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The tragic death of a promising young footballer has saddened Fuerteventura.
Omar Konaty, aged 18, arrived on Fuerteventura in 2006 on one of the pateras (small boats carrying illegal immigrants). Originally from Mali, he had travelled huge distances before risking his life on the dangerous boat journey.
On arrival he had been taken into the Centre for Young Immigrants near Puerto Del Rosario.
At the age of 18 he visited family in Valencia but soon returned to Fuerteventura, where he succeeded in getting residency and was on the point of getting a work permit.
He died from a persistent heart complaint while training with the Puerto Cabras football team. Benito Morales, club President, said “He was a quiet, noble and calm lad, and a very promising player.” Omar’s brother in Valencia has been informed of his death.
Death of promising young footballer saddens Fuerteventura |
Early morning rain didn’t put off thousands of pilgrims from making their way to the church of the patron saint of Fuerteventura, Nuestra Señora de la Peña, on 19th September. .
Islanders travelled on foot from various locations with one common destination, the Ermita (Church) at La Vega. Around 25,000 are estimated to have arrived, and there were the usual displays of folklore, dancing, music and plenty of food and wine at journey’s end.
Thousands of pilgrims flock to patron saint of Fuerteventura |
Two young French holiday makers were arrested after some early hours high jinks resulted in a statue of a wrestler losing an arm.
Local police came across the two tourists ‘playing’ with the arm of one of the stone wrestlers that stands at the roundabout at Saladar de Jandia in Morro Jable.
The sculpture, erected four years ago, is the work of local artist Juan Miguel Cubas, and represents a Canarian wrestling bout.
The damage will cost an estimated €2,200 to rectify and Cubas has pledged to find time in his schedule to carry out the work. The two tourists were held by police pending charges of criminal damage.
French holiday makers were arrested |
VIPs and press were on hand to welcome the first arrivals at the newly-opened cruise peir at Puerto Del Rosario.
The 1,800 tourists on the cruiser Aida Bella were the first to disembark on the new pier. Cruise tourism is increasingly important for Fuerte and authorities estimate that the number of cruise-borne visitors between now and next March will increase by 13%on previous years.
Cabildo President Mario Cabrera said that the opening of the pier “heralds a new stage in Fuerteventura tourism.”
First arrivals welcomed at Puerto Del Rosario' cruise pier |
The location of the new power station in Fuerteventura has still not been decided, although possible places have been narrowed down to two.
The Cabildo is said to support the choice of the coast at Sotavento for the station, while opposition socialists advocate the zone of Herraduras in Puerto Del Rosario. Both areas are remote from local populations.
Canarian
President Paulino Rivero has told Fuerteventura to hurry up with choosing the location, citing recent power cuts as reasons for urgency in the matter.
Possible places narrowed down to two |
A businessmen’s association has condemned the lack of parking spaces in Puerto Del Rosario due to works being carried out by the Cabildo.
PYMES, which represents shopkeepers and businessmen in the capital, have complained that they have increasing difficulty in loading and unloading stock, finding parking for employees, and that the works are taking far too long to complete.
The Cabildo and the Ayuntamiento of the city are repaving large areas of the centre with the view to creating a pedestrianised zone. They are also adding lighting, signs, green areas and urban fixtures such as benches.
Parking space complaints |
Ten Guardia Civil officers have been arrested at Gando airport in Gran Canaria, accused of taking bribes to make entry easier for foreign immigrants.
The officers, who worked in the Customs department, are alleged to have taken advantage of the immigrants’ lack of Spanish and ignorance of the law, taking between €1,000 and €1,500 from each victim. Evidence of the crimes was recorded on secret hidden cameras in the airport.
An African traveller said “This has been going on for years, and everyone who travels to and from Africa knows about it.” Rather than ask for the bribes, the agents are alleged to have simply taken bankrolls from the victims, removed notes and placed them in their pockets, and given the rest back. Victims seldom complained as the money had not been declared.
Guardia Civil officers accused of bribary |
Anybody registered as a Canarian resident will be able to enjoy special discounts during December, thanks to an initiative by the island’s Chamber of Commerce.
The campaign, titled “Por Vivir Aqui” (“Because You Live Here”) plans to allow islanders to enjoy the facilities and luxury enjoyed by tourists, and consists of discounts on hotels ranging from 3%to 15%, as well as other offers allowing a night in a hotel for only €25. Many other discounts will be announced.
69 hotels, 89 apartment complexes, 90 shops and 159 restaurants will take part in the campaign, which will shortly be publicised throughout the island.
Canarian residents to enjoy special discounts |
The Guardia Civil have arrested an armed robber who held up a bank in Fuerteventura.
The robbery took place on the morning of Thursday 15th August when a man entered a Bancaja branch in Morro Jable with a small arm and took €1,800 in €50 notes before escaping in a vehicle.
The Guardia Civil immediately made sure he could not escape the town and attemopted to locate the robber. Eventually, at 5.50 pm, a 43 year-old man from Arrecife in Lanzarote was taken into custody without causing any resistance.
Arrest made as Fuerte bank robbery foiled |
81 wild animals have been treated by the Attention Unit of the Cabildo’s Environment Department this year.
The majority of the creatures were birds, among which there were Egyptian vultures which had been either poisoned or shot; and kestrels, which usually suffered from poisoning. It is thought that the poisonings may be deliberate, or may stem from eating prey from zones which have been fumigated. Most of the birds recovered and were set free.
