Reader’s Letters – November 2025

Our readers regularly send us messages and emails regarding Lanzarote, here are some of your thoughts that we printed in the November edition.

Readers are reminded that views and comments expressed within the Ed’s Postbag page are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the opinions or standpoint of our staff. It should also be noted that we are an independent publication free from political persuasion or governmental censorship.

THANKS TO THE LIFE SAVERS

Dear Gazette,

I arrived again on the island last Sunday 21st September and checked into the Lanzarote Princess in Playa Blanca. Unfortunately, I became very ill very quickly, and my husband called the reception to get an ambulance.

The night manager and security arrived at our room within 4 minutes. Less than 10 minutes later, two ambulances, four paramedics, and two doctors arrived. They saved my life.

I was blue-lighted to Arrecife hospital and, two surgeries and four blood transfusions later, I’m alive because of the amazing responses of those first responders.

I never expected to use the emergency services – I’m usually fit and very well – but they were there when I and my husband needed them the most. In the UK it’s well known you can be kept waiting hours for ambulances and, had this happened there, I wouldn’t be here today.

I hope – in the best way possible – that I never meet those initial responders again, but if they read this, I want them to know I am beyond grateful and wish I could in some way repay them all.

If they read your Gazette, they’ll know who they are, and I hope they, in some small way understand my gratitude.

For locals and residents, you have THE best emergency responders in the world.

You’re the reason I’m now back at the hotel with my family and friends.

You absolutely rock.

Kind Regards, Kathy Cook

GIVE IT BACK

Dear Ed

Lanzarote is growing at an alarming rate and not all for the better for some folk.

I have many friends on Lanzarote, mostly Spanish with just a few chosen English friends. I really feel for the Spanish. They may have earnt money and they do have nice vehicles but it’s not the same for their offspring who cannot afford the property prices or the rental market.

Slow the growth rate down and give a little back, not just new residents but for the island as a whole.

Regards, Peter L Barrett

LETTER OF INVITATION CONCERNS

Dear Gazette

Please can you investigate/ report on the eccentricities of the new Entry Exit Scheme unfolding – more specifically, the complicated, time consuming and outdated procedure for non-resident homeowners wishing to invite family to their home!!!

We must attempt to make an appointment at the police station, fill in a form at the police station with the visitor’s details, collect a bill from the police, take it to a bank and pay €80 – for EVERY MEMBER of the visiting party.

Then return to police station maybe 2-3 weeks later to collect the authorising letter!! How do we possibly conduct all of this from UK?

Colin Sheldrake

Ed: Don’t worry, Colin. The requirement for a letter of invitation has nothing to do with the EES scheme. Despite scare stories in the British press, enforcement is discretionary, and no British visitors have been denounced or fined anywhere in Spain, to our knowledge. If that changes, our readers will be the first to know.