Cape Verdean Trade Union Urges Government Action on Inter-Island Flight Issues

The Cape Verdean trade union UCID has called on the government to fully tackle the ongoing problems with inter-island flights in the country. The union expressed concerns about the reliability and affordability of these vital transportation links between the islands of Cape Verde.

UCID emphasized the importance of the government taking concrete steps to improve the situation and ensure that the air travel needs of Cape Verdeans are being met effectively. The union's appeal comes amid growing frustration over the state of inter-island transportation in the archipelago nation.

The issues surrounding inter-island flights were further highlighted by the recent announcement from Angolan airline BestFly World Wide, the majority shareholder of Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde (TICV), that it will be exiting Cape Verde. BestFly cited a "toxic and punitive business environment" and criticized its treatment by authorities as reasons for its departure.

According to UCID, the lack of effective solutions to the air and maritime transport problems has jeopardized territorial cohesion, hurt the competitiveness of businesses, and caused significant losses for the Cape Verdean people. The union urged the government to make more comprehensive and impactful decisions to definitively resolve the situation.

Why this matters: The socioeconomic impact of the inter-island transportation issues has been severe, affecting companies, families, and even national security in Cape Verde. Resolving these problems is vital for the cohesion and development of the island nation.

UCID stressed that the current state of inter-island transportation cannot continue, given the major negative consequences it has had across Cape Verdean society. The union called for prompt government action to address the reliability, affordability, and overall effectiveness of flights and maritime links between the islands, to support the needs of the population and economy.

Key Takeaways

• Cape Verde's trade union UCID calls for govt action on inter-island flight issues
• Concerns over reliability, affordability of vital transportation links between islands
• Angolan airline BestFly to exit Cape Verde, citing "toxic and punitive" environment
• Lack of solutions jeopardizes territorial cohesion, business competitiveness, and losses
• Resolving transportation problems crucial for Cape Verde's cohesion and development