Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 91

OLIVE PRESS

The

MALLORCA

Out of stock HIS nickname means ‘Out of stock’, which is entirely appropriate for Italian Vittorio ‘Esaurito’ Raso.

For the leader of one of Europe’s biggest crime gangs has been finally snared in Spain.

The smiling boss of Italy’s notorious 30,000 strong Ndrangheta gang was picked up by cops in Barcelona at the weekend.

Raso, 41, is a notorious cocaine-trafficker and long sought by European police.

His arrest came after two years of intelligence, when cops swooped on his home in his upmarket neighborhood of Diagonal Mar.

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Vol. 4 Issue 91 www.theolivepress.es October 16th - October 29th 2020

Dig deep for Dali diptych

FREUDIAN: The portraits of Dali and lover Gala

AN original, off-the-wall painting by one of Spain’s most famous artists was expected to fetch up to €11 million at auction last night.

The diptych, in art lingo, Couple aux têtes pleines de nuages (1937) depicts the Catalan artist and his wife Gala as framed silhouettes with their heads full of storm clouds.

“It is full of the highly person-

Kingpin

The leader of the infamous Ndrangheta - the main rival to Sicily’s mafia, based in Calabria since the 19th century - was preparing to flee on a ship bound for Brazil.

Cops in Italy meanwhile detained many of his gang, seizing weapons, drugs and €360,000 in cash.

The arrest of Raso marks a coup for the authorities, who long suspected the mafia kingpin had been hiding out in Fuengirola.

His gang allegedly turns over €43 billion a year from people smuggling, prostitution, drugs and extortion.

Your

Meet the Turk who terrorised the costas

al imagery that made Dali perhaps the most exciting Surrealist.

“It reveals his obsession with Freudian psychology as much as his obsession with his great lover and muse Gala,” said India Phillips, Global Head of Bonhams, in London, where the auction will take place on Thursday. Its most distinctive feature is a burning giraffe, likely linked to the Spanish Civil War, which was raging at the time it was painted.

Currently, the auction record for a Dali piece is €15 million.

Floody hell

Cash boost SMALL businesses and the self-employed badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic are getting a €1.7 million boost.

The cash is being made available to small-to-medium sized businesses (SMEs) and the self-employed in Palma de Mallorca.

Launched by the capital’s Governing Board, the campaign aims to boost the Balearic economy.

It also serves to help these individuals and companies overcome the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.

Initially, the board had allocated €516,000 towards the campaign, but has now topped it up with another €830,000.

The approved funds will be made available to commercial establishments, service companies or freelancers that carry out their activity in Palma.

They must have suffered losses of at least 75% in the months of March, April or May – a time when Spain was under the state of alarm.

This calculated loss must be compared against the same months of the previous year. More details on the grants will be published in the Official Gazette (BOIB) in the coming weeks and requested through the PalmaActiva website the day after its publication.

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AN alarming 40% of Spain’s coastline is at ‘a high risk’ of flooding from heavy storms.

A report from Spain’s Sustainability Observatory reveals that areas with substantial urbanisation are most vulnerable.

This includes parts of Mallorca, as well as the mainland costas.

It comes as the storm season which left a number of people dead last year in Spain and hit Mallorca hard in 2018 OUT! - is due.

KEEP SQUATTERS According to the report, coastal

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municipalities have been transformed from rural undeveloped regions to large tourist resorts with a negative impact on the local ecosystem. Calvia is one of the towns named in the report.

Out of the 50 places studied, 48 had seen excessive construction for tourism in the form of homes, hotels and golf courses.

Flooding after storms is generally caused by ‘a lack of suitable

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drainage, because traditional floodplains have been built on without planning’.

Also, man-made storm drains are often badly maintained and easily clog up with flora and other detritus.

The report looked at the ‘most artificial municipalities’ on the coast, with 10 each in the Canary Islands and the Balearics, two in Catalunya and five in Galicia, plus 11 and 12 in Valencia and Andalucia.

Marbella on the Costa del Sol was highlighted as the most urbanised, with the report claiming it is the ‘most impacted by intensive tourism in Spain’.

Next are Calvia, in Mallorca, Denia, on the Costa Blanca and Estepona, on the Costa del Sol. See local hero page 4

2

CRIME

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Drugs planted MORE than 1,000 marijuana plants have been seized by police in a drugs bust in the La Soletat neighbourhood of Palma. The investigation remains open in order to locate the individual responsible for growing the narcotics.

Dirty players TWO former RCD Mallorca football players, Sergi Enrich and Antonio Luna, have admitted to recording and sharing a video of them having sex with a woman without her consent. Both now face two years in jail and a €110,000 fine.

Mirror men A GROUP of locals in Palma joined forces to detain two youths who were seen smashing dozens of mirrors on parked cars. The vandals have since been detained and charged with criminal damage.

Knife attack THREE men have been arrested for attacking another man using knives and clubs in an alleged long running dispute. The victim suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

CREEP: Struck outside school

October 16th - October 29th 2020

A FATHER has reported the attempted kidnapping of his nine-year-old daughter from outside an English academy.

The man had approached his child as she was waiting to be picked by her grandmother outside the school in Santa Mari on Tuesday.

He told the child that her father had sent him to collect her and that she should follow him to his vehicle where he would then take her home.

The young girl refused and ran back into the

Kids beware academy to tell her tutors what had happened.

The suspect has been described as a bearded Spanish man, between 40 and 50 years old.

He was driving a small white van.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.

Second bite

THE alleged killer of a British expat had been involved in a knife attack on the same victim in the UK three years ago.

The Olive Press can reveal that Ben Nesbitt, 21, who was stabbed to death in Quesada on the Costa Blanca, on October 1 was hospitalised when three men attacked him in 2017.

Brits’ baton beating A POLICE officer was right to use his baton on two British tourists, a court has decided.

The Guardia Civil agent had appealed a fine handed to him for using a weapon without cause.

Axe to grind

Slain expat, 21, had been attacked by the same assailant in 2017 In the vicious assault in Southport, near Liverpool, he was left for dead after being knifed while he was asleep on a sofa. He later recovered after a long stay in hospital.

But it would appear that the

violent incident was not the end of the matter.

Sources have told the Olive Press that the man detained the day after Nesbitt’s death was one of the three men involved in the 2017 assault.

He is thought to have act-

A military court heard how the officer had been on patrol with a colleague on a popular party strip in Magaluf.

Just before 4am they watched a group of British holidaymakers being thrown out of a bar for being drunk and starting a fight with another group of Brits.

They then threatened and insulted security staff.

Police intervened in a bid to calm the Brits but claimed that they were also threatened.

It was then that the agent used his baton to hit one man on the

back and a woman in her stomach. The court found that the officer’s response was justified as the ‘tourists showed a violent attitude’ and attempts to ‘diffuse the situation verbally’ were unsuccessful.

History, adventure and romance.

That’s just the setting.

POPULAR: Magaluf

VICTIM: Ben Nesbitt ed as a driver and was later jailed for his part in the vicious attack.

The man was arrested in Girona as he headed for the French border, which lay just 40 miles away, and remanded in custody by an investigating judge.

He is being probed over the fatal stabbing of Nesbitt, 21, after a party over 400 miles away on the Costa Blanca.

The victim’s father Michael, told the Olive Press:, “I tried to block it all out, hoping that I’d wake up the next morning and all of this was just a nightmare - but it wasn’t.”

Nesbitt’s family are waiting to cremate Ben and return his ashes to his native Southport.

A MAN who spotted two people breaking into his car attacked them with an axe.

Now two men and a woman have been arrested after the violent dispute which left a 50-year-old man in hospital with deep gashes to his arm.

Po officers had responded to multiple calls from neighbours in Palma’s Son Malferit district.

They reported that a man and a woman were trying to force entry inside a parked car and a fight was now taking place between the alleged thieves and car owner.

The car owner, 41, was interviewed and explained that he had stumbled upon the pair.

He was then allegedly punched in the face by the other man.

The car owner then grabbed an axe from his car’s boot and used it to hit one of the thieves ‘in self defence’.

The would-be thieves fled and made an escape in a waiting car.

Police later found the axe victim at hospital where he was being treated. He and his 20-year-old girlfriend were arrested, as was the car owner.

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NEWS

www.theolivepress.es TOM Holland has been spotted filming in Spain.

The Spider-Man star is shooting for his new film Uncharted, in Javea, Alicante.

Crowds gathered to wave and try to snap a pic with the British heartthrob as he arrived and left for filming. But the 24-year-old actor stopped to take his own selfie as fans were kept behind a barrier due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Holland play’s the leading role in Uncharted, based on the famous video game of the same title.

By Kirsty McKenzie

SHE is the much-loved Colombian singer whose hips don’t lie and who dominates the music charts and storms stages across the globe.

Now Barcelona-based Shakira is taking a break from ruling the planet to save it - with a little help from her famous friends.

The Waka Waka star, who’s married to Barca star Gerard Piqué, will work alongside Prince William and David Attenborough to help select the winners of the Earthshot Prize.

The 13 strong council, which also includes actress Cate Blanchett, the Chinese basketball player Yao Min and Queen Rania of Jordan, will

3

He’s not Messi-ng about

TOP SCORE: Messi takes lead as Spain’s most followed star

Swinging in Shakira to join forces with Prince William and David Attenborough to help save the planet

October 16th - October 29th 2020

SPOTTED: Holland in Spain

Friends of the Earth

WHENEVER, WHEREVER: Shakira has pledged to be there to help Prince Will choose ‘the most prestigious has been likened to a green work tackling major probglobal environment prize in Nobel Prize, and which will lems across climate and ensee a total of 50 environmen- ergy, nature and biodiversihistory’.

The Duke of Cambridge, 38, tal pioneers each awarded ty, oceans, air pollution and launched the award, which a €1 million prize for their fresh water.

In the video announcing the council, pop star Shakira spoke of her own passion for the environment alongside Brazilian footballer Dani AN upcoming thriller has sparked controversy Alves and the Japanese astrofor casting Penélope Cruz as a Columbian psynaut Naoko Yamazaki. chologist.

The star, who has launched Tongues are wagging following the release of her own charity for impoverthe trailer for The 355, with critics slamming the ished kids, said: “I personally Spanish star for taking a role they say should feel it is my duty as a citizen, have gone to a Columbian actress. as a human being and as a The major blockbuster, directed by Simon Kinmother of two young children berg and set for release next year, will tell the stoto bring attention to this issue ry of a group of international spies forced to work before it’s too late.” She addtogether to recover a top-secret weapon and see ed: ‘Your children, my chilCRUZ CONTROL: Penelope takes the Cruz star alongside Lupita Nyong’o and Jessica dren – they have to find ways Chastain. lead in new film to reduce carbon emissions.”

INSTAGRAM is officially a decade old.

Selfies and sunset photos aplenty, the app is an influencer haven: social media stars can earn thousands of euros each month just from sponsored photo posts.

On average, we spend 53 minutes a day on Instagram— that’s roughly 15 days of our lives each year scrolling through the site. But what are we looking at? In Spain, a lot of footballers apparently.

FC Barcelona captain Messi is the most followed user in the country with a gigantic 167 million fans eager to see his training pics and home life snaps. A highly followed family, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo also joins him in the top 10 users with 13 million followers.

In fact, the majority of the chart topping profiles are La Liga players with Marcelo Viera (45.7 million followers), Sergio Ramos (41.1 million followers), and Luis Suarez (38.7 followers) all breaking into the top five.

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Into recession THE Balearic Islands has entered a recession according to an analysis conducted by the Confederation of Business Associations (CAEB).

The business association carried out an extensive study of the Balearic economy during the third quarter of this year.

This revealed that the region had suffered an ‘unprecedented and historical’ drop in its gross domestic product (GDP), falling by a staggering 35.6%. meeting all requirements for a recession.

CAEB attribute the significant drop in GDP to the coronavirus pandemic which ‘due to restrictions on travel has severely impacted the Balearic economy’.

They said: “The pandemic has compromised the viability of many companies and we anticipate an increase in bankruptcies in almost all sectors.”

