Óscar Pimentel, President of the Calheta de Nesquim Parish Council on the island of Pico, reflects on his 12 years of leadership in a community marked by double insularity, population loss, and the challenges of isolation. Despite the difficulties, such as the scarcity of health services and the need for infrastructure, the President of the Junta praises the growth of tourism and the resilience of the inhabitants in a parish whose economy is still centered on agriculture and fishing and which has grown from 907 inhabitants in 1960 to 318 today. Concerning future projects, Oscar Pimentel says he wants to beautify the parish and create a campsite in the leisure area of the portinho in Feteira. “I’m extremely proud of my parish and our people,” he concluded.
Correio dos Açores – What is your experience as President of the Calheta de Nesquim Parish Council?
Óscar Pimentel (President of Calheta de Nesquim Parish Council) – My experience has been rewarding. It’s been 12 years in which my parish has trusted me. But it hasn’t always been easy! We’re talking about a parish with a small population but a large one.
What are the main challenges, needs, and difficulties facing the parish? What difficulties are inherent in being a double island?
The main difficulty is undoubtedly the lack of population. Calheta de Nesquim is at the island’s tip, far from everything and everyone, but especially far from health services.


What is the most developed sector in the parish of Calheta de Nesquim? Is it still very much based on the primary industry…?
Our economy revolves a lot around agriculture and fishing. Still, more and more tourism-oriented businesses are appearing, such as local accommodations and restaurants, not forgetting Padaria (bakery) dos Fetais, the only industry in the parish that is over 75 years old.
What is the extent of poverty in Calheta de Nesquim? How has this phenomenon evolved?
We don’t have any homeless people or people going hungry, but we do have a few of the “new” poor – those who used to be the well-off – who have lost a lot of purchasing power and are finding it harder and harder to live.
Is drug use a concern in Calheta de Nesquim?
Thank God it’s not a major concern. Although I know there are already some cases, we can’t yet consider it a societal problem.
How has tourism grown in recent years? Does the parish have local accommodation for tourists to spend short periods in Calheta de Nesquim?
Yes, we have a lot of private investment in local accommodation, bringing many tourists to our parish. But now, projects with other dynamics are starting to appear.
According to the latest CENSUS, the number of inhabitants in the parish has decreased in recent years. In 1960, it had 907 inhabitants. It now has 318 inhabitants. There are fewer young people, and the elderly population is also decreasing. What do you think this is due to?
It’s due to an aging population that is, unfortunately, leaving, to the lack of jobs for young people who are graduating abroad, some of whom are no longer returning. More and more families have fewer children, life is becoming increasingly expensive, and there is a lack of family support to help with the children’s education. Everything contributes to us getting less.

Are the funds sufficient to run the parish throughout the year? Do you lack any infrastructure?
You can never have too much money… More money, more work done! But we’ve combined the parish’s funds with the delegations of powers from the City Council and some of the support we’ve applied for.
We need to build a warehouse/garage so that our vehicles and equipment don’t continue to deteriorate, but we have this project in the pipeline awaiting a decision.
What cultural activities does the parish promote?
Every year, the parish council promotes the Calheta de Nesquim Cultural and Sports Week, which ends up being days or weeks in which institutions and the population unite to energize and promote what is ours. We also support all our cultural and sporting institutions in their activities.
What are the conditions of the schools in the parish? Are there any specific activities or support for local youth?
We don’t have an elementary school. A few years ago, the Ponta da Ilha School was built, bringing together preschool, primary, and secondary school children from Calheta de Nesquim, Piedade, and Ribeirinha parishes. However, the school needs some work, but the town hall has already promised that it will start soon.
What are the conditions for supporting the elderly population in the parish? Are there any specific activities or services to improve the quality of life of the elderly? Are there enough nursing homes?
We don’t have a home because there is one in the neighboring parish. But even so, our families try to keep their elderly in their homes. Of course, there are situations where this isn’t possible.
The Casa do Povo has a social center that meets once a week, and recently, the Cruz da Calheta social center was built, where the elderly meet independently daily to socialize and play cards.

What sectors does the parish have the potential to develop?
Essentially, it is in tourism. Everyone who visits us wants to come back… And some of them even buy their own house to spend their vacations or even as a tourist investment.
What projects do you have for the future?
There’s no shortage of projects, but we can only do them as the support comes through. But we would very much like to beautify the entrance to the parish and build a campsite in the leisure area of the portinho in Feteira.
Is there anything else you’d like to add in the context of this interview?
I only want to add how proud I am of my parish and our people, whom I thank for their trust.


Filipe Torres is a journalist for the newspaper, Corrreio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.