Businessman Andy Andrade agrees with Carlos Burgo and criticizes CV Interilhas' neglect of Ilha Brava and the challenges faced by the Bravenses
Nova Sintra City, February 22, 2025 (Bravanews) - Businessman and emigrant Andy Andrade, founder of CV Fast Ferry, has joined forces with ex-Minister and ex-Deputy Carlos Burgo to denounce CV Interilhas' neglect of Ilha Brava. Both have been active voices in pointing out the significant damage that the maritime transport operator's lack of responsibility has caused to the Brava community, and now their statements are drawing attention to the crisis that has already lasted more than a decade.
According to Andrade, who was in charge of CV Fast Ferry from 2011 to 2016/17, the current situation on Ilha Brava is unacceptable. He recalls that during the years he was in charge, the ships "Kriola" and "Liberdadi" regularly left the Port of Furna in the morning and returned in the evening, providing a reliable and stable service to the population. "Even without receiving a penny of government subsidy during that period, the service was profitable and ran efficiently. Ilha Brava was well served and people could rely on the punctuality and safety of the journeys," he said.
However, today's reality is completely different. Andrade made a point of highlighting the contradiction of a situation where, with an annual subsidy of 700 million escudos (CVS) transferred to CV Interilhas, the operator seems incapable of providing a regular service. "With all that subsidy, what do we have? Has the sea suddenly become 'violent', or has the boat become a 'paper boat' unable to cope with the waves?" he asked, with visible indignation. For him, the current situation is incomprehensible, especially considering the substantial investment made in the past to ensure that the ships were suitable for Cape Verde's sea conditions.
Andrade referred to an important investment made during his time in office: the tank test, carried out at the MARIN Institute in the Netherlands, which cost 500,000 euros. This investment was aimed at increasing the ship's capacity to face the most challenging conditions of the Cape Verdean sea, with a "wet deck" that allowed the vessels to adapt to the most aggressive waves. "And now what are we seeing? CV Interilhas claiming that the boats can't travel because of the sea conditions? That's crazy! It doesn't make sense!" he exclaimed.
Andrade highlights the devastating impact that the lack of an adequate maritime transportation service has had on Ilha Brava. For the businessman, the island's isolation is a serious issue that affects not only local development, but also the daily lives of the population. "We can't accept Ilha Brava being treated with neglect. For years, the Bravenses have been abandoned, and today, with more resources at their disposal, we see a total lack of commitment on the part of CV Interilhas," he said.
The transportation crisis is not a recent issue, but the growing dissatisfaction of businesspeople and politicians like Andrade and Burgo reflects frustration with the lack of action and real solutions. Both question the lack of responsibility and transparency in the management of CV Interilhas, and criticize the stance of the company which, with the resources available, should be able to guarantee efficient and safe transport for the population of the more distant islands, such as Brava.
"In my humble opinion, with this behavior of CV Interilhas, the company should close the door and hand over the key. There are no more plausible justifications for this situation," said Andrade, in a clear call for responsibility and real change in the sector.
