FREE COPY MALAGA CF THE NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHERN SPAIN REVEAL NEW Official market leader Audited by PGD/OJD KIT WITH AN July 16th to 22nd 2021 www.surinenglish.com OLD TOUCH News ...... 2 Comment ...... 20 Lifestyle ...... 22 The vertical stripes on What to do ...... 30 Health&Beauty ...... 34 the first team’s shirts are Food&Drink ...... 36 reminiscent of their Sport ...... 37 in English Classified ...... 43 strips in the nineties P37 British developers unveil 100m-euro shopping centre plan for Marbella
The mall project in the A shopping complex scheme be- The New York architecture Plaza de Toros area of the ing developed by Citygrove and studio KPF has been hired to Burlington for the Plaza de Toros create a project concept for the main town could be open (bullring) district of Marbella open-air centre with state-of- by Christmas 2023 if town is expected to involve an the-art materials and respect Police put their find deadlines are met investment of 100 million euros. for the environment at its core. on display this week. The project involves an area SALVADOR SALAS of underutilised land covering 30,000 square metres and in- Biggest drug transporting drone cludes a large car park and im- proved road access. in Spain found in Axarquía village The developers say they hope to have the centre open by Police searching premises in Almáchar came across the Christmas 2023 if all goes ac- aircraft with a wingspan of 4.35 metres that was used to cording to plan. P3 carry marijuana from Morocco to Spain. P4
Costa travel Summer ailments industry hopeful can be avoided as UK ‘Freedom with some easy- Day’ approaches P2 to-follow-tips P34-35 22222222 July 16th to 22nd 2021 NEWS SUR IN ENGLISH Ryanair and easyJet get ready for Relief as Costa stays on UK amber more British visitors from 19 July list while Balearics go amber again
The leading airlines at pany’s schedule for the next win- Malaga Airport have ter season. P. MARTÍNEZ “As the number one airline in announced their future Spain, we are delighted to contrib- MALAGA. There was relief plans amid more optimism ute to the reactivating and growth among the Costa del Sol travel for the rest of the season of tourism in Malaga despite the industry on Wednesday when challenges of the Covid-19 pan- the UK government confirmed PILAR MARTÍNEZ demic,” he said. it was keeping mainland Spain McGuinness said he was “very on its amber list. MALAGA. Two leading airlines at happy with the demand in Malaga” There had been some fears Malaga Airport have announced and believes air traffic will recover that Spain could go onto the what plans they have in place for strongly this summer on the Costa red list, with much tighter flights as international travel del Sol where the airline has eleven quarantine restrictions when gradually returns to normal, es- aircraft based. holidaymakers return home pecially as vaccinated UK tourists Ryanair’s winter programme to Britain, as Spain has seen can visit Spain from Monday, 19 from October will include new a surge in cases, especially July, without quarantining on re- flights to Aarhus in Denmark; among young people, in the turn. Lanzarote; Paris Beauvais; Kau- last couple of weeks. Ryanair, the biggest airline by nas in Lithuania; Stockholm Ar- The Balearic Islands - Me- passenger numbers at Malaga Air- landa; Agadir, Riga and Turin. Takeoff at last for Malaga Airport flight levels?. ÑITO SALAS (FILE PHOTO) norca, Mallorca, Ibiza - move port, has said it will link 77 desti- back to amber again from nations to the Costa del Sol this EasyJet positive too pany has put an 11,916 addi- “We are delighted to see the re- Monday after just two weeks summer, with new routes to Bel- In a statement issued last Friday tional seats on sale to connect sponse to the elimination of [UK] on the green list, throwing fast, Fez, Menorca, Rabat, Pisa and after the UK government an- UK airports with Malaga. Easy- quarantine for fully vaccinated tour operators’ programmes Sofia. nounced the 19 July quarantine- Jet is one of the main operators residents returning from the and people’s holidays into The Irish budget airline believes rule easing, easyJet reported a connecting the British market countries on the amber list.” chaos. that it will fly some five million 400 per cent increase in flight res- with the Costa del Sol and has, In further optimistic news this José Luque of the Costa del passengers to and from Malaga ervations and a 440 per cent in- since June, had an operations week, the Port of Malaga received Sol hoteliers’ association said this year. crease in holiday bookings com- base in the city. its first cruise ship with interna- the important thing was to Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s pared to the previous week for The general director of easy- tional passengers since March work to stay on the UK’s am- commercial director, was in Malaga countries on the UK’s amber list. Jet for the southern area of last year. Over 1,400 passengers ber list despite the rapidly in- this week to announce the com- To meet this demand, the com- Europe, Javier Gándara , said, came in on the Aida Perla. creasing local case rates.
Embassy tells Brits in Spain simpler vaccine travel rules ‘are on the way’
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MALAGA. The British Embassy responded this week to the many UK expats expressing their unhappiness that their Spain-issued EU vaccination Tourists in Malaga on their way to their accommodation. S. SALAS certificates would not be valid to go to the UK and skip quar- antine this summer. Costa hotels are predicting they Spain is on the UK’s amber list, but only those people vac- will be over 60% full in August cinated in the UK’s NHS health system, effectively only peo- ple living in Britain, can avoid While countries like vised its forecasts upwards. quarantine on coming from German and France are So far, setbacks for the travel Spain. trade this week from some coun- The Embassy said on its Brits getting tougher on travel tries that are now advising in Spain Facebook page, “The to Spain, the UK’s against travel to Spain, such as [UK] government is taking a ‘Freedom Day’ relaxation Germany or France, or putting phased approach to amending is having a positive effect in place more restrictive meas- requirements and is already ures, such as Morocco, are be- exploring plans to remove P. MARTÍNEZ ing offset by the decision by the quarantine for vaccinated non- UK to relax travel rules for dou- UK residents arriving from am- MALAGA. A surge in bookings in ble-vaccinated British tourists ber countries later this sum- the last few weeks has left Costa from Monday. mer, when it is safe to do so.” hoteliers optimistic that they will President of Aehcos, José Lu- The Embassy added that reach 63 per cent occupancy in que, said, “We foresee an im- British expats can opt for the August and almost 60 per cent in provement in reservations and Test and Release scheme July. The analysis comes from an increase in demand for the which allows UK quarantine Aehcos, the local hotel opera- Costa del Sol, which could go up to be reduced from 10 to five tors’ association, which has re- further in the coming days.” days. July 16th to 22nd 2021 3 SUR IN ENGLISH NEWS British developers behind 100-million- euro Marbella shopping complex plan
Currently in the ate a project concept with state- development and of-the-art materials and planning phase, it could with “respect for the environ- be open by Christmas ment” as an architectural cornerstone. 2023 if deadlines are met De Ligne said, “It will be a mixture of several concepts: with J. DUEÑAS / N. HESKETH an open-air shopping centre, which would be more of a ‘mall’, MARBELLA. British developers Ci- public areas and car parking.” tygrove and Burlington are be- “In a place like Marbella and hind plans to create a shopping the Costa del Sol you have to complex in the Plaza de Toros make the most of the wonderful (bullring) area of Marbella town climate,” he emphasised. with a total investment of 100 An artist’s impression of how the new futuristic complex may look. SUR million euros. Interest already At the moment they are “im- Some potential business clients mersed in the development and have already expressed their in- The prestigious pends not only on us, but also and close to La Cañada mall. The planning phase that we hope to terest in the project and the de- New York architecture on third parties. I believe that area has been underutilised for be able to conclude this year,” velopment director has con- we must make an effort to meet some time and, among its plans, explained Manuel Gonzalo de firmed, “Some of them do not studio KPF, which holds that deadline because it will the council also wants to add a Ligne, Citygrove’s director of de- yet have a presence in Spain but several international benefit all,” he added. large public car park and im- velopment in Spain. they are interested in Marbella awards, has been hired The Plaza de Toros area in proved road access. The prestigious New York ar- because of its international to create a project concept Marbella - not to be confused Architects KPF are behind chitecture studio KPF, which image.” with the bullring in nearby much of the eyecatching new holds several international “Our goal is to be able to open Puerto Banús - is in a key loca- building in inner London, awards, has been hired to cre- by Christmas 2023 but it de- tion at the gateway to the town including the City’s Heron Tower. 4 July 16th to 22nd 2021 NEWS SUR IN ENGLISH
112 REPORTS
MALAGA TORRE DEL MAR Arrested for providing Rider tests positive after rental vehicles to criminals hitting a policeman
Á. FRÍAS / J. CANO. A gang, which E. CABEZAS. A Local Police officer allegedly specialised in providing in Torre del Mar was injured af- rental vehicles to other criminal ter an 18-year-old moped rider organisations, has been uncovered refused to stop and smashed into after an investigation. National Po- the policeman. lice officers took over the case af- Officers had spotted the moped ter Local Police officers in Malaga travelling fast and without lights stopped a vehicle and found its oc- but when the foot patrol tried to cupants were carrying 99,940 pull the rider over, he allegedly ig- euros in cash. They discovered it nored their orders, accelerated and was a rented and suspicions were headed straight towards them. Af- raised that it was provided by an ter the incident, he tested positive organised gang supplying them to for cocaine, cannabis, ampheta- other alleged criminals. mines and methamphetamines.
