This decision at the eleventh hour is a direct contradiction of statements made by Palmer's lawyer, who for almost a year assured that his client would not try to evade the payments.

The defendant had already managed to hide away most of the defrauded money by the time he managed to revoke a confiscation order of of 48 million euros, in July 2002. The judgment, that had been one of the highest in the judicial history of the United Kingdom, was revoked due to a procedural error of the office of the public prosecutor.

' Goldfinger', as he is known in the United Kingdom, faces civil actions in addition to the criminal proceedings. At least two hundred victims hope to obtain another 115 million euros in this way. Irwin Mitchell, the prosecutor who represented the victims of Mad Cow disease against the British government, is completing the details of the brief, that he will have to present before the 17 of November on their behalf.

THE GREATEST SWINDLE IN THE HISTORY OF THE ISLAND

The total number of victims of John Palmer is thought to be 16,600. Between 1989 and 1997, the employees of his multiple timesharing companies chose their victims from amongst the British, Swedish , German and French visitors, holidaying in the south of the island. Accosted in the middle of the street, immediate benefits were promised to them if they agreed to participate in the funding of the construction of a dozen or so tourist complexes, that in the main never actually materialized. According to sources victims lost on average 6,000 euros, but in come of the more serious cases this figure was multiplied by ten.

Over the last few months, the British press has speculated on possibility that the criminal element involved in the Time-share industry are returning once again to operate in Tenerife. The latest version of the swindle associated with vacation clubs. This form of business is not covered by the European legislation on timesharing, that forces the providers of the service to offer a period of cancellation of ten days and to offer a series of guarantees in writing. The British Office of Fair Trading has mounted an advertising campaign to warn its citizens of possible fraudulent schemes. You can download a copy of the UK Office of Fair Trading Consumer Guidelines by clicking here

The first day of racing was suspended due to poor weather conditions, and as the wind was not stable, everything was delayed until the next day. The second day of racing was characterized by a stronger, much more constant wind, which permitted two races for the crews. The race course was set in front of the Royal Yacht Club, with a distance totaling 13 miles. The third day of racing was even more spectacular due to the even stronger wind. In the end of the racing event, the overall winner for the first class was Caixa Galicia, the 56 Grand Soleil, followed by CAM and Azur de Puig. In the second class, overall winner was Telefònica Movistar followed by Pto. Calero and Siemens Mobile. For the third class, overall winner was Maquina Total, followed by Canarias 2000 and Silvia V. Fourth and final class, the overall results show Maena 2, Libby’s Vitaplus and Vidvan.

The Royal Yacht Club Tenerife and the Infanta Cristina Trophy will host the 11th edition of this event next year, hoping to gather more European teams to this already established event.

The passengers received no prior warning of the news, and were in Reina Sofia airport in the south of the island at the end of their holidays. According to one eye witness there were scenes of confusion and disbelief at the airport this morning. Nine destinations were affected in Germany and Austria when the Aero Lloyd airline closed down operations. Tour operators are currently seeking alternative flights for their clients. The charter airline is 66 per cent owned by BayernLB bank, who has said they will no longer underwrite the company. Over four thousand passengers are stranded all over Europe and according to reports a further 8,500 were left flightless in German airports.

The rise in tariffs, more than double the expected Spanish inflation rate, will apply to all airports with more than two million passengers a year. This includes Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Majorca and Tenerife, a spokeswoman for the authority said.

Increases at medium-sized airports will be four percent and two percent at the smallest.

The seven percent price hike will affect the dominant airline Iberia most, but will also apply to the low-cost carriers that are making rapid inroads in the Spanish market.

Budget carriers' growth at the major airports has so far been confined by the lack of takeoff and landing slots.

