure. Special attention is given to areas of concern such as frown lines, crows feet or turkey neck.

This feels like little puffs of air pushing against your skin.

You are given a mirror frequently so that you can see the immediate results which are quite amazing.

Following this, a calming oxygen spray massage using the OXYspray technique with Nora Bode OXYfluid prepares you for utter relaxation, like a soft breeze blowing over your face and neck. This places a layer of the OXYfluid on to the outer layer of skin where it plumps and nourishes from the outside down to the basal layer.

Other preparations mainly lay on the skin, some go a couple of layers down, but very very few treat the skin all the way down. Collagen eye pieces are then put in place, a mask containing collagen and aloe vera or caviar is applied to the face and left on for 10 to 15 minutes while you inhale a mixture of pure oxygen and aromatherapy oils to revitalise the inner body. This is an extremely relaxing process and takes around an hour and a half to complete. It definitely leaves your skin glowing, and we can thoroughly recommend it. The effects are noticeable even during the treatment where you can

feel the positive difference between the areas of your skin that have already been treated and those that have not. The most visible results for our staff volunteers were around their eyes and neck, both commented that the skin now felt significantly tighter. Treatments are also available for lip rehydration and to combat pigmentation and acne problems. If one treatment leaves you looking so good, imagine what a full course could do for you, even the deepest of wrinkles seem to be ironed away by the magic, painless, oxygen pressure injection.

The OXYjet system was designed by Jutta and Lothar

Bode in Germany during research into immune mediators in the skin when they discovered that active substances could be inserted under pressure through the so-called biomatrix. Now celebrities worldwide use it, including Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and Caprice. This is no crank system, it has a real scientific base which the beautician will be happy to explain to you in detail.

The machines have been in trials for skin cancer treatments and the Cornwall Dermatology Research Institute have confirmed that active ingredients to treat skin cancer nodes penetrated up to three times more using the OXYjet.

You too can benefit from the Nora Bode OXYjet system, exclusively available at the Tropical Wellness & Spa at the Hotel Jardín Tropical, San Eugenio and the Caroli Health Club in the Sheraton Hotel, La Caleta. For a free consultation or an appointment to join the OXYjet set, call Julie at OXYbeauty now on 627 890 570.

If you have a beauty salon or spa, are looking for something new to attract additional clientele in these difficult times and want to know more about this revolutionary system for face and body treatments, free consultations and trade enquiries are welcome at Oxybeauty Canarias on the same number.

English Lawyers & Spanish Abogados Our specialised legal team can assist in various aspects of English and Spanish legal services including: Property, land & conveyancing • Criminal, commercial & employment law Wills, probate, tax & estate planning • Family & divorce law Timeshare & seasonal ownership • Civil litigation & personal injury Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, French & German Contact us now for a Private Consultation: 922 719 520 Tenerife Office: Avenida de Los Pueblos, Parque Residencial Villaflor, Local B-20, San Eugenio, 38660 Costa Adeje

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Contact Vicky Freeman & Vikki Singleton on Phone

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50

BUSINESS PROMOTION

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

LÍNEA DIRECTA

A tailor made insurance service GO TO THE DIRECT CAR INSURANCE LEADER IN SPAIN FOR THE BEST DEAL IN HOME INSURANCE. Línea Directa offers up to a 60 per cent saving on home insurance.

Línea Directa Aseguradora began operating in Spain in 1995 and is owned 50 per cent by Bankinter, one of the main financial entities in Spain, and 50 per cent

by Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance (who own Direct Line), a leading insurance company in the UK. Línea Directa has maintained high levels of growth since its establishment without the need for any mergers or acquisitions; it is currently the sixth largest insurance company in Spain with over 1,560,000 clients and is the market leader in direct car insurance in Spain. Leveraging on its success and expertise in the motor insurance market, Línea Directa entered

Insure your home with Línea Directa for peace of mind

the home insurance market in 2007 presenting a new flexible product, offering up to a 60 per cent reduction on

the average home insurance policy. Línea Directa was the first insurance company in Spain that recognised

the need to assist English speaking clients by creating a service specifically directed at expatriate clients in Spain.

Since 1995, the team at Línea Directa’s International Division has been on-hand to provide a service that is fully managed in English, which in 2006, was expanded to include German as well. In addition, Línea Directa can also act as translators in any aspects concerning their clients’ insurance.

These factors have contributed to the company’s success and seen the growth of its expatriate clients’ base to over 60,000.

With over 13 years experience as leaders in direct motor insurance and the knowledge provided by its British partner, Línea Directa entered the home insurance market in October 2007.

Continuing its philosophy for innovation and creating a new concept in the multi-risk insurance sector

in Spain, Línea Directa Home Insurance offers a product based on flexibility, simplicity and transparency. It allows clients to personalise their own policy by choosing between one and 23 types of cover. By adapting these to suit their specific requirements, it enables clients to pay only for the covers they want and need.

As with their car insurance, Línea Directa’s home insurance can significantly reduce premiums, offering high value policies at low cost. According to the profile and needs of each client, home insurance can be contracted for as little as 105€; and in many cases, can be up to 60 per cent cheaper than the average home insurance policy.

Línea Directa is very satisfied with the evolution and success of its home insurance product.

After just one year, it would seem that this success is borne out by over 37,000 clients who have already trusted Línea Directa for their home insurance.

For more information about home insurance from Línea Directa, phone 902 123 738.

EUGENI EVSIKOV

The man with the magic hands Eugeni Evsikov was born in Novosibirsk, Siberia and in 1973 he graduated from the philological department at the university.

Later he attended schools for alternative medicine in Russia and Latvia. There he worked with highly qualified naturopathics and osteopaths and is a member of the Latvian Naturopathic Association.

From 1990 he lived and worked in Munich, Germany, graduating from medical college with a diploma entitling him to be styled as a Qualified Therapist for traditional Chinese Medicine.

It was at this point that he created his own system called Energetic Cure Massage based on old Russian methods, Chinese reflexology and the Ying-Yang theory, using this method to rehabilitate sportsmen after traumas of joints, bones, meniscus and muscles. In this field he achieved excellent results using point massage, osteopathy, acupuncture, herbs and natural products.

Eugeni continues to use the same

techniques with outstanding success and has clients from many countries. Since 2002 he has lived in Tenerife, working from his clinic in the Hotel Bitácora in Playa de las Américas. He has clients from all over Europe and has become known as “the man with the magic hands”. For the past four and a half years he has written and published articles in the English local papers on how to improve health by using very effective and unusual methods from Asia and Europe, in addition to old herbal recipes from Russia using herbs available everywhere. He is a busy man helping and curing chronic back pains, arthritis, headaches, sleeplessness and many more problems. Last summer he visited Poland, Latvia and Ireland where he worked and showed his technique and lectured.

Some testimonials : Dear Eugeni, On my last visit to Tenerife

after the flight I was suffering from dizziness and bad balance, it was impossible to go for a walk and to relax.

After three visits to you my dizziness has gone. I strongly recommend your treatment to many people and wish you would visit the UK. S.Andrews UK.

Dear Eugeni, I was playing professional football and was suffering from a bad back, in a halfhour session you found two slipped disks and had them back in place very quickly, I could not believe the difference. This last visit to you was because I had injured my ankle and had not played for three months. Although I had been to specialists in England they could not locate the problem. After two sessions you discovered a dislocated joint and again achieved the impossible. I am very grateful of all you have done for me.

N. H. Bolton Wanderers School of Excellence England

Dear Eugeni, My wife and I attended your lecture ‘Self diagnostics’in which you explain in detail special techniques and exercises for self help treatments. We attended various lectures and it crossed my mind that lectures on alternative medicine subjects would be very interesting and informative not only for specialists but for everybody.

G.T. Waterson England In 2006 Eugeni published a book called Good Health detailing many of his effective and easy methods to improve health, using techniques from Russia, India, China, Tibet and Korea. He stresses how a well-chosen diet can improve health, enabling the body to avoid new diseases; he also gives recipes for natural ointments, shows exercises and gymnastics from Tibet, China, India and Korea, and describes the benefits of herbal baths. Eugeni’s main idea is to retain the balance

of the body and reduce chronic problems caused by injuries, stiff joints and arthritis; special techniques can be learned in order to relax and stimulate the muscles and glands, increasing blood and lymph flow in the body.

In 2007 he started to give lectures entitle How to live and enjoy an active middle age and retirement, and also Headaches and migraines, which describe selfhelp treatments using several methods. Entrance to these lectures is completely free and they take place at the Hall La Palma, Hotel Bitácora, Playa de las Américas every Wednesday afternoon at 2pm. This talented

man is a physiotherapist, a naturopath and a masseur but his outstanding asset is his capacity for caring. He is quiet and unassuming, exceptionally skilled in his particular art; he is competent in healing and pain reduction and those who see and speak with him regularly are stimulated by his beliefs and uplifted by his personal approach to life. Eugeni Evsikov is a truly remarkable man so do not delay if you are in pain or discomfort - contact him on 699 156147 or www.ecmevsikov.narod.ru

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

Island Connections Media Group Karen Swift Classifieds Manager

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM – 5PM

01.

Situations Vacant Promotions company with

Collection Points

more than 10 years experience

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is selling attractive, high

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Tel. 922 750 609 Fax: 922 795 810

quality products in Tenerife at markets, 5* hotels and superstores, is looking for open minded full/part-time promoters, which like to

To Cho - Guargacho - Las

ISLAND CONNECTIONS LAS CHAFIRAS

present and sell in a live TF-1 to Los Cristianos Las Américas

promotion. No selling

Sales staff wanted

experience is required!