According to CAEB, those particularly impacted will be businesses in the transport, commerce, tourism, gastronomy, hospitality, leisure, cultural and entertainment industries.peared in the islands after the 2008 financial crisis.

NEWS

October 16th - October 29th 2020

Local hero A STREET in Mallorca has been named after Rafa Nadal as a thank you for his involvement in the October 2018 floods.

Sant Llorenc des Cardassar, the epicentre of the devastating floods, also declared the Mallorcan sporting hero as the municipality’s adoptive son.

In a statement the council said: “We want to thank Nadal for his involvement,

Rafa Nadal honoured for flood help

By Isha Sesay

intervention and economic contribution to those affected by the October 9th storm.”

They went on to explain that the municipality was able ‘quickly return to normali-

Taking flight TUI resumed flights to Mallorca yesterday.

The German tour operator had cancelled all of its flights and holidays to Spain in mid August after travel restrictions were imposed by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office which advised against all but essential travel.

Germans, who account for the largest market of the operator, were also advised against travel to Spain by their government.

However, TUI overturned its decision and resumed flights to Mallorca and the Canary Islands after the number of COVID-19 cases declined. Those wanting to travel to the Balearic isle will be given the possibility to stay in three resorts located on the Playa de Palma, Alcudia and Cala d’Or. Holidaymakers will also be allocated seats on either Eurowings or Lufthansa flights as TUIFly planes will remain grounded until the end of the year.

The Balearic Ministry of Tourism, who had been working with TUI to resume flights to the region, commended the tour operator’s decision.

They confirmed that priority will be given to customers who already have reservations booked between October 15 and 31.

A PAIR of Russian expats based in Spain have been linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

The two men - believed to be brothers - may have been involved in the buying and selling of yachts both in Portugal and Spain.

According to an investigator for Portuguese national TV, German police are ‘looking for these Russians’.

Prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, who is leading the investigation for Germany’s BKA, confirmed to RTP programme Sexta-as-9 that they may have been involved in the snatch of the British toddler from Praia da Luz, on the Algarve in 2007.

The sensational claim comes after a former friend of key suspect Christian Brueckner revealed he had been grilled about the Russian pair last year.

German, Manfred Seyforth, told the programme detectives had brought up the pair in relation to a ‘murder case’.

“Police visited me in 2019 and asked about a murder (Madeleine’s) and asked about two Russians in Spain and if I knew them.

“They picked me up in Frankfurt and said it was a homicide case and then asked if I knew two Russians in Spain... two Russian brothers,” he said.

The Olive Press can reveal the interview came in December just days after Seyforth had testified against Brueckner at the rape trial of American pensioner Diana Menkes.

The German, who saw a series of videos of Brueckner raping and torturing women, helped to convict Brueckner of the attack on the 72-year-old, in Praia da Luz, in 2005.

He told the court in Braunschweig, Germany, how two videos - involving an older woman (although not Menkes) and a 15-year-old tied to a post - were kept at Bruec-

ty thanks to the generosity and altruism of thousands of people, including Rafa Nadal’.

Nadal had joined thousands of local volunteers to deal with the immediate aftermath of the storm.

This included cleaning up streets ravaged by mud.

He also organised a charity race and donated €1 million to help those affected.

The storm had begun on the afternoon of October 9, 2018 with heavy rains covering an area of 232 km, including Sant Llorenc, Arta, Son Servera, Manacor and Capdepera.

Tragedy

SMASHING: Tennis star Nadal lent a heping hand

A total of 13 people lost their lives with the search for victims lasting several days.

It also caused considerable structural damage to hundreds of homes.

The most affected village was Sant Llorenc des Cardassar, a municipality of approximately 8,000 inhabitants.

The council held a minute’s silence to mark the two year anniversary of the floods and to pay homage to all those that died.

Equal Footing SPAIN has made a giant step forward in gender equality with a new law that will heavily fine companies using outdated pay structures.

The government will now require all companies to disclose pay structures for their individual staff, with any company failing to do it facing a fine of up to €187,000.

Minister of Equality Irene Montero explained: “The message is very clear, women must be paid the same as men for doing the same jobs.”

Equality

Spain stands out as one of the leaders when it comes to improvements in gender equality.

The country made the top 10 on the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Report, leaping 21 places since 2018 thanks to an increase in women's rights.

Sanchez's government has had a large part to play in this, creating one of Europe's most female orientated cabinets, with 11 out of 17 ministers.

This echoed by the Spanish congress, which is the most equal in the EU, with 47.4% of the members female.

Sanchez has also made significant leaps towards finally overturning Spain's outdated sexual violence laws.

Opinion Page 6

Russian expat link to Maddie

German police would like to locate Spain-based ‘brothers’ who could be involved in mystery snatch of toddler EXCLUSIVE

by Jon Clarke, in Vilamoura

kner’s Portugal home. He said he had found them after he had been asked to clear out the rented home in Praia da Luz, while Brueckner was locked up in prison in 2006 for petrol theft. The Russian connection has intensified after it was revealed that Brueckner’s girlfriend at the time, Nicole Fehlinger, allegedly mixed with a series of Russians while working at a casino on the Algarve.

A Portuguese woman, who employed her as a babysitter, told the RTP programme she often talked about Russians as being her best clients.

She said they were mostly involved in the yacht industry in the area adding that Fehlinger worked as a dancer at the casino in Vilamoura and was also involved in ‘photoshoots’.

The Olive Press first revealed in June how Fehlinger ran an operation for troubled teenagers on the Algarve from her home in Foral, 40 minutes inland from Praia da

Luz. We revealed how Brueckner had been a regular visitor to her rented home and how she had been paid thousands a month for looking after the difficult German teens.

We also reported how Fehlinger had called in police when one girl, 15, ran away for two weeks and was eventually brought back by Brueckner, who was armed with a gun.

Intriguingly, in police documents seen by the Olive Press, the 15-year-old had been socialising with Russians at their local restaurant O Foral, in the village, the day she vanished.

One of them was called ‘Ivan’ and they apparently lived on the Algarve at the time.

Despite police reports being made about the disappearance, it is not believed detectives ever located or interviewed the Russians.

Meanwhile, a dangerous British paedophile also linked to the case claimed on his deathbed she had been taken to Russia.

Long time suspect Raymond Hewlett - who was imprisoned three

? ?

SUSPICIOUS: Authorities are on the hunt for two men, believed to be brothers times in the UK for child sex offences allegedly told police in 2009 that he had not only seen Maddie close up twice, but that she was LINKS: Nicole Fehlinger and Brueckner probed ‘taken by Rus- over Maddie sians’.

2007, living on a campsite with The former soldier, who was mar- his wife and six children in a blue ried to a German and lived be- Dodge truck. Brueckner was also tween Aachen and the Algarve, living in his VW campervan at the died of throat cancer before police time Maddie went missing, frecould properly interrogate him. quently moving up and down the Hewlett was said to be an hour’s coast staying at different camping drive from Praia da Luz in May spots.

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The Olive Press all editions FP (342mmx256mm) October 14

6

NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION Mind the pay gap IT is almost astonishing that in 2020 the government has to intervene to ensure that women are given the same pay as men.

Equal pay for equal work sounds so simple (as does creating equality of opportunity for all, irrespective of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation) but somehow some of the biggest brains in business still struggle to grasp the concept.

As we face another economic downturn in the wake of coronavirus it is clearer than ever that our old systems are failing us at every turn.

It is time to challenge the status quo and do away with outdated modes of working - and women need to be helping to usher in the new dawn right alongside the men.

Women are just as productive and determined as their male counterparts, and businesses need to recognise this. And not just because of quotas but to build better businesses and a better future for everyone.

Speaking of the future, one that continues to pay women less than men or discriminates against anyone way is a discredit to us all.

Businesses should of course be making gender equality and equal pay a key foundation of success. It is the right thing to do. It is a shame that companies are now going to have to report how they are doing to make sure that they do the right thing.

Our brilliance is in our diversity. Celebrate it. Reward it.

And reward it equally. That’s just good business sense.

Squat a lot SINCE last week’s article on squatting (Our Squatter Hell, Issue 353) we have been inundated with messages from our readers sharing their own horror stories. Most ended their emails asking us what they can do to prevent illegal occupiers from taking over their homes. In a bid to help, we have taken their pleas to heart with a special report starting on this page. After all, that’s what a responsible newspaper does.

Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es

John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es

Isha Sesay isha.sesay@hotmail.com

Lydia Spencer-Elliott lydia@theolivepress.es

Simon Wade simon@theolivepress.es

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Admin Sandra Aviles Diaz (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es

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AWARDS

Wise up, watch out Get informed about the ways to beat the current scourge of squatters terrorising homes, writes Kirsty McKenzie

O

RGANISED gangs are helping squatters get a foothold in many parts of Spain, taking advantage of the surge of empty holiday homes in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

Calculated crooks are taking advantage of lax laws to break into the empty properties, change the locks and sell the keys on for up to €2000, one lawyer told the Olive Press.

Homeowners are left with little legal recourse and face months - even years - of gruelling legal bills and delays as they battle to reclaim their homes via the courts.

As the threat of COVID-19 continues to keep hundreds of thousands of holiday homeowners abroad, criminals have become highly organised, taking over empty properties and offering them at cut prices to squatters.

In some cases, the new unsuspecting tenants may not even know they are squatting, believing that they are taking over legitimate rental contracts.

And worse of all, Spain makes it near impossible for owners to quickly and easily force out the squatters, known as okupas in Spanish.

For under current Spanish law they are protect-

ed by extensive rights of possession when properties are not lived in full time.

Homeowners that complain to police within the first 48 hours of the squatters moving in have the strongest possible chance of reclaiming their home. But left any later and peeved off property owners are tied up in red tape for months on end.

Leading agent Adam Neale, of Terra Meridiana, in Estepona, said: “I have had a lot of people contact me with distressing stories over the last few weeks alone.

“It is definitely on the rise and it is high time it was dealt with.

“The law is toothless and it needs to be solved sooner than later. These poor people through no fault of their own are having their homes invaded.

“At one home we look after in Estepona, we got a call from the alarm company and arrived to find a Spanish man in a suit had broken in.

“He looked very professional and when we confronted him he said he was the owner, which we obviously knew was not true. He was extremely obnoxious and clearly knew the law.

I told him we had him breaking in on camera

and the police would be arriving shortly and he eventually sauntered out.”

But while they were lucky on this occasion, other owners have been less lucky at the Balcones de Estepona urbanisation, as well as in nearby Marina de Casares, where various homes have been squatted.

Meanwhile, one leading British interior design company boss found his home recently squatted in Marbella, when thieves got access to the key-code password to his urbanisation.

“The police and the authorities simply do not care,” explains the President of another Marbella community of owners, which has seen at

The need to sift out the lies from reality - by expat British councillor Alex Trelinski talks to Darren Parmenter about a Ministry first and the fake news story that shocked the coast BRITISH councillor, Darren Parmenter, got a recent surprise when he was asked to meet top officials at Spain’s Migrations department in Madrid.

Darren, 59, had contacted the Secretary of State for Migrations, Hana Jalloul, and the UK Ambassador Hugh Elliott, praising their joint video message which saw Jalloul firmly state to British residents that ‘this is and will always be your home’.

Jalloul and Elliott also made it crystal-clear, in spite of totally unfounded rumours, that no existing residents (with residencia) will need to change to the new TIE foreign residency card.

The video was posted on the UK Embassy Facebook page and Darren, one of two British councillors in San Fulgencio on the southern Costa Blanca, said it impressed him greatly.

Darren told the Olive Press: “The comment about Spain ‘always being a home’ for British people struck a real chord for me and on a personal level, I just had to send a response to them both showing my appreci-

ation for what was said.”

“I wrote that the positive comments coupled with the UK Withdrawal Agreement from the EU has greatly stopped 400,000 British residencia holders from panicking. What Spain and the UK did has been of great reassurance.”

Darren was then taken aback a few days later when he received an invitation to visit Spain’s Migrations Ministry.

