Santa Cruz de Tenerife 12 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, expressed her satisfaction on Wednesday following confirmation from the Ministry of Interior regarding the continuation of reserve and security group No. 8 (GRS 8) of the Civil Guard in the Canary Islands. She has assured that the Cabildo is already taking steps to ensure that, before 2027, the year when the GRS is set to vacate its current site at the North Airport, an alternative location will be available.
“We wish to commend this decision, following significant pressure from citizens, political institutions, and the unions representing the Civil Guard, which has enabled the retention of a vital unit for the security of the archipelago, representing a necessary correction in response to the uncertainty experienced in recent weeks,” Dávila stated in a release.
She noted that the insular institution has consistently defended “at all times” the importance of the Canary Islands maintaining its forces “in a context of rapid population growth where security is a crucial pillar.” Accordingly, she has asserted that the Civil Guard “is essential” for ensuring citizen protection, maintaining public order, and securing strategic infrastructure.
In a similar vein, the island president emphasised the “tireless efforts” of the Civil Guard, whose dedication to the safety of the islands “is unquestionable.” Regarding GRS 8, she added that their role is “critical” in environmental emergencies, crisis management, large-scale public events, and risks that necessitate “a specialised and prompt response.”
Requirement for Enhancements
Nonetheless, the president of the Insular Corporation has reiterated “the necessity to enhance” security resources in the Canary Islands to tackle the challenges faced by the region.
“We are pleased that the Government of Spain has addressed the requests of the Government, the Cabildo, the Civil Guard’s professional associations, and the Canarian community, allowing this unit to continue its operations from its base at North Tenerife airport. However, I want to emphasise that this decision must be accompanied by a genuine enhancement of security resources in the Canary Islands,” she remarked.
Dávila reminded that the islands’ status as an ultra-peripheral region presents “specific challenges,” such as the immigration crisis, responses to natural disasters, and other emergencies, which require “an adequate provision of human and material resources.”
