Berta Cabral defends that "every local initiative has the power to inspire regional change" - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and InfrastructureS defended this Saturday in Nordeste that "every local initiative has the power to inspire regional change."

Berta Cabral spoke on behalf of the President of the Regional Government at the opening ceremony of the redevelopment of Santana Main Square in the municipality of Nordeste.

"In this refurbished space, the headquarters of the Santana Parish Council, and in this square that stands with dignity and community spirit, we are celebrating much more than the opening of new facilities. We are celebrating the union of efforts for the common good and, above all, the ability to transform people's aspirations into tangible realities," she said.

The Regional Secretary highlighted the efforts of local authorities in fulfilling the aspirations of the population. She stated that they "play an essential role,’ which ‘involves combining in-depth and direct knowledge of the needs of the population and the potential of places with a forward-oriented vision and inspiring creativity."

"We are well aware of the specific features of our territory: remoteness, geographical dispersion and logistical constraints. Nevertheless, we also know the human resources we have, the intangible heritage that unites us and the resilience that has always distinguished us," she stressed.

For Berta Cabral, "the functionality of the new Santana Parish Council headquarters and this new square, as meeting places, represent the best of democracy: the decentralisation of services, proximity to solutions, coexistence between generations and the encouragement of participation."

"It represents the spirit of hospitality that is so typical of our islands," she emphasised.

She continued: "The Regional Government is proud to support projects that have this human, community and participatory component. The signing of the ARAAL contract to support the upgrading of the facilities we are opening today evidences this importance, cooperation and understanding between regional and local authorities."

"Our role as policymakers also involves creating the conditions for communities to thrive as well as to feel safe, valued and supported," she added.

Despite the desertification of some areas, the ageing population, the need to maintain young people in their communities and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities, Berta Cabral stressed that "these challenges can only be overcome through joint efforts and cooperation between regional and local authorities, the private sector and civil society."

"The Regional Government will continue to work closely with all parish and municipal councils in the Region, as effective solutions are developed through ongoing dialogue and it is this coordination that underpins the strength of our autonomy," she stated.

In this regard, the government official sent a message of encouragement to all the mayors present: "Continue to be tireless in defending your territories. Continue to be the voice of the people. Continue to be the faces of democratic proximity."