“We need an insular force that genuinely cares about the island’s problems, not the wars that might be happening here or there”
“The Cabildo wasted money last year and does not meet budgetary responsibilities”
“As the Cabildo is now low on reserves and funding, they might suddenly want to use this money from the municipalities to perhaps cover or complete other things”
“I don’t play theatrics as a parliamentarian; I ask the questions I know will emerge soon so I can take credit, which is what the president of the Cabildo did with the cruises”
“Honestly, for a president to be battering a mayor constantly doesn’t seem right”
“If the cleaning service issue is resolved, you’ll lift a weight off your shoulders, as this service is indeed very sensitive; until that happens, we will continue to have those problems and will have an evident focus of criticism”
“The non-elected councillor doesn’t like that currently Yaiza is at the forefront of sport on the island. That’s the way it is and it’s thanks to the work the councillor has been doing with his sports team”
The Councillor of the Cabildo of Lanzarote and Mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, responded on the programme “Crónicas en Hora” of Crónicas Radio to the criticisms made by the president of the Cabildo in his latest appearance on the programme “A Buena Hora”, indicating that it’s Betancort himself who needs to resolve his obsessions and ambitions with him and the municipality he oversees. Noda defended his actions during the last term, recalling that he even brought a model of a cruise ship to the Los Dolores fair to advocate for arrivals at the southern port, and used the opportunity to criticise the parliamentarian for questioning topics he knows will come up and so earn credit in front of the public. The Mayor of Yaiza also explained the work being done this August in the municipality, as well as updating on issues like the Modernisation Plan for Playa Blanca or the situation of the housing projects that were to be undertaken.
– You issued a press release at the time criticising the suspension of the Cabildo plenary; you later attended the press conference of the president explaining this decision. How do you view that situation experienced with the PP? Did you go to the press conference thinking that the alliance might break?
– In the Cabildo, the plenary was indeed suspended, and unfortunately for the interests of the island, it was called off, and there are important matters at stake. The plenary should be the foremost priority, but it seems we are more focused on political battles than on the true interests of the island. I wanted to attend mainly to listen and see the explanations given by the president first-hand. However, what doesn’t make sense is, firstly, for Coalición Canaria to vote against taking a motion from its coalition partner to the plenary. I can understand a negative vote since ultimately, that motion will not resolve anything, neither the water issues, nor housing, nor public transport on Lanzarote, nor the main problems. Yet, for my coalition partner to threaten me with the courts, I honestly believe that’s a cause for alarm; it practically attempted to smother a situation which, whether you like it or not, seems tense. This situation is not normal, and I believe that in this case, the president of Coalición Canaria has been a victim of the national struggle between the Popular Party and the Socialist Party. Therefore, I maintain that we need an insular force that genuinely addresses the island’s issues, not the wars that might be going on here or there. They can threaten me with legal action from either side, but I believe I must support the interests of the island. Beyond that, they can take me wherever they want, but my coalition partner cannot threaten to take me to court. I find that somewhat surreal and particularly concerning. In the morning, I saw a press release inviting them out, but then in the press conference, it was like nothing was wrong. We’ve discussed it; we’re here. But honestly, I think decisions need to be made that prioritise the island, putting the interests and problems of the island first. Moreover, one of the items that were going to be taken, which I did not mention in the press conference, is an economic-financial plan because the Cabildo from last year, to put it frankly, wasted money and does not comply with budgetary responsibilities. It recorded a budgetary result necessitating financing, meaning negative. Clearly, I believe it is important to approve that economic-financial plan to even incorporate reserves, the few they can accrue compared to last year. They were nearly €90 million, and this year they speak of ten. Look at that, ten precisely are what are missing, and there was some commitment from the Cabildo Insular to kickstart the 136 social housing units we have in the plot in Yaiza, particularly in Playa Blanca, which we have ceded. I held that meeting with the General Director of Housing, who explained to us that currently, we lack the financing to initiate the project. Therefore, we are hanging onto this kite string to enable proper housing in the area, and out of the 42 that were supposed to be faster, they still haven’t completed the property registration process to issue that decree, which we will announce through the Town Hall for interested individuals and families to sign up. Truly, I believe we are at the mercy of leaders who currently do not genuinely care about the island.
– The Mayor of San Bartolomé made statements saying that it was heard that the Cabildo would request the return of money from the cooperation plans from previous years. What do you know about this?
– Indeed, we are talking openly; the rules of the game have changed in the middle of the match. I have discussed this both with the president and the vice president and councillor of finance, that we need to find a solution. For Yaiza, we indeed have the 2021 cohesion plan as the most delayed. We have had issues, partly due to mistakes with projects that we had to rectify, and in some cases, we had to reach contract rescissions because the company comes, makes outrageously low bids, and then plays around with changes, and we certainly will not fall into that trap. I even proposed changes to projects, entirely funded by the Yaiza Town Hall, which have already been executed and delivered, to justify that money for both parties. Not just for the Town Hall but also for the Cabildo to say, look, we have executed a million or more. Now they are also entering into the occupation plans for 2023, in which we are indeed much more up to date and will comply, though there are other municipalities that do not. Teguise, in the 2021 cooperation plan, would also run into issues and would also have to return funds. Yet there are those drums; it appears that during the San Marcial procession, both the president and vice president came, supposedly for 2023, they could have found a solution. However, what cannot happen is that so far, those of us who have had some issue with execution are continually granted extensions, because we are all willing, and I believe I speak for everyone, but I speak especially because we have been staunch defenders of cooperation plans and administrative collaboration. I believe this gives us the edge and allows us to complete necessary projects for the municipality, particularly when the rules of the game change halfway through. I believe that cannot happen, and of course, we will not remain idle. We are searching for alternatives to justify those resources so that nobody has to return anything, neither us nor the Cabildo. But as it stands, they are now low on reserves and financing; maybe they want to utilise this money from the Town Hall to perhaps cover or complete other matters.
– You mentioned that you speak with the president of the Cabildo. During July, you participated in the programme “A Buena Hora” and he had no positive words for you. Oswaldo Betancort claimed that you were poorly advised, that there is a majority not being leveraged in Yaiza, that you were silent on the boutique cruise issue and referred to your situation with Gladys Acuña among other matters. Councillor Juan Monzón also stated that while you criticise the Government, you put on the mayor’s jacket and ask for collaboration. What is the current relationship with the Cabildo?
– Look, Óscar Noda has always been characterised by collaboration, by sitting down and extending my hand, and I believe the president knows it and the non-elected sports councillor knows it too. Just as I put on a councillor’s jacket, he does too, and then goes as a councillor of the opposition to Yaiza, doing the same, so it’s the same or worse. What I have criticised in the Cabildo are the poor actions, in my view, and the motions I have proposed have always been proactive, with ideas, many of which have been turned back while others have not. Regarding being silent on the cruises, no, look, I am sorry to say, but I believe I was quite fervent and went where I needed to be. I do not play theatrics as a parliamentarian and ask questions I know will come up soon, and thus take credit—such has been the case with the president regarding the cruises. Months ago, I asked about the arrival of cruise ships during a Port Advisory Council meeting, as I attend all Port Advisory Councils and ask how the cruise arrivals are going, how the definitive launch of the terminal is going, which lacks the cafeteria and various other things. Additionally, let the president remember I posed a model of a cruise ship to the previous president, Dolores Corujo, at the Los Dolores Fair. Therefore, I do not believe I have remained silent on that issue, and when he sat with his advisor, Sebastián Franquis who was the president of Puertos Canarios, the man always looked bothered by my question. So I believe I have been quite fervent. Because, look, why does the president who is a parliamentarian not ask about the Playa Blanca housing? About the housing on the plot of 136 to his fellow party member, Pablo Rodríguez? Why not? Because he knows the ball is in the Cabildo’s court. So let us be coherent and clear. Regarding the issue that the Mayor of Yaiza is poorly advised, he might need to examine the beam in his own eye, as I believe there is counsel everywhere, and those at the Cabildo might not be very good either. Honestly, for a president to be battering a mayor constantly doesn’t seem right. As for our relationship, my hand is still extended. If the president calls me to sit down and seek solutions for the island, I will be there. I have no problem with that, which is something I have not received from the Cabildo, and when I hear talk, I hear talk of aiding in proposals, as I said, proactive actions. Beyond that, the obsession the president might have with Óscar Noda and Yaiza, well, more with Yaiza, is ambition and obsession, and he will need to resolve that himself, not me. Meanwhile, we continue working. We have faced some setbacks this legislature, such as waste management that has not concluded, as there may likely be something behind it because it is not normal, and we will continue to work for the benefit of Yaiza, whether alone or accompanied; we will keep working for the benefit of the residents, which is why we are here.
