The President of the Government highlighted today the political significance of the opening of the Free Time Activity Centre (CATL) in the hamlet of Malbusca, Santa Maria Island, is an investment that gives expression to Autonomy being placed at the service of the Azoreans.
 
"Apart from the financial component, I would like to emphasise the political significance of this partnership with "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" institution in Vila do Porto because this means that our Autonomy become reality outside an urban centre such as the community of Malbusca," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
On the first day of the statutory visit to Santa Maria, the President of the Government stated that this new CATL, resulting from the recovery of an old school in the village of Santo Espírito, falls within the Regional Government's commitment to provide all islands with services that fit social support needs.
 
"We are giving expression to what our autonomy means to each one of us. Our autonomy begins with what we are doing here and with our decision - of those representing the Azoreans - to make an investment that serves the Azorean people and, in this case, Santa Maria islanders," said the President of the Government.
 
On that occasion, Vasco Cordeiro announced that the Government of the Azores is working with "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" to create another CATL in the centre of Vila do Porto with capacity for about 60 children.
 
"This is what we are doing in Malbusca and, basically, throughout the Region," Vasco Cordeiro said noting that there are now in the Azores more than 300 social responses covering about 12,500 children and young people on all islands.