The President of the Government defended in Santo António the importance of "never giving up" in the creation of conditions that promote the development of the Azores, stressing that the opening of a new multipurpose building in the municipality of Ponta Delgada takes place after the damages caused by bad weather on S. Miguel and Terceira.

"This opening demonstrates the circumstances to which we are subject on our islands. We can see a trail of destruction of houses, property and roads caused by the storm that hit the island of São Miguel two days ago and the island of Terceira yesterday. However, today we are opening a new building," said Vasco Cordeiro, who spoke Saturday at the opening of Santo António Multipurpose pavilion.

For Vasco Cordeiro, "it is important that this becomes for us the lesson that we can never give up on the need to continue working in order to provide all the conditions to our people and this often happens by force of nature."

In his speech delivered at the ceremony, the President of the Government considered that the new space represents "an important achievement in the creation of better conditions" not only for the population of Santo António, but also for those in the neighbouring villages. Vasco Cordeiro pointed out that the multipurpose building is the result of a partnership between the Ponta Delgada City Hall, which transferred the land, the Village Council, which moved forward with the works, and the Regional Government, which assumed the investment costs. The investment amounted to 180 thousand Euros, of which 85 percent came from EU funds and the remaining 15 percent from regional funds.

"It is very important that all those who will use this multipurpose pavilion be aware that the multipurpose pavilion is theirs. Hence, the building will be in the best possible conditions as the care taken by the population of Santo António to maintain it," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government added that the new pavilion should be "regarded as an asset" not only for the village of Santo António, but also for all those who will use these facilities."

At the end of the ceremony, the President of the Government attended a futsal match between Benfica under-20 team and Norte Crescente team. The opening programme also included the performance of Ponta Delgada Gymnastics Activity Group, featuring national champions and athletes from the national team, and a show by Santa Cruz Skating Club.