Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 195

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The Olive Press congratulates Gibraltar on its National Day. See our pullout on Page 19

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The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

Vol. 8 Issue 195 www.theolivepress.es

September 4 - September 17 2014

Ebola outbreak fear

MALAGA is facing a potential Ebola outbreak after a Nigerian man, 40, displayed symptoms of the deadly virus.

The Carlos Haya hospital (above) launched emergency protocols on Sunday, while hospital sources admitted they were ‘completely unprepared’ for an outbreak.

The man is being kept in protective isolation until results are received. It is feared he contracted the disease on a trip home to Nigeria.

"If it turns out that he has got Ebola, then we will all get it," a hospital worker said, adding that the hospital is unable to deal with such serious cases.

The man - who lives in Antequera - arrived with a high fever, and was immediately put into isolation.

Aside from the fever, he did not show any other recognisable symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and bleeding.

At least two other suspected victims in Spain have turned out to be false alarms over the last fortnight.

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Migrant SOS

A GIANT stand-off ensued this weekend on the border of the Spanish enclave of Melilla with Morocco, with hundreds of migrants storming the border.

In another attempt to enter Europe, a Tangier to Tarifa ferry was held up for two hours on Sunday, after three migrants hid themselves in the motor. Passengers watched from the deck of the Intershipping ferry, as the Moroccans were hauled from their hiding place near the blades. It is estimated that 1,800 people have already died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year.

Save Our Son Malaga EXCLUSIVE: Costa friends reveal Ashya King was diagnosed in Spain, where his family had previously lived for many years

See our feature on drug- and people-trafficking on Page 6

By Tom Powell and Rob Horgan in Casares and Joe Chivers in the Axarquia TERMINALLY ill Ashya King was diagnosed with a brain tumour in Spain before being rushed back to England for emergency treatment, the Olive Press can reveal.

The seriously-ill British child - whose parents Brett and Naghmeh fled England last week sparking an international manhunt - had been taken to a local clinic after suffering headaches.

“He had been having headaches back in the UK as well so they took him to a doctor who referred him to hospital for a scan, which was when they found out he had just months to live,” said family friend Joseph Lathey, 20, who knows the Kings from Jehovah’s Witness meetings.

The family-of-nine had only just returned to the home they have owned in Casares for the last decade, looking forward to a long summer holiday.

The Olive Press can reveal they have been living on/ off in Spain since buying the beachside apartment 10

REUNITED: Ashya King and family (right)

See page 20

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the - September theolive olivepress press--September August 7 - 4 August 20 201417 2014

CRIME NEWS

‘Scarface’ executed Expat drug lord shot in the head in exclusive Costa del Sol shopping centre, just yards from the home of former England manager Fabio Capello and close to Zagaleta

sitting in the cafe, shooting him in the back of the head as he attempted to flee.

Bouyakhrichan was one of Amsterdam’s top crime bosses and was heavily involved in drug trafficking, particularly cocaine.

EXCLUSIVE

By Jacqueline Fanchini A DUTCH drug dealer known as ‘Scarface’ - has been executed outside an exclusive shopping centre, just yards from ex-England manager Fabio Capello’s home.

Expat Samir Bouyakhrichan, 36, from Amsterdam-West, was shot as he left the All in 1 cafe in the Monte Halcones shopping

Front SCENE OF THE CRIME: All in 1 cafe

centre, in Benahavis, in the early hours of last Thursday.

Two men approached and executed the Dutch-Moroccan drug lord as he was

Gang-dalucia: police crack down on motorbike mobs CRIMINAL biker gangs are being targeted

by Spanish authorities as their popularity grows.

The police are investigating a number of legitimate businesses in Andalucia that have been set up in the hotel and restaurant sector, that are being run merely to hide illegal activity.

They are also looking at the motoring and real estate sector.

"These businesses are run exclusively by gang members and conceal networks whose purpose is to hide the profits of the illegal activities committed in their countries of origin,” said a spokesman for the interior ministry.

The police will ‘increase preventive activity

and investigations’ to avoid gang culture developing across the country.

It added that these gangs have a long tradition of criminal activity, including drug dealing and trafficking, extortion, money laundering and violent crimes.

Andalucia has become a hot-bed for biker gangs with the largest chapter of the Satudarah MC gang - set up in Holland - now located in southern Spain.

Biker gangs like the Hell’s Angels – with strong followings in Germany and the Netherlands – are growing in Spain.

There are currently 80 biker-related criminal investigations under way in Europe including murder and attempted murder.

He is said to have marked his cocaine blocks with stamps such as ‘AK’, ‘Mitsubishi’, and ‘Vuitton’, which served as quality indicators for his customers.

He had been registered as working as an estate agent with the company Albina Properties 2009 SL in Malaga, since 2008.

However, sources insisted this was merely a front for his ‘real job’.

Police and an ambulance soon arrived but medics were unable to save him.

The gunmen remain at large although the motive is believed to have been a settling of scores, related to the theft of a cocaine shipment sent to Belgium.

Despite his high profile, however, authorities have systematically been unable to produce sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.

www.theolivepress.es

Olive Press Spiking campaign hits UK media THE Olive Press drinkspiking campaign has made headlines in the UK. The Guardian picked up on our campaign aims, highlighting the absence of official statistics and the need to end the current culture of victim-blaming.

The national broadsheet

Nailing date-rape

STUDENTS have invented a colourful way for clubbers to check if their drinks have been spiked.

Under the name Undercover Colours, the North Carolina State University entrepreneurs have developed a nail varnish that changes colour when it comes into contact with date-rape drugs.

The idea is that the wearer can stir their drink, and the colour-change will alert them to the presence of drugs like Rohypnol and GHB.

w a s SMASH interested to discover h o w the o t h e r spiking countries and clubs are tackling it.

The in-depth investigation looked into the amount of victims who do not come forward for fear of not being believed.

It highlighted how the serious crime of drugging drinks - which can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years - is often being ignored around the UK and Europe.

It supported our campaign and appealed for more victims to come forward.

To read the feature article online, visit www.theguardian.com

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NEWS

the olive press - September 4 - September 1720 2014 the olive press - August 7 - August 2014

Wife swap Remembering Anne THE wife of the ‘adopted son’ of Torremolinos, Sir George Langworthy, has been honoured with a memorial ceremony.

Anne Margaret Roe, along with her husband, bought the Castillo Santa Clara in 1930 and converted it into a residential hotel - the first on the Costa del Sol. After Anne’s death - aged just 40 - Sir

RUMOURS: Packer’s yacht, Packer (inset top) and Kerr (inset left) VICTORIA’S Secret beauty Miranda Kerr has been spotted boarding billionaire media mogul James Packer’s luxury icebreaker yacht in Sotogrande, despite claims that they are not a couple.

Rumours of their relationship started when both split with their spouses a year ago, Miranda from Orlando Bloom, Packer from his wife Erica.

And after Orlando was caught kissing Erica Packer in Formentera, speculation that the two have traded squeezes is rife.

Understatedly sexy in an all-black tank-top and skinny-jeans, it looked like the supermodel hoped to keep a low profile.

And who wouldn’t, after allegedly becoming the focus of two celebrity brawls, one between James Packer and Kerr’s friend and Channel Nine boss David Gyngell, as well as the notorious Bloom-Bieber brawl this month in Ibiza.

But Kerr denies the Packer v Gyngell bust-up was about her.

Whoops-ski THE daughter of Naomi Campbell’s former boyfriend, Vladimir Doronin, had to be rescued by a local man off the coast of Ibiza after a surfing accident.

Russian billionaire Doronin was entertaining relatives at his luxury beachside property, while the 17-year-old surfed alone.

Falling from her surfboard and cutting her knees, the girl was unable to paddle back to shore.

Fortunately, saviour Pepe Torres spotted the stranded teenager and used his boat to come to her rescue.

After plucking the girl from the water Torres then carried her to Doronin’s estate.

The Russian tycoon split from English supermodel Campbell last year after a

Miss ‘out’ Spain’s twotime beauty queen comes out online

MISS Spain has become the first openly gay national beauty queen.

Patricia Yurena came out by posting a photo of her and her girlfriend – Vanesa Cortes, a singer and DJ – on instagram with the caption ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

The two-time winner of Spain’s most prestigious beauty award has received widespread support on social media after coming out in public.

Two openly gay beauty queens competed for the Miss California USA in 2012, but both lost out on the title.

In the same year Donald Trump’s Miss Universe Organisation announced it would allow transgender women to compete.

Festival Bugg

SHANGRI La sensation Jake Bugg (right) will join musical innovator Beck at Madrid’s DCODE Festival on September 13.

The newcomer has recently released his second album - Shangri La - recorded in California last year.

The festival will feature other experimental acts, including Bombay Bicycle Club, Chvrches, and Spain’s own Vetusta Morla.

For more information visit www.dcodefest.com

STEPPING OUT: Patricia Yurena and (inset) with girlfriend Vanesa Cortes on Instagram

LUXURY: From left, Diaz, McCartney and Richie

GRUELLING: Hatton

High altitude ‘Hitman’

FORGET the Vuelta a Espana, four-weight boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has been cycling in Granada.

The ‘Hitman’, who raised more than €2,500 for homeless charity Barnabus, said tackling the gruelling Pico de Veleta was one of the most difficult and rewarding challenges of his life.

Members of Hatton Promotions joined the Manchester man on the four-hour uphill climb that reaches a 4,000m elevation.

DIVA: Madonna

Popstars: the rivals

Ibiza not so Stella

IN THE PAST: Doronin and Campbell

five-year relationship. The pair have since been embroiled in a series of public spats.

George decided to devote his life to charity.

Known to locals as El Ingles de la Peseta, Langworthy was famous for giving a peseta - then enough to feed a family for a day - in exchange for a passage read from the Bible.

He gave out more than 12 million pesetas before falling into poverty.

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FASHION designer Stella McCartney has snubbed ‘trashy’ Ibiza for a luxury New York holiday in The Hamptons.

Despite long-time best

Dancing queen A TRIBUTE to Sweden’s finest musical export is returning to Fuengirola.

After two sell-out shows in 2012 and 2013, the Abba Experience is set to entertain the Salon Varieties Theatre crowd again on September 13.

Visit www.salonvarietiestheatre.com

friend Kate Moss having entertained the likes of Naomi Campbell, Noel Gallagher and Liv Tyler on the island this summer, McCartney ruled out a trip to Ibiza and said The Hamptons was much more ‘her scene’.

True to her word, the daughter of Beatles star Paul McCartney, posted a photo on Instagram of her with actor Cameron Diaz and ‘it-girl’ Nicole Richie on the beach at the luxury resort on Long Island.

MADONNA has received a telling off from Spain’s pop superstar Soraya Arnelas after the Material Girl’s birthday celebrations in Ibiza.

In anticipation of the pop princess’ arrival, Madonna’s ‘people’ were sent to an exclusive hotel to check for secret recording equipment stashed in any of the bedrooms.

According to Arnelas, this included checks on rooms occupied by the Spanish popstar’s entourage, who were offended by the intrusion.

Arnelas described Madonna’s safety precautions as ‘over the top’ and complained about the treatment her friends received.

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the olive press - August 7 - August 20 2014

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www.theolivepress.es SOS Malaga

Continued from front page

years ago and were officially registered in Casares from 2008 to 2011.

The family had lived in a onebedroom home in the Casares del Mar urbanisation for a couple of years before moving into the larger two-bedroom home of Naghmeh’s parents next door.

While the children attended local schools in Manilva and Sabinillas, the father was said to have had a steady job in real estate.

Although the family had part returned to live in the UK in Portsmouth, after a spell in Haiti, they regularly returned for holidays on the Costa del Sol. Only last Christmas, friend Lathey recalled how he had spent time with the family walking in the nearby hills and having a barbecue, where Ashya ‘didn’t stop running around’ and was clearly ‘incredibly happy’.

“He was playing with all the other kids and hardly stood still all day, just long enough

Happy

TRANQUIL: The Kings’ apartment in Casares to get one photo! (see right),” described the Kings as the said Lathey, a videographer, ‘kindest, most generous peobased in nearby Manilva. ple imaginable’.

The fellow Jehovah’s witness Staunch church-goers, they

Backing the Kings WHEN news first broke of the parents’ taking their extremely ill son and running off, the public reception was far from positive.

But as the facts came to light, Ashya King and his family have been flooded with support and help.

The petition demanding his parents are freed from their Madrid prison cell to see him reached more than 186,000 signatures.

It has been presented to 10 Downing Street by family friend Ethan Dallas, gaining the support of British Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Nick Clegg.

Meanwhile more than €30,000 has been donated in total, via a paypal account which was temporarily suspended due to the sudden rush, and an indiegogo.com account.

Last night Naveed wrote on Facebook: “We are unsure when our parents will be released, but it’s still amazing news!

“Without you all and all the petitions signed, this wouldn't have been possible! We can still finish this and also create an opportunity for all future parents to choose freely what treatment they want for their children, lets keep going!”

SOS Malaga

in Spain attended meetings three times a week at the Sabinillas centre, which has now moved to La Linea.

“They travelled a lot so they were away for long periods, but they were always great fun when they were around.

I met the whole family many times and really liked them all,” he continued.

This week the small seafront apartment on the idyllic Casares del Mar urbanisation has become the centre of a global news story, with the siblings having returned to their longterm holiday home, albeit for a few days.

Their family car, a Hyundai, was yesterday parked outside with the boot visibly full of bags.

The two oldest brothers, Danny and Naveed, were seen with their younger siblings by neighbours playing by the pool and unpacking the car.

Last night they were said to have been visiting their sick brother at Malaga’s Materno Infantil Hospital, after their parents were released from custody last night, with the UK rescinding the arrest warrant.

A local estate agent confirmed

Caption to come

BEFORE THE WORST: Ashya at a barbecue this winter and (inset) father Brett and brother Naveed they were selling the one bedroom apartment that overlooks the straits of Gibraltar towards Africa, estimated to be worth around €150,000.

The apartment has been on the market on and off for a couple of years, revealed neighbours Penny and Nigel, who have had a home on the urbanisation for over a decade.

“They have been trying to sell it for years,” said Penny.

A tale of sorrow and support ASHYA started suffering from sudden headaches just as the school year was ending in England in July.

The headaches continued when they arrived for their annual holidays in Spain and they decided to take him to a doctor.

The doctor then referred him to hospital for a scan, and out of nowhere Ashya was given

5 NEWS

just months to live.

So the Kings immediately decided to return to Southampton with the view (perhaps wrongly going on the opinions of many expats here) that British healthcare would be the best for their son.

But what happened next grabbed the world’s attention.

In a bid to save their son’s

Escape to the Axarquia!

HIDEOUT: The family’s Benajarafe hostel

By Tom Powell and Joe Chivers in the Axarquia THEY had a European arrest warrant in their name, and the world’s media on their tail, as parents Brett and Naghmeh King fled England with their dying son Ashya.

En route to their holiday apartment in Casares, they had temporarily sought refuge in the the picturesque Axarquia village of Benajarafe.

Hoping not to be recognised they had rented just two rooms in Hostal Esperanza for the whole family of nine, paying €180 in cash for the night.

But after a member of staff read about the family online and raised the alarm, the escape ended with the police arriving at 2pm on Saturday afternoon, arresting the parents and separating them from their five-year-old son.

Hostel boss Efren Martin told the Olive Press: “There were four officers, three men and one woman...there was one ambulance, with one doctor, one nurse, and one driver.”

Ashya was taken to Materno Infantil Hospital in Malaga where he was kept under police guard, after being made a temporary ward of the court.

Ilia Pardo, who raised the alarm, feared that they were ‘being mistreated’. Waitress Elena Dragulin told the Olive Press that the family stayed in their rooms for the entire stay, not coming to the bar or communal area once or buying food.

“I think they expected the police to come, because it was all over the papers,” she said. “The police were very understanding with the family, and the family with the police. There wasn’t any resistance but they were extremely upset.”

“I don’t think it helped when they put religious banners up which said things like ‘God is great’, it didn’t please the local residents and they were told to take them down.

“But they believed passionately in their religion and they were clearly a nice family.”

SEPARATED: Mother Naghmeh and Ashya life, Brett and Naghmeh King took Ashya out of hospital with a plan to get him proton beam therapy, an expensive cancer treatment not available in the UK. Father Brett had contacted a medical centre in Prague, where it is available, on August 20.

And the family then came to Spain allegedly to sell their one bedroom apartment, valued at approximately €150,000, in order to fund the €80,000 treatment.

But while they made their way to Spain, Southampton General Hospital persuaded Hampshire Police to issue an arrest warrant, out of fear for Ashya’s life.

The media joined in and it soon became a manhunt.

A day later the parents were arrested at the Axarquia hostel they were staying in, and Ashya was rushed to Materno Infantil hospital and placed in intensive care.

Older brother Naveed, 20, posted a YouTube video defending his parents’ actions and explaining how they kept Ashya safe on the journey with medical equipment.

Support for Ashya and his parents grew massively, through social media, an online petition and Paypal donations.

And yesterday, with the parents still in a Madrid prison, the Crown Prosecution Service asked for their arrest warrant to be withdrawn.

The Spanish judge acted quickly and as the Olive Press went to print they were on their way to see Ashya.

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

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FEATURE

the 4 - September theolive olivepress press--September August 7 - August 20 201417 2014

OPINION Unfair treatment IT’S an international story that keeps twisting and turning, all the while tugging on the heartstrings.

But one thing has been made very clear...How parents Brett and Naghmeh King must regret taking Ashya back to England on getting diagnosis of his tumour. They presumably thought returning to Portsmouth and placing Ashya in Southampton hospital was the best option. But everyone knows what happened next.

Spain takes a lot of criticism for public services (much of it warranted), but its healthcare - despite huge cuts over the last decade - is actually pretty enviable.

As many long-term expats will tell you, the treatment here is generally excellent… if sometimes the doctors rather gruff and uncommunicative.

The Olive Press has heard many tales of foreigners failing to be diagnosed in the UK, only to come to Spain to have them discovered… and ultimately treated!

