Carnival of Love - Flower Power - February 2017

February 2017 Carnival

of

Love

El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria The English Newspaper

FREE

Page 2

Spring Blossoms & Mountain Fiestas Page 9

Guide to Seeing a Doctor in The Canaries Page 20

Page 17

Image: Valsequillo en Flor - TurismoValsequillo.com

Mogán and Tourism Land Law

FLOWER POWER Carnival Main Dates - Upcoming Fiestas and Events - News, Views & Sunshine from around Gran Canaria

News brief

Carnival Love 2017

2

02.

TheCanaryNews.com

Reviewing some of the stories we’ve covered over the last few weeks. Stay up to date at TheCanaryNews.com

Mogán

seeking to enforce tourism property land laws

Property owners in Mogán may need to be alert in coming months. The town council have reportedly been looking at ways to apply the land laws that came into effect back in 2013 governing legal use of properties built within tourist areas and which were specifically classified as for tourist use as opposed to residential use.

The basis of the Ley del Suelo is currently subject to intense public debate, and the manner in which local town halls choose to implement it could have far reaching implications, particularly for anyone living in accommodation originally meant for tourists.

Regular

readers

may

remember

our extensive coverage last year regarding the neighboring town hall of San Bartolomé de Tirajana passing plans to enforce the law by utilising controversial fines and sanctions which, it was feared, could lead to properties being confiscated from owners who fell foul of the rules and who either couldn’t or wouldn’t pay the fines in an envisaged process they termed as “owner substitution” On December 4 2016, according to news site MaspalomasNews, the Platform for those Affected by the Tourism Law (PALT), a citizen’s forum created specifically to represent owners affected by the law, published an article on the owners of small apartments

Editor-in-Chief Edward Timon .:.

Editor@TheCanaryNews.com TheCanaryNews.com/Contact-Us

or bungalows in the municipality of Mogán, and the “damage” that could be done to their residential rights, despite their position having been consolidated over many years, referring directly to the Mogán councils own General Management Plan (PGO) supplementary to the tourism land laws.

The owners of properties in the municipality of Mogán should be on alert, and certainly need to take the time to educate themselves about the law and the possible repercussions. Experts spoken to by The Canary have said that trying to apply the new laws retrospectively would, in practice, be very difficult indeed, however if Non-Spanish-

Tel: 928 987 952 / Office Open Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm Sales & Marketing: Sales@TheCanaryNews.com via 928 987 952 Accounts: Accounts@TheCanaryNews.com Production: Production@TheCanaryNews.com

The Canary is independently owned and operated by unpaid volunteers working as part of a cooperative to provide useful information and entertainment to English speakers based on Gran Canaria. The publishers accept no responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorial, nor can they be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors in advertisements or advertorial. This publisher accepts no responsibility for poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or nonappearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsibility for claims or opinions in the same. Contributions can be offered for publication, though no fee will be offered: Submission@TheCanaryNews.com

Reproduction of any part of this newspaper is permitted only with appropriate credit & notification under Creative Commons 3.0 rules of Attribution, unless otherwise stated. Edita: JDC Canarias SL, Imprime: Informaciones Canarias, Gran Canaria, España. Deposito Legal GC1291-2013

TheCanaryNews.com

Carnival Love 2017 02.

speaking owners do not understand their rights, and work together as a community, then they could find themselves being wrong-footed, placed in difficulty and having to conform to decisions made regarding the rules governing each complex, their Comunidad de Propietarios and their response to town hall planning laws and enforcement.

Spanish speakers will be in a much stronger position.

The owners of apartments or bungalows in the municipality of Mogán, which includes popular tourist resorts like Puerto Rico, Patalavaca, Arguineguín and many others need to be aware of, and included in, the General Plan of Ordinance supplementary that is currently being worked on by the local town hall.

At the Municipal Plenary (council meeting), last November 24, an agreement was made to promote the General Supplementary Plan of Mogán.

It is not yet known what the position of the council will be regarding the owners of apartments and bungalows, although the current mayor, Onalia Bueno, did voice her explicit support in 2015 for enforcing the removal of unlicensed residential users of properties meant for tourist use. It is not yet clear what damage the proposals in this new plan could generate regarding the de facto rights of residents within the municipality, even despite their position seeming to have been consolidated over many years.

It is however becoming clearer that anyone who bought property after the 2013 law came into effect, may indeed be in a much weaker position, regarding residential use, than those who have been living in their property for some time prior.

The PALT aims to be attentive to what happens next, and English speaking representation may be required to understand the various positions that will be argued over the coming months; and what is decided.

What is the PGO supplementary approval?

The Plan General de Ordenación is the general management plan for any given area, every town hall has one. It is used to set out the specific plans for the municipality based on the latest laws and regulations.

Under the Canary Islands Tourism Land Law 2/2013, complexes and apartments that are currently in mixed residential and tourist use could be forced, or obligated, to cede their properties exclusively for tourist exploitation, under the management of licensed companies set up specifically for the task.

The owners of real estate on lands specifically classified, within the PGO supplementary, as tourist land, would not be permitted to reside in them full time, nor use them for short or long season rentals, nor rent them on their own, nor leave them empty.

If the property was not ceded to the tourism operator, fines could range from €30,000 to €300,000, warn critics.

Failure to carry out maintenance works required by the operating company for tourist use could put the property up for public competition where another person or entity could take control of the property and carry out the work for some standard figure, – a process know as Owner Substitution – as laid out in Decree 85/2015 which further develops the original Tourist Land Law 2/2013 For these reasons, the PALT are asking smallholders within the municipality of Mogán to follow their news and statements through Facebook and their website AfectadosPorLaLeyTuristica.com The PALT will monitor the actions of the Ayuntamiento of Mogán regarding this matter, in the sense that concerns them most, and try to inform citizens so that your rights as owners are not violated.

The Canary will of course do our best to keep you updated in English…

We always try to help in any way we can. You can send us any questions or helpful information you have to:

RealGranCanaria@TheCanaryNews.com

3

4

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

02.

Renovation for hotel RIU Vistamar, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Mogán

presents

El Perchel

project

The RIU Hotels chain plan to invest €400 million during 2017 into three major renovations in Spain.

By August 2017, RIU plan to present a completely renovated Club Hotel RIU Vistamar, located on the iconic cliffs of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Mogán.

Other Spanish projects, for the Mallorcan global hotel chain, include the unification of their Riu Belplaya and Riu Costa Lago hotels to create the new ClubHotel Riu Costa del Sol, in Torremolinos, which will open in March, and the Riu Festival Playa de Palma, in Mallorca, to reopen in April with new services and styling.

1st Puerto

de

Mogán 5

star hotel

The Radisson Blu Resort Spa Gran Canaria Mogán is just one kilometer inland from the centre of Puerto de Mogán – also known as “Little Venice”. The resort offers stylish and sophisticated accommodation across 422 stylish and wellappointed rooms and suites.

Arguineguín, Gran Canaria – © 45photos.com

The Town Council of Mogán recently presented the proposals to rehabilitate El Perchel beach, to the Fishermen’s Guild of Arguineguín. The objective being “for the local fishing and marine industry personnel to know about the project firsthand and to resolve their doubts,” said local fisheries director Artemi Artiles.

One of the main doubts that many seamen had was whether the project could harm the marine environment. The project that the council wants to undertake does not act on the seabed, but on the dry zone of the beach and along Calle Jose Manuel Santana Garcia to the Avenida del Muelle.

Radisson Blu sells itself as a stylish and contemporary resort hotel with a unique Yes I Can! service philosophy. For his part, the head of the Arguineguín Fishermen’s Guild, Ricardo Ortega stated that they will not have The Resort Spa offers pool, garden and mountain views any problems with the project as long as the seabed is across 422 modern rooms and suites. Designed to a not affected and explained that they are not against minimalist aesthetic, the rooms are finished with a the municipality growing or being improved, adding neutral colour palette for a fresh but relaxed look and that in his opinion the project seems good, so long as feel. Free high-speed, wireless Internet, flat screen TVs developers remain cautious not to affect the seabed. and tea and coffee provisions feature as standard in The Mogán El Perchel beach project aims to renew each of the hotel’s six room options. the beach and its surroundings, through the creation Three on-site restaurants. The Larder offers all-day of a pedestrian walkway that runs from the entrance dining, themed buffet dinners and pre-show meals, of the port of Arguineguín to the beach, where there while Il Taglioserves up International specialties, salads would be several elements, like a natural swimming and desserts for lunch, leaving Radisson Blu’s in-house pool, a restaurant, a children’s playground, a Filini Bar and Restaurant to delight guests with a classic solarium, sun bathing areas, terraces and sports areas Italian menu in the evening. that would make this area a dynamic, comfortable Three heated swimming pools along with a full service and safe space. spa features treatment rooms and a beauty salon.

For more active visitors on-site fitness facilities and workout options are available, including: The Pace 24hour fitness centre, tennis and paddle courts, football pitches, volleyball, multi-purpose sports court, outdoor functional training area Tufteparken, rock climbing wall, and running track.

