CAPTURED
After a week of silence police revealed on Friday they had captured a 37 year old man from Bilbao in connection with the armed robbery which took place at the Cas Dominguet petrol station close to the port in Ibiza Town.
With the capture on Thursday afternoon more details were released by police regarding the robbery. Having interviewed both of the shop assistants, police revealed the man had tried to fire the gun twice before he eventually managed to get it to work. It is not known if it jammed or the assailant had simply left the safety catch on by mistake. He did eventually fire off a shot, before making his escape with 400 in cash. It was at first believed he had been using blanks, a theory which was discounted after a bullet hole was found several hours later in the wall behind the cash register. The bullet was also eventually recovered.
He made his escape in a green Suzuki Jeep, the registration number of which was noted down by the two members of staff. Police soon located the vehicle, close to the apartment where the man was staying. The car and the gun used in the raid, both belong to the father of the accused. Police said the gun was registered in the fathers´ name and was totally legal. He had bought it several years earlier when living in Bilbao, believing his life was under threat.
The arrest was eventually made on Thursday after police had trailed their man for a considerable time. When all of the officers were in place they waited for the suspect to enter an area without any members of the general public, to reduce the risk in case he was armed. He eventually walked into Dalt Vila which was when officers made their move. The arrest was made without any incident.
The gun, a Star 22, was later found at the mans home close to the petrol station along with some of the clothes used in the robbery. It later turned out he had actually driven down to the station in his bed-clothes and a black baseball cap. Police were said to be checking national data to see if the gun had been used in any previous robberies on the mainland.
Investigators had initially suspected they were dealing with an addict who needed the money to buy drugs, suspicions which were confirmed by officers after the mans arrest. He admitted in court he had been involved in a drugs rehabilitation programme which he had dropped out of recently and had needed the money to buy drugs. For the moment he remains in police custody.

AROUND THE ISLAND

Unlicensed Hotels
The president of the Hotel Association on the island has suggested the large majority of Spanish tourists who come here during the summer months are staying in unlicensed accommodation. Roberto Hortensius made his comments after the Consell Insular revealed they would be making over 2,000 inspections this summer, to try and clamp down on the threat of illegal accommodation.
Hortensius said the stats spoke for themselves. In 2007 there was an increase in air and sea passengers of 13.5 per cent, while hotel occupation levels stayed the same as the previous year. Where, he asked, were all these people staying? The figures for the Spanish market were far more alarming with an overall increase in numbers of 45 per cent from the previous year, while hotel occupation levels for this sector recorded only very slight growth.
He claimed the recent property boom had meant a great deal of people had bought second homes on the island. This meant many had taken on a second mortgage, and so were desperate for the extra money gained from renting the property out when they were not using it. He underlined that this was illegal, and meant there was no quality control on the accommodation, and also that these tourists were contributing very little to the public coffers.
He continued by revealing that 2008 would be another very good year, made even better by the return of many Northern European tourists. This, he claimed, would help to fill beds in the weaker months of May and October, as it is the most popular months for vacations amongst many Swedes, Danes and Norwegians. He said he had been in contact with Kuoni, the specialist tour operator for these countries, and they had been positive about the forthcoming year, and said many vacations had already been sold to the north of the island.
He finished by criticising the Govern Balears new marketing plans, saying they were indeed suitable for Majorca, but were not right for Ibiza. The minister for tourism, Francesc Buils, announced recently his administration would be concentrating on the promotion of conference tourism. However Hortensius disagrees, saying Ibiza needs to concentrate on its more traditional sun and sea image because this is what sold best. He said the type of tourism the Govern wanted to promote was all well and good for Majorca because they have the facilities in abundance. Ibiza, on the other hand, does not, and would always struggle to compete.

Presidents Message
Xico Tarres, president of the Consell Insular, said he hoped 2008 would be the year to bring people together. In his end of year speech the president said 2007 had been an historic year of change and hope for the island, but one which had also been filled with a great deal of conflict, both politically and publicly. The main cause, he said, had been the roadbuilding which had divided the island.
In 2008 he claimed, he wanted to unite Ibiza and concentrate on his socio-health initiatives. These included ensuring the hospital eventually got the all clear and building work can begin. He said the care of the elderly and needy would be his top priority during the New Year. Dialogue would also play a key role in his plans, as he hoped to repair the damage caused during the last election campaign between both major political parties, (PP and PSOE). These will prove to be the key, as he tries to finalise, once and for all, the land reforms still pending.
He finished by saying the future for the island was bright and that Ibiza had everything necessary to build a modern society, capable of managing itself without conflict, where inhabitants co-exist in harmony, enjoying first class services on an island that had enough resources to guarantee the future of both this generation and the next.