The seized drone was put on display by police in Malaga this week. SALVADOR SALAS Huge drug-trafficking drone seized in Axarquía village
National Police said four the gang handled and stored pare and ship drugs and vari- arrests have been made consignments of hashish and ous items of computer equip- and revealed the gang marijuana bound for France. ment were also seized. had a base in Almáchar, During a search of one of the The person was taken into houses allegedly used as a drug custody in Almáchar under a from where they storage place in Almáchar, of- European arrest warrant and shipped the drugs to ficers found a 4.35-metre wing- three other people were de- France span drone that was used for tained in France. the transport of hashish and Torremolinos SUR marijuana between Morocco and Spain, according to the Na- The Civil Guard have also Investigators at the scene in the Huelin district. SALVADOR SALAS MALAGA. Officers from Spain’s tional Police. opened an inquiry after 200 ki- National Police force have In the same property, numer- los of hashish was found in a MALAGA helped dismantle an alleged in- ous tools used to handle, pre- helicopter that was located in ternational criminal organisa- Torremolinos. Suspected shotgun murder and suicide tion, made up of French nation- The discovery was on 2 July als of Northwest African origin, in the mountains behind the at the door of a central Malaga school which was based, in part, in the During a search of a Costa del Sol town. Axarquía district. house allegedly used as The helicopter was loaded During Operation Piñas, the a drug storage place, with the drug and the Civil Á. FRÍAS / J. CANO. National Police Núñez, at the door of San Manuel police arrested a member of the officers found a 4.35-metre Guard agents deployed in the were investigating a crime on school, where it is believed the network in the Malaga village area arrested a man in the Thursday in Malaga city that had woman worked as a cleaner and of Almáchar, where it is alleged wingspan drone operation. all the signs of being a new case of cook. gender violence. Initial inquiries According to witnesses, the 55- indicated that a man had killed his year-old Spanish man was wait- partner with a shotgun and imme- ing for his partner - also Spanish One dead after Costa helicopter Woman is diately afterwards taken his own and 46 - at the door of the school. arrested for life with the same weapon. According to the first police inves- chase ends in disaster thirty The incident happened a few tigations, the man killed the beating her minutes before 9am close to the woman and then turned the main train station on Calle Fernán weapon on himself at the scene. miles east of Sotogrande children in a bar
J. CANO / F. TORRES and was accompanied by the pi- Á. FRÍAS / J. CANO. The events lot and co-pilot, who survived the took place several weeks ago in MALAGA. The fight against drug accident. The flight crew managed an establishment in the Ciudad trafficking along the south coast to rescue the officer from the heli- Jardín neighborhood of Malaga. of Spain claimed the life of a mem- copter and revive him. However, At around 12.45 am, emergency ber of the Customs Surveillance when he reached land, the man’s services received several calls Service at the weekend. heart stopped again. More resus- in which it was reported that a José Luis Domínguez Iborra, citation manoeuvres were at- woman who was in a drunken from Algeciras, died in a helicop- tempted by a mobile intensive state was hitting her children ter accident while the aircraft was care unit in Sotogrande port, but in full view of the customers. following a suspected drug-traf- the man did not recover. As soon as they arrived, the of- ficking boat in the Strait of Gibral- On Sunday, the Salvamento ficer were called over by a group tar, thirty miles east of Sotogrande, Marítimo coastguard service lo- of people who had surrounded and close to the border between cated the crashed helicopter and the 37-year-old woman of Span- Cadiz and Malaga provinces. it was refloated using inflatable ish nationality in the street, The customs official who lost balloons by the Clara Campoamor keeping her separated from his life served as an aerial observer, recovery craft, at around 6.30pm. her two children. July 16th to 22nd 2021 SUR IN ENGLISH 5 6 July 16th to 22nd 2021 NEWS SUR IN ENGLISH Most Covid patients over 50 in Case rates in Andalucía reach levels last seen in February but intensive care rejected a vaccine intensive care levels stay low
Last weekend there were per cent are under 40 years of In Malaga province, the dalucía regional government 102 hospital admissions age. Of those, 85 per cent are not Junta has said it will take promised to take into account vaccinated. an anomaly in the case data. in Andalucía and 64 per into account that in the The busy coastal resorts, cent of them had not Jabs reach 25 year olds coastal resorts the case which see their population dou- been vaccinated. The Andalucía tried to slow down the rates are artificially high ble in some cases this time of rest had received their increase in cases among those and give a false picture year, have inflated 14-day rates under 30 this week. On Wednes- as the total cases are divided by first dose of a vaccine day, the regional Health ministry SUR the much lower year-round announced that it was widening population figure. This particu- H. BARBOTTA / SUR the age of those who could be vac- MALAGA. The Andalucía region larly affects Malaga province. cinates to those born in 1996 - recorded the biggest number of For example, a virtual shut- SEVILLE / MALAGA. Seventy-two that is who are aged 25. Those new Covid-19 cases since Feb- down will not be ordered in Mar- per cent of the Covid-19 patients with that age and above can ask ruary in 24 hours on Thursday bella, where ‘official’ cases rates admitted to intensive care units for an appointment online or via this week (15 July), with 3,561 are close to 1,000, as the rate is (ICUs) in Andalusian hospitals Vaccines are effective. EFE the health service app. new cases. This pushed the re- considered as inflated. are people aged between 50 and The Junta regional government gion’s rolling case rate up by 20 60 who refused to be vaccinated a first dose because it doesn’t has also said it has stepped up its to 335 per 100,000 people in the More districts move to Level 2 against the virus. offer maximum protection and, efforts to reach all those over 40 last 14 days. This week, however, the Junta This was revealed this week also, because several days must who have still to be vaccinated. On a local level, in Malaga did decide to change the level by the Vice-President of the elapse for antibodies to be Data shows that 10 per cent of province, including the Costa of the Axarquía and Vega (An- Junta de Andalucía, Juan Marín, generated. those aged 40 to 69 have still not del Sol, the rate had shot up to tequera) health districts from 1 who said that the data reveals At the moment, the Junta’s been vaccinated. Large scale, drop- 543 per 100,000, the highest fig- to 2 , which principally means the effectiveness of vaccination spokesman Elías Bendodo, said in vaccination clinics without a ure of the Andalusian provinces. capacities in venues and at ta- against coronavirus. there have been no patients ad- prior appointment are planned in Numbers in hospital in bles are reduced again. This Last weekend there were 102 mitted who have been fully vac- all provinces, with attendees get- Malaga province had climbed happened last week in the Costa hospital admissions in Anda- cinated, that is, with two doses of ting the one dose Janssen jab. from 118 to 208 in a week on del Sol, Malaga and Guadalhorce. lucía and 64 per cent of them Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna On Wednesday this week, 47.4 Thursday, however those in in- The Junta has said it doesn’t were patients who had not been or with a single jab of Janssen per cent of people in Spain had tensive care locally had risen see a reason to return to a cur- vaccinated. The remaining 36 Bendodo explained that the had the full dose of Covid-19 vac- from 24 to 31, a rate of increase few, seeing that hospital rates per cent had received their first age of people who are admitted cinations. The government wants much lower than the same point are staying low this time round, dose of a vaccine. A person can with Covid-19 to Andalusian to reach 70 per cent by the end in the last, third wave. but it has not ruled out other become infected after receiving hospitals is falling and that 40 of August. This week, the Junta de An- tightening measures. July 16th to 22nd 2021 7 SUR IN ENGLISH NEWS
Spain’s first coronavirus Spain set to authorise the sale home lockdown was of coronavirus illegal, rules top court self-diagnosis tests
