The Chronic Crisis of Maritime Connections to Ilha Brava: Between Impotence and Inertia - Joao Paulo Silva

The most visible and revolting proof of this systemic failure lies in the island's mini-markets. It's a heartbreaking sight to see shelves lacking basic products such as water, oil and milk. The freezers are often completely empty of meat and fish, compromising not only the commercial supply, but also the dignity and food security of the people of Brava. Maritime transport is not a luxury; it is the island's lifeline, guaranteeing the flow of essential goods, medicines and the fundamental right to mobility for citizens.

The current situation once again highlights the inertia of those in authority. Ilha Brava is invariably the most affected by the fragility of the connection system, and what is most shocking is the lack of a definitive solution on the horizon. There is no robust emergency plan or long-term strategy to put an end to this ordeal.

Brava has been plagued by this problem for decades. The time for palliative solutions and empty promises is over. It is imperative that the government, as the guarantor of the public interest, takes responsibility and urgently makes structural and definitive arrangements on the issue of transport for the island.

Faced with this picture of suffering and neglect, it's time for the population to demand more. Silence and resignation cannot be the answer. It is essential that the voices that resonate in Cape Verdean society - politicians, academics, civic leaders and the diaspora - make themselves heard with clarity and determination. The solution for Brava is a test of the nation's coherence and solidarity. Guaranteeing a stable and secure maritime connection is not just about solving a logistical problem; it is about fulfilling the basic principle of equality and territorial cohesion in the country.

The Resumption of Maritime Connections to Brava - this is my take on the announced resumption of voyages by one of the CVInterilhas Ferries (today November 9, 2025)

Finally, sea connections to Ilha Brava resume today, bringing momentary relief to the population and traders facing days of critical shortages. However, this feeling of relief is immediately accompanied by a deep and justified doubt: How long will we have to remain hostage to this chronic irregularity?.

Today's recovery is just a palliative that doesn't solve the structural problem. The vicious cycle of interruption and precarious resumption demonstrates the failure to guarantee a stable and predictable service, leaving the island in constant logistical uncertainty.

One of the most pressing challenges of this one-off resumption is the issue of frozen products. Although the ship can leave, Brava depends on supplies from Praia. Knowing that today, a non-working day, most of the warehouses and suppliers in the capital are closed, the likelihood of the most sensitive and perishable products - such as meat, fish and other frozen products - actually reaching the island is uncertain. This delays immediate replenishment and exacerbates the situation of empty freezers.

It is absolutely crucial to recognize that this situation is not sustainable. Ilha Brava urgently needs a real and definitive alternative for maritime transportation. It's not just a question of replacing the operator, but of guaranteeing a logistics solution that is resilient, reliable and fail-safe for an island that has historically been neglected in this sector. Stable connections are an inalienable right of the Bravense population and should be seen as a priority for national security and territorial cohesion.

João Paulo Gomes Rocha da Silva

Municipal Deputy

November 9, 2025