José Manuel Bolieiro says "balance is needed between success and regional ambitions"
São Roque do Pico
Presidência do Governo Regional
On Tuesday, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, praised the working model between the Government and the Pico Island Council, highlighting the success achieved in prioritising action for that island.
According to the government official, this collaboration has generated results that "fulfil the population's aspirations." It has transformed the Azores into a "Region of opportunities."
Regarding accessibility, one of the concerns raised by the Island Council, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the improvements in inter-island air transport and connections abroad. Between 2022 and 2023, inter-island flights to Pico increased by 14% with occupancy rates of 77% and 78%, respectively. In 2024, until September, the occupancy rate rose to 81% with the number of passengers disembarking reaching 102 thousand until October, a growth of 9% compared to the same period last year. It is estimated that 122 flights will be operated in the last two months of 2024, guaranteeing 16 thousand seats.
As for Pico Airport, the President mentioned the need for "continuous reflection on improvements and infrastructures," assuring that the analysis will be careful to guarantee sustainability and good operability.
Health was another area of focus, where concerns were raised about the deterioration of infrastructures on Pico Island. The President of the Government assured that the Azorean Government has provided specific responses, namely through the digitisation of health services, the relocation of specialists and the acquisition of diagnostic equipment.
The figures reflect the progress: between 2021 and October 2024, an average of 343 consultations and 10 auxiliary diagnostic examinations were carried out each month, totalling 15,793 consultations with specialist doctors over the same period. In 2023, there were 77 telephone consultations, which rose to 107 between January and October 2024.
The President of the Government reiterated his commitment to continuing to manage the ambitions of a Region that has been transforming itself, emphasising that "growth generates greater desire for growth."
"We have promoted success. Now it is important to manage that success and the ambitions that come with it, in different areas," he said.
The head of the Azorean Government also noted that these efforts have made it possible to transform the Azores into a Region now known for its opportunities.
This model of joint action between the Azorean Government and Island Councils reflects the Government's commitment to listening to the people and responding to their expectations, contributing to the prestige of Pico Island and the Azores as a whole, stated the President of the Government.
