Izquierda Unida Canaria (IUC) describes the Parliament of the Canary Islands as "incoherent" after, in an attempt to pay tribute to farmers, ranchers and cheese makers of the Archipelago, they were presented with Italian candied fruit and snacks originating from Thailand. "This gesture, far from recognizing and valuing the effort and dedication of these women, demonstrates a lack of sensitivity and coherence on the part of the parliamentary authorities," the political party points out.
The event, which was attended by nearly one hundred women from the primary sector, had the main objective of highlighting their work and local products. However, the "detail" delivered at the end of the event "completely contradicts this purpose and demonstrates a total disconnection with the reality of the Canarian agricultural and livestock sector," the formation denounces.
Sources from the Cabinet of the Presidency of the Canarian Parliament point out that “we are talking about an involuntary error beyond the control of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, which was not detected in time because the products came in closed boxes. The Chamber commissioned a small detail with Canarian products for the rural women who visited the Parliament and, of course, regrets that part of the present delivered did not correspond to what was planned. Work is already underway to correct this mistake and offer the rural women invited to the event the detail that, as planned, should be a sign of the Chamber's commitment to Canarian products and rural women”.
From IUC they consider "that this type of actions are not only a mistake, but also reflect the lack of real commitment of the institutions with the promotion and defense of local production. At a time when the primary sector faces numerous challenges, it is essential that the authorities demonstrate with concrete actions their support and recognition of the workers who dedicate themselves to this work.
Likewise, they narrate that the president of the Parliament, Ástrid Pérez, during the meeting, defended the local product and tradition, making the workers' demands her own. However, minutes later, "the same workers received imported products as a gift, which shows a flagrant contradiction between speech and action."
It is important to note that many of these farmers and ranchers traveled from other islands, stopping working for an entire day to attend the event. "The indignation and discontent are evident, and several of them have expressed their discomfort at what they consider a gesture of disrespect towards their work and commitment," he continues.
From Izquierda Unida Canaria, they call on Parliament and the competent authorities to rectify and offer public apologies to those affected. Furthermore, we urge that concrete measures be taken to promote and support local production, ensuring that this type of situation "does not happen again in the future."
"It is essential that the institutions demonstrate with facts their commitment to the primary sector and recognize the importance of local production for the economy and sustainable development of the archipelago," adds the political formation. "Words must be accompanied by coherent actions that reflect a true interest and concern for the well-being and progress of rural workers.
Finally, from IUC, they reaffirm their commitment to the defense of local production and the recognition of the work of farmers, ranchers and cheese makers of the Canary Islands. We will continue working to ensure that their rights and efforts are respected and valued, and to build a more just, equitable and sustainable archipelago.