Yaiza Castilla clarifies that he was not part of any committee and that the irregularities in the purchase of masks were learned from the press.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 24 Mar. (Europa Press) –
Former Tourism Advisor of the Government of the Canary Islands, Yaiza Castilla, remarked on Monday that the acquisition of sanitary materials during the pandemic was “never” a topic discussed in the meetings of the Governing Council.
“I did not recommend any company, nor was I contacted,” he stated during the Investigation Commission of the Canary Islands Parliament, where he also emphasised that he was not involved in the management committees established by the Executive, although he attended certain specific meetings where measures were enacted.
Castilla noted that it was actually “quite advantageous” that he did not attend the committees, as he was preoccupied with “numerous issues to manage,” allowing the government to concentrate on “saving lives” and attempting to revitalise the economic sectors.
“It was beneficial for me not to be there, so I could focus on resolving the daily challenges that arose in various sectors,” he remarked.
He asserted that he had no communication with the director of the SCS, Conrado Domínguez, the former advisor of the Ministry of Transport, Koldo García, or the businessman Víctor de Aldama, and he never participated in discussions regarding the purchase of masks.
Castilla mentioned that he is unaware of which companies were contracted for sanitary materials for his department, clarifying that he became aware of the irregularities in the mask purchases “through the press,” and that he only signed a contract via the emergency procedure for an insurance policy for tourists. “I have no knowledge of how companies were selected,” he added.
In this vein, he indicated that purchases should be determined by each contracting entity, with the Ministry of Health responsible for purchasing sanitary materials.
He described the months during the pandemic as akin to a “dystopian film,” where it was “unimaginable” to witness tourist zero, empty streets, and many people “distressed” due to uncertainty about their jobs.
He acknowledged the positive image for the Canary Islands as a tourist destination garnered from the management of the first case of Coronavirus in Europe, which was located in La Gomera, and the closure of the Adeje hotel—”a controversial decision that was not unanimous”—along with the repatriation of tourists who had been stranded in the islands.
Emergency Contracting Endorsed
“That repatriation operation was to become the largest promotional campaign for the Canary Islands as a destination,” he added, alongside the ‘first safe trip’ of members of the World Tourism Organization, coordinated through the Tourism Ministry rather than Transport.
Regarding the acquisition of sanitary materials and the contracting methods, he expressed as “a personal opinion” that there are many interpretations available, and that the emergency route constituted a mechanism afforded to administrations, within a framework that was “arduous and complex.”
He also mentioned that there was no “concern” regarding the terminated contract with RR7 United, nor any feelings of “discomfort” about the report from the Court, and he was not “a witness” to the alleged pressures experienced by the Minister of Health, Teresa Cruz, who ultimately faced dismissal.
Castilla defended that all decisions taken by his department were “thoroughly agreed upon” with the rest of the government and the tourism sector, also emphasising the “coordination” with the central government, believing all support and implemented models have contributed to its revitalisation.
“Today we are certainly reaping the benefits of that groundwork,” he stated confidently.
He further defended the “successful nature” of the ERTE, highlighting the imposition of “specific” conditions for the Canary Islands, “ongoing communication” with the public, and the importance of not demonising tourism.
“We cannot hold tourism accountable for all the issues faced by the Canary Islands,” he insisted, while emphasising that a significant portion of the welfare state is supported by the taxes generated by tourism.