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to contact us for fur ther

FIRE STATION

Galletas

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Contract + Social Security + Fixed Salary + Commission is guaranteed. Feel free information. Office: 922 78 91 98 Fax: 922 789198

CLASSIFIEDS / SITUATIONS VACANT

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Tel 922 791 675

Mobile: 629 493799.

Tenerife Pearl / Perla Canaria

is looking for models

51

We continue to grow... yes!

Even in the current economic climate we need extra help in order to fulfil our customers needs... We require the best in the marketplace. Have you got what it takes?

Our media group has traditionally led the field and will continue to do so by hiring the best and remunerating them accordingly.

Advertising Consultants (Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera)

Night Owl (Sales person) (Tenerife)

Do you possess: Positive attitude and strong character. Self discipline and sales experience.

Spanish or German language to negotiation level. Self motivation and team skills. Teachability and 100% integrity. Trustworthiness and references.

If so then you could be what we are looking for. Media experience would be an advantage, but not essential as training will be given.

If you would like to apply for any of the above positions, send your CV, two references, an up-to-date photo and covering letter to director@ic-news.com • henrycruz@ic-news.com • Fax: 922 79 58 10

for its campaigns

Atlántida

Court

Mar

PALM

y after Jardines Sol4pm SUNDAY MARKET

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Island Connections Newspaper http://www.ic-news.com Daily News Site http://www.newscanarias.net Tenerife Office Tel: 922 750 609 Mob: 609 581 632 Fax: 922 795 810 Classifieds Section: classifieds@ic-news.com Sales Department: sales@ic-news.com Gran Canaria Office Tel: 928 353 279/ Fax: 928 359 744 grancanaria@ic-news.com

Class. Info For personal and professional help in placing your classified in Island Connections all you need to do is pop along to our new offices in Las Chafiras and speak to Karen.

Not only is Island Connections here to ensure that your advertisement reaches it’s target market, we will also advise on sizing requirements for maximum exposure, with prices to suit your pocket.

Circulation controlled by: Distribución Gratuita

Publisher & Proprietor Tina Straub, Joe Schacher

Island Connections S.L. C.I.F: B-38748315 Printed by Artes Gráficas del Atlántico S.A. Dep. Legal: TF-287/93

If you are between 18 and 30 years old, female, and you have all it takes to convert yourself into one of our models and do NOT possess a contract with any model agency, please e-mail us with the following information: • 3 photos (face, profile, body) • Personal info (full name, date and place of birth, phone nº, city, e-mail) • Measurements (height, breast, waist, hip, weight, eye and hair colour) to marketing@tenerifepearl.net

B E L L I S S I M A

BELLISSIMA HAIR, HEALTH & BEAUTY OF LOS GIGANTES AND SAN EUGENIO ALTO ARE LOOKING FOR A BEAUTY THERAPIST WITH SALON EXPERIENCE A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF A PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE RANGE IS ALSO A REQUIREMENT Call Nicola on 677 509766 or e-mail: nicky.bella@yahoo.co.uk

Classifieds Order Form

Rates Lineage classifieds: From 15.75 € Boxed Ads: Black& White 57.75€ Coloured 68.25€ Long Term: Ask for our special rates

Lineage 15€ / max 30 words [extra words 50cents per word] Module 55€ B/W, 65€ colour / 38mm x 42mm *All prices are plus 5% IGIC tax per edition Advertising details ::

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Cut out this coupon and send it with Euro cheque, to: Subscriptions Department, ISLAND CONNECTIONS S.L., Calle Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6, Las Chafiras 38620, San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Contact: classifieds@ic-news.com for UK bank account details.

52

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

Suzuki Jimny 1.5D, 2004, 52,000 kms, air con, alarm, fender, hardtop, 8.800 euros, tel 609 130551

The family friendly car hire company

Toyota Celica Engine: 1.8 Litres kms: 90000 kms Year: 1997 Petrol Price: 11500â‚Ź Tel: 649911000 Audi A3 - 1.8T Engine: 1.8Litres kms: 182000 kms Year: 2000 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 8200â‚Ź Tel: 606552281

02.

Motoring Mercedes Benz, SEL 600 V12 400cv, 5p, 1993, 180,000 km, black, automatic, ABS, four airbags, traction control, ESP, speed limiter.

Leather grey inner with walnut wood, air-con, heating system, adjustable setas with electronic memory. Central locking, double cr ystal lamps, sun roof, electronic rear view mirrors, nearly new wheels. Just passed ITC, fully equipped, ver y good condition, 16,000 euros, tel 629 244958

Family company 27 years on Tenerife

DANISH RENT-A-CAR ¡ A reliable and friendly service ¡ Fully comprehensive insurance, no extras ¡ Free child seats, GPS (3 Euros a day) Special offer: ¡ Special long term rates Citroen Saxo 7 days only ₏139, ¡ VIP hire car service all included

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Jetski Yamaha GP, 1300 R, 20008, 170 PS, 2 seats, good as new, 9.000 euros, tel 609 130551

Poul's Auto – your car-hire company in South West Tenerife

MB 560SEC, 1990, full equipped, well kepts, ITV, good condition, 4.900 euros including transfer ONO, tel 609 130551

Tel: +34 922.740.742 ¡ www.poulsauto.com

Opel Corsa 1.2, low km 4 years old, fully serviced with air con - â‚Ź4,500 Tel 629 594 590 or 922 777 652

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Private sale, red Ferrari, Mondial, 1990, 40,000 kms, excellent condition, tel 687 744225

Mercedes-Benz C 32 AMG Engine: 3Litres kms: 65000 kms Year: 2001 Petrol Sun roof Doors: 4 Price: 24000â‚Ź Tel: 687451431

Volkswagen Golf GT Engine: 2Litres kms: 30000 kms Year: 2006 Diesel Sun roof Doors: 2 Price: 22000â‚Ź Tel: 650355052 Volkswagen Eos Engine: 2Litres Kms: 25000 kms Year: 2006 Petrol Convertible Doors: 2 Price: 21000â‚Ź Tel: 619631397 C i t ro e n C 2 E n g i n e : 1.4Litres Kms: 46000 kms Year: 2004 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 6500â‚Ź Tel: 670308105

Daewoo Korando Engine: 2.9Litr es Kms: 138000 kms Year: 2000 Diesel Doors: 2 Price: 5000â‚Ź Tel: 619471733 BMW 523i Engine: 0Litres Kms: 132000 kms Year: 1998 Petrol Doors: 4 Price: 8500â‚Ź Tel: 679398108 Honda Prelude Engine: 2Litres Kms: 159000kms Year: 1994 Petrol Sun roof Doors: 2 Price: 5500â‚Ź Tel: 616249814

Los Cristianos, black African, Sadie, pretty girl, r ealise your fantasies, have great compay and enjoy fabulous moments.

Quality ser vice, 24 hours, Funchal building beside Hotel Aguamar, call me 608 285035, www.modeloscanarias.com South, blonde girl from Italy, 22 years, sexy sweet lips, full massage, all services, hotel visits, 662 528882 Sasha, Los Cristianos, sexy, loving young lady from Argentina for hot time, discreet, hotels open 09002300, tel 648 054056

03.

Contacts Sur - 24 hours. Beauties, young, super sexy, sweet, playful, massages, vibrators, all ser vices, 686 826 734 Los Cristianos, near the church square, Julia, discreet apartment .Nice and pretty girls. Open and visiting 24 H, tel: 666 773 761.

For one hour or more, elegant room with jaccuzi for rent “room service� too, Playa Las Americas. easy parking. tel 659 767 875 Las Americas. professional massage (without clothes) artistic, relaxing, stress relief, sport massage, erotic and more... harmonise your body, heart and mind. natural and clean. magic hands 627 114 090 664 098 678 Susana, real beauty, high standing, dark, exotic, Thai massages, French, attends hotels and homes, south, 13.00-12.00, www.modelos-canarias.com, www,elmundoerotico.com, private appointments C r i s t i a n o s, E u ro p e, Northwest, sweet, beautiful, sexy lady, big breasts, nice body, you’ll have a great time, erotic massage, discreet apar tment, home, hotel visits, 662 545691 / 600 835437 English showgirl, professional, strip tease, model, stag/hen, domination, quality service, roll playing, mistress, bondage, trampling, whipping, face sitting, corset, visit 24 hours, 663 295751 / 803 520060 Multi-language blonde, busty, high class lady offers top GFE and / or professional domination with full service.

Private apar tment with waterbed and home/hotel visits, special prices in February. www.sexyjessica. eu. Tel 662 476036 Cristianos, Riana, beautiful, lovely body, young, tall, slim, cinnamon skin, massage ser vices, vibrators, erotic toys, sexy, discretion, 676 060706

Tenerife South. A very beautiful girl from Czech Republic, 19 years old, blonde, sweet, ver y hot, spectacular legs, body to body service, just hotels, cal me 647 272045 New, south, Lidia M, 18 years old, Canarian, student, model body, real photo, private apartment, serious, hotel, Jacuzzi, www. servicosx.com//lidiat. 637 080868 Attention, new, south, Carmen, attractive, mature, l o v e l y l a d y, 4 0 y e a r s , professional massage, lesbian, toys, etc. etc. private apartment, visa, hotel, jacuzzi, w w w. s e r v i c i o s x . c o m / carmenm, 600 893342 South, three friends, Russians, beauties, young, hot, complete French, from 30 euros, 627 828915 Erotic massage for men, selective, beauty, nice, lovely body, hotel and home visits, realise your dreams, a very ardent lady, tel 664 098678, www.model-cabaruas,cinm www,elmondoerotico.com Paloma English gentleman seeks passive woman 30-60 for mild BDSM friendship. I’ve lived in Tenerife 10 years, own a restaurant in Las Americas, I’m genuine, affectionate and caring. Interested? Email me gentlemanjim2you@yahoo. co.uk

Club Swinger Triangle De Paris New in Las AmĂŠricas, near to the Casino Sur, under the Hotel Gran Tinerfe.

