Geraldo Reyes Jr

I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the president of Cape Verde to Waterbury and the State Capitol. President José Maria Neves is an incredible leader who believes in democracy, women's rights, education, and health care. It was an honor and a privilege to meet him last Friday and to hear more about the undeniable ties connecting his thriving African island nation to our state.

Tens of thousands of people of Cape Verdean descent call Waterbury and other Connecticut cities home. They are an essential fabric of our communities, and we are thrilled they choose to live in our state. President Neves made it clear during his speech that he feels a sense of pride that Cape Verdeans are succeeding here in Connecticut. Now, he has a desire to develop a robust economic connection between his country and our state.

I would like to thank Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz for giving President Neves a warm welcome. She hopes this visit will lead to a firm bond between our state and Cape Verde.

I also want to recognize Senator Marilyn Moore for making President Neves’ visit a reality. Sen. Moore went above and beyond to promote and showcase our great state to a leader from another part of the globe. She is incredibly proud of her Cape Verdean heritage and will never forget this incredible visit.

Finally, I must give a shoutout to Representative James Sánchez, who hosted the welcome ceremony at the State Capitol. Rep. Sánchez gave a rousing speech and made President Neves feel right at home.

We hope President Neves decides to return to our great state in the near future!