Cooperation between Local and Regional Authorities is essential for continued development of the Azores, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, João Ponte, defended on Faial Island that cooperation between local and regional authorities is essential so that the Azores may overcome the challenges of the present and the future.
"Cooperation and joint efforts between local and regional authorities are essential to overcome the important challenges that we face, whether they are challenges in agriculture, tourism, transport or even challenges in employment," said João Ponte. The government official spoke at the ceremony celebrating the 18th Day of Flamengos Village that took place Thursday night.
João Ponte mentioned the village of Flamengos as an example of development in recent years due to the structural investments promoted in partnerships with the Regional Government, the municipality of Horta and the parish council.
"In the path we have followed in the village of Flamengos, and in so many other Azorean villages, the involvement of companies, entrepreneurs and people was fundamental."
If we work in cooperation, it will be "easier and faster" to overcome the challenges of the present and the future as well as to promote the economic and social development of the Azores; something that has been done in the last decades and that it is important to continue doing.
"The path we have followed should make us proud," said João Ponte. In this regard, he highlighted the investments that the Regional Government is carrying out in the village of Flamengos, namely the Day and Social Centre of the Divino Espírito Santo Community Centre or the intervention for the protection of the banks of Flamengos stream.
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry also that the Government will move forward with the recovery of the old manor house and chapel of Quinta de São Lourenço as well as with remodelling of the exhibition pavilion.
According to the government official, these works, scheduled for the current legislative period, "will promote the development of the village and serve the people." Moreover, the interventions "are intended to enhance the quality of life of people, improve safety and contribute to the growth of the village," which is essential for the maintenance of people in their communities.
"Local Power can continue to rely on the collaboration of the Regional Government," said João Ponte. He added that cooperative has allowed the archipelago to experience economic growth, promote social solidarity and become a region where it is good to live in.
The ceremony honoured three personalities: entrepreneurs José Ferreira and Maria Luísa Correia and the musician of Nova Artista Flamenguense philharmonic band, Maria da Conceição Duarte.