The Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Transport stated in Ponta Delgada that the Azorean Government has delivered seven vehicles to the National Republican Guard (GNR), amounting to 125 thousand Euros. According to him, this is a key investment for security, benefiting not only locals but also the very image of the Azores as a safe destination for visitors.
 
Vítor Fraga spoke at the delivery ceremony of two four wheel drive vehicles and five light passenger vehicles to GNR, stressing that "we have always sought to find the adequate responses to the needs of these security forces in the archipelago."
 
In this regard, the Regional Secretary reminded that the Government of the Azores signed agreements for the purchase of 20 vehicles for PSP (Public Security Police) in 2013, an investment of nearly 492 thousand Euros. These agreements also comprised the purchase of computer equipment, amounting to over 58,700 Euros, and the acquisition of four vehicles for GNR, an investment of about 59 thousand Euros.
 
Vítor Fraga stressed the latest investment represents "what is essential for the Regional Government" so that "security forces operating in the Azores may continue their important work and, therefore, such means are necessary for their goof performance." The government also restated the Government's availability to continue support them in the pursuance of these goals.
 
"The Government of the Azores believes that public security forces should be helped by us so in the perspective of turning the sense of public service into common good level," said the government official.
 
In his speech, Vítor Fraga highlighted the key role of security in the tourism sector, which is regarded by Regional Government as one of the main pillars of the Region's development. He pointed out that public security is an "inseparable element of the network of services related to the sector," being a key factor for the image of the Azores as a tourist destination.
 
For the Regional Secretary, it is up to local authorities to "stimulate this harmonious circle between tourism and safety, quality of life and attractiveness, well-being and hospitality."
 
Vítor Fraga also stressed the support of security forces in road safety awareness actions, responding to the increase in traffic over the last months.
 
In this context, and taking into consideration that the current road network "is generally a quality network, as acknowledged by everyone," the Regional Secretary stressed the importance of awareness among drivers for the importance of preventive and careful driving.
 
"In addition to this healthy interaction between security forces, populations and visitors, we should also mention the good institutional relation with the Government of the Azores. Bearing this in mind, we can only conclude that we will continue doing everything to improve the solutions for the actual needs of all those at the service of the public cause," said the government official.
 
"On our part, we will continue to search for the best solutions for all those who are at the service of the public cause and I would like to thank them on my behalf and on behalf of the Government of the Azores," said the Regional Secretary.