Canary Islands president honors families who founded Montevideo

Fernando Clavijo Batlle, president of the Canary Islands, paid tribute to the "bravery" and "courage" of the Canary Islander families who were instrumental in the founding of Montevideo 300 years ago during his visit to Uruguay.

Clavijo acknowledged that the Canary Islands face significant challenges with migration. He drew a parallel to the historical migrants who "packed all their belongings in a suitcase or trunk and set sail for the unknown." He noted that these families not only founded a city but also left a lasting and prominent mark on Montevideo, which remains evident 300 years later.

During a symbolic ceremony at the 'Monument to the First Group of Canary Families Who Populated Montevideo,' Clavijo laid a floral offering. He emphasized that the tribute was for the "first and second families who arrived in Uruguay," recognizing their bravery and spirit. He also dedicated the homage to "all those people who, over 300 years, have maintained that Canary Islander sense of identity that is so present."

As part of his visit, Clavijo Batlle signed a memorandum of understanding with the Uruguayan government to reinforce the historical connections between the two territories. He also met with Canary Islander families and their descendants and participated in a forum encouraging Uruguayan businesses to leverage the Canary Islands as a strategic intercontinental hub for accessing European and African markets.

Later, Clavijo Batlle was scheduled to join Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi in honoring national hero José Gervasio Artigas on the 262nd anniversary of his birth.

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Hoy lo que hemos querido es rendir homenaje a todo eso, a esa valentía y ese arrojo, a esas primeras y segundas familias que llegaron a Uruguay