“I was nicely surprised to become the first British councillor to be asked to go to the ministry, where I met various officials.”

It was quite a moment for London-born and bred Darren, who has lived in Spain since 1989 and started his interest in politics as a youngster.

“My breakthrough moment was getting hooked with the two UK general elections in 1974,” Darren explained.

“It wasn’t so much party politics that I was interested in, but the way that politics worked,” he added.

Parmenter was elected 18 months ago on a PSOE platform and believes that his

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ANIMALS: Expat home was wrecked

HOME: Darren represents San Fulgencio on the Costa Blanca

FIRST: Minister Hana Jalloul welcomed Darren Parmenter, right previous experience as a local brings talk back to Darren’s journalist has helped him to visit to Madrid and the two Miget a grasp of what he could grations ministry officials. bring to the area.

At the meeting the various of“I spent a lot of time seeing ficials emphasised that existwhat other municipalities are ing residencia holders did not doing to improve services. I’ve need to do anything. always believed that local pol- “There was absolutely no sugitics should not be party-relat- gestion at all that there would ed.” be any change There is no on that front,” he sense of superiinsisted.

Those false ority either from He has since alarm claims the quietly-spoused many social ken cricket fan forums to caused untold media who was a popucorrect the barlar presenter for talk gossip over economic years on English residencias that damage radio stations on still permeates the Costa Blanthe British expat ca. community.

“I’ve no interest in changing Only last week a free newshow the Spanish people do paper published incorrect their politics but I want to im- information from a so-called prove services and introduce ‘expert’ over the TIE card that ideas.” led to an uproar from confused His range of councillor respon- residents. sibilities includes tourism, Darren said: “Everybody must which sees him based at the have their own reasons for not La Marina urbanisation tourist believing or not wanting to beoffice, as well as markets and lieve the truth… but it is crystal international relations. clear that you do not need to That international portfolio apply for a TIE card if you have

7

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Olive Press online ‘Spain’s best English news website’

W

a green residencia document.”

He is also furious about various other rumours, fake news and lies that have caused serious economic damage on COVID-19 matters.

In particular, he is scathing about the false report in a downmarket rival of the Olive Press that Spain would reintroduce a State of Alarm in mid-September.

“Those false alarm claims caused untold and unnecessary economic damage to the area,” fumed Parmenter.

“I was certainly aware of people planning to come to Benidorm on holiday that cancelled purely on the basis of that incorrect story.”

Wearing his tourism hat, Darren Parmenter’s priorities are no different than any other municipality in areas like the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. “We have to focus on domestic and regional tourism to make up for the shortfall in foreign visitors, even though my area is safe with very low infection numbers,” he commented.

“Everything with tourism will depend on the coronavirus figures and we have to be positive that the summer of 2021 will bring us some semblance of normality.”

For the full interview, please visit theolivepress.es

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Once we found him sitting inside a house with the OUR SQUATTER TV on, drinking a HELL Saintly town PENELOPE PIG-STOP beer and with the alarm knocked off the wall and under the sofa.

Castle heaven GUIDE “We feel helpless GUIDE because he could TRADING BEYOND THE be very dangerHORIZON + + WITH BINCK ous. Everyone is NON-STOP: The Olive Press has reported on the problem many times scared, it is a very frightening situation, especially because so worse. many homes are lying empty due to COVID.” He told the Olive Press that squatters have beWith three families already squatting in the ur- come far more sophisticated in recent years, banisation, Sabine fears the gangs will become with websites even offering advice on how best bolder and bolder and as the likely winter of to take over a property. discontent takes a grip many more will move in. He said: “The squatters know all the tricks, The main problem, she insists, is the lack of what to say, how to act, what they need to do consequences for squatters. to delay matters and make the process drag on “Currently squatting is not a criminal act, there for longer. is no punishment for those that do it, even “For example, if the squatters have children though they ruin lives.” the state will make it impossible to evict them She also insists owners need to wise up about because they say the children must have somewhat to say if they find their home targeted by where to live. squatters.

“Indeed, if the police turn up to find a family “The first problem is that owners sadly say the with kids inside we know it will take twice as wrong things. If you call up and tell the police long to get them evicted.” that it is your second home they won’t help you. Echevarria, a specialist in property law, added “Unless it is your first residency they will simply that the ‘legal system gives a lot of guarantees not act. to the squatters’ and that eviction can be a real “The second problem is that the neighbours headache for homeowners, even those who act are not well connected and in touch with one quickly. another. You have one who only comes out in “Sadly there is no quick procedure to get them winter, another who only comes out in sum- out of your house. You need to go to the court mer and there just isn’t enough and prove you are the owner, communication between homeyou need to have the title deeds owners to protect the communiwith you. And of course, there is There is ty from squatters.” a huge backlog of these cases.” no quick Sabine, a German expat who And it is only getting worse. Curhas lived on the Costa del Sol rently, Echevarria has three cliprocedure to for 20 years, said the only way ents locked in legal battles with to tackle the issue is to form a get them out of squatters. neighbourhood watch group “I have a client in Marbella, anyour house and patrol the streets tirelessly other in Estepona and a third to make sure gangs couldn’t inland,” he said. “In the past strike. squatters used to target abanIndeed, she explained that guarding the homes doned buildings but after the economic crash, in Guadalmina had ‘become a full time job’ and they went for properties repossessed by the the situation has deteriorated dramatically fol- bank. lowing the coronavirus outbreak.

“Now with COVID they are targeting second Lawyer Diego Echevarria, based in nearby homes as well.

Marbella, confirmed the problem was getting “They don’t care, they will target anywhere and anyone, selling keys to places for €2,000.”

He called the current system ‘hugely concerning’ and blamed Spain’s current government for giving squatters too many rights.

“The problem is the government is not willing to change anything in the law and they are more or less determined to support people who occupy these homes.

“Local town halls or regions can maybe implement tighter restrictions,” he said. “But at the end of the day the law needs to be changed at a national level...And it has to be done with a matter of urgency.”

WE WON’T GO QUIETLYto

after Olive Press journalist assaulted‘flash exposing ‘violent’ gypsies who the pool’ residents’ and ‘throw rats into

Page 5

LITTER QUEEN: Doña Sofia helped in costa clean-up

24/7,” Wade said.

EXCLUSIVE BORIS Johnson has managed exA denuncia was made to the

By Joshua Parfitt silence Parliament, but British Guardia Civil, who called thea pats in Spain have shown they will perpetrator a ‘wild beast’ with nonot be cowed into a harmful AN Olive Press journalist hasa string of convictions. deal departure from the EU. been attacked after exposing It comes as British resident, Brits around the country are mo- ‘violent’ gypsy family allegedly Ena Cummings, 53, contacted bilising to oppose the shutdown squatting and stealing electricity us claiming gypsies had thrown and stand up for their EU rights. from a Costa Blanca complex. rats’ into the Virgen del RoProtests have spread to the Costa Simon Wade was chased down ‘dead pool and repeatdel Sol where pro-remain cam- the street and headbutted as a sario complex’s on fire. edly set terraces paigners are planning a Protect on young man tore off his glasses “They're stealing electricity and Our Rights march in Malaga and tried robbing his camera in water, meaning us residents are September 22. broad daylight in Formentera del paying for the squatters' utiliIt comes as an exclusive online an Segura, near Torrevieja, last Sat- ties,” Cummings told the Olive poll by the Olive Press revealed astonishing 73% of expats remain urday. journalist was pho- Press. have no sense of dignity, staunchy in favour of remaining The dedicated squats when "They young and old have within the European Union past tographing alleged door with neighbours the October 31 deadline (Pages the man flung open the a tattoo had genitalia flashed at them by his chest exposed and 6-7). squatters.”

The Facebook poll shows that had reading, ‘I die for my family’.

Residents have held a commuthey been able to participate fully “My specs can be replaced, and nity meeting, and are stuck beexercise decent but ‘democratic fade, in the biggest the bruising will tween an expensive legal battle for generations’, the expat vote people here are living with this would have proved decisive.

Damage

“We are the people most affected and we didn't get a say, that is what is most unfair,” said protest organin iser Valerie Lawrence, 68, based Torrox, in the Axarquia.

“Most of us could not vote and postal votes went missing.

“Now we are just trying to stop the Brexit or at least minimise damage,” added the retired Yorkshire woman.

It comes after an alarming treasury report issued two weeks ago spelt extreme danger for expats in various ways.

The leaked Yellowhammer document warned of issues over penContinues on Page 7

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Squatters take over British expat’s property meant for her sick daughter while threatening to kill entire family

to leave Costa Blanca flats

“The developer can’t sell their and bringing in ‘security’ to kick apartments, the bank repossesssquatters out of the eight apart- es the complex, and the gypsies ments, from a total of 68. break in,” the source told the OlIt comes after this newspaper has ive Press. tirelessly reported on the ‘hellish’ “The owner of the property is the youcomplex need toonly know about Pedrera Mirador MonteAll one who can denounce the illegalwant with 24 of 64 apartments San Pedro de Alcantara... squatters - but banks don’t A BRITISH expat has become ly occupied by ‘abusive’ gypsies to as court cases cost thousands. scared to leave her own house afand squatters in Denia.

“If they do get an eviction order, ter being terrorised by a family of the gypsies just break into anothEviction er complex owned by the bank. squatters for the past two years. have Brit residents Linda Brown and “Either that, or the gypsies Tina Cackett, 64, claims she has the apartArnene Ashley have been ‘in and a legal right to request housing. been verbally assaulted and reout’ of court suffering assaults, ment be offered as social will be recently most and “This means the bank ceived several death threats from death threats out at bewinning an eviction order for the forced to rent the flat the family since they illegally took tween 75 to 150 euros. illegal squatters last month. over the property next to hers, But the situation in Spain is fara “So the bank does nothing. forwhich she also owns, in December “The developers are tricking from resolved, according to greed eign buyers through their 2018.

Guardia Civil source.

The agent last week blamed for more money.

On one occasion, Tina, a live-in Spain in gypsies the constructfor “Meanwhile ‘greedy developers’ the had to barricade herself incarer, than ing too many luxury apartment live in better apartments side her home while the father complexes at prices ordinary police officers.” of the squatter family repeatedly Spaniards ‘can’t afford’.

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Denia court orders ‘gypsies and squatters’ to vacate apartment where British pensioners have block been threatened and assaulted

VICTORY is soon at hand for homeowners living in

SPAIN is one of Europe’s worst culprits when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, figures have revealed.

The country has seen the biggest increase in emissions on the continent, with a 51.7 million tonne rise between 1990 and 2017.

Emissions grew by 17.9% during that time, while the EU collectively REDUCED its emissions by 23.5% during the same period.

Austria, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Portugal also failed to reduce emissions effectively.

Climate leaders however, are optimistic as Pedro Sanchez’s PSOE government plans to boost renewable energy production.

Not only will clean energy become cheaper, but there will also be more electric vehicles on the road.

Page 9

(leftt), while (right) the CAUGHT: CCTV of troublemakers Press journalist squatter who attacked on Olive

“She came out screaming,” Wright, 57, said.

“But if she’d been any younger she urbanisation occupied a ‘hellhole’

By Joshua Parfitt 5 NEWS could have died in a dark concrete tank by gypsies Must do and squatters after a court has orof dirty water.” better!

ABANDON SHIP He alleged his young relatives were dered their eviction. At least 24 of after requesting she turn down ‘cutting their toes’ on the broken cov- the 64 apartments at the Mirador Monte Pedrera were illegally oc- blaring music during siesta hours. ers of the pool skimmers, and said sinks and drains were blocked for the cupied as the squatters accessed She said the owners of the four the first three days. water and electricity at the ex- remaining legitimate apartments in the urbanisation lived with “When you’re paying €6,800 it really Diving is pense of legitimate homeowners. a poor show,” Wright said.

It comes after a series of Olive ‘death threats’ before, in June, disaster 15-storey fall a German elderly couple finally “I feel robbed, misled and cheated Press stories shined Alquileres Guzman should not be - shocking takeover a light on the caved in and left Spain after 12 alwhich left ex- years. lowed to offer family holidays in danpats living in fear for their lives.

