Mayor of Pawtucket, Donald Grebien, forced to travel on the Coast Guard boat deployed on Brava for medical emergencies, on his way back from a visit to Brava Island
Brava, November 8, 2025 - The absence of regular maritime transportation to the island of Brava continues to cause serious constraints, this time affecting even distinguished visitors. The Mayor of Pawtucket, an American city, Donald Grebien, was forced to use a small alternative transportation boat to leave the island, due to the stoppage of official maritime connections that has persisted since November 3.
The journey, according to local sources, was made in suitably precarious conditions, starkly revealing the vulnerability in which the Bravenses and all those who wish to travel to or from the island find themselves. "It's unbelievable that an entire island remains isolated for so long. This isn't just a logistical problem - it's a question of dignity and security," vented one resident who witnessed the Mayor's departure.
Donald Grebien, who was in Brava for an official visit and meetings with local authorities, including the Mayor, Amandio Brito, would have shown understanding for the difficulties faced by the population. However, the episode has caused great embarrassment among local authorities, who have been denouncing the lack of concrete solutions for maritime transport.
The journey of the "barquinho" - a small motorboat used as an emergency alternative - is seen by the population as yet another portrait of the neglect and isolation that the island is experiencing. Many residents have faced similar situations, with trips postponed, food and essential products in short supply, and even medical appointments canceled due to inability to travel.
In recent days, the island of Brava has experienced a new transportation crisis, with empty shelves, bottled water in short supply and migrants extending their vacations because they can't return to their jobs. The silence of the competent authorities has been heavily criticized by residents and public figures.
With the Pawtucket mayor's visit marked by this experience, many hope that the episode will serve to give the situation greater international visibility and pressure the central government to act urgently.
"If even a foreign visitor has to risk his life on a small boat to get to Brava, imagine what the people here face every day," commented one resident of Nova Sintra.
Donald Grebien's visit to Brava followed an agenda of institutional meetings and visits to community projects, but the dominant theme was inevitably the isolation that has plagued Brava for years.
