The President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA), Luís Garcia, said yesterday on the island of Pico that “local talent is the driving force for progress,” stressing that “our young people,” by combining innovation and respect for traditions, “play a central role in building a sustainable future for the Azores.”
“The stories we’ve heard today show that Pico is an example of how talent, an innovative vision, and valuing our roots can go hand in hand,” said the Speaker of the Assembly at the third meeting of the ‘Azores with a Future – Young People who Inspire’ tour, held this morning at Madalena Primary and Secondary School.
“The wine-growing, tourism and catering sectors, so closely linked to Pico’s identity and economic potential, show how innovation can project the island into the future,” said the Speaker of the Azorean Parliament, stressing that on the other hand, more traditional areas such as health, which is fundamental to the community’s well-being, ‘represents an indispensable pillar, ensuring quality of life and creating the necessary conditions for our people to settle and grow,’ he added.
“I’m very impressed with the wealth and diversity of initiatives developed by the young people of Pico,” said President Luís Garcia following yesterday’s visits to various local projects, recognizing that ‘they are proof that the Azorean youth not only dreams, but makes it happen,’ considering that this is a clear call for us to ‘invest in giving our young people the tools they need to innovate in their communities,’ because only in this way will it be possible to ”build a more solid, resilient Region, prepared for the challenges of the future.”
Concluding his speech, Luís Garcia left a message for the young people of Picaroto: “Embrace your roots, but don’t shy away from thinking globally. The growth of our region depends on the ideas and energy that each of you brings to the table. Don’t be afraid to innovate, to lead, to assume your role as agents of change.”
The “Azores with a Future” roadmap is an initiative that promotes President Luís Garcia’s commitment to bringing the Azorean Parliament closer to all the islands, paying particular attention to young people’s participation, listening to their opinions, and involving them directly in building solutions for the region’s future.

In Correio 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.