Brava only gets what it deserves - Raul Spinola

Nova Sintra City, July 21, 2025 (Bravanews) - A few years after he left Ilha Brava for the United States of America, emigrant and influencer Raul Spinola expresses deep discouragement with the island's reality, stating categorically that "Brava only has what it deserves. nobody cares about Brava. Neither the Bravenses, nor the locally elected representatives, nor the government take the island into account." This statement, made on social media with a tone of resignation, echoes the feeling of frustration of many who dreamed of the island's development and who today see a scenario of stagnation.

Jul 22, 2025 - 19:52
Jul 19, 2025 - 20:00
 0  82
Brava only gets what it deserves - Raul Spinola
Brava only gets what it deserves - Raul Spinola

Raul Spinola, known for sharing his daily life and concern for the island of Brava on social media, has always been in a spirit of optimism and hope to contribute to the island's progress. His journey, accompanied by hundreds of followers, initially showed that with everyone's support it would be possible to improve the reality of the island of Brava. However, over the years, his publications began to reveal a growing concern about the lack of infrastructure, the scarcity of opportunities and the apparent indifference of the authorities and the population itself towards the future of Brava.

Spinola's disillusionment is palpable when he points the finger at all those involved: the Bravenses themselves, whom he accuses of apathy; the local elected representatives, who, according to him, don't keep their promises; and the central government, which seems to have forgotten about Cape Verde's smallest and, for many, most forgotten island. This generalized criticism suggests a vision of abandonment that extends to all levels of responsibility.

The island of Brava faces persistent challenges that contribute to the scenario of stagnation. The lack of a safe port and regular and efficient maritime connections remains a crucial obstacle to economic and social development. The transportation of goods and people is hampered, making life on the island more expensive and discouraging investment. The precariousness of basic services, such as water and energy supply, is also a constant complaint from residents.

In addition to infrastructure, Brava struggles with a lack of job opportunities, especially for young people. The local economy, predominantly based on subsistence farming and incipient tourism, is unable to absorb the workforce, leading many Bravenses to emigrate in search of a better life. This vicious cycle contributes to depopulation and the island's loss of vitality.

Raul Spinola's voice, as a digital influencer, acquires significant weight when expressing these criticisms. His platform allows his concerns to reach a wide audience, both in Cape Verde and in the diaspora, giving visibility to problems that are often left out of the media spotlight. Spinola's outburst is not just a personal lament; it is an echo of the feeling of frustration of many who have invested in Brava, be it with their time, their money or their hopes.

His statement "Brava only gets what it deserves", although harsh, can be interpreted as a call to action, a wake-up call for a change of attitude on the part of everyone involved. The future of the island of Brava, as Spinola seems to suggest, will depend on a joint effort and a genuine commitment to its development, rather than a continued indifference that condemns it to stagnation.