Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Carlos Monteiro, explained today that the transfer of the 2025 National Youth Forum to Praia was a result of the high tourist occupancy in Boa Vista, making it impossible to find accommodation for participants.
Carlos Monteiro, speaking to Inforpress during the second day of the National Youth Forum, clarified that all accommodations, from resorts to small hotels, are completely full, including temporary rental units through platforms like Airbnb.
Monteiro stressed that even with the funds provided to young people to cover accommodations, it would be impossible to guarantee that they would find lodging.
“We couldn’t let young people arrive at Boa Vista airport and not find a place to stay (…) it’s a reality of the island, at this moment it’s completely full,” he stated.
The official clarified that the decision was not related to the centralization in Praia and rejected criticisms in that regard.
He recalled that national and regional forums have already been held in Ribeira Brava de São Nicolau, Tarrafal de São Nicolau, Ribeira Grande de Santo Antão, Porto Novo, Brava, and São Filipe do Fogo, showing that the event has covered several islands.
Carlos Monteiro also announced that between February and March of next year, the Government will hold a large national event in Boa Vista with young people from all municipalities and the diaspora.
He emphasized that contacts are already underway with businesses and hotel units to guarantee adequate accommodation in advance.
Regarding the young people initially selected in Boa Vista to participate in the forum, the minister admitted that not all were able to travel to Praia.
The official explained that professional, family, and logistical reasons prevented some of the group from attending and pointed out that these situations will be considered at the meeting scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, which will take place on the island.
“It’s a shame they can’t be here, but they will certainly be able to attend the event to be held in Boa Vista,” he concluded.
The National Youth Forum 2025 concludes today after two days of debates, visits, and activities led by young people from all municipalities across the country.
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