Africa-Press – Cape verde. At a Grand Gala with the Cape Verdean community in Boston, Ulisses Correia e Silva praised the country’s trajectory, highlighted achievements and challenges, and called for the diaspora’s collaboration in preserving Cape Verde’s international image.
Prime Minister (PM), Ulisses Correia e Silva, is on an official mission to the United States and Portugal, as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Independence, under the motto “Cape Verde, our pride, our future”.
“Happy celebration of 50 years of independent Cape Verde. Cape Verde, our pride, our future”, began the Head of Government, stressing that the event in Boston was a celebration of “the history of our resilient Creole nation, with pride and lessons that allow us to project a bright future for all Cape Verdeans”.
Ulisses Correia e Silva recalled the important moments in the country’s history: “We were a Portuguese colony for 500 years. We gained independence on July 5, 1975, as a result of several battles and several protagonists, with Amílcar Cabral standing out. We achieved freedom and democracy in 1991. Today, we are a democracy respected throughout the world.”
Pointing to the progress achieved over the last few decades, the Prime Minister highlighted the overcoming of adversities.
“We were a very poor country. We died of hunger in the 1940s. We resisted droughts. Today, we are an upper-middle-income country, with food security. We have a successful diaspora, an integral part of the nation.”
Among the advances recorded, he cited investments in renewable energy, tourism, blue and digital economy: “We transformed wind and sun into renewable energy, the sea into tourism, blue economy and water. We approached the world with connectivity. We invested in innovation and digital economy.”
“Still at the Gala with the Cape Verdean community in Boston, I was able to express what I consider essential at this historic moment: this trajectory of a resilient nation is a reason for us to believe and reinforce confidence in our capabilities and in our country.”
The Government leader stressed that Cape Verde is today “a democratic and credible country in the concert of nations”, well positioned in international rankings of stability, good governance, transparency, freedom of the press and economic freedom.
One of the highlights of his speech was the mention of Cape Verde’s recent elevation to Upper Middle Income Country. “An extraordinary milestone for Cape Verde. Few African countries have achieved this feat,” he said.
Recognizing, however, the challenges that persist, Correia e Silva pointed to concrete data: “We are aware of the challenges: 25% poverty and 20% youth unemployment. But we have chosen virtuous transformative optimism.”
The Prime Minister also assured that the Government is working to respond to the concerns of Cape Verdeans, including inter-island transport. “A dedicated boat will soon operate on the Praia/Maio and Fogo/Brava routes. I reaffirm my commitment to resuming TACV flights to the US later this year.”
At the end of his speech, he made an appeal to the emigrant community in the United States, at a time when Cape Verde is included in the list of countries at risk of visa restrictions: “I ask for the collaboration of our community: it is important to comply with the terms and rules of stay. This protects our community and the good reputation of Cape Verde.”
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