CHAPTER 01/32 – BRAVA, THE BIGGEST MOTIVATION FOR THE BIG PROJECT!

CHAPTER 01/32 – BRAVA, THE BIGGEST MOTIVATION FOR THE BIG PROJECT!

BOOK: the true and unique history of Cabo Verde Fast Ferry

Brava is known as the island of flowers, is warm and is also the gateway to the United States of America. But, being the only island without an airport and without maritime connections with reliable stopovers, the constant isolation, unfortunately, had great repercussions on its development and, consequently, on the well-being of its inhabitants.

During the summer of 2005, the island received strong support from a former emigrant, the late José Domingos Lopes, who had made his yacht available, whose name was Nossa Senhora do Monte, a yacht that was used for evacuation purposes. and emergency services. This noble gesture came to fill the gap in terms of maritime transport, at least on the Brava / Fogo route. But, on a stormy and windy day, his yacht suffered the fury of the “ocean channel between the two islands”, had its mast broken and almost sank, with 12 people on board. The loss of Nossa Senhora do Monte clearly resulted in the total isolation of the small and remote island of Brava. At the same time, some people, including immigrants, unexpectedly died before they even left the island, thus causing great panic among family members of the diaspora community, in this precise case, in the USA.

The US diaspora population and community, in tune with the local government, began to position themselves, demanding that the government resolve the island's permanent isolation problem. Needless to say, Brava's isolation makes it very difficult to attract public and private investment, both necessary to leverage its development, which greatly undermines its potential. Many who had to leave Brava in search of economic opportunities know this reality very well, and because of this, they are motivated to help, to see their mother island grow and develop. Although the focus was on resolving years of uncertainty and repeated isolation, most believe that, with the transport problem resolved in a "sustainable" way, other economic sectors, such as tourism, fishing, handicrafts, specialized agriculture, among other areas, will certainly attract more investments, especially from the private sector, which can generate jobs to support the population with a decent life.

Many of us strongly believe that Brava will regain its economic place in Cape Verde, provided that the transport problem is resolved, once and for all. The year 2005 was a year of opportunities to stimulate the sustainable development of Brava, through a multi-annual transport strategy. The development that took place on the island of S. Antão showed that growth and transformation are indeed possible, and can be achieved. With this, the main challenge for the island of Brava and for the Republic of Cape Verde was precisely to have a bold vision, based on a realistic plan in terms of connection and maritime.

At this particular moment, and in particular, for me, the reliable connection to the island of Brava became the biggest MOTIVATION.

In Chapter 02, we will talk about the first meeting that took place in Washington, DC with Mr. Ambassador. This true and unique story, comprising 32 chapters, highlights: the why, what, how, when, who and what CVFF really is. Over 32 weeks, the book takes us through the development process of Cabo Verde Fast Ferry, from dream to reality, including promotion, community involvement and years of fundraising, implementation, operations and finally the buying and selling process. leasing of its vessels by the government of Cape Verde.

One of the objectives of this storytelling, a historic initiative stimulated by the Diaspora that transformed the maritime transport sector in CV, is to prepare other members of the world community, on how to deal with an excessive bureaucracy and operate a successful business in Cape Verde. Come, on this special trip to navigate the waters of Cape Verde, which are sometimes quite agitated. For that, be sure to read the next chapter - meeting in Washington, DC with Mr. Ambassador.