José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Pico island as "example of cooperation and progress" - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The Regional Government, led by José Manuel Bolieiro, continued the second day of its statutory visit to the island of Pico with a meeting at Lajes do Pico Town Hall, where strategic priorities for the municipality were discussed.

The President of the Government considered the meeting "productive" as it identified areas of special concern, such as health, agriculture, housing and intergenerational support.

The future Lajes do Pico Health Centre, and its construction, was one of the main issues discussed. It will be built on land transferred by the town council, corresponding to an investment of more than eight million Euros.

"This is a clear example of cooperation between the Government and local authorities to ensure better health conditions for the population," José Manuel Bolieiro said, adding that proposals are being analysed for the tender procedure. 

The remodelling and expansion of the Pico Island slaughterhouse, also located in the municipality of Lajes do Pico, is another important investment representing an investment of about eight million Euros. This intervention will increase the refrigeration capacity and, consequently, an increase in the volume of slaughterings, consolidating the local economy.

As for social support, the reconversion of a building originally designed to be the Health Centre was highlighted, which will be refurbished by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia das Lajes do Pico, with government support, to accommodate services for the elderly.

Housing was also on the agenda, with a new housing development identified in Silveira that will create seven plots for construction. This initiative will increase the housing supply within the municipality.

During the visit, the President of the Government also had the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurial projects to be implemented on Pico Island as an example of innovation and growth.

One of them was Fiord'azor - Artisanal Ice Cream in Madalena. This ice cream shop grew out of a small ice cream cart and evolved into a consolidated business in Madalena's municipal market with the support of Government incentive schemes.

The Bioma Restaurant in Lajes do Pico features a shop selling local products, including cured fish, preserves, and fresh food prepared daily, which was another highlight of this visit.

José Manuel Bolieiro praised both ventures, emphasising that "these projects are an inspiration to young people, demonstrating the Region's potential as a place of opportunity and wealth generation."

The head of the Azorean Government also mentioned positive data about Pico's economy, pointing to a 3% growth in the number of companies based in 2022 and a 37% reduction in unemployment in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period last year.

"The Azores are a Region of opportunities in motion, and Pico is an example of this," he concluded.