Adeje, 06 December 2025
Clio O’Flynn, a well-known journalist and long-time resident of Adeje’s Callao Salvaje, has been awarded an honorary British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her outstanding service to the English-speaking community in the Canary Islands.
The distinction was presented by the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, at the Convento de Adeje, in an event chaired by Manuel Luis Méndez Martín, councillor for the Department of the Presidency.
For more than a decade, O’Flynn has been a central figure for the British and English-speaking population of south Tenerife. Through her programme “Adeje English Time” on Radio Sur Adeje 107.9 FM, she has consistently delivered clear, reliable information on administrative procedures and, crucially, guidance during the challenges surrounding Brexit.
O’Flynn works with EMSA (Adeje’s Municipal Public Services Company) in coordination with the Town Hall’s Communication Office and multiple other departments including Social Welfare, Protocol, and Tourism. She also manages the Adeje Town Hall news blog and related social media accounts, ensuring that essential information reaches foreign residents on every platform.
Her role during the COVID-19 pandemic was especially praised, as she provided vital updates through written, audio, and video channels, helping residents understand rapidly changing regulations and public health measures.
Having lived in Callao Salvaje for over twenty years, one of the most multicultural areas of Adeje, O’Flynn has become a trusted voice and a bridge between the municipality and its diverse international community. Her work has empowered foreign residents to better understand their rights and responsibilities and to feel more connected to local institutions.
Clio O’Flynn is recognised not only in Tenerife but also in Ireland, where she previously served as director of RTÉ’s National Radio, and in the United Kingdom, where media outlets such as RTÉ and the BBC regularly turn to her for context on Canary Islands and Spanish affairs. Her expertise has played a key role in countering misinformation that sometimes circulates in UK media.
Adeje Town Hall congratulates Cliodna O’Flynn on this richly deserved honour, acknowledging her tireless dedication to public service and her exceptional ability to unite communities through accurate, compassionate communication.
Calle Grande nº1, 38670 Adeje, Tenerife
Tel.: 922 756 200 · Fax: 922 710 405 · www.adeje.es