The Regional Secretary for the Sea, Sciences and Technology stated on São Jorge that the improvement works of Velas cold storage unit "will move forward in the fourth quarter of this year," stressing the relevance of this investment for the conservation and promotion of fish caught on the island.
 
Gui Menezes said the work project was completed in December 2016 with the appropriate licensing. Lotaçor is examining the new ordinance regulating the EMFF - European Maritime and Fisheries Fund in order to proceed with the submission of its application this month.
 
The Regional Secretary for the Sea spoke on the sidelines of a visit to Santa Catarina cannery, stressing the "importance of this plant for local and regional economy" in employment creation.
 
Gui Menezes stated this cannery "has adopted a very innovative approach in this sector," pointing out the investment in "quality and internationally acknowledged products."
 
In this regard, he recalled that Santa Catarina cannery won the 5 Stars Prize in February, being the only regional product to be distinguished with this award. It aims to distinguish services, products and brands that are among the top preferences of Portuguese consumers. 
 
On the date that marks the International Women's Day, the Regional Secretary was keen to stress "the role that women play in the canning industry," whose "workforce is mainly composed of women."
 
The government official also mentioned the importance of women in the fishing sector, particularly in the extractive sector, industry associations and research, where their work is very relevant.
 
In this visit to São Jorge, Gui Menezes also met with the local fishers' association in order to become acquainted with the concern of São Jorge fishers, namely issues concerning the collection of fish and the maintenance of equipment in fishing ports.
 
Questioned by journalists, the Regional Secretary for the Sea defended that the project for the improvement works of Topo Port "should be reformulated"; the "new tender should be launched this year."
 
"The Government intends to carry out this work," Gui Menezes said, announcing that the works are scheduled to start in 2018.