The Teguise Town Hall is once again demanding a permanent presence of the Civil Guard in La Graciosa, a historic request from the residents. Mayor Olivia Duque insists that the island, with over 700 inhabitants, needs the same services as any other territory.
The Teguise Town Hall has once again brought to the forefront a demand that is not new, but which becomes more urgent each year: the need for La Graciosa to have a permanent Civil Guard presence. The town's mayor, Olivia Duque, has conveyed this demand to the Spanish government, reminding them that security on the eighth island currently depends on the Local Police, a force that, although doing its best, is not designed to take on responsibilities that belong to the State.
An island without the Civil Guard: a noticeable gap in summer
La Graciosa, with a stable population exceeding 700 inhabitants, sees its numbers soar during the summer months and local festivities. However, the island lacks a barracks or fixed Civil Guard personnel, forcing the Local Police to cover all incidents. According to sources from the Town Hall, this effort often exceeds municipal competencies, as local officers do not have the same legal capacity or resources to act in certain crimes or emergencies.
Mayor Olivia Duque has emphasised that the establishment of a permanent detachment or the assignment of Civil Guard officers is an exclusive responsibility of the State, and that the Town Hall cannot continue to take on tasks that do not belong to it. "The residents of La Graciosa have the right to the same services and security guarantees as any other territory," Duque stated.
Institutional recognition without resources: residents' complaint
La Graciosa has made progress in recent years in its institutional recognition, but for the mayor, that recognition must be accompanied by action. "La Graciosa cannot remain only in speeches or institutional statements. It is important that this recognition continues to be reflected in a progressive improvement of resources and services for those living on the island year-round," Duque pointed out.
The residents, who have been demanding this measure for years, see how the lack of Civil Guard personnel generates insecurity at certain times. The Local Police, despite their dedication, cannot cover all needs, especially in cases of serious crimes or when more specialised intervention is required. The mayor has reminded that the reality of the island has changed and so have the needs: "Those who live and work in La Graciosa deserve public services that match that reality."
A municipal effort that cannot be eternal
The Teguise Town Hall has been reinforcing municipal services in La Graciosa during peak periods, assuming an extra cost that, according to municipal sources, is not budgeted. The mayor has reiterated that the Town Hall will continue to support all initiatives that contribute to improving security and attention for residents and visitors, but has made it clear that the definitive solution must come from the central government.
For the residents of La Graciosa, this demand is not just a matter of security, but of equality. While other smaller islands have a Civil Guard presence, La Graciosa remains the exception. The mayor concluded: "La Graciosa deserves public services that match its reality and the needs of its residents. This Town Hall will continue to support all proposals that allow us to move in that direction."
The ball is now in the court of the Spanish government. Meanwhile, the residents of La Graciosa will continue to wait for words to turn into action, and for the eighth island to stop being the great forgotten in terms of security.
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