Construction Update (6)

As construction keeps on as expected and according to the announced schedule, the truth is that we have found there to be little earth-shattering news to report – but there has been plenty of earth shattering going on!

Just for your information, since day 1 of construction 180 000 m3 of earth have been moved! So that practically each house gets a breathtaking view, 140 000 m3 have been used for levelling the terrain, and the remaining 40 000 m3 will in due time get placed. In real terms this represents just over 1/3 of the land mass that will get moved around at Ponta Bicuda in this phase of construction.

Rhetorical question

I woke up this morning thinking how lucky I am. I love my job and I really believe on what we’re doing!
I work for a company that is investing in the right places. We’re now receiving the dividends on the, at the time, bold decision of investing outside Europe.
The western economies are in the middle of an “old people” turmoil: the fundamentals are good, but the confidence in the future is lower than most of us can remember. The BRIC’s are growing with confidence and with market solidity.
The oil is more expensive? Who cares, for most of the new users in the emerging (growing) world it’s the first time they can afford a car. For them, it’s the difference between non consumption and consumption. For the westerners, and in spite of all the current ominous malthusians, the economies are far less oil and natural resources dependent than they were 15 years ago. Brazil is the new player in the energy ground, with oil, sugar cane growing like a weed and 8% of the farming land in the world (Petrobras is now bigger than General Motors, sorry lads). The economy is growing at a two digit rate and the best part is the reflection in my own paycheck!
Those who think that Brazil is still a third world fragile economy should look again... for S&P the investment grade (BBB) is now, and other agencies are expected to follow. In Cape Verde a growth above 7.5% is not bad for 2008.
Should I invest my savings in Europe or in the next big thing?

Growth Rate In Cape Verde Expected to Accelarate in 2008

Acording to the African Economic Outlook Report, produced annually by the OECD and the African Development Bank, a rapid increase in the rate of growth can be expected for Cape Verde this year. From 6.6% in 2007, to 7.6% in 2008 and an estimated 7.0% in 2009.

This rapid growth increase reflects a tremendous effort made by the Cape Verde government to comply with the public sector’s Investment Program, a substantial increase in internal credit (including private investment), and a large amount of direct foreign investment.

Cape Verde born Nani, drafted for the Portuguese Euro 2008 Team

Born in Praia, Santiago Island Cape Verde in 1986, the acclaimed football player Nani , currently part of the English Premiere League champion team - Manchester United, was on Luis Felipe Scolari’s final drafting list for the Euro 2008, presneted at national level in Portugal yesterday evening!

Marianne Myles, Newly Appointed US Ambassador to Cape Verde

Marianne Myles, has just been appointed Ambassador of the USA to Cape Verde. In her confirmation hearing before the US Senate she referred to the Archipelago as a “success story.” Among contributing factors the Ambassador listed the fact that Cape Verde is one of the oldest democracies in the African Continent, that it maintains political stability and that to keep corruption levels down, the transparency levels have been elevated. She adds that Cape Verde has come along way in matters relating to human rights, civil liberty, and government effectiveness and accountability.

The Ambassador went on to highlight Cape Verde’s strategic position in the North – South Maritime routes, and the potential it has to become the transatlantic bridge for tourism, commerce and investment.