Mindelo, 11 September (Inforpress) – The parliamentary group of the Movement for Democracy (MpD) expressed its criticism on Thursday regarding the possible closure of the Atlantic Technical University (UTA) and its integration into the University of Cabo Verde (Uni-CV), demanding well-founded explanations from the Government.

Em conferência de imprensa no Mindelo, a vice-presidente da bancada parlamentar, Sandra Galina, instou o executivo a divulgar os estudos técnicos e financeiros que sustentam a intenção admitida pelo Ministério da Educação, sete anos após a criação da instituição. 

“The MpD parliamentary group believes that no final decision should be taken until the Government has published the study and the financial data that support its intention to close the UTA, and has set out the academic and regional impacts of this decision,” said the MP.

Sandra Galina further emphasized the need for the executive body to make public its plans regarding the continuation of degree programs, jobs, and research projects, and to consult university bodies, students, faculty, staff, local authorities, and the relevant economic sectors.

SR/CP

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Praia, 11 September (Inforpress) – A joint operation by the IGAE and the National Police identified on Tuesday, in Ribeira Grande de Santiago, a facility producing aguardente outside the legal period, with tampered seals and using refined sugar, it was announced today.

In a post on its official page, the Inspectorate-General for Economic Activities (IGAE) reported that the seals on the still in question had been broken to allow for the distillation of juice extracted from green sugarcane that was still in the ripening stage.

The regulatory authority explained that the use of green sugarcane entails adding refined sugar to sweeten the juice, resulting in the production of illicitly manufactured spirits that are subsequently sold as *grogue*. 

In the view of the IGAE, this practice contributes to the devaluation of genuine grogue, produced from sugar cane under conditions stipulated by law.

TC/CP

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São Filipe, 11 September (Inforpress) – Psychologists who are part of the support teams assisting the communities affected by the accident on 5 September in Fogo advise against postponing the start of the school year, as they believe that returning to school can help the children’s recovery.

Health Minister and Crisis Cabinet spokesperson Lúcio Miranda announced today that the recommendation from psychologists is not to postpone the start of classes for another week, although each child's situation should be assessed individually.

“We must not delay the start of the school year,” said the spokesperson, who explained that children who show signs of anxiety or refuse to return to school may have their start date postponed, whilst for those who wish to return to school, doing so could be beneficial.

According to Lúcio Miranda, the presence of friends and classmates at school could contribute to the psychological recovery process of the children affected by the accident.

JR/CP

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Espargos, 11 September (Inforpress) – On the evening of Thursday 10th, the crater of the historic Pedra de Lume Salt Flats hosted a packed house for the fifth edition of ‘Pedra de Lume In Concert’, an event that has become a fixture on the cultural calendar of the island of Sal.

Part of the program celebrating Sal Municipality Day, the evening centered on local singer Mirri Lobo—the night's host—who, over the course of a more than two-hour performance, captivated the audience gathered in the crater with his vast repertoire and memorable duets.

The resident artist shared the stage with two female voices of Cape Verdean music: singer Emy Benrós, from São Vicente, and performer Jenifer Solidade.

Emy Benrós—who had previously performed songs from her own repertoire in a reggae style that was well-received by the audience—joined Mirri Lobo to perform "Triste Ê Sabe."

NA/CP