It has always been said: It is good to be grateful. In the 20th century in Lanzarote, very few people stand out among its people who in their lives demonstrated their talent and their love for the Island: Agustín de la Hoz, Blás Cabrera, César Manrique,..., few more,.... , and among them, Mr. D. Leandro Perdomo Spinola. A gentleman from head to toe, a good man, a good man, a man of good. Knowing his Island and its people like few others. Loving his Island and its people like few others.
Canarian literature of the 20th century, universal literature. His life was a reflection of what a man should be. Moral altitude, humility, generosity, love. D. Leandro NEVER sold himself to anything or anyone. He lived in poverty with a dignity rarely seen. In his words and in his writings, the truth resonated. His prose, more than prose, was poetry.
This year marks 20 years since his death. Yesterday I had the opportunity to witness the Round Table where his life was remembered. Leandro Perdomo, word of life. Universal Islander who has not been, in my humble opinion, recognized as he deserves by his fellow citizens.
We need the memory of D. Leandro now more than ever where human values are conspicuous by their absence. Well, the children of Lanzarote, to D. Leandro, before dying, honored him by naming a street after him, Leandro Perdomo Street, which is the street furthest from the center of Arrecife, in La Concha, located at the southernmost part of the city. It's almost not Arrecife. And in Arrecife there are so many streets with such unknown names: Alférezes..., Generals..., ...Unknown to those who have lived on the Island.
The street where D. Leandro was born is Alférez Cabrera Tavío Street. A central street, close to Calle Real. A beautiful street, like few in Arrecife, and, which has been pedestrianized for a few days. I have tried to document myself on the life of Alférez Cabrera Tavío, and I have found nothing.
The politicians of Arrecife have decided to change all the names of the streets that remember the Franco era. Among them that of Alferez Cabrera Tavío Street. They want to recover the previous name: Antonio Porlier y Sopranis (1772 - 1813). Spanish historian and politician born in La Laguna (Tenerife). This gentleman never visited Lanzarote, and in his writings, he never mentioned this Island.
If it is good to be grateful, Alférez Cabrera Tavío Street or Antonio Porlier y Sopranis should be, forever, Leandro Perdomo Spínola Street, and may his name, and his example, be a light that illuminates us all.
Tomás M.-Barona Zerolo
