A bulletin of current news and island events. With this we can keep up-to-date on all of the important issues and happenings in Maio such as: the transportation problem, the new water plant, cable TV, the long wait for land sales, etc, etc...

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CV Fast Ferry, Maio Port Requires Adaption

A little over a month until the arrival of the first Fast Ferry Kriola from Cabo Verde Fast Ferry (CVFF). CVFF is waiting for an adjustment that has to be made to the port in Maio before it can receive the new ferry.
According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CVFF company, Andy Andrade, "The port in Maio has to be adapted with a ramp to receive the ferry."

Andy Andrande told the "Voice Djarmai di", a gathering of entrepreneurs and the Dutch Cape Verdeans in Rotterdam, "The CVFF, is sensitive to the problem of maritime connection between Praia / Maio / Praia, could not Djarmai out the project", but Andrade says that "without port adaptation this connection will be impossible." However, he claims to be in contact with the Mayor of Maio, Manuel Ribeiro, and ENAPOR who have been unwilling to resolve this issue.

Note that the ferry Kriola "already done this month and was baptised on October 22 in Singapore should, according to Andrade, arrive in Cape Verde between 24 and 26 December. However, judging by how things have gone, the people maense have to wait a while to see the resolved problem of sea transport.

Article: CV Fast Ferry, Maio Port Requires Adaption

Sea and Land Species found in Cape Verde

A nice collection of images and videos of sea and land species found in Cape Verde:

ARKive - images of life on earth

United Nations Projects on Ilha do Maio, Cape Verde

In the field: Cape Verde making its way for the Sustainability of the Environment / Making the difference in shaping the minds and the actions of the people

Cape Verde has been recognized as a global hotspot for terrestrial and marine biodiversity and United Nations in Cape Verde is actively involved in promoting environmental sustainability for the people and its' future generations of Cape Verde. On the island of Maio, two projects funded by GEF Small Grants Programme, are making the difference in shaping the minds and actions of the people.

"Marine Turtles Protection" is the first turtle conservation project in the history of the island involving the active participation of local communities and fishermen to protect Loggerhead Turtles. The project enables 17 fishermen and local people to be employed to patrol the beaches from June to October for the nesting and the hatchlings of the turtles. The local youth are also taking part in the conservation project by visiting the project sites and learning about the life cycle of the turtles and the eco-system of the island. The youth also had the opportunity to share their findings by organizing a theater performance at the municipality's festivals. Theater is relatively new to Maio and the play combined traditional story-telling techniques with an emphasis of turtle conservation and the importance of preserving the natural environment.

This is a positive change in the increased awareness of the people where before, the hunting of turtles for their meat and eggs was common practice across the islands and egg predation by humans and other predators, had almost wiped out the breeding turtle population of the island.The project is also in alignment with Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP), a national government policy priority, which is also linked to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The project is really a local-to-global contribution.

"Revitalizing the Porto Ingles Wetlands" is also a unique cooperative project,empowering 70local women working in salt extraction. Porto Ingles Wetlands include the largest «salina» in Cape Verde with a heritage of salt extraction since the late 16th century. The entire salt production process in Maio is managed and operated by local women, and these women are proud and motivated in further improving their professional skills by actively participating in a technical exchange program to increase salt production with women from similar projects in Guinea Bissau, West Africa.The UN in Cape Verde will continue work with the Government, civil society, private sector, development partners, and families to promote sustainable development. After all, the women in Porto Ingles Wetlands have definitely illustrated that by working together and sharing experiences, they are not only helping each other to enhance the quality of life for themselves, but also are contributing to the lives of the people in Cape Verde and it's neighbouring countries.

In addition,the project not only promotes sustainable traditional livelihoods of these women, it also promotes biodiversity by protecting and re-vitalizing the wetlands. The wetland attracts a wide variety of birds,including endemic species, for breeding and feeding.A protected fence is scheduled to be built to preserve and to develop this area as a natural reserve to incorporate eco-tourism as a unique bird-watching site in Cape Verde. The flocks of flamingo can also be observed when visiting the Porto Ingles Wetlands.

Both projects, while aimed at issues related to MDG7, (Ensure Environmental Sustainability), have the added benefits of addressing poverty eradication and other MDG1 targets. The UN in Cape Verde and GEF Small Grants Programme continue to be committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods of the people by protecting the environment and utilizing the natural resources.