A Spanish couple, who asked gerous homes like this.”

VICTORY: For couple Linda British and Arnene while (inset) previous Wright claimed that workmen from Brown, apartment owner Linda remain nameless, also told to story the 61, told the Olive Press

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screamed at her in her driveway that he was going to kill her.

“It was terrifying,” Tina, from Colchester, told the Olive Press. “He looked deranged, like he was on something, and just kept screaming that he was going to kill me and that he had friends who would come and kill me.

“His wife was holding him back and begging him to leave my driveway while I phoned police.”

The trou-

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‘Hellhole’ urbanisation sees two more families leave due to problems with squatters

King and country

2

CRIME

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EXCLUSIVE

By Joshua Parfitt

Your reporters, here to help on the Costa Blanca

Introducing News Editor Laurence Dollimore and Reporter Joshua Parfitt

Contact them with any stories or news on 951 273 575 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

A GROUP of British pensioners are pleading for help after their block of flats descended into ‘hell’ due to squatters.

The expats - who have lived in the Denia urbanisation for a decade - are desperate after a mob

May 23rd - June 5th 2019

Expat pensioners assaulted as apartment block is ‘mobbed’ their once luxury by squatters

of ‘gypsies and squatters’ began breaking in five years ago.

They insist neither the police or local authorities have helped to tackle the illegal occupants, who have taken over 25 of the 64 apartments in the Mirador

Sculpture attack

Monte Pedrera complex.

“They have turned what was once a lovely community into a no-go area,” said the 72-yearold, who is too frightened to give her name out of fear of retaliation.

Message from the angels

A FOUNTAIN in Alicante’s most iconic square has been attacked by a man with a hammer.

The legs of the horses in the sculpture in Plaza de los Luceros were shattered by the 38-year-old assailant. An arm of an angel was also badly cracked in the attack.

The Spanish man has been arrested on a charge of crimes against cultural heritage.

(Personal contacts on page 6)

A SERIES of Whatsapp messages to a girlfriend have spared a teenager from a prison sentence for armed robbery.

The 19-year-old Spanish student from La Nucia was arrested in 2018 on suspicion of holding up a casino and robbing €11,500 at gunpoint.

But a Benidorm court heard how WhatsApp messages backed his alibi that he was texting his girlfriend when the assault took place.

After an expert’s report confirmed they could not have been manipulated and also placing him at home, he was found not guilty.

The grandmother continued that the squatters had punched a number of pensioners and even broke a handyman’s arm with baseball bats.

“We came here for a peaceful retirement and what we’ve got is

FIREBUG IN TROUBLE

A PARTYGOER in Benidorm has ter setting off a fire extinguisher been arrested afin a karaoke bar.

The man, a Brit, yanked the extinguisher from the wall and covered the floor, tables, drinks and sandwiches in thick white dust.

Justice for rapist

A BRITISH man who raped two teenage girls 40 years ago has been jailed following extradition from the Costa Blanca.

Jeffrey Waite, 66, carried out the attacks in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the UK. However, he managed Waite was to skip a court hearing ty of rapingfound guilin 2016 and fled to To- gers, one the teenarrevieja, before a Eu- derage, of them unin Hartlepool. ropean arrest warrant They likened led to his capture in a ‘madman’ him to and an March last year. ‘animal’.

hell on earth,” she told the Olive Press.

“My partner got punched in the gut and the eye by one for simply asking to turn down a karaoke system blaring out during siesta hours,” she continued.

They are due to attend court this week over the assault, but are not expecting anything to be done.

Other residents, who include Germans and Spaniards, have also come under attack.

“A handyman tried to stop three men breaking into an apartment and was thrashed by baseball bats just five weeks ago,” the pensioner said.

“They broke his arm in two places.”

The problems began when the recession curtailed sales in the block in 2007 and only 11 of the 64 apartments were sold.

Many of the vacant homes were later seized by the squatters, a number of them even being sublet for money, it is claimed.

Collectively the 11 owners are having to cover all the communal bills for the urbanisation, which includes a ‘€20,000 debt’ incurred by squatters stealing electricity and water In addition, they claim the developer owes €200,000 to the community.

Police told the Olive Press they were unable to enter the properties as they are on ‘private land’.

NO NEED TO PAINT!

plain and simple,” British expat Linda, who has owned a penthouse apartment with her partner Arnene since 2007, told the Olive Press.

“They want all the owners out so they can completely rule the kingdom.”

The latest departures come just days after Linda, 61, was in court after she was punched in the gut and the eye by a female squatter.

It came after she had asked the neighbour to turn down a ‘blaring karaoke system’.

She and Arnene, 72, sleep with the ‘burglar alarm on’ and have barricaded themselves in on their fourth-floor apartment as they live with daily death threats and abuse.

The pressure was too much however, for a young Spaniard, who told the Olive Press they were leaving after his wife, who is eight-months preg-

A BRITISH holidaymaker has died after falling from the 15th floor of his apartment block in Benidorm.

Colin McGarry, 48, from Belfast, died at around 1.45 am on Sunday morning after plunging from the balcony of Torre Gerona. A post-mortem is due to take place.

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WORRIED: Legal neighbours and (inset) squatter www.noneedtopaint.com nant, was hospitalised due to steal from us, threaten us stress-related complications. and abuse us, and the law is “I wanted to raise my family not on our side until one of in this beautiful place, but I us gets hurt,” Linda said. can’t risk my wife’s life,” he “But they won’t get us out, explained. because the Brits never The nightmare began five give up. Not when we’ve years ago when a 62-year- sunk every penny into our old ‘gypsy’ patriarch broke €270,000 apartment and in with his 11 children and have nowhere else to go.” grandchildren.

A legal representative for His wider family have now Jepsa, who maintain the urtaken over 24 apartments banisation, told the Olive which they sublet out to Press: “The law forbids the ‘drug addicts’. illegal squatting of properThe apartments are illegally ties and use of water and connected to water and elec- electricity, but nothing is betricity, yet police have only ing done. intervened on one occasion “We have a beautiful counwhen a man threatened to try, which is loved by people kill Linda with a hammer in around the world, but the front of an officer last year. law does not function as it “It’s horrendous. They can should.”

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KING Juan Carlos has retired from public duty, exactly five years after he abdicated in favour of his son, King Felipe VI. Juan Carlos, 81, will retain his royal title as King, however.

No way

A SECOND runway at Alicante-Elche airport has been opposed by the Friends of the Wetlands of the South of Alicante (AHSA), who objected that the runway would destroy the wetlands of Agua Amarga.

Look out

GOOGLE Maps has introduced into Spain a new function that warns users of the location speed cameras, both fixed and mobile.

The function is available on both Android and iOS, but only Android users can report mobile speed cameras.

Dog’s life

PETS now outnumber children under 15 in Spain, with 13 million registered at the end of last year. Dogs make up 93% of all registered pets.

Email: info@jennifercunningham.net

how she was punched in the ‘eye and the gut’ by a gypsy woman

Olive Press how they were fleeing after the eight-month pregnant wife was ‘hospitalised’ due

For all your general insurance needs, from car to house, life to funeral, health and travel.

Established for over 25 years, we are much more than just a voice on the phone.

to stress.

“The squatters will be €60 gone by September, thank the Lord and thank you Olive Press for covering the story,” Linda Brown, who lives with partner

byshire, described how the couple were forced to sleep with the ‘burglar alarms on’ as the stairs up to their penthouse apartment were barricaded by an iron gate.

Arnene, 72, “They have no choice “When they finalnow, they said.

THIS is the second pig to have trotted “There were 23 defendants in must all now leave,” a spokesperly had a lawyer, into a British-run rescue centre on son for Japsa, the urbanisation’s court and 22 lawthe he managed to Costa Blanca. promoter, told the yers, it was bedThe Olive Press previously reported find a misprint Olive Press. lam. how Rupert the pig ran 3km from ble began when Tina bought the in the escritura “Our police force “But the public ‘filthy, dirty shed’ where he was the is excellent, but house, which sits just across a dried which he claimed prosecutor was and wandered into the Easy Care living the courts were very passionate out riverbed from her own home, suggested the inRescue Centre near Torrevieja last Horse not giving them and firm in sumin Competa, Malaga, at the end of heritors might (inset top right). The clever pig month. warrants to act. trotted in ming it up.” ‘as if he knew where he was going’ 2018. not have had the “In Spain, squatThe success comes in what Easy Care owner Susan Weeding The previous owners, who she was right to sell the ters are given ocfollowing a ‘coup describe as ‘a nearly impossible could only cupancy rights if very close to, had died, and the in- property, but it feat’. d’etat’ after a But that feat was repeated when they are not re62-year-old gypsy heritors of the property decided to was just a typo.” pe the pot-bellied Vietnamese pig Penelomoved within 24 ‘patriarch’ moved turned up sell it to Tina.

To make mat‘completely out of the blue’. hours of entering. in, bringing his Susan admitted she has ‘no idea’ “I wanted a home for my daughter ters worse, Tina “But now all of 10 sons and their SHOCKING: Squatter how far this one has travelled in search of freedom. them have been Kristine, she is often ill and needs had to find a new wives and children. damage “Obviously someone has been given an eviction watching Babe, or A reign of terror hospital treatment or looking after, solicitor after SCARED: Tina Cackett and daughter maybe Kristine (left) flicking through the pages order and a month saw young children, many not atso the setup was ideal,” Tina ex- discovering her Susan told the Olive Press. Susan of George Orwell’s Animal Farm - the pigs are rising!” tending school, shouting ‘sons of to find a new place to live - if they rocks‘being at around him,”people’. added Rupert wanted ‘nothing to do with Penelope’ however, as Rupert plained. previous one was charging her for started throwingprefers b*tches’ and ‘we will kill you all’ don’t leave, the police will kick them onto the streets.”

Tina claimed, “even their child was But while waiting for the deeds to be hours not worked. up at the British pensioners. put into her name, which took sev- She now has the documents in or- shouting death threats, it’s just horLinda, an ex-copper from DerOpinion Page 6 eral weeks, the squatters moved in der to prove she bought the home rible, and the mother is supposed to Tel. (+34) 96 649 18 29 and changed the locks. legally and is hoping for a resolution be a care worker! Even my daughter info@hispaniahomes.es Since then a legal battle has ensued, this year, but everything has been has received threatening WhatsApp www.hispaniahomes.co.uk which has been delayed and extend- slowed down due to the COVID-19 messages, which we have saved for police. ed on technicalities. pandemic.

“The first couple of times they Meanwhile the squatter family “I’m scared to leave my house to UK BASED turned up without a lawyer, which continues to threaten Tina and her take my dogs for a walk in case they HOW TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY PARTNERING OWNERS do something to me. means the case gets adjourned,” loved ones.

Want to sell QUICKER AND BETTER FOR OVER 20 YEARS TRAVEL added Tina. “I’ve been told it’s a tac- Just three weeks ago Tina’s partner “This family has ruined our lives your property? INSURANCE tic they use a lot to buy time. was also threatened by the father, and it’s just not fair, while I paid all Specialists in Luxury Villas mother and son, who their bills they’re living rent free in Holiday Rentals and Sales Ask here for our for Spanish is only around 12 years my property and driving around in Javea - Denia VENDORS GUIDE residents old. a new car.”

SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS La Sella Golf Area Certified Residential Specialist “They told him to ‘go Tina has contacted two privateand get the most success www.globelink.co.uk back to England you ly-run squatterMoriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea removal companies tel: 966 424 505 in your task English madman’ and but they said as there is a court case mob: 647 575 152 ongoing www.moraira-hamiltons.net they cannot take on 96 626 5000 www.vacationvillasspain.com Avda. Madrid, 24, 03724 Moraira - Alicante her case. +44 (0) 1353 699082 It comes as Spain’s right THE SKY wing parties are hoping to AUTHORISED DOCTOR clampdown on squatting, DISTRIBUTOR ALL AREAS COVERED which has soared during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Partido Popular and Vox KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! 4G UNLIMITED want to see stricter meaINTERNET sures, including thousands Special Anti “Okupas” IDEAL FOR of euros in fines and up to alarm offer STREAMING TV three years in prison.

