INTERVIEW
Fernando Fernández became Mayor of Coín after the local elections in May 2011. In his first interview with SUR in English, the Mayor answers questions about the services provided in Coín and talks about his desire to see foreign residents enjoy more of the town’s cultural events.
20.12.11 - 12:50 -
Mayor. Fernando Fernández encourages integration. R. L.
Fernando Fernández became Mayor of Coín after the local elections in May 2011. In his first interview with SUR in English, the Mayor answers questions about the services provided in Coín and talks about his desire to see foreign residents enjoy more of the town’s cultural events.
Until the early part of 2011 there were daily English language programmes on Canal Coín Radio and weekly local news summaries in English on Canal Coín Television. Are there plans to reinstate these services?
The English programming on both the radio and television was cut before I was elected Mayor of Coín in May. We are ready to start broadcasting regular English language programmes on the radio right now but because of the council’s difficult financial position, we are looking for volunteers to become involved. The weekly news reports are more difficult to arrange as the production team at Canal Coín has been reduced from 16 down to ten staff members. Collating and translating a whole week’s worth of local news would be a difficult task for a volunteer. It is something that could be looked at in the future.
The ‘International Day’ festivals in the past attracted lots of visitors to the town and involved lots of different cultural groups providing a diverse range of foods, crafts and entertainments. Are there plans to organise similar multicultural events in Coín?
This is something we could look at for next year. Issues surrounding changes for Coín’s Tourism Office this year meant the festival did not take place but promoting understanding of the different cultures we have in Coín is very important to us.
You attended The Royal British Legion Remembrance Day service in Coín this year for the first time. What did you feel about the experience?
It was very moving, beautiful and emotional. I think that the fact that the British community recognises the sacrifices made such a long time ago is very noble. I was impressed that the ceremony takes place every year on the same day and I was moved to hear the names of Spanish servicemen read out amongst those that have died whilst serving in conflicts within the last year. We have nothing like this event in Spain. I have kept the poppy I was given, in my office at the town hall.
How many British residents are there in Coín?
As of right now there are 2,809 on the local register or ‘padrón’ but in reality I think there are more that have not yet registered.
Has the council considered staging an ‘intercambio’ event to bring British residents together with Spanish residents that want to improve their English?
We already have a ‘Time Bank’ here in Coín where people can swap their own time and skills with others that have different skills to offer. This could be a great way for people to exchange language skills but we could certainly look at creating an event to introduce those wanting to learn English and Spanish.
How can foreign residents get more out of the community in Coín?
I encourage everyone, of all nationalities to take part in the celebrations we have over Christmas and New Year. They are for everyone to enjoy. Come and join us on the 23rd December for the ‘Estrella solidaria’ event where Christmas tree stars are sold for 1 euro to help poor families in the town, or for an afternoon of free cake and hot chocolate on Boxing day. The council is also running a series of organised walks in and around the town. These events are open to everyone and are an easy way of participating with other residents.
.. and the Mayor’s final comment was “Merry Christmas and best wishes to everyone in Coín!“
