"The Azores and he Azoreans have managed to overcome many difficulties during the 36 years of autonomy and for that reason they have the capacity to overcome another difficult year that is to come as a result of the national and international economic context.

The Government must take action in order to reduce further sacrifices as much as possible. A politician must not to contribute to discouragement, "defended the Regional Secretary for the Economy on Graciosa tonight.

Vasco Cordeiro spoke at a Christmas gathering held at the "Casa do Povo" of Guadalupe, an event organised by the agricultural association and young farmers' association from that island. The government official called for the need "of neither discouraging nor stop fighting because what the Azoreans have endured throughout their history demonstrates that they will overcome the current difficulties."

Hence, he regretted that "a politician should not say 'this is so bad that the best you can do is to leave'. A politician should say 'we are together on the same boat; we can overcome this difficult period with difficulties, challenges and sacrifices. But just as we are together in this most difficult period, we will can only overcome it together," said the Regional Secretary.

Vasco Cordeiro also ensured the Government's interest in "continuing its efforts to generate wealth on Graciosa.” By working towards the generation of wealth here, we are also generating wealth in the Azores," the government official stressed, giving as an example of this effort "the construction of the Slaughterhouse, whose project is being developed, or the installation of a Breeding Centre.”

The Regional Secretary for the Economy has assured that the project to renew the facilities of the Adega Cooperativa da Graciosa, submitted to Community funding, "is about to be approved and the project may be implemented by next year if the board wishes to do so."