Today the Formentera Local Security Board (Junta Local de Seguretat, JLS) convened for a session which was chaired by Ana Juan, president of the Consell de Formentera, and, via digital connection, Enrique Sánchez Navarrete, state director on Formentera. Josep Marí, councillor of interior; Alejandra Ferrer, vice-president (Gent per Formentera); Rafael Ramírez, social welfare councillor (PSOE), and Lorenzo Córdoba (Sa Unió) were also present, along with law enforcement officials like Félix Ramos, chief of Formentera Local Police; Manuel Hernández, chief commissioner of the National Police of Eivissa; Enrique Gómez Bastida, commander of the Civil Guard. Other attendees included a representative of the Balearic office of emergency and interior and other authorities.
President Juan said attendees discussed "the excellent coordination between the forces of law and order", asserting, "I believe that Formentera needs this coordination because by working together we pool efforts and the good results multiply". Juan said forthcoming sectoral meetings would focus on issues like house parties, parties in the nature reserve and the sale of alcohol to minors, "so that data can be pooled at the next JLS gathering, laying the groundwork for all relevant administrations to solve these problems in coordination." The president also stressed the importance of "stationing all Balearic ecological rangers on Formentera and ensuring the full crew is present". In summer 2022, only one of the three rangers that was due to patrol the reserve ultimately showed up for duty and, according to President Juan, "filling the staffing gap fell to us."
Participants agreed that other gatherings must be focused on improving coordination among the varying security forces. The idea, said Councillor Marí, is to "improve how we respond to illegal parties in the reserve and in private homes, which were among our biggest problems this summer, the goal being to discourage parties before they happen." The councillor added that more Maritime Civil Guard agents would be key to enforcing the required distance between anchored craft and beaches and patrolling anchorage on posidonia meadows and boat-based food and drinks sales. Such reinforcements, he said, could also take aim at other illegal activities in the reserve and along the coast of Formentera.
Members of the JLS also discussed collaboration since last year with the Red Cross to deliver basic necessities to migrants arriving on local shores. Today, the Red Cross is registered on Formentera and has volunteers, which means the Consell can oversee assignment of a space in the former Office of Social Welfare. So far this year roughly 460 immigrants have arrived on the island. Eighteen are unaccompanied minors under the custody of the local administration.
19 December 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera
Today the Office of Entrepreneurship of the Consell de Formentera presented "Formentera Impulsa", a temporary space for new entrepreneurs, micro-enterprises and small businesses on the island. "Formentera Impulsa" is housed at the Casal d'Entitats, the former site of the Office of Social Welfare, and offers a set of services that make it easier for entrepreneurs to run their business in the early years.
The Office of Interior of the Consell de Formentera reports that today attestations of successful completion were delivered to 19 cadets in the 43rd class of the local police basic training imparted by the Balearic School of Public Administration (EBAP). Josep Marí, councillor of interior, congratulated the new officers on their achievement and pointed out that three of the students will now complete practicum on Formentera's local force.
Today the Chamber of Commerce and Consell de Formentera handed out prizes to winners of the 16th Christmas Window Dressing Contest celebrating island businesses that encourage and promote a festive Christmas atmosphere. Ana Juan, president and councillor of commerce, and Lina Tur and Lina Bustos, of the Chamber of Commerce, presented the following awards to the winning businesses:
