EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva joined Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Sen. Robert Britto, Dr. Isadore Ramos, Corsino Delgado of the Cape Verdean Museum, Dr. Silas Pinto and Joe Moniz of the Cape Verdean Progressive Center overseas to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cape Verdean Independence.
Throughout that visit local leaders had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cape Verdean heritage and culture, while witnessing the countries’ historic milestone of 50 years of freedom firsthand.
During the trip, Mayor DaSilva and the delegation also had the opportunity to meet privately with Cape Verde President José Maria Pereira Neves and Prime Minister José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva.
Mayor DaSilva as well as each of the state’s delegates had the opportunity to form an open line of communication with Cape Verde’s top leaders, creating international relations and connecting island industry with Rhode Island business.
Mayor DaSilva used this opportunity as a chance to highlight improving inter-island transportation and introducing Cape Verdean leadership to manufacturer Regent Craft and the R.I. Seaglider. Right now, Regent Craft is revolutionizing coastal transportation and Mayor DaSilva believes that the manufacturer could play a role in providing affordable and reliable inter-island transportation.
One of the many conversations had between Rhode Island leadership and Cape Verde’s top-ranking officials, was the importance of the Cape Verdean diaspora and how East Providence can collaborate to improve trade, education and cultural exchanges.
East Providence is home to one of Rhode Island’s largest Cape Verdean populations, and the Cape Verdean Progressive Center has been a staple within the community for over 80 years.
