Brava Island could become a “rock raft” if measures are not taken

This is not a literal prediction of a geological event, but rather a powerful metaphor for the feeling of abandonment and progressive disconnection that plagues its inhabitants.

The rugged beauty and tranquility that once graced this small island are now overshadowed by a palpable sense of neglect. The Bravans, known for their resilience and strong cultural identity, feel increasingly forgotten by successive governments since 1975, who seem to prioritise islands with greater population density or tourism potential.

Brava’s isolation is not only geographical; it is also felt in the lack of significant investment in essential infrastructure. Sea and air links, crucial for economic and social development, are often unstable and insufficient. The island’s dependence on favourable weather conditions for boat travel leaves it vulnerable to long periods of incommunicability, affecting access to basic services such as health, education and commerce.

The small size of Brava's population, although contributing to its unique charm, seems paradoxically to be a factor that exacerbates its marginalization. The apparent lack of political and economic "interest" translates into limited allocation of resources and little attention to the island's specific needs.

The people of Brava are watching with growing concern the development of other islands in the archipelago, where investment in tourism and infrastructure seems to be flourishing. This contrast heightens the feeling of injustice and abandonment, fueling the fear that Brava will become, metaphorically, a raft of stones floating adrift, increasingly distant from the center of decisions and opportunities.

Despite the challenges, the resilient spirit of the people of Brava remains alive. Local communities seek alternatives and solutions to mitigate the impact of isolation, keeping alive the hope of a future where their voices are heard and their needs met. However, the question remains: how long can Brava Island resist this silent drift before the feeling of isolation becomes irreversible? The world watches as a small island struggles not to become just a distant memory in the vast ocean.

Ah, José Saramago and his singular vision! If I may quote the work "The Stone Raft" with the depth it deserves, we can say that the book is a powerful allegory about identity, separation and the search for connection.

In Saramago’s ingenious plot, the Iberian Peninsula breaks away from the European continent and begins sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. This extraordinary event serves as a starting point for exploring people’s reactions, social and political changes, and the very essence of what it means to be Portuguese and Spanish, now isolated and adrift.

In the context of Brava Island, the metaphor gains an additional layer of meaning, as it is not a cataclysmic physical event, but rather an isolation felt in the absence of attention and investment, causing the island to feel adrift in the vast ocean of indifference.