Extinction Worries
A lack of funding over the last ten years has left three indigenous breeds of animal on the verge of extinction, according to a new report. Despite a string of promises over the last few years nothing concrete has ever been done to ensure the survival of the five distinctive breeds unique to the island. As a result three now face extinction. They include the goat, rabbit and hen.
These animals still survive on a number of farms in Ibiza, but over the years farmers have been less inclined to replace the animals, which have died of natural causes or been slaughtered, with breeds which are pure Ibicencan. The majority of breeds are now mixed, meaning the existence of purity is now a rarity.
The farmers are putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of the politicians who, they say, have not kept their side of the bargain. Subsidies promised to farmers to ensure they only mate and purchase pure breeds have never materialised, meaning farmers have decided to buy more productive varieties from the mainland.
In 2002 the then Agriculture Minister, Vicent Tur, announced a plan for the salvation of the animals. However the plan never materialised. Similarly in 2003 Pep Mayans, the subsequent minister, promised to spend 21,075 on resolving the issue. Again nothing ever came of his promises, which has left the breeds on the verge of disappearing for good.
The current minister, Margalida Torres, said she was studying plans to help the farmers and ensure the situation does not degenerate over the short term. The farmers say that with just 20,000 a year for the next four years the desperate situation can be salvaged. It remains to be seen if their calls are answered.
The Consells of Majorca and Minorca both have systems in place to help protect their indigenous animals.

Baby Boom
There were 1,181 registered births during the first eleven months of 2007, according to figures released by Can Misses last week. This has already superseded the number born during the twelve months of the previous year by 10, with a full month still to be accounted for. The rise is in keeping with the increase of inhabitants which has seen the population in the Balearics reach the one million barrier (1,030,650). The most popular month for births was November (135), with the least popular being May (87).
At the new hospital in Formentera there were a total of 35 births in its first year.
The number of births in the five public hospitals within the Balearics increased by 9.3 per cent in 2006, with Son Dureta in Majorca registering the most (2,428) and Verge del Toro, Minorca, the least (637).

Crime Fighters
Ten officers will be sent to Ibiza within the next month to start the fight against organised crime on the island. The announcement was made on Friday by the director general of the police and Guardia Civil, Joan Mesquida. It is estimated that 4 per cent of organised crime within Spain is based within the Balearics. Mesuida claimed the structure and culture of the Islands supported the gangs, with the plethora of wealthy tourists in summer an attraction, along with the fact the high number of tourists make it far easier for gang members to blend in. Twenty specially trained officers will be sent to the Balearics, with ten based in Majorca and ten in Ibiza.
Similar operations are currently being undertaken in the Costa del Sol, Levante, Cadiz, the Canaries and Galicia.
The units will concentrate on organised crime involving drugs, the falsification of documents and illegal immigration.

Drug Use
The amount of drug-related medical emergencies handled in Can Misses during 2006 grew by a staggering 64 per cent on the previous year, according to figures released last week. A total of 1,114 people were treated at the hospital for the over-consumption of a variety of drugs topped, for the fifth year in a row, by cocaine. The average age of those attended was 31, with the vast majority males.
As expected the figures are also very seasonally affected with an average of eight cases every day in August, falling to six daily in July and September, with the lowest figures in November and January where it falls to just one a day.
The facts, said the Consell, were further evidence as to why stringent controls were necessary on the island to control a habit which was spiralling out of control.

All Systems Go
The electronic prescription system which was introduced in Ibiza and Formentera during 2006 has been described as a total success. The Minister for Health, Vicenc Thomas, said the system will now be introduced to Majorca and Minorca at a cost of 3million.
The new practice allows doctors to issue the necessary prescribed medicine directly on to a patients medical card. They are then able to go directly to the pharmacy with the card and buy the required medicine. This method has resulted in the written prescription becoming obsolete for many patients. The technique has had particular success with those people dependant on medication, and has made the entire process far simpler. The procedure has also enabled pharmacists and doctors to see the medical history of the patient and, in particular, which medicines they have been recently prescribed. A brief medical history is also included on the card which includes, amongst other things, any medical allergies the patient may have.

