NEW’S | Statutory visit to São Jorge begins with meeting with Mayor of Velas

The Regional Government of the Azores began its annual statutory visit to São Jorge on Monday by meeting with the Mayor of Velas, Luís Silveira, a “fruitful” meeting to “survey what has been done” and “identify priorities for the future.”

José Manuel Bolieiro defended the “direct liaison with local authorities,” both in governance and statutory visits, at the end of the meeting in Velas.

Accessibility and health were among the issues discussed at the meeting between the Regional Government and the mayor, with tourism and rural roads also on the agenda.

“São Jorge is increasingly an island of tourist demand,” emphasised the President of the Government, who recalled the implementation of the “Azores Fare” as a way of increasing tourist demand among Azoreans or residents on the nine islands.

“Health is always the main priority,” he later acknowledged, recalling the work already carried out at the Velas Health Centre, which now has “excellent conditions.” It will be expanded in a space provided by the municipal authority.

The statutory visit to São Jorge, which ends Wednesday, will also include several initiatives, including the traditional meeting of the Island Council, a meeting with the other local authorities on the island – Calheta – and various initiatives promoted by different government departments. 

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU