Journey with the Pope. Government says that supposed “escape” of Cape Verdeans in Portugal does not pinch the country’s image

Speaking to Inforpress from the municipality of Tarrafal de São Nicolau, where he is visiting, the Minister of Communities, Jorge Santos, said that the negative and worrying aspect has to do with the fact that these people have gone to an objective which was to participate in World Youth Day (WYD) and they still haven't appeared in the places where they were destined.

“If they went to participate in the days, they should respect the commitment they had with the organizers of the various delegations. Therefore, we hope and appeal for you to participate in WYD, which is an important activity, a unique moment for the Catholic Church”, said Jorge Santos.

The official added that the fact that they did not appear in the places where they were destined could have several readings and stressed that it is necessary to wait before anticipating a crisis that does not yet exist.

“All 913 Cape Verdeans went to Portugal, legally, with a three-month short-term visa. Meanwhile, we are now surprised by the news that a number of young people have not yet signed up for the day's activities. Multiple readings can be taken. There are people who think they can be with family members”, he suggested, indicating that in Portugal there is a community made up of more than 360,000 Cape Verdeans of various generations.

Furthermore, Jorge Santos added that the activities of the Jornada only started today, so these young people still have time to participate in the activities.

“I don't see how this could tarnish Cape Verde's image, on the contrary. At the moment we have many young people going to Portugal. They ask for their visa, there is an agreement between Cape Verde and Portugal in terms of labor mobility. This is a momentary incident that I hope will be resolved,” he said.

Jorge Santos added that the situation was being closely monitored by the Cape Verde ambassador to Portugal, Eurico Monteiro, reiterating the advice for young people to fulfill their commitment to participate in the event.

“Today is the first day of the journey. We still have time for these young people to participate and return after three months. We cannot anticipate a crisis that does not yet exist,” he said.

Information advanced today by deacon Daniel Vaz, coordinator of the Cape Verdean delegation, indicates that of the 913 Cape Verdeans who should participate in WYD starting today, only 400 or so are part of the delegation of people, approximately half of the delegation that left Cape Green.

In a press conference, this Tuesday, the superior coordinating inspector of the Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service, Cláudia Rocha, had revealed the alleged disappearance of 195 young people, of which 168 Cape Verdeans and 27 Angolans.

The official underlined, however, that although they did not appear at the place where they were supposed to be in their activities, it does not mean that they are not authorized to remain in Portuguese territory, not least because all of them went, from the outset, with valid visas to participate.