The political group of Nueva Canarias in the Cabildo of Lanzarote wanted to "respond to the announcement" of the president of the Cabildo in which he revealed that he was "delegating the position" of the island of the Board of the Port Authority of Las Palmas "in favor of the Chamber of Commerce", something that from the nationalist ranks "they do not understand and do not share", since this represents a "very dangerous" line in the combination of public and private interest.
The councilors of Nueva Canarias, Óscar Noda and Daisy Villalba, also understand that the president "should not abandon his functions", and if he cannot carry them out due to his dual status as regional parliamentarian and president, perhaps he should "delegate to some councilor of his government that he considers appropriate for such purpose."
"The Port of Arrecife is tremendously important, everything we consume enters through that route and cannot be controlled only by a sector that represents certain interests, however laudable they may be," they maintain from NC.
"We know the professionalism, rigor and capacity of the Chamber of Commerce and its representatives to develop business plans that are beneficial for Lanzarote, but in such strategic sectors the representation should always correspond to the public power. If the president wishes the Chamber to be present in the council, what he should propose is that it be invited and participate as it has done in the past, but as a guest, not with the delegated position of the Cabildo of Lanzarote," argue Noda and Villalba.
"We do not share this decision, we do not understand this abandonment of functions and this transfer of competence and representation that should continue to be of a public nature as it was conceived, to claim and defend the interests of our entire island in relation to the Port of Arrecife." The NC councilors state.
For the councilors of the nationalist formation, this decision of the president means "subjecting the general interests to the particular interests of the Chamber of Commerce that only represents companies and SMEs, completely forgetting its duty to ensure that the general interest always prevails."
Therefore, the councilors "will present initiatives for the president to explain the reason for this decision" and "why the Chamber of Commerce and not another entity", something that they also understand is of "public debate."
The importance of the Port of Arrecife
For Noda and Villalba, "the Port of Arrecife plays a fundamental role in the island's economy and in the national and international trade strategy. They are vital nodes for the transport of goods and people, and their importance is undeniable," they emphasize.
"The Port of Arrecife plays a fundamental role in the island's economy and in the national and international trade strategy"
In addition, they also argue that "the port is a great economic engine." In our case, the one also known as Puerto de los Mármoles generates "significant income" for the regional and national government through "taxes and port fees," they add.
The port's strategy is "key to ensuring its efficiency." This implies "investments in modern port infrastructure and advanced technology to streamline operations." Logistical planning and effective management of maritime and land traffic are also "essential." In terms of sustainability, ports must "adopt environmentally friendly practices."
This includes the "reduction of emissions, waste management and the protection of coastal ecosystems, something that at some point will clash with business approaches, for more than obvious reasons," they conclude from the ranks of NC.