– Now that you mentioned the black hand regarding the waste management issue, are you suggesting that it seems like you have been cursed with bad luck with this issue, or do you believe someone is sabotaging it?
– Well, based on an email that was reportedly bounced back, sincerely, there are undoubtedly issues behind it that may involve municipal companies or some political hand because it is not normal. Even in the latest appeal we received, a company that mainly manages cafes, not even properly from the sector, but has a daily cleaning UTE that does not even involve waste collection. The Contracts Tribunal is also not helping us; it has not provided us with leeway for an important service, so let’s be clear. A service like rubbish collection is always very sensitive; we have been worried for a long time regarding how to allocate funds, to provide an adequate specification to avoid suffering as we have done already. If this matter is resolved and ideally have a suitable service adjusted to new regulations, whether they like it or not, I will be clear; it will alleviate a burden, as it’s true that it is a very sensitive service. My councillor and I are very concerned about cleanliness, especially waste collection, as it provides a totally positive, effective image for the municipality. Until that happens, we will continue having issues and it will remain an evident focus of criticism. Right now, we have held an emergency tender that has managed to significantly alter the image. Containers are now being changed; we have brought in 200 and are looking to bring in more for an optimal service until the new tender which we hope to let out by the end of the year with a somewhat longer procedure. We understand this will prevent challenges, or if a challenge occurs, it won’t be justified. Let’s see.
– Returning to the non-elected sports councillor, I don’t know if you would like to respond to this controversy, but he basically said the same about you regarding your sports councillor, Ángel Lago, who aims to undermine and discredit him, but when he needs money, he does knock on the Cabildo’s door. What do you think of these statements?
– Firstly, I would like to thank the Councillor of Sports, Ángel Lago, for all his work. His entire trajectory speaks volumes about his efforts, which are backed by concrete outcomes. The non-elected councillor does not appreciate that currently, Yaiza is at the forefront of sport on the island. That’s the reality, and it’s due to the work the councillor has been doing with his sports team, alongside his entire department, and with all the departments in the Town Hall contributing to ensure that sporting events are consolidated and carried out effectively. Prestige and disrepute, well, we are in politics, and I believe there have been occasions when my sports councillor has extended his hand to help, and sometimes has been rebuffed, let’s be clear. But as he will understand, one does not only assist from a Cabildo to municipalities sharing the same political colours. I understand a Cabildo is there to help all municipalities equally, and we all should have access to that support. And I am not only talking about sport, but also about cultural, festive activities, etc., from which I have requested data, and have yet to receive anything, nor do I know if I will. However, it is clear that they are now stating they will create a sort of funding base, but so far, I can see it is evident which municipalities have benefited more from the resources of the Tourist Centres, even without having their own tourist centres. But I know that part of that revenue should be reverted to the island; however, it shouldn’t always go to the same central areas and neglect the outskirts. Therefore, I provide my total support and trust in the Sports Councillor, praising and congratulating him on all the work he does and has done in sports, which of course he will continue to do in activities and events. I think it is great that he continues to seek help from the Cabildo because that is what we are here for, and I believe we are exemplars of that inter-administrative collaboration, alongside public-private collaboration. Therefore, I think we are here to try and assist one another and from then on constructively take things forward together, as we have done with many events and hope to continue doing so.
