Vice-Presidency signs protocol for future Lajes Base Interpretation Centre - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, signed today a protocol with the Historical Institute of Terceira Island (IHIT) with a view to conducting a study to create an interpretation centre for the Lajes Base.

"We were honoured to sign today a cooperation protocol with IHIT aimed at creating a study and work plan for the implementation of the Lajes Base interpretation centre," he said. 

According to Artur Lima, who spoke at the ceremony in Angra do Heroísmo, the goal is to create an interpretation centre that "enhances the historical journey" of the base, in addition to stimulating scientific research and cultural tourism.

The government official added that a "team of renowned experts will be set up to implement the Lajes base interpretation centre project."

The coordinator of the study will be journalist Armando Mendes, a PhD in History, Defence and International Relations, whose thesis focused on Lajes Base.

"Whenever there is a conflict, the Lajes Base, which was so downplayed in the past decade, becomes important again," the Vice-President of the Government highlighted, alluding to the current armed conflicts on the planet.

Finally, the government official pointed out that what is at stake "is not just the signing of a protocol," but the completion of "valuable scientific work that will serve to establish a true interpretation centre."

The protocol provides for an allocation of 40 thousand Euros and runs until December 31, 2024.