Open every day from 11 pm. For more information see our web page: www.triangledeparis.com or call us on 0034 610 954 701 20 % discount on presentation of this coupon

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

P.J ELECTRICAL SERVICES

General Services

grigg1@hotmail.com pjelectrical.vpweb.co.uk

Masonic Meetings:

CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Ann Summers The best fun you can have with your clothes on! To book a party or join my team, please phone or text Wendy on 639 353470. Bra ďŹ tting service available / bras up to G cup

Real Bargain!!

Computer for sale Compaq Presario PENTIUM 4 (2007) with Printer/Scanner HP Photosmart C6180

500â‚Ź Tel. 677 799 475

FREE, no obligation survey & quotation

The Timber Specialists

Polígono Industrial Las Chafiras III, C. Caracas Nave 4 - 38639 S. Miguel de Abona ¡ Tenerife Tel: +34 922 736738 Fax: +34 922 735 123 Email: info@canariesbritish.com ¡ web: www.cbas.eu

Kitchens, pergolas, ďŹ tted wardrobes, decking, staircases, windows and doors and much more‌ For a free, no obligation quote contact us on‌

CARPENTRY - SUNBLINDS - CONSTRUCTION

Tel. 922 782 683 - 618 776 167 ¡ lyden@venli.com Nave 1, Barranco de las Torres, Adeje 38670

Meridian

Window Company SL Manufacturers and Installers of Quality

UPVC & ALUMINIUM

ŠIC/583/09

04.

ALL ELECTRICAL WORK CARRIED OUT BARS RESTAURANTS APARTMENTS DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL FAULT FINDING 24 HOUR SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK ALL AREAS COVERED BULLETIN AND 647 039 656 ADEJE

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

:: Free no obligation quotations :: Now available 0% interest free credit on all products Visit our factory showroom in Nave 1, Barranco de las Torres, Adeje Tel: 922 782 683 / 649 559 866 info@meridianwindows.net ¡ website: www.meridianwindows.net

BEGINNERS’ DANCE CLASSES

Skilled Builder Robert McAlees

As seen in “Dream Home DIY�

Tenerife Lifestyle magazine

Horse sharing!

4QBOJTI 7JTUB MBQUPQT VQHSBEFE UP &OHMJTI 1 0 " 4VFĂ’P "[VM MPDBM $BMMBP 4BMWBKF "EFKF 1IPOF p .PCJMF & NBJM JOGP!FB[ZQD UFOFSJGF DPN

Reformas

Drawn to the world of beauty?

FULL RENOVATION WORK ŠIC/534/2007

Would you like to change your house or apartment into a beautiful & cosy home? Or maybe all you need is a small renovation job? All with top quality ďŹ nishing?

922 127 679 or cv to MarcelCluny@gmail.com

Lady, 53 years, offers home help for older people.

Cleaning, ironing with references.

Area Los Gigantes, Los Cristianos, Las AmĂŠricas.

Tel 600 237912

COMPUTER SALES AND SERVICE

-BQUPQT GSPN ĹŽ p #BTJD TZTUFNT GSPN ĹŽ 3FQBJST BMM DPOTVNBCMFT GPS ZPVS 1$ *OTUBMMBUJPOT p ZFBST FYQFSJFODF

tel: 677 799 475

Tel. 922 69 63 02 • 670 436 932 info@elbes-conservatories.com

CONSERVATORIES Your dream place to live

www.elbes-conservatories.com Your individual project from concept to completion.

See for yourself the superior quality of our tailor made conservatories at the homes of many satisfied customers.

Wood inside

Aluminium outside

Charm & Beauty

Durability & Minimal Care

ŠIC/576/08

I am offering horse sharing for my 5 year old gelding. He is a very quiet horse and enjoys rides.

Interested?

Please call 609 929 278

taffy007naeve@ yahoo.com

are recruiting; Beauty consultants Free training

I listen to what you want and make sure you get the best.

I can replace that faulty tap or renovate your home.

Over 30 year’s experience. UK qualiďŹ ed to advanced skills status.

Call any time 922 814 073 / 605 469 352 rmcplumb@yahoo.co.uk

meets in Puerto de la Cruz on Wednesday evenings contact John Hughes on 922 38 22 29 email

NEW - GLASS CURTAINS 'Why spoil the view" *Frameless folding glass doors and windows* Ideal for balcony/terrace enclosures and for existing patio areas

doors, shutters

At Vamos a Bailar - Let’s Dance. CC Perla Blanca, Callao Salvaje ¡ Ring 636 817 265 or 646 067 471

VISIT OUR COMPREHENSIVE SHOWROOM "See the best display in Tenerife" We manufacture, supply and fit: All types of doors and window systems, insect screens, mirrored wardrobes, balcony screens and partitions. All types and sizes of gates, electric, manual and telephone entry etc.

Garage doors, louvered shutters, fixed or adjustable louvers, pergolas, balustrades, cupboards, roofing, mobile roofs (manual or electric),extensions, conservatories, shower screens and cubicles, tiling, building. All types of glass mirrors.

Security shutters, high security locks and glass. Take advantage of our free security survey.

Ventanas Tenesur SL Windows,

Adults’ Ballroom, Latin American, Tap or Freestyle Childrens’ ( 2 1/2 - 7yrs).

Introduction to Dance.

Many other classes in ballet, hip hop, modern, musical theatre for all ages.

Canaries & British Aluminium Systems S.L. A British owned company - Established in Tenerife 1992

See all the above in our showroom and watch the manufacturing process.

WE ONLY SELL WHAT WE MAKE - WE ARE NOT MIDDLE MEN. Directions: With Iceland on your right, take the second turn left after the ITV station and we are on your left behind Autos Tenerife.

SOLAR FANTĂ STICO

LODGE TEIDE

53

High quality German UPVC at competitive prices.

We also supply & ďŹ t all types of aluminium products.

Visit our showroom on two oors at Valle San Lorenzo.

Call for free quote: Tel. 627 511 606 OfďŹ ce/fax: 922 766 494 Web: www.ventanas-tenesur.com E-mail: ventanas-tenesur@hotmail.com

54

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

CLIMATE CONTROL

04.

CHOOSE FROM AIR CONDITIONING, FAN HEATING OR DEHUMIDIFYING TO BE COMFORTABLE WHATEVER THE WEATHER !

General Services

from

â‚Ź585

*Illustration purposes only

Buy Direct from the Importers, save ₏100’s, sofas, bedding, mirrors, kitchenware, houseware.

Home Style Direct, Las ChaďŹ ras, 922 736849

FITTED

SPECIAL OFFER!!!

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON PURCHASES OF 2 OR MORE MACHINES

POOL HEATING Make the most of your pool ALL YEAR ROUND Affordable Pool Heating 10 Year from less than 1 euro / day Guarantee! from â‚Ź4,499 fitted

Japanese massage, energise your mind and body, getting inside a deep relaxation with a real oriental massage, Anna, Los Cristianos Tel: 677 115021

Invest in the Best, with AC Direct - Established Professionals YOU CAN TRUST!

Domestic, Commercial & Industrial, with good after sales service.

A C DIRECT 902 789 189 www.acdairconditioning.com

ON THE MOVE? Tony the Welder • Weekly sailings to and from the UK and Ireland • Worldwide network - we can move you anywhere in the world! • Professional packing service

• Security Grilles • Gates • Railings

Call our Canarian Regional OfďŹ ce on 922 581 805

• No obligation design consultation. • Comprehensive quotation, separating tradesman, labourer and materials. • Ceramic, porcelanico, marble, granite, or natural stone. • All associated works such as terrace bases, drainage, bathroom fitting, plumbling and kitchen fitting carried out.

• Steel Fabrication • On-site Welding

EMAIL: info@migrateglobalcanarias.com

Fully Qualified Legal Craftsman 27 years experience, 14 years Tenerife

TM

GLOBAL

TM

Tel: 659 489 690

GLOBAL

Property Secured, Quality Assured

International Removal Specialists

UNIVERSAL EXPORTTS S.L.

MCREFORM RENOVATION COMPANY

REMOVALS TO AND FROM THE UK

MCREFORM

servicios de construcciĂłn

> ELECTRICAL WORK > PLUMBING > AIR CONDITIONING

ŠIC/583/09 /583/09

> THERMIC AND ACOUSTIC INSULATION > MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

5FM p 'BY 3PC PO 6, p 6, 'BY XXX SFNPWBMT UFOFSJGF DPN p JOGP!SFNPWBMT UFOFSJGF DPN • Reliability • Competitive prices • 15 years in Tenerife • Excellent workmanship • References, reconciliation

Klaus-Dieter Pßschner ¡ Master Carpenter Mobile phone 608 64 58 05 ¡ Tel/Fax 922 72 96 00

Tel: 600 328 561

> PARTIAL RENOVATION

LET US TAKE THE HA ASSLE OUT OF MOVING...