Benito Capone, from the Adeje Green group, told local press that very shortly there are plans to install a number of breeding cages between the waters of Playa Paraíso and Callao Salvaje. Copone says this form of fish breeding changes the natural balance of life in the waters and damages the environment

Designed by Spanish golf star Seve Ballesterso, the 18 hole course is alreadyseeing up to 40 players a day. The club house is almost finished and the plans for a hotel beside the course are well under way. It is hoped that the new course will prove to be an economic motor for this region of North Tenerife,and up to 200 people will be employed. This is an eighteen-hole, par- 72 course with an overall length of 6,150 meters, designed with six holes each of par three, four and five. The greens of five holes are right on the coast, which is made up of cliffs against which the waves break to create a pageant of spectacular beauty. Some of the holes will give you the sensation of hitting the ball almost into the ocean. The nearby Cordillera de Teno range of peaks, is a protected area full of glorious views and sites of breathtaking beauty such as the village of Masca. Descending the imposing ravine in which the village is located is one of the favourite excursions for hikers visiting the island. Another attractive but very different and totally unspoilt location with spectacular coastal views, a lighthouse and tiny landing-stage is Punta de Teno, unlike anywhere else on the island. The Tenerife Cabildo will over the next few years be adapting a number of beaches for bathing and will shortly be opening an Exo-Museum in the district of El Tanque, dealing with the natural and cultural heritage of the island of Tenerife

The Commission of Government has given its approval to the project which will require an investment of over 344,580 euros, it will be financed in collaboration with the local council.

The Santiago del Teide Youth Centre will be constructed on a 477 square meter plot of land. The building will occupy approximately 300 square meters in a single unit.
The new facilities will have a Media Room, an information service, a meetings room available for various Youth organisations and a multipurpose room, in addition to workshop areas.
According to the insular advisor into Youth, Education and Woman, Josefa García, "this project has come about because of a program instigated by the Cabildo to equip to all the municipalities on the Island with purpose built leisure facilities for the youngsters of each area".

The first and only direct flight from London Heathrow to Tenerife South will be launched on the 8th of November by British Midland International, operating five days a week. There will also be a flight twice weekly into Tenerife North, in keeping with the Cabildo´s policy of promoting northern resorts. On the 26th of October, British Airways franchise carrier GB Airways will operate 11 flights weekly from Gatwick, with 9 of these destined for Tenerife South and 2 for the north. Monarch Scheduled launches its first flight on 1st November from Manchester to Tenerife South, which will operate four days a week, and the company is also increasing the number of its flights from Luton to Tenerife South to 4 days a week until March next year. My Travel Lite, a new low-cost no-frills airline, will operate daily flights from Manchester and Birmingham until the end of next April.

These new flights form part of the island´s strategic bid to rescue the ailing tourist market from Britain by offering a host of options for mini-breaks all year round.

The net is closing in on one of Britain's most wanted fugitives after he was spotted outside a bar in the Canary Islands by an off-duty police officer.
Mark Lilley, 30, jumped bail during a drug trial at Bolton crown court three and a half years ago.

He was jailed for 23 years in his absence for masterminding a large-scale drug operation to supply cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, amphetamines, and cannabis, and possession of a firearm. He absconded while on bail only days after he had given evidence in the court case.

The appeal court in London threw out a challenge to the sentence last December, after Lilley phoned his barrister while on the run to give him instructions.

He was spotted a couple of days ago outside a bar in the resort of Playa de las Americas by a policeman who was on holiday on the island. National crime squad officers have now flown out to Tenerife as the net starts to close.

The police officer, who went to the same school as Lilley, noticed him behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

He then drove round the block twice, peering at the officer on each occasion.

Detective Inspector Sue Fraser, of the national crime squad, said the public were advised not to approach Lilley. "He is a very dangerous man with access to firearms,and is one of the worst type of drug dealers."

Lilley, a keen bodybuilder, weighs 20 stone and is 6ft tall. He is originally from Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside.

Nichola Crowther, the mother of his four-year-old son, was jailed for four years in 2001 for money laundering.

Lilley has a reputation for violence and was only arrested by police after a listening device was installed in his home.

Police in Tenerife are monitoring ports in an effort to prevent Lilley escaping

In the words of Santiago del Teide Lions Club President Steve Gilbert, there was a "simple but sincere ceremony" held at the colegio publico in Tamaimo yesterday, when their brand new computer suite was officially opened. The computer suite comprises of 14 computers, printing facilities etc. in a purpose built air-conditioned classroom.