* Reported and photos taken by Masakazu Shibata (OUNF&P Communication Officer) except group photo of "Marine Turtles Protection" project provided by Tony Melo (Biosfera I)

Portuguese consortium carries out construction work on port of Praia, Cape Verde

Praia, Cape Verde, 15 Oct – A consortium of three Portuguese construction companies is already carrying out the second phase of work to expand and modernise the port of Praia, worth 72 million euros, following conclusion of the first part of the project Thursday.

The contract was signed at the end of August and the work by Somague, MSF Engenharia and Etermar began in September, and is due to be finished within 30 months.

The second phase – the first officially finished Thursday and was funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) with US$53 million - covers refurbishment of the existing dock, construction of a protective mantle for the container park and a 234 metre-long breakwater.

The project also includes extending the number 1 dock to around 450 metres, in order to make it possible for two container ships to manoeuvre more easily at the same time, regardless of movement of fuel ships at the end of the dock.

Dredging of the manoeuvre basin and installation of a navigational support system, as well as construction of the container park, are also part of the work now contracted.

The project to modernise and expand the port of Praia aims for the facility to have traffic of some 2 million tons of goods in 2030. (macauhub)

DAMEN delivers first-ever newbuild fast ferry to Cape Verde

Singapore, October 22

Cape Verde marked an important milestone in its history as the ten-island state sees the official inauguration of its first-ever, newbuild fast ferry. The “Kriola”, a DAMEN Fast Ferry 4512, literally represents a lifeline to Cape Verdeans.

DAMEN Regional Director, Friso Visser, commented: “We are very proud to have been chosen to partner with Cape Verde in this unique project and to be able to answer the exact needs of the owner, Cabo Verde Fast Ferry.”

The Dutch shipbuilding group, headquartered in Gorinchem in the Netherlands, is especially delighted to have managed to build the new ro-ro ferry in less than one year and to have even delivered it weeks earlier than planned.

Kriola is expected to enter service by the end of the year and a second sister vessel, the Liberdadi, is due to be delivered early 2011. Other vessels may follow in the future to boost Cape Verde’s sea transportation connectivity.

As well as being the country’s first new fast ferry, the vessel was also funded in a unique way. Cabo Verde Fast Ferry carried out the country’s first Initial Public Offering (IPO) to raise the funds needed. Cape Verdeans were so keen to buy bonds that the IPO resulted in one of the highest stock exchange participations ever.

The Kriola can accommodate 164 passengers and 65 tonnes of cargo and was built at DAMEN Shipyards Singapore, a yard known for its quality aluminium fast ferries, patrol boats, crew suppliers and workboats.

Cabo Verde Fast Ferry President, Andy Andrade, outlined the importance of the new vessel to the islanders.

Cape Verde has always been somewhat isolated because of its position in the middle of the Atlantic but this is particularly worse for the outlying island of Brava, explained Mr. Andrade.
“Often transportation is only carried out on an ad-hoc basis because the waters are subject to many currents, substantial wave heights and very windy conditions. Safe, reliable transportation to the islands was a key priority.”

Cabo Verde Fast Ferry company contacted several yards, both in Europe and the US, Mr. Andrade stressed: “Our new vessels had to be very specific for Cape Verde. It was only DAMEN that took the time to actually look at the specific needs of Cape Verde.”

Seakeeping ability was crucial and the vessel had to be able to support the business plan, so facilitate the right mix of passengers/cargo, comfort levels, fuel consumption and operational costs weight into the design factors.

The DAMEN 4512 also appealed because it could offer a very fast turnaround in port because the vessel is very compact. To achieve the same operational profile, a comparable German-built vessel operating between the islands is 68 meters - a considerable increase on the 45 m length of the DAMEN Fast Ferry.

Another high priority request from CVFF was a ferry that had to be able to serve the four southern islands in a day before travelling back to its home port in Brava for the night. Therefore, it needed to achieve speeds of 18-22 knots.

“These two vessels will really bring maritime transportation into the 21st century,” company executives emphasized. They are certain that as soon as the Kriola arrives it will stimulate travel and it will give a boost to the economy. The DAMEN Fast Ferry will not only make it easier for foreign tourism but also internal tourism between the islands. Workers and students travelling will also benefit from the new ferries, added Andy.