Either way, decisions should, most certainly, be in the hands of the family, and the Kings should have been able to do whatever they wanted to help save their boy.

It is almost unfathomable to think that a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour has been isolated from his family, and his parents jailed for trying to save his life. Something has gone very wrong.

International stage

THE Olive Press was thrilled to see the Guardian picking up on our drink-spiking campaign this week, one of the main reasons being that is shows the campaign and the problem stretches far further than the costas.

The Guardian’s article backed us that the problem is not being taken seriously by the police, town halls, bar owners, or many members of the public. It is far too easy to say that the victims have simply drunk too much…or it would never happen in ‘our town’.

Beauty’s stand

WITH a Spanish senator recently blaming the country’s €1.3 trillion national debt on homosexuals, this week’s announcement by Miss Spain that she is a lesbian was a positive breath of fresh air for the country’s LGBT community.

Patricia Yurena’s decision to ‘come out’ is all the more admirable when you consider the sterotypically hetrosexual world in which she works.

The owner of the Miss Universe franchise, Donald Trump, has previously voiced his opinion against gay marriage saying that ‘marriage is for a man and a woman’.

www.theolivepress.es

Stamping out the

A

MASSIVE 240-kilo shipment of cocaine entering the Spanish port of Huelva last week proved a no-brainer for police. The haul was located in one of the more obvious places – the yacht’s hull.

Had the Colombian gang responsible brushed up on their market research, they would have realised that greater ingenuity is called for in this day and age.

Spain is not the gangster’s paradise it once was. As the authorities tighten up checks at borders and airports, Organised Crime Rings (OCRs) are forced to become ever more inventive to get their illegal goods to market.

Such is the increased vigilance, even the King of Morocco was stopped off the shores of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta this week (see pullout, below right). Officers patrolling the waters for drug smugglers and human traffickers attempted to board the royal yacht, beating a grovelling and speedy retreat when they realised their mistake.

Last month, a Venezuelan woman was stopped at Madrid’s Barajas airport when particularly eagle-eyed customs officers noticed irregularities in her breasts. On questioning, the 43-year-old woman confessed to smuggling cocaine in her implants - quite literally a ‘drugs bust’ - that revealed 1.7kg of white

Injected into silicone breasts and surgically implanted into defenceless puppies, the Class A drugs ‘delivery service’ is becoming increasingly deadly as traffickers seek horrific new ways to smuggle contraband into Europe, using Spain as their back door. But it’s a ‘smug’s game’, reports Tom Powell

INVENTIVE: Cocaine sandwich and (below) a ‘drugs bust’

powder flown in from Bogata.

The woman was rushed to hospital, and luckily the backalley implants stuffed with

toxic drugs didn’t prove fatal.

Whether concealed in food, floated into shore from remotely-controlled boats,

stuffed in bags down trousers or encased in cargos of stone, Spanish police are up to all the traffickers tricks, old and new. In 2007 they seized the country’s biggest ever airborne drugs shipment, uncovering a mega two tonne haul of cocaine hidden among a cargo of 47,000 roses and carnations.

Often, drugs are swallowed in condoms, an especially deadly method as stomach acid can rot the rubber before the contents pass through the body.

And that’s not the only way the human body is being turned into a Class A postal service for drugs.

Earlier this year at Barajas airport, two Portuguese women were caught smuggling 150,000 pound (is this weight or sterling??) worth of cocaine under their wigs on separate days. They each concealed 1.2kg contained in six packages taped beneath their ‘realistic’ fake hair.

“This new method of smuggling narcotics is very elaborate and difficult to detect due to the realism of the fake hair,” commented the Guardia Civil. “The packages were perfectly adhered and did not

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BAGGED: Cocaine breast implants could be fatal

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Human cargo

DESPERATE: Migrant hiding in a car seat, while (inset) the suitcase didn’t work either

f all the goods that are trafficked across the globe – from ‘ringer’ cars, counterfeit currency and art forgeries to arms, nuclear technology and human body parts – the ‘product’ that calls for the greatest invention is ‘people trafficking’.

Desperate migrants will stop at nothing to make the perilous journey from Africa to Europe.

In March a young African pushed himself to the limit by squeezing into a suitcase, carried across the Spanish border between Melilla and Morocco by a friend.

He was discovered after border police noticed his friend struggling with the weight of the big blue case. When asked if he had anything to declare, he dropped the bag and ran.

Border guards arrested both the distressed suitcase stowaway – a 19-yearold from Mali – and his socalled ‘friend’.

Last summer, a couple was arrested in Malaga after trying to smuggle a 13-yearold girl into Spain by the same method.

The Moroccan man and Spanish woman were stopped by police as they entered Spain by car from Melilla with their unusually heavy luggage. They opened the lid to find the young girl, distressed and disoriented.

She was not related to her traffickers.

One migrant from Guinea, entering Spain by the same route, had a better idea: hiding inside the frame of a Renault 7’s passenger seat, while another man sat on top.

The 20-year-old’s daring attempt was described by Melilla police as ‘unique and innovative’, but he still failed to elude them.

FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es

the olivethe press - September 4 - September 17 2014 2014 olive press - August 7 - August 20

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e ‘Class A drugs post’ peril INCREDIBLY REAL: The wigs concealing narcotics

stick out from under the wigs, which made the narcotics imperceptible.”

Sometimes the real postal service is used. Drugs are hidden in souvenirs and gifts and sent to addresses in Spain picked at random from the phone book. On their return, the traffickers collect the packages, inventing a postal mix-up, leaving the recipients unaware they have played a part in drug smuggling.

For more industrial-sized deliveries, OCRs have turned to food. Recently, in a Costa Rican twist on a Pina Colada, drug-traffickers from the central American nation were busted transporting a 2,500kg cocktail of cocaine inserted inside a shipment of pineapples.

The contraband cargo – street value €150 million

- entered Spain via the port of Algeciras and was transferred by road to Madrid. For the entire journey the traffickers were unaware they were being tailed in a special undercover police operation.

Unearthed

A more furtive foodie method was busted in Benidorm in May when 100 grams of cocaine was discovered in the filling of a sandwich, along with cured ham and cheese – a variety not readily available at your local deli.

The 29-year-old Colombian was caught bang to rights, as police unearthed a further kilo of cocaine, and cannabis,

FRUITY: Pineapples used to smuggle drugs

HORRIFIC: One vet surgically inserted bags of liquid heroine into live puppies

at his home in the favourite British resort.

But the most heinous and inhumane method of drug smuggling was uncovered last December when a Colombian trafficker posing as vet was arrested in Galicia.

The bogus vet’s ‘speciality’ was surgically inserting bags of liquid heroin into the stomachs of puppies being transported to the US. The manhunt began back in 2005, when six puppies were discovered on a farm in Medellin, Colombia, with implanted bags containing 400 grams of liquid heroin.

The dogs were due to be flown to the US once the scars had healed. Three of the animals died during the process to remove the bags.

Medellin police Chief Ruben Carillo said at the time: “When we X-rayed the dogs we did not detect anything. Then we did an ultrasound and you could see the outline of the bags in their abdomens.”

The multitude of frequently

horrific occult methods employed is mind-boggling but is there any technique that could slip past the controls undetected?

Who better to ask than the National Police themselves?

Incredibly, that’s exactly what one audacious pot smoker did on Twitter in February. Even more unbelievably, he got a helpful reply!

“It’s better if you’ve already rolled them and hide them where the sniffer dogs don’t

Royal blunder SPAIN’S border patrol guards spare no-one, not even the King of Morocco it seems.

Officers had to shame-facedly apologise to the King of Morocco after officers patrolling for drug smugglers and human traffickers attempted to board the Royal's yacht.

King Mohammed VI and his entourage were approached by officers on the waters off Spain's North African enclave of Cueta.

The Royal party had been operating two speed boats and three jetskis when they were interrupted by the Spanish authorities.

According to Spanish daily newspaper El Mundo, the in-

furiated Moroccan monarch shouted: "Do you know who I am?" then removed his cap and sunglasses and was instantly recognised.

After the embarrassing event the North African monarch called King Felipe VI of Spain to complain. As a result the head of the Guardia Civil in Ceuta, was immediately dispatched to the Moroccan royal yacht to personally apologise.

King Mohammed has since said that Morocco's relationship with Spain is still as strong, although he was left disappointed at the lack of respect shown to him by Spanish officers.

DISRESPECTED: The King of Morocco

detect them, a cigarette packet maybe?” the police informed him.

That is a genuine quote from the National Police Twitter feed, the world’s second most-followed law and order agency online, after the FBI.

The unguarded Tweet went viral before being removed and replaced with a new message: “To avoid any confusion: possession and consumption of drugs in public places does result in fines.”

8

the olive press - August 7 - August 20 2014

READERS SURVEY

8

www.theolivepress.es

30 30 the

Olive P

E

VERYONE likes to complain that expats in Spain make no effort to integrate, but Olive Press readers are breaking the stereotypes.

More than 56% of our readers have learned more than enough of the Spanish language to communicate easily, according to a reader survey conducted by the Olive Press this summer.

Add to that the fact that the majority – 61% – have their own home and of the onein-two readers that revealed their income, 55.6% earn between €10,000-€30,000 and 22.2% earn even more.

With ongoing expansion including bigger editions, more special reports and in-depth investigations, the Olive Press was keen to examine how best to further improve.

The survey feedback has been vital in identifying how

best to do this. The survey – designed to discover more about our readers and advertisers and what they want from the paper – has been online and in the newspaper over the last few months.

Hundreds of replies later, the results are in.

Along with personal information about readers and their lifestyle, those completing the survey were also asked to list their favourite sections of the newspaper.

Top of the list was – perhaps unsurprisingly – News, with 51.5% of the vote.

Close contenders were Crime News, with 39.7%, while Features and Investigations were joint third with 36.8%.

Food and Drink and What’s On sections followed, each with 35.3%.

The special sections, including Business, Golf, Education and Motors also had staunch

UP TO DATE: The Olive Press website

Biggest and best IT’S official, the Olive Press is Spain’s best English-language news website.

According to Alexa traffic rankings, we are in the world’s top 100,000 websites.

The Olive Press – Andalucia’s only English-language investigative newspaper – tops its rivals at 99,035, with the Euro Weekly News ranked 139,933, Sur in English 355,802 and the News Online outside the planet’s top million.

Incredibly, more than 50,000 visitors flocked to the Olive Press website in just one day last week.

With 3,400 followers on Twitter and more than 6,200 on Facebook, the Olive Press is also making waves on social media.

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followings, and the Letters page was shown to be a favourite of many.

But our readers also have a healthy sense of humour.

When asked what, if anything, they dislike about the Olive Press, one reader replied: “It never folds exactly in half.”

Another reader likes to keep us on our toes, saying that the Olive Press is sometimes their favourite and sometimes not, ‘depending on the content’.

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who filled out the survey follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Many because they did not realise we have one.

Those who use the website do so to ‘keep ahead of the game’ and ‘to share a bit of banter with other readers’, and to get stories that aren’t ‘the mainstream’.

Find us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper and follow us on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news with @olivepress.

The average Olive Press reader...

Married – 77.8% are coupled up, with 11.1% single, 8.3% divorced and 2.8% widowed Between 41 and 54 years old – 36.1% are in this bracket, with 11.1% under 40, 27.8% between 55 and 65, and 25.0% over 65 Retired – 44.6% are living the highlife, 30.6% are working part-time, and 25% work full-time Higher education – 33.3% stayed at school until 18 years old, 25% stopped at 16 and 22.2% went on to get a degree Income of €10,000-30,000 – although a surprising half of our readers declined to reveal their income, of those that did answer 55.6% are in this bracket, with 22.2% earning less than €10,000, and 22.2% earning more than €30,000 Property owner – 61.1% of readers own their own homes, mortgaged or otherwise, and 22.2% rent Satellite TV – 55.6% enjoy additional channels, while 30.6% stick with the basics

GRAND PRIZE: The Hotel Tamisa Golf

WINNER CONGRATULATIONS to our competition winner Jackie Harvey, from Casares, whose name was picked out of the hat and who can look forward to a two-night stay at the four-star Tamisa Golf Hotel in Mijas Costa.

LUCKY LADY: Competition winner Jackie Harvey

4

News

www.theolivepress.es

the olive the press - September 4 - September olive press - August 7 - August17 202014 2014

Please help me Speedy Sevilla find my kids UK mother makes impassioned plea to locate her children who live with their father in Spain EXCLUSIVE

By Tom Powell AN upset mum has made a desperate plea for help to fund two of her children who live in Spain.

Jennifer Jones, 48, is trying to find the youngest of her five children by father Tomas Palacin Cambra, a Spanish military officer, who she has not seen for two years.

“The siblings have not seen each other since October 2012, something has gone very very wrong,” she told the Olive Press.

“My children all need to see and speak to each other.”

The marriage collapsed after 12 years in 2008, during which they happily raised dual-nationality children in both Wales and Spain.

Spanish courts granted her former husband custody of the five children to live in Mallorca in 2008.

But teacher Jones caused a media storm when she ‘abducted’ four of her five children in October 2012 on the day she was due to return them to him, following their holiday with her.

HAPPIER TIMES: David, Eva, Tomas, Sara and Jessica before the family split

She then went into hiding with them, but was brought before the High Court, in Spain, for breaching an order to return the children, with a jail sentence at stake.

However, after coming forward Jones was let off without a jail sentence, and now lives in south Wales with two of her children, Jessica and Tomas, who pleaded to stay.

In a poignant appeal, Jessica, then 15, told the court she would ‘top herself’ if forced to return to Spain.

But the two youngest, David and Eva, and the oldest Sara, live with their father somewhere in Mallorca with no

contact to their mother.

Last week, as youngest child David celebrated his 10th birthday in Spain, Jones contacted the Olive Press to try to make contact with and reunite all her children.

“I am their mother and we need to have contact, I don’t even know where they are at the moment,” she said.

“I am told the father is on holiday somewhere in Spain with my eldest daughter, who is 18, and I believe the others are with relatives.”

If you have any information on their whereabouts contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es

MOTORISTS in Sevilla are the worst in Spain, according to the latest statistics, with more unruly road-users than anywhere else.

An incredible 2,217 Sevillian motorists were charged by Guardia Civil in 2013.

Nationally, 30,117 people were arrested last year – a 9.3% decrease on the previous year – with over half of those for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Speeding offences and licensing issues made up the majority of the remaining charges.

Madrid South comes in second, with 1,769 offenders, followed by Valencia with 1,596 offenders.

The traffic department has launched a campaign to clampdown on speeding across the country.

Twitter defence

BRITAIN’S Ambassador to Spain has taken to Twitter to defend himself against accusations of a ‘secret meeting’ in Sevilla, to discuss Gibraltar, that excluded the Gibraltarian government.

Simon Manley, irritated by the allegations, tweeted: “I am Ambassador to Spain!

What’s so bizarre about me visiting Sevilla or any other part of the country to promote UK interests?”

9

4 - September 10 the olive olive press press -- September August 7 - August 20 201417 2014 10 the

NEWS IN BRIEF

Baby bottle YOUNG people are more likely to drink and drive if they see their parents drunk, according to a study at the University of Zaragoza, in Aragon.

Extra, extra GAME of Thrones’ fifth season casting has kicked off in Osuna, near Sevilla.

Casting scouts are looking for 2,500 extras to play citizens of the kingdom of Dorne.

Nonsense GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel has backed Madrid’s rejection of Catalunyan independence, agreeing with PM Rajoy that the idea is ‘nonsense’.

Spain-bound LONDON-based estate agent Winkworth is opening an office in Guadalmina, the first in an overseas expansion project to Spain’s south coast.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Left in the lurch

Widow demands justice after insurance company Ocaso refused to foot the bill for her husband’s funeral AN expat widow has denounced an insurance company after it failed to pay for her husband’s funeral.

Victoria Colonge was shocked to discover Ocaso Insurance would not be covering the costs of her husband Bruno’s funeral - as agreed in the policy - after he died from a brain hemorrhage in June.

She only found out after receiving a call from the funeral parlour demanding payment and not from the company direct.

“I was amazed that Ocaso had given my phone number to others to tell me they were not going to pay, it was completely underhanded,” said

EXCLUSIVE

By Tom Powell Colonge, 65, whose husband had paid €28 a month for the policy for six months.

A full month after her husband’s death, Colonge received a letter from Ocaso, stating that they would not be covering the €3,760 costs because Bruno had an illness which ‘limited his hope of life’.

But, when the couple – who got married in Gibraltar – took out the policy, Bruno was told by representatives of Ocaso that medical checks were not necessary.

REFUSED FUNERAL COSTS: Bruno Colonge This is despite the fact he had undergone a laryngectomy for throat cancer in November 2013, leaving a visible stoma in his neck and impairing his speech.

Summon the Baron!

A SPANISH lawyer is hoping to have French banking magnate Baron Rothschild arrested.

Antonio Flores, of Lawbird, has formally requested that an Alicante court summons the chairman of Swiss holding company, Rothschild Continuation Holdings, over an ongoing fraud case.

There are currently two ongoing Spanish cases against his bank N.M. Rothschild & Sons.

These are a criminal case in Denia for fraud and fraudulent advertising, and one civil case in Malaga for misleading advertising.

Marbella-based Lawbird is representing 15 expat couples in their action against the multina-

tional investment bank, after they were allegedly mis-sold €4 million worth of fraudulent equity release products.

With two executives from the bank failing to show up to court requests, the court has now sent out a warrant for their whereabouts.

SUMMONS: But Flores claims the Baron is the Baron the person ultimately responsible for allowing the false advertising to be distributed in Spain for the bank’s CreditSelect Series loan.

However, Bruno was actually killed by an unrelated brain hemorrhage a year later.

“It has been really awful for me, and very stressful to deal with,” said Colonge. “I’ve lost weight, struggled with sleeping and been thoroughly unhappy.”

“After my husband died Ocaso discussed the funeral arrangements with me and said that they were going to take care of everything.”

