News from Tenerife #6 appears at the beginning of the week as a brief news summary from the past week on your favorite website. In this series, we publish a number of events and news items from the previous week. Each article in News from Tenerife #6 is a synthesis of various facts, actions, and occurrences that are too brief to appear as full-fledged articles.
Unemployment Rises
In October 2024, the Canary Islands recorded 159,498 unemployed individuals, an increase of 828, or 0.52%, compared to the previous month. This is 13,672 fewer people or a -7.90% drop compared to October 2023.
In the western province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there were 77,169 unemployed individuals last month, an increase of 794 or 1.04% compared to September, and a decrease of 5,861 or -7.06% compared to October 2023. Of the 159,498 unemployed people in the Canary Islands, 2,651 (+49) work in agriculture, 5,837 (-51) in industry, 14,114 in construction (+110), and 123,579 in the service sector (-358).
In October, 72,218 contracts were registered in the Canary Islands, 9,440 more, a 15.04% increase from September, and 8,652 more than in the same month of 2023, representing a year-on-year growth of 13.61%. Of these, 31,265 were permanent contracts, a monthly increase of 12.73% and an annual increase of 8.95%, and 40,953 were temporary contracts, with monthly and annual increases of 16.86% and 17.44%, respectively.
Subsidies for the Fight Against Termite Infestation
The Canary Islands government has approved a budget of €900,000, adding to the €100,000 already allocated this year for the eradication of an invasive termite species. This underground termite was discovered on the island over ten years ago and has caused significant damage to both private property and agriculture since 2019. Currently, the termites are highly active in Tacoronte, Valle de Guerra (La Laguna), and Adeje.
Reticulitermes flavipes, also known as the invasive underground termite, is listed as an exotic invasive species in Spain. Globally, this species is considered potentially harmful, capable of causing severe economic and ecological damage. Originating from America, it was detected around 2010 in Tenerife, affecting a group of homes in the municipality of Tacoronte. In the Canary Islands, termite colonies grow much larger and spread more extensively than elsewhere, and they can even feed on native vegetation. Efforts to eradicate this pest have significantly intensified over the past 14 years. Read more about the termite infestation [HERE].
Banana Growers Protest for Fair Prices
The Plataforma por un Precio Justo y Auténtico del Plátano has called on Canary Islands farmers to participate in a car protest on November 8 in La Palma. The event, starting in Breña Alta, aims to raise awareness of the crisis in the banana sector, where producers claim they are selling their bananas below production costs.
The lack of regulation stifles fair pricing, with intermediaries taking profits while the sector is forced to deliver below market prices. The banana sector is an essential part of the economy in La Palma. Additionally, the umbrella organization has asked the Canary Islands government to review trade practices and enforce effective controls.
The protest also responds to the dismissal of the former Director of Agriculture of the Canary Islands, Javier Gutiérrez Taño, which farmers view as an attempt to favor large investors over small producers. The sector is asking for farming to be profitable and highlights the loss of the green landscape that characterizes the Canary Islands, as well as the loss of food sovereignty through local production.
New Santa Cruz Bike Lanes Present Complexities
In October, Santa Cruz began work on establishing a bike lane network in the capital. Last Monday, the work continued on Calle Méndez Núñez, where one of the three lanes was removed, as well as at the intersection with Calle Numancia. The right lanes on both streets are now designated for the bike lane.
A recurring issue on Calle Méndez Núñez is the location of Hospital Parque. The hospital’s location and unauthorized parking practices around it, often for urgent reasons, lead to congestion and blockages. Lawmakers are aware of the issue and have stated that parking is prohibited in that area, with violators facing fines.
The city council reported that the first phase, expected to last six months, has been granted a budget of €1,700,000, funded by Next Generation funds. The length of the bike lanes is 16,050 meters, while the separate bike path measures 2,420 meters. In addition, these lanes are complemented by 550 meters of bike sidewalks, with pedestrian priority, to connect the new lanes with the existing ones. The works include road adaptations, widening of sidewalks, relocation of services like taxi ranks or waste containers, reprogramming of traffic lights, and adjustments to planting areas.
Canary Islands Assistance for Valencia
The Canary Islands emergency team has arrived in Valencia to assist with the crisis caused by recent floods, described as “dantesque and unmanageable.” With a team of 70 people, the Canary Islands team focuses on water pumping and cleaning tasks in the heavily affected areas of Alfafar and Massanassa.
The Canary contingent landed early Monday morning on November 4, 2024, in Valencia and immediately began work. In the coming days, the remaining team members and support materials will join them to strengthen operations. The team’s mission is to pump water from basements, garages, and homes, as well as perform cleanup and drainage tasks in the flooded areas, with the goal of restoring normalcy to the affected areas.
The delegation comprises a specialized team, including 18 firefighters from Tenerife, 20 from Gran Canaria, and 4 from Lanzarote, along with members of the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES), the Forest Fire Intervention and Reinforcement Teams (EIRIF), and the Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (BRIFOR) from the Tenerife island government. Additionally, the Canary Emergency Service (SUC) and the Canary Health Service (SCS) have sent a medical team to provide healthcare to the relief workers.
The Canary Islands emergency team will remain in Valencia until the situation is under control, until the region is again habitable, or until the authorities release the Canary aid group to return home.
These events and developments have a significant impact on life in Tenerife and showcase the range of challenges, developments, and opportunities faced by the island.
News from Tenerife #6 continues our series of Short News from Tenerife, which we paused in September 2020. To bridge the gap, we are continuing the numbering from the previously published series.
News from Tenerife #6 will be continued.
Unknown © Photography
News from Tenerife #6 ©
More NEWS can be read [HERE].
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