Established in 1927, DAMEN now has more than 30 shipyards worldwide and employs 6,700 people. In 2009, the company had a turnover of E1.4bn. DAMEN has an extremely varied portfolio, specialising in fast ferries, tugs, workboats, patrol craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, mega yachts and naval vessels.

DAMEN has been a pioneer of modular shipbuilding based on standardised designs. Introduced in 1969 by DAMEN Chairman, Kommer Damen, this technique gives the yard the ability to offer well-proven vessels, very short delivery times and competitive prices.

In addition to newbuild construction, DAMEN is involved in maintenance and repair activities and a wide range of associated maritime services.

Per­fect opportunity to purchase excep­tional plot of land on Maio Cape Verde

We are glad to reveal that after a recent web-page make-over of the real-estate section, the web-page can finally be revealed

Maio Land For Sale on Ilha do Maio Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)

Land sales on the Ilha do Maio have steadily been increasing over the last couple of years as the prices for premier land are substantially less than other islands in Cape Verde.

New High-quality stunning Maio Cape Verde Images

A new set of excellent and stunning photographs of Ilha do Maio, Cape Verde, have been added to the MaioCV.com website gallery page.

Maio Cape Verde Photographs Gallery

Also, beautiful recent images of the excellent Stella Maris villa development in Vila do Maio.

Utilities Installation at Morro Beach

Work is under-way at present installing underground electricity and water lines from the main highway to Morro Beach.

The work is being done by a private enterprise which has a large development in the fast-growing beach front area.

Also at this time a beach access road will accompany the utilities lines and will bridge a low portion of the way.

Maio is becoming the favoured choice for wealthy Cape Verdeans

The Cape Verde archipelago – a collection of 10 islands – was discovered by Portuguese explorers 550 years ago. It was first discovered by UK property investors about five years ago, although for a while a lot of fun was had asking overseas buyers to find Cape Verde on the map.

It is a fascinating and diverse geographical anomaly – the European Caribbean. It is about 300 miles off the coast of Senegal in West Africa; an hour south of the Canary Islands and on the same latitude as the Caribbean. Cape Verde is just a five and a half hour flight from the UK and only an hour ahead of GMT.

The temperatures average out at about 26 degrees, with very little rain and an array of stunning beaches beside turquoise waters. Nine of the islands are inhabited, with four attracting the most tourist interest Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista and Maio.

“It has, like everywhere, been a tough 18 months but a dip in pricing has allowed buyers to take advantage of deals and now is a really good time to buy,” said Adrian Lillywhite, managing director of Cape Verde Property.

”Infrastructure is slowly but surely improving, with new projects for wind farms and solar electricity and improving road systems. There is a long way to go, but on various islands the airports and ports are being expanded,” added Lillywhite.

He picks Sal as the island of investment choice, with a mix of buyers, including around 100 British purchasers.

“New top quality resorts like the Vila Verde resort and the Melia Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa will be finished soon and will add to the infrastructure and quality end of the residential tourism market,” said Lillywhite. You can fly to Sal direct from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

You can pick up one-bedroom apartments with sea views for around 140,000 euros, but studios in town can be as little as 75,000 euros. At the Melia Tortuga resort a two-bedroom resale apartment starts at around 130,000 euros and a frontline four-bedroom villa 500,000 euros.

Tax and legal fees when buying amount to around five percent of the purchase price and capital gains tax kicks in at three percent after the first 30 percent gain.

Paul Akwei, managing director of Noscasa, says the government is attracting foreign investment to compensate for the islands’ lack of exports. It has simplified business registration in Cape Verde and there are various tax breaks available. China in particular is pumping a lot of infrastructure investment into Cape Verde.

“It is an emerging market with a long way to go. People investing here are mostly in it for the long-term and realise their investment will mature as the infrastructure improves. Tourist arrivals are increasing at an annual rate of 22 percent with a projected one million tourists a year by 2015,” said Akwei. Travel and tourism currently accounts for over a quarter of Cape Verde’s GDP.

While Sal and Boa Vista remain the top tourist and investment attractions, Steve Eddolls of agents Topa says the “lush, mountainous” Sao Vicente is also drawing buyers and holiday-makers, with a new airport on the island’s capital Mindelo.

“The tropical beach island of Maio is becoming the favoured choice for wealthy Cape Verdeans and is set to attract international investors,” said Eddolls. You can buy a studio apartment on Maio with an ocean view for as little as 30,000 euros.

