Brava calls for the island's elected representatives to take a stand in the face of the isolation that continues to affect the population

Over the last few days, Bravanews has collected several testimonies from residents and emigrants outraged by the silence and apparent inaction of Bravanese MPs in the face of the current transport crisis that continues to penalize the island. The ship Kriola has been out of operation for a week and nothing has been heard from the "representatives of the people".

"We want to hear from our MP. They were elected to defend Brava, and it's at times like these that we need their voice in Parliament," says a resident of Nova Sintra. "When it's campaign time, they appear with smiles and promises. Now that the people are suffering, they keep quiet."

Other citizens expressed the same frustration on social media, where the theme "Brava isolated and forgotten" once again gained prominence. One widely shared comment read: "We're waiting for them. Let them come to Brava during the campaign to feel what it's like to live isolated, without a boat, without goods and without respect."

The lack of a public stance by Fernanda Burgo and Clóvis Silva - both elected by the Brava constituency, the former by the MpD (Movement for Democracy) and the latter by the PAICV (African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde) - is being interpreted by many as a form of collusion with the government and the Cabo Verde Interilhas (CVI) company, responsible for the maritime connections. Several Bravenses accuse their MPs of lacking political courage and distancing themselves from the island's real problems.

"It's not enough to publish photos in Parliament. We need you to stand up firmly for the people of Brava and demand concrete solutions," says a retired teacher, who fears shortages of essential goods if the situation continues. "This island can no longer be treated like an appendage of Fogo. We are an island with dignity and we need representatives who respect us."

Meanwhile, local traders are warning of the economic consequences of isolation: empty shelves, rising prices and difficulties in supplying basic products. There are also reports of canceled medical appointments and stranded migrants, unable to return to the United States or Europe on schedule.

In street conversations and on social media, a common feeling prevails: the people of Brava feel abandoned by their own representatives. And many guarantee that, in the next elections, memories will not be short. "We're saving everything. When they come to ask for votes, we'll remind them of this silence. The Brava won't forget," concludes a resident of Lém.

While the government remains silent and maritime connections remain irregular, the call is growing for Brava's MPs to break their silence and take a public stance - in defense of the island and its inhabitants, who are living through days of anguish, isolation and discontent.