25 Loggerhead turtles were also treated, of which two died, and seven dolphins were also given attention by the unit, of which three were already dead when they were found.
Natalia Evora, Councillor for the Environment at the Cabildo, expressed concern that a number of protected birds had appeared with shotgun wounds. “Our agents will be watching very closely for cases like these,” she warned, “And I would remind everyone that fines of up to €200,000 can be imposed for anyone who damages protected animal or plant species.”
Busy time for Cabildo’s Environment Department |
The President of the Cabildo, Mario Cabrera, “is not brave enough” to name a site for Fuerteventura’s second power station, according to Secretary of the Socialist Party Juan Jimenez.
The Cabildo have already reneged on plans to locate the new plant near Gran Tarajal, after furious local demonstrations. But the President has still to comment on the proposal of the Mayor of Puerto Del Rosario, Marcial Morales, to provide publicly owned land on the coast near Los Molinos.
Jimenez called the Mayor’s proposal “peculiar” and accused Mario Cabrera of “being scared to lose votes” by committing to a power plant. However, the recent power cuts bring home the dire need for a new plant.
New power plant location still up in the air |
It’s the worst time of the year for the island’s dog pounds, as many animals have been abandoned so that their owners don’t have to worry about them over the summer holidays. The start of the hunting season has also seen a number of abandoned dogs – hunters simply cast the poor creatures aside if they feel they’re not up to the job.
The economic crisis has also taken it’s toll, with unemployed construction workers leaving the island and often their dogs too. As a result, the island’s pounds are up to three times over their capacity.
Okapi in Puerto Del Rosario complain that many dogs that are abandoned have no chip and so their owners cannot be located. They will keep a dog for 10 days to give its owners time to collect it before putting the animal up for adoption.
Island’s pounds up to three times over their capacity |
The Guardia Civil have asked for improvements to be made at Corralejo harbour.
The state security force has complained that the poor state of its facilities in the port mean that there are frequently delays of up to half an hour before their Maritime division can put to sea. The Guardia have requested a special jetty for the use of their own craft as well as a cabin which can be used by officers.
Currently, the Guardia Civil’s craft are moored in open water against the harbour wall, where they are subjected to waves which cause damage. This also means they have to perform difficult manoeuvres to exit the port, causing delays which could be a matter of life and death in the case of rescues involving illegal immigrants or fishermen.
The Canarian Guardia Civil have saved over 18,000 lives at sea during their existence.
Guardia Civil request improvements for Corralejo harbour |
The renewal of Puerto Del Rosario has had an added bonus for many locals this summer, as they have discovered that the beach at Los Pozos is now an ideal destination.
The beach was once filthy and unfit for bathing as sewage pipes led directly into its waters, but the building of the long pier for cruise vessels meant that a barrier was formed , protecting the beach.
The beach has also been cleaned and has showers and other facilities.
It now sees more than 100 bathers every day who value it because there is no strong current, making it ideal for children.
Puerto Del Rosario's added bonus this summer |
Hamed Mohamed Hamed has been found guilty of the murder of British tourist Brian Hobbs in Caleta de Fuste last year.
During the trial, one witness testified that he had been with the accused when the attack took place. He claimed that Hamed attacked Hobbs, who was sleeping drunk on the terrace of a bar, without provocation. “I told him to stop, that he was going to kill him, but he laughed and carried on kicking him,” said the witness.
The victim was unable to put up any defence whatsoever and was dead on arrival at hospital. The witness also claimed that Hamed had threatened to ‘hospitalise’ him if he said anything about the attack.
The jury discounted Hamed’s defence that he was acting under the influence of alcohol.
The prosecution are asking for a prison term of 23 years when sentencing takes place later.
Man found guilty of murder of British tourist |
The Fuerteventura Socialist party have presented a formal objection to the Tourist Plan of the Cabildo. The Socialists accuse the Caabildo and its ruling Coalicion Canaria party of “the worst government in the last 30 years in terms of public works.”
Socialist spokesman Blas Acosta also accused the Cabildo President Mario Cabrera of behaving “Despotically, with no intention of dialogue with opposition members.” He said that the Cabildo’s lack of action meant that many islanders lived in insecurity, without proper contracts.
Domingo Fuentes Curbelo also blasted the Cabildo, saying that they “supported those who live illegally on the coasts in return for a handful of votes” - a clear reference to the recent evictions on the island. “Also”, according to Fuentes, “They are only ever interested in permanent opposition to the state.” The Spanish state is, of course, governed by the Socialists, while the nationalist CC hold power in Fuerteventura and the Canaries.
Tourist Plan's formal objection |
Hospital users have denounced the state of parking and access to the island’s main hospital in Puerto Del Rosario.
Works on the hospital have meant that parking has been reduced and provisional parking areas are unguarded and unsafe.
A number of acts of vandalism have already been reported.
The chaos has led to a number of bottlenecks and regular confusion, as vehicles, often on urgent journeys, seek a place to park, frequently blocking access to other vehicles.
SOS for the Parking chaos at island’s main hospital in Puerto Del Rosario. |
The Life Project has organised an educational programme in rural and outlying areas of Fuerteventura aimed at protecting the local sub-species of the Egyptian Vulture, known locally as the Guirre or Alimoche.
