The president of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia, said on Thursday, May 8, that “keeping young people in the Azores cannot be just a wish—it has to be a local and regional goal,” emphasizing that the future of the islands depends on the collective ability to create real conditions that attract new generations.
According to a press release sent to newsrooms, the statements were made at the sixth meeting of the “Azores with a Future – Young People who Inspire” roadmap, held this morning at the Graciosa Primary and Secondary School, before an audience of around 150 secondary and vocational students.
“Only with effective public policies in true harmony between the public and private sectors can we create the right conditions for young people to choose to stay,” stressed the president of the Legislative Assembly.
On this occasion, Luís Garcia also warned of the importance of maintaining balance in local development: “It is essential to ensure that all areas, such as restaurants and services, also develop, so that our islands are truly attractive places to live.”
“I am well aware that for you, young people, to choose to stay, return or invest here, it is essential that, in addition to professional opportunities, we also have quality of life, culture, leisure and a more diverse range of services, all without losing the identity of the island,” said Luís Garcia.
“Érica Silva, by continuing ‘Quinta da Corneta’, is not only growing melons, but also setting an example of how essential local agriculture is; João Bettencourt, at ‘Casa Agrícola Bettencourt & Bettencourt’, is promoting the island’s agricultural tradition; Duarte Silva, at the ‘Graciólica’ wind farm, is not only promoting renewable energy, but also contributing to the energy transition that is crucial for the sustainability of our region; Carolina Machado, as a primary school teacher, not only teaches, but is also educating future generations so that we can have a better prepared society,” concluded Luís Garcia.

In Diário da Lagoa, Clife Botelho-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.