Flights On Sale
Easyjet flights to Ibiza for next summer went on sale last week with new routes added for the worlds largest low-cost airline. The company has increased its service to the island after the acquisition of GB Airways last year in a L103.5million deal which has enabled them to operate almost one quarter of the landing slots at London Gatwick, making it the airport's largest carrier. The purchase follows a decision by British Airways to terminate its franchise agreement with GB Airways at the end of March, and to launch its own services on some of the routes, mainly to southern Europe and North Africa. This will include a daily flight to Ibiza from London Gatwick.
GB Airways will continue to operate from its base at Gatwick until 29th March 2008, after which the name will be scrapped and its 39 routes and 15 aircraft will be handed over to Easyjet.
For summer 2008 there are routes to the island from London Gatwick, Stanstead, Luton, Liverpool and Glasgow. To book visit www.easyjet.com

First Baby
Andreu Tur Puerto became the first baby born on the island in 2008, making his appearance at 10.40a.m. on New Years Day. He was born 19 days early, weighing in at a healthy 2.85 kg. His proud mother said the birth had been quick and fantastic after two days of contractions. Three pushes and he was out were her precise words. It is the couples first child.
The first newborn to appear in the Balearics was born in Comarcal hospital in Inca, Mallorca, and was named Maria Magdalena. She was born at 1.16 a.m., a wonderful New Years treat for her proud parents.

Rural Tourism
As 2007 came to a close it was revealed that the rural hotel sector on the island had tripled over the last ten years. In 1997 there were just six establishments of this type in Ibiza. This figure has grown to 17 with a total of 286 available beds. It is a tourism which the Consell is extremely proud of and keen to promote, as it brings a far more affluent clientele to the island. However, the study recently published claimed the current powers that be needed to do more to encourage this type of tourism, seen by major hoteliers as far less profitable due to the reduced capacity of the establishments. The current legislation also demands a new rural hotel has at least 50,000 m2 of land.
The Observer newspaper, the sister paper of the Guardian, dedicated several pages in their travel section in late September to agro-tourism on the island. The article claimed the beauty of Ibiza, an island that is only 50km by 20km, is that you can base yourself in an isolated hotel at the end of a dirt track and still be a short drive from clubs, fabulous restaurants and a vast choice of perfect coves. The author of the article, Iain Stewart, said the best time of year to visit the island was in late September, early October when the weather was still good and the island less crowded.
The top ten rural hotels selected by the writer were Can Pere, Can Xuxu, Can Talaias, Can Marti, Atzaro, Pikes, Can Guillem, D-Lite Yoga retreat (although this is not a hotel), es Xarc, and es Cucons.

Den Serra Plans
The mayor of San Juan, Antoni Mari, insisted last week a decision needed to be reached soon concerning the ruins in Cala d´en Serra. The half finished hotel complex was begun in the 70´s by the renowned architect, Josep Lluis Sert. However, he ran into difficulties whilst constructing the 350-room complex and the building has since remained unfinished. Mari insisted his administration would be open to offers from anyone interested in finishing off the work. He revealed that there had been a promoter interested in setting up a luxury hotel and Thalassotherapy centre on the site. However, despite rumours speculating Mari would grant permission for the reconstruction of the sight, he has left the area out of the municipalitys new building plans. He did, however, make it clear he thought the construction of a luxury hotel would be extremely beneficial to the area, and one that would attract tourists all year round.
Thalassotherapy is one of the oldest, most effective and natural anti-stress treatments in the world. Compatible with the human body, the treatments are based on spas with sea water, heated up to a temperature of 37o C. Thus elements like iodine, sulphur, calcium and magnesium are set free and can be absorbed through the skin. These elements compensate the lack of salt and minerals, caused by stress and exhaustion. This kind of treatment enables a faster recovery of the nervous system. Thalassotherapy is not only suitable for anti-stress treatments, but also for the alleviation and prevention of problems like rheumatism and arthritis, as well as bone and muscle problems.
The Consell Insular, on the other hand, are against the reconstruction and said they planned to demolish the building and attempt to repair the damage caused to the area. The zone where the semi-construction lies is categorised as an Area of Special Public Interest. The minister, Miguel Ramon, claimed the previous socialist government had intended to demolish the building with money collected from the now defunct eco-tax. His views were shared by the College of Architects, who claimed the construction would only worsen the already critical coastal massification of the island.