The programme is aimed mainly at youngsters and will include puzzles, videos and games. The Egyptian Vulture is one of Fuerteventura’s most endangered species, mainly due to poisoning by farmers who fear that it will attack small goats.
SOS for the Egyptian Vulture |
The Music Hall Tavern in Corralejo recently won its third Gold Award for Excellence presented by Thomson Holidays. This is the third year running that Paul and his team at the Tavern has taken such an award, which was presented by Linda Mason and Tracey Steele from Tui Travel on behalf of Thomson Holidays.
Thomson's Gold Award for Excellence |
The Fuerteventura Chamber of Commerce has issued a clarion call to the island’s authorities to invest heavily in infrastructure in order to combat the effects of the economic crisis on the island.
The Chamber has stated that 4.5 million euros must be invested immediately, mainly in tourism and public works, and that steps must be taken to make sure that development goes ahead quickly.
Currently, many of the island’s plans are bogged down in slow processes of approval.
“Our cost of living has risen. Our groceries are the second dearest in the Canaries, meanwhile overall sales have fallen by 30%,” said spokesman Gregorio Perez. “Petrol has risen, and there are far fewer small businesses being created.
Only tourism has held up, so far resisting the trends, and it’s here we must invest.”
The Chamber believes that 4.5 million euros would create new or renovated infrastructure in the tourist centres that could create 6,000 new jobs. The Chamber’s report has received the support of the island’s main trade unions and many other political figures.
Fuerteventura Chamber of Commerce demand 4.5 million euro action plan |
Sources in La Oliva claim that a pact between the conservative PP and the Socialists will result in the imminent unseating of Claudina Morales as Mayor of the municipality.
If both parties support a no confidence vote, Morales will be ousted.
However, outside the municipality, both PP and Socialist Party members have been outraged that the two parties will form an alliance. Nevertheless, the LA Oliva councillors are alleged to have already drawn up a plan and shared out the Council posts between them. This would see the PP’s Rosa Fernández sharing Mayoral duties with the party’s leader Domingo Gonzalez, while the Socialists would receive plum jobs on the Council.
Gonzalez, a local aristocrat increasingly seen as a loose cannon within the PP, has been investigated on corruption charges in the past, and has fought fiercely to regain the Mayor’s job in La Oliva. Meanwhile, Coalicion Canarias Mayor Claudina Morales has found her council unable to act, as it lacks a clear majority.
Fuerteventura politcal unrest contniues |
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura and all six Ayuntamientos on the island have asked the Coastal Department to stop closing off beaches to vehicles.
As reported last month, The Coastal Department has begun to fence off beaches in Jarugo, in Puerto Del Rosario; and Playa del Castillo in La Oliva, in order that caravans and campers are unable to get to the beach. Previously these areas saw an itinerant collection of visitors which brought problems of litter and visual pollution.
However, the closure of the beaches has caused problems, according to Natalia Évora of the Cabildo’s Environmental Department: “They are closing the paths, some of which are used for access to villages, agricultural plots or wells, without consulting local authorities,.” She claimed.
Supporters of the Coastal Department believe that the beach closure has shown up the bad planning of the authorities.
Now that campers are unable to access the beaches, they will have to go to the two authorised sites on the island: Jandia, with 300 places, or the Isle of Lobos, with 80. Campers’ groups have already protested, and the Coastal Department has declared that the state is willing to finance new camping sites, but will not tolerate illegal camping on protected beaches.
Cabildo demands the Coastal Department to stop closing off beaches |
Collecting lapas, the edible limpets that are a popular Canarian meal, will remain prohibited on Fuerteventura until 2009
The Canarian Government has extended the existing ban until the results of a study on the sustainability of the limpet population is completed. The announcement has been criticised by local fishermen, for whom the lapas are a valuable extra means of income.
The Government has also announced a project aimed at eradicating diadem sea urchins around Fuerteventura’s coasts. The urchins, which are not native to local waters, have stripped seabeds of algae and seaweeds, threatening native species.
Government opts to continue limpet ban |
Hauliers throughout Spain have staged a massive demonstration against the high price of petrol and diesel. Canarian truckers have also joined in, and the strike on the mainland could have serious repercussions for the Canaries.
The National Federation of Transport Associations, Spain’s second-largest haulage union, is protesting against petrol price rises of 20% over the last year, which they say are making it impossible to make ends meet. They demand that the Spanish President Zapatero subsidise the sector.
Hauliers on other Canarian islands have also staged go-slows and protest convoys, but Fuerteventura’s Co-operative Society of Transporters has decided to limit its protests to meetings with the Cabildo where they have expressed their concerns.
Blockades in mainland ports have also meant that hundreds of tons of Canarian produce has gone to waste, although at the time of writing it is not forecast that the islands will suffer any shortages due to lack of supplies.
Nationwide & Islandwide demonstrations and protests |
President Zapatero of Spain met Canarian President Paulino Rivero on June 4th for the first time since ‘ZP’ was re-elected in March.
After a two-hour meeting, a spokeswoman for the Canarian Government declared that the two leaders had agreed on almost all points. However, President Zapatero said he was opposed to Rivero’s pet project of the creation of a Canarian Police Force.
Both leaders agreed that the 40-day limit for interning illegal immigrants should be extended – a proposal that has been bitterly opposed by human rights groups and immigrant associations. They also agreed that the growth of the Canarian population would have to be taken into account in state budgets.