Malcolm Lea, director of Positive about Property, points to the political stability of Cape Verde and rising land values and tourist figures as good reasons to investment. Big brand hotels and tour operators are now operating and top quality resorts emerging, but with strict environmental controls to ensure development is low-density and low-rise.

Cape Verde-EU partnership agreement reached

Cape Verde Prime Minister José Maria Neves held a high-level meeting in Brussels with European Commission leader José Manuel Barroso to finalise the last steps in negotiations about an Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU. Cape Verde is to benefit from new funding from the EU.

Prime Minister Neves was accompanied by Cape Verde's Foreign Minister José Brito, the National Director of Political Affairs and Cooperation and other senior diplomats from the archipelago. The mission on Tuesday met with the President of the European Commission to discuss and deepen a partnership agreement signed in Brussels last year, focusing on the issue of economic partnership, and also a mobility agreement.

Judging by the testimonies of participants in the meeting, the meeting was a success and achieved significant progress. Cape Verde is negotiating an economic partnership agreement with the European Union (EU) that will allow the West African archipelago to continue to enjoy favourable export conditions for its products to Europe.

Cape Verde until now has enjoyd the facilities granted to so-called least developed countries (LDCs), which exempts poor trade partners from customs duties for export to Europe.

But Cape Verde has seen a flamboyant economic development during the last decades, and a few years ago the UN redfined it as a middle income country, meaning that Cape Verde was to lose favourable LDC condition after a transitional period of three years. This period ends in December this year. The Cape Verdean government however hopes to extend the transition period for yet another year, and the Brussels meeting idicated its bid is being successful.

"We want to sign [the Economic Partnership Agreement] as soon as possible," stated Prime Minister Neves after the meeting. The new EU-Cape Verde agreement orginally should be reached within the regional framework of ECOWAS. But the LDC transition had complicated matters. Mr Neves said EU leader Barroso had been "aware and sensitive" on the matter, together seeking solutions or a smooth transition and a possibility to win time for Cape Verde.

Cape Verde has already achieved a special partnership agreement with the EU, handling both political and economic matters. With a separate Economic Partnership Agreement, Cape Verde further moves from ECOWAS towards the EU. After the LDC transition, Cape Verde aims at a deeper integration into the EU economy and market.

The Brussels meeting also addressed mobility and visa regulations. Cape Verdeans are about to obtain a special visa partnership with the European bloc. Mr Neves said that the Cape Verde-EU mobility partnership negotiations had seen "considerable progress," and he expected a signature of the agreement "later this year."

This agreement aims to create special facilities for obtaining visas for entry into the Schengen area for Cape Verde citizens, such as reducing the time for decision making in relation to the issuance of a visa or not, the establishment of preferential rates or total exemption of visas, among other issues. It was also an effective way to combat illegal immigration, according to Mr Barroso and Mr Neves.

According to information forwarded afrol News, the Brussels meeting also treated the possibility of a substantial increase of contributions by European Commission funds through the European Development Fund (EDF) to support Cape Verde's transition from a least developed country to a medium income country.

In addition, the West African archipelago may benefit from other funds such as the V-Flex (Vulnerability Fund) and also the framework of the EU to combat climate change under the Regional Indicative Programme for West Africa, PM Neves was told in Brussels.

Delegation from the Ilha do Maio MADRRM promotes III Mondays Agro-livestock

A delegation from the Ministry of Environment, Rural Development and Marine Resources (MADRRM) promotes the Ilha do Maio on 24 and 25 opened, the third Monday of farm and livestock products of the island.

According to the deputy MADRRM, Carlos Dias, will attend the event for farmers and creators from the island, selected, among other things, the quality (variety) and quantity of its products such as agricultural, farming or handicrafts.

The idea, according to Carlos Dias, is to give participants the opportunity to exhibit their products, taking into account that the island that there is a space where they can sell. Normally, all the run-off is channelled into the market in Praia.

Moreover, Open Days, are also a way to spread the productive capacities of the island are increasing year on year.

The fair will be held during the weekend and has a partnership with the City Council on Maio, farmers, ranchers and artisans.

Original article: Noticias Cape Verde – click here

Maio: PDM submitted to the CM and AM

Will be presented tomorrow to the Board and the Municipal Assembly of the county in Maio the results of phase I of the preparation of the Municipal Plan (PDM) on the island.

