The closest ATM for the residents of Punta del Hidalgo is located 3 kilometres away, in the town of Bajamar. The other option is in Tejina, 7 kilometres away. Short distances by car, but impossible on foot for most elderly individuals who reside in the coastal enclave of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
In 2019, Caixabank, the only bank in La Punta, shut the doors of its physical branch. Cirilo Melián, resident and member of the project to boost ecotourism areas Ecoáreas, recalls that at that time, the reason was to repair the branch’s roof as it was collapsing. He states that the village believed it would be a temporary fix, but a few months later, the ATM was also removed. Now, in its place, there is a shop.
María Isabel Herrera, resident and Ecoáreas member, laments that “for the elderly, withdrawing cash is very challenging”. Besides the technological barriers linked to the digital divide, she asserts, there is also the distance and the difficulties in accessing the office in Bajamar, not suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM). For this latter reason, when they have the chance, most opt to go to Tejina or Tegueste, even if the journey is longer. “Everyone has to fend for themselves, many people need assistance and feel unprotected in this situation. We have been fighting for years and we are tired,” she argues.
Having a coffee, buying bread, or visiting local markets and shops becomes a challenging task if the establishments do not accept card payments. “It’s disgraceful because we can’t use our money,” stresses the resident. They do not just consider themselves as residents, it’s also a problem for tourists who visit the area. She explains that in a few months, La Punta is filled with visitors who often inquire about these services or are surprised when making any payment.
The closest office, in Bajamar, is not suitable for people with reduced mobility / Cirilo Melián
Cirilo Melián, in addition to being involved with Ecoáreas, is a member of the Aguacada Neighbours’ Association and the Cultural Association of Punta del Hidalgo. He mentions that the president of the N.A. has repeatedly conveyed the neighbourhood’s complaints, but has not received any response from the banking entity. “We are not even talking about having a branch anymore, but at the very least an ATM,” he adds.
Since 2019, the residents’ complaints have not stopped. Already in 2021, EL DÍA highlighted the urgent request for an ATM installation, but there was no response. On the other hand, San Cristóbal de La Laguna City Council has assured them that they will provide a facade of the civic centre for the installation to take place. The institution indicates that they are in the final stages of the process. Furthermore, they emphasize that they will not only implement the one in La Punta, they will also attempt to address the same issue in other parts of the municipality.