Spanish & Canarian leaders agreements in place |
A flight to Gran Canaria from Fuerteventura was cancelled after a gun was accidentally discharged in the aircraft.
On 18th May two members of the State Security Forces (Guardia Civil) boarded Binter flight NT-221 and informed the crew that they were carrying arms. Rules state that these must be handed over during the flight, and it was while the guns were being passed to the crew that one of them was accidentally discharged, damaging the fuselage of the plane.
No one was injured by the shot, but the plane had to be repaired, and 41 passengers were taken off and transported on the next flight to Gran Canaria
Shot fired onboard FT-GC Binter aircraft |
The Coastal Department will restrict vehicle access to a number of Fuerteventura’s beaches in order to protect them and clamp down on illegal camping.
The beaches involved will include those at Majanicho in La Oliva, Agando in Tuineje and Jarubio in Puerto del Rosario.
In each case wooden posts will be erected that will prohibit vehicular access. Special keys will be provided so that municipal vehicles can access the beaches for cleaning and monitoring the beaches. Camping outside of authorised sites is prohibited on beaches, which fall under the zone under the control of the Coasts Department, but that hasn’t stopped numerous campers and caravanners setting up there.
Hi-de-HUH! Campers! |
The PP (Popular Party) in Tuineje have strongly criticised the Ayuntamineto’’s decision not to invest in a project promoting the suitability of the harbour at Gran Tarajal for cruise ships.
Cruisers have become an increasingly important factor in the island’s tourist economy- cruise tourists rose by 29 per cent over the last year-and huge ships regularly dock at Puerto del Rosario.
However, a plan to promote the second-largest town in Fuerteventura as a destination was rejected by Tuinejes Coalicion Canarias/Nueva Canarias nationalist ruling group.
Esther Hernández, of the PP, said: “It is lamentable that the council will not support this project, which would bring an important economic boost to the commercial sector in the municipality.”
Meanwhile, Naviera Armas shipping company gave its assurances that the line from Gran Tarajal to Gran Canaria would remain open, despite recent setbacks.
"No" to Gran Tarahal cruise-control |
A petition of 1,633 signatures in favour of a change in the island’s regulations that would allow the installation of ‘sun farms’ - fields covered with solar panels which gather energy from the sun’s rays- has been presented to the Cabildo.
The Manuel Velazquez Cabrera foundation, named after a famous Fuerteventuran activist who secured legal rights for the island at the turn of last century, presented the 113-page petition to Cabildo President Mario Cabrera.
They demand that the Island Plan, which regulates all aspects of life here, be amended so that rural land could be used for the installation of solar panels. They are currently forbidden outside of urban zones for fear of their visual impact.
“We would like unlimited allowances for solar farms,” said the petition, “given our climate and the fact that other countries, as well as mainland Spain, permit them, why not here?”
Solar farms demanded by residents! |
The residents of Ajuy in Pájara have requested that the Coastal Department reassesses its limitation zone in order to protect a dozen homes that currently stand within the zone and are therefore at risk of demolition.
The residents have asked that the area affected be reclassified as a urban zone, meaning it would be exempt from the Coastal Law. The homes have already received demolition notices from Coasts, and fear that they will share the same fate as the householders in Los Molinos who have seen their homes demolished.
Home grown demolition fears |
UD Fuerteventura have capped their first season after being promoted to the Spanish Segunda Division B by gaining a play-off place to the Second division proper.
The amazing achievement is just the latest instalment in UD’s roller-coaster history. The greens won their third division play-off last year after losing in the final the year before.
This year they finished third in their league, bringing a vital three points back home from their final game in Lugo.
At the time of writing, the play offs have not begun, but by the time you read this the result of Fuerteventura’s two-leg battle against the tough Alicante side will be known. The winners will then go on to play the winner of the other play-off between Merida and Ponferrida.
Whatever the outcome, the Gazette wishes Fuerte congratulations and the best of luck.
UD Fuerteventura promotion hopes |
As well as the Guardia civil, the national and the Local Police, the Canaries will soon have a fourth police force, as the Government of the Canaries has approved the creation of a Canarian Police Force. The motion was approved by the PP/CC ruling group, and opposed by the Socialists, who said “Nobody wants this. It’s a pointless waste of money.”
Meanwhile, a CC spokesman said “Today is a great day. The Canarians will be able to feel safer.” The first police will be inaugurated next year, with a body of 300 officers, rising to 1,700 in coming years. However, their duties and responsibilities have not yet been clearly defined.
More cops! - Canarian style! |
Driving without a licence became a crime in Spain on May 1st. Previously treated as an administrational misdemeanour, drivers who go on the road without licences now face heavy fines or even prison.
Up to now it has been fairly common practice on Fuerteventura for parents to let their children drive their cars without passing the driving test, but now that’s all changed. Driving schools have already reported a rise in registrations as youngsters try to avoid being collared.
Driving license crack down |
Pedro Cabrera, aged 65, got the shock of life when he went to visit the fishermen’s hut he has known since childhood, at Peñon Blanco in Pajará, to find that it had been blown to smithereens.
Shrapnel and the tracks of heavy vehicles at the scene lead Pedro and friends to conclude that the huts were destroyed by the army, although they lie outside the military firing range nearby.
Last year a similar event occurred in Las Salinas, and the Defence Ministry had to remove a live shell from one of the huts.
The blasting of the huts has won the military few friends in Pajará: “we don’t understand why they are trying to smash our traditions,” said another local. Some of the stone-built fishermen’s huts have been there for many decades.