5*0/ /""-40 -0$"- "/% /"5 3&.07"-4 "/% 4503 3"( (&

All work fully guaranteed and insured.

> COMPLETE RENOVATION

'"45 3&-*"#-& "/% &'' '*$*&/5 4&37*$& 1&340/"- "55&/5*0/ ( (6"3"/5&&% %003 50 %003 4&37*$& &

• Kitchens/Bathrooms • Buit-in Kitchens • Windows, Doors • All types and styles • All renovations and extensions

Pro-Tile

A professional all inclusive tiling service.

MCREFORM is a renovation company located in the South of Tenerife. For almost ten years we have been offering building services to our customers for a sole purpose: their total satisfaction.

AMERICAN SHOPING CENTER, LOCAL 33 PLAYA DE LAS AMÉRICAS, ARONA TEL/FAX: 922 750 912 • MOBILE: 629 323 156 INFO@MCREFORM.ES • WWW.MCREFORM.ES

SKIP HIRE & BUILDING MATERIALS DELIVERY (&/&3"- 53"/41035"5*0/ 0' "-- #6*-%*/( ."5&3*"-4 4BOE p #BMMBTU p $FNFOU p #SJDLT p #MPDLT

$BMM

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

05.

Property Wanted : Desperate to sell your property ? We will buy your house or apar tment for Cash, and complete within 28 Days. We are not Agents. Call (0034) 922 720222 or visit www. tenerifehomebuyers.com

Business Opps :

4)& &6301& JT B DPOGJEFOUJBM IFMQMJOF GPS XPNFO PG BMM BHFT XIP OFFE B GSJFOE UP IFMQ UIFN JO UJNFT PG EJTUSFTT XIFO FWFSZEBZ MJGF TFFNT PWFSXIFMNJOH 8IFO UIF DBMM JT SFDFJWFE TIF XJMM CF HJWFO QSBDUJDBM BEWJDF SFMFWBOU UFMFQIPOF OVNCFST PG QSPGFTTJPOBMT BCMF UP IFMQ BOE UIF GSJFOEMZ TVQQPSU PG $ISJTUJBO XPNFO GSPN UIF &OHMJTI TQFBLJOH DIVSDIFT PO UIF JTMBOE 0VS XFC QBHF JT XXX TIF FV DPN BOE UIF IFMQMJOF OVNCFS JT

Refurbishment

of Houses and Apartments ¡ Painting and Decoration ¡ ¡ Tiling ¡ ¡ Plumbing ¡ ¡ Electric installations ¡ ¡ Complete bathrooms ¡ Fully QualiďŹ ed Legal Craftsman with more than 15 years experience. Located in the South of Tenerife.

Tel.

637 293 176 Reformas FULL RENOVATION WORK Would you like to change your house or apartment into a beautiful & cosy home? Or maybe all you need is a small renovation job? All with top quality ďŹ nishing?

tel: 677 799 475

For lease restaurant, working with good client base, Beautiful local with a family feel, ample parking, tel 637 560 700 For lease a unique Piano Bar in a new area in Los Cristianos with many passing tourists. Selling due to health reasons. Would also make an ideal restaurant or a night club. Call Christina 600 641069

Rent : One bedroom apartments for rent, just refurbished, 400 euros per month, tel 666 808182 or 647 927767 Furnished house in Chayofa, 2 bedrooms, terrace, garden, ocean views, security door and windows.

Access to heated communal pool. Available from 1st March to 1st December 2009, all inclusive, 650 euros per month, tel 610 754153 Beautiful 1-bed a p a r t m e n t in quiet residential complex Las Mimosas, Tor viscas Alto.

Magnificent sea views.

Communal pool. Lift. Totally refurbished. Available end of February. â‚Ź550 inc. bills. No smokers. No pets. Tel: 649 882366 for a viewing.

Studios, 1 and 2 bed apartments from 400â‚Ź for rent to mature-minded people in quiet residential complex with all UK TV channels in Torviscas Alto. For details phone Nadine, 922 715 162 Los Cristianos, by the sea, lovely one bedroom apar tment, living room, kitchen, TV, washing machine, sunny, sea views, from 550 per month, 922 752759 / 608 425426 For rent Parque de la Reina, three bedroom fully furnished apartment, 2 bathrooms, separate kitchen, large garden with pergola, outdoor shed, indoor parking, storage, adjacent to community pool and tennis cour ts, phoneline and tv connection, phone 629 494331

55

CLASSIFIEDS / PROPERTY

Garage for one/two/four cars or a storage room in the heart of Los Cristianos from 60 euros per month. More details call the owner 628 100114 Golf del Sur, pretty cottage style house in quiet position overlooking golf course. Front door parking, garden back and front (community maintained).

Heated pool. No pets, 650 per month, tel 627 219001

Sale : Torviscas Alto/Las Mimosas. Beautiful spacious 3 bed, 3 bath spacious villa, separate dining room, kitchen, 115m2, ter race 90m2, pristine condition, panoramic views to Gomera, garage, large storeroom, bargain 350,000 euros ono, tel 922 712991 Sale - price hit. Las Americas, one studio and one bedroom apar tment, same area both with fantastic ocean views, sunny, big pool and garden area, renovated, price studio 69,000 euros, apar tment 118,000 euros, information 629 300139 Los Cristianos, apar tments by the sea, 1 and 2 bedrooms, pool, impressionable panoramic views, garage, 120,000 and 135,000 euros, no agents, 922 752759 / 608 425426

RESIDENTIAL Apartments 1 bedroom Cris Sol, Los Cristianos El Mirador, Los Cristianos

AP1671-1 great value â‚Ź 115.000 AP-1670-1 reduced â‚Ź 139.000 Attention investors!! Best priced apt on complex plus excellent rental income!

The Heights, Los Cristianos Jardin San Miguel, Las ChaďŹ ras Dinastia, Los Cristianos Jardin San Miguel, Las ChaďŹ ras

AP1475-1 -27% STG 91,350 AP1480-1-27% â‚Ź95,000 AP316-1 -23% â‚Ź145,000 AP1662-1 -17% â‚Ź120,000

Large apartment, interior 65 m2 plus 50 m2 terrace

Jardin San Miguel Las ChaďŹ ras

AP1480-1 -17%

â‚Ź95,000

Large corner apt, excellent opportunity for 1st time buyer!!

Ocean Golf & Country Club, Golf del Sur AP1482-1 -17% â‚Ź129,950 Neptuno, La Caleta AP1663-1 -15% â‚Ź188,000 Furnished with garage and trastero included, 100 metres from beach!!

La Finca, Aguilas del Teide Victoria Court, Los Cristianos Pebble Beach, Amarilla Golf El Mirador, Los Cristianos

AP963-1 -12% â‚Ź135,000 AP1512-1 -11% â‚Ź168,000 AP1659-1 Great buy â‚Ź99,000 AP1483-1 -9% â‚Ź157,500

Apartments 2 bedroom Altos de Roque,Torviscas Alto AP1511-2 -23% â‚Ź136,500 Jardin San Miguel, Las ChaďŹ ras AP1654-2 -17% â‚Ź145,000 Top oor corner 2 bed 2 bath apartment

Neptuno, La Caleta

AP1664-2 -17% â‚Ź195,000

New unfurnished, plus garage and trastero, 100 metres from beach!

Castle Harbour, Los Cristianos El Mirador, Los Cristianos Victoria Court, Los Cristianos

AP829-2 -10% STG116,000 AP1366-2 -7% â‚Ź275,000 AP1650-3 great rental â‚Ź265,000

Townhouses 2/3 bedroom Jardin San Miguel, Las ChaďŹ ras TH137-2 -16% â‚Ź250,000 Los Halcones, Aguilas del Teide TH177-2 -16% â‚Ź189,000 Charco de Valle, Adeje TH251-3 -12% â‚Ź175,000 3 beds PLUS separate studio! Refurbished. 3 terraces with fantastic views

CREDIT CRUNCHERS

Vistaher mosa IV, beautiful 4 bedroom luxury penthouse for sale in quiet area of Los Cristianos. Two marble bathrooms, large bright living/dinning room, separate ktichen, breakfast room, conser vator y and studio area, 200m2, sunny terraces and balconies with lovely views. Bargain at 325,000 euros. Tel 922 799585 or 629 012827

Detached villa in Callao Salvaje Situated in a quiet cul de sac and sought after position in exclusive residential area. Excellent views of both sea and mountains.

Five minutes from local shops and restaurants. 25 minutes from South airport.

Fully legal, this property is built on two levels and consists of: Upper level – Main bedroom, en suite bathroom and fully fitted dressing room. 2nd bedroom and bathroom.

Lounge, dining room and fully fitted kitchen. Good sized terrace and access to roof terrace. Car port.

Lower level – 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms en suite. Large study/extra bedroom/Lounge-diner.

Utility or possible kitchen.

Heated swimming pool. 2 store rooms. Courtyard.

Pool equipment & Storage room. Access to garden and Bodega. Plot 400 sqm. Garden approx 10 0 sqm: House 210 sqm. 6 5 0,0 0 0 euros.