It should be noted that the responsibility of preparing the PDM of the Isle of Maio was in charge of Tourism Development Society Islands of Boa Vista and Maio, SA (SDTIBM) through the cooperation protocol signed with the local authority in November 2008. It should be noted that the responsibility of preparing the PDM of the Isle of Maio Was in charge of Tourism Development Society Islands of Boa Vista and Maio, SA (SDTIBM) through the cooperation protocol signed with the local authority in November 2008.

With the development of PDM, it is intended to give the city a tool for land management and urban planning that seeks the harmonious relationship of various strategic objectives. With the development of PDM, it is intended to give the city a tool for land management and urban planning Seeks That the harmonious relationship of various strategic objectives.

Note also that under the contract signed between the consortium and SDTIBM Cese / Diameter work should be completed within seven months and should be developed in three phases, with Phase I, culminating in the presentation of the Report Characterisation and Diagnosis and proposals for development scenarios. Also note that under the contract signed between the consortium and SDTIBM Cese / Diameter work completed should be within seven months and should be developed in three phases, with Phase I, culminating in the presentation of the Report and Characterization Diagnosis and proposals for development scenarios.

With this presentation of the results of Phase I development of the PDM Maio SDTIBM want to socialize with the elected municipal jobs that are being developed and get their opinions and suggestions on the various scenarios proposed. With this presentation of the results of Phase I development of the PDM Maio SDTIBM want to socialise with the elected municipal Jobs that are being developed and get their opinions and suggestions on the various scenarios proposed.

Original Article: AR, Expresso das Ilhas - click here

More Publicity for Ilha do Maio

The tropical island of Maio is fast becoming the favoured choice for wealthy Cape Verdeans and is set to attract international investors due to planned infrastructure developments and improved air and ferry links.

The Salinas Beach Resort is the premier development on Maio and is currently under construction by No. 1 Cape Verdean developer Sogei. This project has been financed by funds raised on the Cape Verde Stock Exchange, and the strength of the Sogei name means buyers can be assured that off-plan purchases will deliver both quality and reliability.

The Salinas Beach Resort is located in Porto Ingles near to Maio’s harbour. The resort will include a 4 star hotel, commercial area, gymnasium / sauna, bar and beach club. Three bedroom semi-detached villas are available from €248,000, 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartments from €126,000 and commercial units from €70,000.

“Before the financial crisis Cape Verde was Europe’s closest tropical destination with a constant climate, direct flights from the UK, a stable economy pegged to the euro, investor-friendly government policy and a vibrant culture – and nothing has changed!” says Akwei.

“Those are just some of the reasons why Cape Verde developed as a highly desirable overseas property investment market - and that’s why it will recover and return to health so much quicker than many other destinations.”

Original Article: easierProperty - click here

São Tomé gets ferry link with Cape Verde

A high speed ferry between São Tomé and Cape Verde is planned for operations already in June this year, according to an announcement by the Cape Verdean government.

The plans were revealed during the three-day visit of Cape Verdean Prime Minister José Maria Neves to São Tomé and Príncipe today. PM Neves headed a larger delegation of Cape Verdean ministers and businessmen to the fellow Portuguese speaking archipelago, agreeing to “assume a strategic partnership with São Tomé.”

The ferry plans were agreed by Cape Verdean entrepreneur Felisberto Furtado and São Toméan businessman Aurélio Martins in the presence of the prime ministers of the two countries. The two businessmen signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly establish the ferry company Expresso LDA, which is to operate the new maritime link.

The vessel that is to ensure the ferry link is already on the Cape Verdean island São Vicente. According to Mr Furtado, the vessel is “a fast boat, capable of making the trip in five days, while a normal vessel would use up to eight days.”

Mr Furtado further explained that the ferry has a capacity of 800 passengers and about 400 beds, with cinema and garden and a playground for children. The vessel would focus on passenger traffic between the two popular holiday resort archipelagos.

According to the memorandum signed in the presence of the prime ministers of Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe, the ship’s inauguration trip on this route will start as early as June this year, “opening up great possibilities for relations and trade between the two countries.”

While passenger freight is the main scope of the project, the speed boat also was to transport goods between the two island nations. Especially the government of São Tomé sees the new maritime connection as a great opportunity of increasing its tropical agricultural exports to Cape Verde and beyond.

The three-day visit of Prime Minister Neves also resulted in the signing of an agreement of a strategic partnership between the two nations, with a special aim of assisting São Tomé and Príncipe in its economic development.