However left-leaning parties ALSO IPTV, Immediate Police fear it may criminalise strugSATELLITE TV response gling families who have been unable to pay rent during the tel: (0034) 952 763 840 Call: +34 611 475 892 COVID-19 crisis. info@theskydoctor.com Javea 966 461 690

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Fatal Hug The devastating fall that costs the life of two British holidaymakers

Gibraltar Christmas Cancelled We uncovered why no formal festivities would be allowed to go ahead on the Rock

voice in Spain

Vol. 1 Issue 24 www.theolivepress.es October 1st - October 14th 2020

FATAL HUG Tragic friends fell to deaths while taking a selfie

TWO British holidaymakers plunged 30 feet to their

By James Warren deaths while hugging to take a selfie, an inquest has heard.

The Olive Press has previous- Best pal Dolman was rushed ly reported that Daniel Mee, to hospital in Torrevieja but 25, and Jayden Dolman, 20, died from his injuries shortly died after the fall in Punta after.

Prima, Orihuela in July 2019. The inquest into the death of Now an inquest in the UK Mee, held in the pair’s homehas thrown more light on the town of Taunton, Somerset tragic incident. has revealed eye witness reThe friends were taking a sel- ports of the incident from fie along the seafront when their friend, Lewis Higgins they lost their balance and who was at the scene at the plunged over a railing onto time. the rocky beach below.

Call: +34 611 475 892 “Jayden and Daniel were Mee was killed instantly when walking from the villa to the colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com he landed on a beach hut. nearest beach,” he said.

“They were taking pictures while they were walking.

Daniel embraced Jayden. I saw them both close to the railings. Then they fell.”

Toxicology report found that the alcohol level in Mee’s blood was 215mg, three times E U R O P E LT D over the drink drive limit.

The coroner pointed out that ALICANTE:(+34) 965 770 639 the three young men were simply having a good time, MALAGA: (+34) 952 426 560 saying they ‘were walking not driving.’

PRESTON: (+44) 1772 651 570 “The pair had been drinking www.moversint.co.uk during the day, and unfortunately this was a large factor movers.int@gmail.com in the accident,” said Tony Williams, Somerset coroner.

He added: “Daniel and Jayden are hugging close to the railings and during that, they have lost balance, they have gone over the railings and unfortunately fallen over where there is a steep drop TRAGEDY: Jayden Dolman (left) and Daniel Mee were best friends of nine metres on the other Daniel was a severe head in- ed back to the MOVERS • STORERS • S side.”

UK for a coro- alongside the HIPPERS jury caused British coroOfficial cause of death for man’s body by the fall. Dol- ner’s inquest. ner’s report ruled the deaths was not repatriat- A Guardia Civil inquiry as accidental.

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Vol. 5 Issue 132 www.theolivepress.es September 30th - October 13th 2020

MEET THE STARS AT SAN SEBASTIAN

CHRISTMAS CANCELLED

A ‘PERFECT storm’ is brewing with the combination of Brexit and COVID-19, according to the Deputy Chief Minister.

Joseph Garcia said the consequences of this scenario could be felt ‘for years to come’ in a recent video conference call.

The conversation on Sunday was part of the Liberal Democrat party conference held online from September 25-28.

Garcia explained the challenges of a small nation like Gibraltar to deal with the pandemic and Brexit at the same time.

This was made even tougher by the fact that the same ministers and officials were involved in decisions on both issues.

He gave a basic outline of Gibraltar’s discussions with Spain and the UK over the future relationship with the EU. The DCM stressed how he thought isolating the elderly saved lives and how the Golden Hour had been given approval by international experts.

“Dr Garcia went over the success of the aggressive testing and contact tracing regime in Gibraltar,” said the Govern-

AN OLIVE PRESS SPECIAL REPORT:

SEE PAGE 3

ment.

Uncertainty

“He told the panel that over 45,000 tests had been carried out in a population of 32,000 and that this placed Gibraltar third in the World.

“He went on to highlight the serious economic impact of the pandemic and pointed to the provision of £150 million in the budget extension on Friday.”

The leader of Gibraltar’s Liberal party told Orkney and Shetland LibDem MP Alistair Carmichael how both Scotland and Gibraltar had voted to remain in the EU. “Europe is in unchartered territory, in the sense that we face a pandemic with a threat to life and Brexit at the same time,” said Dr Garcia.

“This is a time of uncertainty.

“However, we can be certain that the economic, social and political effects of the situation we find ourselves in will be felt for a long time to come.”

The meeting was chaired by CHRISTMAS Director of Gibraltar House in are cancelled celebrations on the Rock, London, Dominique Searle. it has been revealed.

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Andalucia Our Squatter Hell An exclusive story on how one British expat was faced with violence and misery after squatters took over the home meant for her sick daughter

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA

AT LEAST 40,000 jobs have saved in Alicante Province for the been security contributions subsidised time

By Alex Trelinski on a being, after the national government sliding scale of up to 100% depending extended the ERTE furlough on their size and scheme March, until the end of January. was scheduled to end yester- Speaking to the the time of the year.

Olive Press, San Fulday The news came on Tuesday as around until(September 30) but will now run gencio councillor, Darren Parmenter 600 vehicles took to the streets at least said: “This is excellent of A last-minuteJanuary 31.

Benidorm to demand the extension deal between the gov- many businesses in the news as so area, includernment and trade unions saw with thousands of local tourism author- ing ones owned by expats, are related and ities climb hospitality jobs on the line. down over plans to drasti- to tourism including bars and restaucally cut help to struggling tourist-reThe motorcade was led by a rants. This will help them get through bus with a banner proclaiming tourist lated and hospitality businesses. the winter.”

‘ERTE CEV OR DEATH’. president, Salvador Navarro, Though the The Valencian Business Federa- said: “Common sense has prevailed universally ERTE extension has been tion(CEV) says that 27,567 workers and the effect on the Alicante Province ready startedwelcomed, calls have alfor more to be done. economy would have been barbaric.” are currently getting ERTE benefits.

Nuria Montes from the BenidormPayments They estimate that an extra 12,500 at 70% to laid-off staff will be kept based Costa Blanca Hotels Association people across Alicante Province and new benefits will start (Hosbec) be able to claim as the area moves will for short-term seasonal workers who “We needsaid: payments to continue until into would not the ‘low’ tourist season. normally qualify for unem- we can return to normality and that ployment The scheme, which was launched means ERTE running in Business benefits. owners will have their social the start of the summeruntil June and season.”

VENDORS

colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com

REPORT: Police called to deal with squatters

EXCLUSIVE

By Josh Parfitt

ANOTHER two families have fled an urbanisation that descended into ‘hell’ after squatters began a ‘violent coup d’etat’ five years ago.

A retired German couple and a Spanish family have had enough of living in the Mirador Monte Pedrera estate, in Denia, which has become a ‘hellhole’ for legal residents.

As reported in our last issue, only 11 of 64 apartments were sold in 2007 when Spain sunk into recession.

The rest remained empty and just four of the legally-owned apartments are now inhabited all year-round, after the Germans and Spanish also moved out.

According to a British couple, who still live there, one of the Germans, from Munich, had to be ‘hospitalised’ after suffering a ‘breakdown’ from stress.

“The squatters want us out,

AN investigation has been launched after the body of a British diver was found 170 ft underwater off the coast of Murcia.

Phillip Evans, 69, got separated from his diving group in the Islas Hormigas marine reserve.

The

like kings’ and Spain is a long way

QUEEN Doña Sofia has caused a stir in the Axarquian fishing WWW.JAVEABLINDS.CO M town of Rincon de la Victoria.

The 81-year-old monarch arrived at the coastal town to participate in International Beach Cleaning Day, an incentive to tidy up the world's beaches after a summer of use.

During her 30-minute visit, Queen Doña Sofia donned gloves, a mask and refuse bags and joined the volunteers in collecting trash A FAMILY of Brits have had their holfrom the Virgen del Carmen beach. iday ‘ruined’ after a young girl fell into In an effort to keep the crowds to a minimum during hertank visit, a septic at a ‘death trap’ villa in Alicante. media was kept in the dark until the very last minute,The however degroup of 14 arrived at the Villa spite this, almost 700 onlookers gathered to show their L’Arcsupport. in Moraira - after forking out almost €7,000was During her 30 minute stay the support from the audience - only to find ‘loose hanging'Beautiful!' handrails’ over a six metre drop overwhelming, with shouts of 'Long live the Queen!', and a ‘loose manhole’ covering up the and 'Long live Spain!'. fetid tank.

It was The love for the former monarch is far removed from thehere controSteven Wright, from Surrey, told the Olive Press his 15-year-old versy surrounding her husband Juan Carlos I and the investiganiece fell ‘up to her waist’ into the filthy tion into his corruption throughout his reign. water.

OLIVE PRESS

The

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

Maddie TY LINE OF DU Guardia Civil source: Squatters ‘live

AN OLIVE PRESS SPECIAL REPORT: SEE PAGE 3

Royal sweep

expat

voice in Spain

September 12th- September 25th 2019

MEET THE STARS IT’S OFFICIAL: AT SAN SEBASTIAN

X

least three homes squatted.

Sabine Kold, who is in charge of the Guadalmina urbanisation, continued: “This gang boss arrived last year and tried to occupy around 25 homes, managing to succeed three times.”

She described him as ‘very well connected’ and driving around in a top of the range Mercedes, picking houses at will...always looking for the biggest ones with a pool.

“Next, he swoops in, changes the lock and gives people the keys on a Friday or Saturday when he knows lawyers and police are not working.

“It is all incredibly calculated and frightening.

Vol. 1 Issue 13 www.theolivepress.es

expat

tel: 966 46 38 45

Your

As Gibraltar counts 46 active COVID-19 cases, Fabi- No formal festivities will be allowed to go ahead as an Picardo’s government the Rock battles coronavirus has already announced that there will be no fesstudents have been found Linea, tive events this winter.

By John Culatto to have been in close con- Roque Los Barrios, San The move is an attempt and Tarifa have all tact with the positive cas- recorded to keep contagion of more cases than es and all have been told ever COVID-19 as low as possi- breaks at before.

Westside School to self-isolate. ble in the colder months. have put It comes as three out- 11 staff two classes and Close contact is defined as members into proximity Deal within a closed self-isolation.

Another case was also re- area for longer than 15 Although more than 1,100 THE SKY ported at St Anne’s Upper minutes. have recovered since Primary School with four The authorities have told March, new cases are beDOCTOR staff members and nine all Westside School stu- ing identified every day. dents to go to school as Although ALL AREAS COVERED pupils sent home so far. these towns have The incidents have seen normal if they have not a higher population count the contact tracing team been contacted by the than the British Territory, 4G UNLIMITED working with school staff Contact Tracing Bureau. they have also had more INTERNET and the Department of Gibraltar now has 46 ac- deaths from COVID-19.

Education to find out who tive COVID-19 cases while Ten schools with classes the nearby area has nearly were has been affected. placed in self-isoALSO IPTV, Staff members and stu- 600. lation since September dents were interviewed The Rock’s efficient test- 10 when they re-opened SATELLITE TV to find anyone who had ing and isolating system in the region. In a recent ‘close contact’ with the in- has helped keep cases un- deal the St John Ambutel: (0034) 952 763 840 der control while the Cam- lance signed an agreement dividuals concerned. info@theskydoctor.com As a result, nearly 20 staff po de Gibraltar suffers. with the Government to www.theskydoctor.com members and around 30 The combined popula- transport asymptomatic tions of Algeciras, La COVID-19 patients.

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Your voice in Spain

Vol. 13 Issue 353 www.theolivepress.es September 30th - October 13th 2020

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ANDALUCÍA

E at the Olive Press always strive to bring you the stories you want to read.

