The residents of the municipality of Haría are experiencing with true unease and anguish the problem of immigration that plagues Lanzarote. It seems that the selfless dedication of the residents is not enough when a boat appears on their coast and they even risk their lives to help these newcomers. The solidarity and respect of the residents of the municipality of Haría with immigrants is more than demonstrated. Just like those of the rest of the island. And what is the attitude of those who are obliged to respond to these needs and provide the necessary means so that everything does not remain in the hands of volunteerism and the courage of citizens? First, indifference, and then, acting rashly, without taking into account either the reality of the place or the proposals of the local authorities, much less the conservation of the protected spaces of our island territory.
There are two cases at this time that perfectly reflect the late, disrespectful, and insensitive response of the central administration, on the one hand, and the Cabildo of Lanzarote, on the other, to address a problem that was coming and to which no attention was paid.
The intention of the Cabildo of Lanzarote to install a reception center for immigrant minors in Órzola, without any suitability study or explaining what advantages there are in putting it there, has upset the residents of the place and many other Lanzarote residents who understand that a town of these characteristics does not offer the necessary services or infrastructure to these young immigrants.
On the other hand, the idea of the Ministry of the Interior to stick the Integrated System of External Surveillance (SIVE) in the Mirador de Guinate itself, skipping the proposals of the Haría City Council with the usual "because I say so and that's it!", has sparked protests. The Ministry has not taken into account either the alternative proposals, or that it is a place of enormous uniqueness for the people of Lanzarote, or that it is located in a place of high environmental protection, or anything.
It might seem that those of us who demonstrate against these outrages do not want the SIVE or a center for minors. But it is quite the opposite. We have been asking for so long that this problem be addressed with rigor and immediacy that we are ashamed that when they act late they also do so as if they wanted to punish the people of Lanzarote. "Didn't they want a SIVE? Well, we'll put it where it hurts them the most and not where it can fulfill its functions without creating collateral damage."
The strange thing, in this case, is not that all those people from Lanzarote who know the Mirador de Guinate, who have gone with their partners, friends, or family to enjoy the impressive views, are against the destruction of such a special place. The incredible thing is that those who claim to be transmission belts to convey the concerns of Lanzarote to the socialists who govern Spain and the Canary Islands remain silent in the face of this outrage. Until now, the only belt that shines is the one they have put on the zipper that closes their mouths to any demand from the island.
I say it loud and clear: we want the SIVE, it should have been in operation for a long time, but outside the Mirador de Guinate. There are sites that meet all the conditions for its installation without destroying our special places. Surely, Madrid is too far away to hear our priorities. If so, we will have to say it louder, stronger. They are not going to silence all of us, although some have not taken long to close their mouths to friendly fire.
