The regional deputy of the PP for Fuerteventura, María Saavedra, has called in Parliament for a roadmap for the conservation of democratic memory spaces, with special attention to the former Tefía hostel, recently declared an LGTBIQ+ Democratic Memory Site.
The regional deputy of the Popular Party for Fuerteventura, María Saavedra, has demanded that the Canary Government develop a comprehensive plan for the conservation and enhancement of the democratic memory spaces of the Archipelago. The request, made during a parliamentary committee, references the recent recognition of the former Tefía hostel as an LGTBIQ+ Democratic Memory Site.
A memorial site that must not be forgotten
Saavedra directly asked the Minister of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture about the planned actions to preserve these sites and ensure their protection. The deputy argued that the former Tefía hostel constitutes a space of special relevance for the historical memory of the Canary Islands. "Its conservation allows us to remember a period marked by the violation of rights from a historical rigor and the commitment that it should not happen again," she stated.
In her speech, Saavedra highlighted the transformation that the site has undergone, which currently hosts cultural, educational, and community activities for different generations. In her view, this evolution demonstrates that a space linked to repression can become a place of meeting, participation, and respect.
Recognition of the victims and values for new generations
The deputy also emphasized that preserving the memory of Tefía means acknowledging the suffering endured for decades by the LGTBI+ community and contributing to transmitting values such as freedom, equality, coexistence, and the defense of human rights to new generations. "We cannot allow forgetfulness to erase what happened; it is our responsibility to keep that memory alive," she pointed out.
Finally, María Saavedra insisted that the conservation of these spaces must be accompanied by concrete actions that allow for understanding the degree of implementation of democratic memory policies in the Canary Islands. The request comes at a time when the declaration of Tefía as a memorial site has highlighted the need to protect other similar sites in the Archipelago.
What does this plan mean for the Canarians?
For the residents of Fuerteventura and the rest of the islands, this plan would imply greater investment in the conservation of historical spaces and the creation of educational and cultural programs. Tefía, located in the municipality of Antigua, is already a centre for activities, but its potential as a memorial site could attract visitors and reinforce the historical identity of the island. Furthermore, the initiative could serve as a model for other memorial spaces in the Canary Islands, such as those related to Francoist repression.
The deputy hopes that the Canary Government will respond with a concrete plan before the end of the year. For now, the ball is in the court of the Ministry of Culture, which will need to define the budget allocations and timelines for enhancing Tefía and other similar sites.
You may also like