Every issue is stuffed full of everything you need to know. From the latest crime and breaking news, to in-depth history pieces, interviews and features - we want to make sure there is something for everyone inside every copy.

We have unlimited ideas but only a small amount of space to fill each week - and with five editions covering news from around the country, it’s impossible to catch everything.

So we’ve rounded up our top tales from our most recent editions in Gibraltar, Andalucia and the Costa Blanca, all of which you will find on our website which sees an average of 20 stories a day.

ANDALUCÍA

Your expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 13 Issue 353 www.theolivepress.es September 30th - October 13th 2020

MEET THE STARS AT SAN SEBASTIAN

AN OLIVE PRESS SPECIAL REPORT:

SEE PAGE 3

Royal sweep Maddie

Chief suspect ‘confessed’ to kidnap at Granada festival...

Page 5 LITTER QUEEN: Doña Sofia

Page 9

Castle heaven

A tour of Spain’s most iconic castillos...

Page 20

TRADING BEYOND THE HORIZON WITH BINCK

helped in costa clean-up

OUR SQUATTER HELL

Saintly town

All you need to know about San Pedro de Alcantara...

QUEEN Doña Sofia has caused a stir in the Axarquian fishing town of Rincon de la Victoria.

The 81-year-old monarch arrived at the coastal town to participate in International Beach Cleaning the world's beaches after a summer Day, an incentive to tidy up During her 30-minute visit, Queen of use.

Doña Sofia donned gloves, a mask and refuse bags and joined the volunteers in collecting trash from the Virgen del Carmen beach.

In an effort to keep the crowds to a minimum during her visit, media was kept in the dark until the very last minute, however despite this, almost 700 onlookers During her 30 minute stay the gathered to show their support. support from the audience was overwhelming, with shouts of 'Long live the Queen!', 'Beautiful!' and 'Long live Spain!'.

The love for the former monarch is far removed from the controversy surrounding her husband Juan tion into his corruption throughout Carlos I and the investigahis reign.

A BRITISH expat has become scared to leave her own house ter being terrorised by a family afsquatters for the past two years. of Tina Cackett, 64, claims she been verbally assaulted and has received several death threats from the family since they illegally took over the property next to hers, which she also owns, in December 2018.

On one occasion, Tina, a live-in carer, had to barricade herself inside her home while the father of the squatter family repeatedly screamed at her in her driveway that he was going to kill her.

“It was terrifying,” Tina, from Colchester, told the Olive Press. “He looked deranged, like he was on something, and just kept screaming that he was going to kill me and that he had friends who would come and kill me.

“His wife was holding him back and begging him to leave my driveway while I phoned police.”

The trou-

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Squatters take over British expat’s property meant for her sick daughter while threatening to kill entire family

EXCLUSIVE “When they finalBy Laurence Dollimore ly had a lawyer, he managed to find a misprint ble began when Tina bought the in the escritura house, which sits just across a dried out riverbed from her own home, which he claimed suggested the inin Competa, Malaga, at the end of heritors might 2018.

The previous owners, who she was not have had the right to sell the very close to, had died, and the heritors of the property decided in- property, but it to was just a typo.” sell it to Tina.

“I wanted a home for my daughter To make matKristine, she is often ill and needs ters worse, Tina hospital treatment or looking after, had to find a new solicitor after so the setup was ideal,” Tina ex- discovering her SCARED: Tina Cackett and daughter Kristine plained. (left) previous one was charging her But while waiting for the deeds to for started throwing rocks be hours not worked. at him,” put into her name, which took sevTina claimed, “even their child was She now has the documents eral weeks, the squatters moved in der to prove she bought the in or- shouting death threats, it’s just horand changed the locks. home rible, and the mother Since then a legal battle has ensued, legally and is hoping for a resolution be a care worker! Evenis supposed to my daughter which has been delayed and extend- this year, but everything has been has received threatening WhatsApp slowed down due to the COVID-19 ed on technicalities. messages, which we have saved for “The first couple of times they pandemic. police. turned up without a lawyer, which Meanwhile the squatter family “I’m scared to leave my house to means the case gets adjourned,” continues to threaten Tina and her take my dogs for a walk in case they loved ones. added Tina. “I’ve been told it’s a tacJust three weeks ago Tina’s partner do something to me. tic they use a lot to buy time. was also threatened by the father, “This family has ruined our lives and it’s just not fair, while I paid all mother and son, who their bills they’re living rent free in is only around 12 years my property and driving around in old. a new “They told him to ‘go Tina car.” back to England you ly-run has contacted two privatesquatter removal companies English madman’ and but they said as there is a court case ongoing they cannot take on her case.

THE SKY It comes as Spain’s right AUTHORISED wing parties are hoping to DOCTOR DISTRIBUTOR clampdown on squatting, ALL AREAS COVERED which has soared during the coronavirus pandemic.

KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! 4G UNLIMITED The Partido Popular and Vox want to see stricter meaINTERNET Special Anti “Okupas” sures, including thousands IDEAL FOR alarm offer of euros in fines and up to STREAMING TV three years in prison.

Immediate Police ALSO IPTV, However left-leaning parties SATELLITE TV response fear it may criminalise struggling families who have been tel: (0034) 952 763 840 Call: +34 611 475 892 unable to pay rent during the info@theskydoctor.com colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com COVID-19 crisis.

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The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: -Benidorm to become all-inclusive resort as 1accommodation tourists offered dozens of restaurants and for just €200 per week – special voucher for residents on Spain’s Costa Blanca (65,688 views)

fugitive leaps off Benidorm hotel 2-British balcony in failed escape bid on Spain’s Costa Blanca (60,342 views) decade-long battle continues over villa 3-Two land grab on Spain’s Costa Blanca (23,194 views) hotel is converted into massive marijuana 4-Old farm on Spain’s Costa Blanca (17,956 views) language group declares war over 5-Spanish scrapping of town name on Spain’s Costa Blanca (17,248 views)

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LA CULTURA

what’s on

L

ike fine wine

THE autumn wine fair i n C o n s e l l takes place this weekend (October 17 and 18+), offering visitors a variety of artisanal and agricultural produce, wine tasting courses, local exhibitions and cooking shows.

S

erh gut

TUCK into a menu of bratwursts and bavarian beer at the island’s popular take on Oktoberfest. The festival will this year be held at S’Arenal’s Megapark on Sunday October 18, under a limited capacity.

S

ilverscreen

THE week long Evolution!

Mallorca International Film Festival kicks off on Friday October 23, bringing together the brightest minds in cinema.

Rub shoulders with industry professionals at workshops and screenings across Mallorca.

October 16th - October 29th 2020

Alan goes Up Memory Lane

BARCELONA has been named as one of the 10 most cultural cities in the world, climbing the rankings thanks to its architectural flare.

The Catalan capital has more landmarks per square mile than any other place, according to re-

Expat folk tale teller turns author with new book published about colourful life in 1980s London GLASGOW-BORN Alan Joseph Kennedy (pictured) has switched from storyteller to storywriter with the publication of his tale Up Memory Lane.

He entered a short story competition organised by AudioArcadia and became one of 20 winners around the world to have their work published.

Alan, aged 66, has lived in Spain for 27 years. Before the pandemic, he travelled around Spain working with adults and children alike, visiting venues with bagpipes and folk tales in tow. “It wasn’t just Scottish bagpipes, I had a set from the Galicia area for the students to listen to,� said Alan.

He won admirers for his unique repertoire of folk stories about Celtic, Scottish, Irish and Welsh cultures, along with Spanish regions like Galicia and Asturias.

But lockdown forced him in a new direction. Alan told the Olive Press: “I have temporarily retired to concentrate on my new projects as a writer. “The inspiration for the piece came when I revisited the Brixton street where I lived for 10 years in the 1980s,� Alan said. “I returned with my Spanish partner and as we walked down the road, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much of the area hadn’t changed despite all the redevelopments being mooted back in the eighties.�

Catalan cool

search.

Famous destinations include the Gothic architecture at Monestir de Pedralbes, Park GĂźell, the enormous Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada FamĂ­lia and spectacular Catedral BasĂ­lica Metropolitana de Barcelona.

Art attack GUARDIA Civil have reclaimed 474 works of art left to the Spanish people by businessman Julio MuĂąoz Ramonet.

Priceless paintings and sculptures intended for the residents of Barcelona, have been kept by his two daughters for the past 29 years.

The collection was found in various homes in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante.

It included 376 paintings and drawings, 87 miniatures, four sculptures, four ivories and three tapestries and dates back to the 14th century.

MuĂąoz - described as one of the biggest business ‘magnates’ of the Franco era - left the works to the public in the city of Barcelona in 1991 along with his Muntaner Street estate.

Recovered were paintings by Fortuny, Eugenio Lucas, Winterhalter and Frederick Morgan.

But lawyer for the Julio MuĂąoz Ramonet Foundation, Marc Molins, says the most important works are still missing.

Colourful

“The characters I created for the story were inspired by the many colourful inhabitants of the street. The community spirit was excellent,� he added.

AudioArcadia.com is currently holding it’s Lockdown # 2 competition. Go to www.audioarcadia.com/competition for details.

OP QUICK Crossword

OP Sudoku

8

Across 1 Learned person, or type of idiot? (6) 5 Scrabble enthusiasts, for example (6) 8 With hindsight (2,10) 9 Chief aide, figuratively (5,3) 10 Covetousness (4) 11 South American ruminant (5) 13 Hirsute (5) 17 Medicos (4) 19 Dauntless (8) 21 Orcas (6,6) 22 Shining (6) 23 Find (6)

Down 2 Person used as one’s excuse (5) 3 Father of Judaism (7) 4 “The Death of Actaeon� painter (6) 5 Stable people (6) 6 Bowling pin wood (5) 7 Win back (7) 12 Plundering (7) 14 Artist’s medium (7) 15 Required number for a vote (6) 16 Wife of Jacob (6) 18 Find the answer (5) 20 Map in a map (5)

All solutions are on page 15

LA CULTURA

Do you have a what’s on?

Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es

B

ACKDROPPED by the timelessly rugged Sierra de los Zorros and with the sparkling Med lapping at its front door, the Valencian holiday resort of Cullera looks as if it has always been this serene and blessed - the perfect spot to drink in the views over a cocktail or three.

However, a little under 500 years ago, the spectacle confronting you across its wide sweeping bay would not have prompted you to linger: galleons on the horizon, heading for shore; cannon fire; men disembarking with swords and cudgels; screams, bloodshed, plunder; friends dragged off by strangers to face enslavement or death...

The author of this surprise siege was the infamous Ottoman pirate Turgut Reis, self-styled Dragut, The Drawn Sword of Islam.

Hailed as a military mastermind and branded ‘the uncrowned king of the Mediterranean,’ this fearsome corsair terrorised the region for decades in the 16th century, ransacking cities and hijacking ships.

Infuriated by the havoc he was wreaking, King Charles V even appointed an admiral to pursue Dragut throughout the Mediterranean. But the brazen buccaneer eluded capture and continued to pillage settlements in the region for another two decades.

As may be expected of a freebooting corsair, Dragut led a tumultuous life. Born in 1485 on the Aegean coast of Turkey to parents of Greek or Turkish descent, he was recruited as a child soldier into the Ottoman army at the tender age of 12, by virtue of his skill with spears and arrows.

Over the next 15 years, he sailed around the Western Mediterranean with various fleets, learning the art of warfare during campaigns and conquests.

Revered for his sharp eye as a cannoneer, Dragut rose quickly through the naval ranks – though his buccaneering life only began in earnest in 1520, when he joined the crew of legendary pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa (Red Beard), the most feared buccaneer in the civilised world.

It was a match made on the high seas, so to speak, forging a crime partnership as infamous in its day as Bonnie and Clyde or Frank and Jessie James, centuries later.

Captain Barbarossa took Dragut under his wing and soon granted him a fleet of 12 vessels, cementing a friendship that would change the course of history.

For the next 20 years, the pair sacked towns and took Christian outposts all over the Mediterranean.

