Spring Break
Cape Verdean prime minister addresses growing diversity
Noelle Myers
Issue date: 11/13/08 Section: News
11/13/08 - Cape Verdean Prime Minister, Jose Maria Periera Neves came to the University of Rhode Island Multicultural Center Monday to address the world's increasing diversity and the impact of this year's presidential election to an audience of about 75.
"I think that this week the U.S. made history," Neves said.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by several Cape Verdean officials, and his speech was translated by his adviser, Adelaide Lima.
For security purposes, the audience was prohibited from leaving the room until the event was over.
He said the impact the election had on Africa is profound because it showed that change is also possible in other continents.
"Africa is the continent that has the most problems in the world," Neves said.
The prime minister, an internationally-recognized African-American leader who has delivered lectures at Brown University, Boston University and Bridgewater State College, said he wants Africa to be governed in a way similar to the United States. He believes that Africa needs leadership that would build strong states.
"The dream of African independence was at first delayed," Neves said.
But after more than two centuries of struggle, Neves said the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. are finally coming true.
Melvin Wade, the director of the Multicultural Center, shared the sentiments of Neves regarding the influence the presidential election had on the world.
This is a period of historic transformation in the society, Neves said.
He explained how integrating education has allowed the world to develop better communication and transportation.
"Education played a fundamental role in this process of transformation," Neves said. He explained that when people have access to education, it is possible to change society in a positive way.
"A citizen can change a city, a city can change a state, a state can change a nation, and a nation can change the world," Neves said.
He added, knowledge is a great resource in today's world, and students are able to eternalize rights and knowledge in order to build their future.
Representing the prime minister's country, the URI Cape Verdean Student Association is a group of students on campus that are either of Cape Verdean descent or are eager to learn more about the culture.
CVSA closed the ceremony with a Cape Verdean dance that reflected the culture.
"Through CVSA, I am able to learn more about my culture," senior Ludovica Almeida, the president of CVSA, said.
Also in attendance were representatives from several student groups, including, the NAACP, SASA, BAS, PINK and NSBE.
"The future of mankind is a multi-colored world," Neves said.
"I think that this week the U.S. made history," Neves said.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by several Cape Verdean officials, and his speech was translated by his adviser, Adelaide Lima.
For security purposes, the audience was prohibited from leaving the room until the event was over.
He said the impact the election had on Africa is profound because it showed that change is also possible in other continents.
"Africa is the continent that has the most problems in the world," Neves said.
The prime minister, an internationally-recognized African-American leader who has delivered lectures at Brown University, Boston University and Bridgewater State College, said he wants Africa to be governed in a way similar to the United States. He believes that Africa needs leadership that would build strong states.
"The dream of African independence was at first delayed," Neves said.
But after more than two centuries of struggle, Neves said the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. are finally coming true.
Melvin Wade, the director of the Multicultural Center, shared the sentiments of Neves regarding the influence the presidential election had on the world.
This is a period of historic transformation in the society, Neves said.
He explained how integrating education has allowed the world to develop better communication and transportation.
"Education played a fundamental role in this process of transformation," Neves said. He explained that when people have access to education, it is possible to change society in a positive way.
"A citizen can change a city, a city can change a state, a state can change a nation, and a nation can change the world," Neves said.
He added, knowledge is a great resource in today's world, and students are able to eternalize rights and knowledge in order to build their future.
Representing the prime minister's country, the URI Cape Verdean Student Association is a group of students on campus that are either of Cape Verdean descent or are eager to learn more about the culture.
CVSA closed the ceremony with a Cape Verdean dance that reflected the culture.
"Through CVSA, I am able to learn more about my culture," senior Ludovica Almeida, the president of CVSA, said.
Also in attendance were representatives from several student groups, including, the NAACP, SASA, BAS, PINK and NSBE.
"The future of mankind is a multi-colored world," Neves said.