IBIZA TOWN

Taxi Success?
The president of the Taxi Drivers´ Association in Ibiza Town, Jose Serafin, surprisingly claimed the strike action carried out on New Years Eve, and throughout the following day, had been a complete success. He said that to his surprise most of the general public had been very understanding of the situation, and had voiced support for the drivers. He later added that further strikes had not been ruled out and would be inevitable if the minister in charge, Albert Prats, did not have a change of heart. A minimum service was offered by the drivers. However this meant just 10 per cent of the fleet were working, on what is normally the busiest night of the winter.
Talks between the two parties ground to a halt after agreement could not be reached on the best way to distribute the temporary taxi licences which the Consell is due to hand out this summer. Serafin and his associates believe the licences should only be available to those who already have a permit. This way they would be able to run two or even three cars, employing drivers on a salary and ensuring, according to Serafin, a far greater control. Prats, meanwhile sees this method as unfair, and wants the licences to be available to the salary earners as well.
Some of the municipalities, including Ibiza Town, San Jose and San Antonio, tried to ease the problem by running extra buses, a solution which had some effect.
Both the Consell Insular and the Town Hall of Ibiza went on the attack after the two-day strike was over. Prats announced he would not be backing down and said excluding the salary earners from the licence hand out would be both undemocratic and unjust. Sources at the Town Hall claimed the strike called by the taxi associations had been completely unwarranted, and both they and the general public were miffed by the stance of the drivers.
It seems the stalemate is set to continue at least for the short term, as both sides dig in their heels.

SAN ANTONIO

Damages Increased
It has not taken long for the Cretu case to again hit the headlines this year, as the lawyer of the Romanian music producer, Jaume Roig, revealed the musician will also be claiming damages from those responsible, for loss of earnings.
Michael Cretu, also known as Curly M.C., is a best known as the creator of the Enigma project. He has worked with many producers, musicians, and artists in his long career. These include Sandra Cretu, Frank Farian, Boney M and Mike Oldfield in his pre-Enigma days. By the year 2001, Michael Cretu had sold over 100 million albums, and was his countrys most successful musical export.
He hit the headlines on the island for the first time back in 1997 when environmentalists made an official complaint about the mansion he had built on top of a secluded mountain in Santa Agnes. He had gained all the appropriate permits for the building, but it was later discovered these licences were wrongfully granted. After years of court cases, the Supreme Court in Palma eventually ruled, last year, that the mansion would have to be destroyed. In 2004 his lawyer presented a claim for 18million in the Town Hall of San Antonio, claiming they were to blame. It is widely assumed that the municipality would be left bankrupt if it ever had to pay out such damages.
The news got ever so slightly worse last week as the lawyer of the musician revealed his client would also be claiming damages for loss of earnings. He claims Cretu has suffered severe stress ever since 1997, which has undeniably affected his work. He claimed his client relied very much on his imagination and inventiveness, something which has suffered ever since the problems first began. He also said they would also be claiming damages from the Consell Insular as they had also given the project the go ahead.
For the moment there was no comment from the Town Hall, but these are worrying times for the mayor, Jose Sala and his administration, who would be unable to cope with such a financial punishment.

SANTA EULALIA

Cinema Reforms
The mayor of Santa Eulalia, Vicent Mari, announced on Monday he had sent a proposal to the Consell Insular seeking financial help in the reconstruction of the old cinema building within the municipality. The teatro Espana was bought by the Town Hall earlier this year. They soon announced their intention to rebuild it, and initial plans were even drawn up in October. However, to reduce the financial burden on the municipality, Mari is asking for help from the Consell and has sent them what he describes as a very attractive proposal. The final use of the building has yet to be decided, with Mari saying it will be for cultural use. Whether this means a cinema, a theatre or a mix of the two has yet to be decided, and will very much depend on the cost.
The following day Mari announced a grant of 300,000 which will be used to modernise some of the municipalitys antiquated infrastructures. Although he claimed, in general, most areas were satisfactory, he did admit there were some specific zones which did need to be modernised. The money will initially be spent on improving pavements, street lighting and finishing off those projects which for various reasons have remained unfinished. The work is due to start immediately, with the possibility of the budget rising next year.

FORMENTERA

Promotion Budget
Formentera will have 800,000 to spend on the promotion of the island during 2008, it was announced by the minister for tourism of the new Consell on the island, Josep Mayans. In a press conference on Tuesday, Mayans said the budget was a breakthrough for the island, and meant his department could concentrate on what was best for Formentera. Previously their promotion has been heavily blended with that of Ibiza, causing some considerable identity problems.
He said that while the sun and sea sector was always going to be key to the islands future, it was wrong and blinkered to only promote this type of tourism, as it filled the island for just four months. In addition a great deal of promotion needed to be done on the gastronomic, environmental and cultural side. This, according to Mayans, will be the key to attracting tourism to the island outside of the high season.