And when Dragut was captured

by Genoese forces in 1544, Barbarossa even paid a ransom of 3,500 gold ducats, the equivalent today of €500,000, freeing his friend after nearly four years

October 16th - October 29th 2020

9

Captain Dragut: Scourge of Spain

BROTHERS IN ARMS: Dragut (inset) and Barbarossa terrorised Spanish ships and towns while amassing fortunes

Dubbed The Drawn Sword of Islam, this Muslim pirate terrorised Mediterranean coasts for 50 years. Laurence Crumbie discovers more about the sidekick to the infamous Barbarossa with whom he forged the most badass outlaw double act on the 16th century high seas in prison.

Worn out by his life of plunder, Barbarossa retired in 1545, allowing Dragut to succeed him as the most formidable pirate in the Mediterranean. His ensuing voyages took him all over the region, from Malta to Sicily, Calabria, Tunisia and the ports

of Sardinia. Although believed to have been a practising Muslim, Dragut did not distinguish between Christians and his own kind when razing settlements to the ground, enslaving inhabitants in their thousands and turning towns into ghost towns.

Which is precisely what occurred

on May 25, 1550, when Dragut laid siege to Cullera. Legend has it that an exchange of prisoners took place in a local cave during the attack, which now houses the unique Dragut Museum.

There, you can learn all about the corsair’s reign of terror, including the epic siege of Malta

in 1565 where ‘the greatest pirate warrior of all time’ met his end.

So, if you are sitting today on Cullera’s beach, thinking that we are living in turbulent times, take a few moments to enjoy the view. After all, it has not always looked this way.

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Olive Press Mallorca– 170mm x 256mm – Colour

-

16th October

PROPERTY Hot wheels 10

October 16th - October 29th 2020

Mobile homes are fast replacing holiday pads as the coolest place to stay - and Mallorca is showing the rest of Spain the way The trendiest holiday home isn’t a palm tree-lined house in the Maldives or a penthouse apartment in Madrid It’s not even a sprawling villa in the hills of rural Spain.

Rather, home is where you park it - specifically a fully renovated campervan, with fitted kitchen, a spacious bathroom and a skylight perfect for late night star gazing.

One Italian expat and mum Monica Rinaldi, who lives in Mallorca, is selling her stun-

By Kirsty McKenzie

ning Ford Rimor.

With many expats in Spain choosing to live permanently on mobile home sites, this surely is the most stylish way to do it.

With a calm and cool decor that puts most plush hotels to shame, Monica has completely transformed the van into the ultimate home on wheels Stylish and reliable, with a

1993 reg plate, diesel engine and Tiffany box blue exterior, the camper van is sure to sell quick.

Not only can it sleep six people comfortably, it also has a powerful LPG gas heating system, a slick kitchen plus hot and cold running water.

Your heart has probably skipped a beat already, but if you want it you’ll need €17,000 — and to get in line.

Envy

Meanwhile, the number of people investing in camper vans is soaring, inspiring hashtags on social media, with 8 million posts, and counting.

And with a campervan like this fully renovated Ford Rimor you’d be sure to be the envy of Instagram.

TRENDY: Could you make this van your home?

Cool place to chill out A DISTRICT of Barcelona has been named the coolest in the world in Time Out’s annual survey.

Barcelona’s Esquerra de l’Eixample is number one on the list, beating competition from the likes of Dublin’s Phibsboro and Soho in London.

More than 38,000 residents of cities across the world were surveyed for the list, questioned on where they most loved spending time around their city.

This year, Time Out factored in community spirit as well as food, drink, nightlife and independent culture in compiling the ranking of the 40 coolest neighbourhoods.

Esquerra de l’Eixample was described as having ‘incredible community spirit’ in 2020, organising events such as the Hidrogel Sessions, in which neighbours co-ordinated mass dance parties on their balconies during lockdown.

Its community-run Espai Germanetes garden and independent businesses such as Odd Kiosk – the world’s first LGBTQ+ magazine kiosk – were also highlighted.

Downtown LA took second place, followed by Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile Dennistoun in Glasgow’s East End was the only UK neighbourhood to make the top 20.

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Market bounceback

T

HE general consensus amongst the public at large seemed to be that the coronavirus crisis was going to mean a big hit for the property market in Spain.

But amongst property professionals the outlook was considered nowhere near as grim as the doom-mongers suggested.

Here at The Finance Bureau we felt right from the start of the crisis that although there was a huge amount of uncertainty, the situation was in no way comparable to the financial crash of the mid to late 2000s.

Back then, finance dried up as banks struggled with bad debt and bad investments. Even then we were able to secure funding for many prospective purchasers who were unable to get loans from other sources by utilising our in-depth local knowledge and expertise in the Spanish mortgage market.

Although it is true that some lenders have been looking for ways to mitigate risk, primarily by reducing loan-to values (LTVs) and increasing the ratio of net income to monthly loan repayments, with the present crisis, the problem of liquidity in the banking sector is not an issue.

The Finance Bureau under-

House sales and mortgage approvals up more than 6% in August stood that lenders are much more willing to lend than in the years of financial turmoil – and this would be a major factor in keeping the property market solvent.

While lockdown certainly affected the property sector, the data seems to be showing very little let up in demand in the longer term.

When lockdown was imposed in March the initial figures held up well as many deals already in the pipeline were completed, although there was a dip in sales and approved mortgages towards the end of the second quarter.

But this seems, in our experience at The Finance Bureau, to not have had a significant impact on demand over the succeeding months - in fact quite the opposite.

Latest figures from the Spanish College of Notaries confirm our experience.

According to the college, the number of houses sold in Spain in August grew 6.8% year-on-year, with the number of new mortgages approved for buying a principal residence rising 6.5%.

Overall, mortgage loans for the purchase of a property increased by 5.2% year-on-year in August (18,572 loans) a figure which in-

cludes those looking to buy a second property.

Loans for construction showed a year-on-year increase of 3.4% in August, at an average amount of €492,611, reflecting a yearon-year rise of 9.4%. Not only are more mortgages being completed, but the transaction prices are higher.

This all points to pent-up demand from the lockdown period being released in the form of a surge in deals.

In other words, coronavirus lockdown merely put sales temporarily on hold, with many purchasers completing as soon as they could. This, in our opinion, shows that people have recognised that the mid to long term prognosis for the market remains healthy.

For those seeking a loan it remains highly advisable to approach a qualified and experienced professional to guide them through the entire process.

At The Finance Bureau we have many years of experience at saving our clients inconvenience, time and more importantly money when applying for a loan.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

12

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

October 16th - October 29th 2020

Spain is sitting pretty when it comes to white villages with wow factor, but do any have the edge? To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain, Laurence Crumbie picks out six stunners from three Olive Press Regions

as a picture

Morella, Valencia

Alcudia, Mallorca

P

erched on a hilltop 1000m above sea level, the castle town of Morella makes a tremendous impression. Its 16 towers, six gates and two kilometers of circular wall lend it a formidable, yet beautiful character that is enhanced by rich traditions of gastronomy and folklore. Head out before sunset for a view of the castle basking in amber light - you won’t be disappointed.

Frigiliana, Andalucia

E

ncircled by mighty medieval walls that reveal a maze of narrow lanes, honey-coloured stone houses and cafe-rimmed plazas, charming Alcudia old town is one of the

most visited villages on the island. The eponymous municipality and tourist capital of north Mallorca stretches along a 61 kilometre peninsula, flaunting a coastline of rugged coves and sandy bays

Culla, Valencia

T

his charming pueblo blanco combines the very best traits of whitewashed Andalucia and offers a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Sinuous stone streets and stairways evoke the town’s

Moorish past, and local artists sell traditional craftworks in the picturesque centre. Frigiliana even caters to those with a sweet tooth, as arropia, a delicious candy made from cane sugar and honey, is a regional specialty.

Grazalema, Andalucia

N

estled within a sublime sierra of limestone outcrops, the town of Grazalema makes for an ideal weekend getaway. Its iconic centre and narrow streets hide layers of history that reach back to the Romans, and local specialities include wine, cheese, artisan liquors and bitters.

If you haven’t overindulged the night before, head out early morning to scale the magnificent Peñon Grande - a vista of quaint white houses and red-tiled roofs awaits you.

Pollensa, Mallorca

P

ollensa is the sepia-toned epitome of the medieval Mallorca you always dreamed of discovering. And that’s without adding its azure sea, verdant pine trees, rustic stone pathways, quirky traditions and picturesque lighthouse. Plaza Mayor is a hub of activity, where you can organise trips to scenic coves, including Cala Carbo and Cala Clara. Not forgetting the region’s crowning glory, the Formentor Peninsula.

Over the years, this natural wonder has inspired various poems and works of art – visit it and you’ll discover why.

that distinguishes it from all others. Don’t miss a walk around spellbinding Pollèntia, once the island’s prime Roman settlement to which its stunning amphitheatre still stands testament.

A

must-see for history lovers, Culla boasts one of Spain’s grandest castles. Between the 11th to 13th centuries, the settlement was fought over by Christians and Muslims a handful of times, becoming a base of the Knights Templar in 1303. The ruins of the old castle may be the main attraction, but the municipality is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Levantine cave paintings that date back nearly 9,000 years.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

October 16th - October 29th 2020

Bargain basement Benidorm offering all-in six night stays from €209

Hidden gem A SECRET haunt in Ronda has been namechecked in a list of the best ‘everyday restaurants’ in Spain - coming in at number one on the list.

Tropicana stormed to the top spot for Best Everyday Dining in Spain - defined as the kind of place ‘worth visiting again and again’.

Tripadvisor praised the restaurant for its ‘delicious food and cocktails and warm service’ as well as the ‘wonderful atmosphere’ as part of its Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award series.

The vote took into account thousands of online reviews and found the spots that most often wowed their 390 million online community members Tripadvisor said: “Every year, we pull together all the reviews, ratings, and saves that travellers share from across the globe — and use that info to spotlight the very best. The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards celebrates them all.”

BENIDORM is selling cutpriced accommodation and fully inclusive dining packages priced from just €209 per head.

This covers an all-inclusive six-night stay for a four-person group.

It’s the latest move to entice tourists to stay in the Costa Blanca resort after visitor numbers collapsed at the end of the domestic holiday season in late August.

Package prices go up to €230 each in a three-person party and €252 each for two visitors.

Alcohol is not included in the meal deals and

By Alex Trelinski

food supplements will be charged over the Christmas and New Year period.

Two hospitality associations (ABRECA and COBRECA) have joined forces with the Rosemberg Real Estate Agency and Apartamentos Nicaragua to create the special offer which runs until March 31, 2021.

The packages offer the choice of 259 apartments marketed by Rosemberg as well as the Apartamentos Nicaragua.

Breakfast, lunch and din-

Sherry good IN a centuries old tradition, the Spanish navy is sailing two barrels of sherry across the Atlantic to Argentina, through the Pacific past the Philippines and Guam, before returning to port in Cadiz.

Sending sherry to age at sea is said to increase the intensity of flavours in the tipple and dates back to ancient Rome.

Navy commanders arranged the expedition to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first crossing of the Pacific by the Spanish explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano, who their boat is named after.

ENTICING: Benidorm is trying to attract visitors

ner can be taken at any of the 29 participating ABRECA or COBRECA member outlets which are listed on the benidormresort.com website.

The participating groups said: “This project comes about from the essential synergy between all the business sectors in Benidorm and is a European pioneer in offering visitors the chance to enjoy all of the gastronomic offerings of our city.”

Costs fall to just €125 each

for a four person group that opts not to have any meals, with €15 extra to have breakfast for six days.

The full range of price options and permutations for group sizes is available via benidormresort.com VIEWS: Great value

13

COVID payout ANDALUCIA will pay for insurance to cover international tourists’ COVID-19 related costs.

The Vice-President and Minister of Tourism, Juan Marin, says that tourists who are infected in the region from January 1 will be ‘guaranteed’ the costs of confinement, hospital stay or return to their country.