Telephone 607 310 854

Villas 2 bed Adeje Golf - superb location Los Abrigos

V365-2 -26% â‚Ź395,000 V271-2 reduced â‚Ź175,000

Quirky 2 bed house, stunning sea views

El Jable, Callao Salvaje Cabo Blanco Los Cardones

V373-5 -12% â‚Ź 577.500 V441-4 -21% â‚Ź 375.000 V512-4 -20% â‚Ź525,000

Further reduced outstanding 4 bed villa with own pool!

Villas del Duque- recently reduced V508-4 -11% Los Menores - 5 bed, stunning views! V511-5 reduced

â‚Ź525,000 â‚Ź249,950

Urban land for villa construction BP052 Callao Salvaje - 400m2 Urban plot Roque del Conde - 850 m2 plot urban plot BP053

-24% â‚Ź179,000 -23% â‚Ź210,000

BUSINESSES Ref: CO-516 Bar Great location!! Well run bar in front of beach!

Price: 25,000â‚Ź

Ref:CO-771 Bar Long established bar in prime position Price: 55,000â‚Ź

Ref: CO-610 Distribution business Long established distributor of brand draught beer and wine

Ref: CO-774 Fantastic Florist shop Quick sale needed due to ill health

Price: 66,000â‚Ź

Price: 40,000â‚Ź

Ref: CO-778 Removal business

Ref: CO-769 Fantastic home based ceramics business Price: 12,000â‚Ź

Highly proďŹ table and long established removal business working mainly with British clients.

Price: 185,000â‚Ź

Tel.: 922 79 29 52 w w w.cmltenerife.com

56

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS / PROPERTY

05.

Property

Residencial

La Curva

Six semi-detached luxury houses in pairs over Cuesta de la Villa, in Santa Úrsula

Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé 3 bed semi detached, toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 35m2 terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commerical centres, 800m from Playa Fañabe, community feees 30/month, 185,000 € Tel 629 244958

Villa Tagoro San Eugenio Alto

• Surperb views • 4 bedrooms • Top quality materials • Double glazing • ACS solar panels • Central heating • Iron fireplace ideal for wood • Central vacuuming system Reserve your home: English/German Spanish

646 52 13 39 922 30 17 92 689 35 89 59

Inversiones

DÁVILA Y RODRÍGUEZ S.L.

New 3 bedroom luxury villa 750,000€ Tel. (0034) 655 914 691 (0034) 922 71 33 56

Excellent opportunity

Residencial

La Duquesa Playa Fañabé

Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 35.00m 2 1 room 89250€ Phone: 922866559

Apartment San Eugenio Alto Location: central 85.00m2 2 rooms 295000€ Phone: 922866559

Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 59.00m 2 1 room 179000€ Phone: 922866559

Terraced house Masca Location: countr yside 70.00m 2 2 rooms 120000€ Phone: 659038027

Apartment San Eugenio Alto Location: central 91.00m2 2 rooms 295000€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 4960.00m2 1 room 126000€ Phone: 922866559

3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, front and back garden, comunity pool. €425,000 Tel. 629 244 958 El Médano, dir ectly from the owner!!! New, precious detached house, 3 bedrooms, 2 moder n bathrooms, indep. kitchen, 3 terraces,bbq, luxury complex with 2 swimming pools, 42m 2 closed garage,ver y exclusive furnished. Quiet zone, Price: 330.000 euros, Tel: 650 792 742 Torviscas Alto/ Resid.

Casablanca, directly from the owner!!! Very beautiful apartment (53m2) in the most exclusive zone of Tenerife, 1 bedroom and an small officeroom, ver y big bathroom, 35m2 terrace with precious views, luxury complex with swimming pool and gardens.

Garage and store-room. Only 6 months old!!! Price: 183.000 euros, Tel: 650.792.742 For sale, 2 bed apartment, 60m2 with equipped kitchen.

Terrace, 25m2, views of La Gomera. Closed garage, Urbanisation Sunset, Torviscas Alto, 195,000 euros, tel 629 244958 For sale, 3 bed apartment, 86m2, 2 bathrooms, separate equipped kitchen, balcony 25m2 with communal area views, Residential Fañabe (Fañabe Alto), 169.000 euros, tel 629 244958 For sale, 5 bed villa, in quiet are of Costa del Silencio, 160m2, terrace with sea views, Ajardinadas area, 2 separate bedrooms for guests, 370.000 euors, tel 629 244958

Frontline studio apartment for sale, partly furnished in a superb position with views of La Gomera. Recently refurbished.

Superb holiday or residential home; quiet zone, near to shops and restaurants.

Contact C. O’Flynn, 686 586 519

Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 82.00m 2 2 rooms 359000€ Phone: 922866559

Urb. Arco Iris Playa Second line from the sea in Callao Salvaje. Duplex, totally furnished, 75m2, separate ktichen, totally equipped, toilet, dining room, complete bathroom, 2 bedrooms, SATTV, solarium 30m2 with views to Gomera and Teide, garage space, community areas with 2 pools, automatic gates, community fees 54/month, 145,000 euros. Tel 629 244958

Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 35.00m 2 1 room 89250€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 46.00m 2 1 room 120000€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 60.00m 2 1 room 138500€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 66.00m 2 2 rooms 162000€ Phone: 922866559 Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 71.00m 2 2 rooms 159000€ Phone: 922866559

Subscription Order Form

3 bed, 2 bathroom duplex apartment for sale in Los Girasoles, El Madroñal Independent kitchen, downstairs toilet, office, living/dining room, 2 terraces approx 20m2 each.

For more information email ventasol@terra.es

Apartment Playa San Juan Location: central 80.00m 2 2 rooms 349000€ Phone: 922866559

Terraced house Tamaimo Location: central Views: sea 180.00m 2 150000€ Phone: 610703429 Urban Land 36.00m 2 140000€ Phone: 630050870 Apartment Cabo Blanco Location: central 62.00m 2 2 rooms 118000€ Phone: 609969203 Terraced house Guamasa Location: outskirts Views: mountain 90.00m2 3 r ooms 222000€ Phone: 616398928

Urb. Arco Iris Playa Second line from the sea in Callao Salvaje.

Duplex, totally furnished, 75m 2 , separate ktichen, totally equipped, toilet, dining room, complete bathroom, 2 bedrooms, SAT-TV, solarium 30m2 with views to Gomera and Teide, garage space, community areas with 2 pools, automatic gates, community fees 54/month, 145,000 euros

Apartment Los Cristianos Location: central 77.00m 2 3 rooms 165000€ Phone: 635476415

Tel 629 244 958

Apartment Sta Cruz de Tenerife Location: outskirts Views: mountain 118.00m2 3 rooms 240€ Phone: 696471932

www. tenertodo. com

Apartment Valle San Lorenzo Location: central Views: sea 42.00m2 1 room 125600€ Phone: 629594872

we have everything in the Canaries

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

PROMOTION

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Motoring

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

The new generation

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The latest models include the Audi magnetic ride suspension control system which creates a mature handling and ride. The driver

can choose between normal and sport modes by simply flipping a switch. Also, the new parking assistant – a first for the Audi range. Its pioneering ultrasound sensors scan parking spaces by the roadside as the car is driven slowly past; the driver is informed in the instrument cluster if one of them is big enough to reverse into.

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sunroof. Sporty and modern outside, the interior of the A3 has elegant aluminium trim accentuating the vehicle’s prestige character while the instrument cluster boasts a new sporty feel. Fitted as standard to the SE, Sport and S models, the driver information system displays the time, date and distance in a clear, high-resolution white font. High quality materials and fabrics meticulously crafted in a wide selection of upholstery colours further enhance the interior, with leather trim available on sports seats. The cargo area available is the roomi-

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

By George Reed

Boxing

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The golden ages of the middleweights Randolph Turpin – World Middleweight Champion (1951) – Randy Turpin does everything wrong – right: Sugar Ray Robinson

T

hroughout the history of professional boxing, the middleweight division has generally been one of the sport’s most glamorous, second only to the heavyweights in fan appeal.

When one discusses great fighters of the past, the middleweights come in for their share of praise. It’s a division which has been the most colourful and most intriguing, with many of it’s battles being thrillers, and in many cases far superior to those of any other class. It’s stars have been many and their ring performances occupy a special niche in the ‘Boxing Hall of Fame’.

The 1940s was a golden age in the middleweight division, a tremendous period for fight fans who witnessed some of the greatest fights ever seen. Tony Zale became undisputed champion in 1941 and was aptly named ‘the man of steel’, as he developed into one of the strongest and hardest fighters in the game.

With a knockout punch in either hand he could withstand such punishment that it seemed he himself had been forged in one of the mills in the steel city of Gary in Indiana, USA, where he was born. His three title fights with Rocky Graziano who was also a tough nut to crack, turned out to be one of the most exciting fights ever seen.

Zale was the victor in their first contest in 1946. After taking tremendous punishment in the early rounds, Zale stood up to Graziano’s blazing fists, and in the sixth round put all his remaining strength into a right to the solar plexus which paralysed Graziano, and Zale finished him off with a left hook to

Squaring up to the former world champion Alan Minter

the jaw. Rocky knocked out Zale in a return bout in Chicago a year later, and in their third encounter Zale regained the crown by halting Graziano in Newark in three rounds.

Graziano, a product of New York’s slum districts, made the grade despite his ups and downs in a most controversial career, and after his retirement he was a success in films and on TV. A film was made of his rise to fistic fame entitled Somebody up there likes me, starring Paul Newman.

After his epic ring battles with Graziano, Zale lost his title to the Frenchman Marcel Cerdan who was the complete craftsman in the ring, an immaculate boxer with power and durability. It was 1948 and the world had a new middleweight champion when Zale was unable to come out of his corner for the 12th round.