Fishermen’s hut blown to smithereens
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The choice of Tuineje as the location for a second power station on the island has caused fierce criticism from businessmen and residents in the municipality.
The station will be based in the Valle de Agando, after alternative locations north of Puerto del Rosario and in the Barranco de la Torre were ruled out as economically unviable.
“We are the municipality that is most marginalised, both touristically and in tems of infrastructures,” said Armando Melian of the Herbania cooperative in tuineje, “and now they are going to exploit one of the few places that remains unspoilt.”
The process of converting oil to power is notoriously polluting, and locals fear that their area will suffer qas a result. The new station was announced by the Canarian Government and the Cabildo last month, with the support of Tuineje’s Mayor Salvador Delgado, despite promises only to go ahead with ‘the consensus of the local population.”.
Fierce criticism for islands 2nd power station
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Guardia civil officers discovered 13 stowaways in a container vessel docked at Puerto Del Rosario. Two of the stowaways had died in transit, while a further four received emergency treatment at Fuerteventura General Hospital.
A scuba team investigating the water-filled hold of the Rosa Delmas, a British-registered ship travelling to Vigo in northern Spain from the Ivory Coast,discovered the body of an African male aged around 25 years old. This was after having removed eleven other stowaways and another corpse earlier.
It is believed that high temperatures in the hold led to the death of the stowaways, who were buried in Fuerteventura in a sad ceremony on Wednesday 23rd April.
13 stowaways discovered in container vessel
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The practice of selling properties on tourist complexes as private residences is causing concern to local businessmen.
The fall in tourism that has affected the Canary islands has meant that many promoters prefer to seal properties on complexes as residential apartments. As long as this is done correctly, with the necessary paperwork at the registry, new owners should have no problems, but local businessmen are concerned that the more apartments that are sold privately, the less tourists there are.
Eduardo Van Der Veen, of the El Castillo Businessmen’s association AECA, says: “Once a complex is sold , the tourist places are lost and tourists won’t come.” Van Der Veen believes that El Castillo has lost up to 3,000 tourist places in this manner recently.
Although villa and apartment rentals may recoup some of the losses, businessmen feel that the sales are affecting local businesses. “There are empty shopping centres and businessmen who can’t meet the rent,” says Van Der Veen.
Similarly, in Jandia, 24 restaurants have closed since 2004, and in Costa Calma up to 6,000 tourist places have been sold as private residences. The President of Fuerteventura's chamber of Commerce has said that “the first result of sales of tourist complexes as private residences is the deterioration of Fuerteventura as a tourist brand.”
Complex concern for tourism figures
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The FV2 road to Antigua will be widened throughout May as part of the final stages in the renovation of the island’s road system. Over a million euros will be spent on the project, which will see the widening of the FV2 up to the Antigua crossroads. After summer it is foreseen that a similar project will take place on the road leading to Gran Tarajal, costing 3.5 million euros. When this is finalised, the road renovation project on the island will be complete.
Millions planned for road widening schemes
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Hunters trying to shoot wild dogs that had been attacking their herds accidentally potted the ex-Mayor of La Oliva, Domingo Gonzalez Arroyo, lightly wounding him.
The hunters had been tracking a pack of wild dogs that are blamed for killing a number of goats, and were shooting in the vicinity of Gonzalez arroyo’s large finca in La Oliva.
Apparently, a ricochet from one of shots hit the leader of Fuerteventura’s Popular Party in the face. The ex-mayor called his wife, saying “They’re going to kill me!” before police arrived and discovered the incident had been an accident.
Gonzalez Arroyo used the incident to blame the current Mayor of La Oliva, Claudina Morales, for negligence in allowing the dogs to run free.
“They’re going to kill me!” claims ex-mayor |
Gonzalez Arroyo has been accused of ‘Machhiavellian’ tactics by a group of PP members who have denounced the leader of the Fuerteventura party.
Two PP MPs, including Majorera Agueda Montelongo, and two members of the Canarian Government have openly criticized Gonzalez Arroyo’s plan to pact with the Socialists in La Oliva in order to oust Mayor Claudina Morales.
They accuse him of being ‘delusional’ and ‘seeking to pursue his own interests.” They claim that the ex-Mayor’s obsession with gaining power in La Oliva has led him to ‘bully and victimise those who do not follow his orders.”
Fuerte political frenzy |
A road roller overturned on the road from Tuineje to Las Casitas on the morning of 24th March killing its driver.
The 35-year old was trapped under the vehicle after it overturned.
It has been suggested that the accident resulted from speeding into a bend, causing the roller to leave the road.
Road roller death |
The Association of Parents of Schoolchildren of Fuerteventura has condemned the lack of action in building new educational facilities on the island, and claims that the coming September will see children being left out of school due to lack of space.
Proposed public works in Puerto del Rosario still have not commenced, and the association has scheduled a meeting with the island’s education councilor in order to express their worries.
They will also be demanding that the island implement the law that guarantees free education for children from birth to three years, as well as measures to check the increasing instability of teachers on the island. Fuerteventura has a high population aged between 20 and 40 years, and the strains on its educational system are more apparent every year.
Parent demand action |
A reforestation project will see 6,000 trees being planted on Fuerteventura by the Cabildo’s environmental department.