The restriction on In March 2020, the PM declared movement was an “estado de alarma”, which is a M. S.-P. milder form of state of emergency introduced to try and stem within the Spanish Constitution. MADRID. Spain will, next week, the spread of Covid-19 The strict lockdown, when peo- approve the sale of Covid-19 during the state of alarm ple were only allowed to leave their self-diagnosis kits in pharma- homes for essential reasons for cies - without the need for a MELCHOR SÁIZ-PARDO several weeks, would only have The Royal Family arrive at the ceremony in Madrid. REUTERS medical prescription. It rep- been legal under the umbrella of resents a radical change in the MADRID. The strict home lockdown, the higher level of emergency, strategy of the Ministry of ordered to control the spread of known as an “estado de excepción”, Health which, until now, had coronavirus during Spain’s first said the court on Wednesday. King Felipe pays tribute to refused to allow the distribu- state of alarm, was unconstitu- The court ruling could open the tion of these tests because it tional a top court has ruled - by six door to a wave of possible lawsuits the victims of Covid-19 alleged that they gave a false votes in favour and five against. and the annulment of many of the sense of security, apart from In a historic judgement the Con- 1.2 million fines issued during the the fact that it did not consider stitutional Court has decided that time that the order lasted. MIGUEL Á. ALFONSO. King Felipe them, more than 100 health them entirely reliable. the government of Prime Minis- After three weeks of intense de- and Queen Letizia took part on workers. Spain’s Grand Cross for Head of the ministry Caro- ter Pedro Sánchez suspended fun- liberations, it was the vote of the Thursday in a tribute to victims Civil Merit was posthumously lina Darias has said that the damental rights rather than just vice-president of the court, Encar- of the Covid pandemic that has, awarded to more than 120 doc- authorisation for the sale in bringing in a limitation of them, nación Roca, that swung the so far, claimed almost 100,000 tors, nurses or orderlies who lost pharmacies will be for an “in as allowed by the state of alarm. balance. lives in the country - among their lives doing their job. vitro diagnostic” test. 8 July 16th to 22nd 2021 NEWS SUR IN ENGLISH Plan to transform Malaga city centre alongside the port is unveiled in detail
The scheme, which could road which runs along the edge cost 442m and take eight of the port placed in tunnels from Avenida Manuel Agustín Heredia years, will see main roads in the west along Paseo de los put into tunnels, two new Curas to the Paseo Marítimo in underground bus stations the east, close to the Gran Mira- and extra green space mar hotel. Much of the area above would be turned into gardens and JESÚS HINOJOSA public spaces. In addition, the wide . Paseo del Parque avenue, which An artist’s impression of how the newly pedestrianised Paseo de los Curas road, by the port, would look. SUR MALAGA. The mayor of Malaga has runs past the city hall, would be been giving more details of the partly closed to traffic. of Malaga, said this week that the square above it. city’s plan for a major new land- Major new underground bus City planning experts scheme would cost 442 million New, extra car parking would scaping and pedestrianisation interchanges would be built at believe that a good part euros and funding will be sought be put under the quays of the work- scheme to link the port to the the Plaza de la Marina, across of the funding could be from regional government, na- ing port across the road to replace tropical gardens on the edge of from the port, and under the front tional government, EU funds and that lost at Plaza de La Marina. the historic old town. of the city’s main railway station. raised from the private firms. Across the city centre, within The plan would see the busy Francisco de la Torre, Mayor private sector City planning experts believe a new, main bus station beneath that a good part of the funding can the esplanade of the AVE train be raised from the private sector station would be a shopping area because of planned new bus sta- and relocated taxi ranks for both tion facilities, extra shopping ar- rail and bus travellers. Pedestrian eas, car parks and land sale. access would be through one of “It’s a project to make you fall the historic station entrance in love with the city,” De la Torre buildings still standing. said, adding that it was “a revolu- The existing, large bus station tionary operation”, but “viable” alongside the main railway sta- at the same time. tion would be sold and developed The council believes it will take to generate an estimated 40m in eight years to see the light of day, funds towards the overall plan. including the planning and con- struction phases. Paseo del Parque The new underground road All change at bus stations along the port will be built as two The idea for the scheme started wide tunnels, one on top of the as a way to update the bus sta- other for each direction of travel. tions in the city. This would divert enough traf- The Plaza de la Marina, that lies fic to also mean that the Paseo between Calle Larios and the port, del Parque main avenue from would see an underground bus the town hall towards the station of local and longer-dis- Alameda could also be pedestri- tance buses and an international anised, merging in with the sur- competition will be organised to rounding tropical gardens with design the new, much enlarged, access just for public transport.
Uber invites with the provision of services through Uber. Malaga taxi When the client requests a trip drivers onto its through the ‘app’, the vehicle clos- est to their location will pick up the ride-hailing app passengers, regardless of whether it is Uber vehicle or taxi, although customers will also be offered the choice. FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ For now, this service will only be valid for urban routes and if the MALAGA. Barely a month after ex- journey is carried out by a taxi, it panding its coverage along Costa must adhere to municipal rates. del Sol, from Nerja to Manilva, Uber, Taxi drivers who sign up to the the multinational ride-hailing serv- service will pay a 12 per cent com- ice, is offering to integrate Malaga’s mission to the multinational com- taxi drivers onto its platform. pany, compared to the 25 per cent From last Tuesday, 13 July, that Uber charges to self-employed Malaga will be the third city in drivers. As an incentive, during the Spain to offer this service after Ma- first two months of launch there drid and Barcelona. will be no commission to pay for The company is making its plat- the drivers. form available to the 1,432 taxi The ride-hailing service hopes drivers in the city to allow them to between 200 and 300 taxis will complement their usual activity sign up this summer. July 16th to 22nd 2021 SUR IN ENGLISH 9 10 July 16th to 22nd 2021 NEWS SUR IN ENGLISH ‘In Marbella we need to catalogue our heritage before doing the Urban Plan’
Francisco Javier Moreno Doctor of Art History
Moreno talks about the the Roman era is very important, rich heritage of Marbella with the villa at Río Verde, the paleochristian basilica and the and what can be done in Roman baths. Then we have the order to protect and castle in the Old Town centre, preserve its historical which is from the caliphal pe- riod and is still very well pre- remains served, and our other major heri- JOAQUINA DUEÑAS tage, which sadly has been aban- doned, is the industrial one, es- MARBELLA. It is now 25 years pecially mining. There are some since Francisco Javier Moreno good remains left from that era, brought together a group of peo- but unfortunately nothing has ple who were concerned that the ever been done to revitalise and local heritage was being ne- preserve them. Most are in pri- glected and founded the Cilni- vate hands and have been com- ana association. He was its first pletely neglected. While other president and a quarter of a cen- places are clearly committed to tury later he is still studying, de- their industrial heritage, like the fending and providing informa- Río Tinto basin, for example, Francisco Javier Moreno is a Doctor of Art History. JOSELE tion about Marbella’s wealth of Marbella has turned its back on history, which for many goes it and has yet to do anything tection. That would be an impor- Jardines del Mar, in front of the QUOTES completely unnoticed. At the mo- about it. tant starting point, but I would Don Pepe hotel, and Terrazas de ment the town’s new Urban Plan –What opportunities for im- go further and say we need to TOWN CENTRE las Lomas del Marbella Club, (PGOU) is in the process of be- provement does the new PGOU create a catalogue, drawn up by which is a fabulous complex. ing drawn up and he sees this as bring? a multidisciplinary team and “The Old Town There’s La Virginia urbanisation, a golden opportunity for Mar- –We have the precedent of the with scientific criteria for con- needs a special which is beautiful, and the Resi- bella to protect its heritage. last Urban Plan, which estab- temporary architecture, archaeo- dencia de Tiempo Libre which –What are the main examples lished three types of protection: logical sites and monuments, as protection plan is the only example of 1960s ar- of the heritage of Marbella? integral, exterior and the sur- well as historical spaces. That because it is very chitecture which is protected be- –Our heritage is dispersed all rounding area, depending on the type of heritage catalogue would cause it is a Site of Cultural over the municipality. That from way each site is classified for pro- need to be drawn up before the fragile” Interest. PGOU is finished, and then in- –Could they have learned from corporated into the document. CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE the Old Town and all the prob- –And where are we with this lems there have been there? protection at the moment? “In the 1960s –The degradation of the Old –They had made good progress Marbella as a town Town mainly started in the time in the most recent plan, which of GIL, when they started to in- created protection not only for was freed from the discriminately demolish build- archaeological sites but also con- corsets that had ings and modernise them with- temporary architecture. How- out any criteria and we lost so ever, when that plan was an- restricted architects” many of the historical buildings. nulled they all ended up unpro- When the town hall set up its tected. A huge heritage, with no management committee, which protection whatsoever. Every- chitecture. I served on for 13 months, we thing concerning the archaeo- –I’m sure we must pass em- approved a transitory regulation logical sites needs to be reviewed blematic buildings every day to protect the Old Town, to save because a lot of things are new, without noticing them. what was left of it. Since then it there are a lot of different clas- –There are so many! For exam- has protected the area, but when sifications now. Not everything ple, the Guadalmina urbanisa- the new plan comes into force can be protected in the same tion