Following the success of the first meeting held in October, natives of the island of Brava residing in the United States are preparing a second get-together for December. The group leading this movement in favor of Brava hopes to present good news regarding the acquisition, in partnership with the government, of a ship to facilitate sea links between the relatively isolated island and the rest of Cape Verde.

Many potential solutions to the problem have been found. “The participants in the first meeting decided to propose a partnership to the government for the acquisition of a modern, safe, comfortable and fast ship to operate on the Brava-Fogo-Praia route. The embarkation should, in terms of dimensions, be compatible with the docks on Brava and Fogo in order to facilitate port operations,” read the conclusions drawn up after the first meeting.

One alternative suggested by the group, which intends to become a non-governmental organization, is the sale by the government of the ship Praia d’Aguada and the purchase of another, smaller embarkation adapted to local conditions. The group has expressed its willingness and availability to assist the government through the management of a company formed especially for the purpose of operating the ship.

Another solution proposed by the group, which includes engineer David Barros, architect César Silva, business manager Alfredo Balla and retired US army official Olavo Amado, among many others, is the identification and support of an investor wishing to operate the route.

Other problems identified by the group include the island’s less-than-optimal electrical network, scarcity of water, a health system that falls far below minimal international standards, and the absence of qualified teachers. The group has begun to lobby in the United States in favor of the island in order to mobilize support for growth on Brava. The group also intends to identify and raise funds able to contribute toward the acceleration of economic, social and cultural development on the island.