Carlos Burgo denounces crisis in maritime transport and losses for Brava Island

In strong and direct statements, Burgo pointed the finger at the lack of an adequate fleet as the root of the problem. "The current situation in the maritime transport sector, which is inexorably worsening, is the result of the fact that this archipelago country of nine inhabited islands does not have an adequate fleet," he said.

The former government official harshly criticized the current "concession" model, claiming that it does not provide for the investments needed to build a robust fleet, despite the drastic increase in freight transport rates. For Burgo, this is an essential aspect and a "raison d'être for a concession".

"Without the necessary investments, it is not possible to provide the agreed service," he stressed.

Burgo questioned the logic of the State in continuing to assume the business risk and acquire ships, while the "concession" fails in its fundamental purpose. "If it is the State that is going to acquire ships and continue to assume the business risk, then this shameful act, which in practice is not and, technically, cannot be considered a service concession, should be put to an end and a fleet manager should be hired," he proposed.

Carlos Burgo did not hold back on criticizing the management of CV Inter Ilhas' schedules, describing the service as "reduced and deplorable". He reported situations that demonstrate unpredictability and disregard for passengers.

"In the 'adapted operational model' of CV Inter Ilhas — what a pompous name for the reduced and deplorable service that is provided! — the timetables are worth what they are worth," declared Burgo. To illustrate the chaos, the former governor of the Bank of Cape Verde shared a specific example: "Yesterday afternoon (20 May), that is, the day before, passengers were informed that the Brava-Fogo-Praia route for today, the 21st, was moved to the 23rd. My trip, which was scheduled for the 25th, Sunday, was moved to Tuesday, the 27th."

This lack of reliability has serious consequences, especially for the Cape Verdean diaspora and the tourism sector. Burgo issued a direct warning: "Emigrants with a return date should be careful!" And regarding tourism, the situation is bleak: "Tourists are no longer visiting the island and hotels are empty."

Carlos Burgo's indignation culminated in a fierce criticism of the government's rhetoric, which ignores the harsh reality experienced by the islands. "So we are in what snake oil salesmen and their dishonest colporteurs call the 'Cyber Islands'. What an affront!", he concluded, highlighting the urgency of a change to guarantee an efficient and fair maritime transport service for all the islands, in particular Brava.