The project has already met resistance from the opposition in Mogán town hall. One of many different claims is that the The Canary Islands Demarcation of Costas cannot announce something on this scale that has not already been expressly agreed by the Town Council plenary session. Opposition councillors have requested that the project be suspended until legal deficiencies are remedied.

TheCanaryNews.com

Carnival Love 2017

Help Customers Find You: Advertise - 928 987 952

02.

LOW FARES BACK TO BRITAIN FROM THE CANARIES

58€

FIND THE LOWEST FARES AT JET2.COM/EXPATS

Price one way inc. taxes. Selected flights only, subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply, see website for details.

Destinations vary by departure airport, not all routes operate year-round. Correct at time of print, February 2017.

FLIGHTS FROM ONLY

BELFAST INT’L BIRMINGHAM EAST MIDLANDS EDINBURGH GLASGOW LEEDS BRADFORD LONDON STANSTED MANCHESTER & NEWCASTLE

Individually tailored, fun and lively private tuition (South Gran Canaria)

Low cost guaranteed - 1st class FREE “No commitment”

Call 0034 662 045 990 email theresacoe@gmail.com

Harrod’s Design service • For all your design needs T 928 767 927 • M 666 217 350 • E harrods.ds@gmail.com

5

6

Carnival Love 2017 02.

TheCanaryNews.com

News: Electronics

Guardia Civil at the main Mogán post in Puerto Rico, have arrested a 36 year old foreign national, with initials G.A.L, as the alleged perpetrator of fraud committed last November 1st in a store, located in the municipality of Mogán, specialising in electronics.

No information has yet been officially released about the exact location of the stores involved.

store fraud arrest in

Mogán

area

Gran Canaria, and although these situations are rare, it seems the same old names and faces pop up time and time again. We advise people use their common sense, and report any suspicious activity of this kind, most tourist businesses here are honest and hard working, don’t let a criminal few give the rest of us a bad name.

Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria © 45photos.com

The investigation began as a result of a complaint made at the Guardia Civil offices on 11 January in which a possible fraud case was reported. The victim, a Norwegian, informed police that after purchasing a tablet computer for €180, the establishment from which he bought it offered him an antivirus program for an amount of €10 per month.

The suspect informed the victim that in order to contract the software, he should demonstrate his economic solvency by making a payment of €5,000 that would be immediately returned. After making this first payment G.A.L. claimed that the card device had not worked and for this reason another €5,000 charge was needed.

Subsequently, the complainant found that he had not been refunded the amounts previously charged and that more charges had been unduly incurred. Having verified this information, he found out that he had been charged without his consent from the bank account linked to the card, a total amount of €11,567.

Police were able to verify the charges and also confirm the additional charge of €1,567 without the complainant’s knowledge. The investigation by the Guardia Civil obtained clear evidence that resulted in the arrest of G.A.L., as the alleged perpetrator of the crime of fraud.

It is clear that this fraudster was not very smart, but there are occasionally smarter individuals who turn up in popular tourist resorts trying to take advantage of confused visitors. Independent Norwegian news portal CanariaJournalen have conducted an in-depth, long running investigation into scammers in the south of

This is unfortunately something that can happen in any destination, globally, even on our little Island. In order to avoid being taken advantage of by unscrupulous criminals always be vigilant and play it safe.

Tips to Avoid Credit Card Scams – Always get a proper receipt, by law it must be provided.

– Never write down your PIN number, remember it.

– Immediately report loss or theft of your card, to the card issuer and to the police – Always check that the purchase price matches with the credit card charge – Regularly check and monitor your bank statement and the amounts of your purchases.

– Make sure the receipt information matches the store information, name, address, contact details etc.

– Don’t give your cc number to anyone on the phone unless you’ve made the call yourself and you are confident that they are reputable – Keep your cards in a safe place. Perhaps carry your cards separately from your wallet and carry only the card you need for that outing.

– At the time of making purchases with your card, always try to be present when your card is used or keep your eye on your card (for example: a good practice from restaurants nowadays is to bring the device to your table, if not check your receipt) – Visually inspect ATM machines before using them

Great

year for

Las Palmas

TheCanaryNews.com

tourism

2016 closed as the best year for Las Palmas tourism in recent history. It was the best for visitor numbers since 2009, when data on overnight stays in hotels and apartments, and numbers of travellers staying, began to be counted in the capital and its surrounding municipality. For the first time Las Palmas surpassed 400,000 tourists staying in the accommodation on offer (about 7,000 hotel rooms + holiday homes), and grew to more than one and a half million contracted over night stays.

The total number of travellers last year reached a milestone with 407,050 visitors: 13.5% more than at the end of 2015, and is also the highest figure since 2009, when around 350,000 tourists per year were recorded.

The figure for tourists overnight stays in Las Palmas stood at 1,520,327 (919,441 foreigners and 600,886 Spanish nationals). In total, there was a 17% increase, compared to 2015 figures. There were also more Canarians staying in Las Palmas over the last year with 216,952, 5% more than the previous year.

Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas the capital of Gran Canaria

The biggest tourist markets by nationalities, for those visiting and staying in Las Palmas in 2016 were Germans, Swedish and British. Germans were the most prominent market with 140,003 having been counted in the capital, 18,9% increase over 2015. Followed by 137,945 Swedes, an 18.2% increase and 77,804 British, producing a huge increase of 34% over the previous year.

Carnival Love 2017 02.

7

8

Carnival Love 2017 02.

Nearly 15

‘Islas Canarias‘ closed the year 2016 having been visited by 14,981,113 tourists, according to data from the main Spanish tourism report Frontur. Forecasts from the Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, that around 15 million tourists would visit the Islands, proved to be verifiably accurate.

This figure represents an impressive increase of 12.6% compared to 2015, with 1,679,862 more tourists having selected Europe’s fastest growing sub tropical island destination for their holidays last year.

Foreign tourists accounted for a staggering 13,332,465 of those who visited the archipelago last year, in itself an increase of 12.9% over 2015, resulting in an extra 1,521,923 tourists from beyond Spain’s borders.

Tourists visiting from within Spain in 2016 also consolidated growth with a 10.6% increase over 2015.

The Archipelago closed last year having hosted 1,648,648 tourists from mainland Spain, 157,938 more

TheCanaryNews.com

million visited

The Canary Islands

than in 2015. The numbers are being touted as signs of recovery to the economic capacity of Spanish families, with holidays once again playing an important role in the list of household expenses, this is being seen as one of the key indicators marking an upward trend in the national domestic tourism market over recent months, according to a press release.

Canary Islands Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Mariate Lorenzo, said that the year-end data confirms the good times that the tourism sector on the Islands is experiencing. “During the past year, and without neglecting our traditional markets like Germany and the United Kingdom“, she says, “we are also investing in the diversification of customers, incorporating new countries like Hungary and Romania, and boosting others with great growth capacity, such as France, Italy and Poland, while recovering others that had declined, such as Nordic and peninsular tourism.”

Looking

ahead

to

2017,

with

in

2016

forecasts remaining positive, Mariate Lorenzo says that the work of the Ministry will develop, rather than the simple growth of tourist numbers, they will focus on sustainability and improvements to the tourism model through increases in business volumes and the impact of tourism for the overall value chain of the Canarian economy.

The new concept of tourism in the Canary Islands should focus, she said, on the diversification of source markets to reduce risks associated with depending on the economic and political situations of just a few countries, by attracting new types of tourists with a greater disposition to spending while at the destination, through qualification of the offer, and ever deeper knowledge of the tourist, their motivations, focusing specifically on intelligent marketing.

A focus on the differentiation of our offerings through a comprehensive understanding of what really makes the Canary Islands different: culture, history, gastronomy and personality as a people.

Views: Spring Almond Blossoms

TheCanaryNews.com

Mountain Fiestas

and

Carnival Love 2017 02.

9

No where does Springtime quite as well as Gran Canaria.

From the middle of January the mountains start to come alive with colourful washes of pink, white, blue and yellow flowers.

Heralding the end of winter traditionally styled fiestas can be found in picturesque villages like Valsequillo and Tunte, though perhaps none quite as epic as in the beautiful Tejeda: The first evidence of settlements in Tejeda date from the 3rd century. These first settlers in the highest area of the island used to live in caves. Nowadays this type of housing still remains in use in some neighbourhoods of Tejeda, many have been restored for tourist accommodation purposes.

The most important pre-Hispanic settlement is within the mountain range of Bentayga. This “unconquerable” natural fortress turned into one of the last redoubts of the Resistance to the Castillian invasion which finally ended in 1496.

At Bentayga you can still find the almogarén, a sanctuary where the Guanche Camarios performed religious rites.

The almond blossom festival in Tejeda began in 1970, to show how proud they were of the abundance of nature that surrounds them, and to promote the preservation of customs and traditions. This festival has become a tradition in its own right that gathers more than 20,000 Tejeda offers an authentic sample of Canarian culture people together annually. with traditional, Artisans, folklore groups, and rural The uniqueness of this festival was recognised in 2014 craftsmen all gathering in this most beautiful little when it was awarded the accolade of ‘Festival of mountain village.

Regional Interest to Tourists’. The municipal council has How to get to Tejeda without a car: Global Bus Line 18 started the process, with the support of the Cabildo of is the most direct from Maspalomas to Tejeda Gran Canaria, to become a ‘National Festival of Tourist Some of the most beautiful scenery on Gran Canaria can Interest ‘. be seen during the bus trip and it is very inexpensive.

