Jaume Ferrer introduces new coalition cabinet

politics 2015This Monday morning in the plenary hall of the Formentera Council, Jaume Ferrer put before the public the component members of his administration. Ferrer spoke of his satisfaction “with the talent, strong work ethic and mix of experience and new blood that marks this government”.

CiF president Ferrer named Susana Labrador Manchado councillor of culture, education and patrimony. Ferrer referred to Labrador's undergraduate degree in chemistry, graduate studies in early-childhood education and “the kind of familiarity that comes with years of work in Formentera's different nursery schools ('escoletes') and parent teacher associations”.

President Ferrer designated Bartomeu Escandell Tur councillor of the presidential cabinet, tax office and rural areas. With a degree in business administration and management, Escandell was lauded for what Ferrer called “a crucial role over the last two legislative sessions”. Ferrer called upon Councillor Escandell to provide “the same sharp judgement that the councillor had demonstated until present”.

Next, President Ferrer introduced Alejandra Ferrer Kirschbaum as his government's councillor of territory and tourism. In the words of the Council president, Ferrer Kirschbaum—herself a member of the island's community of business owners—“is doted with a strong work ethic and razor-sharp clarity of ideas”.

The incoming councillor of infrastructure and transport: Rafael González Ribas, civil and public works engineer. Ferrer underscored the “great talent and knowledge” of a person he described as “young and full of energy”. According to Ferrer, González's appointment is one of several that “represents this ideal of change spoken about during the campaign. We want the public works projects on the island to strengthen every part of Formentera that sets us apart”.

Vanessa Perellada Torres, a graduate in psychology, was announced as the newest appointment to the position of councillor of social welfare and human resources. Ferrer referred to Perellada's commitment to assuring “not a single person is left behind” as well as his conviction regarding Perellada's expert command of an office where she herself worked.

The latest appointment to the position of environmental councillor: graduate in marine biology Daisee Aguilera Fletcher. According to President Ferrer: “Daisee has shown herself to be committed to the environment in general and a devout supporter of Formentera's natural spaces in particular”. The president added that the incoming councillor “demonstrates a thorough knowledge of issues related to the sea and notably our local treasure, posidònia seaweed”.

The Council head went on to introduce Jordi Vidal Marí as the island's newest councillor of sport. A graduate in physical therapy, osteopath and “a person versed in the field because—whether as a member of the Societat Esportiva Formentera ('el Espalmador'), the local judo club or our celebrated surf group, el Club de Surf Formentera—he himself has formed an integral part of it”.

The CiF president named Sònia Cardona Ferrer councillor of community involvement. In the words of President Ferrer, “Sònia Cardona has got a charisma and experience that make her the ideal person to lead a field we hope gains momentum during this legislature”.

Ferrer explained that the work of the different offices would be coordinated by three separate vice-presidential positions. The first of the three divisions is 'Serveis a les Persones' (known previously as social services) and will be headed by Susana Labrador. The second division, overseen by Bartomeu Escandell and initially comprising centralised services, the tax office, rural areas and community involvement, will also englobe local safety and emergency services. Finally, the third division—territory—comes under the authority of Alejandra Ferrer.