She has now filed an official complaint against the company with the Junta, and is waiting to hear back over whether she should file an official police ‘denuncia’.

Ocaso spokesman Jose Ripoll confirmed to the Olive Press that the matter was being investigated and that he was hoping to discuss Colonge’s complaint with her.

They buried our cats alive!

EXPATS in Estepona are up in arms after the town hall ordered the ‘execution’ of over two dozen feral cats.

Amigos y Gatos slammed the town hall after gardeners contracted to renovate part of the Paseo near the port dumped rubble and soil ‘on top of two dens of kittens and several adult cats’.

The group which has been neutering cats in the area was horrified to discover that only three kittens and two adults survived out of the original 25.

“Whether you are an animal lover or not this is not the way a civilised country should deal with this,” said Michele Chown, founder and President of Gatos y Amigos told the Olive Press.

While admitting that there is a surplus of cats in the area ‘killing them is only a short-term solution’ while her organisation’s efforts aim for a long-term one.

“The problem is the locals consider cats to be vermin whereas these cats are actually controlling the rodent populations,” she added.

12

the olive press - August 7 - August 20 2014

www.theolivepress.es

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Gibraltar NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF Big bill THE MARRACHE & Co. fraud trial cost nearly £6.3 million, the government has revealed.

The figure includes public funding for judges as well as defence and prosecution lawyers in the criminal case.

Jail bird A WOMAN who punched a pensioner in the face as she tried to steal the 77-year old's wallet has been sentenced to 23 weeks in prison.

Red card THE Gibraltar Football Association is looking at a new design for the proposed stadium at Europa Point after the first one was roundly criticised by all sections of the local community.

Do the maths!

PP under attack for sensationalising tobacco smuggling figures in the Campo de Gibraltar

By Giles Brown GIBRALTAR has accused the Partido Popular (PP) in Cadiz of sensationalism and of massively inflating figures for tobacco smuggling across the border.

The allegations come after Javier de Torre the sub-delegate of the Spanish government in Cadiz - told an international news agency that the Guardia Civil’s seizures of tobacco in the Campo de Gibraltar area accounted for 60% of all seizures in Spain.

According to figures published by the Spanish Tax Agency for 2013, however, only 55% of action relating to tobacco infractions took place in the whole of Andalucia province.

This figure does not include felonies for large-scale smuggling.

The real figure of tobacco seizures at the border between Gibraltar and La Linea accounted for just 9% of total seizures in Spain, while those in the Campo de Gibraltar area - including the port of Algeciras - made up 21%.

The Gibraltar government has dismissed de Torre’s claims as yet another attempt to

Sink or swim

CROWDS were out in force for the sixth edition of Gibraltar’s charity cardboard boat race.

Weeks of hard work had clearly gone into many of the boats that turned out at Ocean Village.

“The enthusiasm and effort on display this year was quite incredible,” said Ocean Village’s marketing executive, Emilia Hazell-Smith.

“With the mercury reading 28 degrees as the boaters hit the wa-

the olive - September 4 20 - September 17 3 2014 the press olive press - August - September 2014

ter at midday, I suspect some of the oarsmen were quite pleased when their cardboard creations sunk and they could cool off a bit.

“HMS Harry was one of the first to escape the heat as it barely got out the blocks before sinking.”

O’Reilly’s took the top spot in the adult race for the fifth consecutive year.

Winners of the junior race - The Black Pearl

criminalise both the Rock and the Campo de Gibraltar.

But de Torre is not the first to blame this Andaluciawide percentage solely on the Cam- ERROR: de Torre po de Gibraltar. The figure has also been widely quoted in the Spanish media.

Just last week the Spanish advisor to the European Commission’s Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Joaquín Gonzalez-Herrero, commented that, to explain Gibraltar’s tobacco imports every resident would have to smoke a carton of cigarettes every 20 minutes.

The controversial statement ignored the 12 million tourists that arrive in Gibraltar every year, as well as the ships, yachts and cruiseliners that must also be taken into account.

Gibraltar has already complained to the EU about Gonzalez-Herrero's comments.

Delays set to grow

COMMUTERS should brace themselves for further delays at the border, Gibraltar authorities have warned.

Considerable diversions are to be put in place for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, due to proposed works on the Spanish side.

The diversions will affect all vehicular traffic into and out of Gibraltar including commercial and coach traffic as well as pedestrians.

Necessary diversions will be in place by the time the works are due to begin, on September 8.

The work is expected to last until the end of March 2015.

Gibraltar government will announce information as it becomes available and the RGP will clarify traffic arrangements as soon as possible.

Footie on the box

FOOTBALL fans on the Rock will be able to follow the national team's progress as GBC TV has been announced as UEFA's official broadcast partner.

GBC TV will show all 10 of the Euro 2016 qualifiers games live, beginning with Gibraltar v Poland from the Estadio Algarve in Faro, the temporary home stadium, on September 6 at 8.35pm.

GOING STRONG...: Two of the more successful teams from the race (above and left)

- also claimed ‘best junior boat design’ for their pirate ship construction and costumes.

Meanwhile Saxomania, although only managing second in the adult race, won ‘best adult boat design’ for their lifelike HMS Victory, complete with papier-mache pirate puppet that was awarded its own medal.

Second Princess of Miss Gibraltar 2014, Claire

Nunez, was on hand to present prizes, including ‘best adult fancy dress’ for JP Haulage’s Mario Cart, and the Junior accolade for the third Europa Scouts, while ‘best titanic sinking’ went to Mean Machine 2.

All money raised on the day was donated to the GBC Open Day and Prostate Cancer Support Group.

13

ON the Rock September 5

National week pool tournament (Kids) TBA, 4pm Organised by the Gibraltar Pool Association For further info contact Charlie Bear on 56199000 or email: gibpool@gibtelecom.net

September 6

Gibraltar music festival Victoria Stadium, 12pm Featuring The Script, Rita Ora, John Newman, Roger Hodgson, James Arthur and other local and international acts For further information visit: www.gibraltarmusicfestival. com

September 7

Classic and vintage cars display Ocean Village, 10.30am2pm Organised by the Gibraltar Classic Vehicles Association

September 9

Second Gibraltar wine festival Chatham Counterguard, 1pm-1am

September 9

Ambrose Avellano exhibition Official opening of the second Little Constellation Project Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road, 6pm

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14

Axarquia NEWS

the olive press - September 4 - September 17

www.theolivepress.es

March on Madrid ‘Illegal’ property owners take plea to central government FAMILIES whose homes have been deemed illegal are taking their fight to the central government in Madrid.

Save Our Homes Axarquia (SOHA) – an organisation for owners of the hundreds of illegal properties – insists there should be more protection for those who bought their homes in good faith.

Mario Blancke, a spokesperson for SOHA and town planning councillor for Alcaucin, said the law must be changed.

He said the current law leaves homeowners in a legal

By Joe Chivers limbo and that the offences the homeowners have been charged with are not valid.

“The offence of asimilado fuera de ordenación (assimilated to out of ordination) doesn’t apply in these cases as the majority of the houses were built after the land was segregated,” he said.

The group also met Almeria MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons during this year's European Elections, to garner support for their campaign.

STASH: Thousands of euros of narcotics

Family business POLICE in Velez-Malaga have smashed a drugs network, seizing cash and narcotics worth thousands.

Three men, all residents of the town, were arrested as part of the ongoing Operation Pekin II. Aged between 20 and 46, the men – all members of the same family – used two houses for storage and distribution.

The 46-year-old was the mastermind, a 27-year-old was responsible for selling the drugs, and the 20-year-old was in charge of storage.

Cocaine with a street value of around €7,500, marijuana and hashish were seized after police were tipped-off about the revival of the previously-dismantled network.

Holiday life saver

News IN BRIEF Red tape THE opening of Nerja’s newly-completed botanical gardens, at the Nerja Caves, is being held up by red tape. The 26,000 square metre garden will not open until the end of the year.

Nearly there...

NERJA’S planned promenade on El Playazo beach has taken another step forward. Once due process has been completed and technical approval granted, work can begin in phases.

Bonus!

FAMILIES in Rincon de la Victoria will benefit from a property tax reduction of 10-50%. Nearly half the town’s homes – 9,028 families – are expected to qualify.

TO BE REPAIRED AT LAST: Rincon de la Victoria

Wet wet wait

FLOOD damage repairs in Rincon de la Victoria – from 2012 – will begin soon, according to the town hall.

The 13 projects – all considered as priorities by officials – will cost €1.1 million. Costs will be split between the town hall and central government.

Town-planning councillor Antonio Rando said: “The project has been completely drawn up by municipal workers, who are going to get the contracts as soon as possible, to prevent the risk of damage or flood with the arrival of winter.”

A HOLIDAYING doctor has saved a three-year-old girl from drowning.

Anthony Hobbs hauled the unconscious child – on holiday with her family – from a swimming pool in Los Huertos de Nerja urbanisation.

He administered CPR and she regained consciousness. After an examination at Hospital Comarcal in Velez-Malaga, the girl was discharged.

This is the second such incident in a week, as police officers also saved a twoyear-old Russian boy from drowning in a private pool in Mijas.

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Canaries’ cage rattled

By Jared Garland

A BLAZING row over oil could see the Canary Islands ending its six-century relationship with Spain.

The Spanish archipelago’s president is threatening to cut all ties with the ‘motherland’ for giving the green light to oil drilling without prior consultation.

The actions of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy have been described as ‘disrespectful’ and lacking ‘even the slightest institutional courtesy’ by the islands’ President Paulino Rivero.

Rajoy has given Repsol permission to start drilling for oil just 50km off the shores of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, without first discussing it with Rivero.

Rivero retaliated by threatening divorce from Spain if the drilling plans continue, drafting a non-binding referendum asking the population whether they wanted the drilling, due to begin in October.

An enraged Rajoy has responded by calling the referendum both ‘illegal’ and ‘anticonstitutional’.

The political conflagration follows a similar drilling controversy in the Balearic Islands, but Rivero argues that the sister archipelago is

President of the archipelago threatens ‘divorce’ from Spain over oil-drilling plans

thethe olive press - September 2014 olive press - August 204 -- September September 3172014

ANDALUCIA’S Junta may have willingly sold its own protected land to Hotel Algarrobico developers.

At the eleventh hour, just as it seemed the 20-storey behemoth squatting on a protected beach at Carboneras would finally be demolished, developer Azata del Sol has found a loophole that could see the Junta lose its rights to BATTLE: Slammed for environmental damage the land.

This would mean the hotel could be ruled legal, ending an ongoing battle between environmentalists and builders that has raged for nearly 20 years.

The hotel was nearing com- sold the land rights in 1999 This greatly undermines the pletion in 2006, when the under an ‘illegal’ contract Junta’s ‘unawareness’ claims, Junta ordered a project from Carboneras, and that as it would seem the body was freeze, having discovered that they should have been noti- actively participating. it was built on protected land fied of the construction.

Azata del Sol adds that the in the beautiful Cabo de Gata- However, Azata del Sol has Junta had the right to retract Nijar nature park, recently unearthed documents con- the sale within a certain marvoted into Spain’s top seven firming the company which gin of time, a right it did not natural spaces. sold it the land was Parque take up until a decade later, The project has been Club El Algarrobico, a group when construction was halted slammed by Greenpeace for in which the Junta organisa- in 2006. the environmental damage it tion Soprea (Society for the After Azata del Sol’s case was is inflicting .

Economic Advancement and presented, the PSOE went as Junta officials have long com- Modernising of Andalucia) far as to call the hotel ‘a little plained that Azata del Sol was participated. more legal.’

Algarrobico edges towards legality

OIL SPOILS: Repsol is set to drill just 50km off the shores of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura receiving different treatment. drilling.

“If we assume that for politi- The island chain has an uncal reasons an environmental employment rate of 33% - 8% ruling will block oil drilling in higher than Spain’s already the Balearics, as will probably alarming level - and the drillbe the case, it will leave the ing will help provide jobs.

Canaries in the lurch,” said The Canaries have been Rivero.

Spanish since the Castilian The two archipelagos make conquest at the start of the up over half of tourism rev- 15th century. enues for Spain.

According to 2010 figures But Spain’s Industry Minis- from the Sociological Reter, Jose Manuel Soria, insists search Center, 43.5% of the that the Canary Islands sim- Canary Islanders feel more ply cannot afford to cancel Canarian than Spanish.

Pick up your cigarette ends!

DISCARDED cigarette butts are contaminating beaches, according to an expat conservation

group.

Volunteer members of the Asociacion Amigos del Mar Costa

POISON: Discarded butts are contaminating beaches

Atacama in Alicante ALICANTE is the driest populated area in the world, according to new rainfall data.

The province has experienced serious drought conditions, but data collected at the University of Alicante Climatology Laboratory shows that the province is now the driest zone in the world apart from the Atacama Desert, the uninhabited stretch of land between Chile and Peru.

It even rains more in the Sahel, the African region between the Sahara Desert and the savannah of Sudan.

In the last 12 months, Alicante has only seen 104.4 litres of rainfall per-square-metre – only 30% of the normal rates.

“We’re in the worst years for water in the past century,” remarked climatologist Jorge Olcina, who says that real irrigation problems await if rainfall does not return soon.

Tropical – a non-profit group founded in 2014 – combed a two-metre square area of La Herradura beach in Almunecar for discarded stubs, uncovering 280 butts.

Do the math on the 86,500 square metres of beach and it adds up to 8,857,700 fag ends buried in the sand.

“A single butt in a litre of water is more than enough to kill a small fish within four days, as the filter releases harmful components on contact with water,” said a spokesperson.

The group aims to promote local marine awareness in the Costa Tropical, with the Annual Sea Festival, to be held on September 19 and 20.

For more information call 654 433 598, or visit www.facebook.com/ AsociacionAmigosdelMar

International Design School

• GRAPHIC DESIGN • INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE • FASHION DESIGN

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LETTERS

the - September 17 2014 theolive olivepress press--September August 20 4 - September 3 2014

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 73.63% Same week last year: 83.01% Same week in 2003: 54.26% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 EMERGENCIES Police 091 Guardia Civil 062 Medical service 061 Fire 080 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.31 American dollars 0.79 British pounds 1.43 Canadian dollars 7.45 Danish kroner 10.18 H Kong dollars 8.13 Norwegian kroner 1.64 Singapore dollars

www.theolivepress.es

Burger blunder

Extortion alert for elderly SOMEONE is possibly attempting an extortion racket by emailing elderly expats living in the campo.

They are threatening to report them to the Junta if they are letting any kind of accommodation to holiday makers ‘without a licence’.

The emails – from ‘P. Lopez’ – are written in almost incoherent English and claim that ‘unlicensed’ letting is illegal.

They also demand that recipients have to let them know the names and addresses of anyone else letting out campo holiday accommodation.

Gmail’s international webmasters say the address used by ‘P. Lopez’ is bogus, and Olive Press legal columnist Agony Ant (Sr Antonio Flores) advises that no licence is required by owners letting-out small accommodation packages and the emails should be ignored.

John Graham, Estepona ED: Anyone who has been contacted please email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

Gem let-down

WE purchased the Diamond package for the Joaquin Cortes show in Marbella, which included a pre-show cocktail party, seats in front of the stage and an after-show party with the cast. The representative told us Friday’s aftershow party was at La Sala in

A BURGER King with a terrace has been built on east side of Estepona, at the Cancelada entrance.

Beneath it a petrol station has been constructed. How can it be safe to have the fumes of the fuel and spills from a filling station pass over the people on the terrace and enter the home of the ‘Flame Grilled Whopper’?

The safety rules for licensing gasolineras are very strict, including a limited distance between them.

Now they have built this with the pumps no more than seven metres from the terrace, 30m from the flame grill and 30m from a children’s nursery.

Are they mad? It’s a huge accident waiting to happen.

Name withheld, Estepona Marbella.

When we went to La Sala, the aftershow party was not there so we returned to our hotel.

We tried to contact the ticket office the next day – with little success – and have spoken to various people since to no avail.

It is a given that things do go wrong but when they do you sort it, quickly and equitably.

The Platinum tickets were €120 per person without the after show party, but we paid €180.

Dudley Reed, Malaga

Foul spray I WONDER if there are any laws/regulations in Spain about the use of pesticides?

Our neighbour sprayed his land this afternoon with strong pesticides without giv-

ing us any advance notice. I have two children and a dog, and the fumes were terrible.

Surely there must be some protection for residents in a situation such as this? The land owner was wearing full protective gear as he sprayed his fruit trees.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Denise Atkinson, Lecrin Valley

Round the Benz SEARCHING for a Mercedes official garage on the Mercedes website, I found the closest to me was VVMotors in Granada, who in turn put me through to VVMotors in Motril.

By all appearances it was a Mercedes, except for the work. After my second visit my car was in a worse state.

I complained to the Mercedes Head Office and learnt that that the Motril branch was not an official concession. I sent them copies of the bills which had the official VVMotors Granada concession’s stamps on them, meaning the work was carried out as Mercedes.

They are taking this matter very seriously and if any Olive Press readers have had similar issues then Mercedes would like you to telephone their free line 00800 9 777 7777.

Guy de Simon, Motril

Motor moans WITH reference to the letter from Brian Flowers about car-parks and invalid bay parking (‘Wheel problem,’ issue 192). Areas where the general public is allowed ac-

cess like shopping malls are considered public rights of way and so all traffic laws apply as they do on roads.

This ensures that there are no problems when an accident occurs especially for insurance claims and who is culpable are concerned. Mr Flowers, would you consider driving without holding a current licence for the vehicle you are in charge of? Of course not (we hope), so if you are incapacitated in any way, simply get a medical certificate from your GP and he/she will advise where you may obtain a proper certificate/card that is legal to leave on the dashboard of your vehicle so you may park in the marked bays.

You mention that ‘you thought it was worth the risk’ and then understandably have a moan when you lost.

Know the laws, obey them and drive with peace of mind.

if under 65). These details are explained on the UK Government website: www.gov.uk/ healthcare-in-spain

Brian Deller, author of Motoring in Spain, Malaga

Sanna and Sebastian, Sweden

Health hope I READ with interest the letter from Peter Johnson (issue 194) about how his entitlement to Spanish healthcare ended with the sad death of his wife.

In Mr Johnson’s case he doesn’t have too long to wait until he is a pensioner and so will be entitled in his own right via that route.

For people in a similar position but with longer to go before UK state pension age, anyone who registered as a Spanish resident prior to April 2012 is entitled to free healthcare.

In fact, even those who registered after April 2012 may still get onto the Spanish state healthcare scheme but will have to pay (€60 per month

Steve Clarke, Turre

Dream life

WE are a young couple from Sweden looking for somewhere to live ‘off the grid’ in Spain. We are tired of the mindless consumerism that rules society.

We want to live in harmony with nature and not exploit it, by growing our own food. I’m suffering from seasonal depression but am sure that living this dream in Spain could be a cure!

We are seeking like-minded people to form a community – or an existing one – that would fit us. Contact us at chusanna@gmail.com

Firey remarks I WAS incensed with the letter in issue 194 from someone with an axe to grind with a new restaurant in Bedar, criticising its fire safety.

On reading the letter I visited all six bars/restaurants in the area. Only two of them have a separate emergency exit, the new bar that has opened has its emergency exit clearly marked and lit up with a sign. This new restaurant’s kitchen is at the rear of the premises and the small number of tables that are NOT outside are situated just inside the entrance door… which would surely be used in case of fire.

Gary Marsh, Bedar

Letters should be emailed to letters@theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

CROSSMOT 39

Across 1 Suspiro (4) * 3 Battles (8) * 9 Finished (7) * 10 Among (5) * 11 Represented (12) * 14 Veterinario (3) * 16 Prisma (5) * 17 Sun (3) * 18 Teenagers (12) * 21 Bride (5) * 22 Halt (7) * 23 Transferencia (8) * 24 Desgaste (4) Down 1 Dares (2, 6) * 2 Comprender (5) * 4 Year (3) * 5 Settlement (12) * 6 Beats (7) * 7 Parecer (4) * 8 Orugas (12) * 12 Salidas (5) * 13 Illustrate (8) * 15 Still (7) * 19 Dye (5) * 20 Nudo (4) * 22 Debido (3) L = 199

la cultura Fiddling the books A CONTROVERSIAL tax proposed for library books has sparked a raging debate among intellectual circles in Spain.

The government has announced that libraries will now be ordered to pay €0.05 for every registered user that checks out books at least once a year in Spain, and €0.04 to authors when their books are borrowed, with each library responsible for reporting its records to the tax office.

17 the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

While the tax clearly benefits authors, its critics say that library budgets have already been pushed to the limit during the recession.

In the last year alone, funding for libraries has been cut from €78 million to €69 million.

Many critics of the tax insist that libraries will not update

déjà vu

enahavis. September 5-7 (7pm-1am Friday

and Saturday, 12-7pm Sunday). Art and music exhibition Benahavis is Art. Plaza del Castillo, by the old town hall building, with painting, sculpture, photography and more.

AT WHAT COST?: Critics insist libraries will not cope their inventories in order to avoid paying the costs.

The good news, however, is that teaching centres and libraries in towns with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants are excluded from the tax.

A trial of a similar scheme was introduced by the EU in

déjà vu Quality pre-owned furniture & goods for your home Open Tuesday to Saturday Plaza de la Constitucion, Jimena de la Frontera 11330 Telephone /Telefono – 636 730 542 Opposite Bar Vecina & next to Taxi Rank Frente al Bar Vecina

A DECEASED Spanish music promoter has got the last laugh over the country’s unpopular finance minister.

Before he died, aged 66, Jose Maria Beranjano Martin had asked relatives to add a special message for Cristobal Montoro on his gravestone.

The note reads: “Montoro, you b*****d, come now and get your money.”

2007, which collected just €127 across Spain.

The plans have revived arguments over the value of information in the 21st century, that had only just settled down following Spain’s announcement of the ‘Google Tax’ last month.

Family members said the promoter despised Montoro after he raised taxes on musical performances to 21%.

Martin’s son Eduardo added that his father was actually a PP supporter, but had reservations about some of the party’s policies.

“He saw how his party had turned against him with the budget cuts, many of which affected him directly,” he said.

Back in time

RONDA’S annual Goyesca bullfighting festival is just around the corner.

The main attraction of the Feria de Pedro Romero - held from September 1-6 - is the Saturday night bullfight at the town’s historic bullring.

Ahead of the event each year, a procession of horse-drawn carriages winds its way through Ronda with everyone dressed in 18th century Goyesque costumes.

The tradition of celebrating Spanish painter Francisco de Goya dates back 60 years to when a local bullfighter arranged the first Goyesca

abo de Gata.

September

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Have the last laugh CHEEKY: Message left for finance minister Montoro

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4-7 Contemporary dance festival, Costa Contemporanea launches with a number of dance performances, many of which are free. For more information visit costacontemporanea.es

New tax threatens Spain’s budget-bereft libraries The first of these two measures has already taken effect, and the second will launch in 2016.

A ‘holdover tax’ – which requires libraries to pay €0.16 to the author for every new book acquired – is currently in place, but this does not as yet include a payment every time the book is borrowed.

what’s on

BUZZING: Goyesca garb festival to mark the 200th anniversary of Pedro Romero, the founder of modern bullfighting.

Goya’s famous painting of Romero is currently displayed at the Kimbell Art Foundation in Texas.

HORSING AROUND: Johnny Vincent’s patriotic pony at Red Penguin

Art of madness

A LIFE-SIZE horse in red, white and blue is one of many eyecatching pieces at Marbella’s ‘art gallery with a difference’.

The ‘Summer Madness’ exhibition at Red Penguin Gallery will run until October 27 after a packed launch.

For more information, contact 664 340 107 or visit www.redpenguinartgallery.com

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iraflores. September 14. Charity golf

tournament at Miraflores Golf Club. Teams of four or individuals. Entry €48 (€16 for Miraflores members).

Contact the caddy master on 952 931 960 or Jack 620 786 772.

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arbella. Until September 21.

Exhibition ‘Egypt in Marbella’, at the Palacios de Congresos. Contact 952 828 244.

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alaga. Until September 28.

Exhibition of computers and composing music, ‘Creatividad Artificial. Una nueva dimension musical’ att Museo Interactivo de la Musica (MIMMA).

18 The Sabinillas Bookshop

The Bookshop Sabinillas

Tel: 952 891 545 Email: steve@sabinillasbookshop.com

We now stock all your Daily and Sunday Newspapers Y PRENSA ESPAÑOL TAMBIEN

Postal Service Books & Cards Balloons • Maps & Guides • Day Trips •

NEW OPENING TIMES Monday ~ Friday 10:00 - 14.30 / 16.30 - 20:00 Saturday 10:00 - 14:00 Sunday 10:00 - 13:00

la cultura

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

Setting sail for Saatchi The Spanish Armada is making waves in one of London’s most controversial art galleries

THIS time, the Spanish Armada has been welcomed to Britain...more specifically, to London’s Saatchi Gallery.

Departures by Spanish artist Xavier Mascaro features ghostly ships and 10 foot-tall faceless sentinels.

Mascaro – whose works have been shown in Sevilla and Malaga – presents a fleet of 20-plus skeletal iron boats, resembling ancient shipwrecks.

GUIDE: Chris Stewart

Walking in sunshine GHOSTLY: Mascaro’s skeletal sunken fleet A second work, Guardians – a giant iron quintet of figures – resembles the terracotta warriors of ancient China.

Mascaro’s preference for iron takes inspiration from his

Iberian predecessors, Julio Gonzalez, Jorge Oteiza and Eduardo Chillida.

Departures runs until October 5. For more information, visit saatchigallery.com

Secure Mail Boxes Available Ask in the shop for details

FACELESS: Guardians on the pathway into the London gallery

Foxy Spanish ladies

AMERICAN mass media corporation 21st Century Fox has announced it will bring its female-centric FoxLife network to Spain.

The channel – due to launch in Spain in October – will air hit US programmes such as Scandal and The Good Wife alongside other dramas, comedies and reality shows.

FoxLife – available in 73 countries – has a strong presence in Europe, already broadcasting to Italy, Portugal, Poland and Greece.

A stable future for Mijas racecourse EQUESTRIAN enthusiasts on the Costa del Sol are chomping at the bit as Mijas racecourse gets set to reopen.

A 20-year contract has secured the famous racecourse’s future, with work already in motion to host two European horse-jumping events.

The upgrade and reopening cost a cool €2.3 million.

The competitions are scheduled for October and February, with a total of 1,000 horses expected to compete.

GRAND PRIZE: Kid Creole

Singer winner

Witty hit A COMEDY music duo from Jaen have released a new YouTube video poking fun at the music industry.

Jayme Gutierrez – supported

by Jerry Blair, once the manager of Mariah Carey - and his brother Joe make videos inspired by the Jaen landscape.

The video – Like a tiger (feel good) – is on YouTube.

WHAT better way to explore the beautiful Alpujarra region than an autumn walking holiday with author Chris Stewart, idyllic guest house accommodation and sublime local food?

The former Genesis drummer-turned-author is sharing his love and knowledge of the region, inviting people to join him for a week of walks exploring the landscape and cuisine.

Day-long walks exploring the Trevelez and Poqueira valleys, the nearby mountain peaks and a trip to Granada are just some of the highlights.

After a day exploring, Casa Ana guesthouse in Ferreirola is the perfect location for relaxing drinks and dinner on the terrace.

“People loved the pilot holiday so much that we had to do it again,” said Anne Hunt, owner of Casa Ana. “The fabulous food, beautiful walks, great accommodation and convivial group atmosphere make it wonderful.

“Chris loves the Western Alpujarras and wants to share that with people who are up for an adventure.”

Olive Press readers can get a €200 discount off bookings for the week-long September holiday. Daily prices are €40 per person, or €70 for two.

Contact Anne on info@casaana.com more information.

FULL FLIGHT: Horses will soon return to Mijas

CONGRATULATIONS to John Singer from Mijas, the Olive Press winner of a pair of tickets to see Kid Creole and the Coconuts live in concert in Marbella.

Keep your eyes peeled for more Olive Press competitions in the future!

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the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

ibraltar National Day

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August 7 - August 20 2014

National Day on September 10 is a red, white and wonderful celebration of all that makes Gibraltar rock, writes Tom Powell

Up up and away N

OWHERE epitomises liberty, patriotism and the right to selfdetermination like the Rock of Gibraltar.

Red and white pride runs through the British Territory like the letters in a stick of rock – always there, whichever way you suck it.

But on one day of the year in particular, everyone’s invited to savour the flavour of this little nation’s fervour as it honours its great history with the mother of all parties.

Gibraltar National Day on September 10 is the climax to a National Week of celebrations, topped by the epic Gibraltar Music Festival, this year headlined by The Script.

The day itself is a colourful cocktail of feasting, fireworks and festivities that

mixes one part politics to two parts land and sea - ramped up by inhupleasure. mane border controls and incursions Organised by the Self Determination into their territorial waters – the for Gibraltar group (SDFG) in conjuncdefiant citizens wear their hearts tion with the Ministry of Culture, the on their sleeves for all to see on Naannual celebration commemorates tional Day. one of the most important moments The mass release of 30,000 balin Gibraltar’s history: the referendum loons – one to represent every citiof 1967, when citizens had a say on zen of the Rock – along their sovereignty for with the open air evethe very first time. ning concert and grand “We announce An overwhelming finale of fireworks are to the world 99% of Gibraltarhighlights but there is that Gibraltar ians voted to remain much more going on British, and 47 years continues to live throughout the day. later, they are just As Gibraltarian Sid in freedom” as impassioned.

Olivera explained: “The Against increasday is fantastic fun, ing hostilities from everyone is in a party mood to celSpain over their rights to airspace, ebrate that they are politically, com-

MONKEY BUSINESS: It’s party time on the Rock mercially and truly Gibraltarian.”

Casemates Square takes centre stage for the celebrations which kick off at 9.30am with live music and performances.

The release of the traditional red and white biodegradable balloons at 1pm – a sight synonymous with Gibraltar and self-determination – is the climax to the political rally, announcing to the world that Gibraltarians continue to live in freedom, the way they choose to, under the protection of the British crown.

Everyone turns out, even the elderly

and disabled who can book advance seating for the Casemates Square event.

“It’s definitely the most important day of the year, everyone is on the streets, in the cafes and bars, or on the beaches,” said Serbian Dusan Karaica, who moved to Gibraltar from the Costa del Sol. “They are all proudly wearing red and white and it’s a great atmosphere.”

Kid’s activities, live music and DJs will keep the crowds entertained Turn to page 21

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ibraltar National Day

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

Red, white and proud In an exclusive Olive Press National Day message, Gibraltar’s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo discusses free will and the Rock’s long and unbreakable British history

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ibraltar is once again preparing to dress up and adorn our buildings with the traditional red and white colours. But, quite apart from the wonderful fun day for all the family, our celebrations have a far deeper meaning for all of us.

National Day is about commemorating our first referendum – the first massive expression of our free will on September 10 1967 when we voted overwhelmingly to remain British and to cement our political ties with the United Kingdom.

Gibraltar remained firm in those dark days that led to the total blockade by the Spanish government, a dictatorial government which cut off communications between the Rock and Spain for 13 long years. Our history shows the Gibraltarians resisted and have contin-

ued to develop our political institutions and our economy.

We are proud of our British heritage within our separate identity but let no one believe that we are ‘colonials by consent’ as the Spanish representatives tell the United Nations every year.

We are a proud people, determined to decide our political future for ourselves, determined that our long and proud British history will endure and let no-one forget that the spine of our determination is as solid and unbreakable as the Rock itself – fused in stone. In the past year, the Gibraltarians have demonstrated with dignity that no rhetoric from Spain will provoke us. We keep calm and carry on – because Gibraltar will always be

British! And we demand respect for our rights but we also want to enjoy friendly relations with our neighbours north and south: strong relations based on mutual respect and based on accepting where each of our nations starts and ends because one thing we will never do is surrender any part of our land, our sea or our air. We will never bow to bullying. This is our family, our home and our land. The Rock of the Gibraltarians! A little bit of Britain in the Sun! Gibraltar, Britain in the Sun! I restate this week the message of our city council in 1964 on behalf of my government, that the soil, sea and air of Gibraltar belongs to noone but the people of Gibraltar!

Red, White and Solid Red, White and Proud Red, White and Free United Strong And Free Enjoy your day and join us on September 10 on the Rock!

Standing as one...

Continued from page 19

at other locations, including King’s Bastion Leisure Centre. Victoria Stadium will host the Monkey Rocks festival (110pm) with Route 94, Chrisonlin and Jestin and Mif among the live acts.

Later, top local artists including The Soul Mates and Guy Valarino will take to the stage for the Rock concert in Casemates Square (9.30pm-12.30am) and, at the height of the festivities (10.30pm) the legendary fireworks display will light up the sky, making Gibraltar’s presence firmly known in Spain.

“Living in Gibraltar is paradise compared to many places, and National Day is the perfect celebration for it,” enthused resident Anne Burn. While another, artist Shane Dalmedo, added: “For me Gibraltar is an inspiring place to live in, it’s a great feeling to be Gibraltarian.”

Last year, with the Gibraltar flag flying over the Foreign Office in London, Prime Minister David Cameron joined the celebrations in spirit, rallying his loyal troops from a giant screen in Casemates. “For 300 years we have stood together, as one with our shared sovereign.

Let’s keep it that way,” he proclaimed to roars of approval.

“Let me assure you that the British people and my government stand with you now. Our relationship is solid and enduring.” These sentiments are increasingly vital to Gibraltar in the light of damaging press, like the Spanish media’s coverage of an EU report into contraband tobacco this August.

PROTECTOR: Soldier outside Gibraltar government HQ, and the tip of Europe According to anti-fraud office OLAF’s report, tobacco smuggling on the Rock cost the EU €700 million in tax revenue between 2010 and 2013.

The government has hit out at ‘sensationalist’ reporting by the Spanish media. It has also criticised Spanish TV channel, Antenna 3, for apparently ‘staging’ tobacco smuggling scenes and portraying them as real, also slamming the ‘rabid and un-objective coverage being afforded to Gibraltar and the issue of tobacco smuggling in the Spanish media’.

Meanwhile, border controls are creating massive queues at

peak times, forcing tourists and commuters to endure hours in sweltering heat in order to enter or exit Gibraltar. Annual tourism income plummeted by £73 million as a result, according to this year’s budget It was no surprise when statistics released in July revealed that the hold-ups were a deliberate Spanish ploy.

Acting Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia commented: “The drop in cars crossing the border from 12.7 per minute to 1.5 is undeniable proof of the way in which delays are being generated.

“The flow rate is clearly deliberately reduced by the authorities, and waiting times of three hours

are simply intolerable in an internal border of the EU. “The brunt of this hardship is borne by EU nationals, thousands of whom live in Spain but work in Gibraltar. Needless to say, residents of Gibraltar and tourists are also being affected.”

This will not be forgotten but, rather, put out of mind on September 10, as Gibraltarians display their bulldog determination to enjoy a day of festivities in defence of their sovereignty, and spread their inspiring message to the world (and to Spain, too, with fireworks). Come what may, it will be all red and white on the night.

PICARDO: Come and join us on September 10

A picture paints a thousand words...

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ag Herit d n a y Histor

Dining al fresco

Gibun c Litera o Gibraltar ry Fes Interna tival Novem tional ber 20 14

s e dolphin h t d e v We lo

First stop - Rock Tour

Visit Gibraltar Monkey bu siness

Last s top in Europe

a vibrant destination that combines the spirit of the Mediterranean with British tradition.

