After two months of moderate increases in unemployment figures on the island, the June data, still the pre-holiday season, reveals a change in trend in all municipalities except, curiously, Tías, the quintessential epicenter of the economic engine that is Tourism.
The most significant decrease in unemployment has occurred in Arrecife, with 278 fewer unemployed. And that, despite the birds of ill omen who insist that the city is sinking, that the streets are dead and the shops are closed.
Being our capital an administrative and business center rather than a tourist one - keep in mind that vacation rentals continue to occupy an illegal and unregulated space in the neighborhoods and therefore, without computation in the statistics - everything indicates that the increase in hiring responds to the economic boom of our businesses and companies.
The port, as some nostalgic people still call it, is a living, active and full of potential city, with many pending issues resulting from decades of theft and neglect but which faces the future energetically. With more sensitized political representatives, involved and committed professional sectors and a citizenry that demands respect for public space and the quality of life provided by the services of our time.
There is much to be done but much is being done. And the increase in hiring is a good sign, which indicates that we are on the right track. Investing in Arrecife, in its pedestrian shopping areas, clean and safe, in economic revitalization through our festivals and cultural activities, in improving infrastructure and public services.
And remembering every day the pride of belonging to a city that was a port, that grew to serve the rest of the towns of Lanzarote and that claims its place on the tourist map with the endorsement of its marina, its heritage, the footprint of César Manrique and the welcoming character of its people.
By Eva de Anta, Mayor of Arrecife
