The only way to respond safely and successfully to a real problem is through foresight and organization. In that sense, the migratory processes that are currently taking place and that have the Canary Islands as a springboard to reach Europe are no different. We know that there are people who are willing to go anywhere to improve their personal situation, to escape the needs that condition their lives in their countries of origin. We also know that there are people willing to take advantage of these circumstances to traffic people without caring about the outcome of the trip, beyond charging them an exorbitant amount of money to put their lives at risk. And, of course, we also know the enormous sensitivity of the Canarian people to these people and this reality. What we do not understand are the reasons why we experience the arrival of any boat as if it were the first.
At this stage of the migratory process, both the European Union and the Spanish State should be very clear that they are not adequately managing the border of European territories, as far as the Canary Islands are concerned, that they do not put either the means, or the personnel, or the necessary will to prevent all the weight from falling on the Canarian population. The arrival of a boat and the subsequent treatment of migrants must not only be regulated but also perfectly organized to avoid unnecessary suffering to these people and fill the local population with uncertainty. If we know that boats loaded with people are arriving and that these arrivals may possibly increase in number in the coming months, with the sea calm at that time, why is a response not put together at the level expected for the border of Europe on this side of the Atlantic? Why is the SIVE not put into operation? Why are there no specialized personnel deployed in the islands to avoid a decrease in local services when immigrants arrive? Why are the necessary infrastructures not available to welcome them and manage their procedures with the greatest speed and efficiency?
We know that the current geopolitical situation in Africa is not going to change much in the coming months, that the tides will be beneficial to favor the arrival, but we still know nothing about a responsible immigration policy by the Spanish State and the European Union. It is extremely surprising that knowing what is going to happen, nothing is done to avoid damage and suffering to thousands of human beings. Despite the warnings, the certainties, boats will arrive again and will be received again as if it were the first time, with the risk of tragedies such as those already experienced in Los Cocoteros, Órzola or Caleta Caballo, among other places, being repeated.
I want to state that we can do much better. That we cannot allow the arrival of immigrants to be the repeated chronicle of a announced oblivion. And the delivery, solidarity and humanitarian aid of the Canarians is not enough. It is necessary that those who have the competences and the means, act with decision and responsibility. It is about human lives and a little respect for the Canarians.