Some people do not have a commitment, instead of serving their country they use their country…it’s a matter of choice. It can fail if you don’t have ethics in what you’re fighting for.
At age 91, former Cabo Verde President and Prime Minister Pedro Pires recently traveled to visit Bridgewater State University where he reflected on his pivotal role in securing Cabo Verde’s independence and the nation-building journey that followed.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the African archipelago’s becoming an independent nation.
When introducing Pires to the audience that included faculty, staff, students, alumni and local elected officials, Vinny DeMacedo, senior advisor for external relations, shared how humbled he was to welcome Pires to campus.
“I am a proud Cape Verdean; I was born there in 1965. To have the opportunity to be part of hosting President Pires here at BSU, it’s an honor for me,” DeMacedo said.
A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Pires served as prime minister from 1975-1991. He was instrumental in securing independence from Portugal and helped usher in multi-party elections.
Pires also served as president of Cabo Verde from 2001 to 2011. During his tenure he focused on economic development and political stability. Pires also built a relationship with BSU and credits the university for supporting his country’s development and creating connections with Cabo Verdeans living in southeastern Massachusetts.
“We’ve aspired here on campus, to be the 11th island of Cabo Verde,” BSU President Frederick Clark Jr., ’83, said. “We understand that we serve, in large part, as a bridge. That bridge, appropriately, begins here at Bridgewater. Our partnership is 23 years old. It’s a very special relationship with the country and university.”
In 2014, the Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies, an academic institute focused on Cabo Verde, was established at Bridgewater State.
Former BSU President Dana Mohler-Faria shared how much it meant to him to be part of the collaboration and installation of the institute.
“That vision was fulfilled by both the university and by Cabo Verde. We have achieved incredible accomplishments both here at the university in the United States and in Cabo Verde as a result of that relationship,” Mohler-Faria said.
Journalist Gunga Tavares translated to the audience Pires’s wisdom, and what it takes to be an effective leader.
“Communication is important. We have to not only communicate with each other, but also be respectful,” Pires said. “For you to be a revolutionary, you have to be honest, that’s the simple condition. You must be ethical.
“Some people do not have a commitment, instead of serving their country they use their country…it’s a matter of choice. It can fail if you don’t have ethics in what you’re fighting for.”
Pires also stressed that working together towards a common goal leads to success.
“There is a philosophy in politics, that you should only add or multiply, never subtract or divide,” Pires said. “Think. Talk. Find a consensus. Humanity is diverse. Society should include everyone. Share in dialogue, that is how we can build the future.”
During the June 20 event, BSU Board of Trustee Chairperson Michael Taylor presented Pires with an honorary degree from the university.
“We are forever grateful for your longstanding support of Bridgewater State University,” Taylor said. “You have enthusiastically embraced our growing international collaboration which benefits Cabo Verdean and American students alike. You recognize BSU’s role in supporting your country’s development and forging connections with the large concentration of Cabo Verdeans living in southeastern Massachusetts.”
Pires thanked the university for the honor and shared one last message.
“We are all human beings and no matter how strong we are, no matter how courageous, you cannot survive alone,” he said. “This recognition is comforting. Recognition gives you more strength and stamina to think and reflect, how can I do more?”
Do you have a BSU story to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.