was largely built by archi- that will be annulled. We hope way. tect Luis Gutiérrez Soto, and is that, at least, the regulation will –Why include contemporary a top quality example. His fa- be incorporated into the new architecture? mous Aldeas de las Águilas are plan with the same parameters –In the 1960s in Marbella there often referred to in architectural as it has at present. was possibly the best architec- manuals. And the houses built –What could be done to improve ture in Spain, it was vacational by Robert Byron Keeller Mosher, the situation of the Old Town? architecture, the work of the best too. They are in urbanisations –For many years we have been Spanish and international ar- and go completely unnoticed. talking about special protection. chitects of the time. Marbella Only an expert eye can spot It needs to be cared for down to was a place for creativity and them. We also had very good ex- the last millimetre, looked after free expression, freed from the amples by Casto Fernández in a different way to the rest of corsets that had previously re- Shaw, one of the top architects the town, because it is very frag- stricted architects and they cre- of the 20th century, and they ile. It is a permeable historical ated fantastic buildings which have all disappeared now. There complex that is very open to all have been neglected or de- is a huge list. There are some kinds of aggressions. It can’t just stroyed, often through ignorance. very good works by Fernando be considered as separate build- That’s why we need a specific Higuera, who was an exceptional ings, it needs an overall protec- catalogue of contemporary ar- architect with works such as the tion plan. July 16th to 22nd 2021 SUR IN ENGLISH 11
CONTENT PROMOTED BY ANDALUSIA TOURISM
You can come and enjoy Andalucía with complete peace of mind, secure in the knowledge that it is also a safe destination to visit because the pandemic is very closely monitored and there are strict controls over preventive measures in regulated accommodation
But perhaps you are thinking of a visit to the eastern side of An- dalucía, in which case Almería would be an ideal choice, espe- cially the fabulous Cabo de Gata Natural Park, which was the first Cala del Plomo (Almería). Andalucía Tourism maritime-terrestrial park in An- dalucía and one of the first in Spain.This is something com- pletely different: nature has been A WARM AND WELCOMING whimsical here, creating places of volcanic origin that makes this one of the largest protected re- serves in Europe. It covers 50 kms WORLD of rugged coast with breathtak- ing landscapes, dotted with a suc- cession of beautiful coves and small beaches. You can take your choice in Andalucía, Spain’s try is provided with free Covid in- Almería, from urban beaches like surance when they stay at any those of San José or Aguamarga largest and most type of regulated establishment to wonderful, virgin, natural, sand diverse region, is in the region during 2021. beaches such as Mónsul and Los What does this mean? It means Genoveses and tiny coves which the ideal if you are an international visitor, are not easily accessible, such as destination for a no matter what your age, any Plomo and Cala de Enmedio. medical, surgical and hospitalisa- For visitors who have a fond- beach holiday and tion costs arising from Covid-19 ness for western films, head for there is good news are automatically covered, to- the Tabernas desert in Almería. gether with related prescription Some of it may seem familiar as for international charges, transportation and repa- many ‘spaghetti western’ movies travellers triation, extended hotel stays af- were shot here, and some of the ter hospitalisation, and quaran- film sets still remain. There is also tine. You don’t have to do a thing. a western film festival in October MÁLAGA No contract, nothing to be signed. every year. SUR. Summer is here and the ma- More information: andalucia.org. Gruta de las Maravillas (Huelva). Andalucía Tourism However, to find the ideal des- jority of people are longing for a This means you can come and tination for your Andalusian beach holiday now, a chance to escape enjoy Andalucía with complete waiter service from a nearby ‘chir- with fewer people in sight, in holiday, check out all the coastal from routine and relax somewhere peace of mind, secure in the inguito’ beach bar, or anything in- which case you are spoilt for provinces of Huelva, Cádiz, Málaga completely different. Spain has knowledge that it is also a safe between. There are rugged cliffs, choice. Cádiz province, for exam- (home to the world-famous Costa always been a favourite destina- destination to visit because the salt marshes to explore, and some ple, has some of the best beaches del Sol), Granada and Almería and tion for international travellers, pandemic is very closely moni- of Europe’s best kitesurfing and in Europe, including some with see what they each have to offer. and Andalucía especially so, be- tored and there are strict controls sailing opportunities. views of Africa. Try Bolonia beach, They all have a wide variety of cause it really is ‘completely dif- over preventive measures in regu- If your idea of paradise is a near Tarifa, with its immense sand other attractions too, which is why ferent’. As the largest region in lated accommodation. beautiful beach, then Andalucía dune and the fascinating Roman this region always has something the country it is like a world in it- So what are you longing for? is your type of paradise and, town of Baelo Claudia alongside, to suit everybody, at every time self, with so many contrasts and What sort of holiday would you thanks to the wonderful climate or the vast La Barrosa beach in of year.It is a world in itself, and types of attractions. like? Warm sunshine and sandy of southern Spain, sunbathing and Chiclana de la Frontera. This whole well worth exploring, in the knowl- Many people from other parts beaches? Andalucía has almost swimming are not only restricted stretch of coast could almost have edge that Andalucía cares about of Spain are already planning to 1,000 kilometres of sun-drenched to summer. You can come later been designed for beach lovers your safety and will be looking af- visit Andalucía this year, but if coastline and a little-known un- and still find it warm enough to – and history buffs, too, shouldn’t ter you. It’s a place you will want anyone abroad is feeling hesitant derwater world just waiting to be spend days on the beach – and miss the chance to visit Cabo Tra- to return to, time after time. about travelling because of the discovered. The beaches are out- don’t forget, the automatic Covid falgar, because it was just off there coronavirus pandemic, there is standing, whether you want to insurance covers you until the end that Horatio Nelson defeated Na- good news: anyone who is not tuck yourself away in a tiny rocky of the year. poleon’s combined Spanish and resident in Spain and who comes cove, stretch out on a sunbed on Maybe you are someone who French fleet in the battle of the to Andalucía from another coun- an expanse ofgolden sand with likes rather wild, natural beaches, same name in 1805. 12 July 16th to 22nd 2021 NEWS SUR IN ENGLISH
Karl Lagerfeld will Junta says regulations will be design five villas on the Golden Mile rigidly enforced for solar projects next to Sierra Blanca Estates
GUADALHORCE of most value in the municipali- incentives to encourage self-sup- ties”. ply of solar energy, “which could MARBELLA The regional government The meeting was attended by save an average household up to representative told local the mayors of Almogía, Álora, Ar- 60 per cent on its electricity bills”. JOAQUNA DUEÑAS. The Karl La- mayors that the green dales, Carratraca, Cártama, Casara- Martínez said that this would gerfeld firm arrives in Marbella bonela, Monda, Ojén, Pizarra, Yun- be a “good alternative” to avoid at the hands of Sierra Blanca economy is “compatible” quera and Coín. the installation of solar parks. “Self- Estates with the design of five with preserving the They stressed their “concerns” supply facilities can benefit users villas on the Golden Mile. It is natural environment about these projects and called and produce up to 27 per cent of Navarro, Mula and officials. SUR the exclusive design company’s once again for a moratorium in the the required energy, and so we first residential project in ANDREA JIMÉNEZ granting of permits to be able to would avoid having to resort to Authorities work Spain. regulate and plan this type of plant. more mega-parks,” said the mayor. The mansions will be built COÍN. Mayors of towns and villages “We need an informative map The mayor called for new loca- on project to on a 9,000-square-metre plot in the Guadalhorce Valley and the where the Junta explains how tions to be sought for the solar improve in the exclusive few kilome- Sierra de las Nieves attended a many park projects in the prov- farms. “There are municipalities tres that separate the urban meeting in Coín at the end of last ince of Malaga are being proc- interested in having them as the Fuengirola’s centre of Marbella from pres- week with the Junta de Andalucía’s essed,” said Francisco Martínez, impact would be minimal,” he tigious Puerto Banús. delegate for Malaga, Patricia Na- Mayor of Álora and spokesperson added. sewer network The luxury residential com- varro, to discuss the issue of the for the mayors. He stressed the plex will be made up of five solar energy mega-parks being need for a three-way meeting with Almogía unique villas whose individ- planned in both areas. the representative of the central Residents in Almogía have been FUENGIROLA ual size will range between 500 Navarro said that the environ- government in Malaga as well as able this week to register their of- and 900m2, all of them built mental and planning regulations local and regional authorities. ficial complaints against solar A. JIMÉNEZ. The Junta de Anda- with environmentally friendly “are being applied and will be ap- parks planned in