The PS – Madeira reiterated their concern that the Regional Government has postponed the Porto Santo Ferry Connection between Madeira and Porto Santo until the 1st of March. According to PS deputy Miguel Brito, this is a situation that has made local populations unhappy, and affects local entrepreneurs who are suffering financially due to the pandemic situation.
In his address he said “If the Lobo Marinho arrived in the archipelago last week, the crew would have already fulfilled their five day prophylactic isolation. And if this is the case, why should the Porto-Santenses be isolated further, now that the ferry has undergone its annual inspection and service?” He went on to say, “we are talking about another 10 days without a maritime connection, which will have a very significant effect on the island’s dynamics, because the local economy cannot survive as an internal market.”
He expressed his perplexity about the silence of the Mayor of Porto Santo, who alongside the Regional Government are unable to guarantee the population of Porto Santo the right to travel. Furthermore, he questioned why the Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport Eduardo Jesus, fought so hard to force Binter Air Services to continue flying when they started cancelling flights, but has not done the same to ensure that the ferry connection resumes.”
Miguel Brito considers that the people of Porto Santo have demonstrated exemplary behaviour, complying with all the protection norms and the current epidemiological situation is favourable. Finally, he considers it is necessary to speed up the vaccination process in Porto Santo, so that the islands population have chance to build up their Covid-19 immunity so that the island can once again become a ‘Safe Island’ holiday destination.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
