Santa Cruz de Tenerife 21 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The president of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, intends to request a meeting with the Government delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, aimed at discussing the current “occupation” affecting the port of La Restinga due to the immigration crisis, which is impacting the area’s economic activity and daily life.
“The fact is that we cannot accept the ongoing occupation of a Canarian port like this indefinitely, especially with activities such as the demolition of the Cayucos, which directly affects economic operations, the quality of the water, and, certainly, the environment,” stated the Canarian President during a media briefing at the Pantanal project presentation in Restinga (El Hierro).
He also noted the Regional Executive’s position that, barring emergency situations, the “ideal” port for relocating the Cayucos is one located in the north of the island, as “there is more space, greater potential, and it is nearer to the Valverde Hospital Centre”.
“This doesn’t disregard the fact that, in exceptional circumstances, when it comes to saving lives, the closest and safest port must be utilised, but it doesn’t always have to be so, and it is quite a coincidence that it is invariably the Restinga that is deemed closest and safest…” Clavijo commented.
He further indicated that he would petition the Government Delegation in the Canary Islands, and if necessary, the ministers, for a meeting to discuss the situation in conjunction with the City Council, councillors, fishermen, local residents, and diving centres, as migration “is a structural phenomenon” and “we cannot continuously subject an occupation” that has come about “for humanitarian and immigration emergency reasons.”
“If we all recognise that this will persist over time, we must develop the necessary and appropriate infrastructure to address the migratory phenomenon while ensuring the normal operation of the port and the local community,” Clavijo remarked.
