Brava: Food shortages overshadow Christmas celebrations on an island with empty shelves.

In statements to the media, the owner of a commercial establishment, José Baptista, considered the situation on the island to be "sad and terrible," since merchants are unable to supply their stores or maintain minimum stock levels due to the absence of a regular cargo ship to the island.

According to the merchant, the authorities have not presented effective solutions to solve the problem, which is already having a significant negative impact on the local economy.

Baptista further added that, even with the daily trips of the ship Kriola, the supply remains insufficient, given that the vessel carries a very limited cargo, in insufficient quantity to guarantee even 15 percent (%) of the island's needs.

"Christmas is just a few days away and we don't have garlic, onions, potatoes, butter, oil, or other essential products. It's sad to see that, as Cape Verde celebrates 50 years of independence, there are still people going hungry due to lack of resources, while the authorities do nothing," he lamented.

The merchant described the situation as "lamentable," emphasizing that the country is small and that "it is incomprehensible that the head of state allows part of the population to live in these conditions."

In turn, housewife Guguta Martins stated that the crisis in Brava has already gone beyond all limits, highlighting that many stores are practically empty and have several products out of stock.

According to the same source, the situation is further aggravated by the fact that it is a festive season, when basic products such as eggs and flour are not available to prepare simple foods like a cake.

“The Government needs to intervene in this situation as soon as possible. I think the authorities are already aware of what Brava is going through. It is urgent to find a cargo ship to solve this problem once and for all, because otherwise we won't be able to cope,” he concluded.