The President of the Government stated that the fibre optic cable connection to Flores and Corvo, formally opened today, is a "powerful tool" for the generation of wealth and the creation of jobs on both islands.

"This is a powerful tool for the development of these islands. However, it is up to Flores and Corvo islanders to harness this potential and use it as a tool for the generation of wealth and the creation of jobs," said Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government spoke at the session promoted by Portugal Telecom to mark the installation of fibre optic cable on the Western Group islands, which places the islands of Flores and Corvo at the same level of the remaining islands in the field of telecommunications.

Vasco Cordeiro considered that this total investment of 12 million Euros, also supported by Community funds allocated by the Region, represents a decisive contribution to the territorial cohesion of the Azores.

"The inhabitants of Flores and Corvo have paid too hard and too long for the mistake that was made in the early 90s regarding the exclusion of the island of Flores and Corvo in the process to improve communications throughout the archipelago," reminded Vasco Cordeiro.

According to the President of the Government, the connection of Flores and Corvo to fibre optic cable represents a symbolic act, because it embodies one of the cornerstones that guides the Regional Government's action: "leave no one behind."

"We restate the right of Flores and Corvo islanders to access communication technologies on equal terms with the inhabitants of other islands," Vasco Cordeiro stressed, saying "this cannot be the finishing line, but rather a starting point."

"By having this right assured, the inhabitants of Flores and Corvo must take up the responsibility and the duty, with this tool, to play an active role in their progress and development as well as in creation of jobs and generation of wealth," said the government official.

During the session held on Flores, Vasco Cordeiro assured the Regional Government's investment in the implementation of the Digital and Technological Agenda, a management tool that provides, under the next Community funding period, the investment in training on Engineering and Technology at post-secondary and postgraduate courses.

"This Agenda also aims to enhance the creation of new products that bring added value, based on the intensive use of technology, expand the production base for emerging sectors, promote innovation and foster the use of cutting-edge technologies in the next incentive schemes," added Vasco Cordeiro.

Accordingly, the President of the Government announced that the Regional Government will start, as early as 2014, the gradual and sustained investment to expand the coverage of wireless networks to the centres of cities, towns and villages across the archipelago.

"This investment and others to be made throughout the current legislative period will enhance the emergence of new products and new forms of relation between the Administration and citizens as well as the democratisation of various services," concluded Vasco Cordeiro.