Neus Mateu, Madrid's representative in Balearics, visits Formentera

Jaume Ferrer and Susana Labrador, chairman and deputy chairwoman of the Formentera Council, sat down today with the newly appointed representative to the Balearic Islands of the Spanish central government, Neus Mateu, to welcome her on her first visit to the island. A subsequent working meeting found the officials discussing crucial matters of safety on the island in summertime.

President Ferrer seized the opportunity to speak to Mateu about the importance of summertime reinforcements for the traffic and sea divisions of Guardia Civil law enforcement. Ferrer noted that last year such operations, based in La Savina, played a crucial role in tracking ever greater numbers of visiting watercraft on Formentera's coasts. The Council chair described the need for summer reinforcements thus: “As many Guardia Civil officers as possible for as long as possible”. He held up collaboration between the Guardia Civil and local police, “particularly when our agencies are short-staffed”, as vital to offering islanders and tourists a quality service.

For her part, Mateu highlighted the success of investigations following multiple robberies last summer, noting that “several arrests were made and very few cases reoccurred”. “We hope to see the return of reinforcements and continued improvements”, she continued. She was optimistic that a resolution would come after confiscations following fires in Cala Saona. She also confirmed plans to reestablish a base on the island for the marine Guardia Civil, urged a continuation of summertime reinforcements and called for an extension of coordination between the Guardia Civil and local police.

The subjects will be discussed more thoroughly at next month's meeting of the Formentera safety junta.