A New Era for Antigua: Juan Cabrera’s Roadmap for Change

In a spirited address focused on transformation, service recovery, and active listening to community needs, Juan Cabrera laid out a robust 23-point action plan aimed at revitalizing Antigua. Notably, he emphasized the necessity for inter-institutional collaboration to break the town’s isolation, thereby enhancing connectivity and community engagement.

Security Initiatives

Cabrera pointed out that security remains a paramount concern for coastal communities, announcing that the local council has commenced dialogues to bolster police presence in Antigua. He expressed enthusiasm about the real possibility of the Canary Police establishing a local presence, stating, “I left a meeting in Tenerife yesterday feeling very optimistic.” Cabrera criticized the previous administration, suggesting that the prior government had effectively barred the Canary Police’s involvement due to inaction.

In a proactive step, he revealed that starting Monday, local police will begin foot patrols in El Castillo’s most troubled areas. This initiative is designed to increase law enforcement visibility and instill confidence among residents, business owners, and tourists who have long advocated for a stronger police presence.

Additionally, the new administration is set on seeking partnerships with the Government of Canary Islands, the Civil Guard, and other local authorities to devise actionable solutions aimed at enhancing public safety. The goal is to move beyond superficial changes and instead foster a more coordinated, responsive governance approach.

Revitalizing Local Governance

Cabrera articulated a commitment to revive political debate within municipal councils, outlining his intention to ensure that local budgets are approved and operational by January 1st. This timely action underscores his dedication to transparency and active governance.

He further underscored a major shift in the approach to municipal celebrations. Emphasizing that local festivals should be driven by community committees rather than imposed from above, he firmly stated, “I will never impose a proclamation.” This illustrates his intention to rekindle neighborly involvement in the organization of local traditions.

Fiscal Responsibility and Resource Allocation

In a significant policy shift, Cabrera announced that funding would no longer be allocated to entities outside of Antigua. “Antigua cannot afford to divert €400,000 yearly to organizations that are not local,” he stressed. This move reflects a desire to ensure that municipal resources support local communities directly, reinforcing the importance of investing in local associations.

Moreover, the taxi sector was highlighted as an essential service for a tourist municipality. Cabrera called for unity among taxi operators, urging them to overcome internal conflicts for the greater good of the community. He announced imminent adjustments to urban taxi tariffs to enhance operational efficiency.

Infrastructure and Public Services

Cabrera also addressed upcoming changes concerning municipal structures. While the council will continue to provide tents for community events, it will no longer cover transportation or labor costs for their setup, a decision aimed at maintaining essential municipal services like street cleaning and gardening.

Waste management and cleanliness formed another focal point of his discussion. The mayor informed attendees that a new waste management and street cleaning contract is underway, promising an upgrade in workforce numbers—from approximately 15 to around 35 personnel. This increase is anticipated to bolster service efficiency and responsiveness to community needs.

Concurrent with this hiring initiative, three operational teams will be deployed to address urgent community needs.

Cabrera conveyed the imminent renewal of 400 streetlights to ensure enhanced public safety and energy efficiency. Additionally, a collaboration agreement for a compacting machine was mentioned, which points to a holistic approach to modernizing municipal resources.

Environmental Measures and Health Services

The mayor expressed plans to provide land access to the Cabildo de Fuerteventura to establish a recycling center catering to Caleta de Fuste and Nuevo Horizonte. He assured attendees that this initiative would commence shortly. In line with healthcare needs, Cabrera confirmed that land would also be allocated for a future health center, reinforcing his commitment to improving local services before the end of this legislative term.

In concluding his presentation, Cabrera extended an olive branch to opposition members, inviting collaboration on strategic initiatives beneficial to Antigua’s future. He affirmed the need for a significant shift in approach, insisting that “change was necessary” and highlighting his administration’s dedication to transparency and community-focused governance.

With these ambitious plans and the promise of a more interconnected, responsive administration, Antigua appears poised for a transformative journey under Juan Cabrera’s leadership.