1,200 trees were planted over the last winter in Castillo de Lara, and a further 3,200 will be introduced from October this year, with a total of 6,000 finally foreseen. The project is part of a campaign against the desertification of the island.
Reforestation project on Fuerteventura |
The body of a fisherman who fell overboard off the coast of Pozo Negro on 20th March was recovered after an extensive search.
The fisherman fell in just after midnight, but his body was not found until 12 hours later, after zodiacs, scuba teams and a helicopter had searched the zone.
Body recovered after extensive search |
Businessmen in the municipality of Pájara, the southernmost area of Fuerteventura, are complaining that tourists who use low-cost flights are put off from going south by the prohibitive cost of taxis and poor public transport.
The arrival of budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet has been seen as a ray of hope for local businessmen, who believe that All-Inclusive (AI) hotels have damaged their enterprises by discouraging tourists to spend money outside of their hotel complex.
Budget tourists, on the other hand, tend to make independent arrangements, stay away from the AIs and generally spend more money in restaurants, bars etc.
However, few businesses in the south are seeing budget passengers, who tend to stay in the vicinity of the airport. Faustino Cabrera, of Altaba (the Pájara small businessmens’ association) says: “It costs them more to get from the airport to Morro Jable than their flight ticket to Fuerteventura.”
Cabrera has called for better promotion of the south and for bus companies to improve their services.
Problems in the South |
The Economic Councillor for Pájara, Ramón Cabrera Pena, has said he “doesn’t understand” why the island’s Cabildo has not answered his request to form a Consumers’ Office in Morro Jable.
Cabrera believes that a professional should deal with complaints and formal demands, and currently any tourist or local who wants to file either is faced with a hundred kilometre trip to Puerto Del Rosario.
Cabrera has urged that people use the Oficinas de Atención al Cuidadano (Citizens’ Assistance Offices) instead of travelling north, and until a Consumers’ Office is established
New consumer office required for South |
Around 50 achipencos (seagoing carnival floats) took to the harbour of Puerto Del Rosario during this year’s carnival celebration.
The word achipenco comes from the initials of the phrase “Artilugios Carnavaleros Hidrodinamicos Impulsados Por Energia No Contaminante Obviamente” (Hydrodynamic carnival floats propelled by not obviously contaminating energy), and have become a popular feature of the capital’s carnival celebrations since the first achipenco took to the sea 11 years ago.
Basically, the term covers any floating contraption that isn’t actually a boat.
While the achipenco makers do their best to knock together a seaworthy craft, most agree that “the best part is when the boat sinks and everyone is covered in water.”
Above all, it’s the ingenuity of the shipwrights which impresses onlookers, with sights such a group of red Indians on board a floating rum distillery, or goats setting sail in search of the mythical island of San Borondón.
Whatever floats your boat! |
A petition has been started to urge the Cabildo to allow solar-panels to be built in Fuerteventura’s designated rural areas.
The Manuel Velazquéz Cabrera Foundation is urging the island’s governing body to modify the PIOT (Plan for Regulating the Island’s Territory) in order that islanders in rustic zones can erect solar panels in order to draw energy from Fuerteventura’s year-round sunshine.
Currently, the panels are prohibited in rural areas, as the technology was not envisaged when the Plan was drawn up.
Felipe Bermúdez, of the Foundation, said: “These installations will help to prevent global warming and promote the use of renewable energy on the island.”
Meanwhile, Puerto Del Rosario has just opened the largest solar energy installation in the Canaries. The 4,000 square metre solar ‘farm’ is situated on the roof of the company Canarian Energetic Solutions, and will provide enough energy to power 160 homes. The energy will be bought by Unelco.
Cabildo urged to lift Solar restrictions |
The construction of a new highway connecting Corralejo with La Caldereta will begin before the end of March, according to the Canarian Government’s Councillor of Public Works, Juan Ramón Hernández.
The €57 million project will be part of a future project to build a highway that runs all the way from the north of the island to the south, although negotiations will have to made with local councils for certain stretches. The Corralejo-La Caldereta stretch will be faster than the current road, and will give the National Park of the Corralejo Dunes some breathing space.
€57 million highway construction project starts |
La Oliva Council has unveiled a new plan aimed at giving the old town of Corralejo a facelift, with pedestrianised zones and sea views.
The plan, announced by Mayor Claudina Morales and architect Daniel Padrón Hernández, is aimed at improving the aspect of Corralejo’s historic old centre.
There will be pedestrianised streets, exposed electrical wiring will be concealed and new paving will be laid, creating viewpoints where the town and sea combine.
“We want Corralejo to regain its nautical flavour – something it still has but which can be maximised,” said Mayor Morales, “Corralejo will be more pleasant and better to live in.” Works are planned to start on Calle Iglesia shortly
Corralejo Facelift |
A claim by Oliva Oceanides SL for compensation following the annulment of the Costa Del Faro development in El Cotillo has been rejected by the Canarian Supreme Court.
The promotion company was demanding over €900,000 from La Oliva Council and the Canarian Government for not finding an alternative location for the development, as well as €414,000 for the closure of the golf course.
Canarian Supreme Court rejects compensation claim |
The Cabildo’s Environment Councillor, Natalia Evora, has announced that the picudo rojo palm weevil is under control.
18 months ago, cases of palm weevil infestation in El Castillo and Puerto Del Rosario led to fears for the future of all the palms on the island, but a rigorous eradication programme and strict controls on palm imports have allowed the Cabildo to announce that the threat is now under control.
