Speech by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, Dr Francisco Carvalho, at the swearing-in ceremony of the Government of the 11th Parliament

Greetingses,

The importance of this inauguration lies in the profound significance it carries. This is the formal act that marks the beginning of a new chapter in our country’s history. Today, the front line of a working team is being formed, one that takes on the honourable mission of governing Cape Verde with humility, a sense of responsibility and total dedication to the Cape Verdean people.

More than just the formation of a government, this moment represents the renewal of a collective hope. The hope that it is possible to meet the most pressing needs of Cape Verdean families, whilst laying the foundations for a more prosperous, fairer and more inclusive future for all.

The governance project we are launching today is based on a simple yet powerful conviction: no Cape Verdean should be left behind. It is this vision that gives meaning to our commitment to build a Cape Verde for Everyone.

This is a renewed dream for our country. The dream that it is possible to meet the basic needs of all Cape Verdeans whilst, at the same time, laying the foundations for more complex, structural and transformative solutions.

We must address the essentials. We must address the basics, today, here and now. Because only in this way will we be able to halt and reverse this exodus of young people who, day after day, continue to seek in “Faraway Lands” the opportunities we wish them to find in their own country.

But this dream that we are renewing today does not come out of nowhere. It is the revival of a long journey of dreams, courage and utopian ideals turned into reality by the men and women who came before us and who dared to believe in a better Cape Verde.

Right from the start, Amílcar Cabral showed us the way when he declared that it was time to build “a new land within our own land”. Norberto Tavares called on us to “look ahead”. Renato Cardoso reminded us that “everyone, every soul, has the right to their share of water”, in a powerful affirmation of equality, dignity and the rights of all Cape Verdeans.

It is this legacy of struggle, hope and vision that inspires us.

Yesterday, Cape Verde witnessed yet another historic moment in the consolidation of its democracy. For the first time in our history, a woman has been elected to chair the National Assembly. The election of President Janira Hopffer Almada represents a victory for Cape Verdean democracy, for the women of Cape Verde and for all generations who believe in an increasingly fair, inclusive and representative society.

We therefore reaffirm here the commitment that the Cape Verdean people have endorsed at the ballot box: the commitment to ensure real change in our beloved Cape Verde, with free access to healthcare; free access to public universities and vocational training; and the development of a truly accessible transport system, capable of bringing people together, linking islands, creating opportunities and strengthening national unity.

Because mobility is not just a question of transport. It is a question of equal opportunities. It is a matter of economic development. It is a matter of territorial cohesion. And, above all, it is an essential condition for every Cape Verdean, regardless of the island where they were born or live, to feel fully integrated into the collective project of the Cape Verdean nation.

At the same time, we will be working to develop structural solutions in the fields of science, innovation, security, peace, housing, energy sustainability, access to water, environmental sustainability, education, the primary sector, tourism, the maritime sector, culture, youth and sport, among so many other areas that are crucial to the country’s future.

Democracy is never a finished project. Democracy requires constant vigilance, daily care and a constant capacity for renewal. It requires the strengthening of institutions, but also the courage to create reform mechanisms capable of responding to the new challenges of our time.

We are therefore equally committed to deepening democracy across all the islands of Cape Verde, by increasing citizen participation and strengthening trust in republican institutions.

We live in a world marked by uncertainty. But amongst the few certainties that guide us, there is one that lights our way every day: the certainty that citizens’ trust in politics, politicians and political parties can only be earned through tangible results.

There is no other way.

The only way forward is to work hard, keep our word and honour the commitments we have made to the Cape Verdean people. The only way forward is to deliver results, without excuses and without deviating from our course.

That is why I want to send a clear message to the members of this new Government.

My colleagues: work is all that lies ahead of us.

Work. Work. Work.

We will work with whatever conditions we find. We are all children of this land. We did not come from anywhere else. We understand the reality of our country and were aware of the challenges that lay ahead.

There will be no room for excuses based on a lack of ideal conditions. The fundamental question is not what we would do if circumstances were different. The fundamental question is what we are going to do, here and now, with the resources we have, to improve people’s lives.

The people are waiting for answers. And that is what we have a duty to provide.

I would also like to address the international community, calling on it to support the implementation of the governance programme that the people of Cape Verde have democratically approved at the ballot box.

The international community has stood by Cape Verde right from the very beginning of the Republic, from the moment we gained independence fifty years ago, in 1975. That support has been crucial throughout our journey and will continue to be important in facing the challenges that lie ahead.

Let us continue to work together to tackle poverty and transform Cape Verde into an increasingly developed, prosperous and inclusive country.

To our vast and cherished diaspora, which has always been present at the decisive moments of our history and which continues to be one of the greatest strengths of the Cape Verdean nation, I also extend a message of confidence and unity.

Let us continue to work together to build our country’s development.

And may we, in five years’ time, be gathered here once more to take stock of this term of office that begins today. May we look back with pride and see that the commitments we made have been fulfilled. May we see the positive results of this journey reflected in people’s everyday lives.

May all those who have chosen Cape Verde as their home and workplace see an improvement in their living conditions. And may all Cape Verdeans, both on the islands and scattered to the four corners of the world, feel that this country has moved forward, grown and become fairer, more supportive and closer to everyone.

May we be able to say, with calm and pride, that we have honoured the trust placed in us by the people, that we have kept our word, and that we have left future generations a Cape Verde that is stronger, more united and better prepared to face the challenges of the future.

Because to govern is to serve. And serving Cape Verde is the greatest honour that public life can bestow upon us.

Thank you very much and Long live Cape Verde for everyone!

The post Speech by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, Dr Francisco Carvalho, at the swearing-in ceremony of the Government of the 11th Parliament appeared first on Government of Cape Verde.