OLIVE PRESS
FREE THE Jubilee celebrations were extended in Gibraltar as Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, began their royal visit, bringing a message of thanks from the Queen with them. “Over the years I have watched Gibraltar prosper as a multi-cultural and multi-faith community, proud of its rich history while dynamic and forward-looking,” the monarch said in a message sent from Windsor Castle. The statement was made public just as the Earl and Countess of Wessex began their three day visit to Gibraltar. “In my Platinum Jubilee year, I am delighted that my son and daughterin-law have the opportunity to visit Gibraltar again, and I am pleased that they will represent me at my Birthday Parade in Casemates Square, taking the
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Jubilee thanks salute of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment to whom Prince Edward presented new colours at Windsor earlier this year.” “I am grateful for your continued allegiance and loyalty, and I am pleased to reaffirm the close ties that have existed for so long between the Crown and the people of Gibraltar.” “My thoughts and prayers will remain with you for your future happiness and prosperity.” The arrival of the Wessexes was delayed after their British Airways flight was forced to return to London following technical issues. But they eventually touched down five
June 15th - June 28th 2022
hours later than planned and were met on the runway by the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo before being met by crowds of well wishers in Convent Place. The streets were bedecked in Union Jack bunting and a chorus of ‘God Save the Queen’ rang out as the royal couple greeted onlookers. Many of those in the crowd had also been present when the Wessexes last visited Gibraltar 10 years ago to mark the Diamond Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II herself has only visited Gibraltar once during her long reign. In May 1954, just a year after her coronation, she arrived with Prince Philip and two young children in tow; Prince Charles and Princess Anne, at the start of a Commonwealth Tour.
WELCOME: Fabian Picardo greeted the Earl and Countess of Wessex
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Making in-roads, page 6/7
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FIRE SOURCE: The blaze was sparked at the La Resinera finca (above) owed by the Gaddafi family (below)
A GIANT fire that has razed 3,500 hectares of woodland above the Costa del Sol could have been started by four men. However, it is unclear if it was done deliberately
or due to error. While a number of Olive Press sources insisted it appears to be the work of an arsonist, national news agency EFE claimed last night it was caused by negligence. As we went to press, it emerged that three men were interviewed by ALL AREAS the Guardia Civil COVERED yesterday afternoon. 4G UNLIMITED Another man was due to be INTERNET grilled today over the fire IDEAL FOR that began last STREAMING TV Wednesday at 3pm. ALSO What is also IPTV, known is the fire SATELLITE TV
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HUNDREDS of readers have been joined by expat councillors to support the Olive Press U-turn campaign helping British residents swap their licences for Spanish ones. Meanwhile various Facebook groups and even a leading fintech guru have backed our campaign, which is gathering speed. It comes tragically however, after one female expat allegedly committed suicide when she found herself isolated in a rural part of Andalucia. The woman, who had recently lost her husband, told friends her life was no longer worth living. Among suggestions to put pressure on both the Spanish and British governments, one reader, Andrew Clark suggested a road protest. “Why don't we all protest by driving slowly around Malaga and other Spanish towns? It seemed to work well for the lorry drivers!” The UK ambassador meanwhile continued to insist ‘an agreement is close’.
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began in a private estate owned by Libya’s Gaddafi family. Suspiciously, just a decade ago plans were issued to build a golf course and nearly 2,000 homes at the giant 6,800 hectare La Resinera finca, which straddles Benahavis and Pujerra. An army fireman, who battled the blaze for three days, told the Olive Press it had started at ‘three points’ on the Sierra Bermeja estate. The UME firefighter said: “My colleagues and the police are working on that assumption. “Arsonists always have an aim and purpose when burning the mountain, they usually want to build
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something.” And he added he ‘strongly believes’ that last year’s neighbouring Estepona fire is linked to this year’s fire. Despite new reports, last night, that the blaze was started accidentally by workers clearing the land, other local sources in Benahavis continued to insist it could be arson. “We all think that the fire was deliberate, but it is still under investigation,” revealed a local estate agent. “I don’t understand why anyone would be working in the very high heat in the middle of the day, with the winds really picking up,” he added. The fire led to the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people in Benahavis and neighbouring Pujerra. Most residents spent between one or two nights out of their homes. Neither Andalucia’s firefighting group, INFOCA, nor the Guardia Civil would comment on the causes of the fire, insisting the investigation continued ‘in secret’. Last year’s blaze was one of the worst seen in Spain this century. It destroyed nearly 10,000 hectares. Oops I did it again, page 7