The Plenary Session of the Debate on the State of the Island approved this Wednesday a series of proposed resolutions with the aim of improving the quality of life in Lanzarote and La Graciosa, mainly among the most vulnerable sectors. The measures approved are aimed at addressing the priority needs of the population and ensuring the sustainable development of both islands.
During the extraordinary plenary session, the spokespersons of the different political groups of the Corporation presented their initiatives. In this sense, the councilor of the Government group and spokesperson for the Canarian Coalition, Samuel Martín, presented initiatives ranging from the conservation of natural heritage to the creation of support programs for the elderly, young people and the promotion of mental health, as well as other measures to promote social inclusion and improve the long-term care model on the island. “These proposals represent a firm commitment from the Cabildo to the well-being of our people, sustainability and social justice in Lanzarote and La Graciosa”, said Martín.
For his part, the councilor of the Government group and spokesperson for the Popular Party, Ángel Vázquez, put forward other initiatives that spoke of improving projects such as the recovery of the palm grove; the proposal of a specific program of aid to young people who have been in care or the request for financing for the remodeling of the Lanzarote Sports City. “This Government presents initiatives that are not only positive for Lanzarote and La Graciosa, but are real and feasible to carry out”, he added.
Aid and support program for elderly people in situations of loneliness
To combat the growing loneliness that affects the elderly on the island, the Cabildo has approved the creation of an Island Program of aid and support for elderly people in loneliness. The proposal includes home assistance, social support and support networks to improve the quality of life and autonomy of the elderly who are in a situation of vulnerability.
The nationalist spokesperson, Samuel Martín, emphasized the urgency of this measure, stating that “the Cabildo has the responsibility to guarantee that our elders live with dignity and companionship in their own homes, strengthening the social fabric of our community”.
Transformation of the long-term care model
The Cabildo of Lanzarote also approved the implementation of an operational plan to adapt to the State Deinstitutionalization Strategy (2024-2030), whose objective is to transform the long-term care model. This change will make it easier for people in situations of dependency, vulnerability or disability to live in their communities with the necessary support, instead of in institutions that limit their autonomy. “The care model we propose”, detailed Samuel Martín, “is centered on the person, respecting their rights and promoting their inclusion in society. Lanzarote will lead this transition in the Canary Islands, ensuring that support for our neighbors is more humane and respectful of their dignity”.
Island pact for inclusion and equality
Another outstanding proposal is the Island Pact for Inclusion, which seeks to consolidate an inclusive, fair and accessible Lanzarote for all its inhabitants. This pact will promote collaboration between the Cabildo, the municipalities and entities of the private and social sector, to ensure that all people in situations of vulnerability have opportunities for participation and development. “Inclusion is not just a principle, it is a commitment. Lanzarote can and should be an example of cohesion and social justice, where each person finds a place in our community”, declared the spokesperson for the Canarian Coalition.
Creation of a youth space and Comprehensive Mental Health Plan
On the other hand, the Cabildo will also launch the creation of a Youth Space in Lanzarote, destined for training, job placement and cultural development of the island's youth. In addition, participation spaces will be established through an Island Youth Council, promoting the inclusion of young people in public life.
Likewise, the Cabildo has approved the development of a Comprehensive Mental Health Plan that will include psychological support programs for young people and adolescents; awareness campaigns to reduce social stigma and support services for families and caregivers, among other measures.
Declaration of World Heritage for the Volcanic Cone of La Corona and the Tunnel of the Atlantis
The Plenary Session of the Debate on the State of the Island has also agreed to promote the declaration of the Volcanic Cone of La Corona and the Tunnel of the Atlantis as World Heritage, recognizing the geological richness and unique biodiversity of these spaces. This proposal, also promoted by the Government group, seeks to preserve the underground ecosystem that houses the Tunnel of the Atlantis, considered the longest underwater volcanic tube in the world and home to endemic species, such as the blind albino crab. This action will not only strengthen the protection of this unique environment in the world, but will also attract scientific and responsible tourism.
Financing for the remodeling of the Lanzarote Sports City
One of the most important challenges that the island has in terms of Sports is, without a doubt, the construction of a new island sports complex on the outskirts of the city of Arrecife. An infrastructure that, evidently, must be duly contemplated in the new document of the PIOL.
Meanwhile, it is necessary to carry out a remodeling project of the current Sports City that allows correcting the obsolescence that some spaces present as well as regulating and adapting the facilities to the new regulations.
With this objective, from the Area of Public Works and in collaboration with the Area of Sports, we are working on the bidding for the drafting of the remodeling project in which the Government group considers that the Government of the Canary Islands should collaborate.
Specific program for aid to young people who have been in care
On the other hand, Councilor Ángel Vázquez explained that young people who turn 18 must leave the minor protection centers. “Boys and girls who, although they are already of legal age, still need support and accompaniment until they complete their possibilities of autonomous life”, he asserted. From the protection centers, young people are guided towards their independence, but it is not always achieved in their majority of age and in many cases it is necessary to extend this support and technical assistance for a few more years.
For this reason, the Debate on the State of the Island welcomed the proposal to launch a specific program of aid to young people who have been in care in order to promote their full socio-labor integration once they reach the age of majority.
Line of subsidies for landscape improvement
Among other proposals, the plenary session of the debate also approved urging the Government of the Canary Islands to create a specific line of subsidies for the pruning of palm trees of public and private ownership.
The island Government understands that the best way to face the recovery and maintenance of the island's palm grove is with the involvement of all public administrations, because without this common effort the future of our natural heritage is much more uncertain.