ILHA BRAVA INSPIRES LIFE, POETRY AND OVERCOMING: A TRANSFORMATIVE STORY BY ERMELINDO GOMES BARROS
Writer and civil servant Ermelindo Gomes Barros reveals how Ilha Brava profoundly transformed his personal, literary and academic life. He completed his book and advanced studies during his stay on the island and invites others to discover the magic of the place.
A journey of self-discovery, overcoming and inspiration was born between the mountains and the sea of Cape Verde's smallest inhabited island. Civil servant and writer Ermelindo Gomes Barros, known as Nuno, shared with emotion the profound transformation he experienced when he was assigned to work on the island of Brava in September 2022.
Between the serene breeze, the hospitality of the Brava people and the landscape that inspires poetry, Nuno found much more than a place to work - he found a sanctuary for personal, intellectual and spiritual growth.
Brava welcomed me with heart and soul. It was here that I was able to finish my most intimate book and defend my PhD project in Tourism, as well as successfully completing my Master's Degree in Public and Community Health at the Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde," said the author.
His work, entitled "A man who works, studies and lives alone", is about to be released. It is a poetic and reflective book that sensitively addresses the challenges of reconciling work, study and a solitary life. Brava served as the backdrop and driving force behind this production.
In addition to the literary and academic field, the author highlights the island as a true cultural and natural treasure, citing places such as Fajã d'Água, Monte Fontainhas and the valleys of Mato Grande as inexhaustible sources of contemplation and inspiration.
"A Brava is an invitation to rediscover the essence of life. Every morning is a poem in silence, every face a story of courage, and every corner of the island a living memory of Cape Verdeanness," he said.
Ermelindo's final message is clear: that anyone looking for peace, creativity or a new start should consider Brava as a destination. Because, according to him, the island doesn't just transform lives - it brings out the best in everyone.
