- Publisher: Roqueta Magazine
- Editor: Duncan Frazer
- Edition: 317
- Published: 1st May 2017
In the UK, the white van man is a phenomenon who made headline news recently with the spring budget. In Menorca, we have the white paint man, who seems to be up a ladder on virtually every restaurant wall. Someone must be selling millions of gallons of the white stuff at this time of year.
The spring brush up certainly brightens up the place, and the harbours are ready and waiting for the invasion.
And what amazing news is coming out of the Isla del Rey at the moment. Well if they land the new gallery to the island, and that is looking more and more promising, then that could be one of the most significant happenings in Menorca for quite some time. A game changer. It will help put the island on an international cultural stage, and that is a position that should sit comfortably with the assets and ambitions here.
It would help to attract a certain type of visitor, and the season might be extended into the shoulder periods. It could over owerflow into different complementary sectors and help to nudge the whole economy forward, but at a speed and progress that most people prefer. What is there not to like? (We have a report on page 10)
One of the things we have discovered recently is that the myth of the ‘next’ generation leaving the island is not completely true. Some of the longer established businesses, set up by the young entrepreneurs of the island 40 years ago, are slowly being managed over to their children and grandchildren. This new generation in turn brings new ideas and innovation, and of course energy to take the businesses forward. We had the Big Interview with Pou Nou in April, and this month we had the pleasure of visiting Tonislar. Both are great examples of this continuity with the business going from strength to strength. (See page 46)
The airport is often up for discussion when talking about the economy. Tomás Melgar has once again been kind enough to give us some time so he can tell you what is happening. The whole future planning is a long process, and out of season it seems a little odd that planes from here to Barcelona and then on to the UK are often packed, when we want to fly direct all year. Read what he has to say on Page 48.
Driving about is still a pleasure with fields awash with spring flower colour. Glennis tells us more on page 14 and Javier shares a secret ravine with us that is one of his favourite places on the island (page 24).
As always it is a varied read, and we hope you find an article or three that you enjoy. The local charities and social gatherings are covered too, so something for everyone.
Many of you based in the UK are taking up the opportunity of staying in touch by subscribing either through a magazine being sent in the post or digitally. We love the growing post bag too. One edition I may even threaten to print a selection of the emails we receive. Some are quite unusual!