The Gazette Lanzarote Jan 2014 | Page 19

orruption Judgments C T Almost five years ago, special police officers flew onto Lanzarote unannounced to carry out a number of raids. The resulting charges, known as the Union Case, form the largest corruption case the island has ever seen. And now, finally, it looks as though some verdicts will be given and sentences passed. The Union Case, however, is just ourism on the Up! Last year´s good tourist figures promise to improve, if booked flights and scheduled routes are anything to go by. However, the prospect of further stagnation in the Eurozone is not so promising. In the past, bad economic news seems to have affected mainland European markets, while British and Irish holidaymakers seem to respond to crises with even more keenness to get some sun on their faces. Lanzarote’s recent efforts to remodel itself as a sporting destination have been successful, but it also remains true that the sun and sea holiday is still the staple of the island´s most important trade, and if the island is to thrive it must, first and foremost, focus on doing what it does best. arty Time P Dimas Martín: verdict is due one of a number of corruption cases, and it is increasingly clear that Lanzarote’s political sector has failed to renew or change itself. Voters are increasingly fed up of the whole rigmarole and parties which present candidates who are accused of corruption, or who continue to represent the same old business interests as usual, could well get a shock in the May elections. On February 16th, the streets of Arrecife will fill with dancers, drummers, musicians and thousands of folk in wild and wonderful costumes as carnival officially starts on Lanzarote. Over the following weeks it will visit each of the islands resorts, and will undoubtedly be as big, brash and noisy as ever. On March 20th, from around 8 am, everyone in Europe will get the chance to see an eclipse of the sun. It will be your last chance in Europe to see this event until 2026. Plenty of cheeky costumes at carnival Your Travel Experts In Lanzarote Flights - Hotels - Car Hire - Cruises - Package Holidays - Tours - Travel Insurance and Much More Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.30am - 1.30pm and 4.30pm – 7.30pm Saturday and Sunday: By appointment only Phone: (+34) 928 825 209 - Email: [email protected] - Find us at: Calle La Rosa (corner with Avenida El Mar) - Costa Teguise The Gazette | January 2015 | 19