To order a brochure or for further information contact the Gibraltar Tourist Board:

United Kingdom

Gibraltar

T: +44 (0) 207 836 0777

T: +350 200 45000

E: info@gibraltar.gov.uk

E: information@tourism.gov.gi

You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

facebook.com/visitgibraltar

@visit_gibraltar

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23

ibraltar National Day

More than hot air In only his second ever interview, the man behind the launch of 30,000 balloons says planning for National Day ‘never stops’ WHEN Forty Azzopardi first floated his National Day balloons idea, he had no way of knowing how it would catch on.

But his brainwave proved to be more than ‘hot air’. The annual release of 30,000 red and white balloons – one for each citizen of Gibraltar – celebrates the 25th anniversary of Gibraltar’s first referendum and has become an unmissable tradition in the British enclave.

Two decades on, Forty is still

the main man behind the National Day celebrations and the balloon release has become synonymous with the Rock’s national pride.

In what is only his second ever interview, the 57-year-old bornand-bred Gibraltarian reflects on the importance of the whole event, organised by the Self Determination for Gibraltar Group (SDGG).

“I really enjoy planning and preparing for National Day, and

TIME FOR TAKE OFF: All eyes turn skywards

Gibraltar National Day - the schedule

9.30am-12.10pm Live music and performance, Casemates Square 10.30am Children’s fancy dress, The Piazza 12.25 Political rally and release of balloons, Casemates Square 1.15-3pm DJ music, Casemates Square 1.30pm onwards Live music, Rock Bastion Restaurant, King’s Bastion Leisure Centre 1.30pm onwards Family activities (bowling, ice skating etc), King’s Bastion Leisure Centre 1.30pm onwards Live music and DJs (over-18s only), Boyd’s, King’s Bastion Leisure Centre 1.30pm onwards Live music and DJs, Bayside sports complex, Victoria Stadium 1.30-8pm Live music, Rock on the Rock Club 2.30-7pm Jazz Friends, Governor’s Parade 7pm Thanksgiving mass, Shrine of Our Lady of Europe 9.30pm-12:30am Rock concert, Casemates Square 10.30pm Fireworks display, Detached mole

LAUNCH: Midday although it’s about more than self-determination these days, it is still very important,” he explains.

“I started organising this year’s events as early as January.

When August and September arrive, the SDGG is very busy putting final details into place.

“We are always thinking about ways to improve on the last one, although the size of Casemates Square limits how many improvements you can keep making!”

To make the midday political rally more special this year, Gibraltar’s former Liberal Democrat MEP Sir Graham Watson will be presented with the Freedom of the City as a prelude to the balloon release.

The politician is incredibly popular on the Rock, having staunchly defended Gibraltar in Europe over the last decade, frequently exchanging verbal blows with Spain’s Partido Popular.

“From being primarily about self-determination, National Day has changed a lot and it’s a real party nowadays,” said Forty, adding that the SDGG also brought back candy floss and thrilling rides to Gibraltar’s traditional fair this year.

Held at the Naval Grounds during the last week of August, the classic funfair featured rifle ranges, tombolas and other ingredients designed to keep excitement levels primed for National Week.

“National week has grown to include all kinds of events, from chess competitions to photography exhibitions and classical concerts,” said Forty. “There is so much going on in celebration of all things Gibraltar.”

So when the last firework explodes over the Rock this year, spare a thought for the man who is already racking his brain over how to make next year’s National Day that little bit more special for the place and the people he loves.

Coffee floater

Macmillan Cancer Support is holding a coffee morning in the Sky Lounge at the Sunborn yacht hotel on September 26, from 9.30am to 12pm.

The morning - part of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning - will be hosted by STM Nummos, registered intermediaries for Bupa International, Interglobal and ALC health insurance.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Sonia Fendley on Tel: 956 796 148 or email sonia.fendley@stmnummos.com

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

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ibraltar National Day

25 August 7 - August 20 2014

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN: Rita Ora and (right) Clean Bandit

Rockfest is ready to roll The Gibraltar Music Festival raises the curtain on the enclave’s funpacked National Week calendar

IT’S been compared to ‘Glastonbury, without the mud and loose morals’. The Gibraltar Music Festival rolls into town on September 6, headlining Clean Bandit, Rita Ora and The Script among many other contemporary artists and old-time family favourites.

Now in its third year, the Rockfest kicks off Gibraltar’s week-long national celebrations at Victoria Stadium.

In the build-up to the all-day, outdoor musical extravaganza at Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar’s Minister for Culture, Steven Linares, said he expects more than 10,000 people to buy tickets to see nearly 40 acts across four stages.

“This year’s edition of the Gibraltar Music Festival is set to be bigger than its very successful predecessors and is attracting more people from abroad to come to Gibraltar to enjoy it,” he said.

“With great live music from 12 midday until past 12 midnight, this festival will no doubt prove to be another great day out for the whole family.”

Irish band The Script have been pencilled in to headline the event since the beginning of the summer, and UK sensation Rita Ora is also set to, in her own lyrics, ‘rock the life’ out of the festival.

If you would ‘rather be’ dancing to house music, then Clean Bandit’s ‘extraordinary’ string quartet should satisfy your urge.

Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley will provide a musical trip down memory lane, while X-Factor winner James Arthur looks set to be a hit with the younger audience.

International artists also appearing on the bill include John Newman, Roger Hodgson and Maxi Priest, with a huge line-up of local supporting artists.

The world stage

RARING TO GO: The Red and Whites

Kick-off at last!

UEFA newbies Gibraltar FC gear up for their debut European qualifier FOOTBALL fans in Gibraltar cannot wait for September 7. That’s the date when their national football team faces Poland in its first ever European qualifier.

Excitement has been building on The Rock since UEFA finally admitted the territory into its fold, allowing Gibraltar to take part in the qualifiers for Euro 2016.

The Poland match will be played at at the Algarve Stadium, Gibraltar’s home ground in Portugal.

The Red and Whites go into the fixture in fine form, following two successful ‘friendlies’ - a goalless draw against Slovakia and a 1-0 victory over Malta.

Poland, currently 20th in UEFA’s rankings, will no doubt provide a sterner test, especially with the likes of Arsenal goalkeeper Wozniak Szczesny and Bayern Munich summer signing, Robert Lewandowski, among their squad.

Gibraltar’s stand-out players include Preston North End defender Scott Wiseman, Bristol Rovers ace Jake Gosling and Kidderminster Harriers’ Reece Styche. However, the majority of the squad play for Gibraltar’s biggest amateur side, Lincoln Red Imps.

Gibraltar first application for UEFA membership in 1999 was blocked by Spain, fearing a precedent could be set for Basque and Catalonian national teams.

Gibraltar FA took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2007, and again in 2011 where coveted membership was finally granted.

The game against Poland will be Gibraltar FC’s greatest challenge since they drew with Real Madrid way back in 1949.

Gibraltar have been drawn in Group D for the Euro 2016 qualifiers, which means they’ll face home and away matches against World Cup winners Germany, as well as Poland, Georgia, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

THE global business stage awaits Gibraltar as construction has finally begun this summer on its own World Trade Center.

The iconic global brand is bringing its highly-valued working environment to Ocean Village ready for a grand opening in spring 2016.

Gregory Butcher, the man behind the development, said: “World Trade Center is a globally-recognised brand and a byword for corporate quality and success.

“Gibraltar is now part of a global business community reflecting the ambition for growth found within government and local companies.”

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo got the project underway in a ceremony in July, when he drilled the first foundation.

Located five minutes from Gibraltar city centre, eight minutes from an international airport and 10 minutes from Spain, it is difficult to imagine there is a better-connected site.

Pete Burgess, head of sales and marketing for WTC Gibraltar, added: “We have had phenomenal interest in the building already, and this will only accelerate when people see work underway on the site.”

WTC Gibraltar is offering discounts of up to 20% on the first third of the building to be occupied, but this figure has almost been reached.

For more information contact 00 350 200 74724, or emailenquiries@worldtradecenter.gi, or visit www.worldtradecenter.gi

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ibraltar National Day the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

years Solomon Levy: 20 of British modern-day hero grub

By Carey Camel

“I’M proud to say I’m 78, but if I see a young lady, I’m 58,” quips the one-and-only Solomon Levy MBE. A perfect quote that gives a glimpse into the character of the man they call ‘Mr Gibraltar’.

This debonaire gent is something of a Rock legend - you could say, an ‘institution’ and not just because he is the oldest estate agent on the Rock. He’s a patriot, a ladies’ man and, besides all that, there’s his hilarious personality.

He has owned his estate agency, Solomon Levy FRICS, since April 1960, and claims to be an evaluation specialist. But there’s more to him than that.

He is also Gibraltar’s only auctioneer and is frequently in charge of hocking cars for the Ministry of Defence.

That’s when he’s not overseeing the bidding on luxury yachts and centuries-old an-

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LADIES’ MAN: Solomon ‘Momy’ Levy

tique furniture.

‘Momy’ - as Levy is lovingly referred to on the Rock served as the first civil mayor of Gibraltar and was the first Jewish soldier in the Gibraltar Defence Force.

His religion and involvement in the Jewish community of Gibraltar were the subject of his biography, Man on the Rock: Mayor Solomon Levy and the Jews of Gibraltar, written by Michael Freedland.

And let’s not forget he knows

the Queen. Levy was summoned to Buckingham Palace in 1999 to receive his MBE from Her Majesty in person.

With a Gibraltarian heritage dating back 250 years, Momy MBE claims the Rock not just as his home but his passion.

Look out for him on National Day. He sports a dapper new redand-white outfit every year, lest you forget he’s Gibraltarian inside and out!

BAKED beans and real pork sausages are just two of the British temptations at Morrisons’ flagship store in Gibraltar.

The UK supermarket brand is celebrating its 20th birthday on the Rock - an unlikely location far from its Bradford home that’s proved a runaway success.

As the only Morrisons shop outside Britain - and the furthest away from the company’s headquarters – the Gibraltar store fought through a labyrinth of logistics to become its busiest shop.

It has consistently remained one of the top 10 supermarkets in terms of sales for Britain’s fourth largest supermarket chain, founded in 1899.

But as Martyn Fletcher, Morrisons Retail Director, says, running the store requires ‘very careful planning’.

At any one time, there are 18 lorries on the road, making the three-day journey from the Morrisons warehouses to keep the shelves stocked. Deliveries have to be made during the week because the border with Spain is closed to commercial trade at weekends.

Costs of supplying the store are more than £5 million a year.

But the locals – as well as the many British expats who flock from Spain to stock up on a taste of home – are more than grateful. Even Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo once said: “It is impossible to find anyone in Gibraltar who does not actually shop there.”

Stranger in paradise Amy Garrisson-Mehmet, the Gib convert behind popular blog Brit on the Rock - which has seen an incredible 65,000 visitors - explains why life on Gibraltar rocks “It's been three years since I moved to Gibraltar. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars that it’s my home.

Just looking out of my window makes me pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming, even though the view of the Rock looms above me!

Life in Gibraltar is quite a culture shock for some people. The pace is laid back. People are not hurried or stressed which, after years in hectic London, can seem really strange.

In Gibraltar you have no choice about meeting people and making friends. It will happen, like it or not!

In a community this small you stand out something that I never take for granted.

Be it neighbours checking in on you, or the lady who works at your local store, you aren't just an invisible face in a crowd. It's lovely to be made to feel as though you belong.

One thing everyone back in the UK asks about is the weather. Whilst we do get an amazing amount of sunshine we have to pay our dues with the most horrendous 'Hollywood rain machine' downpours during the winter. There isn't a waterproof that can stand up to it!

One of my favourite aspects of life here is the amazing blend of people. No matter what age, sex or religion you are, come National Day everyone is united in their love of this beautiful little part of the world.

This is an attitude that carries on all year round. Everyone gets along and respects ev-

LUCKY: Amy loves not being a face in the crowd

eryone else's holidays and celebrations.

It’s an aspect of life in Gibraltar that should be bottled and sold. The world would be a better place for it!”

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To order a brochure or for further information contact the Gibraltar Tourist Board: United Kingdom T: +44 (0) 207 836 0777 E: info@gibraltar.gov.uk

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ibraltar National Day

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

Mmmm multicultural

A rock-solid home What’s it like for a Gibraltarian? Jackie Anderson tells the Olive Press about being welcomed back

In Gibraltar, ‘too many cooks’ is a good thing for the broth FOOD and national identity go hand in hand in the Mediterranean and Gibraltar is no exception.

The Rock is a true melting pot of cultures – as are the

locals’ plates.

The unique local cuisine is influenced by British, Spanish, Genoese and Maltese cultures, to name a few, culinary favourites constantly evolving to reflect the different waves of migrants.

The product of this cultural mish-mash is a variety of dishes particular to Gibraltar, many known as colloquially as ‘llanito’ (Gibraltarian).

GIBRALTAR Day is about celebrating the history of the Rock, and nowhere is the past more alive than in the property market.

History-steeped houses are scattered across Gibraltar, and Savills estate agent – which arrived on the Rock in 2012 – are boasting several currently on the market.

“The property market has changed considerably since the days when all the large houses in Gibraltar were predominantly owned by the Ministry of Defence and high-ranking personnel, and these properties have slowly filtered back into the residential market,” said Sammy Armstrong, director of Savills Gibraltar.

There has been a building on the site of one example, six-bedroom Ashtead Cottage, since the 18th century, and the house has retained many of its original features despite the centuries.

Respected Gibraltarian lawyer Henry King lived in the house in 1921, where his wife – the daughter of the

MELTING POT: Prized dishes Torta de Acelga (left) and Calentita (right)

One tasty favourite is Calentita, an oven-baked, pancakelike dish made with chickpea flour. Another is Rosto, a pasta dish consisting of carrots, penne pasta and meat in a tomato and white wine sauce.

Torta de Acelga is also a key feature of any classic Gibraltarian menu, which is a chard or spinach pie, along with Me-

nestra de Verduras, a stew of blended vegetables mixed with thick spaghetti.

All of these – like true Great British dishes – are comforting, hearty and full of flavour.

Despite the limited agriculture opportunities on the Rock, indigenous crops include prickly pears, wild asparagus, pine nuts and figs.

Home history

Pope’s Chamberlain – made extensive improvements.

The property – which also boasts a private pool, fivecar garage and three roof terraces – has changed hands several times since, but still retains its splendor.

A second property that has witnessed the history of Gibraltar firsthand is 306 Main Street, a colonial building in the centre of town. The six-bedroom home was originally the King’s freehold property, and was occupied as barrack staff-quarters during the 1830s.

The Governor’s butler and chauffeur lived in the house from the 1950s to the 1990s, until the Governor handed the property to the government in 1993.

Located in the Irish Town, Savills Gibraltar is part of an international network of more than 500 offices and associates across the world.

“I WAS born in Gibraltar in 1964 and raised here during the early years of the frontier closedown. I spent many years working and living in UK and then returned here with my family back in 2008.

Many places can make you feel welcome, but in Gibraltar you are gathered into the arms of a caring family. It is more than just a welcome.

Gibraltarians look after each other, and look after their visitors.

This is the home I returned to after 30 years away, which immediately took me – and my family – into its embrace and surrounded us with enthusiasm at our decision to settle here.

ORIGINALS: Ashtead Cottage (above) and 306 Main Street (right) Savills Gibraltar is proud to celebrate Gibraltar Day and wishes all Gibraltarians and their friends a fun, festive day. Visit www.savills.gi

HOME: Jackie

Here, my children are receiving excellent education and healthcare modelled on the English ‘cradle to grave’ welfare system.

There are a wealth of activities to enrich peoples’ lives, from music, dancing and drama to a huge selection of sports, creative activities and ornithology.

Our children feel safe here.

There is no need to check the play area for syringes and broken glass before they play and no need to accompany them to town where they can meet their friends. There is a sense of safety and security here.

The community is very mixed and Gibraltar prides itself on having so many cultural and religious groups living and working together in unique harmony that exists.

Gibraltarians often comment on how lucky they are to live here. It is a peaceful, friendly and caring place and we are among the fortunate who can be a part of it.”

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Property An icon of Spain’s radical architecture closes but the movement goes on

31 the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

The big topple

By Rob Horgan A LANDMARK of Spain’s guerilla architecture is to close four years after its construction.

Radical architect Santiago Cirugeda has announced the first self-built independent arts space in Sevilla is to be closed as he switches his focus to other projects.

La Carpa (the Big Top) was created in 2010 when Cirugeda teamed up with theatre director Jorge ‘Bifu’ Barroso to turn disused land into a performance space.

The building’s spider-like structure became a wellknown fixture in the city.

To gain the land needed for La Carpa, Barroso spent a year living on site without running water and electricity to secure their claim to it.

But Cirugeda is not giving up his radical architecture.

The group of architects known as Recetas Urbanas is famous in design circles all over Spain for offering their expertise of navigating - and often exploiting - Spain’s complicated planning bureaucracy to low-cost, selfbuild projects.

Along with Cirugeda, Rece-

SPIDER-LIKE: La Carpa and (inset) Cirugeda tas Urbanas is supported by dozens of radical architects, interns and volunteers collaborating on self-build projects to help social or activist groups.

Spain’s economic crisis combined with a complicated planning system has seen half a million half-built properties abandoned, providing the

motivation for Cirugeda to continue with his work.

One example of Cirugeda’s work is the Fabrica de Toda La Vida on the site of an abandoned, Franco-era cement factory in Badajoz, Extremadura – where he helped a group of local artists and graduates turn the factory’s derelict warehouses into art-

ists’ studios.

A documentary about the guerilla architect can be viewed on the Al Jazeera website and is the first in the Rebel Architecture series.

Monopoly man

THE private company of Spain's richest man has splashed out a staggering €620 million on property this year.

Amancio Ortega, founder of Inditex which owns fashion retailer Zara, is already valued at €47 billion and the Galician tycoon now seems intent on further expanding his real estate profile.

Pontegadea Inmobiliaria - the company Ortega uses for property investment - posted net profits of €93 million in 2013.

The property company specialises in scooping up buildings on the world’s most exclusive streets, with the Apple Store in Barcelona and the Picasso Tower in Madrid among those in the portfolio.

Forbes lists Ortega as the world's fourth richest man behind Carlos Slim, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

BUTT OF THE JOKE: the Miguel Pallares cartoon

‘Fine’ art

INTERNET cartoonists in the Canary Islands have been fined €35,000 for sketches poking fun at an an ex-public prosecutor’s involvement with an illegal urbanisation.

The website El Agitador mocked Miguel Pallares, who owns an illegally-placed and illegally-sized house in an urbanisation in Lanzarote.

The 53-property complex not only contains 23 more houses than originally agreed, but also expands outside of its rightfully-owned land onto protected lands.

Furthermore, many properties were built at more than twice the 96 square metre limit.

PP President of the Interior Astrid Perez also owns a property in the urbanisation, but avoided a mention in the cartoon.

The project was halted in 2003, but it has still not been brought before a judge.

The first cartoon, published in 2008, called Pallares Miguel Callare (Spanish for ‘I will shut up’).

The second, in 2011, depicted Pallares as a Spanish comedian, and implied that he would personally destroy his own house.

Pallares had initially demanded €87,000 compensation for the two cartoons.

Loaners THE number of mortgages granted in Spain has seen the biggest year-on-year rise for eight years.

More than 17,000 mortgages were approved in June, according to the latest data - a rise of nearly 20% compared to June 2013 - and the average loan amount was up 1.3% to €98,682, according to the National Statistics Institute.

However, the year-onyear rise in June followed two consecutive months of annual falls, of 13.4% in April and 3.4% in May. The number of loans is also down 14% from January to June 2014, compared to the number for the first six months of 2013, and is the lowest figure since 2003.

32

Offer

Property

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

Picture imperfect Court room’s right royal error could lead to an illegal property amnesty being overturned A FIERCELY-FOUGHT illegal property amnesty in the Balearics could be overturned because of the voting chamber’s choice of decor.

The landmark amnesty of 20,000 illegal properties was voted in despite opposition from ecological groups and the national government.

However, the opposition has now spotted a loophole – the voting chamber did

not have the official portrait of King Felipe VI on the wall, just an old one of Juan Carlos.

Felipe had taken the throne just days before and a new law had been passed ordering all schools, courts, parliaments and places of official business to display his official portrait.

The Balearics had apparently not received the memo and the old portrait

was hanging on the wall.

Opposition to the amnesty – which legalises any residential property where the violation of the building law occurred before 2006 – have now lodged an appeal to have the Constitutional Court overturn the vote.

According to constitutional experts, this could be a sufficient slip-up to have all votes passed in the chamber during this period annulled.

FILL IN THE LOOPHOLE: Changing the portrait to one of King Felipe VI

Unwanted complements PREVIOUSLY we looked at the possibility of receiving a second tax bill after purchasing a property, in cases where the Junta deems the price paid is less than it is worth. Here's what to do if you want to fight it.

When you buy a resale property in Andalucia, you are liable for Property Transfer Tax – impuesto de transmisiones patrimoniales – or ITP. This is charged at a percentage of the purchase price on a sliding scale: the first €400,000 is levied at 8%; from €400-700,000 at 9%; and from €700,000 upwards you must pay the regional government 10%.

This can already be a large sum, but sometimes the Junta may demand an extra amount when it deems the fiscal value of the property higher than the price paid. This is called the liquidacion complementaria del ITP, normally referred to – with a grimace – as la complementaria.

The Junta has the right to compare prices against standard value tables (bases de comprobacion de valores), to form its own opinion of a property’s value.

Although these tables were

Columnist Adam Neale advises expats on how to put up a fight for their rights with property tax

typically annually es grew, crashed,

revised upwards as property pricwhen the market the tables froze,

showing outdated top-ofthe-market values.

With the help of a lawyer, however, the Junta’s de-

mands can be challenged – via contradictory valuation proceedings – to make them more reasonable or

occasionally inapplicable.

According to Adolfo Martos Gross, a partner at Gutierrez del Álamo & Martos Abogados this is worthwhile ‘if the gap between the fiscal value and the real value is big and so is the tax bill.’

If the property is in poor condition or subject to planning issues, Adolfo notes, ‘it is easy to demonstrate the real value is far below the fiscal value’. In cases where the reasons for the difference are less obvious, the buyer has the right to carry out a second valuation at their own expense.

If you are unlucky enough to receive a demand for la complementaria and want to initiate contradictory valuation proceedings, the process is as follows. When you receive a provisional bill from Hacienda (Spain’s tax authority), you can either wait for the final bill or make allegations within 10 days. Once the final bill arrives, you need to contact Hacienda to formally begin proceedings.

Hacienda will then notify you of the original valuation

The Property Insider

by Ad am Neale

by their experts, at which point you can pay the bill or pay for an independent valuation. If the second valuation is less than 10% lower than the official amount, it becomes the new taxable base, but if it is more than 10% below, Hacienda undertakes another independent valuation – billed to the buyer if the resulting value is 20% above the original declared price – which can then be accepted and paid, or challenged again via the courts.

As a rule, the first valuation is in line with the official tables, the second usually lower, and the third on the money, so, if there is still a difference, buyers usually pay up. According to Adolfo, typical costs incurred by a buyer for the services of a lawyer, to look after paperwork and an appraiser for an independent valuation should be between €800-3,000 depending on la complementaria claimed and the property value.

Not much to potentially save thousands.

33

GOLF In the swing of it

Goal in one for footgolf A HOST of players came from as far away as Sevilla and Valencia to compete in the first FootGolf Marbella Nations Cup which kicked off on August 25.

It is golf played by foot with footballs - and it’s kicking up a storm at El Campanario Golf and Country House, the first club on the coast offering a regular home to the new craze

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

Golden golf

THE next qualifying round of the Senior Golf Tour of Andalucia is set to take place on the spectacular El Rompido course in Huelva on September 13.

The annual tour - now in its 17th year – has become a great success among golfing veterans.

It consists of eight qualifying tournaments, one in each province of Andalucia, before the finals at Mijas Golf in November.

To sign up, contact El Rompido on Tel: 959 024 242

ALL TOGETHER: the team of organisers

The golf/football hybrid suits the coast’s sportsmen to a tee for Footgolf.

Teams representing the UK, USA, Belgium and Holland competed against Spain but the great footballing nation of Argentina emerged as the triumphant winner.

“There were heated discussions as players, both as individuals and teams, strived to make sure they were the best,” said organiser Ken Durante.

“When we first started talking about creating a permanent

home for this new but fast growing sport, people thought we were mad. But ever since we have had nothing but great feedback.”

Footgolf is at the club on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.

For more information visit www.footgolfmarbella.com or the Footgolf Marbella Facebook page

From tee to green

Crazy days

A sigh of relief from Bob Gaston as ‘mad season’ comes to end THANK goodness the ‘mad’ season is coming to an end and we can soon get back to normal. Employees of golf courses are slowly straggling back to work, making it a bit easier for us tour operators to book tee times for our clients.

Saying that, July and August (normally quiet months for bookings) were busy – up by around 20% on the previous year.

The economic optimism in the UK – with regular clients booking larger groups – and the dismal British weather perhaps encouraged UK golfers to take a sojourn on our lush fairways and fast Spanish

greens.

The weather is cooling now and tripping round various golf courses this month, I was pleased to see that the majority of courses are in fine condition.

With low season prices in operation until mid-September it is an ideal time to leave the beach and get a bit of exercise on your favourite course, don’t you think?

Contact info@gastongolf.com or 952 936 803

ACE: Sergio Garcia

Sergio’s seven

SPANISH golf ace Sergio Garcia is among the nine automatic picks for Europe’s Ryder Cup team.

The 34-year-old will make his seventh appearance in the famed competition which tees off at Scotland’s celebrated Gleneagles course on September 26.

Despite no win for Garcia on the 2014 PGA circuit, eight top ten finishes have earned the Spaniard a place in the team.

In his previous appearances, Garcia has claimed 18 points for the Europeans.

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38

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34

Manufacture marathon Spain is pulling ahead in the production race SPAIN’s car industry is in a numbers race to 2017, and based on the first six months’ results, the country is pulling ahead even faster than predicted.

The Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Factories (ANFAC) launched its exhaustive ‘Three Million Plan’ this year when Spain dropped to being the 12th largest producer of cars worldwide (previously ninth).

The plan aims to boost auto production to three million by 2017 and put Spain back in the top 10.

So far the statistics look good and in the past 12 months – except January – production has been in the green.

In the last six months alone, Spain has produced 1.3 million vehicles. If it continues at the same rate, 2014 will end with a 12%

higher production rate than predicted.

Production would reach 2.6 million this year, putting Spain back in 9th place.

Thailand’s production has been predicted at 2.2 million this year, a 10% drop from last year’s numbers. Sitting in between Spain and Thailand are Canada and Russia, which have seen a 1.8% and 12% drop respectively.

Mexico, however, has put itself in eighth place after producing over three million cars in 2013, making it untouchable, even if the ‘Three Million Plan’ succeeds.

Competition aside, Spain’s production increases have done great things for the economy.

Anfac created 6,000 jobs in the first trimester of 2014 alone and it closed out 2013 with €2.2 billion in profits.

SPEEDING AHEAD: Spanish production is up 12%

Running on empty THINKING of buying a car?

Be quick – government subsidies will soon be running on empty.

According to motor vehicle association Ganvam’s president, Juan Antonio Sanchez, there is only enough money left to last until the end of October.

The pot is emptying for PIVE 6, a national scheme that offers between €2,000 and €3,000 in subsidies to new

car buyers.

In the sixth consecutive year of PIVE, the government had set aside €175 million in January to last through 2014, but buyers have snatched up the deals quicker than expected, making the scheme a great success.

Not only did PIVE keep Spain’s automotive industry solvent, the government reportedly earned €2 for every €1 it invested.

PIVE, however, has greater aims than turning profits.

Spain’s cars are on average the oldest in Europe, with more than 50% of road traffic made up of cars 10-years-old or more.

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Top Dollar

35 the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

Axiom of evil OLIVE PRESS EXCLUSIVE: Pensioner seeking ponzi victims to get crooks in court

AN Almeria pensioner who lost over €110,000 to two ponzi schemes is searching for an estimated 14,000 fellow victims to join her legal

By Rob Horgan battle.

Liz Turner, 67, has been coordinating the victim network Axiom Legal Financ-

ing Group after the Axiom Legal Financing Fund – valued at over €125 million – collapsed in December 2011.

Back of the net... debt!

SPAIN’S football clubs have dug themselves into €663,876 million debt to the Spanish Tax Office, with Division One teams accounting for €500 million of it.

The huge figure does not even include premiere teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao Athletic and Osasuna, who are not required to disclose their current debts.

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports has termed the situation ‘worrisome,’ yet Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético Madrid seems unphased.

“It makes me laugh when people talk about the €500 million debt to the Tax Office. And that’s a tragedy?” Cerezo said, cutting the half-billion to size.

“Many businesses in Spain could triple that,” he continued.

“I understand that the Tax Office wants to charge [the clubs] and this and that,” Cerezo stated, “but from September to May we keep a great part of the country entertained.

“That is what’s important for me.”

NOT WORRIED: Cerezo

Turner, originally from Lincolnshire, is now also taking on the same task in fighting the Australian based scheme, LM, valued at over €260 million with 12,000 victims worldwide.

After moving to Spain in 2005, Turner found herself the victim of the two separate ponzi schemes and is fighting both companies for justice.

“We are talking about a frightening amount of money for legal costs. The only way we can afford it is if we all get together and support one another,” Turner told the Olive Press.

“Most of us don't have enough money left to take the case to court ourselves, we must cover the costs together as nobody can afford to lose any more money.”

Lawyers from UK firm Slater and Gordon say the group needs to find 150 more vic-

The Insurance Doctor

Have you got it covered?

This week, Olive Press insurance expert Danni Worth throws the floor open for FAQs

1.

Does my golf buggy insurance include use on the road?

Unless your buggy has a registration number, lights, indicators, horn, and has been homologated for use on the roads – and this extends not only to major roads, but also to internal community roads within urbanisations – then it is an offence to use the buggy on the public highway, and the insurance would be invalidated.

2. Who is entitled to drive my car?

This varies from insurer to insurer but, generally speaking, any driver over 27 years of age who has held a full licence

for over two years, and has the owners permission, is able to drive the car. You must advise us if anyone under this age is intending to drive the car.

I have an apartment and the community arranges the buildings policy. Do I still need cover?

There is no clear cut answer to this as each case is potentially different. However, in our experience, community insurance policies do not always cover private water pipes and will often have low sums insured, leading to problems in the event of a claim. In addition, the community policy will only cover the ‘original’ buildings, as handed over by the developer – therefore any improvements such as installation of a safe, security grilles, sun blinds etc. will NOT be covered. Our advice, always, is for the client to ‘top-up’ with a first loss buildings limit of at least € 20,000. We would also recommend that they consider insuring for the full reconstruction cost, and accept that there is some duplication of cover.

Which documents is it obligatory to carry in your vehicle when driving in Spain?

You need a valid driving licence, the ficha tecnica – showing all the technical details of the car and insurance documents (receipts, green card, certificate of insurance for UK vehicles). We recommend you do NOT leave the documentation in the car when it is unattended, in case the car gets stolen, especially as you will need the paperwork when making a statement at the police station.

Can I get a quote if I don’t have a registration number?

Yes. We understand that there may be circumstances where you won't have the registration number of the car you want to insure (you may be thinking of changing cars and want to find out the cost of insuring the new one). However, if you decide to take out the new policy, we need to know the registration number.

6. Can I get private medical insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

The approach varies from insurer to insurer but, in general terms, yes, although there are likely to be some restrictions.

These may completely exclude any treatment related to the condition, or involve some form of limitation. It is imperative that you do NOT cancel existing health insurance before establishing what, if any, restrictions the new provider will impose.

Contact us if you have any further questions or would like to review certain parts of your policy, see my email (left).

3.

4.

5.

Op de Beeck & Worth - Insurance Brokers C. C. Guadalmina IV - Locales 9798, 29670, San Pedro Alcantara (Málaga) - Tel +34 952 88 22 73/Fax +34 952 88 42 26 olivepress@opdebeeck-worth.com www.opdebeeck-worth.com

-

tims before they can take Axiom to court.

So far the group has 60 members, predominantly from northern Spain, but Turner is convinced that there are more victims in the south.

She said: “We have started to find people, it has been a slow process, but we will continue to look. There will definitely be a large number of victims from the south of Spain, we just need to reach out to them, or for them to get in contact with us.

“It is hard to find so many people scattered across the globe. We need all the help we can get.”

A spokesperson from offshorealert.com – an online financial advisory service – said the two ‘masterminds’ behind the Axiom scam had ‘gone underground’.

To contact the group visit www.axiomlegalfinancinggroup.com or email info@axiomlegalfinancinggroup.com.

Brain drain

SPAIN is one of the European countries worst hit by the so-called ‘brain drain’ effect.

Thousands of professionals including nurses and teachers have fled the country since the 2008 crisis, according to new figures from the European Union.

Graduates are finding employment harder to come by, and research and development funding have been slashed in many industries, driving professionals to move abroad.

Barclays cashes in BARCLAYS bank is to sell part of its Spanish business for €800 million to the country’s third largest lender, CaixaBank.

The deal involves 270 branches and approximately 555,000 new clients, with the sale including Barclays’ retail, wealth management and corporate banking business in Spain.

36

Top Dollar

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

We don’t want you!

PRIME Minister Mariano Rajoy will not accept an independent Scotland into the European Union.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond promised Scottish nationals they would see an easy transition into the EU, but Rajoy plans to make it as difficult as possible.

The prime minister added that if any region splits from its country, then ‘it converts itself into a third party outside the EU’.

Spain received backing from Belgium, which also insisted that it would not approve Scotland’s EU application.

This refusal would make Scotland’s economically-uncertain independence more

SPAIN’S labour costs have peaked above the UK’s as a weak pound and lower wages make the UK a low-cost country compared to European counterparts.

The average hourly cost

Stand-alone Scotland would not be welcome in EU, says Rajoy, and Belgium supports him

risky, as it would be required to implement a new currency and surrender economic support from the EU. Rajoy’s comments are noticeably applicable to Catalunya’s bid for independence.

“It’s very clear to me, as it is for everybody else in the world, that a country that would obtain independence from the EU would remain outside of the EU, and that is good for Scottish citizens to know and for all EU citizens to know,” he added.

Rajoy hopes UK Prime Minister David Cameron would take the same stance should Catalunya secede.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish deputy first minister, pointed out that the two independence movements should not be treated equally, as the Scottish independence referendum has been approved by the UK. She noted that Rajoy has previously acknowledged that the two movements are 'absolutely and totally different’.

CHEAP LABOUR: UK lower than Spain

was €20.90, according to data from Eurostat.

The Eurozone average is €23.70 per hour and Britain and Spain are far below Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands.

Unemployment and productivity improvements in Spain since 2008 have pushed down the unit labour costs. In the UK, weak wage growth accompanied by weak productivity has damaged overall competitiveness.

Spain’s average hourly labour costs rose 8.7% between 2008 and 2013 compared to the EU’s average of 10.2%. However in the UK, the average labour costs remained practically the same over the five year period.

AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

Behind bars in Spain

Antonio Flores of Marbella law firm, Lawbird, explores the controversies of a night in a cell SLEEPING in a cell for a couple of nights is not a pleasant experience, whichever way you look at it.

When this happens, however, there is still controversy in Spain as to whether a lawyer can actively participate in police station interrogations, as we often see in American films.

Spanish Criminal Procedural laws establish that a lawyer can be present, at the request

LOCKED UP: Without a lawyer?

of the detainee, when they are being informed of the charges leading to his detention and when being read his rights (among others, the right of foreigners to contact their consulate).

It is generally not allowed, however, for a lawyer to provide counsel at the time of arrest.

Where the police conduct inquiries with the detainee, a lawyer is to be present and according to Article 520.6 c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, is allowed ‘a reserved conversation with his detainee’.

It is this last point that has been a bone of contention between law societies and police forces once again due to an imprecise wording of the law.

According to the police, current laws do not envisage a prior interview between the lawyer and the detainee; law societies, and some judges, however, express their opposition by stating that lawyers cannot be a ‘convidado de piedra’ - or a stone guest - in the sense of Pushkin’s poetic drama.

Once again, the result of the lawmaker’s poor legal drafting.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

Tweet tax TWITTER is the latest major internet multinational firm to have opened up a Spanish subsidiary. But, like Google, it has shifted profits to Ireland to keep corporate taxes down.

Brazilian bid TELEFONICA is considering an improved offer for Vivendi’s Brazilian broadband unit, after its original €6.7 billion was rejected last week.

NOT WELCOME: Alex Salmond’s EU promises could face resistance from PM Mariano Rajoy

Hard labour of employing someone in Spain last year was €21.10 compared to the UK which

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Lock stock THE European Central Bank may be edging closer to a largescale asset purchase programme known as quantitative easing, as European stocks paused from a two-day rally on Wednesday.

Mall madness FASHION WARS: H&M takes on Zara

Online battle of the brands

MOVE aside Zara. Swedish clothing giant H&M has launched a Spanish retail site to rival the Spanish high street favourite.

The new site also features H&M Home which will challenge Zara’s interior decor site, Zara Home.

By the end of 2015, the company plans to be online in more than eight global markets including Italy and China, where Zara already has a web store.

H&M’s competitive prices have contributed to its increased popularity, especially in Spain, where unemployment makes bargain hunting a necessity.

THE UK government has announced plans to restrict UK tax-free personal allowances for non-UK residents.

As the personal allowance is currently £10,000 per year (or higher for over 65s/75s), a full removal of this for expats receiving UK income could have a significant effect, as has been highlighted by some alarmist headlines.

However, once you delve into the detail of the plans, the changes in their current format may have limited effect for expats.

Expats with state pensions, private pensions or rental income from the UK: If you are tax resident in Spain, you are taxable on your UK (and worldwide) income and you are entitled to offset UK tax suffered against your Spanish tax liability.

Fully tax-compliant expats will know that there is usually tax to pay in Spain in addition to that paid in the UK. If the personal allowance is removed, it would increase the UK tax liability and in turn increase the deduction for UK tax on your Spanish tax return, reducing your Spanish tax liability. There should, therefore, be no overall effect

SPAIN’S shopaholics will be excited to hear 16 new shopping centres are opening in the the next two years, a massive 500,000 square metres of new retail space.

Flybe flees BRITISH airline Flybe will cease flights to Spain and Portugal from Exeter Airport as of September 30 as it lacks the funds to continue with international flights.

Don’t panic

Tax adviser Alex Browne takes a calmer look at changes to UK tax allowances for expats on the tax position of a Spanish tax resident UK expat.

Expats receiving government service/ local authority pensions: If you are in receipt of a ‘crown service’ pension, which usually relates to government or local authority service, the UK has exclusive taxing rights on this pension and there is normally no Spanish tax liability. The removal of the UK personal allowance for expats receiving crown pensions could therefore have a significant effect, as there is no Spanish tax liability to offset. However, the government plans state explicitly that the UK personal allowance would be retained for income that is taxable exclusively in the UK. Individuals receiving crown service pensions should therefore not experience any changes.

How will it work?

The government plans to

apply the personal allowance restriction by testing a non-UK resident’s economic connection to the UK. The proposed measure is to remove the personal allowance if less than 90% of a non-UK resident’s income is derived from the UK. As such, expats whose only source of income is from the UK may continue to benefit from the personal allowance.

The rules are currently at a consultation stage, and the above rules are therefore subject to change. There is no set date for the application of the new rules; however it would be reasonable to assume that they would commence on April 6, 2015. The draft legislation is likely to be released in late autumn and any updates will of course be in the Olive Press.

If you require advice on UK/ Spanish tax issues you can contact Alex at alex@bcplawfirm.com or via www. taxforukexpats.com.

37

Top Dollar

Market mumbles

the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander NEW pension rules – heralding the arrival of the most flexible pension options ever seen in the UK – will apply from April 2015, when ‘total flexibility’ will be the name of the game.

There was some concern that there would be limitations as to how these options might apply to certain final salary pension schemes, but we now know that these restrictions will not apply.

These rules are, however, for UK pension schemes for members who are still residing in the UK. For expats, it would be dangerous to assume that the new rules will automatically apply.

If the pension scheme is still held in the UK the new rules should apply and it is only personal tax issues which LEADING IT ALL: George Osborne

Expats: check yourself Flexible new UK pension rules are on the way in but don’t assume they will apply to you, writes Richard Alexander need to be considered. You may consider moving from the UK scheme into QROPS, as there are many advantages to be gained in making this change. However, if your plan is to gain access to the new flexibility, then you should not assume that the new rules will automatically extend to your QROPS. It is fair to say that QROPS have to comply with rules as

laid down by HMRC, but for people who have been nonUK tax-residents for less than five years, the UK tax rules can still reach them. After that period it is usually the rules from the jurisdiction where the QROPS is administered and the tax rules of your country of residence that will prevail.

However, not all QROPS providers or even jurisdictions

will automatically fall into line with the new rules. It will be down to each provider to determine their position and while some have already indicated that they will comply, others have made it clear that this may not happen.

All is not lost if you find yourself in a pension scheme that is not as flexible as you would wish – you always have the ability to move on. Beware, however, as there may well be exit fees to pay if you transfer away.

If you are already in QROPS, then your decisions have already been made, but if you are still contemplating a move and thinking about making use of the new flexibility, do check that you will be able to do all that you plan to. If you cannot confirm this now, then perhaps the best plan is to wait and see if the new rules are implemented by your provider.

However, with a General Election in the UK next May, a change of government might just result in a change of policy. You may need to act quickly in the Spring of 2015 to avoid disappointment.

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

Pat on the back from Germany

By Mark Rickard GERMANY gave Spain’s Finance Minister, Luis de Guindos, the thumbs up last week, with Angela Merkel and Wolfgang Schaeuble praising him for his management of the economic crisis.

They particularly highlighted his implementation of austerity measures over the last five years, with Spain reporting its fourth quarter of growth this year!

Unfortunately other Eurozone economies have been underperforming with flat unemployment numbers, and Germany’s business confidence indices declining.

The European Central Bank’s policy statement will be closely monitored this Thursday when it makes its interest rate decision, which is expected to remain unchanged at 0.15%.

As always the Bank of England will be announcing its interest rate 45 minutes earlier on the same day.

Its considerations, however, are far less crucial, as the UK’s forecasts are moving in the right direction.

THUMBS UP: Merkel

Consumer confidence has been reported at its highest since 2005, and a nationwide house price survey has reported a 0.8% monthly house price growth.

I’m also predicting sterling this week to head back toward 1.27 against the euro.

The Greenback raced in front of both the pound and the euro meanwhile, as the US economy continues to grow. Sentiment is high and forecasting is bold for GDP, durable goods and home sales.

The Fed is considering its next interest rate rise sooner rather than later.

Contact HiFX for help with your international transactions Centro Plaza, 951 203 986 or olivepress@hifx.co.uk

38

T

Columnists

HERE’S only one place to be ‘in’ with the ‘in’ crowd in summer on the Costa del Sol and it’s not Nikki Beach.

Given a choice between watching Premier League p***heads taking champagne showers, or four-horsemen teams displaying apocalyptic skills on a field triple the size of a soccer pitch, I know where I’d rather be. In Sotogrande, for the Land Rover International Tournament at Santa Maria Polo Club.

For one, you get a better class of spectator. Although I had to check the pages of ¡Hola! to realise I’d been mingling with the Duke of Anjou, the Duchess of Alba’s son and his missus, plus various heirs to the Hermes and Domecq dynasties.

There’s a gladiatorial splendour to polo – the serried ranks of equestrians built like Russell Crowe, the musky scent of horseflesh, enough ponies to shoot the remake of Ben-Hur… Chukka This year’s 43rd edition featured a white-tented shopping village selling must-haves at go-without prices, ‘apres polo’ parties awash with Grey Goose Vodka and players from 17 countries including five ‘10goal handicappers’ (there are only seven in the world). That’s the soccer equivalent of Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez, Ibrahimovic and Bale breathing the same air. You’d never see that at Ocean Club!

Except for Finals days, the Bronze, Silver and Gold Cup matches are free to see, so it won’t cost you a mint. Although

That’s polo at Sotogrande, writes Belinda Beckett, aka Mistress of Sizzle

Cooler than the mint with the hole!

PHWOAR: Gladiators on horseback with Russell Crowe bodies with an iced espresso at €4, wads of cash are required to see you through a long night of Gold Cup-winning drinking.

There’s an art in not making a horse’s ass of yourself – and not only the ability to tell one end from the other after a pitcher of Pimms (they’re ponies, by the way, not horses).

With the Andalucia Polo Championship coming up (September 12-21), may I suggest a few pointers?

By all means swat up on polospeak (goal, ball, mallet) but on a need-to-know basis, you only need to know this: a chukka has nothing to do with throwing up. It’s a period of play in a

match. There’s a three-minute break between each chukka, for players to swap ponies and spectators to recharge glasses.

The Sotogrande set put it away but they don’t do ‘drunk’. ‘Tiddly-poo’, yes. ‘Legless’, neigh, neigh and thrice neigh. Having to be carried out comatose?

Social suicide!

Polite clapping between chukkas is encouraged. Chanting and screaming is not! In Sotogrande, speak sotto voce: a simple ‘bravo’ or ‘jolly good’ at normal decibel level works best. (If from Essex, practice with a plum in your mouth.)

The dress code is studied casual. You want to create the impression you’ve come straight from the beach (the real one, not Nikki’s), although it takes hours of meticulous grooming to achieve this informal look.

For ladies, anything goes so long as it’s not polyester, accessorised with gladiator sandals/wedges (killer heels are verboten on the hallowed turf).

For men, what else but a polo shirt, shorts if you’ve the legs for them (with leather loafers, never socks) or chinos (raspberry sorbet is this season’s preferred colour). Locks should be stylishly ruffled or topped with a Panama hat, worn at a rakish angle a la Johnny Depp.

Complete your look with a cute dog (on a leash). Four legs are better than two – and not only because the horsey set love animals. P.O.L.O. is also an acronym but I won’t spell it out.

This is a family newspaper...

SIZZLE: Enjoying a bit of horseplay

SAUCY: Getting to grips with polo

Once more unto the beach Part II Marbella ‘playa’boy Giles Brown concludes his twopart series on how to navigate beach etiquette

BARING ALL: Letting it all hang out

T

O borrow the estate agents’ mantra, a successful day at the beach is a question of ‘location, location, location’.

You can either choose to base – and baste – yourself at a beach club, or on the sand itself. Which brings me to the Giles Brown Beach Rule Number Two: when you find that pristine stretch of sand, check the calendar. If it’s Sunday, pack up and go home. Otherwise, within half-an-hour of rolling out your beach mat, applying the Hawaiian Tropic and opening the latest Jackie Collins, you’ll find yourself surrounded.

What may look like the encampment of Attila’s hords is, in fact, 20 Spanish families enjoying Sunday on the playa. An afternoon with Attila would be preferable.

As well as the ice boxes, picnic tables, beach umbrellas, folding chairs and emergency kit for the baby, Spanish families love to set up camp 100m from their Seats and fling the doors open, blasting music from the car stereo.

The kids will be running between the sea and their beach base camp (spraying sand over you, of course) with whatever stone, bottle or unmentionable

item they’ve found. Then one of the little darlings falls over, gets soaked by a sibling or is gobbled up by a great white shark (OK, I made that last one up, but it’s a fervent wish sometimes).

If you find a quiet spot and its not Sunday, stay alert. A gang of mulleted morons on quads are bound to race over the horizon and start tearing up the sand around you. Quads are my current bete noire – but I’ll save my spleen for a future article.

Your next task is to decide, what kind of beach bar? You could plump for the luxurious Nikki Beach, Ocean Club or La Cabane at Los Monteros, all full of beautiful people doing beautiful things to each other. (The eastern European teenager being entertained by the 70-year-old George Hamilton lookalike is his niece…no, really). Just watch out for the champagne spray when the guys from Sintillate are holding one of their extravaganzas. Or you can head for somewhere you can feel the sand between your toes and chill out with a

couple of Mojitos – Victor’s and Mistral are always popular.

On to Beach Rule Number Three: avoid doing anything energetic on the beach. Dancing is out, especially when directly linked to the number of drinks consumed. You’ve only to see the scrum at Sharkey’s on a Sunday to see why. And the big no-no is watersports.

I’m still recovering from Fun Marbella’s press lunch last year, when I foolishly accepted an invitation to go on the Flyfish, the invention of a deranged aquatic sadist. If I’d wanted a salt water enema I’d have booked myself a session at a Thalasso spa, thank you.

Rather than be dragged behind a speedboat, watch from the bar. If anybody asks you why you’re not wind surfing, kite surfing or jet skiing, just say you’d love to but you’re competing in the nationals next week and your coach doesn’t want you to get injured.

Follow these golden rules and you’ll be sure to enjoy a fabulous summer on the beach. I’ll be the one with the Mojito and surf shorts by the bar.

the olive press

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We Provide: ● High Quality CUPLOK Scaffolding ● Quick Installation ● Safe and Reliable ● 24/7 Safety Repairs ● Fully Qualified Tradesmen

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YOU COULD BE ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS HERE FROM JUST 8 EUROS AN ISSUE

FOOD & DRINK

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the olive press

To place your classified, please call 951 127 006 or email admin@theolivepress.es

Mobility

SWIMMING POOLS

THE MOBILITY WIZARD. The only company in southern Spain that specialises in repairing and maintaining mobility scooters, power chairs and mobility products. Authorised repair agents for most European manufacturers. Most repairs carried out at your place of residence, batteries analysed and replaced if needed, tyres supplied and fitted. Summer’s coming, has your mobility scooter been serviced lately? Full service and inspection at your home for just €60. Large selection of mobility scooters available for sale and rent, no deposit required and free delivery. We also offer roadside assistance, we will come to your rescue if you’re unfortunate enough to have a breakdown or puncture, keep this number handy! Tel 633 127 901 / www.mobility-spain.com / info@mobility-spain.com

Recruitment offers

Sales Coordinator/Office Manager Salary €15-20k (based on experience) An exciting new role has arisen for an experienced Sales Coordinator/Office Manager to join a growing yet established company, reporting to the Head of Business Development and Spain Country Manager.

Responsible for implementing systems and processes to keep the office running smoothly, you will be an effective communicator, acting as ambassador for our values of Customer, Respect and People. Daily duties include (but are not limited to):

cars/motoring I BUY ANY CAR UK OR Spanish any price cash Mobile vehicle airconditioning, gas recharge, etc

602 533 508 mikewallsp@gmail.com

recruitment WANTED

• Sales team admin duties: typing, documents, financial reports and filing

UNWaNted or SCrap CarS Free Collection

• Front of house: first point of contact for clients, visitors and enquiries • Meetings and diary management

Good, Bad, Or Ugly

• Maintaining office marketing collateral, stationery and supplies

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The successful candidate will be computer literate, with proven experience in office management/front of house, ideally in a sales environment.

At least 2 years’ experience in the Spanish property industry/wealth management/financial services/travel/retail is preferred.

696 321 138 722 560 924 Whatsapp

Please email CVs to careers@smartcurrencyexchange.com by 29th August 2014.

Interviews will be held on 3rd September.

We regret that only successful candidates will be contacted.

C.L.S SPAIN LTD

All tradesmen,brickies Carpenter,HGV trampers

Native English Teacher

PRICES FROM:

Average earnings

Must speak Spanish and be qualified to teach children from ages 9-12

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Contract and paid holidays Contact 649 028 572

10th-20th-30th Every month

952 596 213.665 150 227 00 44 7587 2663 spainukspain.com uk 07595872663

in the UK and europe Regular guaranteed work 1 week or 40 weeks info@cambscontractors. co.uk 0044 1487822008

Hotel Castellar We are looking for a hard working, creative and imaginitive head chef to help develop and maintain high levels of culinary excellence at this rapidly rising hotel.

The hotel offers a number of dining options from a beautiful 80 cover restaurant, a forty cover courtyard option for the warmer months as well as a poolside bar and restaurant open during the long summer months.

The hotel also enjoys a growing wedding, event and private dining market.

The successful candidate, as well as possessing excellent culinary knowledge, must be commercially aware and able to work within a friendly, but highly professional, ‘family’ style of environment.

The ability to converse ‘day to day’ in both Spanish and English is essential.

r

Please send your CV (in either Spanish or English) to

e

The Director Hotel Castellar Calle La Fuente, s/n Castellar de la Frontera Cadiz 11350 or e-mail director@hotelcastellar.com

the olive press

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49 cents per word. Minimum charge based on 10 words per issue and a minimum of 2 issues. IVA not included All ads include the first 2 words in bold.

For all text in bold add 25% Display boxes Single column display box 38€ per issue

August 20 - Sept 3 2014

Launching our new meeting point column

Double column display box 54€ per issue Three column display box 75€ per issue Full name and passport or NIE number must be provided when advertisements are placed. All ads must be paid prior to publication

looking for friendship love or more- help is at hand

garden and landscaping

Outgoing, active, young graduate, early 20s recently moved to the coast, looking for someone to share my love of the region.

Contact me on tompowell0423@ gmail.com

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Retired, attractive, NS english woman, WLTM sincere active gentleman for travelling & possible relationship. Email bella10035@yahoo.co.uk Fun-loving 40-something looking for solvent, interesting man, with GSOH. Must love animals...

Contact crazyred@telefonica.net

Find your dream partner from just an 8-euro advertisment in The Olive Press

Tel. 619 591 760

Landscaping and Building projects

Pensioner 80 seeks lady 60+ for company/friendship, nationality unimportant...634 141 741

specialist wines/ foods

Carers

Doña Copetta

Wine Shop and Delicatessan Order your favourite wine best quality & prices distribution from Torremolinos to Sotogrande CAN’T FIND THAT WINE?