Attending the ceremony were

Of behalf of Lions Clubs International:
District Governor of Lions Clubs of Spain –Rod Weale
Head of Zone – Ken Ward
President of the Lions Club of Santiago del Teide – Steve Gilbert
Deputising for the Mayor and representing the Ayuntamiento of Santiago del Teide - Doña Maria Candelaria
Head mistress of the school Doña Marina Fernadez-Hernandez
as well as various members of the Lions Club of Santiago del Teide, Teaching Staff, Representatives of the equipment suppliers: CBC Computers and JTS Services and members of the press.
And of course the man whose generosity made it all possible - local businessman Mr Jens-Peter Fulda and his wife

Lions President Steve Gilbert was at pains to point out the importance of starting computer skills education at as young an age as possible. "Our future is our children. The better we can equip them to take their place in the modern world, the better the world may become. Computers provide access to information and communication. The manipulative skills required, need to be taught at the earliest possible stage in a child’s development. At a time when they are most receptive to learning. We should not wait until they are nearly halfway through the process, nor can we wait until funding is available to allow younger children to access this knowledge"

Mr Fulda was presented with a plaque to mark the occasion, and in his speech said that he "did not want any thanks, all he asked the children to do was to think about their environment and to keep the computer room, their school and their towns clean and tidy, not to leave rubbish lying around, for in his opinion respect for our environment was as equally an important lesson to be taught as early as possible"

This is probably one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a Lions Club in Spain and would not have been possible without the funding provided by a generous donation from Mr Jens – Peter Fulda. The whole project will cost in the region of 250,000 euros.

Steve Gilbert went on to say "We wish to demonstrate to our hosts that there are many of us amongst the expatriate community who don’t just take out the benefits of living here but want to put something back. It is one way of saying thank you for your hospitality. As this project unfolds I personally have been lucky to make some good friends within the ayuntamientos of Santiago del Teide and Guia de Isora. In particular I would like to thank Doña Maria Candelaria and her staff in the social services department. Through this friendship we have been able to open a line of communication that allows us to better understand the needs of the people and identify projects where we can offer our help."

Whilst praising the magnificent donation from Mr Fulda, Steve Gilbert also pointed out: "In order to continue our work in the Lions Club we continually need to raise money. Traditionally our funds have been raised through the generous support of the expat community in the coastal region. but I honestly believe that there are many philanthropically minded Canarians who would like to assist us in our future projects and many who would like to become Lions themselves.

We would very much like anyone to contact us, who are interested in helping us help those who need it most.

Please contact lionsclub@losgigantes.com for further information

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All of the governmental bodies, from the mayor of Arona, Jose Alberto González Reverón, to the president of the Island Government, Ricardo Melchior are quoted as agreeing with public opinion on the necessity for a public hospital in the South, and indeed demand that the plan be implemented. The question is who is actually responsible for putting the plan into practice if not them?. We are going to see what happens.

Ricardo Melchior and Adán Martín seen here with Mayor Gorrín unvieled the work of the sculptor José Abad.

Ricardo Melchior and Adán Martín unveiled the statue by sculptor José Abad. in the Plaza Pública of Santiago del Teide town on Sunday 5th October. Mayor Gorrín said that the statue depicting the guanche Alonso Díaz "Cherfe", son of the Diego Díaz Pelinor (Click here to see Local History Section if you are interested in their antecendents) Mencey de Adeje, has been one of the original documented inhabitants of Santiago del teide and that it was appropriate to use his image five centuries later to commemorate what the municipality of Santiago of the Teide has now become.

The President of the Canarian Government Adán Martín said the subject of the statue was a perfect choice to commemorate with pride the figure of the guanche "Cherfe" who represents an example of dignity and pride for the town.

Rowing 3,000 treacherous miles across the Atlantic Ocean has its benefits.

