It fills us all with enormous sadness to see the closure of numerous establishments in our city. Businesses, some with decades of work, that cannot cope with the economic consequences generated by the pandemic. It is time for public institutions to take a further step forward and be closer than ever to those families, neighbors and small businesses to whom we must lend a hand so that together we can turn the situation around.
From the Arrecife City Council we want to add our grain of sand. As Councilor for Finance, I am pleased that in recent months we have managed to reduce the average payment period, so that our suppliers can collect their services provided as soon as possible. In this context, they cannot wait and from the consistory it is essential to speed up the procedures so that these entities can have the amounts in the shortest possible time and thus fulfill our social commitment to citizens.
The Government of the Canary Islands has also announced a budget of 408 million to the sectors most affected by the pandemic. It will be divided into direct aid and tax deferrals that allow these self-employed, small and medium-sized to postpone some of their usual expenses during these difficult months.
The Island Council, led by María Dolores Corujo, announced this week a line of aid to SMEs and self-employed valued at least six million euros. In addition, it will have the collaboration of the Chamber of Commerce to expedite the procedures and that the aid is available in the shortest possible time. From large to small companies or self-employed, no one should be left behind.
The coordination of the different institutions, something that did not happen until 2019, is more effective and affects the needs of our neighbors. There is still much to be done to recover all the time that the pandemic has taken from us. Yes, putting the needs of our neighbors and businessmen first because they are the true engine of the city.
Cristina Duque Ramírez, Councilor for Economy and Finance for the PSOE in the Arrecife City Council
