The Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures opened the new Parish Hall building of Nossa Senhora da Estrela Church in Ribeira Grande on Sunday afternoon. According to the government official, this work "is an example of a social Region and demonstrates that the Regional Government continues to privilege social issues in the Azores."

José Contente defended the recovery and continuity of public and private investment in the social area because "everywhere we go, there are bad winds and tides that focus on economic issues, which almost take the form of an economic dictatorship." In the Azores, the reality is different; "we continue to tread paths directed towards the defence of social issues, our values and principles that are based on the common good of our neighbour," added the government official.

At the opening ceremony of the Parish Hall, the Regional Secretary stressed the importance of the Church as a "breeding ground that strengthens our values," praising the continuity of works that provide citizens with the conditions to preserve our traditions and the good faith to face difficulties.

At a time of difficulties, José Contente said it is possible, with the help of all, to create synergies and undertake efforts that make this building "a large as well as a great work."

For the government official, if the Azorean people continue to believe that a better future is possible, based on social concerns and values, they will certainly continue to trust in tomorrow, which will "continue to be better" compared to other areas in the country.

According to the Regional Secretary, the Regional Government of the Azores, which supported the construction of the Parish Hall of Nossa Senhora da Estrela Church by fifty percent of the global amount, will continue to award priority status and support social issues in the archipelago. To conclude, the government official assured that "these works will continue to improve conditions and create responses for our communities, should there be governments focused on social concerns.”