the municipal- lucía and the Western Costa del materials. plied rigidly, as they always are”. Self-supply ity. These can be handed in to the Sol’s water board Acosol have She stressed that the aim is to Navarro said that the Junta de An- town hall today, Friday, during the announced the latest progress “make these projects that gener- dalucía would offer aid with a to- extended hours of 8.30am to 3pm on the plan to renew the Costa’s Marbella adds ate a green economy compatible tal value of 142 million euros over and 4pm to 7pm or online with a waste water drainage system. with the conservation of the areas the next two years, in the form of digital certificate. The project will be carried out fifty cameras to gradually, starting with the in- frastructure in Fuengirola, one its video of the key areas for the project. surveillance British Consul shows Considered a priority is the replacement of the sewer pipe in system support for Cudeca the Torreblanca area, which is with Benalmádena expected to cost 2.5 million euros. Acosol is currently draw- MARBELLA hospice visit ing up the plans for the work which will be carried out “as J. DUEÑAS. Marbella town coun- soon as possible”, said the re- cil has decided to expand the BENALMÁDENA gional government’s delegate municipality’s video and sen- in Malaga province, Patricia Na- sor network. It has now started SUR. Charmaine Arbouin, the Brit- varro, who met with the mayor the process for the second ish Consul in Andalucía and the Ana Mula in Fuengirola on phase of the project. This in- Canary Islands, visited Cudeca on Wednesday. cludes 19 video surveillance Tuesday this week and was shown With regard to the wider pro- points with 29 cameras and round the hospice by board mem- ject to renew the entire mains another 19 RLM (Licence Plate bers Susan Hannam, Vice-Presi- sewer that runs along the Costa, Reading Network): a total of 48 dent of Cudeca, and Rafael Olalla, so far the Junta has put the draft devices with five kilometres of the Deputy Chief Executive. project contract out to tender fiber optic network attached A long-standing supporter of Liz Parry, Cudeca trustee, Hannam, Arbouin and Olalla. SUR for 400,000 euros, with the plans to them. This is a project for Cudeca, Arbouin had helped the to be completed within a year. which 1,645,675 euros are al- Sunflower Effect campaign to tered by the Foreign Common- has increased the problems of The aim is to define a path located to control security in raise funds for a home care team wealth & Development Office. isolation, she thanked the Cudeca for the new sewer that is com- those areas of the town centre by making a personal appeal on Commenting that Cudeca’s staff and volunteers for their dedi- patible with the coastline it- with the greatest influx of video, and also made a generous “special kind of caring” has been cation and pledged to continue self, with road and rail infra- population and visitors. Until donation to the hospice from the more needed than ever during to do everything she could to sup- structure and the urban now, the town had around 85 Consular Project Fund adminis- the past year, when the pandemic port them. surroundings. cameras. July 16th to 22nd 2021 13 SUR IN ENGLISH NEWS
OBITUARY Charity skydive Bill Blevins, joint challenge for founder of Blevins Franks, dies after daredevil brothers long illness
Ben and Sam Mattin will has been supported by local ex- Bill Blevins, the joint founder do the daring challenge pats and entertainers, and now of Blevins Franks, sadly The Olive Tree, where the broth- passed away recently after a in Seville to raise funds ers work as waiters, has also got long illness. for The Hannah Edwards behind the campaign. Bill worked closely with David Star of Hope bowel “We decided to raise money Franks to cancer fund for the bowel cancer charity be- build Blev- cause a local singer who is a good ins Franks TONY BRYANT friend lost his fiancée to the dis- into the ease. We wanted to do something leading in- COÍN. Two daredevil brothers for charity, and so we thought terna- have decided to take to the sky this would be a really good idea,” tional tax to raise money and awareness Ben told SUR in English. and wealth for Bowel Cancer UK’s Never Too Originally from Norwich, Ben manage- Young campaign. Ben (19) and and Sam will travel to Seville on ment ad- Sam (22) Mattin were inspired Friday 23 July to do the jump, al- visers to UK nationals living in, to do a skydive challenge after a though Ben says that he is a lit- moving to and returning from local singer who performs in tle nervous at the thought of it, Europe. their mother’s bar lost his fian- seeing as he has never attempted “His lively personality, in- cée to bowel cancer last August. anything like this. sight and generosity made a big Hannah Edwards, a 37-year- “Neither of us have ever done impact on staff and clients alike. old British expat, died from the anything like this before. We are Daring brothers Sam and Ben Mattin in Coín earlier this week. SUR He will be sadly missed by all disease just three weeks after not nervous at the moment, but at Blevins Franks and many cli- being diagnosed. Following her I imagine once we get there, the described by their mother as “to- page and we are also getting lots ents and business partners who death, Hannah’s family, along nerves will start to kick in. Once tal nutcases for jumping out of of support, donations and spon- met him over the years. with fiancée Tony Whitehouse, we get up there though, there a plane”, have not set a target fig- sors from the regular customers “The sympathies of all Bill’s launched the Star of Hope fund will not be much choice, so we ure, but they are hoping to raise who use the bar, so I hope we will colleagues at Blevins Franks and awareness campaign in her will just have to jump,” Ben as much money and awareness raise a lot of money for this wor- are with his wife and family at name to help raise money for explained. for the campaign as possible. thy cause,” Ben said. this sad time,” said the com- Bowel Cancer UK. The campaign The daring brothers, who are “We have set up a GoFundMe www.gofund.me/4de6a27e pany in a statement. July 16th to 22nd 2021 14 SUR IN ENGLISH
ALOHA COLLEGE Aloha College Marbella achieves its highest average score ever in IB exams
The school has an excellent record of students achieving places at their first- choice universities
MARBELLA SUR. Congratulations to the Aloha College Class of 2021 on their exceptional IB results. They have achieved a 100% pass rate with an outstanding average of 37.4 points, the highest in the history of the school. Students from more than 150 countries take the IB Diploma every year. The current world av- erage grade points for the May 2021 session is 33.02 points, while the worldwide diploma pass rate has been 88.96%. One third of Aloha students at- tained 40 points or above, includ- ing Aloha College’s Head Student, who obtained the maximum score of 45 points. In a year of disruption, the stu- dents’ dedication was phenome- nal, and made their parents and teachers extremely proud of their Aloha College inquisitive nature and commit- ted approach to their IB studies. The most recent external passion and pride: Stage 5 at the college, stated: “I This year has been a challenging This set of excellent results will School Inspection recognised “We are the only school here am extremely proud of our stu- one, which children have come enable them to proceed to the and published a report stating on the coast that offers both the dents’ achievements particular- through with flying colours. They have world’s best universities. the outstanding education pro- IB Diploma and the A-level pro- ly in a year where they have ex- all appreciated having face-to-face School leavers of 2021 are re- vided in all areas of school life. gramme to our students. This perienced so much uncertainty learning with minimal interruption. sponsible, knowledgeable and As well as asking official In- enables each and every one of and disruption in their learning. In 2020-2021 the children were caring young people who will help spectors to evaluate the school, us to choose the most appropria- These outstanding results unable to enjoy co-curricular acti- to create a better and more re- the management firmly believes te path to our future. come as a result of commit- vities after school, so Aloha Colle- spectful world. in the importance of listening to The most recent 100 % pass ment, sacrifice and hard work. ge has already prepared a stunning pupils in their quest to make the rate in IB and my close friend I am confident that the skills programme for them so they can school continually improve. achieving the maximum of 45 and experiences gained over have new sporting and creative ex- Aloha College Student councils meet regu- points makes all my class so the years will help them navi- periences from Monday to Friday. larly with the Head Students and proud. gate the next stage of their life We are also refreshing our cha- Marbella is a leading talk with honesty and sincerity, There was a mix of surprise, and make the most of any rity plan, which will have more input British International putting forward their ideas. relief and joy. Many did not ex- opportunity that arises. I am from parents and students when School, for pupils aged pect some of the great scores very excited for these students we show our solidarity with local they attained. A lot of ecstatic as their results enable them to and international associations. 3 to 18 Founded in 1982, hugs and congratulations were go on and study in the world’s Mrs Elizabeth Batchelor, long- shared as we learned about each best universities and I wish standing Principal of the school, Aloha College Marbella now Aloha College Marbella others’ successful performance them continued success and says: “We are going to continue to has a reputation worldwide both is a not-for-profit in the IB exams. every happiness in the future! provide the best education for all for the excellence of its teaching educational The teachers, the facilities, and You have done us proud!” our children; upgrade our already and learning, and for its recogni- all of the extracurricular oppor- outstanding facilities; keep recrui- tion that enabling a child’s physi- foundation tunities that help us develop as ting, training and retaining the best cal, emotional and personal people are key ingredients to the staff and - never relax!” growth with care and affection is Aloha experience. So, what does the Aloha College Marbella aims just as important. We aim to cre- When asking Caio Simon, Head The memories we will keep future hold for Aloha to live up to its motto of Be the ate school memories full of in- Student from the graduating class from this wonderful school will Best. Working as always as a spirational learning, new experi- of 2021 what makes Aloha Co- remain in our hearts.” College Marbella? whole-school community, we ences, and fun. llege unique, he answers with Ms Elaine McGirl, Head of Key know this can be achieved. July 16th to 22nd 2021 SUR IN ENGLISH 15 16 July 16th to 22nd 2021 NEWS SPAIN SUR IN ENGLISH