The people of France, both male and female, adored Cerdan and his love affair with the legendary singer

Edith Piaf was the talk of the country. However after losing the championship to the ‘Bronx Bull’ Jake La Motta in June 1949, Cerdan was killed in an airplane crash in the Azores while on his way back to America for a return fight with La Motta.

The new middleweight champion, Jake La Motta, like Graziano, was born in New York. Also a delinquent, they were schoolmates at reform school, he was also a brawler who beat most of the contenders in the middleweight division, and had the distinction of being the first fighter to beat the great ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson.

However, Sugar Ray beat La Motta four times after that defeat, then moved up in weight from welterweight, where he was invincible, to challenge La Motta for his middleweight crown, which he won when the referee stopped the fight in the 13th round to save Jake from his own bravery. Ray Robinson, in my own estimation, was the most complete boxer of

them all. He was involved in 22 world championship bouts and won the world middleweight title a record five times. After winning it the first time from La Motta, Robinson decided on a barnstorming tour of Europe, signing for six fights in 41 days and ending with a fight against the British champion Randy Turpin in London.

‘Sugar’ was far too good for his first five challengers taking his record to still only one loss in 91 fights.

But he got a shock when he stepped into the ring to face Turpin. Robinson was over confident and had been partying leading up to the fight, and Turpin was determined not to fold. Throughout the fight he made the great ‘Sugar’ Ray retreat in the face of his persistent attacks.

He out-punched the champion and roughed him up in the clinches, to win the fight without question.

It was a great boost to British boxing, but the tide was turned when Turpin travelled to New York two

months later to give Robinson a chance to regain the title.

It turned out to have one of the most dramatic finishes in middleweight history. The fight was very close going into the tenth round, with Turpin looking the stronger man and Robinson sustaining a bad cut over one eye with blood streaming down his face. He needed to do something spectacular, and he did. With Turpin looking confident knowing that the referee would possibly stop the fight at any moment, due to Robinson’s bad facial injury, he got careless and was caught by a combination of punches, which dropped him on the canvas. He was on his feet at the count of nine, but appeared to be groggy as he leaned forward with his back on the ropes.

Robinson tore into him with both fists flying, and with Turpin looking helpless, the referee stepped in to call a halt to the contest, with only seconds left of the round.

Turpin may have been a bit unlucky in losing his title, but the 61,000 crowd had witnessed one of the most memorable title fights in history and Turpin must go down as one of the best that Britain ever produced.

It had truly been a golden age of middleweights and we had to wait 30 years to witness anything quite like it. Who can forget the great middleweights of the 1980s? ‘Marvellous’ Marvin Hagler, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran and our own outstanding Alan Minter. The battles between these fighters were the most exciting of the period.

Alan Minter was one of Britain’s most popular boxers. As an amateur he was an ABA champion and

the winner of an Olympic bronze medal. As a professional he was twice British middleweight champion, the owner of a Lonsdale belt, and twice European middleweight champion.

The Londoner really raised the spirits of British boxing fans at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas on 16th March 1980, when he comfortably outpointed the world champion, the tough aggressive American from Brooklyn, Vito Antuofermo, to become the world’s undisputed middleweight champion. It was a great win for Minter, for just four months previously, Antuofermo had successfully defended his title against a boxer who was to become a living legend in the fight game, the great ‘Marvellous’ Marvin Hagler. Alan’s win was no fluke either, as three months later at the Empire Pool, Wembley, in a return contest, he won convincingly, forcing Antuofermo to retire in the eighth round to retain his world title.

I had the pleasure of spending some time with the former world champion, at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, as we discovered that we had many mutual friends in boxing and in the entertainment business, due to the many functions Alan attends, and the large amount of charity work he undertakes, which he never seeks publicity for. I found him to be a really nice guy, who always found time to chat with his many boxing fans.

These days he’s a great ambassador for British boxing, and I think it’s about time Alan Minter should be given some sort of official recognition for these efforts.

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60

SPORT

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Megabowl

TENERIFE

Compiled by Doreen Lemm

10 pin bowling league results

Tenerife 8 Ball RED LEAGUE TEAM 1. Toscales Old Boys 2. The Palms Bar 3. Target Bar A 4. The Cygnets 5. Ten Hammers A 6. North & South A 7. Atlantis Bar 8. Trap Door B 9. Phoenix Potters 10. The Terrace Bar 11. Barracuda

YELLOW LEAGUE PL W D L P 9.7.2.0.23 10.7.1.2.22 8.7.0.1.21 9.6.2.1.20 9.5.1.3.16 9.3.1.5.10 9.2.4.3.10 9.3.1.5.10 9.1.1.7.4 9.0.2.7.2 8.0.1.7.1

TEAM

PL W D L P

1. Delicias La Cana 2. The Brum Pub 3. The Swan 4. Trap Door A 5. Legends 6. Bar Nauta A 7. Rat Pack 8. Lupain Properties 9. Ten Hammers B 10. Target Bar B 11. Bar Nauta B 12. North & South B

10.8.1.1.25 10.7.2.1.23 10.6.4.0.22 10.5.1.4.16 10.4.4.2.16 10.5.1.4.16 9.3.2.4.11 10.2.3.5.9 9.1.4.4.7 9.2.0.7.6 8.1.1.6.3 9.0.3.6.3

Socas Canarias

Club mark 70th anniversary La Laguna basketball club Socas Canarias have kicked off the celebrations marking their 70th anniversar y.

The club, currently in the LEB Division, is one of the oldest in the country and was a founding member of the top-flight ACB league in 1983.

During its most successful spell, the club finished sixth in the ACB two seasons in a row but fell into decline after being relegated in 1991 and has only recently re-emerged as a force in the game.

Although smaller in terms of budget and facilities than Tenerife Rural, Socas have traditionally been considered the island’s ‘genuine’ club by local fans and often draw bigger crowds than their near neighbours, despite being near the bottom of

The club recently announced details of their anniversary programme

the league this season. The commemorative acts include a permanent exhibition of old photos charting the club’s histor y and a special 70th Anniversar y tour nament

for junior sides. Plans are being made also to show footage of famous matches played by Socas down the years once a month in a La Laguna pub.

Sergio delighted at turnaround Tenerife’s only NBA basketball player, Sergio Rodríguez, is riding on the crest of a wave after a complete turnaround in fortunes at his club.

The 21-year-old went public a few months ago with complaints that he was not getting enough court time at Portland Trail Blazers and looked as if he would be on his way elsewhere. Things became even worse when his coach publicly rebuked him and his agent for talking to the media more than

because the head pin was there, but it seems a good shot to me!

Week 12

Saturday International League Doubles Sponsors Canal Ocio Dayu

Jacquie Gibb (8) No Player (0) Forfeit No Player (0) Jeff Lemm (6) Forfeit Charlie Connor (4) Gill Morton (4) Sue Long (6) Kevin Capper (2) Adam Davis (2) Margaret Connor (6) Margaret Street (4) Dave Simpson (4) Avril Taylor (2) Dave Dixon (6) A good win for Margaret C. against league leader, Adam

Week 13

NBA

Tenerife Royale Estate Agents S.L. Tuesday Singles League

to the club about his worries.

Now, however, Rodríguez seems to figure very highly in Portland’s plans. He has been in the starting line-up several times and has helped the side move towards the top of the division and bring a play-off place at the end of the season a step closer. Sergio’s good understanding with fellowSpaniard Rudy Fernández, in his first year at Portland, has been singled out as a key factor in the side’s improved performances.

Sergio Rodríguez is making the starting line up regularly

Charlie Connor (6) Smudge (2) Duncan Wallace (2) Dave Dixon (6) Kevin Capper (4) Chris Rose (4) Margaret Connor (2) Avril Taylor (6) Adam Davis (2) Sue Long (6) Allan Billing (2) Jeff Lemm (6) Steve Carter (2) Dave Simpson (6) No Player (0) Ron Howling (8) Forfeit An excellent 212 for Ron, 211 and 205 for Dave Dixon, 210 for Sue and a victory over Adam, the league leader, 202 for Steve and 201 for Jeff.

Saturday Doubles league Week 8 Megabowlers (6) Los Inflamables (2) The Arg’ylls (0) Happy Days (8) Monkey Foreheads (4) Troubleshooters (4) Job’s a Good ‘Un (0) Double Whiskies (6) Forfeit Some excellent scores this week, led

by Gill (Troubleshooters) with 224, Sue (Megabowlers) put in a 222 and 205, Bob (Monkey Foreheads) had a 212 and Fernando (Los Inflamables) had a 205.

Week 9 Los Inflamables (4) Troubleshooters (4) The Arg’ylls (6) Double Whiskies (2) Monkey Foreheads (0) Pearl’s Pantry (8) Happy Days (6) Buccaneers (2) Megabowlers (8) Smart as a Frog (0) Job’s a Good ‘Un (0) You’ll never bowl alone (8) A superb 213 for Steve (Pearl’s Pantry) and 204 for Duncan (Happy Days).

Kevin bowled a 1, 3, 5, 7 which I’m informed is not technically a split

Week 1 Megabowl Poppets (0) Los Marchosos (8) Tasca de Tranvia (6) Golf Costa Adeje (2) Canal Ocio Dayu (2) Delfin Computer Guargacho (6) A 205 for José Vidal (Tasca de Tranvia), but the glory and applause this week goes to Pamela March (Los Marchosos).