– There has been much talk, Mayor, about your involvement in the creation of a potential insularist party. You previously mentioned the importance or necessity of an insularist mindset or situation. Juan Monzón claims you do not seem suited for that, even changing the name of your party; I don’t know if you had the opportunity to hear him yesterday, but he called your party Unidos por Yaiza, “Disunidos por Yaiza”, referring to the councillors who have left the party. Are you then working towards an insularist party or not, and will the relations with Nueva Canarias be redirected as Luis Campo has stated?
– Look, first of all, regarding “disunited”, I believe he was the first to swallow his words, especially in the case of the spokesperson from the Popular Party because he has criticised us quite a bit. Yes, we have indeed had those departures of colleagues as I have explained, but what I want is for us all to continue moving forward together in this journey. But those who decide to leave, whether they are male or female, is entirely respectful, and we are always grateful for their collaboration and effort. He also experienced some departures in his party, but did not comment on that. So I think this is an easy narrative, and I will not engage in that. Regarding the need for an insularist party, absolutely. I have had a few coffees with local political forces in the island because first and foremost, I want to gauge willingness and intentions to unite. If it has been done in Gran Canaria and can function and maintain some relevance, why couldn’t it happen here? I believe that niche exists here, especially after the recent episode regarding the suspension of an insular plenary session where significant issues for the island were being addressed, but due to national party wars, the session was not held. I think the alternative is there; I believe that by pooling local forces and localists, we can create a greater insular force and why not, a regional one. It’s not easy to assemble it, nor to structure it and take it forward, but I am open to at least evaluating, discussing the perceptions that exist, and certainly moving forward. Regarding NC, I saw the headline from Luis Campo, but thus far no one has called me. I also have no problem sitting down; I have particularly sat with Servando here in Lanzarote. He was the one who initially contacted me. We have hit it off well, so to speak, but beyond that, we will see. It’s clear that a relationship needs to be nurtured daily; if left to the end, many things will surface. But I am never one to close doors. I will also be clear with my thoughts; whatever was appreciated or unappreciated, I will state openly. Therefore, as councillor in the Cabildo within the coalition I was part of, although I did not sign it, I was indeed part of the coalition. I remain committed and have continued to fulfil the electoral programme and all initiatives we believe align with that program. Therefore, they will not be able to accuse me of anything on that front.
– Can you name any individuals with whom you’ve had that coffee?
– I have no problem naming local forces because I believe we all know who they are. Antonio Morales in MRT Tinajo, Jonás with Primo Teguise in Teguise. I have had a good relationship with him too, and also with Marcos Lemes, as I think he is a good profile, doing good work and a great person. I have always had much trust in him despite possible ups and downs I’ve had with Nueva Canarias, but he has always been there, and I think we speak the same language, so to speak. I had those coffees and assessed the willingness and intentions existing. I won’t hide, and I believe they won’t either. The local forces are what they are.
– Yes, now there is a new local force from Mamen Fernández and Jerónimo Robaina. Will you be meeting for coffee with them too?
– Well, if they request it, I will. It’s true that in that regard, I believe Jerónimo should return to his political life, but he previously stepped away, and he did it well. As for Mami Fernández, I have nothing against her; we practically haven’t had contact since that legislature when LAVA was formed, and thanks to that coalition, she also served as a councillor in Tías. Yet it is true that she somewhat disappeared from the scene, to put it that way. But as I say, they have every right to reappear and form whatever parties, alliances they deem fit. I would have no problem sitting down and having coffee, especially to listen to them, which is always good to do, weigh things up, and then decide.
– The CC have claimed there has been negligence by the governing body resulting in a failing grade in transparency. Is there indeed so little transparency in the Yaiza Town Hall, Óscar?
– I believe they are the first to have seen the transparency we can provide; when they have requested documentation, barring some cases where it may be tedious or a case that hasn’t been completed, or if they haven’t been specific in their requests, information has been provided, which I, for example, do not receive from other public administrations or not from all of them. In the plenaries, I believe inquiries are made, discussions occur in commissions, and things get explained. Certainly, there is a transparency law that we must adhere to, and there is a portal that needs to be filled out and progressively completed. This is quite tedious as we don’t have as much staff or the staff we would desire. We are attempting to launch some kind of tender, primarily to train our workers, mostly from each department. It is tedious as much documentation needs to be uploaded, which each department must also manage. Admittedly, even if documentation is on the portal, if it is not in the proper format, it won’t be scored, etc. There’s an idiosyncrasy involved; however, I am aware that the transparency rating often sparks political debate, but we, of course, aim to respond to the requests made and have granted access to what they wanted as much as we could.