For instance, it's the perfect opportunity to meet and swap notes on oar-technique with forces sweetheart Nell McAndrew. RAF regiment officer Matt Stowers, from Teignmouth, and friend Mark Jacklin met up with cover-girl Nell during training for their row, which sets off from Tenerife on October 19.

Despite being novices, the duo hope to smash the current record for the trip to Barbados, which stands at 58 days."Meeting Nell was great, obviously," said Matt, 32, who is based at RAF High Wycombe.

"She was really nice and it helped take our mind off training for a few minutes.

"The real benefit though, is that she should help raise awareness of the row and of the charity fund raising we are doing."

As well as setting a new record, Matt and Mark are hoping to raise £30,000 for children's charity, The Philip Green Memorial Trust.

With just a fortnight to go until the lads push off from the coast of the Canary Islands though, getting into top shape is number one priority.

"We've cut down on the actual rowing now and are doing a lot of general fitness stuff such as jogging, making the most of the dry land.

"We have been speaking to a sports psychologist too and she has told us that 80 per cent of this row is down to the mental side of things.

"The only fear I have is fear of failure and that comes from the military training. Over the year you get used to doing things and doing them to the best of your ability. The technical side of the trip is very simple. In fact the most complex piece of equipment on the boat is the water maker.

"This is all about will-power and sheer bloody-mindedness."

Throughout their training Matt and Mark have been monitored by sports scientists at Chester University, examining the physical and mental stresses of the challenge.

They will also be monitored during the row, to help give scientists a better understanding of the stresses of living in a 23ft boat with another person.

"Mark and I get on very well and although we do not see each other every day, because we are based in different parts of thecountry, we have been talking on the phone regularly.

"We will be living in very cramped environment but it all comes down to the military training again. There is a chain of command and that will help us stay focused when we are out there.

"I am a higher rank than Mark but because of our different ways of thinking, we have decided that he will be captain once we are aboard."

With the full support of his family and the RAF, Matt now says he is fully prepared for the gruelling challenge

He said: "The boat is bombproof and self-righting and has already been across the ocean before.

The men will be waved off from Tenerife by friends and family, including Matt's parents, Jim and Sandra Stowers. To monitor Matt's progress, or to e-mail messages of support, visit www.rafcareers.com.

Juan Damián Gorrín Ramos, Mayor of Santiago del Teide, wishes to clarify quotes used in "La Opinion" Newspaper

The slant of the interview implied that Santiago del Teide has problems with security over and above the "normal" level, Gorrín maintains that he actually said Santiago del Teide LIKE ALL OTHER MUNICIPALITIES on the Island has asked for an increased police presence in the area.

With respect to the phrase on "danger in the coastal zone", the Mayor is incensed by this exagerration and selected quoting of what he actually said, which was "because of the high movement of the transient population of the area due in the main to tourism, the coastal zone has policing problems that are not for example present in central areas of the island", but never once said that there were security problems in Santiago del Teide.

La Opinion has been asked to print a retaction

The Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information services (ICSTIS) decided Parkbay had misled the public.

A report states people were told they had won a prize but had to ring a £1.50 a minute premium rate line.

ICSTIS say that although the message suggested the service was being run by, or in conjunction with ABTA and Airtours - "therefore giving the service a sense of credibility" - this was not the case.

They say the message also failed to state the total cost of the service or a closing date, and failed to disclose any significant terms and conditions or eligibility restrictions relating to making a claim.

As the message appeared to have been sent out on an unsolicited basis and also to individuals under the age of 18, the method of promotion was deemed as inappropriate by ICSTIS.

Due to the seriousness of the apparent breaches, access to the service was barred under the emergency procedure, say ICSTIS.

Parkbay acknowledged the reference to ABTA should not have been made in the investigation.

They also accepted the total call costs had been omitted but claimed there was not enough room to provide this information within the available 160 characters. However, they did say the information about call costs was given within the opening minute of the call.

Parkbay manager Derry Kenealy was unavailable to comment.

ICSTIS say they are receiving record numbers of complaints about unsolicited text messages. They are urging people to contact them if they receive this type of message so they can invoke the emergency procedure and pull the plug on the companies involved.