THE EURO ZONE MARK NAYLER Found guilty
uspendisse potenti. Is says that it had no time to intro- suspension of freedom duce a more serious “state of ex- S and movement by a cen- ception”, which may have per- tral government justified by the mitted lockdown but which outbreak of a virus? If, like me, would have required prior par- you were tormented by this liamentary consent to introduce. question during last spring’s A state of alarm doesn’t need ap- quarantine, and if you experi- proval in advance by parlia- enced powerless anger at the ment, precisely because it’s the way Spain’s government was be- least serious of three states of having, convinced that the legal- emergency outlined in the Span- ity of suspending fundamental ish Constitution - it can be acti- King Felipe VI poses with Pedro Sánchez and the new ministers. EFE liberties must be very shaky, vated first and debated later. whatever the context, there was Sánchez is thus ensnared in a something to celebrate this paradox: the situation last week: vindication. March wasn’t serious enough to Sánchez announces major Cabinet The retrospective enormity of impose a state of exception, but this week’s ruling by Spain’s it was serious enough to enforce reshuffle for a ‘new phase’ Constitutional Court - that last an unprecedented suspension of spring’s government-enforced liberties. lockdown was illegal - takes a Even claiming lack of time few minutes to absorb. Think begs a hard question, though. The prime minister has The PM has also got rid of the ter Juan Carlos Campo will be re- back to March and April 2020, Arguably, because the Spanish attacked the core of his PSOE Socialist party’s secretary placed by Pilar Llop, a judge who when police presence on empty government’s actions last March government, removing of organisation and Transport currently has the role of ‘speaker’ streets made one wonder why a had a direct impact on the lives heavyweights Carmen Minister, José Luis Ábalos, who in the Senado (upper house). health problem was turning into of every person in the country - leaves both jobs. The new Trans- There are also changes at the a quasi-criminal affair. It was unlike most of the time - it Calvo, José Luis Ábalos port minister is Raquel Sánchez, helm of the ministries of Foreign also hard to avoid suspicion that should have been subject to and Iván Redondo until now mayor of the Catalan Affairs (out goes González Laya the blurring of that distinction, tighter procedures and parlia- town of Gavá. to be replaced by Sánchez’s ad- by both the government and law mentary approval, rather than PAULA DE LAS HERAS The five ministers belonging viser José Manuel Albares); Sci- enforcement authorities, was allowed to act in the absence of to the Socialists’ coalition part- ence and Innovation (out goes surely verging on criminal itself. such checks. If more time was MADRID. Spain’s prime minister, ners, left-wing Unidas Podemos, former astronaut Pedro Duque During all of those days that required to attempt to proceed Pedro Sánchez has launched remain in their posts, as agreed and in comes Diana Morant, cur- police officers scoured Spain’s properly, running the “risk” that what he describes as a “new with the now second Deputy PM rently mayor of Gandía); and cities, towns and villages, hand- lockdown would be blocked by phase” for his government with Yolanda Díaz. Education and Professional ing out over a million fines to congress, then it should have a thorough reshuffle of his The first Deputy PM position Training (out Isabel Celáa, in Pi- people caught doing anything been taken. Cabinet. left by Calvo will be occupied by lar Alegría). The new minister other than food shopping, none Other fascinating and impor- Rather than repeating the mi- until now second deputy and Fi- for the prime minister’s office is of their actions had a legal foun- tant questions are raised by this nor moves he has made in the nance Minister Nadia Calviño, a Félix Bolaños, and Isabel Ro- dation. If, last spring, it was im- week’s ruling, but at least it’s an- past, last Saturday Sánchez an- move interpreted as a sign to dríguez takes over as govern- possible to believe that any such swered one viscerally-felt one, a nounced changes that affect the Brussels that Spain is serious ment spokesperson and minis- behaviour COULD have its basis nagging question that domi- core of his government. about meeting its EU responsi- ter of Territorial Policy. and defence in the Spanish Con- nated the thoughts of lockdown Out go his first Deputy PM, Car- bilities. The new arrivals to the cabi- stitution, it turns out that that sceptics in Spain last spring: “Is men Calvo, and his chief of staff, The Defence and Interior min- net, explained Sánchez on Sat- was for very good reason - be- this right? Is this... OK?” Over a Iván Redondo, thought to have isters, Margarita Robles and Fer- urday, bring the average age of cause none of it did. year later, the verdict’s finally been until now one of the biggest nando Grande-Marlaska keep the government ministers down Pedro Sánchez’s government been returned: no, it isn’t. influences on Sánchez’s decisions. their jobs, while Justice minis- from 55 to 50. July 16th to 22nd 2021 17 SUR IN ENGLISH GIBRALTAR NEWS
European Commission to IN BRIEF put forward a mandate for CULTURE New website for negotiations next week Ministry for Heritage
D. B. Those interested in Gi- GIBRALTAR UK. The treaty will cover many braltar’s heritage can now find different aspects, but the point full details on the new website The agreement in principle of this agreement in principle www.ministryforheritage.gi, at the end of last year will which attracted the most atten- which has just been launched serve as the framework for tion was the proposal that Gibral- after two years of work. The tar should have a tailor-made Gibraltar is seeing an increase in positive cases again. SUR site includes information and a treaty regarding Schengen-style agreement which photographs on listed struc- Gibraltar’s future would remove the existing land tures, post boxes, street relationship with EU border and make the airport and names, Admiralty anchors, port Schengen entry and exit Covid cases rise again and ERS surveys, reports and maps, DEBBIE BARTLETT points. This external Schengen with links to other sources of border would under normal cir- visits temporarily suspended information. GIBRALTAR. The negotiations for a cumstances be controlled by treaty on Gibraltar’s future rela- Spain, but that was not accept- TOURISM tionship with the EU will begin able to Gibraltar, so the suggested GIBRALTAR active cases was 79 (73 resi- very soon, as the European Com- solution was for the EU’s Frontex dents and 6 visitors) including Wizz Air summer mission has indicated that it will force to do so instead. D.B. The number of positive one in Elderly Residential Serv- rescheduling put forward a mandate for them If this does come into effect, it cases of Covid-19 in Gibraltar ices, but nobody was in the hos- next week. It has taken the Com- will initially be for a period of four has been rising steadily re- pital Covid ward. D. B. Gibraltar’s tourism min- mission much longer than ex- years and then reviewed. How- cently, among vaccinated and On Tuesday there were 21 ister, Vijay Daryanani, says pected to do this, as the Gibral- ever, there is no guarantee that a unvaccinated individuals. new cases, bringing the total to Wizz Air’s decision to cancel tar and UK governments had treaty can be agreed, and the chief The government announced 84 residents and 8 visitors. its flights during August was originally hoped everything could minister of Gibraltar, Fabian this week that visits to Mount On Wednesday a further 23 the result of the change of UK have been finalised by the end of Picardo, has stressed on a num- Alvernia and John Mackintosh cases were registered, and the government policy, whereby last month. ber of occasions that he will not House, both of which are resi- total number was 115 (104 resi- people who have been vacci- The first step in this process agree to anything that is not in dences for the elderly, were be- dents and 11 visitors). One per- nated no longer have to quar- was what has become known as Gibraltar’s interests. Earlier this ing temporarily suspended be- son was admitted to the Covid antine when returning to UK the ‘New Year’s Eve Agreement’, week he also warned about specu- cause a patient in the former ward. from amber list countries. The which was completed in the early lation and media posturing re- and a member of staff in the On Thursday the figures had airline has rescheduled flights hours of 31 December last year, garding the negotiations, saying latter had tested positive for risen again to a total of 138: 127 to cover demand to other des- after months of hard negotiations that all that matters in the end is coronavirus. residents and 11 visitors. One tinations during the summer. between Gibraltar, Spain and the what is finally agreed. On Monday, the number of person remains in hospital. 18 NEWS July 16th to 22nd 2021 BUSINESS AND FINANCE SUR IN ENGLISH