The 47th Almond Blossom Festival in Tejeda puts on display traditional crafts, typical dishes, sweets, Global also has a special schedule and price from San cheeses or the best wines in the area at the “Feria de Mateo-Tejeda number 305 with some of the busses Artesanía.” Artisans fair and tastings of some of the continuing on to Las Palmas. most delicious traditional and typical canary island The Almond blossom is blooming all across the mountain foods, an exhibition of Canarian wrestling followed by right now, don’t miss out, go and see for yourself... musical performances and a street procession

18

Faro de Maspalomas - Tejeda Tejeda - Faro de Maspalomas Horas

Lunes a viernes / From monday to friday / Von Montag bis Freitag

00 01 02 03 04 05

07

08

09

10

11

12 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20 21 22 23

minutos

Faro de Maspalomas Tejeda

25

00 30

00

Tejeda - Faro de Maspalomas

35

30

30

Horas

Sábados y festivos / Saturday and bank holidays / Samstag und Feiertag

06

00 01 02 03 04 05

06

07

08

09

10

11

00

30

00 12 13

14

00 15

16

17

18

19

20 21 22 23

minutos

Faro de Maspalomas Tejeda

30

Tejeda - Faro de Maspalomas

00 30

00

Consulta servicios para Personas con Movilidad Reducida Faro de Maspalomas - Tejeda Hasta Ayacata.

Hasta San Bartolome de Tirajana.

Procedente de San Bartolome de Tirajana.Hasta El Sequero.

Tejeda - Faro de Maspalomas Procedente de Ayacata.

Procedente de San Bartolome de Tirajana.

Procedente de El Sequero.Por Las Tirajanas - Campo de Golf.

RECORRIDO-IDA Estación Faro de Maspalomas (andén 5), Av. T.T. O.O. TUI. Campo Internacional 6, Av. T.T. O.O. Neckermann. Campo de Golf 6, Av. T.T. O.O. Neckermann. Campo de Golf 4, Av. T.T. O.O. Neckermann. Campo de Golf 2, Av. de Gran Canaria, Plaza Hierro, San Fernando (Viuda de Franco), Urbanizacion Las Llaves, La Loma, Bar Nicolás, Mundo Aborigen, Mirador de las Yeguas, Arteara, Fataga, Molino del Agua, Mirador de Tunte, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, El Sequero, Los Lomillos, Cruz Grande, La Plata, Montañon, Ayacata, Las Moradas, Tejeda RECORRIDO-VUELTA Tejeda, Las Moradas, Ayacata, La Plata, Cruz Grande, Los Lomillos, El Sequero, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Mirador de Tunte, Camello Fataga, Fataga, Arteara, Mirador, Mundo Aborigen, Bar Nicolas, La Loma, Urbanizacion Las Llaves, San Fernando (Viuda de Franco), Av. de Gran Canaria, Plaza Hierro, Av. T.T. O.O. Neckermann. Campo de Golf 1, Av. T.T. O.O. Neckermann. Campo de Golf 3, Av. T.T. O.O. Neckermann. Campo de Golf 5, Av. T.T. O.O. TUI. Campo Internacional 3, Av. T.T. O.O. TUI. Campo Internacional 5, Faro de Maspalomas

GLOBAL se reserva el derecho a modificar esta información

10

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

02.

Blue Tajinaste

Hospitales San Roque judged island’s best

San Roque Hospital Las Palmas has been judged as the tenth best private hospital in Spain, by the independent ‘Health Reputation Monitor‘ who released their results last week, a trusted independent reference monitor, in the world of health care.

Blue Tajinaste, (Echium Callithyrsum) is endemic to the north and northeast Gran Canaria.

Its distribution is influenced by the trade winds that provide constant humidity in a limited range of localities. The branched shrub can reach heights of 3.5 meters or even more; producing rough-hairy, oval-lance-shaped leaves that can measure up to 20 cm in length.

Its a botanical species of herbaceous plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family.

You can only find Blue Tajinaste on the cliffs above San Mateo and Lagunetas, Tenteniguada, Roque Saucillo, Barranco del Cernícalos, and between the Pérez dam and Berrazales.

It grows at altitudes of between 450 and 1500 meters, in full sun, tolerating shade well. Most of the known population of Blue Tajinaste is found in Tenteniguada, one of the highest parts of Valsequillo, at the beginning of a path that goes from Tenteniguada village to the Los Marteles caldera.

Professional Jewellery Cleaning in the privacy of your own home by a Hatton Garden Jeweller. Fully insured and Police verified for your security.

Jewellery gets dirty and does not shine like it use to. Hand cream dust and hard water deposits are just some of the residue that detracts from the original sparkle and beauty of your jewellery.

The Solution

Professional cleaning is the most effective way to preserve and keep your valuable jewellery in excellent condition. PJC will remove any dirt grease or residue and restore your precious jewellery to as near original condition as possible. Bring the sparkle back of your jewellery for that special occasion.

This service includes a FREE examination and safety check of your jewellery to spot any problems that exist or may develop in the future to prevent the loss of an item or even a precious gem. Prices start from 3€ an item 25€ minimum call out, includes jewellery examination and advice.

One the main threats to this very rare flowering shrub is the appearance of invasive species brought to the island habitat, as well as the destruction of their natural space.

They bloom between January and April, and fruiting goes starts from March through to July.

There are guided walking routes specifically to see Blue Tajinaste (Tajinaste Azul). You can find out more by contacting the Valsequillo Tourism office. Their website is

TurismoValsequillo.com

For Appointment Tel: +34 678 974 386 pjc_grancanaria@hotmail.com Only precious metals and gems no costume jewellery.

Hospital San Roque Maspalomas occupies fourteenth position overall, having climbed three positions, to gain 5,652 points. In addition to this achievement, for the third consecutive year, the hospital centre located in the heart of the main tourist municipality of the Canary Islands, has once again been judged as the very best health centre of its kind in the whole of Spain.

San Roque hospitals are the only private Canarian hospitals to be listed at all in Spain’s top 26, confirming once more their strong position as providers of excellent healthcare at a national level, and this is even more important taking into account that they do not offer medical training, an aspect of vital importance in the results for this particular monitor.

Health Reputation Monitor The Health Reputation Monitor (MRS) 2016 does not receive any subsidy or sponsorship, public or private, and is financed exclusively from the commercialisation of confidential reports to those who freely request them once the results have been published.

Water Park War

of

Words &

TheCanaryNews.com

nonsense

A war of words unexpectedly broke out in January over the long awaited water park project planned for the entry point to Maspalomas on a piece of waste ground, known as El Veril, that sits between Playa del Inglés and the main GC1 motorway.

It is more than four years since the project began going through the process of permissions, impact studies and necessary licences for, what was touted as, the largest water park project in Europe. Sponsored by the Kiessling family, who head up the Grupo Loro Parque in Tenerife, the new Siam Park Gran Canaria tourist attraction is broadly seen as stark competition to the already well established Aqualand park, run by international theme park group Aspro parks.

There have, therefore, been serious questions over whether local councillors even want to let the project move forward due to possible allegiances between serving politicians and the already established businesses, having led to hurdle after hurdle being placed in the way of the final sign off.

The project was dramatically halted last year after a court case from a hitherto unknown business, with ties to Asproparks, had contended that the area should be a protected nature reserve. That suspension was lifted last summer, as no evidence could be produced to support stopping the work.

At the beginning of January, with apparently just one single municipal licence waiting to be granted, and every other hurdle overcome, the mayor of the southern municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Perez, launched a completely unexpected attack on the President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, claiming that the Cabildo had acted against the project at the very last minute, by presenting a heritage department notice of archaeological finds at the agreed building site.

In what many have judged to be party politicking rather than diligence, the mayor, rather surprisingly, blamed the NC political party and the president personally,

Carnival Love 2017 02.

11

despite ample evidence that Antonio Morales has always acted in the interests of the project. The President, defending himself, said quite plainly that he does not believe that the archaeological find should in any way hinder the project development, saying instead that such a casual find, of ancient seashells, should be used to enhance the project. Sound reasoning, it seems.

The newly found evidence of pre-hispanic archaeological remains, two caves and a deposit of limpets and winkle shells, in the area of the old stone cottage, known as La Maleza (The Weed) was presented by the town hall as a reason to prevent necessary channeling of the El Veril ravine as had been agreed in the project presented by the Kiessling group. The Town Hall of San Bartolomé de Tirajana launched controversial attack on the Cabildo de Gran Canaria (island government) regarding the consequences of the discovery on the development plot. Though nobody else seemed concerned.

The Cabildo claimed, contrary to the protests of the Mayor and the town hall, that the deposit does not in any way paralyse the authorisation granted by the Island Water Board to channel the ravine waterway in preparation for construction of the park, nor should it prevent the municipal license to grant such works, currently awaited from the Town Council of San Bartolomé.

It all seems very confusing from the outside, but in essence the President says that the work should go ahead, and incorporate this new “feature”, however the local mayor insists that the project cannot go ahead. The President has been clear however, pointing out that the mayor has himself been in a position to sign off all the remaining licences since last September.