ICSTIS chairman Sir Peter North said: "There are certain individuals and companies who set out to deceive consumers purely for financial gain."

The Cherfe employment and retraining workshop, which has a membership of 35 unemployed local ladies is broken down into two main areas: Environmental Restoration and Out of School Activities, visited the House of Honey in Santiago del Teide and also the beehives in the outskirts of the Stgo del Teide Valley, yesterday, Monday 29 September.

The Cherfe employment and retraining workshop was created through the Stgo del Teide Employment and Development Agency, headed by Maria Candelaria Perez and the National Employment Agency (I.N.E.M.) and funded by the European Social Fund.

The ladies of the environmental study group were taken on a tour of the hives and President of the Municipal Association of

Beekeepers, Graciano Sanz explained the honey making process from looking after the hives to the manufacture of the honey itself.

Those in the Out of School Activities group began yesterday a program of activities to promote the extensive schedule of out of extracurricular activities available in the municipality. These are divided into two groups; primary age 3 to 6 years and juniors 6 to 12 years of age, all it governed under the Municipal Plan of Prevention of Labor Risks adapted on the part of the factory to all and each one of the activities to make as much in the own factory as in other facilities where the same one is made.

The House of Honey CASA DE LA MIEL Tel 922863028

The Asociacíon San Francisco de los Animales is holding a Race Night on Friday, 17th October 2003 at The Lodge, Costa del Silencio, commencing at 9.00 pm. Why not come along, have some fun, and support your local animal charity. For further details contact Alec on 922 739588.

The land is in Calle Tarajales and is 213.13 square meters in size, with street access of 15.04 meters in length, and was the only remaining space available for construction in Fonsalía.

The land is destined to be a recreational area for the local population. Previous council schemes to create a leisure centre and chapel, have been thwarted by lack of a site for construction.

In the latest clean up, over 20 thousand kilos of rubbish was collected along the zone, and now police and members of the coastal authorities are working side by side to alleviate the years long problem. Local councillor Yanes Falcón said that police estimates show that there were over two thousand illegal camp last summer, including caravans, tents and temporary shelters used by up to eight thousands people.

Just down the road in Arona over 2,000 surgeons are staying in the Mare Nostrum Piramides de Arona resort. They are attending the Spanish surgical, orthopaedic and trauma conference. The minister for health Ana Pastor visited both conferences yesterday, and both organisations expressed themselves delighted with the facilities available in South Tenerife. While certainly both conferences will keep delegates busy over the next few days, there will also be time to enjoy the many facilities the south of Tenerife has to offer, and on Saturday night the surgeons will be attending the Tropicana show in Costa Adeje

The Santiago del Teide County Council has today (1 oct) released the following programme of events for the 500 centenary celebrations.
Friday 3 October 2003

· 20:00 hours, Audio-visual presentation of "500 years of Santiago del Teide" held at the Grama Cultural Centre in Santiago del Teide town.

Saturday 4 October 2003 - Plaza del Casco- Santiago del Teide Town

· 21:30 hours, Grand Folk singing and dancing Festival. On a stage which is to be set against the facade of the town hall.Taking part: Parranda de Cantadores and other Canarian artistes like Fabiola Socas, Chago Melian, Marivi Cabo, Perico Lino, José Manuel Ramos and the star attraction, Braulio. Produced by Producciones Oye.

Sunday 5 October 2003

· 12:00 hours, Official reception for the President of the Canarian Government, D. Adán Martín Menis.at the town hall

· 12:10 hours, Speech by the Mayor.

· 12:20 hours, Speech by D. Adán Martín Menis

· 12:35 hours, Award Ceremony for services to the county by various persons.

· 13:15 hours, D. Alonso Díaz will unveil a statue by the sculptor D. José Abad in the Plaza Pública of Santiago del Teide town.

· 13:30 hours, Rendition of the pasodoble “Islas Canarias” local bands

The Mayor and Town officials would be honoured by your participation

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