-What about the government as- sistance? ‘We need help - car rental companies -The companies need money in order to continue. They have made tremendous efforts so far but can’t can’t keep on selling vehicles to survive’ carry on selling vehicles to sur- vive. We need help. When people talk about tourism they only think about really important sectors like Yolanda Collado Head of AESVA, the association representing local car hire firms hotels and restaurants; car hire firms are forgotten, as being some- where between tourism and trans- The sector, comprising now we are missing the British port. The work the companies are about 200 companies, the most because they are the ma- getting just isn’t enough. That’s jority of our clients. why we are calling on the govern- depends almost entirely -This season, are you just trying ment, the Junta and local authori- on international tourism, to survive? ties to remember us, because we which accounts for nearly -We have had 14 months with no are the mobility aspect of tour- 90 per cent of its business work, and the companies have ism. had to make tremendous efforts -There seem to be a lot of an- to keep going. How? By selling nouncements about assistance, FRANCISCO their assets, in other words their but does it not happen? JIMÉNEZ cars; we have had the furloughs -There is help for tourism and ca- and the ICO credits, but those are tering, but that’s not us. There has still debts which will have to be been some assistance for the self- repaid. Business is improving, but employed, but very little. The hire not enough to make a lot of dif- car businesses have been very MALAGA. The hire car sector is ference. We still need several badly hit because for 14 months starting to pick up again after months of work to be able to we have had to keep paying out more than a year of the pandemic, breathe and feel less financial despite having no income, so we although its strong dependence strain. Let’s not forget that of the need a breathing space. Just as on international tourists (90 per 200 rental businesses there are, other businesses like hotels and cent of its customers) means the the vast majority are small or me- restaurants receive specific help, recovery is slow and many com- dium-sized or even family busi- so should we. panies have had to sell part of nesses, which have had to work -Are you able to foresee how this their fleets in order to survive. miracles in order to keep going. summer season will go? “Most vehicle rental firms are Yolanda Collado explained the problems faced in her industry. M. FERNÁNDEZ -How much does a fleet at a -There are a lot of variables in play small or medium-sized busi- standstill cost? and too much uncertainty. Obvi- nesses,” says Yolanda Collado, and there are bookings not only ists for the rent-a-car sector? -It’s very expensive to have vehi- ously we’re not going to see the head of AESVA, the association for July and August but also in -Extremely important. On the cles which aren’t out on hire. The level of business in 2019 or any- that represents local car hire September and October. That is Costa del Sol they account for companies have had to continue thing like it, but we do hope it will firms. They are calling on the making us quite optimistic, but nearly 90 per cent of our business. paying insurance, taxes and fi- be around 50 per cent. We do want authorities to provide “oxygen” moderately so because it depends -I suppose you are watching nancing, so they have all made to be optimistic, but there is still in the form of specific assistance. how this crisis evolves, on vacci- closely to see what the British losses because they have had zero so much uncertainty. nation and the measures taken do? income. The vehicles have to keep -Like driving with the handbrake -How are things looking for the by other countries, because our -Yes, absolutely, because that has moving. First to cover expenses, on. sector this summer? business is fundamentally linked always been our biggest market. and then to keep the company -Well yes, because the uncertainty -We’re starting to see a bit more to the international market. Germans, Belgians and Scandi- afloat. That’s why we need help means you can’t predict anything movement in terms of tourism -How important are foreign tour- navians as well, of course, but right from the authorities. and buy more cars. We don’t know if demand will increase, so we can’t make big decisions about investment, and that’s why the fleets are smaller than in other years. -By how much? -We don’t have exact figures, but quite a lot because the companies have had to sell so many vehicles in order to keep going. In fact, some couldn’t carry on and have closed down. And those who want to buy new vehicles are having fi- nancing problems, and, to make things worse, not as many are be- ing produced because of the lack of microchips, so fewer new cars are available. -Are there enough cars to meet demand if there are suddenly a lot more clients? -Well, demand is increasing and there aren’t as many cars for hire now, so we recommend that peo- ple book in advance. -You do seem optimistic. -It’s our attitude. We have all been through a really difficult situation and we have advanced with the vaccinations and the Covid passport. If the govern- ment facilitates safe travel and the private sector continues to make the efforts as it has done till now, I am convinced that bit by bit we can move forward again. July 16th to 22nd 2021 SUR IN ENGLISH 19 20 July 16th to 22nd 2021 COMMENT SUR IN ENGLISH
LETTERS THE MUSIC MAKER PETER EDGERTON TO THE EDITOR www.e-peter.com Tourism and youth Hotter than July
When one of those affected by the Mallorca outbreak was asked why they had decided to celebrate the end of high school with a trip to the island, she replied that they did so “be- s the relentless summer can rest easy as you exist on a per- your throat turns to sandpaper cause it was allowed.” Everything is open. We welcome tour- heat bears down merci- ma-loop of sleeping, siestas (no, overnight and being able to start ists as they come and however they come, we offer smiles A lessly on our poor, be- they´re not the same thing) and a Joe Cocker tribute band in your and reopen nightclubs, restaurants, concerts. And then, tear- nighted bonces, I thought I might watching rubbish series on Netflix. spare time doesn’t really compen- ing our hair out, we asked these recent high school gradu- offer readers a handy cut-out-and- Secondly, don’t be distracted sate in the long run. A better op- ates if they really celebrated parties without masks, if they keep guide to surviving the un- by any lost souls trying to tempt tion is to wrap yourself in wet tow- took them off for longer than just to drink or maybe it was a forgiving Andalusian summer. you to the beach on the premise els and lie by an electric fan. This huge drink that left nobody able to measure distances, ex- Here goes. that it’s cooler down there. Any way of doing things offers the cept with the arms with which they embraced their friends. First, venture out of your hou- benefit of a miniscule change in added joy of making you feel like It is a farce to tell them that they have not been mature or to se as little as is humanly possible. temperature is immediately ne- Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke put the responsibility on the owners of the premises where If you must set foot on the bur- gated by the fact that the decep- after he’s eaten all those boiled the party was. And, at the height of cynicism, knowing that the ning asphalt, do so when the wan- tive, whispering breeze prevents eggs. Now, that really is cool. virus flies among young people just for living without vac- tonly malicious sun has finally ta- you from noticing that your skin is It’s also very important to put cination, not the slightest effort is made to vaccinate those ken his hat off and thus slightly being scorched to a crisp in spite your beer glasses in the freezer. who, due to chronic diseases or other circumstances, are at increased your chances of not of the factor 346 sun cream you’ve This is doubly beneficial in that risk, not just of a series of days of confinement or the re- drowning in a puddle of your own applied. You’re sleeping/siesta ro- your drink, of course, tastes much morse of bringing the virus home, but also their lives. sweat at the merest hint of any tation system will consequently colder , plus the visual image of TERESA RIVERA limb movement. This tactic means be severely disrupted by your in- the iced glass brimful of the think- stocking up on the essentials (beer ability to lie down on anything that ing man’s nectar gives you a psy- and crisps) and whimpering plain- isn’t a mix of cotton wool and tal- chological boost that, with any surely many of those who tively from the shelter of your own cum powder. luck, will tide you over until Sep- Is it too much to ask throw away those papers abode for the next six or seven Next, avoid air conditioning, tember’s cooling kiss comes to for a little civility? later are the first to com- weeks. In view of the fact that you even if you have it available. This our rescue in a couple of months’ Throwing a piece of paper plain. Is it too much to ask won’t have enough energy to do may seem counter intuitive but time. or a cigarette butt on the for a little civility? We live anything remotely productive du- that particular method of getting Still too hot? They say Scarbor- ground may seem like a mi- in a beautiful place and we ring this time, your conscience cooler comes at a heavy price i.e. ough’s nice this time of year. nor action. But it happens. like to show it off. Together And a lot. I don’t know if it’s we can make sure that we a coincidence, but lately I’ve continue to have reasons to IDÍGORAS seen many people doing it. do so. We want to continue Thus it is very difficult to to shine in the world. keep a city clean. Because MARY GONZAGA