It´s a political hot potato, and everyone is exasperated by it. Serious questions have arisen over who is blocking the project and why.

As we go to press, the final judgement of The Canary Islands Government’s heritage department is expected to green light the project once and for all... we’ll see.

12

Carnival Love 2017 02.

TheCanaryNews.com

Re:Views - Love Gran Canaria - Romantic Get-a-ways Gran Canaria is an island of romance and pleasure. February is the perfect time to really enjoy some of the wonderful experiences you won’t find in the all-inclusive brochure. Whether you are out to impress someone gorgeous, or share with the one you love something extraordinary, for an afternoon, or a night, here are four of our favourites...

Parador Cruz de Tejeda

Eco Finca Rural, Molino de Agua is a paradise for any nature lover with gardens, an organic farm, animals and a peaceful location.

A perfect get away just 25 minutes from Maspalomas. Easy to reach by car or bus number 18 so choose a day visit or an over night stay in one of their lovely rustic and simple rooms. A sure treat.

Hotel Rural El MondalĂłn Afrikat Cruise On-board A simple stylish rural romance always included. hotel where you can A wonderful daytime outing just be. Lovely modern following a beautiful coastal rustic rooms and all the route, stunning views, lunch, facilities literally just few all your drinks & perhaps steps away. Deck pool a glass of bubbly. Simply heated with solar for some the most romantic boat relaxation with good dining options in their restaurant on the island. Everyday is and a wonderful breakfast with lovely staff. Ideal to Valentines aboard Afrikat disconnect and not be disturbed.

Special Romantic February packages for 1 or 2 night stays.

Indulge yourself with fine dining, private spa, huge rooms, relaxing atmosphere and some pretty amazing surroundings to explore or just to watch. Where else can you swim among pine trees or watch stunning mountain woodland sunsets from your peaceful balcony?

TheCanaryNews.com

Gran Canaria Cabildo

buildings go green The Cabildo de Gran Canaria and Endesa (the largest electric utility company in Spain) have signed a contract that establishes 100% of the electrical supply of the island’s institutional buildings will come from renewable sources, which is to be certified every year by the Ministry of Industry, after a pioneering tender competition in the Canary Islands that promotes the penetration of renewable energies.

- 100% Renewable

Carnival Love 2017

energies

02.

13

The great news here is that Gran Canaria produces enough clean energy to supply this contract and even other entities which may want to join the example with which the Cabildo aims to stop emitting such as the installation of wind power plants and more than 24,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, Photovoltaics at Infecar as well as Ecoparques in the equivalent to the emissions of 1,300 households, North and South. according to Endesa’s estimate.

“This is another very important step, the contract For this reason, the green-minded island president, favours the penetration of renewables, reduces Antonio Morales (NC), and the managing director of CO2 emissions, combats climate change, generates Endesa in the Canary Islands, Pablo Casado, did not awareness and encourages electric companies to invest hide their satisfaction with the entry into force of this in clean energies“, said the president in celebration of contract as of January 1, 2017 and all that it entails in realising one of his flagship policies. terms of emissions reduction, promotion of renewables and even economic savings, since the island energy From Endesa’s side, the contract coincides with aims invoice will lower by €375,000 per year to which can to continue reducing CO2 emissions to zero by 2050. also be added an estimated €160,000 in savings from Among the efficiency measures, the company will efficiency measures, to total more than half a million install in 23 Cabildo buildings will be capacitor euros in benefit for the island. batteries, which eliminate so-called reactive energy The Cabildo tendered for green sources of 37 megawatt hours, 36 of which were awarded to Endesa for €5.9 million and a one-megawatt hour lot to Iberdrola for €125,000. The contract is for one year, renewable for a further year.

It is a strategic objective of the island institution to promote renewable energies in the framework of the Cabildo’s ecoisla project, for which the Insular Energy Council was created and works on a variety of fronts,

from the bill, to add €160,000 of annual savings.

The contract affects the supply to departments including Public Works, facilities , the environment, the Institute of Social and Socio-sanitary Care, the Insular Institute of Sports, Infecar, Fedac, Tourism Board, CAAM, Housing Consortium, the Juan Negrín Foundation, the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cuyás Theater, among others and centres that are included may increase during the term of the contract.

14

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

02.

“LPA Experience+”

sightseeing ticket The ‘Experience+‘ combination ticket will bring together several of Las Palmas the capital city’s main tourist attractions on a single ticket, saving time and money for visitors and offering a new option to attract travellers from the south of the island to the capital.

It is estimated that the capital is visited by 25% of the tourists who stay on the south of the island. “The intention is that this percentage continues to increase and that is only achieved with promotion and offering new products and quality services”, said the City Councilor for Tourism in Las Palmas, Pedro Quevedo.

The combined ‘Experience+’ ticket connects Las Palmas to the south of the island by including round trip transportation in collaboration with the main Global bus company. The ticket also includes the famed hop-on hop-off tour aboard the International City Sightseeing bus in Las Palmas, a guided walking tour through the historic old city centre of Vegueta and another around the Auditorio Alfredo Krauss. Included also is entry to the Pérez Galdós theatre, the Museo Canario, the Santa

Ana Cathedral’s Tower and the Néstor Museum, as well as a tasting of products at associated restaurants, a souvenir gift or a sample of a Canarian perfume and discounts at many other tourist establishments.

The new Experience+ ticket is an extension to the previous product “LPA Experience”, and costs €30.

TheCanaryNews.com

Carnival Love 2017 02.

15

House hunting? Thinking of moving to Gran Canaria?

What do you need to know? Are you wondering about the safest or most cost effective ways to transport your belongings? How much are the fees when buying a property here? Who are the most trusted Real Estate agents? We are offering friendly, free, independent advice about all things property, from where to look, what to look out for and the things you’ll need to understand to get it right. All we want in return is to follow your story.

Write to us here at RealGranCanaria@TheCanaryNews.com

No strings attached. No Cost.

- International & Local Transport - Storage Facilities - Customs Clearance and Tax-

16

Carnival Love 2017 02.

TheCanaryNews.com

TheCanaryNews.com

10 February - 5 March , Las Palmas Carnival

Check Out TheCanaryNews.com

Carnival Love 2017 02.

17

for more information

FEBRUARY 10th - El Pregón, (“The Proclamation”) the opening festivities at plaza de Santa Ana at 21:00 11th - Children’s group contest at 19:00, stage in parque Santa Catalina 12th - Children’s party and a day for the whole family with costumes at parque Santa Catalina. At 20:00 Grand Dame Gala in parque Santa Catalina 13th-15th - Murgas competitions at 20:30 onstage in Santa Catalina 16th - Adult costume competition 21:00, stage on parque Santa Catalina 17th - Comparsas Dance contest at 21:00 onstage in Santa Catalina, at 23:50-04:00 ‘Carnival nights’ by Elder & Miller buildings/Plaza Canarias 18th - Children’s fiesta at 11:00 Plaza de Santa Ana. Daytime Carnival in the historic old town centre, Vegueta starts 12:00. Murgas contest final round at 20:30 onstage in parque Santa Catalina. 2nd ‘Carnival nights’ 23:5004:30 by Elder and Miller buildings and Plaza Canarias 19th - Canine Carnival dogs and owners dressed to impress at 12:00 stage in parque Santa Catalina, daytime Carnival in Santa Catalina from 12:00 and Junior Queen gala at 19:00, stage in parque Santa Catalina 20th - 2nd Childrens Neighbourhood fiesta at 17:00 in Parque de la Mayordomía, Tamaraceite 21st - 3rd Childrens Neighbourhood fiesta at 17:00 in Plaza de Don Benito, Schamann. Distrito Ciudad Alta 22nd - 4th Childrens Neighbourhood fiesta at 17:00 in Plaza del Pueblo, La Isleta 23rd - Election of Carnival Queen 21:00 Santa Cantalina park Stage.

23:50-05:30 ‘Carnival nights’ by Elder & Miller buildings/Plaza Canarias 25th - Carnival in the Sun starts at 17:00 with the sun parade along the Las canteras beach, Drag Queen pre selection at 21:00 parque Santa Catalina, 23:50-04:30 ‘Carnival nights’ by Elder & Miller & Plaza Canarias 26th - Cabaldrag 18:00, Parade celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Drag Queen Gala 27th - Traditional Carnival, Barranco de Guiniguada at 19:00. The ‘Carnival nights’ at the back of the Elder and Miller buildings and Plaza Canarias 28th - Daytime Carnival/ Mardi Gras in parque Santa Catalina 12:00-17:00 and Children’s parade starts at 17:00 from Castillo de la Luz to parque Santa Catalina

MARCH 2nd - Social integration ‘Accessible’ gala at 19:00 Stage in parque Santa Catalina 3rd - Body painting contest at 21:00 stage in parque Santa Catalina 4th - The Grand Parade starts 17:00 from Castillo de la Luz to parque Santa Catalina 5th - Sardine’s funeral starts at 19:00, the parade crosses the town to get to Las Canteras beach for the farewell party on the water with fireworks.

