Praia, 31 July (Inforpress) – The Prime Minister stated today that the State of the Nation address paints a picture of a country that differs from the reality presented by the MpD over the last 10 years, arguing that the new government will adopt a style of governance based on transparency, truth and accountability.

Francisco Carvalho made these remarks during his speech at the opening of the debate on the State of the Nation in the parliamentary session, arguing that the current situation calls for “the courage to speak the truth”.

According to the head of government, over the past decade an official narrative has prevailed that “did not reflect the difficulties experienced by a significant proportion of the population”.

“The State of the Nation address requires the courage to speak the truth. Not a convenient truth, crafted for press conferences, nor a truth hidden behind incomplete figures,” he told MPs.

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Tarrafal, 31 July (Inforpress) – The Mayor of Tarrafal, Neivo Araújo, said today that preparations for the 11th Tuna Festival, considered the island’s biggest gastronomic event, are now in their final stages.

Speaking to Inforpress, the same source said that “everything is ready” for the start of the festival, “the island’s biggest gastronomic event”, which will take place on 1 and 2 August. This year, 11 stalls and various restaurants from across the city will be taking part, offering a variety of tuna-based dishes. 

“Since last year, we have moved the Tuna Festival to the sandy beach at Campo Pedrada, giving the event a new dynamic and making it stand out, and this year we are sticking to the same format,” he said.

Neivo Araújo explained that the local authority had intended to organise some training sessions and workshops for fishermen, fishmongers and participants in the tuna festival, but these were hampered by transport problems.

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Espargos, 31 July (Inforpress) – The National Police Union (Sinapol) today identified the alignment of the National Police Statute with the new Plan for Posts, Duties and Remuneration (PCFR) as its top priority to be presented to the new Government.

This position was set out at a press conference on the island of Sal, following an in-person meeting of the union’s National Executive Committee, which had been convened to analyse the organisation’s administrative and financial structure, review its statutes and draw up a strategy for engaging with the new supervisory body.

According to Sinapol President Rufino Lima, most of the union's previous demands, including the implementation of an eight-hour work schedule, promotions, career progression and the new rank structure, were addressed by the previous government. As a result, the union's current focus is on aligning the Police Statute with the Job, Functions and Remuneration Framework (PCFR).

‘The main point of our demands is to bring our Statutes into line with the new PCFR. Once this has been approved and following discussions with the Government, we will move forward with other proposals,’ emphasised the union leader, who expressed confidence in the new Government’s willingness to accommodate this request and avoid instability in the sector.

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Mindelo, 30 July (Inforpress) – The 42nd edition of the Baía das Gatas International Music Festival will pay tribute to the national football team, the Tubarões Azuis, in recognition of Cabo Verde’s historic participation in this year’s World Cup.

According to the organisation, the award is intended to honour the national team’s achievements, which “have taken Cabo Verde’s name to the biggest stages in world football” and have become a symbol of national pride, inspiring a new generation of Cape Verdeans.

The tribute will take place during the event, which is being held from 6 to 9 August at Baía das Gatas, in São Vicente.

The organisers have also unveiled the line-up for this year’s festival, which opens on Thursday 6th at 9.30 pm with Brazilian singer Leo Santana and closes on Sunday 9th with MC Cabelinho.

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