Presidency of the Republic NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE: FOR A SOCIETY OF FRIENDSHIP AND BLESSINGS

The PR speaks, in its last communication to the Nation marking the end of 2022 and the start of 2023, about what were the challenges of the year that is now ending and addresses the expectations for 2023, underlining the need for greater dialogue and more unity between Cape Verdeans and those with greater understanding within the political class, to meet the challenges of 2023, still under the sign of a “polycrisis”, with its harmful effects, above all, on families with less possessions.

Above all, PR Neves emphasizes his confidence in the capacity and resilience of Cape Verdeans to overcome the challenges of this new year that is now beginning.

See, in full, the PR message, or if you prefer, read the written version, below.

Cape Verdeans and Cape Verdeans,
A little over a year after my inauguration, I am, once again, celebrating a New Year with you with the feeling that it is possible together to renew hope in a much better Cape Verde for all.

My greeting extends to the hardworking and dedicated Cape Verdean diaspora, recognizing the fact that it has always been present and generous, especially in these years that have been of various challenges for the brothers residing on the islands, and that of asserting itself, today more than ever, as a source of ideas and inspiration for our country's modernization process. I also leave a few words of sympathy for all foreign citizens who have chosen these islands to live and work, as well as appreciation for the resident diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations, for their friendship and solidarity.

During this period, I was able to see firsthand the real dimension of the difficulties, in visits that I made to the islands and municipalities.

The year that is now ending has been difficult and everyone's wish is that 2023 will be much better, despite the uncertainties that still persist regarding the future.

We are closing a year that has already entered under the sign of a polycrisis, with a huge bundle of problems attached. I highlight the pandemic and its devastating effects, whether social, economic, health or political, with very deep losses, and never before imagined, which have resulted in more unemployment, poverty, inequality and social exclusion. And as if that were not enough, the outbreak of conflicts, with emphasis on the war in Ukraine, caused the cost of energy to skyrocket and conditioned the supply chains, with the consequent increase in food prices.

But the picture would only be complete if our vision also encompassed climate change and its severe consequences, namely for our archipelago, as well as the setback of democracies in some countries. The interaction between these different crises results in a world that is more precarious, more disruptive and in apparent chaos, with obvious repercussions in a small country such as Cape Verde. But our well-known hope and already demonstrated capacity for resilience, which allowed us to face and overcome different crises, such as droughts, famines and deaths, will also help us to overcome this adverse situation.

Knowing the temperament of Cape Verdeans, whose history resembles an obstacle race, we know that they will have enough energy resources to face this crisis. We will resort to moral and intellectual reserves to overcome this challenge, as it has been throughout our existence as a people and nation.

However, we have to admit that current times will require profound changes. And I want to believe that, given the current circumstances, everyone – especially political actors – will know how to be more sensitive to the phenomena that the country is currently facing. This means availability for dialogue and consensus between leaders and political forces to improve the functioning and protect the institutions of the Republic, in order to guarantee greater normality, improving the performance of these institutions.

It is time for general mobilization, which is not compatible with excessive politicization, as any waste would be harmful to the country, particularly affecting the recovery of the economy. It is imperative to create a society of friendship, in which the different political parties, work colleagues, neighbors, everyone, can live in peace and harmony and understand each other. It is necessary to avoid the erosion of institutions in the certainty that a society divided and with tensions will not advance.

I hope that this festive season and the so-called “Christmas spirit” will be good advisers for achieving these purposes, namely, reviewing the way of doing politics, changing the relationship between the State and Civil Society, innovating in terms of public policies and in the search for of consensus with a view to a greater and better sharing of power, and to be faster and more sophisticated, with more quality in the decisions. Perhaps here lies the difference between a mature, advanced and modern country and an underdeveloped country.

We are experiencing an economic and social emergency situation and it is at this time that our attention must turn to the families who are facing greater difficulties today, as they are victims of an unequal division of opportunities and income. The State has an indeclinable commitment to the poorest. Complementarily, and where the State does not reach, it is up to NGOs, Civil Society and citizens in general, to channel efforts to contribute so that no one is left behind.

In a context of enormous challenges in the face of the increase in poverty and inequalities, we have to recognize and salute the excellent work of social actors who have spared no efforts to, through their benevolent action and fraternity, bring a little solidarity to those who need it most. , especially this festive season.

This is a message that in our society feelings of love for others, empathy, generosity and the ability to donate still prevail. Our wish is that the longed-for economic growth materializes, and that it also brings development, primarily benefiting those who today face situations of extreme vulnerability and food insecurity.

I hope that this New Year will bring more peace, harmony, civility and security, and that we will be able to put up a good fight against urban violence, especially in the city of Praia. Cape Verde is the land of morabeza and all its citizens and visitors should be able to enjoy an atmosphere of tranquility.

I appeal to you to look into the causes and what will be at the root of the rise in urban violence, to reflect on what may have failed or what went less well. This is always in the certainty that, to varying degrees, there is co-responsibility for the current situation, and that we should focus actions on preventive measures rather than a reactive attitude and very questionable results.
I am pleased to record and highlight the example of young people who, in the past, participated in armed gangs, were in conflict with the law and were arrested, but who are recovering and today have changed their lives and side, being in their neighborhoods leading other young people , but this time with good examples and good deeds.

It is important to do everything to consolidate the institutions of the Democratic Rule of Law, with emphasis on the improvement, greater synchronization and reinforcement of the capacities of the bodies responsible for the administration of justice, security and the fight against crime. Our attention should also focus on the recurrent situation of slowness of justice and the feeling of impunity.

The media and civil society must gain strength and autonomy to play their role better. Universities, as centers of knowledge, are called upon to establish a close relationship with the community in which they are inserted, interacting, investigating and helping to discern the best answers to problems.

We have to know the reality well, in depth, to be able to take the appropriate measures. Otherwise, we would be acting based on perceptions and “guesses”, creating narratives and proclamations that may not correspond to the reality of the facts.

We have the opportunity, in this year of 2023, with hard work and selflessness, open-mindedness and availability for dialogue, love for the land and the will to achieve the common good, to build the Cape Verde that we want.

I end by sending you a big hug from Morabeza and renewing the hope that this New Year will bring everyone more health and happiness, more peace and security, more quality of life and that together we will be able to successfully overcome the arduous challenges that lie ahead. .

A Prosperous New Year!