The Carnaval de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, one of the most famous events in Spain, and is on this year from 10 February to 5 March. It is broadcast nationwide and all across the Spanish speaking world to millions, rivaling even the might Rio. Carnival is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted aspects of Canary Island culture and somewhat unique here leading it to having been declared a Festival of Tourist Interest for the Canary Islands.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the most popular event, the Drag Queen Gala; so a special parade event is being held on Sunday the 26 February.

The theme this year ‘Eternal Spring‘ invoking ideas of Free Love and Flower Power and incorporating many colourful, daring, fun options for costumes; including hippies, 60s and 70s, Beatlemania, flower power, peace and love, and not forgetting the songs that identify that age of youthful awakenings, civil rights and pop culture, like Love Me Do , Yellow Submarine , Strawberry Fields Forever , I Want to Hold Your Hand.

Think Hippie Free Love Springtime Forever!

More Carnvial dates on our site, March details to be covered next edition...

17 February–3 March Gáldar Carnival 18 February-12 March, Agüimes Carnival 3-12 Maspalomas Carnival, parade 11.3 13-19 Carnival Costa Mogán, parade 19.3 16-25, Santa Lucía Carnival , parade 19.3

18

Carnival Love 2017 02.

TheCanaryNews.com

Public

holidays on

Gran Canaria

in

2017

choose 2 of their own holidays. Many national holidays fall on a weekday but those that are next to a weekend will very likely become long weekend breaks for this upcoming year.

In the Canary Islands, instead of taking a day for the There are few events more colourful than a Canarian New Year’s holiday on a Monday, as it was already on Spanish Fiesta or local traditional celebration. a Sunday, the government decided to use the available Many foreigners however do have trouble figuring out day for May 30, The Day of the Canary Islands (Día when local, regional and national holidays might result de Las Canarias), as the Workers’ Statute allows the in the closure of government offices or local businesses. Autonomous Communities to replace festivities that Planning for long weekends is also important for anyone would otherwise be transferred to a Monday with other in tourist areas when there are likely to be a greater dates “that by tradition are their own”. There will be extra festivities also for Santiago Apóstol (July 25). number of Spanish families around than usual.

Our hard working events team have pieced together this little guide to help for the coming year. They also publish ‘The Canary Weekend Tips’ every Thursday to keep you up-to-date with local festivities, family events and large happenings around the island, so don’t forget to check that out every week too…

We are always updating these lists, so if you know of any events we may have missed, please email Events@TheCanaryNews.com or call +34 928 987 952 The Kingdom of Spain celebrates a up to 14 national holidays per year. The national government sets 9 of the national dates to be observed throughout the kingdom and allows autonomous communities to also National, regional and local holidays on Gran Canaria 2017 :

JANUARY 6.1. “National Holiday” : Epiphany of the Lord (regional holiday in all regions) 20.1. Agüimes : Patron Saint festivities / Festividad de San Sebastián FEBRUARY 2.2. Ingenio : patroness festivities / Festividad de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria 28.2 Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day / Martes de Carnaval (Mardis Gras) is celebrated in La Aldea de San Nicolás, Las Palmas, Santa Brígida, Mogán, Moya, Arucas, Firgas, Santa María de Guía, Tejeda, Teror, Valleseco and Vega de Santa Mateo MARCH 2.3. Agüimes : Carnival / Carnaval de Agüimes APRIL 13.4. The Canary Islands : Holy/Maundy Thursday / Jueves Santo 14.4. National Holiday : Good Friday / Viernes Santo MAY 1.5. National Holiday : Labour Day / Día del Trabajo / May Day 15.5. Gáldar : Festividad de San Isidro 30.5. The Canary Islands : Regional holiday , The Day of the Canary Islands (Día de las Canarias) JUNE 5.6. Valleseco : Patron Saint / Festividad de San Vicente Ferrer.

12.6. Moya : Festividad de San Antonio de Padua.

13.6. Santa Brígida : Festividad de San Antonio de Padua.

13.6. Mogán : Patron Saint festivities / Festividad de San Antonio 23.6. Teror : Festividad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.

24.6. Las Palmas : Commemoration of the Foundation of the City 24.6. Telde : Festividad de San Juan Bautista.

24.6. Arucas : Festividad de San Juan Bautista 29.6. Agaete : celebration of St. Peter the Apostle / celebración del día de San Pedro Apóstol.

29.6. Ingenio : Festividad de San Pedro

Various regions of Spain celebrate dates that are unique to their history. Likewise each island also has specific celebrations and dates to remember. Every town and village have their own Patron Saint too, so these often become local fiestas and celebrations, in accordance with each particular catholic saints day, and with the main municipal town halls organising the main local holidays for the municipal capitals, which extend throughout that county. It can be a lot to try and remember!

When it comes to school holidays, please check individually from the school.

JULY 25.7. San Bartolomé de Tirajana : Festividad de Santiago Apóstol.

25.7. Gáldar : Festividad de Santiago Apóstol AUGUST 4.8 Agaete : Lowering the branch / Bajada de la rama, festividad de Nuestra Señora de Las Nieves.

15.8. National Holiday : Assumption of Mary / Asunción de la Virgen 16.8. Valsequillo : Festividad de San Roque 16.8. Firgas : Festividad de San Roque, Patrono del Municipio.

16.8. Santa María de Guía : Festividad de San Roque 24.8. San Bartolomé de Tirajana : Festividad de San Bartolomé 28.8. Artenara : día posterior a la Fiesta de la Virgen de La Cuevita SEPTEMBER 8.9. Gran Canaria : Our Lady of the Pine / festividad de Nuestra Señora del Pino 11.9. La Aldea de San Nicolás : Día del Charco 12.9 Tejeda : día posterior a la Fiesta en Honor a la Virgen del Socorro, Patrona del Municipio.

14.9. Artenara : Festividad del Santo Cristo de Acusa 21.9. Vega de San Mateo : Patron Sain festivities / Festividad del Santo Patrono San Mateo 29.9. Valsequillo : Festividad de San Miguel OCTOBER 12.10. National Holiday : Hispanic Day – Columbus Day / Fiesta Nacional de España 24.10 Santa Lucía : Festivities of St Raphael / Festividad de San Rafael NOVEMBER 1.11. National Holiday : All Saints Day / Todos los Santos 17.11 Telde : Festividad de San Gregorio Taumaturgo.

DECEMBER 6.12. National Holiday : Constitution Day / Día de la Constitución 8.12. National Holiday : Immaculate conception / Inmaculada Concepción 13.12 Santa Lucía : Festividad de Santa Lucía 25.12. National Holiday : Christmas Day / Natividad del Señor

Events: Main

TheCanaryNews.com

events in

Maspalomas 2017

The town hall representing Maspalomas Costa Canaria had a small stand at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, held last week, promoting its new tourism logo, M+, the ‘Euro’ Carnival Maspalomas as well as many other aspects of their offering.

Many of the events planned for 2017 in the municipality have officially been confirmed. The good news is that there are already dates for the ‘III Soul Festival’ in San Agustin as well as the second edition of the very successful ‘Maspalomas Pet Fair’ that was held in Parque Sur last December, with huge success.

‘Europita Wurst’ Maspalomas Carnival The Maspalomas International Carnival 2017, held 3-12 March will be celebrated with the theme ‘Eurocarnaval’ to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Rome Treaty, the agreement that formalised the origins of the European Union we know so well today… Brits are very welcome too!

The winning poster was designed by Jonah Emmanuel Hernandez Plasencia, an artist from Puerto de la Cruz, on Tenerife. The mayor reproduced part of the definition of the author’s own words, stating that “Europita Wurst conveys the elegance of Europe through a headdress, in which some of the most important monuments of the continent are represented; the dunes, palm trees and the Faro Maspalomas light house illustrates that the character as a tribute to Conchita Wurst, Eurovision winner and a champion of tolerance, equality and freedom in Europe.” …so there you have it start gathering your costume ideas…

Carnival Love 2017 02.

19

3-4 February : The Almond Blossom Fair / Fiestas del Almendro en Flor - Tunte 3-12 March : The International Maspalomas Carnival / Carnaval Internacional de Maspalomas 14-15 April : 24 Grados Maspalomas Festival (Latin Music Festival at Maspalomas stadium) 4-14 May : Freedom’s Yumbo Pride 23 June : Noche de San Juan / Midsummer night 28-30 July : Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival ( San Agustin beach) 11-13 August : Maspalomas Music Festival 17 September : Travesía Maspalomas Canaragua (swimming competition) 4-8 October : Freedom’s Gay Festival Yumbo 7-8- October : II Pet Fair / II Feria de Mascotas 14-22 October : MasDanza ( Dance Festival ) 6-12 November : Winter Yumbo Pride 17 November : 3rd edition of the ‘World of Flavours’ / III Sabores del Mundo 8-10 December : II Christmas Market / II Mercado de Navidad 14-15 December : V Foro Internacional de Turismo Maspalomas Costa Canaria (tourism forum) 31 December : New Year party / Fiesta de Fin de Año

20

Carnival Love 2017 02.

