New president of the Association of Municipalities of Fogo and Brava defends the creation of a regional maritime company

The new president of the Association of Municipalities of the islands of Fogo and Brava, in Cape Verde, Nuías Silva, has proposed the creation of a regional maritime transport company to respond to the connection difficulties that continue to affect the population.

"We want to design our own solutions, involving emigrants, residents of the two islands, national shipowners and investors interested in creating a regional maritime company," said Nuías Silva, quoted by Rádio de Cabo Verde (RCV).

Also mayor of São Filipe, the mayor was elected on Wednesday to lead the board of the inter-municipal association and advocates a local solution, led by the islands' authorities, to overcome the limitations in maritime connections.

Currently, connections between Fogo, Brava and Santiago have been reduced to just three a week, whereas before they were daily, except on Sundays. "This is clearly insufficient for our ambitions and needs," he criticized, considering that the model in place "has not provided an answer" and that the regions "cannot continue to wait for solutions from outside."

He stressed that it will be necessary to talk to the government and other entities, namely about the licensing of operations and the possible exclusivity of the routes currently under concession. The initiative follows the example of São Vicente and Santo Antão, which benefit from frequent connections and greater regional integration.

In June, dozens of Bravenses demonstrated demanding better maritime transport, holding up placards such as "our taxes count, we want our boats". The Prime Minister acknowledged flaws in the system and pledged to overcome technical and operational constraints.

The irregularity of the connections has hampered mobility and access to essential goods and services on the most isolated islands. In July, CV Interilhas announced the return of the ship Kriola to reinforce the connections between Santiago, Maio, Fogo and Brava, after breakdowns and accidents in the national fleet.