DEMONSTRATION HIGHLIGHTS
Over 300 individuals gathered peacefully yesterday outside the Cultural Centre of Los Cristianos, advocating for the legalisation of their unauthorized residences in the Lomo Negro development, adjacent to El Fraile, in Arona. Clanging pots, waving signs, and blowing whistles, the residents forming the “eco-friendly movement” voiced their demands in the coastal town. The demonstration, marked by unity and determination, proceeded without any disturbances. Participants donned green t-shirts bearing the message: “We are not criminals, we are property owners,” emphasising their plea to acknowledge the plots as viable residential areas. Additionally, the demonstrators urged authorities not to categorise Lomo Negro residents as lawbreakers.
The primary appeal of the Lomo Negro residents’ rally is for the reclassification of the land as a rural settlement, a specific adjustment that would enable the legalization of their residences and resolve the issue, they stated. Moreover, residents also called for the halting of ongoing administrative procedures and the consideration of a potential “pardon” to facilitate regularization without severe legal repercussions.
Throughout the demonstration, several residents took the opportunity to voice their worries and aspirations. “We have established our lives and families here over the years. We do not wish to be displaced; we aim to collaborate with the City Council to find a resolution,” shared one affected resident with the press. The atmosphere resonated with energy and optimism, with protestors using kitchenware, whistles, and placards bearing messages such as “Cease actions and penalties” and “We demand resolutions,” highlighting the pressing nature of their predicament.
“UNITY IN DISPLAY”
The widespread participation in the demonstration underscores the seriousness of the issue that has been brewing since 2016 in the Lomo Negro areas. Some attendees in Los Cristianos, accompanied by their children and elderly relatives, informed DIARIO DE AVISOS that they remain hopeful, stating that “this is just the first stride.” “We urgently require a prompt and effective response from the authorities. Time is dwindling,” they stressed. With less than 15 days since the forced demolition of certain properties and the subsequent eviction of residents, the “eco-friendly movement” of Lomo Negro, as described by association members, aspires to establish a precedent. They hope that this display of unity and resolve will facilitate the commencement of a constructive dialogue to reach a fair resolution for those impacted.
“Today, our unity and determination have been evident. We are property owners, not criminals; that is our core message, as we simply seek a secure and respectable existence. We acknowledge our share of responsibility, yet we cannot be cast out onto the streets with children and elderly parents in some households. Where would we go?” concluded another Lomo Negro resident.