TheCanaryNews.com

Guide

to

Seeing

a

Doctor

in

The Canary Islands

Courtesy of The British Consulate & HealthCareInSpain.eu Do you want to know how to make an appointment with a GP? Or, in an emergency, how to call an ambulance to a public hospital? Look no further! The British Consulates, on Gran Canaria and Tenerife, have written this practical guide to receiving medical assistance in the Canary Islands.

Sadly, time and again they have to assist British nationals who find themselves in difficult circumstances which could otherwise have been avoided. So don’t let it happen to you! Read the guide and share it with your friends.

Need to see a doctor in the Canary Islands? Here’s what to do…

If you are a tourist or on a temporary stay The national emergency service In an emergency, call 112 (they speak English and several other languages too). The patient will be taken to the nearest public health centre (Centro de Salud) or hospital by public ambulance if necessary.

If someone else is calling for you, ask them to call 112 rather than a private ambulance – or you may be liable for the costs of subsequent treatment in a private hospital if your holiday insurance company will not cover you.

Please note that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not cover any private care and it is advisable to have taken out adequate travel insurance prior to travelling.

Accident & emergency at health centres If it’s less of an emergency you can go directly to the nearest public health centre or hospital, which you can find by searching the map below or clicking here.

(Search directly in the top left box on the map, or zoom

out to see all the islands, and then click the label AREA DE SALUD for your island. This produces a pop-up list of medical centre locations.)

Most main health centres provide an A&E (Urgencias) service from 8am to 8pm. At some health centres the A&E unit operates 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays.

The patient, or a family member, will need to present their passport and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at the admissions desk of the public hospital or health centre.

If you don’t have an EHIC, or it has been lost or stolen, don’t worry – you can still be treated and get a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to cover your emergency or necessary medical care. The PRC is sent directly to the billing department at the public health centre or hospital. Click here to find out how to get a PRC.

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

02.

Residents and registered for healthcare The national emergency service In an emergency, call 112 (they speak English and many other languages). The patient will be taken to the nearest public health centre (Centro de Salud) or hospital by public ambulance if necessary.

Accident and emergency services at health centres* If it’s less of an emergency you can go directly to the nearest public health centre or hospital, which you can find on the map below or by clicking here. (Search directly in the top left box on the map, or zoom out to see all the islands, and then click the label AREA DE SALUD for your island. This produces a pop-up list of medical centre locations.)

Most main health centres provide an A&E (Urgencias) service from 8am to 8pm. At some health centres the A&E unit operates 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays.

The patient, or a family member, will need to present their passport and Tarjeta Sanitaria (blue card) at the admissions desk of the public hospital or health centre.

Appointments with GPs* To make an appointment with your GP at your local health centre, you can: • call 012 (Spanish speakers only) • book it online in English here (using the CIP number on your health card, Tarjeta Sanitaria), or

tourists or those staying temporarily, However, you (or your next of kin) will be asked to complete and sign a form in which you agree to cover any medical costs by: • paying the costs yourself when you receive a bill from the hospital, or • paying through your private medical.

Remember, residents in Spain cannot use their UK issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access public healthcare. *Please note that if you are not confident speaking Spanish, it is advisable to take an interpreter with you.

How to register for healthcare in Spain To register for healthcare in Spain, please visit the resident pages of healthcareinspain.eu where you will find practical and easy to follow information.

This document and it´s links is available at http://healthcareinspain.eu/2016/04/step-by-stepguide-to-seeing-a-doctor-in-the-canary-islands/ On our website we have a rather helpful map of Gran Canaria and The Canary Islands with all of the public health facilities marked including health centres and hospitals If you are having any trouble seeing the map Go to TheCanaryNews.com/Healthcare

The best private hospital in the Canary Islands

(Ranking of the Spanish Health Reputation Monitor 2016)

• download the application on your smartphone here and introduce your CIP number.

Appointments with specialists* Your GP will arrange this. Normally they give you a form to hand to the admissions desk at your local health centre (who can sometimes make an appointment for you there and then).

If the specialist appointment is in a hospital, you will receive a call from the hospital with appointment details (and a reminder normally a week or so before).

Some specialist appointments are ordered directly by your GP. You will be notified by telephone, and you may even receive a text message reminder the day before.

Residents not registered for healthcare In an emergency – or if a doctor at a public health centre or hospital considers that you need medical care – you can use all the services described as available for

21

24 hours

Emergency Service Hotel Medical Attention Interpreter Service

Travel Insurances accepted.

We are the only private hospital on Gran Canaria where the E11 European Health Insurance Card is accepted.

All medical and surgical specialities

928 063 625 www.hospitalessanroque.com

22

Carnival Love 2017 02.

TheCanaryNews.com

The

oldest slave burial site in the

Atlantic

During the 16th century, fourteen men and Ocean. Textual evidence indicates the existence of women were buried in a strange manner, on sugar cane factories in these regions from the early Gran Canaria. They were hard workers, some middle 15th century. prayed to Allah, many believed in the gods of their native Africa, and another was entrusted to San Francisco (Saint Francis), but all were laid to rest outside of the cemetery. They were slaves.

European colonisation of the Americas and the exploitation of its natural resources required a slave population to satisfy the labour shortages and maintain low production costs. African populations were selected to be enslaved because they came from tropical environments and had lower death rates as well as agricultural and technological skills.

The Atlantic slave trade promoted by Europeans between the 16th and 19th centuries forcibly moved at least 12 million people from Africa to America to be sold mainly as labourers on large plantations in the Caribbean and South America. During the 16th century, this phenomenon was closely connected with the sugar industry, one of the main pillars of the new Atlantic Historical documents mention the use of slave labor economy. in this, the first “New World” known to Castilians and Portuguese before they embarked on their conquest of the continent newly discovered by Columbus. The sugar cane plantations financed those discoveries almost from their beginnings.

The Canary Islands in particular were an important part of the Atlantic trade networks, acting as a primary exporter of sugar cane and a hub for trade between Europe, Africa and America. They were the only Macaronesian archipelago that was inhabited when the Europeans arrived, however, lacked a large enough native population for labour, causing wealthy investors to seek cheap or unpaid labourers from Europe and Africa. Though references to slavery from the very beginning of the conquest, in the fifteenth century, are abundant they have until now lacked any physical evidence.

The earliest Atlantic slave plantations were however located in the Macaronesian archipelagos, including Madeira, the Canary Islands, and the Cape Verde Islands, at the central–eastern side of the Atlantic

Eight researchers from the universities of Stanford (USA), Cambridge (UK), Santa Elena (Peru), Las Palmas and the Basque Country and the Archeological specialist company, Tibicena, last year published evidence, in The American Journal of Physical Anthropology, that a rare

TheCanaryNews.com

Carnival Love 2017 02.

necropolis found back in 2009 at the Finca Clavijo, in Guía on the north of the island of Gran Canaria, during some works there, is as they suspected: a burial site for slaves from various races. But not just any such burial site: “It is the oldest slave cemetery in the Atlantic world, the earliest antecedent of the African diaspora which is known” says University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria archaeologist Jonathan Santana, the main signatory of the article.

The scientists looked at the bodies recovered in that necropolis (eight intact skeletons along with six others) using various techniques to find out about their lives, and their deaths: forensic medicine, DNA analysis and molecular analysis, archeology and all the accumulated knowledge from slave-holdings in the US and the Caribbean.

23

the time still withheld from the descendants of Muslims and Jews. “Maybe she was a mestizo woman” The way they were buried is also curious, because it differs from Christian rituals, and cannot be clearly linked with Islam, nor does it fit with Aboriginal practices, but suggests a type of syncretism very common in Creole (mixed) societies, whereby various religions and customs are intertwined; a fact which reinforces the value of the site, notes Fregel.

All of them were buried on their side, two of them lie with their heads towards the East (perhaps towards Mecca) and others were buried next to beads of glass, beads typical of some African burial rites. There are also Christian elements, such as the Francis of Assisi medal, which matches up with the find being less than a kilometer from a former Franciscan convent, although Forensics revealed that these people died young, most the researchers have not ruled out that this could have been used to hide or mask other African rituals.

The authors assume that these were sugar cane plantation slaves, because this was the first large monoculture that was planted in the Canaries, where they developed the machines to process the cane that they later took to America, “los ingenios” (the “mills”).

Photograph: © José Guillén, of the archaeological company Tibicena, 16th century site discovered in 2009 in the town of Santa María de Guía (Gran Canaria).

in their twenties, and with spinal injuries suggesting that they had done very hard work, similar injuries have been documented on cane plantations in South Carolina, Suriname, and Barbados. The remains have been dated by Carbon 14 to between the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 17th, but there are two factors that help to further define their origin: a four maravedíes resellada coin (Spanish farthing) minted by the Cabildo of La Palma in 1559 and a 16th century medal with the images of Saint Francis of Assisi (San Francisco) and the Immaculate Conception.

“Sugar was the oil of the sixteenth century, an industry that made the Canaries attractive to great fortunes throughout Europe and that led to the capture of slaves in Africa even before they were being taken to America, because it required a lot of labor,” says Santana in summary.

When they wrote their article last year, the archaeologists had already found sugar molds at the same site, clearly indicating what these lands, in Guia, in the north of Gran Canaria, had been used for.

Just three months ago, civil works revealed the remains of the great sugar mill of Santa María de Guía, dated between the 15th and 16th century.

