Resounding Outcry in Antigua’s Streets: “Our Health Is Not Up for Negotiation”
Indignant residents continue to mobilize in Antigua, demanding the rejection of a 30‑metre‑high telecommunications antenna planned just 50 metres from homes in the El Durazno area. The protest, which began at 10:45 a.m., wound through several streets before reaching the Plaza del Queso, where a manifesto was read aloud. Attendees voiced strong opposition to the antenna’s proposed location.
“We say no to telecommunications antennas near our homes… we publicly declare our firm rejection of installing antennas next to our houses,” declared Carlos González, spokesperson for the neighborhood movement opposing the infrastructure, which is claimed to be of general interest.
In the statement, residents emphasized that “health comes first” and warned that constant exposure to radiation creates fear, especially among children and vulnerable groups.
“The presence of antennas beside residences degrades our environment, creates insecurity, and negatively impacts our coexistence and mental health,” they added. They also demanded an immediate moratorium and appealed to the precautionary principle:
“Our health is not negotiable. Our community will defend itself!”
During the demonstration, Alejandro Reyeros praised the high turnout.
“We are very pleased with the number of people who came. The community is aware now that this is a serious problem affecting everyone.”
He noted that residents have organized daily assemblies at the Plaza del Queso to share information and coordinate joint strategies.
“We have asked for precautionary measures and are waiting to see what happens. We want the works to be halted. There are inconsistencies—what the town hall says versus what our lawyer says—so the litigation continues,” he emphasized.
The Political Pulse
The citizen protest coincides with a heated political clash. Mayor Matías Peña (ALxAN) publicly rejected the antenna’s placement but insists he will not act without legal backing.
“I will not sign any shutdown outside the law,” he declared in a statement, asserting that the town hall has sought dialogue with the installing company and residents to find a “consensual, not imposed, solution.”
Urban Planning councilor David Alberto (AM‑CC) told La Voz de Fuerteventura that he was unaware of the mayor’s meetings with the company and only learned of the project in June. Since then, he has aligned with the residents’ demands, urging the study of alternative locations.
In this context, AM‑CC announced that, thanks to efforts by its national secretary and President of the Canary Islands Government Fernando Clavijo, together with the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, the company Tótem had agreed to temporarily withdraw from the project and explore new sites with the island’s authorities, the town hall, and the regional government. The Cabildo later categorically denied this claim, insisting the company continues with the original plan.
Opposition PP members, the sole opposition party in Antigua, added criticism, demanding greater rigor in information dissemination and denouncing partisan handling.
Residents Pursue Judicial Action
Faced with the stalemate, residents have turned to the courts. Their representing lawyer maintains a divergent stance from the municipal version, arguing there are grounds to request a precautionary suspension of the works—a request that, so far, has received no response.
The neighborhood movement, bolstered by legal support, vows to keep the pressure on the streets and in the courts until the antenna is barred from being installed next to their homes.
“We want a safe, healthy, and life‑respecting neighborhood.”
The manifesto, read during the protest, was signed by numerous residents and representatives of groups such as Fuerteventura Has a Limit, municipal officials—including David Alberto—and members of the ALxAn coalition, such as Fernando Estupiñán and tourism councilor Kristina Rodewig.