The President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA), Luís Garcia, argued yesterday in Horta that “local power is essential for the development of our islands,” especially in responding to challenges such as retaining young people and the aging of our population.

“We must be aware that it is in our localities and parishes that the first responses to many of these problems arise,” said the President of the Legislative Assembly last night at the formal session commemorating Flamengos Parish Day, emphasizing the essential role of parishes in the life of communities.

Other challenges, such as strengthening our economy and the depopulation of some islands and parishes, were also considered by the President of the Azorean Parliament, who believes that “the answer lies in the efforts of each association and the work of the parish councils,” defending the importance of providing these institutions with “the necessary means and tools to respond to these challenges.”

“The future of our parishes is built in the countryside, in schools, in associations, in companies, in parishes, in families,” argued President Luís Garcia, stressing that this effort will only have full effect with broad and shared coordination between institutions and citizens, involving all those who contribute to the life of communities.

On this occasion, the President of the Legislative Assembly recognized the merit of the honorees who, with their commitment and dedication to the parish, are “examples and inspiration,” also congratulating the Parish Council “for its daily commitment” to the development of its community and parish.

From Press Release.

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