Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Minister of Culture and Creative Industries admitted the government’s intention to initiate a dialogue with the owners of Casa de Pico Pires, with a view to its eventual acquisition and recovery.
Augusto Veiga left this possibility when approached about the integration of Casa do Pico Pires into the cultural and museological project of São Filipe, on the sidelines of the launch of the rehabilitation project of the São Filipe Museum, which operates in the century-old mansion that, coincidentally, belonged to the last estate owner of Pico Pires.
Although there is still no final decision, the head of the Culture portfolio stated that his ministry is open to talks with the owner family.
“We have already been alerted about the historical and cultural importance of Pico Pires. We will start the dialogue and then analyze what can be done, it depends on several factors, including financial issues”, explained Augusto Veiga, when asked about this possibility.
The Casa de Pico Pires, due to its “historical and symbolic importance”, could play “an important role” in the heritage enhancement of São Filipe, admitted Augusto Veiga, who indicated that he would return to the island of Fogo next June, taking advantage of the trip to the São João festivities on the island of Brava.
At that time, he summarized, he will begin direct dialogue with the family, in conjunction with local representatives of the cultural sector.
“We want to involve the living forces of São Filipe’s culture in this process”, assured Augusto Veiga, who also highlighted his own awareness of the importance of the space and added that he is aware of the historical relevance of Pico Pires, both from the report broadcast by TCV and from the research he carried out.
“We are attentive and available to discuss ways to preserve it and integrate it into a broader vision of valuing local history,” he said.
Professor and cultural activist Fausto do Rosário is one of the advocates of the idea that the State of Cape Verde should acquire the Casa de Pico Pires, which, according to him, is “the most perfect example” on the island of Fogo of what can be considered the Morgadio.
According to him, Pico Pires has all its structural elements, from the chapel, the main house, warehouses, property boundaries, including the contents that “are extremely valuable”, surpassing the size of the island.
He recalled that it belonged and still belongs to the Sacramento Monteiro family, to the descendants of Tadeu Sacramento Monteiro and Francisco Sacramento Monteiro, the latter being the last heir on the island.
“There is a whole history that is there for all to see, an infrastructure that is a monument in itself, a historical site par excellence, and that needs to be preserved,” said the activist, who considered that the site should become part of the State of Cape Verde and be considered a national monument.
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