Cape Verde, which is already a mid-income nation, is to assist the impoverished “brother country” São Tomé to develop several economic sectors, with a first main focus on the fisheries and agriculture. Also, the two countries would open full-fledged embassies in each other’s capitals, PM Neves and his São Toméan counterpart Rafael Branco announced.

Original Article: AFROL – click here

France Nice to Cape Verde, flights with TACV, July 2010

TACV will operate a weekly flight Nice-Praia as of July 2nd, 2010

The TACV, the national airline of Cape Verde, opens a new transcontinental destination from Nice Côte d’Azur as of July 2, 2010. It will link the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to Praia, located 2 km from the centre of the capital on the island of Santiago and about 3 400 km from Nice.

Details on the Friday weekly flight :

Nice: 11:00 – Praia: 13h55
Praia: 01h00 – Nice: 09h40

This will allow the Cape Verdean community, strongly implanted in the region, to connect directly to Praia.

Didier Monges, Director of Operations of the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, said: “We welcome this new transcontinental line which brings to 9 the number of destinations to Africa. This new route with TACV is significant of the spirit of airlines that expect to offer passengers new travel opportunities and also reflects their confidence in the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.”

The TACV-Cabo Verde Airlines is the national airline of Cape Verde and a limited company. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008, and was awarded the IOSA certificate in 2009 and became a permanent member of IATA.

Original Article – click here

Journal Added to the Gallery

Owen & Nerys (and Family) have just returned from an adventure round the islands of Cape Verde. Read how they travelled to Maio via Boa Vista and Santiago (Praia) to reach Villa Maris.

Owen & Nerys a Maio Journal - click here to view

Casa Blanca Supermarket Update

A new advert has been added to the Free Adverts section. As with all adverts on the website they are Free, so if you have a business, service or something to sell please contact us.

Casa Blanca Supermarket - click here

Marine Princess Ferry Docked Indefinitely, Cape Verde, Maio

The hydrofoil Ferry Marine Princess remains docked at Praia sea port with no date in sight for the resumption of business. After news indicating that the vessel was paralysed due to the departure of its captain, several A Semana Online sources have revealed additional problems that have combined to keep the embarkation from going out to sea. This is the second time the Marine Princess has been forced to lay idle in the short time it has been operating in Cape Verde, thus dashing expectations that it would help resolve the problematic issue of connections among the country’s southern islands.

Sources close to the vessel's administration claim that, "Operations have been suspended" not only because the captain left for Angola, but also because, after "investing millions of escudos, administrators have been combating archaic procedures that, in addition to being costly, hinder or even render useless the company’s work," said the source.

As such, the administration of Cape Verde Navalis is waiting for a reaction to a memorandum submitted some time ago aimed at doing away with "parasitical" costs and "archaic and anti-economic procedures."

In addition to the lack of a captain, the company is hoping authorities will put an end to these "parasitical" costs that they claim make operations unreasonably expensive. Without mentioning to which authorities the memorandum was actually sent, A Semana Online's source says that the ship will remain docked until these issues are resolved.

The hydrofoil Marine Princess, which had been plying the waters along the Praia-Fogo, Brava route three times a week, is currently sitting at Praia sea port. Connections to the other Leeward Islands were expected to resume during the Christmas and New Year's holiday, but this will no longer happen.

The ships Praia d'Aguada, Sotavento and Sal Rei travel to the islands of Fogo and Brava twice a week, but even so are unable to meet the demand on the part of would-be travellers, who often take advantage of the holiday season to visit their native islands.

Source: ASemana Online - click here.

Unique Christmas Gift - Turtle SOS Cabo Verde

It's not too late to send your friends and family a unique gift from Sal.

Hatchlings will continue to be born during December so you can still adopt a turtle baby as a Christmas gift.

For a minimum donation of €10 the recipient receives a Christmas Certificate of Adoption as well as photos of their hatchling being released into the sea.

We also have t-shirts (adults/kids €15/€10), hoodies (€30), caps (€15) and environmentally friendly cotton bags (€10). All profits go directly towards protecting turtles in Cape Verde. For more information email info@turtlesos.org

Businesses Realising Maio's Potential

This year will be an important period in Maio's development. A healthy business climate must have competition and businesses from Praia are beginning to realise Maio's potential. Already this year in Vila do Maio, two travel agencies have opened and two banks are under construction. Also, a supermarket in Morro will open this month.