She bowled a fantastic 659 series consisting of a superb 278 which had ten strikes, nine of them consecutively and followed with a 200 and 181 game.

This magnificent achievement is the highest ever bowled by a lady in this bowl and I know of only two men who have scored higher.

Ruby Supper Bar, Torviscas Sunday Doubles League Week 8 Pinseekers (0) Nothing But Trouble (8) Lucky Strike (4) M + S (4) An excellent 212 for Jacquie (Nothing But Trouble) and 204 for Dave Simpson (Pinseekers).

Dave Stell has been putting in some superb scores recently which I’ve not been able to record because the opponents still had to play, but on Week 6 I can now print that he scored a superb 242!

Week 9 Lucky Strike (0) Buccaneers (8) Racketeers (6) Nothing But Trouble (2) U Bin Framed (0) Pinseekers (8) A fine 214 for Ron (Pinseekers and 201 for Dave Stell (Buccaneers).

Monday Pub League Positions Week Buccaneers ( ) Fisherman’s Bar ( ) The Bad Boys ( ) Café Royale ( ) Wigan Pier (6) Mojo (2) Bar San Juan (2) Quayside Bar (6) Razzmatazz ( ) Piramides ( ) Tenerife Royale ( ) Dolphins ( )

SPORT

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

NEW ANTI-DOPING RULES

Formula One

Nadal leads boycott December, has angered tennis stars because of their hectic tournament schedule. “The way the tennis circuit works I could not even tell my Mum where I will be next day, let alone offer a guarantee that I can be located at the drop of a hat 24/7” complained Australian Open champion Nadal, whose main worry is that if players forget to notify a change of plans (due to early elimination from a tournament, for example) and are not available when a test is ordered,

they could end up being banned for doping.

“We are people not criminals” insisted Nadal, who is calling on his fellow professionals to stand up to the rule. The rule has also been challenged by a group of Belgian sporting figures who have asked for legal clarification of whether the obligation to notify their whereabouts every day of the year is an infringement of their privacy.

SPORTING WONDERS

Monaco at the top Credit mandj98

World number one Rafael Nadal is heading a campaign to block new anti-doping rules which, he says, make tennis players virtual prisoners of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The Agency has introduced a new requirement that elite athletes must provide a one-hour window, 365 days a year, where they can be contacted or found to undergo a doping test. The rule, announced back in

Nadal leading the boycott

CD TENERIFE

Globetrotting Mikel signed Tenerife have signed one of the most travelled Spanish players of recent times in a bid to maintain the push for promotion back to the top flight.

28-year-old Mikel Alonso, son of Barcelona’s 80s idol Perico Alonso and brother of Liverpool favourite Xavi, knows what it is to win promotion, having been at Numancia when they made it to the first division a few years ago. The midfielder says he had a number of offers but chose to come

61

here because Tenerife was “the most attractive option”. However, sceptics say his recent track record does not augur well. His attempts to break into European football proved unsuccessful and he returned to Spain after an unproductive spell at Bolton, a loan stint at Olympiacos in Greece (which the Greeks chose not to extend) and, more recently, a short stay in Swansea, where he kept in shape after he was released as a free agent by Real Sociedad after a bitter contract dispute.

The club hope Alonso will help in the push for promotion

BRITISH SPORTS FANS PUT MONACO GP FIRST IN THE BARCLAYS SPACES FOR SPORTS SURVEY. The Monaco formula one race is considered by many as the most prestigious event in the F1 calendar and their event took 18 per cent of the vote ahead of Barcelona’s Nou Camp with 15 per cent.

The stunning Beijing bird’s nest was a close third at 14 per cent, trailed by Madrid’s Bernabeu at five per cent, San Siro (the home base of AC Milan and Inter Milan), Maracana (Brazil’s Wembley) and the Melbourne cricket ground all polled four per cent. Four of the top venues were football stadiums so it’s not surprising that on the UK only venues survey, Wembley came out on top. The fans verdict on who will be the most powerful nation in elite sport over the next decade came out with a whopping 43 per cent vote for China following their impressive display at the Olympics last year, followed by a hopeful and possibly biased 17 per cent who voted for the UK and 15 per cent for the USA.

RUGBY SIX NATIONS

Allez les verts!

They’re already talking about a Grand Slam showdown at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, between Wales and Ireland on March 21st, but there’s many a slip....

As we go to press Ireland are basking in an excellently worked and well deserved win over France, the team they always find most difficult to beat, so a great start to the campaign for them, and new trainer Declan Kidney

was happy with the result, “any day you get the better of France is a great day to be enjoyed by everyone. It’s a privilege for us to be here,” he said.

Wales too showed good form away against Scotland, and England won against an Italian side that looked decidedly unhappy with the decision to start flanker Mauro Bergamasco off as their scrum half, though were more determined in the second half.

One match day over, four more to

play, and all to play for. Three teams to battle it out for Grand Slam/Triple Crown titles. Can Wales show the mettle that saw them defeat allcomers last year? Will England find the skill and will to win against the odds? Could Ireland finally manage to win when it matters and take their first Grand Slam title since 1948? Let’s wait and see.

Gordon D’Arcy is congratulated by his team mates after Ireland’s third try against France

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62

EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

SPORT

Soccer Experience :: Sponsored by Island Connections Media Group & www.windowsplus.co.uk

Club history

Museum idea takes shape

Titles to be decided IN BOTH THE OPEN AND MASTERS LEAGUES BOTH WINNERS WILL BE DECIDED OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

The museum would house trophies and a permanent exhibition of famous moments in the club’s history

Plans to build a museum as part of the forthcoming extension to Tenerife’s stadium are taking shape by the week.

The idea has been raised formally with the local Cabildo, which owns the ground, and has met with a positive response, according to club insiders. The idea is for the museum to house Tenerife’s trophies down the years, as well as a permanent exhibition of famous moments from the club’s 80-year history, particularly the mid-1990s, when Tenerife reached the UEFA cup semi-finals, beating Lazio in an epic 5-3 return leg on the way.

One of the stumbling blocks, however, could be the location of the museum. It is thought the club wants it to be placed as close as possible to the Directors’ Box, as in several top football grounds, but the Cabildo is only prepared to foot the cost if access to the general public is guaranteed, which would mean a different location would have to be found within the stadium.

The contract for the facelift to the Heliodoro Rodríguez Stadium is due to be awarded in the next couple of months.

Taylors and Morfitt – the two title contenders battle it out

Open league Wednesday 18th February will see the most competitive and important game yet in the Soccer Experience 7 a-side leagues as Taylors Lounge and Morfitt Properties play each other, winner to take the title.

Both of these teams deserve to be at the final hurdle together and it shows that the league has been hard fought throughout.

After almost five months of league play it still comes down to the last game.

Dan Moss and Gary Boyd are the main strike threats for Taylors and Morfitt Properties will be delighted that their dangerous striker Andy Bolesty is back in scoring form and with the help of young Zak Douglas this team has been scoring goals for fun! Don’t miss the next edition of Island Connections to find out the Soccer Experience Winter Open age league winners The other teams in the Open league are getting ready for the new season starting the last week in February and Hoppy’s team Northwest Insurance (soon to be Cyril’s Creations) were delighted to get their

DON’T MISS THE NEXT EDITION OF

Island Connections TO FIND OUT THE SOCCER EXPERIENCE WINTER OPEN AGE LEAGUE WINNERS first win in a while thanks to a few goals from Joel Mortimer.

Masters league Martin Hilliyer’s Cold Flow team have been finishing the season very well with goals from Rob Finney and Goalkeeper Sam the Cat making sure they will be a hard team to beat from now on!

Double defending Masters champions Rachael’s Motors could have made the final weeks of the league interesting had they stopped Taylors Masters from winning last week, but in the final minutes of the game, once again, Dan Moss scored a winning goal to win this very close game 3 – 2. This now means the

title is almost won subject to goal difference. Over the next two weeks Morfitt Properties Masters have to score a lot of goals and Taylors have to lose a lot of goals in their last game… which is very unlikely but not impossible!

New season The Open league will continue with the same teams as before except Harleys American Bar as they plan to play in both the Open and Masters league in the new seasons ahead and they will replace the Monkey Beach team in the open league!

The Masters league will have four new teams, Hoops Bar; Dreamers Bar; Exiles Bar Silencio and Brittania School and will become a ten team league.

This is what the Soccer Experience 7’s league’s objectives are all about getting guys to play football again for the first time in a long time and it is achieving the following objectives for many ex-pat players on the island: • An organized and enjoyable environment to play

7’s football every week in Southern Tenerife.

• Exercise through football.

• Good competitive fun on a weekly basis with your friends.

• Some extremely biased post-game reports in the relevant bars! This is actually one of the main benefits as players can talk football nonsense all week preparing for the game and then they can talk even more exaggerated nonsense after the game!

• Players reading about their goals, saves and misses in Island Connections newspaper and the soccerexperience website!

• Giving teams the chance to get ready to play against the top ex pros later in the year at the Soccer Experience International Masters 7’s tournament.

Any new individual players or new teams wanting to play in the leagues or join the weekly adult football sessions or weekly friendly games: please contact Soccer Experience asap. for more information please review the website: www.soccerexperience.com or phone: 654200470 or email: soccer@soccerexperience.com

Federation Cup

Carla disappoints

Gran Canaria player Carla Suárez

Despite good form of late, Gran Canaria’s tennis star Carla Suárez failed to impress during Spain’s defeat against the Czech Republic in the quarter finals of the Federation Cup. Spain’s overall showing was unimpressive, with the Czechs winning the rubber by four games to one.

