The representative for the Canary Coalition (CC) in Granadilla de Abona, José Domingo Regalado, yesterday delivered a critical evaluation of the initial 18 months under the leadership of the mayor, the socialist Jennifer Miranda, and her administration, which includes members from PSOE and PP. He characterised their governance as “disastrous” and labelled the current term as “the worst in history.”
The former mayor, who served for six years, asserted that this period is “characterised by non-compliance” in essential sectors such as Urban Planning, Culture, and Security, along with the loss of “crucial subsidies.” He claimed that the municipality “is adrift” while it remains under the “deception, arrogance, and dismantling” overseen by the socialist councillor.
In a forthright speech, Regalado outlined what he perceives to be the most significant management failures, particularly in Urban Planning. He contended that the municipality is losing “drive and economic opportunities” due to delays in issuing licenses and the stagnation of vital projects in the industrial estate and other areas. “Granadilla is missing out on thousands of euros, which frustrates developers. Local residents and professional associations express their concerns publicly, while the mayor seeks scapegoats instead of solutions,” he remarked.
Regalado further criticised the non-implementation of investments outlined in the 2023 and 2024 budgets, such as the demolition of the Garigonza for the construction of a theatre, enhancements around Playa Chica, and the establishment of a sports city in San Isidro. “They have failed to deliver on any of their promises,” he stated.
With regard to education, he condemned the mayor’s plan to relocate Vocational Training courses to an “incomplete building” in the industrial estate, which would lead to significant mobility challenges for students and lack “even a functioning cafeteria.” Additionally, he highlighted a marked “decline” in citizen services, citing “longer queues and reduced organisation.”
CC also accuses the local administration of neglecting traditional customs, such as the carnival, and abandoning cultural initiatives, including the renovation of the history museum and library. Regalado noted a recent instance where the municipal government voted against a proposal to establish a museum dedicated to the dances of Granadilla de Abona, which would celebrate the town’s three traditional dances: Las Varas, Las Vegas, and Chimiche.
In the realm of Security, he pointed out that no new police positions have been announced, while “under CC, there was an increase of 15 new officers.” He mentioned the plans for a new police station that “have been discarded.” Furthermore, he expressed concern over personnel challenges in other services.
One of the “greatest errors,” according to Regalado, was the refusal to approve enhancements at the La Palmera football field in San Isidro, resulting in the loss of a €1.4 million subsidy from the Higher Sports Council and European grants. He asserted that this decision led to the departure of the women’s First Division team, UD Tenerife Egatesa, to the municipality of Adeje.