Jose Andrade's right of reply from the MAA Delegate on the island of Brava
Dear Delegate I hereby express my institutional respect, but also a growing sense of frustration, shared by many farmers and breeders on Brava - men and women who, despite enormous difficulties, continue to work to ensure the livelihood of their families and the resilience of our island's agricultural sector.
I was surprised to see an official publication by the MAA Delegation which, instead of promoting dialogue, opted for a public response with information that does not accurately reflect reality.
The most worrying thing is that this publication was made without any prior attempt to contact me directly - neither by technicians nor by the Delegation's officials. I consider this attitude to be profoundly counterproductive.
This isn't just a failure of communication - it's a lack of institutional respect for producers who, in good faith, have been warning of the sector's challenges for years.
At the very least, a listening effort was expected before any public trial.
2. About the meeting of farmers and breeders
At the meeting attended by several farmers and the Mayor, I was chosen as spokesperson by a group of colleagues, not out of personal vanity, but out of trust built up over decades of work in the sector.
What I shared in that space was not an isolated opinion, but the reflection of a collective frustration. The lack of technicians on the ground, intermittent veterinary support and the abandonment of public infrastructures are facts. Ignoring these concerns or trying to disqualify them publicly only deepens the mistrust between producers and the Delegation.
3. On public investment in the Sorno area
With regard to the facilities in Sorno, it is essential to restore the truth: the restoration of that agricultural area was carried out on my own initiative, without any direct financial support from the State.
The State has drilled in various parts of the island, and only in Sorno has there been success - on land that, it should be emphasized, is public land. I've had a valid contract with the state for its use and development for over ten years now.
What baffles us is the total lack of technical support. In the last two years, there hasn't been a single visit by the delegation to Sorno.
This is an abandoned public investment - and the indifference with which it has been treated is unacceptable.
4. On the accusation of personal interests
I deeply regret that any constructive criticism is immediately interpreted as personal interest. I'm 74 years old, and if I continue to speak out, it's because I believe that Brava deserves better. I'm not looking to benefit myself.
What I want is to see this island with more valued producers, young people with more support, and truly functional public investments.
Disqualifying our voice with veiled accusations is not only unfair, it reveals a lack of openness to dialogue.
5. Paths to the future
We believe - despite everything - that it is possible to rebuild trust between producers and the Delegation. But this requires concrete changes.
We demand a Delegation that is present, that listens, that acts on the ground, that dialogues with humility and commitment. The Brava countryside is not governed from the office, nor via social media.
I reiterate my total willingness to collaborate seriously and constructively with the Delegation and all institutions whose mission is to improve life in the rural areas of our island.
But this collaboration requires mutual respect, active listening and above all concrete action.
With esteem, but also with the firmness that the moment demands,
José Andrade
Agriculturist
Brava, Cape Verde