However unauthorised pruning and replanting of palm trees is still forbidden by law and is theoretically punishable by a fine of over €600 or even a jail sentence.
Palm Weevil in decline |
The new ferry line from Puerto Del Rosario to Tarfaya got off to the worst possible start, with passengers seeing delays of up to a day, the line being suspended and the ferry operators threatening to withdraw.
Customs delays were blamed for the long delays which greeted the first few voyages, and as a result the line was temporarily suspended and customers reimbursed.
Later the line was reopened with a new timetable, which will hopefully allow passengers to pass through more quickly, as well as give them greater choice with links to Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
The line will now operate on Sunday Wednesday and Friday afternoons, but you’d be advised to check the Armas website first.
New ferry chaos |
The energy situation in Fuerteventura is ‘very grave’ admitted the Councillor of Employment, Industry and Commerce of the Canarian Government, Jorge Rodriguez.
Sr. Rodriguéz warned that if measures were not taken immediately, the island could face power cuts and restrictions.
The problems result from Fuerteventura’s increased population and industry, according to the Councillor: “The demand for energy has increased by 60% in the last few years, from 78 megawatts in 1998 to 127 megawatts today,” he said.
“The Canarian Government knows very well what it should do,” said Sr. Rodriguéz, and pointed out that the island will need a new power station soon, as well as highlighting the importance of energy-saving measures.
Rita Diaz, of the Socialist opposition, said: “Neither the Cabildo nor the Government have known what to do faced with this situation. Building a power station is a matter of a year and a half, not five days.”
Lights out for Fuerteventura? |
The problems of space in the capital’s schools have meant that 150 children have had to attend PE classes in a sports centre. The kids have to walk over a kilometre to do their hour-long class, before returning to Puerto Del Rosario Secondary School, running the risk of traffic along the way.
A teacher at the school, Sergio Melian, found that it was impossible to take classes in the school itself due to lack of space. This is made worse by the fact that in many cases, two classes are combined for PE. As a result, Melian offered the use of the sports club, of which he is President. But despite the fact that the kids are now having sporting opportunities they lacked before, it is not the ideal answer.
Throughout the island, the rise in population is putting a strain on educational facilities, and the situation in Puerto Del Rosario is unlikely to be the last unless authorities take a closer look at the problem.
Schools extra PE trips |
The magistrates court in Puerto Del Rosario was in disarray after a long weekend led to a rise in the number of drunk drivers. Eight drivers who were found to be under the influence turned up at the court on Monday 10th December, a caseload which, added to the existing schedule, led to chaos.
The new Spanish laws on drink-driving are gradually being taken seriously even in the Canaries, and are stricter than ever before, with possible imprisonment and fines of up to €6,000 being introduced for those who drive under the influence.
Drink drivers feel the full force of the law |
Local residents, including historians and councillors, have criticised the neglect of Fuerteventura’s finest colonial building, the Casa de los Coroneles in La Oliva.
The Casa is the property of the Canarian Government and has recently been classed as an Asset of Cultural Interest, but since its much-vaunted renovation in 2006, when it was re-opened by the King and Queen of Spain.
However, apart from hosting a few art exhibitions, the Casa has not been put to any further use.
Locals are demanding that the management of the Casa be transferred from Gran Canaria to La Oliva, where it can be made the most of. Plans for a permanent exhibition/museum in the house, as well as parking spaces and a restaurant/bar have been put forward, as well as a proposal to make the Casa a centre for the island’s heritage. However, the Canarian Government has so far failed to respond to the requests.
Fuerteventura’s finest colonial building, the Casa de los Coroneles - neglected
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The ex-Mayor of Puerto Del Rosario, Manuel Travieso, is in the dock on charges of illegal granting of construction licences. The charges relate to a short period in 2002 when nearly 300 licences were approved shortly before the legal expiry period . 17 of these were on land classed as rustic and form the focus of the case.
Last-minute approval of licences is a popular tactic throughout Spain to minimize objections to building projects. However, the Ayuntamiento of Puerto Del Rosario has acknowledged an ‘error’ in the planning and Travieso claims to be innocent. A number of other politicians have been summoned alongside Travieso.
Ex Mayor facing charges of illegal granting of licences
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Two men on Gran Canaria have been arrested in connection with the attempted abduction of a young girl. Arrests swiftly followed the identification of a white van in which a man offered a teenager money to get in, and then tried to force her.
One of the accused has a previous conviction for child abuse and was living in an abandoned animal crematorium. At the time of writing, no charges have been made, but there been a lot of speculation linking the arrests to the disappearances of Sara Morales and Yeremi Vargas, children who disappeared on Gran Canaria in the last two years.
2 men arrested in connection with attempted abduction
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A Canarian estate agent has carried out a survey which shows that the cheapest home in the Canaries is in Fuerteventura and costs €51,000. The bargain—bin one-bedroom 50 square metre property is located in the town of Antigua and has its own parking and access to a common swimming pool.
The most expensive property in the survey was on the Costa Adeje in Tenerife, a 500 square metre villa overlooking the sea that would set you back €2.6 million, for which price you could buy 70 one-bedroom houses in Antigua.
€51,000 bargain |
The island’s Ayuntamientos pulled together to promote Fuerteventura under the same banner at Spain’s most important travel fair, Fitur. The fair, which took place from 30th January -3rd February, saw Fuerteventura selling itself to Spanish tourists – the third highest market after German and British visitors, and one that’s growing fast.
