Prime Minister José Maria Neves spoke during the opening ceremonies of the second edition of the Atlantic Music Expo (AME), which took place at the National Assembly building, saying that the event will provide a major contribution to the definition of a new cultural policy in Cape Verde and to the affirmation of culture as a major factor in the country’s development.

Minister of Culture Mário Lúcio, for his part, affirmed that the private sector has the obligation to take on the responsibility for the project, leaving the state to play and active role of encouragement, albeit on a secondary plane.

The Prime Minister said that it was “extraordinary” that in its second edition the Atlantic Music Expo is already considered an international reference, “not only attracting the eyes of the world to Cape Verde, but also serving as a platform for the internationalization of Cape Verdean music.”

Culture, and particularly music, “is crucial for economic growth and for the social development of the Cape Verdean nation,” stressed José Maria Neves.

Minister of Culture Mário Lúcio, for his part, said that the private sector has the “obligation” to continue this work and make it flower “without any complacency,” with the state, in his view, to continue serving as na active partner, but with a secondary role.

Mário Lúcio proudly affirmed that today in Cape Verde “we’ve stopped using that tiresome word, sponsorship, and replaced it with the economy,” stressing the “symbolic feat” of Cape Verde having gone from a platform for the slave trade to a market for music.

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