– You earlier mentioned the famous housing in Playa Blanca, so based on what you’ve said, and in the press release, I understand that now, as you stated, the ball is in the Cabildo’s court. You have done all the necessary management. The Government of Canarias has carried out all required procedures until the Cabildo picks up the ball and takes action, correct?
– Yes, notably, I requested the meeting because previously we were informed that possibly before July, or at the latest in July, the tender for constructing those 136 homes would be launched, but it depended—this was discovered a little later—on some funds they refer to as those €10 million, not only for those extra ten homes, but also to urbanise the interior of the plot we ceded. We’re talking about a plot of almost 42,000 square meters. Families come and meet with me; they ask how things are going, including some families who are already registered as applicants for social housing. Honestly, sometimes I struggle to answer them because this is a matter not directly managed by the Town Hall, but we have done our part. They were granted compatibility for that project’s urban development, even before abandoning the general plan. Given that situation, especially regarding the 42 homes purchased by the Cabildo, I am grateful that at least they have listened to us from the Government of Canarias and ICAVI, as I have explained from the start, we need a short-term solution. The short-term solution is that private entities or private developments will go faster because we understand that public administration proceeds through tenders which have challenges, deadlines, etc. Therefore, they don’t fully materialise. Hence, I indeed prompted that meeting, only now it appears that they have not fulfilled the commitment towards those €10 million, which was from the Cabildo Insular, but as I say, presently with that financial discrepancy, the Government of Canarias must authorise them to incorporate reserves; they seem to be discussing €10 million when last year it was €90 million. Therefore, I am worried, and I even offered to seek financing from other avenues. We can’t act due to competence, but we can ask for it from the Government of Canarias, the European Union, or the Spanish Government to provide a solution or at least start construction, which will take time. We are talking about 136 homes, and it’s a long process, particularly trying to speed up the progression on those 42 homes to begin assigning them now. Because, as I say, there are numerous families that have requested them, including individuals and families who still do not live in Playa Blanca, even though they have jobs, due to the difficulties in finding housing, or the available options are far too expensive and out of their budgets. I believe this is an important problem that needs addressing now; that’s why I suggested last year that rather than purchasing lots like those bought in Uga for almost a million, a million plus, investing more into this or at least keeping some margin there to continue investing in this promotion and in this parcel of land to secure those houses, especially in an area where the entire economy and movement is currently focused.
– Another meeting, which I don’t know if it has already taken place, is with Territorial Policy, to whom you’ve inquired about information regarding the tourist modernisation plan for Playa Blanca. It’s true, Óscar, that since that presentation, in quotes, with the mayor of Teguise, I haven’t seen further detailed information. What is known about this matter?
– Since they are not providing us with information or do not inform me or we have not been gathered from the Cabildo, I have gone to inquire with the party that actually signed an agreement and is the one primarily sponsoring the launch or execution of the initiatives set out in that modernisation plan. I’m trying to clarify who the drafting team will be, given that there was a hurried photo taken to state the Cabildo was financing the drafting; I am grateful for this collaboration because I have been a staunch advocate for modernisation plans. Tías is an example here in Lanzarote, already on its third; we hope it gets through. Yet, I believe it’s an essential tool that could aid particular zones or sectors of the municipality, especially in tourist areas, with possible renovation of structures or public infrastructures accompanied by those willing to modernise their hotel facilities while also reducing beds. Therefore, it seems like the finishing touch on that front. Yet, it’s true that later it was said it would be awarded to Gestur; I have met with Gestur, and they have no idea about this modernisation plan, and then we heard mentions of the Chamber of Commerce. In summary, the little I have learned about this modernisation plan has come from media coverage and press releases issued by the president; however, as you can see, he’s not able to call me or sit down when I have asked for a meeting directly with him, in every plenary session, in every meeting, I suggest we should sit down to discuss this matter because they are proceeding without involving the Town Hall, yet the council is who must authorise the project licenses. Therefore, they should engage us right from the start, not during the claims phase, as has been the case in many insular plans and planning that can adversely influence the municipality of Yaiza. Consequently, this meeting has yet to occur, indeed, as they initially scheduled a date for the 25th. We will be going there, requesting that the Councillor of Territorial Policy clarifies everything possible regarding the modernisation plan and assists especially with the impacts when we begin working on the ordinary general plan study we are drafting.