Cabildo President Mario Cabrera and the island’s Tourist Board manged to secure the agreement of all Ayuntamientos to attend the fair in the same pavilion. Previously Pajara in the south has broken away and sold itself independently, annoyed by what it saw as lack of prominence.
Fuerteventura 'fitfor' promotion
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An Iberia aircraft en route to Fuerteventura was forced to turn back to the Spanish capital after high temperatures were discovered in its motor.
The plane, with 87 passengers on board, registered worrying temperatures in one of its motors and immediately returned to Barajas Airport.
The passengers were eventually put oonto another plane and arrived in Fuerteventura five hours late.
Iberia aircraft in mid flight scare
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Demolition has begun in the highly controversial case of Los Molinos.
The first house was demolished on 22nd January, in a project by the Department of Coasts. The Department were applying the strict coastal laws that prevent building within 50 metres of the coast. Eventually it is planned that a promenade will be built along this area of the seafront.
The demolitions have caused an outcry from local residents, as some of the houses have existed for 70 years. The Los Molinos Residents’ Association are meeting on a weekly basis to stop the demolitions.
Two years ago, the two hotels that stand in the dunes of Corralejo were also condemned by the Coastal Department.
However, an agreement was arranged with the tour operators that own the hotels that allowed them to remain standing, in flagrant breach of the law. It appears that the residents of Los Molinos, who lack such bargaining power, may not be able to save their own properties with a slick deal.
Demolition has begun in the highly controversial case of Los Molinos
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Fuerteventura was the only island in the Canaries to see its amounts of foreign tourists increase in 2007. The island saw a rise of 7.15 per cent in relation to the previous year.
Overall, 1,777,482 tourists passed through the island’s airport . the highest amount of tourist come from Germany, with 701,725 visitors, almost double the amount of Brits (394,924).
The British market, in fact , fell by 4.56 per cent from 2006.
New flights from Dublin meant that the Irish share of the market doubled while the Italian and French markets rose by 10 per cent and 76 per cent respectively.
The increase in tourists from other destinations and the fall in the British market reflect trends on other islands.
Tourism rise for Fuerteventura
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Air Europa have announced
a new thrice-weekly service between Fuerteventura and Barcelona
that will open in May 2008.
The route will add to the existing Spanair line connecting
the island with the stylish and beautiful capital of Catalonia.
Tourist authorities forecast that the new line will bring
108,000 tourists from Barcelona in its first six months.
The route is part of a new push to increase tourism from
mainland Spain and Portugal
Air Europa announce
service between Fuerteventura and Barcelona
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Fuerteventura has taken
advantage of the World Travel Fair in London to promote
itself as an ideal destination for divers. The island’s
representatives at the fair, one of the most important
tourist events in the calendar, took 8,000 copies of a
dvd titles Diving Fuerteventura, which highlights 25 of
the best spots for sub-aqua diving on the island.
Guillermo Concepción, the Cabildo’s acting
Tourism Councillor, said the initiative would add to Fuerteventura’s
reputation as ‘ a quality destination.’
Fuerteventura takes advantage of
the World Travel Fair in London
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The Coalicion Canarias,
the most important political force on Fuerteventura, has
denounced the decision by the Provincial Court of Las Palmas
to not hold any hearings in Fuerteventura.
The court’s decision means that many of those involved
in court cases have to travel to Las Palmas for their day
in court. María del Mar Julios, the acting President
of the CC, said that the volume of cases on Fuerteventura
and neighbouring Lanzarote meant that it is imperative
that’s hearings be held on the islands.
The Canarian Government has also expressed dismay at the
decision, but the final word will go to the Spanish Justice
Minister.
Legal manuovers
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A goat farmer in Punta
Castillejo has claimed that 60 of his baby goats have been
killed by ravens and Booted Eagles. It’s a heavy
loss for farmer Domingo de Leon, as these animals would
have fetched €40 – 60 each at Christmas.
It’s believed that the attacks have intensified since
works covered up the open rubbish dump near Puerto Del
Rosario, where the birds used to seek carrion. It seems
that now they have moved on to seek other prey. Both birds
are protected species, although poisoning campaigns have
claimed many of them in the past.
Meanwhile, the Environment Department of the Cabildo of
Fuerteventura has signed an agreement with the Junta of
Andalusia to share resources and information relating to
the protection of two other bird species – the Egyptian
Vulture and the Hubara Bustard. Part of the contract relates
to fighting the practice of poisoning birds, while other
elements relate to the creation of natural habitats. The
Hubara Bustard, in particular, is a shy bird that lives
in wide open spaces.
60 baby goats killed
by Ravens and Booted Eagles
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A new National Park
dedicated to the arid zones of Fuerteventura is on the
cards after a meeting of high level local politicians.
Domingo Berriel, the Environment Minister of the Canarian
government, met up with Cabildo President Mario Cabrera
and four Fuerteventura Mayors to discuss the possibility
of establishing a new National Park dedicated to the dry
and arid areas of the island, which form a unique habitat
for specialized forms of wildlife. The park would be the
first of its kind in Spain. National Park status would
also protect the land against the ravages of development. “We
are going to continue pursuing this course of action so
that the future of the island will be more sustainable
and rich in biodiversity,” declared Berriel.
A new National Park dedicated to the arid
zones of Fuerteventura
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