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Wine searching service available Personalised Labels

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(references available)

iT SERVICES

Carers

business International Business Solutions

company l trust l foundation Formation l Management l Administration Statutory Officers marine services Vessel Registration l Radio Licensing business services Banking l Accounting l Will Writing l Virtual Office

property

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TRANSPORT and storage

misc SERVICES THE BOOKEND

English Bookshop

10,000 English books for sale C/ Juan Relinque 45 Vejer de la Frontera 625 870 255

Motorhomes - Caravans Boats - Cars & Vans Delivery & Collection available Short Term - Long Term Established 15 years Safe & Secure - 24hr CCTV

Lorry going to South of France/Italy end of August Do you have anything to come back to Costa Blanca/Costa del Sol/UK?

PEST CONTROL pest local solutions PEST CONTROL 952449591

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drainage

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Eurodog Boarding Kennels & Cattery

Fully Licensed Sanitary Approved Large Secure Runs Purpose Built Secure Play Area Established For Over 20 Years 5 Minutes From Fuengirola

679 786 669 - Alan - 952 464 947 www.eurodog.es - Email - info@eurodog.es

FARMERS have dumped thousands of potatoes outside a Carrefour in Granada in protest over a move to lower prices and squeeze suppliers.

In the wake of Russian sanctions on agricultural imports KICKING OFF: Farmers from the EU, a spud glut has prompted supermarket chains like Carrefour to lower prices, which has had a knock-on effect on suppliers.

The protest was called by the Union de Pequenos Agricultores y Granaderros (UPA) which claims the future of their industry is under threat.

“We are risking losing a very The protest follows demonimportant market that we strations in Zaragoza earlier will hardly be able to replace in the week, which saw fruit in the short term,” said a UPA growers dump excess produce on the streets and torch member.

“At this moment we have no an EU flag. idea what’s going to happen In Spain alone, the value of and we are gravely concerned food exported annually to about the magnitude and Russia is €600 million, acrange of the Russian govern- cording to data from Russian customs. ment’s decision.”

Spud riot

advertorial Regular entertainment every Sunday Afternoon from 4pm..

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Potato farmers up-in-arms as EU sanctions put the squeeze on suppliers

COAST & INLAND

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YEARLY Parking Offer Pay for one year and get 2 additional months free !

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Andy Claridge, Lesley Harrison, Alicia Lane and much more. Fun Quiz nights are starting in September. ´Hut-tastic´ Menu with homemade & cooked to order food which is just that little bit different - Open sandwiches €3.50...100% Beefburgers €6.00...Juicy Entrecote steaks €10.50...Speciality dish Pulled Pork baps €4.00 & the popular ´Snack Baskets´ for when you´re feeling that little bit peckish!

Fish & Chips with our crispy batter are available every Friday to eat in or take away at the great price of €8.50.

The Hut is rapidly turning into the place to be for a comfortable, fun, friendly atmosphere Pub & you are sure to return as Craig & Nicola are a great team & everyone is made to feel welcome with banter galore.

Don´t miss the El Chaparral golf slip road, just after the bend past El Faro/Playa Marina – Tel: 952493409 Follow & like TheHut2014 on to see what´s on & when.

SERVICES

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Winery wars Star-studded bodega partners fight Dynasty-style battle as wine sales enter the red A COUP d’etat in celebrity winery Bodegas Martue will end in court, where founder Fausto Gonzalez will claim he was illegally ousted from his own business.

The company looked set for stardom after being founded in 2000, with famous faces such as TV actor and director Emilio Aragon and real estate mogul Carlos Cutillas on board.

FOUNDER: Fausto Gonzalez

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FOOD DRINK FOOD && DRINK with INING SECRETSofof NDALUCIA.com with DD INING SECRETS AA NDALUCIA.com

By 2009 the vineyard had become one of only nine ‘vinos de pago’ in the country, the highest distinction for a winery.

But tension started building over the last two years, as the bodega sank deeper and deeper into the red. In 2012 the company spent €1.7 million to earn €200,000, and 2013 was no different.

Inevitably, Bodegas Martue ended up in 2.15 million euros-worth of debt.

The company soon split into two rival camps: Gonzales, his wife and step-brother on one side, and Aragon, Cutillas and three councillors on another.

Aragon and his supporters met in secret on July 11 and launched a coup on the bodega, overthrowing Gonzalez and naming Jorge Cutillas, Carlos’ brother, the new president.

But the colluders did not stop there: also in secret, they denounced Aragon to the Guardia Civil for supposedly hiding his property from tax authorities.

An enraged Gonzalez fought back by accusing Aragon and his team of corporate crimes and falsification of documents, insisting the transfer of power is illegal.

Who runs Bodegas Martue now? It is up to the court to decide.

Shell shocker

CAVEMEN in Spain were eating snails 10,000 years before their French neighbours, according to archaeological studies.

Hundreds of burnt snail shells, along with tools and ancient fireplaces, have been excavated at the Cova de la Barriada site on the Costa Blanca.

The find suggests roasted caracoles (snails in Spanish) were a favourite munch for Palaeolithic humans living in the area around 30,000 years ago.

Liquid gold

A MASSIVE upsurge in exports of its top product has given cause for celebration in Spain’s olive oil capital of Jaen.

The city will host an industry conference in September in honour of the province having quadrupled its year-onyear olive oil exports.

Andalucia is the leading exporter of agricultural food and drinks, comprising 25% of the national total, with olive oil exports from Jaen valued at €148 million.

Spain produces 50% of the world's olive oil, with 73% of that coming from the province of Andalucia. In 2013 olive oil exports from the region were worth €1.5 billion.

la sala TM

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Wednesday 17th September

The Silver Beats Beatles Tribute (10€ cover charge)

RESERVATIONS 95 281 4145 Monday 22nd September (10€ cover charge)

Adele ● Tribute

EMAIL: RESERVATIONS@LASALABANUS.COM - WEB: WWW.LASALABANUS.COM

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the olive press - September 4 - September 17 2014

Grape expectations

A busy man

HE might be nearly 80, but that hasn’t stopped entrepreneur Michael Dyde from adding a new business to his collection.

The owner of Pueblo Fiesta Holiday Park in Mollina and Lazy Days on the Isle of Sheppey, England, has opened Grumpy’s Steak House and Cocktail Bar in one of Mollina’s traditional houses.

“We have tried to maintain the integrity and beauty of the house, by leaving the beams and other features,” explained

FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

NO MIS-STEAK: A night at Grumpy’s Dyde, who grew up in Whitstable, Kent.

“It’s the kind of place you want to take close friends to chat, a partner for an anniversary, or a date you’re keen to impress.

“I am very busy but that’s how I like it, I want to make this restaurant so successful that it can be reservation only.”

Manilva’s annual grape harvest provides the region with a weekend festival of fun PREPARATIONS for Manilva's three-day, foot-stomping, grape festival are underway.

Every year, over the first weekend in September, Manilva celebrates its annual grape harvest with flamenco dancers, wine tasters and brass bands.

The festival was founded in the early 60s and has become an important part of the local calendar, drawing visitors from all across the region.

Manilva's Moscatel grape is used to produce dry and sweet wines, as well as creating the world-famous Pasas de Malaga (Malaga raisin) when dried.

Activities begin on September 6 with a competition at the Manilva Wine Centre to find the best bunch of grapes in the region.

Later in the afternoon, there is a Holy Mass after which the Virgin is borne through the

streets, accompanied by the Manilva town band, to the Plaza de la Vendimia where she receives an offering of grapes.

Saturday is capped off by an evening of live music and dancing in the Plaza.

Sunday is considered the main day of the festival, with the party starting at midday and carrying on into the early hours of Monday morning.

The ceremonial treading of the grapes takes place on Sunday evening, along with the local riding club's parade.

Monday is a public holiday and marks the end of celebrations.

In other grape-related news, Mallorca's annual grape-throwing festival takes place at the end of September. With free vino served on the final day, it looks set to be a wine-soaked weekend in more ways than one.

FOOT STOMPING: Grape festival in Manilva

JUICY: Revellers in Mallorca

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www.theolivepress.es

Hotelier and Hoteli-HER

Lost and found I ALWAYS thought it would be interesting to work in a railway lost property office.

Besides umbrellas, what other things do people leave on trains? I remember false teeth being one that was hard to fathom.

Objects get left behind almost everyday in our hotel.

Swimsuits hanging on terraces and night attire left under pillows are common finds along with mobile phone chargers.

We regularly spend time reuniting bereft items with their owners.

However, some people do go the extra mile. We did an emergency dash to the airport when someone forgot their whole suitcase. Can you really forget a whole suitcase? Evidently, yes.

But even that is not quite as embarrassing as the bedside drawer completely full of sex toys we once discovered. I won’t go into details.

Normally we contact people to ask if they would like items sent on. On that occasion we decided to wait for the guests to contact us – which they never did!

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FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com Advertorial

ANGRY CUSTOMERS

AT RURAL HOTEL People reduced to tears to find no rooms available – “nowhere really compares, book soon” advise owners FROM OUR BENAOJÁN CORRESPONDENT

IN DEMAND: Tourists in Ronda and Lemons, both

by Christine Ellingham

Years of dedication We are delighted to host Christine Ellingham’s latest exhibition A stroke of colour.

The preview was held last Saturday, and lots of people came to chat with Christine and view her works – and I’m thrilled that seven of her pictures were sold.

One of the most admired paintings was Tourists in Ronda, which was bought by Matthew Pudsey from Montecorto, near Ronda.

A second, Lemons, was the most in demand with several prospective buyers, but it eventually went to Stuart Large from Berkshire in the UK. Christine is an artist to the core. Every day she gets up early and paints – apart from Wednesdays when she goes to Mercadona to do the weekly shop! – and that sense of dedication and curiosity can really be felt when you see her works.

Please drop by to see the exhibition – Molino is open all day, every day – and it will continue until November 9.

BarIssue - Restaurante.

Estacion Local issueHotel 46:The -Local 5 5/12/14 7:29 Bda PM Page 59

s/n, 29370 Benaojan, Malaga. 952 16 71 51 - 952 16 79 27 . info@molinodelsanto.com

Fed up with crap!!!

The latest news is of a hotel in the Ronda Area where people are hugely disappointed to find there are often no rooms available because the hotel is full.

Hotel and Restaurant Molino del Santo in the sleepy village of Benaoján has only 18 rooms and demand is such that they are often all occupied. Owners Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin do all they can to reassure potential guests that all is not lost but there is NOWHERE quite like Molino del Santo.

WELCOMING You will find a charming old watermill, lovingly converted into a welcoming hotel.

In a wonderful unspoilt area with great views and a rushing stream running by, you will relax before you know it.

There are delightful gardens and, if you can tear yourself away, there is a wide selection of walking routes that the hotel have prepared from the gates.

101 IDEAS GUIDE For those who stay longer, and many wish they had, the hotel has a brand new guide entitled “101 Great Ideas to Enjoy the Ronda Area.” You can get a free copy at any time.

Just send an e-mail to info@molinodelsanto. com or call the reception on 952 167 151.

There is great food available every day – although it is always best to book for lunch or dinner if you want to be assured of the best tables. The full menus are available on-line including a very popular menu at 27euros which changes every month. See menus at www.molinodelsanto.com.

BEAUTICIAN And if you need some pampering a beautician is available three days a week offering unisex massages, pedicures, manicures, facials and waxes – all at prices you won’t believe.

Lots of people take the local train from San Roque to enjoy the peace of the terrace. Open 7 days a week to non-residents – but you have been warned. You really must book. info@ molinodelsanto.com or call 952 16 71 51.

TRIP ADVISOR Sound too good to be true? Check out reviews on Trip Advisor – the Hotel has been voted the BEST in Andalucia for its service in 2014.

Special events? An escape with friends? Or just need to spoil yourself? Head to the hills and to Molino del Santo soon. Book ahead to avoid the heartache! info@molinodelsanto. com or call 952 16 71 51

Paradise at Molino del Santo is closer than you think

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EDDIE THE HOTEL DOG’S THORTS

We offer exactly what it says on the tin

COCOMO Cocktail Bar & Restaurant Reservations recommended

685 218 054 Next to the Senator Banus Spa Hotel

Please mention The Local when responding to advertisements Page 59

A Big Poplar tree has fallen into our river. Now this is important for a dog because it means there are lots more sticks available. The photo shows me and my friend Samuel and Bossy Pants playing tug-a-stick. Would have loved to pull one of them into the river but couldn’t quite manage it.

FRE E GIF T

word “Eddie” to receive your present.

Only one gift per group of people!

Oh did you hear about the dog who went to a Flea Circus? He stole the show.

Good News! - Now Bossy Pants (aka he who must be obeyed) wants to offer a FREE GIFT to anyone who visits and mentions me this month. When you next go to Molino del Santo say the magic

Follow us on Facebook for Special Offers Hotel Molino del Santo www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51

Mouthy mayor PROTESTERS in Valladolid are calling for the mayor to resign, after he said he would ‘feel uneasy’ being alone with a woman in case she accused him of rape.

On the buses WORK has started on a new bus station in San Pedro despite months of protests from teachers and parents, who claim it is dangerously close to a local school.

FINAL WORDS

Big move SPANIARDS came in third as the highest number of EU migrants travelling to the UK after 41,070 National Insurance numbers were assigned in 2014.

Giving back SPAIN has returned 691 indigenous artefacts to Colombia. The ceramic items - that date back to 1400BC, and have huge cultural value - were seized by police 11 years ago.

Nervewracking WORK has begun on restoring Andalucia’s infamous Camino del Rey. The ‘world’s most dangerous walk’ is a gorge pathway near Malaga that fell into disrepair 20 years ago.

the

Covering Andalucia in 2014 with over 200,000 papers EE (130,000 digital) and around 300,000 visits to the R F website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

olive press

Telephone: 951 127 006

September 4- September 17, 2014

Call

www.theolivepress.es

The place to be Malaga’s residents are the happiest in Spain and in the top 15 in the whole of Europe

PEOPLE in Malaga are all smiles as new statistics reveal the southern city is the best place to live in Spain.

Europe-wide research found the people of Malaga were happier than those living in the world-renowned cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

An impressive 96% of those surveyed by Urban Audit - a research group from the European Commission - said they were ‘satisfied to live’ in the Andalucian city, placing it in the top 15 of all 79 European cities surveyed.

Aalborg, in Denmark, came top of the list with 99% of

residents happy to live there whereas Athens is seemingly to be avoided with only 52% of people satisfied to be in the Greek capital.

Of the Spanish cities surveyed, Oviedo (94%) came in just behind Malaga, with Barcelona (90%) and Madrid (86%) following their lead.

Malaga also topped the Spanish charts when asked if ‘the presence of foreigners is good’ for the region, with 83% of people from the southern city agreeing that it is.

The opinion seems to be nationwide as the latest statistics on foreigners integrating

Doggy paddle

FOCUSSED: Bruno on patrol SPAIN’S first canine lifeguard has been hired to work at a beach in San Pedro del Pinatar, in Murcia.

Bruno the Newfoundland was put through his paces by owner David Alvarez to assess his life-saving potential.

Alvarez found that Bruno can swim up to five kilometres and can haul more than a ton while in the water.

Newfoundlands – with webbed feet and water-resistant coats – are natural swimmers, historically used by fisherman to pull in heavy nets.

Smoke ring THREE Brits have been arrested in Almogia after police raided their marijuana plantation…hidden in the town’s bullring.

When claims that the ring was being used for ‘livestock breeding’ raised eyebrows, the Tax Office and the Guardia Civil sought out its real purpose.

A customs helicopter found the top covered in plastic awnings, converting the stadium into a giant greenhouse.

Officers found 562 plants drying at the illicit nursery, but estimates claim it could have held up to 10,000 plants.

Police discovered 526 more plants and 63 kilos of marijuana at their base in Casares.

BULLISH: Malaga is a great place to live Oviedo comes first, with 63% satisfied with their ‘personal job situation’.

Barcelona is second with 62%, Madrid third with 56% and Malaga falls short with only 55%.

are up in each of the four cities since the 2009 survey.

But it is not all good news. If you are looking for job satisfaction then Malaga is not the place to go as it comes out bottom of the four.

Plane stupid A BELGIAN man has suffered serious injuries after 1,500 litres of water were dumped on him from a plane in Catalunya for the now-infamous Ice Bucket Challenge.

It was feared the 51-year-old had suffered serious internal injuries after the stunt at Empuriabrava aerodrome in Girona, but he was lucky to have suffered only minor wounds.

The Ice Bucket Challenge, a

Mosquito Screens

campaign to help those suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has taken social media by storm.

Participants film themselves having ice water tipped over them before nominating friends to do the same, encouraging donations.

The head of Skydive Empuriabrava, Rolf Kuratle, said the victim had organised the stunt with a friend who was flying the plane.

It has been reported that the amount of water that should be used was ‘miscalculated’.

So far the Ice Bucket Challenge has raised €47 million for research into the degenerative condition.

Mosquito Nick 647 072 861

Camp chic

VAGUE: A sheriff star?

SPANISH retail giant Zara is facing strong criticism after selling a child's outfit that looks like a concentration camp uniform.

The garment has now been removed and Zara apologised for the 'insensitive' design.

The long-sleeved blue-andwhite-striped top, bearing a yellow six-pointed star – uncannily similar to the Star of David – was marketed as a ‘striped sheriff t-shirt’.

But The Jewish Press condemned it as a ‘sly swipe at Holocaust survivors’ accusing the retailer of having ‘underhand motives’.

A spokesperson for Zara’s parent company Inditex said: “It was inspired by the classic Western films, but we now recognise that the design could be seen as insensitive.”

This is not the first time that Zara has been involved in an anti-Semitic gaffe. In 2007, stores stocked a handbag displaying four green swastikas. The company claimed their need to stay fashionable meant mistakes were occasionally made.

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For a Free Consultation - Tel: 952 58 48 58 www.ladentalclinic.es