The Secretary of the Presidency defended in Horta today that RTP-Açores has always played a key role in the history of Autonomy, providing a contribution to regional cohesion.

André Bradford spoke at the regional parliament at a session of question to the Government and stated that RTP "is perhaps the most visible symbol of working towards the cohesion of the Azores."

Reiterating this idea, the government official added that regional public radio and television promote cohesion and knowledge among the Azorean population because "without the knowledge, exchange or connection between the archipelago, we would not be the Region we are today."

André Bradford regretted the fact that "those in charge of RTP, who decide the future of RTP, are unfortunately unaware" of this importance.

As he added, the future of RTP-Açores seems to follow the same policy conducted by RTP group to reduce human resources and its production capacity. The government official mentioned also mentioned that "the official contacts between the heads of RTP and those in charge of RTP-Açores have ceased."

The questions posed by the Secretary of the Presidency focused on the aspects of regional cultural policies on cohesion islands.

In this context, the government official recalled the cultural facilities built or under construction on all the cohesion island as well as the support to activities and associations.

In this context, the Regional Secretary mentioned the expansion and renewal of the Graciosa Museum facilities, the construction of a multipurpose space on Corvo, the renewal and repair works of Flores Museum installed at the São Boaventura convent and Boqueirão Factory, the renewal of Francisco Lacerda Museum with the installation of a room at the facilities of the former Marie d'Anjou cannery in Calheta, and the future construction of a centre at Santa Maria Museum.