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Published by: PRENSA MALAGUEÑA S. A. out today! illegal to Director General: ANTONIO GONZÁLEZ make someone stay at home? Editor-in-Chief Editor Accounts Manager MANUEL CASTILLO Rachel Haynes Emma Vera Publications Director PR, Distribution & Advertising Commercial Director Pedro Luis Gómez David Andrews Yolanda Quesada
THE BOTTOM LINE and typical of the region. The most impor- ers of culinary experiences, taste, aesthet- ALEKK M. SAANDERS tant thing is that finally, locals and tourists ics and health”. It is a pity the pandemic have access (by definition) to properly cul- situation forced the Germans to shut down tivated produce and products made accord- their business last year, thereby decreas- Oasis of taste to taste ing to authentic recipes. So now, 14 market ing the diverse taste/flavour of Malaga. stalls in Torremolinos offer, among other Otherwise, local artisan providers have items, cheeses, wine, honey, olive oil, cof- to compromise in order to make their prod- fee, artisan sweets and desserts. But not the ucts locally affordable long-term, and of ith shelves cluttered with same Otherwise, why did it take more than two edible flowers that have been a sort of spe- course more attractive. Therefore, some brands, same boxes, same prod- years to establish this gastronomic venue cial pride of ‘Sabor a Málaga’, and actually classical products are often altered from W ucts, it is hard to find anything in the town? a good example how foreign residents could their natural states to prolong their shelf that is entirely unique. In numerous super- Apparently, such delay made this year’s contribute to local agriculture. life. Some artisan products look already markets you will hardly ever come across opening inauguration coincide with the 10th About two hundred different varieties of more appealing by adding some colouring local specialities either. However, now, if anniversary of the brand ‘Sabor a Málaga’. flowers had been cultivated in the Axarquía and aromas to classical ingredients, or they you really want to go off the beaten track It was in 2011 that the Diputación de Malaga by two expats from Germany, Peter Knacke are just covered with chocolate and colour- and look at local options, then you can head launched the brand for agri-food products and Til Runge. Their business named ‘Sa- ful icing sugar, or ‘lightened’ to reduce calo- directly to Torremolinos that boasts a new of the province with an aim to promote lo- bor y Salud’ (Taste and Health) focused on ries. All these factors definitely modify the ‘gastromarket’. cally grown agricultural and food produce the exclusive growing of edible flowers and genuine taste. The only permanent foodie market un- and at the same time highlight the wealth aromatic herbs. Their produce was exported The products in the Torremolinos gas- der the auspices of ‘Sabor a Málaga’ (Taste of Malaga flavours and aromas. to France, for haute cuisine and restaurants tromarket are supposedly protected by the of Malaga) has opened its doors to the pub- Not to worry, as the proverb states, ‘good of legendary Spanish chefs - from the Roca official branding, therefore it means we can lic in Plaza de la Independencia. However, things come to those who wait’. And over brothers to Arzak and Ferran Adrià. These congratulate ourselves on having an oasis the ambitious Torremolinos project seems recent years, ‘Sabor a Málaga’ has become two adopted Malaga sons considered them- on the Costa del Sol of taste and flavour, as to have been dependent upon many factors. a synonym for something good and unique, selves more than just gardeners, but “lov- well as health and quality. July 16th to 22nd 2021 SUR IN ENGLISH 21 22 July 16th to 22nd 2021 LIFESTYLE SUR IN ENGLISH
IN THE FRAME ‘I adore what I do - I’m probably a little too passionate about it’
Pete Jackson MBE talks to SUR in English about his passion for exploring the tunnels and caves in Gibraltar ASH MAER
f you’ve ever had a tour of sight for Pete when he first saw the tunnels or caves in Gi- Gibraltar. I braltar, there is a very good “My mind was blown away chance your guide was Pete during the landing,” he recalled. Jackson. “The aircraft circled the Rock Since he arrived in Gibraltar twice and I fell in love with it in 1989, he has shown more before it touched down. than 3,000 people around some “I tell everyone, you can’t step of the Rock’s most mysterious in a puddle here without it ooz- sights - including members of ing military history through the Royal Family. your toes - and I got caught up But how did this 60-year-old in it.” man from the North of England Shortly after leaving the come to call Gibraltar his Royal Artillery in 1991, he home? joined the Gibraltar Regiment Born in 1961, Pete grew up (as it was then called) at age 30. in Scarborough and as a school- “During the first Mess Din- Pete Jackson during one of his many tours inside the Rock. SUR boy would explore the caves ner, I was sat next to a Sergeant in North Yorkshire and called Tito Vallejo (a very vourite location to show peo- of the Order of the British Em- Derbyshire. prominent cave and tunnel ple around, Pete replied with- pire (MBE) in 2005. Pete, who now works as a guide). We got talking and he out hesitation: “The Northern ‘You can stand in a Pete, said: “When it was my freelance guide in Gibraltar, ex- invited me to a tour of Lower Defences.” position and know that turn, I was chatting with plained: “My Environmental St Michael’s Cave the next As to why, he said: “Because a Moorish solider stood Prince Charles, and he made Studies teacher was really into morning. I was mesmerised.” it’s been manned on a military there in 1309 defending me feel very comfortable in caving, so we had some great In 1994, Tito left the regi- footing since the Moors carried his company. He asked me if trips away. Some of his friends ment, and Pete took over from spears. This is a serious defen- it against the Spanish’ we were keeping the Rock in were in the Cave Rescue Team, him as Chief Tunnel Guide for sive location, you can stand in British hands? And I replied: and, when it was safe to do so, the Ministry of Defence, a po- a position and know that a ‘Just about Sir.’ He then asked they would take kids from our sition that he held for the next Moorish soldier stood there in me if I was still conducting school with them.” 17 years. 1309 defending it against the was completed in 1891, is tunnel tours, to which I replied: Then at the age of 15, Pete He continued: “It was not my Spanish, followed by Spanish found in the Upper Rock Na- ‘I am Sir, ooh and I took your joined the army as a Junior main role though; it was a sec- soldiers, who stood there in ture Reserve and has com- sister in there last year!’ Gunner in the Royal Artillery. ond hat, something I did for the 1333 defending it against the manding views over the Straits “I suddenly thought, ‘Oh sh*t, And after two years of in- love of it. Moors. In 1704 the Anglo-Dutch and the waters surrounding I shouldn’t have said that, I tense basic training that “I adore what I do; I’m proba- came and they took it. Soldiers Gibraltar. should have called her the Prin- “turned me into a soldier”, he bly a little too passionate about have been manning the same As for famous faces he’s cess Royal!’ He replied ‘Really? went off to serve the Queen in it; it does give me a lump in my positions from 711. By World shown the inside of the Rock, Nice to meet you.’ the German cities of Paderborn throat.” War II you’ve got the Brits cov- Pete recalls Princess Anne be- And that was it! He made the and Dortmund, also serving So what is it exactly that Pete ering the same arcs with a ing one of the most interest- gesture for me to leave! Look- tours in Northern Ireland. loves about his job? machine gun rather than a ing. ing back I was so embarrassed, Pete met the love of his life He replied: “A lot of it, espe- musket.” “She was very astute,” he but I suppose it was a funny Lesley while on leave in Scar- cially the military history side Pete does have spare time said. moment.” borough in 1981. They married of it, is the sacrifice that’s gone for other interests, however: he “She asked more questions Pete added that he received in 1983 and have three chil- on here. The number of people has a passion for motorbikes, than you can imagine and was his MBE for Services to Gibral- dren: Peter, Rachael and that have laid down their lives which he has three of. interested in tunnel warfare tar. Georgina. in the defence of the Rock, and He’s also on the board of and how you could clear a tun- He explained: “I have After 12 years in the British to try and win it. It’s important trustees for the Gibraltar Heri- nel system of an enemy. She worked with a lot of veterans Army, Pete, who learned to to those servicemen who have tage Trust and spends many wanted to know every little and helped to show them speak reasonable German dur- fallen in battle that that is rec- weekends restoring artillery piece of information.” where they used to work. I have ing this time, came to Gibral- ognised and understood by the pieces around the Rock - the His encounter with the mem- also helped in finding where tar in 1989, to instruct on an present generation. That’s what latest being Lord Airey’s Bat- ber of the Royal Family was the people’s relatives have died in Air Defence Missile system to keeps me motivated to do what tery, which, according to Pete, precursor to a funny anecdote some cases placing memorial the Gibraltar Regiment. I do.” is in dire need of attention. with Prince Charles, who pre- plaques at the spot. It is very But it was also love at first When asked what was his fa- The artillery battery, which sented Pete with his Member rewarding.” July 16th to 22nd 2021 SUR IN ENGLISH 23 24 July 16th to 22nd 2021 LIFESTYLE PETS SPECIAL SUR IN ENGLISH