The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport delivered today new vehicles to the Public Security Police (PSP) and the National Republican Guard (GNR) during a ceremony held in Ponta Delgada. The delivery of new vehicles represented a global investment over 238 thousand Euros.
Vítor Fraga attended the ceremony on behalf of the President of the Government. The government official stressed that "without ever forgetting that the financing of security forces is a responsibility that falls within the Portuguese State," it is important that these forces "have the necessary means at their disposal so that they may continue to assure the safety of the Azorean population as well as their well-being and, consequently, their quality of life."
During the ceremony, PSP and GNR received two vehicles for the transport Rapid Intervention Units (EIR), a van, two vehicles for the transport of personnel, a quad bike with trailer and two light passenger vehicles.
In December, the Regional Government already delivered 14 vehicles to security forces operating in the Azores in addition to computer equipment. Under the protocols signed in 2012 and 2013, a total of 987 thousand Euros was granted to PSP. Of which 550 thousand Euros were awarded from the Regional Inland Transport Fund.
"Given the difficulties arising from the lack of resources, which were evident in several areas, particularly in terms of vehicles, equipment, infrastructures and computer systems, the Government of the Azores has decided, once again, to support these entities by creating mechanisms to overcome these constraints within the stipulated financial allocation," said Vítor Fraga.
In his speech, the government official stressed that the support "is based on the public service duty and the service mission evidenced by security forces while rendering service to this land and its people. They have ensured the protection of the population even less favourable conditions, such as the lack of human and material resources."
The Regional Secretary also noted the Region's strong investment in road safety, being an area where the Azores aim to reach European benchmark indicators.
"The work that has been developed by the Regional Government, Security and Road Safety Forces in conjunction with all entities that collaborate with us directly or indirectly must continue. In this context, we should bear in mind the goal of reducing accidents, but, above all, it is important to emphasise the existence of a new reality, namely a good road network, which should be used with caution and respect for safety rules," stated Vítor Fraga.
The Regional Secretary for Transport underlined that in order to increase safety, it is also necessary to provide the necessary means. In this context, "the Government of the Azores has expressed its availability to support security forces operating in the archipelago."
On the other hand, Vítor Fraga stressed that safety "is also a concern of tourists when choosing their holiday destinations." In this context, the government official defended the importance of "promoting the Azores as a safe destination, where one can spend family holidays without running unnecessary risks."
"This image, which we consider to be a brand image, has a commercial value; therefore, it should be promoted and protected.
Vítor Fraga also stressed the "good institutional relations between the Government of the Azores and public security forces," assuring that everything will continue to be done to be in order "to find the best solutions to the actual needs of these public servants to whom we owe so much."