Now, the team of archaeologists is seeking further funding to continue their excavations because there are clear indications that this, the oldest known slave The DNA of these people, in all eleven cases in which the burial site in the Atlantic, may contain much more than analyses proved viable, revealed that one was without just these 14 bodies. doubt an Aboriginal Canarian (a woman), while four are probably black individuals and six others belong to a lineage present both in Europe and the North of Africa.

“Given that there are many historical references to the slave trade in the Canaries, coming from North Africa, we think that these individuals were Moorish,” explains Rosa Fregel, a University Of Stanford biologist specialising in DNA from ancient populations. Her colleague Santana points out that it is rare for an aboriginal native to appear, because at that time the Church and the Crown had already prohibited enslavement of the indigenous Canarians and even allowed them to accede to positions within the cabildos as “old Christians” (“cristianos viejos”), a privilege at

24

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

02.

North Africa’s Forgotten War – Our nearest African neighbour is the disputed and occupied territory of Western Sahara. The native Berber population were almost certainly of the same people to have first colonised these islands more than 2000 years before the Spanish arrived in the 15th century to take it from them.

Views: Understanding Western Sahara

The Sahwari formed a popular liberation front, called the Polisari, who, supported by Algeria, fought a bitter war with Morocco until eventually the UN brokered a cease fire in 1991, on the promise that a referendum would be held to decide the matter within 6 months.

Though it is more than 41 years since Spain withdrew its colonial control of the territory, previously known as Spanish Sahara, and despite the International Court of Justice along with the UN having recognised the native people’s right to self-determination, advising that a referendum be held on the subject, the Sahwari people are still waiting to regain their sovereignty and begin to decide their own future.

The disputed territory remains greyed out on most world maps, and the native peoples have been forced to live for more than 2 decades in refugee camps in the desert.

When the United Nations originally formed all member states were strongly encouraged to give back any colonies they had, to the native peoples who lived there. Throughout the 50s and 60s many former colonies in Africa gained their independence. Morocco had been under the control of France and Spain, and so when the French pulled out of Morocco, the Spanish too decided to leave, pulling back to Morocco’s southern border, as far as the Sahara desert, an area which noone had ever laid claim to.

Though Morocco tried repeatedly to negotiate with the dictator General Franco for the territory, it was not until 1975, that the King Hassan II saw his opportunity.

Just three weeks before Franco’s death, 350,000 Moroccan civilians were marched into Western Sahara to claim it as their own. Neighbouring Mauritania too claimed a historic right to the land, and so not wanting to be drawn into a colonial conflict, the Spanish government agreed to withdraw, leaving them to sort it out between them. However the natives of the area, the Sahwari, said they did not recognise either of the other countries claims, and wanted to determine their future for themselves.

Meanwhile assets and resources continue to be stripped from the disputed territory, by their neighbours despite no-one else ever having been formally recognised, by any other country, as having sovereignty in the region.

With tens of thousands of refugees living in exile, in camps, isn’t it time that Morocco withdrew and finally allowed these people to have their territory back?

The complex situation of the disputed territory of Western Sahara is explained in a video on our website…

TheCanaryNews.com/Views-Understanding-Western-Sahara

TheCanaryNews.com

Carnival Love 2017 02.

Nominations have already started to arrive for .

The Canary Awards 2017

The search for Gran Canaria’s very best has officially begun

Nominate online at TheCanaryAwards.com All nominations must be received before February 28th 2017

Which is the best Bar or Restaurant on Gran Canaria?

Where are you sure to get great service?

Who deserves recognition for being awesome?

What businesses represent the best of Gran Canaria?

When have you noticed someone going the extra mile?

Got a favourite place to go?

Who never fails to bring a smile to your face?

Open to anybody who lives or works on Gran Canaria, we are inviting YOU to nominate outstanding individuals, businesses and organisations who, in your opinion, best represent this island and our community through their quality of service, commitment to the very highest standards, and by repeatedly going the extra mile People in the community, Restaurants, Bars, Estate Agents, Hotels, Charities, Builders, Carers, Reps, Travel Guides, Tourist Excursions.

We want to hear about them all.

Any person or organisation can be nominated between now and February 28 when the final list will be announced and put to a public vote. It is very easy, simply email your suggestion to Nominations@TheCanaryAwards.com or Nominate online at TheCanaryAwards.com

25

26

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

02.

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria have announced increased staffing and extended opening hours at the Island’s main Animal Shelter, Albergue de Bañaderos, with two workers dedicated now to maintenance at the centre and to the welfare of the animals, as well as uninterrupted veterinary care available between 08:00-19:00 most days.

These improvements introduced after the Cabildo decided to take over the facilities, through Gesplan, a publicly funded organisation specialising in wildlife and the natural environment, who now manage the animal shelter.

The addition of cleaning services to include Sundays, now means there is not be a single day when cages, traps, pens and the dog hospital are left unattended, which means a substantial improvement to the well-being of dogs and cats. New waste containers at the facility have also been added to help further improve hygiene standards.

The Bañaderos Animal shelter has extended its opening hours to the public: Monday – Friday from 10:00-12:00 Tuesday – Friday from 16:00-18:30 Saturday 09:00-14:00 The new telephone numbers for the Animal shelter : +34 609 85 08 97 / 928 170 401 Opening hours have increased from 21 to 33 hours a week. and the Cabildo is already working to be able to open on Sundays too.

Steps taken to modernise the centre’s management also include the computerisation of the facility with new

Major

progress for Island

Animal

shelter

desktop systems and internet connection, as until now the centre lacked this infrastructure, as well as a program for managing information and documents.

Animal numbers and movements can now be better controlled by identifying collars that incorporate custom codes. The system allows for all data on any given animal and its history to be easily accessible in real time.

The Cabildo’s environment councillor, Juan Manuel Brito Díaz, has said that “the model change should not be limited to improving the living conditions of the animals during their stay and the conditions for both professionals and volunteers at the centre, but aims to increase the number of adoptions towards the goal of zero abandoned animals needing to be housed.

Getting

to

Grips

TheCanaryNews.com

with

Carnival Love 2017

27

Gran Canariato a British shipping company called the ‘Naviera Elder

By Diego Mesa (Puerto Rico Language Centre)

02.

Dempster Shipping Line’. For those who have young families they can enjoy taking their little ones to the museum, where they are encouraged to touch and interact with all types of engines and tools, it contains a wealth of information and is surprisingly entertaining for people of all ages.

Santa Catalina boasts an abundance of great 4 and 5 star hotels open all year round, but especially during the Carnaval celebrations in February which is when this park becomes the main hub of activity. The main stage shows are well attended and there are many stalls selling drinks all around it, and La Isleta holds great historical significance here in Las therefore the area becomes an overnight hive of activity, Palmas, to locals and European sailors alike, as one of the enjoyment and entertainment. original enclaves from which the port was defended. The Finally, for those who love shopping, between the cruise neighbouring district of ‘Santa Catalina’ grew in commercial dock and the park is the massive Shopping Centre ‘El importance due to its proximity to the docks and was Muelle’, where you can find the best shops, restaurants, bars attractive to tourists visiting Las Palmas port. Every February and clubs. The fashionable and trendy also walk five to ten it becomes the centre stage of the city, with Carnival shows, minutes up the road to the chic shops of Mesa Y Lopez. There live bands, all night parties and where the main Grand Parade you will find boutiques and the latest trends and fashion in ends creating a massive street fiesta and an extraordinary Las Palmas. The Capital has so much to offer, particularly at celebration heralding the arrival of Springtime. this time of year.

Joining ‘El Puerto de La Luz’, where the cruise ships dock, Here below are a couple of Canarian words for you to try... and the capital’s main seashore ‘Playa de Las Canteras’ ELEVADA – Heated argument Eg. Ya he tenido varias anyone walking through the district is only ever a stone’s elevadas con ellos, y no quiero ni que me los nombren. - I’ve throw away from the beach. It’s centre is the park ‘Parque had various arguments with them, and I don´t even want to Santa Catalina’, which actually looks more like a square hear their names. adorned with palm trees and flower beds, filled with cafeterias and bars where you can sit down and enjoy a drink CAMBUYONERO – This local word has been taken from the English ‘Come, buy on!’, with which ship owners of the past anytime of the day or night.

This park is the main point of entry into the city and the would encourage local traders to row out to them in the port.

‘Museo Elder de La Ciencia y la Tecnología’ is the first landmark that cruise visitors to Las Palmas will encounter.

The museum is named after the building in which it is found ‘Edificio Elder’, which once upon a time belonged

They would approach ship owners from the UK and Northern Europe, to buy their products when the ships docked in the Harbour of Las Palmas, these local wheeler dealers became known as Cambuyoneros.

28

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

02.

APPEAL - Helping Hilario

It’s not all simply sunshine and beaches here on Gran Canaria. Though the tourism industry has undoubtedly enriched a few on the island, its a little known fact that we have some of the highest unemployment in Europe, particularly among the youth. With very little by way of support for those unable to find work many can find themselves in conditions of real poverty. Thankfully Canarians are generally compassionate people, who work hard with what little they have to support others in their communities who may be most in need.

