Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 25 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, expressed his intention on Tuesday to enhance the involvement of Canarian businesses in Naviera Armas, which is currently facing a “delicate” financial situation, in an effort to influence and improve maritime connectivity in the ‘Green Islands’.
When responding to a query from the popular group during a plenary control session in Parliament, he also stated the necessity of exerting pressure on the central government to approve the renewal of public service obligations.
Specifically regarding El Hierro, he acknowledged the significant “boost” the island would receive this year of ‘decline’ due to the activities of two shipping companies, Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen.
The president recognised that connectivity is essential for achieving economic growth and has reiterated that his government is working “intensively” to ensure the “archipelago progresses at the same pace”, citing the regional assistance provided to reduce fuel prices in the Green Islands, a feat that “was said to be impossible.”
Juan Manuel García Casañas, the leader of the Popular Group, highlighted that both maritime and aerial connections are “vital” for the economic development of any society, particularly in the Green Islands, which are “losing population, opportunities, and facing difficulties in conducting economic activities”.
In this context, he has called for an extension of the operating hours at El Hierro Airport and suggested that the first flight to Tenerife should be scheduled to leave earlier, ideally at 09:00.
Additionally, he advocated for improvements to connectivity between El Hierro and La Palma and urged the need for solutions regarding the port in Los Cristianos, which is currently “oversaturated” and “causes problems” for tourists, transporters, and residents of Arona.
“We require alternatives that do not impede the growth potential of the island,” he remarked, aiming for the island to have “more than one ship per day.”
