People from "Campo" or People from"Vila Nossa Senhora do Monte"? A critical look at the local reality

The question that echoes in the minds of local inhabitants, community representatives, emigrants and even the local government is the following: what has really changed since Nossa Senhora do Monte was elevated to the category of Vila? The answer, unfortunately, is "almost nothing, to say nothing".

In theory, the elevation of a locality to Vila suggests a series of improvements and institutional development. It should imply an increase in public services, infrastructure and quality of life for residents. However, in reality and in practice, the situation remains much the same. Nossa Senhora do Monte, now "Vila de Nossa Senhora do Monte", continues to depend almost exclusively on the institutions of the municipal seat, Nova Sintra.

Some of the aspects that highlight this lack of institutional development include the absence of an extension of a police station, a bank branch, a post office and a telecommunications post. In addition, the community lacks an adequate municipal market, a travel agency extension, a hospital facility with minimal conditions, schools with necessary improvements, a civil registry and even a fuel pump. The lack of these basic infrastructures hampers community growth and development.

So, what is missing for Nossa Senhora do Monte to become a true village, not just on paper, but in reality? There are several important considerations to take into account:

• Favorable Geography : The "campo/village" region on paper is one of the largest on Ilha da Brava, covering areas such as Sorno, Faja, Lomba, Ferreiros and Mato, with the exception of Cachaço. Favorable geography provides opportunities for agriculture and other natural resources.

• Economy: The region is economically strong, with a variety of sources of income, including fishing, livestock, agriculture, emigrant remittances, small businesses and rental cars.

• Natural Resources : The presence of rock and sand mines, along with arable land and regular rainfall, provide the basis for economic development.

• Community Organization : With good community organization and the creation of small institutional extensions, Nossa Senhora do Monte could, in fact, become a prosperous village.

However, the excuses often given for lack of development, such as population size, do not seem justifiable. While the population may not be large enough to create institutional extensions, it is evidently large enough for political campaigns and votes. This suggests that, rather than focusing on elections, local representatives and the central government should direct their efforts towards improving the lives of local people.

Ultimately, the elevation of Nossa Senhora do Monte to the category of Vila must be more than a formality on paper. It must be a transformation that brings tangible benefits to the community. The lack of basic services and adequate infrastructure is an issue that deserves urgent attention, and local and national leaders must join forces to ensure that "campo" truly becomes "village" not just in name but in reality.