We believe that this family really do have enough on their plate and want to get this moving soon and not wait until the family can scratch together money that they cannot access on their own.

One such community group is the Mogán Food Project that works with the main Las Palmas Food Bank to help ensure that the worst off in society can get by with food donations and a little extra help from the wider community.

Ideally Hilario will have his lift fully operative by April.

As well as all the things they do for large groups of people, such as the unemployed, underemployed, underpaid and elderly with limited resources, they also try to help individuals with specific problems and needs.

The gentleman pictured is Hilario, he lost both legs to circulatory illness and was lucky enough to eventually get a motorised chair to move about in. He lives on a second floor and for over a year has been applying for financial help from the Council of Mogán to install a lift. Meanwhile his family has to carry him up and down stairs if he wants to leave his home, which is daily, as the only friends he has ever known are other fishermen down at the port.

The project organisers are getting a bank account number from the install company to deposit donations directly to them so that they can get going on this.

Or YOU can donate money to the project’s own account, but please state “Hilario” as the reference so that they can allocate it to this cause.

He and his family are extremely grateful for all support.

Banco SABADELL - IBAN ES50 - 0081-1394-110001028108 – SWIFT BSABESBB If you would like to Donate with a credit or debit card please write to us here on: Appeal@TheCanaryNews.com and we will contact you directly. THANK YOU

He has children and grandchildren and the family is just scratching by with help from the food project.

The council has only offered to fund 80% of the lift he requires and his family is supposed to somehow come up with the other €4110.40.- .

The Food project have reached an agreement with a company that installs such lifts ( http://gratecsa.com/) to allow them to pay off the remainder in installments over a two year period - and they have also waived the maintenance fee for the first two years, all of this to help Hilario to get his lift ASAP. Once they get the green light, in 6 to 8 weeks, the lift will be custombuilt and installed - approximately mid/end-March. In order to raise those funds, the family is now forced to place coin boxes in the hope of donations, Hilario sits at the entrance to the Tuesday market in Arguineguín with a tin asking for any help market-visitors wish to give him, selling raffle tickets, etc.

This Appeal Sponsored by Ellis & Tanya:

Lovin’ Food in Playa de Mogán

TheCanaryNews.com

Carnival Love 2017 02.

29

30

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

Language Exchange GC -

02.

with

Theresa Coe

In my experience there are two kinds of language learners: the ones that can pass exams and those that can hold a conversation confidently, who ‘pick up’ a language by real-life exposure instead of studying. It´s not impossible to be good at both, but for most of us, coping with Spanish speakers in everyday situations is far more useful than getting a certificate.

•

HOW TO GET BY IN SPANISH

HAVE A GO. Find any opportunity to talk to people and be fearless. Even if you just throw in the odd Spanish word you know, mixed with gestures/acting and big smiles, locals will appreciate your effort. The ONLY way to get better at speaking is to speak. Talk and think to yourself in Spanish, just simple things. The gap between thinking and speaking is pretty small, while the one between writing and talking is massive. So, if you want a new word to stick, use it over and over in your mind. Let´s take the verb ‘disfrutar’ (to enjoy).

Think of different ways to use it and repeat them to yourself: quiero disfrutar mis vacaciones – I want to enjoy my holiday.

Disfruto la playa – I enjoy the beach. ¿Disfrutas caminar? Do you enjoy walking? This kind of ‘brain workout’ is helpful, as is word-association. Personally I think of enjoying ‘fruit’ as a useful trigger to recall disfrutar.

•

SAY WHAT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND.

Anyone can learn ‘no comprendo’ or the more commonlyused ‘no entiendo’, meaning I don´t understand. But it´s a conversation-stopper, and often not true. It might be just one word you didn´t get and you don´t need to understand everything to get the gist. Eg: “No es posible arreglar el coche hoy.” Maybe you hear ‘it´s not possible to somethingor-other the car today”. So you repeat the word you didn´t understand in a questioning tone of voice: “¿Arreglar?”

Normally that´s enough and they´ll either give you an alternative word, or say it in English: “arreglar – reparar – fix”.

Sometimes it´s possible to mime an action.

So you hear ¿Te gusta bailar? And you reply: No entiendo ‘bailar’. Excellent Spanish, and the other person can mime a scene from Saturday Night Fever. That´s if you understood ‘te gusta’ – (do) you like…?

Other phrases to memorize include: “repite muy despacio” (re-PEE-teh moi des-PAS-sio) – repeat very slowly. I also recommend “¿Puedes decirlo con palabras diferentes?” (PWEH-dess deSEER-lo con pa-LA-brass di-fe-RENtes). Can you say it with different words?

•

‘transcription’ it will give you a computer-generated text version of what´s said – spot the mistakes! Something totally different is the simplified, very visual comedy series ‘Extra en Español con subtítulos’. This time, there are proper Spanish subtitles so it´s easier to follow what is said, plus a weblink to get subtitles in English. It´s about two Spanish girls who share a flat, and an American guy who comes to visit, speaking awful Spanish.

There are also loads of Spanish video-lessons to try out on Youtube, or pick a Spanish song or singer you like and type in the name with ‘letra’ (lyrics). That way, you can follow the words on screen while you listen, pressing pause when you need to. Go for simple, slow lovesongs (Enrique Iglesias, Maná etc). If you don´t know any, type in ‘songs to help learn Spanish’ and you’ll see recommendations including notes from teachers who translate to English and explain each bit. www.youtube.com

•

JOIN A CONVERSTATION CLUB.

There are Spanish-only groups for all levels in Tauro and Puerto Rico (winter/spring) as well as San Fernando and Las Palmas all year round. In addition, Spanish-English language exchange groups (LEGs) take place weekly in Playa del Inglés and around the island. If you´re not confident enough for these, try helping out at an English conversation club (San Fernando, Las Palmas, Teror and more). These free clubs are a great way to meet Canarian people. All info is at www. languageexchangegc.es

•

TOTAL IMMERSION.

There´s no substitute for being somewhere that nobody speaks English. For example, book a homestay study-holiday on the mainland away from a touristy area, take your Spanish classes but stay with a Spanish family or teacher and avoid English-speaking students. If you listen to other foreigners speaking Spanish they are easier to understand as they use less vocabulary than a local and normally speak more slowly and clearly. The same goes for a Spanish teacher, some of whom offer homestay language courses (eg La casita de Laura in Las Palmas).

GET ON YOUTUBE.

I want to recommend two simplified video series for Spanish learners. The first is called ‘Español en episodios’ and is based on the classes taken by a young Dutch guy who goes to stay with a rather pretty Spanish teacher. If you click on

To receive my previous lesson on useful apps to learn Spanish, or if you have any questions, email theresacoe@gmail.com

TheCanaryNews.com

Quinny’s Quiz

Carnival Love 2017 02.

WIN a “Day trip for 2” on the

1 Which airline uses the initials BA?

.............................................................

2 Which premier league team are nicknamed The Baggies?

.................................

3 The Scottish Parliament sits in which city?

.................................

4 From kids TV, what colour is Noddy’s hat?

.................................

5 A Pug is a type of which animal?

.................................

Send your answers to:

6 Who won the 2016 Euro’s soccer tournament?

.................................

7 The C5 car is produced by which company?

.................................

Homeworkers Team Gran Canaria Start making money from the comfort of your own home • Do you have the confidence and commitment necessary to be your own boss?

• Do you want to make money while the kids are at school?

• Do you want a job that has flexible hours?

8 Emerald is a shade of which colour?

.................................

9 Who was the lead singer with Soft Cell?

.................................

10 How many star signs begin with the letter A? Name them

.................................

email: Quinny@TheCanaryNews.com Drop them in to the Sunspot Bar, Puerto Rico or Text: 626 641 537 or call: 928 987 952...........................................................................

All correct answers will be collected together, independently drawn and announced in the March Spring edition.

Last edition’s winner is Angela Reed who has won a trip for two on the Afrikat Gran Canaria - Call 928 987 952 to arrange availability.

Last Edition’s Answers:

As Europe’s leader in timeshare litigation and due to our outstanding success in the Spanish supreme & local courts, we are now expanding our workforce to include a homeworkers team.

Candidate requirements Native English speaker Customer service experience an advantage Confident communication skills Computer literate Enthusiastic & positive manner Ability to work to targets Good internet connection

We are offering Generous commissions & bonuses Flexible hours Internet allowance Full training given Vacancies also available at our call center in Arguineguín with basic salary, commissions and bonuses.

Please send cv or a short resume with your contact number to:

Cs@canarianlegalalliance.com

31

1. Ebineezer 2. St Stephens day 3. Norway 4. Yuletide 5. Naughty 6. Carrot 7. Fairy and Star 8. Stockings 9.Bing Crosby 10. Wizard

32

Carnival Love 2017

TheCanaryNews.com

02.

The best private hospital in the Canary Islands

(Ranking of the Spanish Health Reputation Monitor 2016)

24 hours

Emergency Service Hotel Medical Attention Interpreter Service

Travel Insurances accepted.

We are the only private hospital on Gran Canaria where the E11 European Health Insurance Card is accepted.

All medical and surgical specialities

928 063 625 www.hospitalessanroque.com