TRAMUNTANA
SUBSIDIES offered by the Balearic government to promote all-year-round tourism will enable the smallest town councils of the Serra de Tramuntana district to carry out upgrading and remedial works which would otherwise not be within their budget. Banyalbufar, Estellencs and Fornalutx will have funds to work on ornamental projects, to purchase of land or buildings, and to create parking lots which are the most urgently required programmes in these areas, visited annually by thousands of tourists.

Fornalutx wants to buy 23'000 square metres of land in the municipality which will cost 750'000 euros. Local mayor Joan Alberti said the town council wants to set up a carpark and recreation area so tourists can leave their cars and visit Fornalutx at their leisure.

Banyalbufar is going to use its 208'000 subsidy to carry out ornamental and embellishment work throughout the streets of the town; to refurbish abandoned property in the centre; and to install parking facilities and a children's play area. Deya is planning an ambitious 680 metre pedestrian walkway; and Valldemossa, with a grant of 2.7 million euros, is to purchase a building in calle Balanguera to house the Coll Bardolet foundation.

Bullfighting courses

INCA
MAJORCAN Socialist (PSM) spokeswoman, Xisca Vives, voiced her criticism of Inca's ruling government team at last October's Council meeting by declaring: “Citizens in the municipality are aware that if anyone wants to learn to be a bullfighter, that the Council will give them a subsidy of 901 euros to go on a course”.

The offer had been made by the now-ruling Partido Popular in Inca, as part of their pre-election campaign. In April last year, an Inca resident had applied for the grant which was approved by the Council leaders. The funds were paid in June the same year in spite of an auditor warning that the grant remained unjustified in the absence of invoices.

Mayor's deputy Rafa Torres explained this week that the person receiving the subsidy is a young bullfighting apprentice that the Council has been helping for some years. Torres said he, personally, had made arrangements for the young man to practice in the General Luque district.

Majorica's “Moon” money

MANACOR
THE cheque which the artificial pearl company “Majorica” faxed to the Balearic government this week to confirm an increased capital investment of 5.2 million dollars (a little under 4 million euros) came from funds of the United Vision Foundation company, affiliated to the Korean Church of Unification headed by the Reverend S. Moon. The money is a six-month loan to help refloat the ailing pearl company on the condition of repayment of thirty percent interest.

Because the cheque is drawn on an American bank, it cannot be cashed here in Spain. It will have to be sent to the United States for confirmation that funds exist to cover the cheque which in all probability will have to be cancelled and a transfer made. Although on paper, the government deadline for a further injection of capital has been met in theory, it will be at least another ten days before the money can be banked in practice.

Meanwhile, other moves are being made behind the scene for the sale of the company. Drasan Limited, a branch of the Asiatic group, Saga, are already in possession of 50 percent of the shares of Majorica and claim that with only one million euros, they could obtain all remaining shares.

Well restored

SES SALINES
THE ancient Rafal Palla well and the Cas Perets building have undergone thorough refurbishment thanks to the Council of Majorca's Environment department.

The project consisted of clearing away vegetation and earth which constricted a complete view of the well, repointed stonework, replacement of the tackle block and a protective strip of iron. A plaque alongside the well confirms its original construction in the 19th century but some locla people claim it was first dug in the 13th century. If the latter can be verified, the plaque will be altered.