Ana Margarida Branco, president of the Porto Martins Parish Council, offers a positive assessment of her tenure as head of the parish, a position she officially assumed in December 2024. Recognizing the challenges of balancing her personal, professional, and local government life, she emphasizes the pride she takes in serving a demanding but united community rich in tourism, agriculture, and human potential. On the eve of leaving the leadership of the council, by personal decision, she calls for local politics to be conducted “with humility and passion for the land,” highlighting housing, coastal erosion, and mobility as urgent priorities, but without losing sight of the opportunities for sustainable growth that the parish of Porto Martins has.

Correio dos Açores – What has been your experience as President of the Porto Martins Parish Council?

Ana Margarida Branco (President of the Porto Martins Parish Council) – My experience as President of the Parish Council has been very positive. I officially took office on December 18, 2024, after joining the executive as secretary in October 2021. It has been a demanding yet very rewarding challenge. I have a fantastic team, always available and dedicated, which has made all the difference in our daily work. Balancing family life, work, and this responsibility is not always easy, but when you work with your heart and for the good of our land and our people, you always find the time and energy. I feel very honored to serve the parish of Porto Martins and will continue to do my best for this community that I hold so dear, within the limits of what is possible.

How would you describe the parish of Porto Martins?

Porto Martins is a unique parish with its own special characteristics. It is a summer resort, with a lot of activity during the summer months, which brings added challenges to day-to-day management. It is a demanding parish, which requires us to be always attentive and available, but it is also very rich in potential and dedicated people. It is not always easy, but when all the institutions in the parish work together, we can accomplish a great deal. The recent cooperation between associations, the community, and the Parish Council has been fundamental for the development of projects and for maintaining Porto Martins as a welcoming, dynamic place with a high quality of life.

What are the main challenges, needs, and difficulties facing the parish?

Currently, we are facing some significant challenges in the parish of Porto Martins. One of the concerns that worries us most is the situation in São Vicente, where coastal erosion has been particularly severe, posing a risk to an area frequently used by agricultural vehicles. It is a delicate situation that deserves our full attention. The Praia da Vitória City Council has already applied for EU funds to redevelop the coastline in this area, and we are currently awaiting developments, hoping for a positive outcome. Another problem that has caused us great concern is the appearance of a species of invasive algae that has flooded our bay. This situation directly affects the natural swimming pool, which we clean daily, removing tons of algae, as well as other bathing areas in Porto Martins. In addition to the bathing areas, this accumulation also occurs in the lower coastal areas, namely the well-known “Volta do Gabriel.” Although it is a natural phenomenon and difficult to control, it has a significant environmental and visual impact on our coastal area, requiring constant effort on our part, not to mention concern for public health, as the deterioration of this algae causes a foul odor and attracts flies and mosquitoes. These are serious challenges, but we face them with a sense of responsibility and with the support of the competent authorities, confident that we will find an effective solution for the well-being of the parish and all those who live here or visit us.

What is the most developed sector in the parish of Porto Martins?

The most developed sector in the parish of Porto Martins is undoubtedly tourism, particularly during the bathing season. As a summer resort, much sought after for its natural swimming pool, tranquility, and beautiful coastline, Porto Martins receives many visitors, especially during the summer months. Additionally, local accommodations and small businesses, including those linked to restaurants and leisure, have expanded in recent years, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. Also noteworthy is the presence of agriculture, which remains an important activity, particularly in the more inland areas of the parish. The combination of tourism and agriculture gives Porto Martins its unique identity, striking a balance between economic development and the preservation of its traditions and rural way of life.

Are the funds sufficient to manage the parish throughout the year? Is there a lack of infrastructure?

As with many parish councils, funds are never entirely sufficient to meet all the needs of the population and the projects we would like to implement. Even so, we do our best with the resources available, setting priorities and working with rigor and a spirit of collaboration. One of the main shortcomings we currently face is the lack of a warehouse or a large space where we can set up our own workshop. It would be essential to better organize our equipment and support the council’s daily work. However, as land in Porto Martins is very expensive, it is difficult to make this kind of investment with the funds we have. Despite these limitations, we continue to advocate for improvements and seek solutions, always to serve our parish well and meet the needs of our community.

What are the conditions of the municipal roads? And the agricultural roads?

Fortunately—or, depending on your point of view, unfortunately—the parish of Porto Martins has no agricultural roads, which naturally reduces some concerns in this sector. As for municipal roads, they are generally in good condition. There are one or two points that need attention. Some of these situations have already been flagged and are being resolved in coordination with the Praia da Vitória City Council. We remain attentive to these issues because we recognize that effective road maintenance is crucial for the mobility, safety, and overall quality of life of our population.

What are the most characteristic dishes of the parish of Porto Martins? Is there a lack of restaurants and cafés?

Porto Martins shares many of the gastronomic traditions of Terceira Island, but is proud to maintain some unique characteristics that reflect its local identity. The parish’s cuisine is based on fresh fish, prepared in various ways—from grilled to stewed. Still, it is particularly known for its alcatra de peixe à moda dos pescadores, a typical dish in which the fish is fried before being cooked, unlike in other areas of the island. This traditional version, passed down through generations, is a true ex-libris of our cuisine. Another product of great importance is the Galega olive, cured in the typical local brine. It is a simple product, but highly valued by both residents and the many visitors who seek authentic, quality flavors. Additionally, Porto Martins is also renowned for producing Jaquê wine, a blend of American and European grape varieties. This wine has a distinctive profile and remains highly appreciated by locals. However, its production has been declining due to a lack of skilled labor and rising production costs. It is a sector that deserves more attention and support, especially if we want to preserve this agricultural and cultural heritage. As far as restaurants are concerned, Porto Martins is fortunately well served by a variety of restaurants, cafés, and social venues, which allows it to respond well to local demand and seasonal tourism. Of course, there is always room for improvement and innovation, especially in promoting local products on restaurant menus. However, at the moment, we consider that the parish has a stable and satisfactory offering in this sector. However, we will continue to support and encourage quality and the promotion of what is ours.