According to Luis Callejon, president of the Costa del Sol Hotel Business Association (AEHCOS), hotels in Malaga have been offering this insurance free of charge since May and it includes 24 hour telematic assistance, transfer to hospitals and even repatriation to the clients’ home-countries.

Corridors

“We don’t understand why the Junta has not put this policy in place earlier,” he said.

Callejon considers that the priority now is to negotiate safe air corridors.

“Why are we going to give anyone insurance if they’re not going to be able to come here? First we have to make sure that international tourists can travel to Malaga,” he added.

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14

HEALTH

October 16th - October 29th 2020

Abortion rule repeal

National government says 16 and 17-yearolds should be able to terminate pregnancy without parental consent

THE Spanish government says it wants to change the law to allow 16 and 17-yearolds to seek an abortion without parental permission.

Politicians have been debating changes to the country's abortion laws as ministers seek to repeal a 2015 bill that made parental consent for those aged between 16 and 18 mandatory.

Equality Minister Irene Montero said women should have the right to ‘decide about their bodies’.

Abortion is legal in Spain in the first 14 weeks of a woman's pregnancy.

It was first legalised in 1985 in cases of rape, or when the life of the mother was at risk and it wasn’t until 2010 that the law extended abortion rights to any woman until 14 weeks of gestation.

In 2015, the ruling Popular Party (PP) changed Spain's abortion laws and established the obligation of parental consent in the case of girls between 16 and 18-years-old who wanted to end their pregnancy.

Montero, a member of the left wing party Unidas Podemos, told Spain’s lower house of parliament that the reform was ‘more than

necessary’.

She added that other measures would be introduced, including a greater focus on sex education which she described as a ‘vaccine’ in the fight against gender violence.

The law change would also include the right to the ‘newest forms’ of contraception, the minister told a parliamentary commission.

MINISTER: Irene Montero For the move to be approved however, Montero will first have to submit the proposals to the public then negotiate the details with the country’s Ministry of Health.

An absolute majority of the Congress of Deputies - 177 or more votes in the 350 seat chamber - will be needed to approve it.

Currently, the coalition government does not have an absolute majority and the far-right party Vox has already said it will not support the proposal.

Virus regs shut down concert

POLICE had to break up an open-air concert at Villamartin Plaza due to a series of COVID infringements.

More than 250 people, many of them expats, were sent home as they were dining and enjoying the show, while ‘not adhering to social distancing regulations’.

Police released a video to show the lack of respect for hygiene and safety among punters.

Billed as an ‘End of the Season Show’, tables at the dozen or so bars and restaurants were supposed to be reserved in advance for the

evening.

However, police claimed the event did not have the correct social distancing measures in place. A spokesperson for VillaMartin Plaza said the event was stopped because of ‘one complaint about a restaurant not social distancing so they stopped everything’.

He added it was ‘totally legal, just two prat policemen’.

A representative of The Tavern Bar added: “It was a great night, a great turn out, just spoiled by some morons.”

Sick of school MORE than 600 children have been diagnosed with coronavirus in the Balearic Islands since the school term began in September.

A total of 619 youngsters have contracted COVID-19 in the region, with 105 testing positive in the past week.

This number accounts for 0.4% of children in the Balearic Islands where approximately 155,000 are enrolled across 426 schools.

According to the Balearic government, almost all of those diagnosed have ‘very mild symptoms or are asymptomatic’ and only two have been hospitalised.

Reporting the latest figures, government spokesperson Pilar Costa said that an average of 20 children are being diagnosed with COVID-19 each day.

The outbreaks have also led to 30 groups of children being quarantined in 22 different schools.

Asking for calm, Costa said that all schools have been informed on ‘what protocols to follow to contain the spread of the virus once a positive result is confirmed’.

TESTING POSTIVE: School kids catch COVID

Friends.

Reset.

Music.

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

Horizon.

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COLUMNISTS

October 16th - October 29th 2020

15

Xmas will be a COVID free zone

Terenia Taras Telling it like it is

THE C-WORD: It’s the most magical time of year, says columnist Terenia DECIDED I’m going to fish, potatoes and vegetables. or LV handbag, but health, hapavoid the C-word for a The soup is actually nicer than piness and all that schmaltz. while because I’m done it sounds, but is still an ac- Whatever your family traditions with it! Don’t you find that quired taste! or however you spend Christyour conversations always The main course is rather mas for this one day it would come around to 2020’s top- bland and I’d prefer a Chinese be amazing to have an amnesty banquet all day long, but this and allow people that special ic of the year – COVID? What starts out with pleas- has been our Christmas Eve day to be able to forget about antries, asking if the kids menu every year since I was the other C word for once and are enjoying being back in a little girl. We also have to do just be allowed to have a norschool, or how work is going, the breaking of the bread with mal Christmas. conversations soon seem to one another and wish each I think Governments globally will end up back on COVID. Such nice things, not like a new car, not want to be the Grinch who as now, but we can’t help ourselves because it’s become such an intrinsic topic in all of our lives.

So, I’ve decided to write Lisa about something far more Burgess positive, a thing we all generally love for different reasons, and definitely something which needs to happen. The C word I’m referring But it cost Lisa Burgess a battle with to is of course Christmas.

I have to say as I was walkcancer to cleanse her life of them for good ing through Palma last HE one thing cancer taught me was the need to get rid of week, I saw the first of the toxic people from your life, ASAP. Christmas lights up, and a Often they’re the very people you counted on as friends. smile automatically came, But they’re fake - think ‘frenemies’ - and the only way to because that unlit star symwin with these toxic people is not to play. bolises a time when people My dear friend and fellow breast cancer survivor Kay Chickie all over the world gather to Shaw, a witty and lovable Mancunian from La Cala, echoes my spend time with friends and sentiments with her own advice about people: “They should fit family. in or fook off.”

In a year when this has been If you need to identify a toxic person then lookout for these tellrestricted for the first time in tale signs. Toxic individuals will spread negativity, criticise, waste our lifetimes, I think Christyour time, play the victim, be jealous and are wholly self-centred. mas this year will be even They simply do not care about anyone else and will keep disapmore special and poignant. pointing you. Enduring a toxic relationship has adverse effects It’s not until you cannot do on your health and happiness. Studies show that it can cause something, that it makes you heart problems, high blood sugar and blood pressure problems, appreciate it all the more. I a weakened immune system, low energy and fatigue. for one often bemoaned that From a mental health perspective, it is equally damaging, makI’d much rather go out with ing you more guarded, pessimistic and emotionally exhausted. It friends on Christmas Eve breeds negativity all around you. then have to do the usual A damaging friendship can destroy your self-esteem, hinder your Roman Catholic and Polish personal growth and distort your idea of a healthy relationship. traditions my Mum insists Before cancer, I had a different outlook with a softer, more leon each year. nient attitude. But how things have changed! I now realise time Christmas Eve in our family is of the essence, and I refuse to spend one precious extra mininvolves eating no meat, so ute of it agonising over anyone who isn't worth it. I sincerely hope the main meal is beetroot you have had a toxic waste spring clean this year but if not, then soup with sliced egg and contemplate these wise words from an unknown author: pasta, followed by breaded ‘Don't let negative and toxic people rent space in your head.

Raise the rent and kick them out!’

I

Toxic friendships damage your health

T

OP Puzzle solutions Across: 1 Savant, 5 Gamers, 8 In retrospect, 9 Right arm, 10 Envy, 11 Llama, 13 Hairy, 17 Docs, 19 Unafraid, 21 Killer whales, 22 Agleam, 23 Locate.

Down: 2 Alibi, 3 Abraham, 4 Titian, 5 Grooms, 6 Maple, 7 Recover, 12 Looting, 14 Acrylic, 15 Quorum, 16 Rachel, 18 Solve, 20 Inset.

SUDOKU

Quick Crossword

stole Christmas, because that will be taking too much from all of us. I also think it’s highly unlikely if rules are in place, that the majority of people will follow them at Christmas. I’m not talking about hosting all out raves, just to be able to do what each family does normally on Christmas Day. The rule of six isn’t fair, because can you imagine the family fall-outs if you or your offspring are the seventh - plus off the list!

A friend of mine came up with the solution of booking separate tables for all family members in a restaurant, that’s if restaurants are even going to be open? My mum’s suggestion of hiring a marquee and each having our own table, was resourceful, but impractical.

With six young nieces and nephews there’s no way you could stop them running around in a giant tent. So mum, scrap the marquee, because as I said to her, if we can’t have a normal Christmas it’s not going to feel like Christmas. It’s either got to happen without the rules and restrictions, or not at all!

@tereniataras

October 16th - October 29th 2020

The

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Killer revenge SCIENTISTS say a pod of killer whales are attacking Spanish vessels in response to injuries sustained from boat rudders in August.

FINAL WORDS

Chick rescue ANIMAL rights’ groups are trying to find homes for the surviving 3,200 chicks after 26,000 were found dumped at Madrid Airport.

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Vol. 4 Issue 91 www.theolivepress.es October 16th - October 29th 2020

Dog-gone!

A SPANISH dog on its way to a new home in Canada caused chaos when it went on the run and forced one of North America’s busiest airports to close down for an hour.

And it wasn’t until 12 hours later that staff at Toronto Pearson Airport were finally able to track down and catch the rescue podenco called Crystal that at one point caused all departures and ar-

Blind justice

rivals to be postponed.

She was one of four of the hunting dogs being rehomed by the Greyhounds, Galgos and Podencos of Atlantic Canada association (GGPAC).

After a gruelling 12 hour flight, from Spain, Crystal decided to take the opportunity to stretch her legs when their

By Dilip Kuner

British Airways flight touched down.

Ground crew were taken by surprise when they opened the hold and Crystal shot out and disappeared into the distance.

High as a kite

VALENCIAN Hector Melero Marti, 26, has become the first blind person in Spain to qualify as a court judge.

Peckish plants RESEARCHERS at Alicante University have identified two previously unknown species of carnivorous plants native to the sierras of Tejeda and Almijara.

Spanish podenco leads airport workers on a merry chase

POTTY: Giant plant

A MARIJUANA plant that sprouted ‘beanstalk-like’ into a five metre tall ‘tree’ was a shock discovery for the National Police Agents smelt the plant on a Molina del Segura (Murcia) street and decided to knock on a few doors to find out where the aroma was coming from.

Their inquiries took them to a property which had the entire patio covered by a tent to conceal the single marijuana plant that had blossomed into a monster.

The ‘tree’ was cut down and agents seized a quantity of large buds from it.

A man and a woman were arrested for drug trafficking.

CHASE: Crystal and Keith It is thought that the door to her travel kennel had not been closed properly.

Over the next 12 hours a high-tech search swung into action.

Aviation safety officer Chris Stubbs kept a watchful eye out using security and thermal cameras and caught sight of Crystal several times.

Falconer Keith Everett (above) drove up and down the runway trying to get close enough to collar Crystal.

He said: “Boy, could she run.”

In the end he had to sit it out and let the podenco - a breed renowned for its stamina tire herself out. She eventually went to ground under a truck, and Kenny was able to gain her trust with treats and a few friendly words.

IT looks like fans of Wigan Athletic football club may be swapping their famous pies for Spanish empanadas.

The troubled club is being sold to businessman Jose Miguel Garrido Cristo, it has been revealed.

Known as the Latics, the club was put into administration in July, just a month after it had been bought by Hong Kong based Next Lender Fund.

The Lancashire town is famous for its pies, and Wigan’s fans are proud that their club serves up some of the best pastry based treats.

So much so that last year the team’s new mascot was unveiled to be Crusty the Pie - a six foot tall ‘traditional pastry’ wearing the club’s blue and white colours.

Fans will be relieved to hear that the potential new owner may be on the same wavelength when it comes to food. He is the former international director of Spanish multinational food group Campofrio, so will no doubt be keen to keep the team’s supporters well fed.

But the burning question is, will a selection of Spanish-style pies known as empanadas and often filled with tuna, pork or vegetables be put on the menu?

TM

952 147 834

*Based on third par ty. Offer valid for new customers only. Subject to conditions. Ends 31/12/20.

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20/7/20 13:08