Suárez lost both her individual matches, showing nervous play in both matches, a shame following a string of strong performances in the recent Australian Open, where she reached the quarter finals beating Venus Williams along the way.

This is the first time the Czech Republic have reached the semi finals of the championships since 1997, and in fact is the first time overall since the country split.

They will now meet the USA in the semi finals on April 25th and 26th, with Russia and Italy the other two teams left in the competition.

CD Tenerife

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 584 :: 13/02/2009 - 27/02/2009

Dare to hope

NEWS

63

The Player

Ángel

By Spike Jones

CD Tenerife’s run of good form continues, and the side are currently in second place in the table, clear on points, and with a healthy goal average.

They are also winning the hard games they would have been happy to draw a season ago.

CD Tenerife’s super-sub, making sure he delivered a Nastic surprise when needed.

Second Division League 09/02/2009 CLUB

01/02/2009 Gimnastic de Tarragona 0:1 CD Tenerife Like the Grand Old Duke of York, Tenerife manager, José Luis Oltra, has marched his troops to the top of the hill and now begins to march them down again. The ‘hill’ in this case is the mid-point of Tenerife’s 2008 – 2009 La Segunda campaign, and if his troops continue to dazzle as they have in the past six weeks, the second half of the season could be very exciting for the blanquiazules and their large number of dedicated followers.

The Holy Grail of second division football, a place at the top table, La Liga, beckons; and with the current squad showing signs of being greater than the sum of its parts, who is to say that CD Tenerife won’t be in the mix come June?

How poor Nastic must hate the very sight of Luis Rodriguez Diaz, otherwise known as super-sub Ángel.

In the season’s opener, back in August, Nastic were cruising to 1 – 2 victory in the Heliodoro until Ángel came on with 15 minutes to play and scored twice to win the match for Tenerife.

Here, in Nastic’s own Nou Estadi in Tarragona, in front of 4,500 spectators, he came on with 30 minutes to play, and scored the winner – within 30 seconds of his introduction! This was Roy of the Rovers fantasy football, almost too unbelievable for words.

Although lodged in midtable, Nastic are no mugs.

They must have been relishing this match as a chance to settle scores on their patch.

Their team were generally superior to Tenerife in the August game and they must have felt robbed by Ángel’s late contribution. Here they were purposeful and hard working, and Tenerife had to roll their sleeves up from the off. Nastic looked to have the better of the opening

The side were treated to a scarf tufo when they arrived on the pitch

exchanges, but after a quarter of an hour, Tenerife began to make better use of the ball with Nastic keeper Rubén Pérez showing higher scores than CD’s Aragoneses on the worry-o-meter.

Tenerife began to rack up an impressive number of chances with Kome, Juanlu (twice), Ricardo and Nino all getting opportunities.

Aragoneses had to pull off a fine piece of keeping to stop Alba from putting Nastic ahead, but at half time Tenerife could claim moral superiority.

The second half saw a contest of wills, like an armwrestle, with both sides eyeballing each other seeing who will be the first to blink.

It began to seem obvious that a goal would settle this – only which team would score it? Oltra brought on Ángel for Alfaro on the hour, and within half a minute the goal was in the bag for CD Tenerife. What Ángel lacks in height he makes up for in stature and he timed his jump perfectly to head Dani Kome’s radar guided cross past Rubén Pérez. The next drama involved midfield maestro Ricardo getting sent off for two yellows on 76 minutes. Both bookings looked harsh, and Ricardo can feel duly aggrieved.

Not half as aggrieved as the watching Tenerife faithful who had an agonising last ten minutes as Nastic threw their weight against a ten man Tenerife determined to retain their priceless away points.

This season, Tenerife have tried to play flair football, and have very often succeeded.

There are some useful

players in the side, and there are often periods where Tenerife look really easy on the eye. This victory shows that there is a sterner seam of character running through the side nowadays. A few short months ago, Tenerife would have surrendered this game after the dismissal of Ricardo. Now they look like they just got their degrees from the University of Hard Knocks and can scrap with the best of them when needed.

08/02/2009 CD Tenerife 2:0 SD Eibar A fantastic crowd of 19,000 turned up at the Heliodoro to see if CD Tenerife could recreate some of the gorgeous football they produced against Girona in their last home game. Returning from the peninsular with four points from two tough away fixtures, the lads were treated to a rousing tickertape reception and a ‘scarf tufo’ (where everyone raises their scarves in homage.)

Also in attendance were a couple of hundred Eibar supporters who had made the trip all the way from the Basque country. At Eibar, in September, Tenerife surrendered the lead, and eventually lost 3 – 2. But that Tenerife was unpolished and error-prone, whereas this Tenerife are going through a really fine run of form, notching up points with nearly every fixture and winning plaudits for their attractive football. Manager,

Luis Oltra, has gelled a tight unit where the players seem to work hard for each other.

Against an Eibar side firmly embedded in the relegation zone Tenerife were odds-on to win the game, and win easily. Well, don’t let the scoreline deceive you; this was far from a walkover for the blanquiazules.

SD Eibar had not come all this way just to make up the numbers. From the kick-off they announced their intentions of giving Tenerife a real scrap for their money and refused to allow the home side to settle into a rhythm. Tenerife’s nice passing game was extinguished by tenacious marking and Eibar’s sometimes uncanny ability to read their opponent’s moves in advance. In addition, Tiko and exblanquiazul Arruabarrena had early chances to test Aragoneses’ reflexes, which fortunately proved to be tip-top. Both sets of players were unwilling to back down and with play so tight there were many occasions where challenges resulted in one or more players getting floored. Every time a player hit the deck the ref assumed there must have been an infringement and there were umpteen free-kicks and a flurry of bookings. It wasn’t pretty, and the lack of flow irritated fans. They weren’t irritated, however, by the award of a free-kick to Tenerife on the right wing on 26th minute. This is Juanlu Hens territory, and he has developed a happy habit of providing excellent service to his forwards from set pieces. He did so again

PLD W

1. Xerez 23 2. Tenerife 23 3. Rayo Vallecano 23 4. Zaragoza 23 5. Salamanca 23 6. Castellon 23 7. Hercules 23 8. Real Sociedad 23 9. Levante 23 10. Girona 23 11. Huesca 23 12. Celta Vigo 23 13. Elche 23 14. Gimnastic 23 15. Las Palmas 23 16. Murcia 23 17. Albacete 23 18. Cordoba 23 19. Alaves 23 20. Eibar 23 21. Alicante 23 22. Sevilla Atletico 23

here, lofting the ball high over keeper Zigor’s grasp and onto the head of Pablo Sicilia at the far post. The header was nicely directed under Zigor’s feet and into the goal. Tenerife finished the half brightly enough and it was thought that a nice little half-time chat from Oltra would restore some oomph to Tenerife’s efforts to unlock Eibar’s stifling embrace.

In fact it must have been the Eibar players who got most inspiring team talk.

They came out of the traps for the second half with fire in their bellies. A blow for Tenerife was an injury to Dani Kome one minute after the restart. With his loping canter and ability to pass defenders, he was a major threat to Eibar and they must have been relieved to see him go. His replacement, Ayoze, proved to be less effective. To be fair, none of the Tenerife outfield players excelled in the second half, and the absence of the suspended Ricardo was keenly felt. Only keeper Sergio Aragoneses played with anything like authority and confidence.

With Eibar’s midfield rampant, his influence saved the game for Tenerife.

With nothing to lose Eibar rattled an increasingly jittery Tenerife with regular advances into danger areas.

Defenders were forced into panicky clearances that saw

12 12 9 10 10 9 9 8 10 8 8 8 7 7 6 8 7 6 6 5 3 1

D

L

F

7 4 10 7 7 10 9 12 5 9 9 8 9 9 10 4 7 6 6 6 7 7

4 7 4 6 6 4 5 3 8 6 6 7 7 7 7 11 9 11 11 12 13 15

41 41 28 38 35 33 32 23 31 24 32 26 27 35 28 23 24 21 23 15 18 14

A 22 32 23 26 24 24 20 16 31 24 28 25 25 29 24 30 31 28 38 32 38 42

PTS 43 40 37 37 37 37 36 36 35 33 33 32 30 30 28 28 28 24 24 21 16 10

the ball come straight back at them via Eibar’s slick passing moves. Fortunately for Tenerife, Eibar’s lack of teeth up front was badly exposed at this stage. With a Nino in their side they could have been a real handful.

However they have only scored 15 goals this season, just one more than bottom club Sevilla Atletico. Despite all their worrying looking build-up play, Aragoneses was only forced to make one really top class save - when he tipped Yagüe’s 73rd minute low strike around the post for a corner. Relief came to Tenerife in injury time when Zigor miscued a routine clearance and Nino pounced on the loose ball and walked it into Eibar’s goal. It was his second such goal in two home matches, and his striker’s instincts and awareness are deservedly rewarded with such juicy plums.

New signing, Mikel Alonso made his Tenerife debut when he came on for Juanlu Hens for the last 25 minutes.

The midfielder played 100 games for Real Sociedad in La Liga and is the elder brother of Xavi Alonso (Spain and Liverpool). He was given a rousing welcome by the faithful – let’s hope his introduction to the side portends great things.

Tenerife are second in the division, three points behind Xerez, and three points clear of the field.

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