What are the conditions of public air, sea, and road transport in the parish and on the island?

Currently, the parish of Porto Martins has only public road transport, which is still somewhat limited, particularly in terms of timetables and geographical coverage. We know that this is a reality that affects not only our parish but also many other locations on the island. It is essential to improve the frequency of transport and adapt it better to the real needs of the population, whether for school, professional, or social purposes. At the island level, we also feel the need to increase the number of flights, especially during the low season. Our air mobility remains a challenge. Those who need to travel due to poor health, work, or study are often limited by the lack of available seats. It is urgent to review air transport policies to ensure equity and accessibility to all the islands of the Azores throughout the year. With regard to maritime transport, it would be extremely beneficial to have a more regular and reliable connection with the other islands of the archipelago. More than a question of tourism, it is a matter of guaranteeing the right to mobility and regional cohesion. Maritime transport is, or should be, a complementary and sustainable alternative that contributes to the economic and social integration of the archipelago. An integrated regional transport strategy is needed—air, sea, and land—that views parishes such as Porto Martins not as peripheries, but as a fundamental part of the island as a whole.

What are the conditions of the schools in the parish? Are there any specific activities or support for local youth?

We have a primary school provided by Comendador Pamplona for exclusive use for teaching. Compared to other schools, it is in good physical condition; however, some renovation work is needed to improve its functionality and the comfort of students and staff. Yes, we have sought to create and support initiatives aimed at the youth of the parish. We currently have a CATL operating in the local school, the concession for which will soon be put out to tender. This service has been fundamental in supporting families, especially during the school year. However, as there were no summer camps on offer for July this year, the Parish Council, in partnership with Ms. Ana Rita Carvalho, is organizing activities to keep young people occupied during this month. We aim to provide children and teenagers in the parish with opportunities for leisure, socialization, and personal development, both in and outside of school hours. Working with and for young people is essential to keeping the parish alive, dynamic, and thriving in the future.

What support is available for the elderly in the parish? Are there specific activities or services to improve the quality of life of the elderly? Are there enough nursing homes?

There are no nursing homes in the parish of Porto Martins, which naturally represents a limitation in terms of permanent care for this age group. However, we have two day centers that play a very important role in supporting the elderly population. Whenever we receive requests for support from these institutions or families, the Parish Council is available to help. In addition, we are privileged to have a project called “Viver Contra o Tempo” (Living Against Time) promoted by Lar Dom Pedro V, of which Porto Martins was one of the few parishes selected to receive activities aimed at our elderly residents. This project has been an asset, promoting socialization, well-being, and active aging. Despite structural limitations, such as the lack of a nursing home, we are doing our best to ensure that our elderly feel accompanied, valued, and have a good quality of life.

In which sectors does the parish have potential for development?

The parish of Porto Martins has considerable potential for development, especially in the agricultural sector. One of the sectors with great growth potential is wine production. We currently have many abandoned vineyards which, with the right support, could be restored and enhanced. Wine production is a tradition in our land and could be an excellent economic opportunity, both for local consumption and for export. Another promising sector is olive production. It is a product that is increasingly in demand, not only on the island but also elsewhere. There are already some local producers investing in this area, and the results have been positive. The quality of our land and climate is well-suited for this type of crop, and a growing market is waiting to be tapped. However, for this potential to be realized, it is essential to create more incentives for young people to invest in these areas. We need support programs, technical training, and easier access to land and financing. Many young people aspire to work in agriculture, but they often feel discouraged by the lack of support and the initial challenges. If we’re going to guarantee the future of our parish and make the most of our resources, it is essential to involve the younger generations in this development process.

What are your expectations for 2025?

2025 will undoubtedly be an important year of transition for the parish of Porto Martins. From a personal perspective, I have decided not to stand for re-election in the next local elections, due to individual and family reasons. This decision was carefully considered and taken calmly, taking into account the balance between public, professional, and family life, which is not always easy to maintain. It has been an honor to serve the parish, and everything I have done has been with dedication, respect, and love for the land. I believe, however, that whoever is elected to lead Porto Martins will find a real diamond in the rough here. This parish has enormous potential, whether in agriculture, tourism, enhancing our natural and cultural heritage, or community involvement. There is still much to be done. The parish can grow significantly, as long as there is a clear vision, a strong will, and effective teamwork. It is possible to recover abandoned vineyards, create better conditions for young people to settle down, continue to support our elderly, and boost the local economy with sustainable and innovative projects. We have a beautiful coastline, a participatory population, and a community spirit that deserves to be valued and supported. My wish is that whoever is elected will have the same passion for the land and its people. That they will know how to listen, decide fairly, and act with humility. Because local politics is, above all, service to the community. Porto Martins has everything it needs to continue developing and establishing itself as one of the leading parishes in the municipality of Praia da Vitória. My expectation is that 2025 will bring continuity to what has already been done, but also renewal, energy, and new ideas to take this “diamond” even further.

Filipe Torres is a journalist for Correios 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.