Mayor says isolation hinders the island's economic development
The mayor of Brava today considered that the island is completely "helpless and isolated", stressing that the lack of connection with the other islands is preventing its economic growth and development process.
Amândio Brito, who was speaking to the media, pointed out that local economic operators are also showing despair, saying that they can no longer cope with the current situation.
Various business houses were forced to close their doors, resulting in unemployment and hardship for many families.
According to the mayor, stores are often empty and lack basic necessities such as water, corn for animals and other essentials.
The lack of regular transportation has caused delays in the arrival of goods, with traders reporting that their cargo takes weeks or even months to reach the island.
"The population now fears the impact of the crisis on the Christmas and New Year festivities, as well as the consequences of a bad agricultural year, especially for the most vulnerable families," he said.
However, the mayor admitted that the improvements that sometimes occur are always short-lived, are not sustainable and do not give anyone confidence.
In addition to the lack of transportation, he added that Bravenses highlight the high cost of living on the island.
"Everything is more expensive on the Brava, basic products, building materials, and this on an island where purchasing power is much weaker," he said.
The situation, according to the mayor, has worsened and isolation has compromised local economic and social development.
The mayor said that the lack of sustainable solutions to the problems of transportation, water and health is seen as the main barrier to progress on the island.
"Without solving these three problems, Brava risks becoming an uninhabited island. We're losing our young people, our energy and our future," he warned, calling for urgent intervention from local and central authorities.
"We are with the people and always with them, at all times. We were elected to serve all of them, whatever the moment," he concluded.
