The President of the Government continued today the round of contacts taking place on all the islands of the Region, following the first phase of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, with a visit to the island of São Jorge. 

During the morning, Vasco Cordeiro visited the Velas Health Centre where improvement works are being carried out, having then met with the Mayor of Velas, Luís Silveira. 

After this meeting, the President of the Government told journalists that the meetings he has held with the mayors of several islands have enabled, above all, to analyse the future after this first period of the pandemic in terms of actions and strategic goals. According to him, they represent "a virtuous alliance of efforts between the Regional and Local Authorities that should be further developed.” 

“This was an important meeting, since it enabled the exchange of views as to how this pandemic period was faced in the municipality of Velas, a challenging moment for the island. But it was also an opportunity to highlight the confidence of São Jorge islanders regarding the new period that is beginning,” said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
Regarding the export of São Jorge Cheese, the President of the Government also pointed out that, after a period of disturbance in exports with the lockdown of markets in the most intense period of the pandemic, there is now a progressive resumption of new orders. 

Asked about the investment for the upgrading and rehabilitation of Velas Health Centre, Vasco Cordeiro assured that he is not satisfied with the progress of this work, taking into account its importance for the population of São Jorge island. 

“I believe that there are uncertainties that cannot exist and, therefore, this is a matter that needs to be analysed right away, on my part, in order to correct a series of procedures that, currently, are not up to the importance that this work has for São Jorge Island,” said the President of the Government. 

During the afternoon, Vasco Cordeiro visits the site of the improvement works at Topo Port and will then meet with the Mayor of Calheta, Décio Pereira.