Voting: It's as easy as ABC

And that is one of the reasons why ABC Menorca, the association for English-speaking businesses operating on the island, was formed. Instead of grumbling behind closed doors, by meeting with similarly minded individuals, we can learn from each other's experiences, creating a common voice on the issues that affect us. ABC Menorca, a professional association under the umbrella of CAEB, the Confederation of Business Associations on the Balearic Islands, aims to give isolated English-speaking business people a support network. We've already run free Spanish lessons, advised members on arbitration, and one member has accessed free office space through CAEB. Working together gives us strength, creates new contacts and brings multiple benefits to our businesses.

On Tuesday last week, a group of association members and contacts got together for a Networking Breakfast. It was an opportunity for us to get back in touch with friends and colleagues now that the summer season is firmly behind us, and a chance to make new contacts. Those present included people who have spent many decades on the island, and those who arrived just a few months ago. Our membership spans estate agencies, property services companies, photographers and writers, IT experts and entrepreneurs. Together we form a group of individuals committed to Menorca, one that benefits from tourism directly or indirectly. We have no political affiliation or sympathies; we just simply share a desire to make Menorca a better place to live and work.

At Tuesday's meeting, Deborah Hellyer, the British Honorary Consul, spoke to us about registering to vote. If we, as business owners, work under Spanish laws and regulations, then we should certainly ensure we play a role in determining them. At a recent ABC Menorca meeting, I was shocked that while all paid their tax and social security bills with British punctuality, only a third of those present had actually registered to vote! As Deborah explained, it is so simple to register to vote – a question of visiting your town hall and filling out a form. Come along to an ABC meeting and we'll give you one of those forms. If we do not demand this right to vote in local elections, it will not be granted automatically. One vote, you may think, will have little impact – but as a collective, the British population on Menorca does have the power to bring about changes on a local level. We have until the end of the year to register and ensure we are on the electoral census in good time before elections in May 2011. The countdown has begun! Make sure you are registered to vote.

ABC Menorca's next meeting will be held at CAEB's offices in Maó's industrial estate on Wednesday 24th November at 1730 hrs. All are welcome to attend. For more information contact Wendy Mitchell (607 916 005) or Nicki Millan (619 574 679).