Hotel Begins
Work on the first town-based four star hotel in Formentera began in earnest last week, with the demolition of the house on land where the establishment is to be situated. The demolition took just one hour. Local experts said that although the building torn down was a typical example of local design, its architectural value was insignificant. The house had been abandoned for several years, and stood on the corner of the calle Santa Maria in the historical centre of Sant Francesc Xavier.
The four-star hotel will have 19 rooms, be open for at least eleven months of the year and include a gymnasium, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and restaurant. It will, however, blend into the neighbourhood surroundings and also be just one storey high.

CRIME & INCIDENTS

Man Arrested
Four police officers were eventually needed to arrest a man in a bar in es Canar in the early hours of Wednesday morning, after he went on the rampage and assaulted his wife. The call was made by the hysterical woman after the man (both are French) had destroyed furniture, smashed windows and assaulted her in the bar the two rent in the normally sleepy village. When officers arrived at the scene the woman immediately ran from where she had been hiding, cradling their eight year old daughter. The man, on seeing the two, then threatened them claiming he was going to kill them both. He was barefoot at the time and bleeding from several separate injuries.
Police could not calm the man who showed clear signs of being drunk, and eventually had to forcefully arrest him. After his wife had made an official denuncia, the man was kept in police custody.
However, two days later in court the victim said she wanted to carry on living with the man, and that it was in fact her daughter who had called the police after seeing her father drunk and injured.

NEWS FROM THE MAINLAND

Smoking Ban
The National Health Department announced on Tuesday a 10.4 per cent decrease in smokers, on the second anniversary of the introduction of anti-tobacco legislation. On 1st January, 2006, new laws were introduced which banned smoking in offices, shops, schools, hospitals, cultural centers and on public transport, including stations and airports. The law also stated that restaurants and bars over 100 m2 would have to designate a smoking area, which had to be physically separated, and occupy, at most, 30% of the total floor space of the establishment. Establishments smaller than this were able to choose whether to allow or prohibit smoking.
A spokesman for the department said the legislation had been a complete success in workplaces, public buildings and on public transport, but had not proved as successful in bars and restaurants. He said the number of establishments adorning smoke-free signs had been growing in recent months, but more work still needed to be done. Although the legislation was what is described here as basic law, meaning it cannot be modified at local level, a number of autonomous regions had done so, and had been very slack in ensuring it is carried out.
Rodrigo Cordoba, from the National Committee for the Prevention of Tobacco, said the legislation concerning bars and restaurants was still far too flexible, and a total ban in public places was needed for the legislation to work. He said the ban in public buildings had worked because there was no middle ground and the law could not be misinterpreted smoking was simply not permitted.
The New Year saw the final phase of the new smoking laws in France fall into place. From 1st January 2008 it is now illegal to smoke in bars and restaurants. This followed a ban in the workplace and public transport back in February.
It is hoped the Government here will soon see sense, stand up for the rights of the next generation, and enforce a total ban within Spain.

Women Released
The two nurses abducted two weeks ago in northern Somalia were released by their captors on Wednesday, it was announced by a spokesman at the Foreign Office.
On 26th December gunmen abducted Mercedes Garcia and Pilar Bauza, a Spanish doctor and an Argentine nurse, in Bosasso, the main port in the breakaway state of Punt-land. The pair had been on their way to a feeding centre, in the area where Medecins Sans Frontieres is assisting 7,000 children under the age of five suffering from malnutrition.
They were described as morally and physically well, and were immediately transferred to a Bosasso hotel before eventually being flown back to Madrid on Thursday. The pair had been working for Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) when the kidnapping occurred.
More details of the operation were also released by Somali authorities after the women were free. It seems Punt-land police had actually hunted down the kidnappers, sparking an exchange of fire which resulted in the arrest of two suspects. However, the women were not located.
It had been reported that the captors were demanding 250,000 to release the two, but Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos told a news conference in Madrid that no ransom had been paid. He added the group had merely been seeking social and political limelight and the money had never really been an issue.
The president for MSF in Spain, Paula Farias, said in a statement that such actions were unacceptable and jeopardised humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable populations, which was the reason why the two medics had been working in Somalia.
On 24th December French journalist, Gwen Le Gouil, was released after eight days in captivity in Punt-land. Le Gouil's kidnappers had demanded about 50,000 in ransom, which police insisted had not been paid.
Punt-land is about 1,300 kilometres north of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, where Islamic insurgency has killed thousands of people this year with the United Nations claiming the country is facing Africa's worst humanitarian crisis.

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