– You also mentioned something that certainly caught my attention because the PFAE is an issue that, as you noted in the press release, many municipalities undertake. What has happened with the labour regulation that you say frustrates the continuity of these matters?
– Honestly, it’s frustrating. Last year we had our first experience with the PFAEs, a very good experience. It was a tough experience because we were novices; it was challenging to assemble that management team which includes the coordinator, PFAE director, teaching staff, etc. It took a while to set up a well-formed structure for nearly 45 students to not only receive a salary or long-term agreement but also training and be awarded a qualification, with a certified document of their training. So, in that regard, yes, this year, we even had the same three projects approved again, which were gardening, home assistance, and cultural or social stimulation, which served us greatly and allowed us to provide a much more comprehensive service than what we were already offering. However, we found that while students could be hired for 11 months, the teaching staff or management team could not. We wrote, along with the Mayor of Tías and the Mayor of San Bartolomé, to the FECAM to seek guidance. There was a need for something to change at the Ministry level so that recruitment could surpass the six-month limit, as they always mentioned being limited to six months, which doesn’t allow for anything as even if you hire one team initially and another later, it doesn’t work out adequately. After discussions with other municipalities and in a meeting with the FECAM, where three options were outlined, unfortunately, all three fell foul of various laws, especially labour-related laws. Even municipal officials stated that there were no avenues available, and no one would inform us about this. Therefore, to avoid accruing interests, we faced the unfortunate, regretful, and frustrating task of returning nearly a million euros from the three PFAEs to prevent us from accruing debts. We hope they will resolve this issue for next year, as they are currently stating they will fix it, but we shall see if it becomes a reality. It’s a pity because I believe these are important projects. It’s not only about employability but also about education, as this training leads to qualifications, and many of the students who participated ended up finding work. I consider this vital and believe it’s almost better than an employment plan. I have always maintained this because an employment plan lasts six months and you are there, but you do not receive that education or potential job placement. This is particularly crucial for individuals who may find it challenging to access the job market due to their age.
– This August, as you mentioned, you are dealing with issues related to the general plan that has, regrettably, caused so many headaches for the municipality. I have also noticed they are working on glass recycling, which has shown substantial growth in the municipality. For citizens who are a bit lost, could you inform them about what other matters are being tackled in the municipality?
– Primarily, we are updating educational centres, for which we have issued various press releases. In this case, for Femes and Las Breñas, we are adapting some areas for that dining room, during which catering will also be provided, but this initiative has been authorised by the Department of Education. In other schools, improvements are being made regarding security, accessibility, and other requests made by the school management teams following usage and some of the recent rains, like at the CEO where a false ceiling fell, which we are currently fixing. Also, of course, municipal works projects, all asphalting plans, projects we can complete, reports, and other matters to issue tenders. Services such as maintaining and cleaning parks and gardens are being concretised, and reports are being created to secure a tender soon. After public presentations, we hope that the adjudication will start in October, which would be ideal. Additionally, cleaning and maintaining schools is planned for the new academic year; we aim for suitable maintenance and cleaning services to commence at all municipal schools. Plus, finalising the waste collection tender is on the agenda. Furthermore, on a daily basis, there are cultural events usually taking place over the weekends, and especially now, the Remedios festival, which we are actively working on with the festival commission and the entire festivities team, led by their councillor, Daniel Medina, crafting and finalising the programme to ensure that the patronal festivities of the municipality are as optimal as possible, with a varied programme that certainly will be appealing.
