News

Formentera coordinates help for possible victims of needle spiking

Friday, 12 August 2022 09:09

foto 2022 actuacio punxades The Consell de Formentera has held a coordination meeting to set the protocol for assisting victims of forced injections of date rape drugs or other substances. The meeting was attended by Rafael Ramírez, councillor of social welfare; Josep Marí, councillor of interior, and representatives of Formentera Local Police, Civil Guard and Formentera Hospital.

"Drugging women, whether by needle spiking or other gender-based violence, is absolutely unacceptable", said Councillor Ramírez, who asserted that "any such attacks are crimes which will be prosecuted". He stressed that "needle spiking is a way to dissuade women from going out and enjoying festivities and nightlife". Ramírez insisted, "Women should be able to participate in festivities without fear and the Consell de Formentera, in collaboration with other security forces and the hospital, will work to make sure this is the case".

Councillor Marí stressed that "it is important that female victims of needle spiking know that the public administrations will give them full support and attention". Formentera Local Police, Civil Guard, emergency 112 service and Formentera Office of Social Welfare staff, who will man the "No Means No!" (No i punt!) tent, will follow an emergency protocol to support victims. "All these administrations will coordinate to provide the best care to victims at this delicate time", said Rafael Ramírez.

Meeting participants were also briefed on recommendations for possible victims of spiking by injection and witnesses able to assist victims. These recommendations were agreed between the Balearic Government and island councils.

-If at a private business establishment, notify staff. If at a public celebration, visit the local "No i punt!" stand.
-Call 112, Formentera Local Police and/or Civil Guard.
-Follow instructions from Formentera Local Police, Civil Guard or "No i punt!" staff.
-Stay with your group of friends if you are not feeling well.
-If you find a victim, listen to them and offer to call a friend for support. Do not leave them alone.
-Visit the Formentera Hospital emergency room, where tests can be performed.
-If in need of psychological care, call 112 for the on-call psychologist.
-File a complaint with Civil Guard.

IBDONA's 24-hour service is also available at 971 178 989 and the Women's Information and Assistance Service (9.00am to 2.00pm, Monday to Friday) at 971 321 271.

This protocol has been sent to Espai Dones and the local small and medium-sized business association (PIMEF).

12 August 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Promoting Catalan in local commerce, hospitality and services

Thursday, 11 August 2022 11:43

The Language Advisory Service (Servei d'Assessorament Lingüístic, SAL) of the Consell de Formentera is pleased to announce assistance to promote the use of Catalan in commerce, hospitality, industry and services on Formentera.

The assistance is intended to cover the costs of Catalan-language actions –business and vehicle signage, labels, printed material and restaurant menus, merchandising, work clothes and design of web pages, QR codes and electronic platforms– implemented between 1 January 2021 and 30 September 2022, with up to €1,000 per beneficiary.

Through collaboration with the local business community, this line of aid seeks to extend the use of Catalan in socioeconomic activities and, in particular, "to influence the linguistic landscape of the island, which is a reflection of the vitality of Catalan and an essential part of its normalisation", explains Raquel Guasch, councillor of language policy.

Interested parties can submit their application and supporting documentation until 15 October 2022 at the Citizen Information Office (OAC) or at the Virtual Citizen Information Office (OVAC). Application forms can be obtained at SAL (Carrer del Arxiduc Lluís Salvador, 2) or downloaded from the Consell de Formentera website.

11 August 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Formentera offers visitors 24-hour FAQ service via WhatsApp

Tuesday, 09 August 2022 10:52

The Formentera Office of Tourism is pleased to announce that the WhatsApp-driven information service it offers to visitors in seven languages is now available 24 hours a day. Previously, this service was only available during office hours, but now, thanks to a computerised system of frequently asked questions, information can be provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Individuals who wish to be attended by a person may contact the service Monday to Friday 8.00am to 3.00pm (except holidays).

Alejandra Ferrer, vice-president and councillor of tourism, said, "This is the 21st century, and we are committed to these communication tools that are so widespread among the population". She explained, "The goal is to reach and serve as many visitors as possible and offer them information that makes their stay on the island more satisfactory. It also means we can publicise year-round activities that don't revolve around the sun and the beach".

The service can be reached at 607 111 716, and further information can be found on the Consell de Formentera website and at tourist information points. Today, five years after Formentera unveiled its free WhatsApp-powered questions hotline, a wide array of information is available, including details on cultural events, the opening hours of heritage sites, conditions at beaches and more. The service is offered in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, Italian, German and Dutch. Telephone calls are not answered.

9 August 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Sala d'Exposicions 'Ajuntament Vell' welcomes 'Aaron Keydar–Anthology: 50 years of research in wood'

Thursday, 11 August 2022 09:29

The Formentera Office of Culture is pleased to announce that from 17 to 27 August, Sala d'Exposicions "Ajuntament Vell" will host "Aaron Keydar–Anthology: 50 years of research in wood".

The exhibition is composed of 15 sculptures made between 1975 and 2021. Keydar presents works crafted from olive, almond, pine and juniper tree wood and black amber. Part of his work has a figurative component.

Keydar, who trained as an architect, studied in Israel and London. He has lived on Formentera for fifty years, and this is where he began working with wood, as he says, "accidentally", first making furniture and later sculptures. His works are part of public and private collections.

The exhibition opens Tuesday 16 August at 8.00pm, and can be seen Monday to Saturday, 11.00am to 2.00pm and 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

Sala d'Exposicions "Ajuntament Vell" is closed Sundays, holidays and Monday mornings.

11 August 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Formentera Local Police continue efforts to stop illegal house parties

Monday, 08 August 2022 14:08

foto 2022vii venda ambulant From Thursday to Sunday, Formentera Local Police (Policia Local de Formentera, PLF) responded to 13 illegal house parties on the island, and cited 28 violations of municipal ordinances on the environment, health and pollution. In accordance with legislation on public safety, 26 reports were issued involving disobedience and obstruction of an officer of the law. The department additionally cited 27 vehicles for obstructing the roadway or access to dwellings.

PLF are now making arrangements with estate agencies and property owners, who are required to register guests, to identify and fine guests who refuse to identify themselves pursuant to the law. PLF applauded certain owners for their collaboration. At four of thirteen parties, guests were dispersed when PLF officers arrived on the scene.

On 30 July, PLF and Civil Guard began collaborating on nightly sunset patrols near Es Cavall d'en Borràs to prevent parties in the nature reserve.

Ana Juan and Josep Marí, president and interior councillor of the Consell de Formentera, respectively, praised PLF officers for their tireless work this summer to stop unlawful parties, as well as agents of the Civil Guard and the Citizen Safety Unit of the Civil Guard (USECICO) for their special efforts to keep islanders safe.

Itinerant vending
From May to 7 August, PLF reported 185 cases of itinerant vending. The Consell de Formentera has launched an educational push under the slogan "Protect local commerce: say NO to itinerant vending!" Fruit, drinks, clothing, accessories and jewellery sold on beaches are not subject to legally mandated food and quality controls and represent unfair competition for Formentera businesses.

8 August 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera