Councillors’ visit to the Republic of Cabo de Verde questioned

FOLLOWING hard on the heels of the scandal surrounding UK’s defence Minister Liam Fox and his alleged lavish lifestyle at public expense, it has been revealed that last month,  four top dog Javea Councillors zapped off to the Republic of Cabo de Verde for an apparent one week jolly paid by the town hall.

Javea Mayor Jose Chulvi, Deputy Mayor Oscar Anton and Councillors Juan Ortola and Pepe Mayo, made a 8,000 kilometre round trip to the sun drenched island of Fogo, located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa.

The trip had all the political hall marks of a good old ‘knee’s up’ incorporating several pints of Planters Punch and the odd Lobster Thermidor thrown in for good measure – but in reality, nothing could have been further from the truth.

In an exclusive interview, Councillor Oscar Anton expressed his surprise at the amount of public interest generated and was only too willing to explain the circumstances of the visit, admitting he had not considered a public statement or press release as being necessary.

According to Snr. Anton, in 2005, PP leader Jose Moragues agreed to help developing countries by donating .07% of Javea’s annual budget and through town hall connections in Portugal, the island of Fogo was chosen as the beneficiary and to date, a total of €245,000, has been donated to the cause.

New Socialist Mayor Chulvi, known for his energetic town economy drive, decided to ensure the money was being spent as agreed in developing accommodation for the poor including the installation of clean drinking water  – something the town hall team found to their disadvantage was not available everywhere – they all developed ‘Gippy’ tummies.

Deputy Mayor Anton then confirmed that having carried out their individual responsibilities to the best of their ability, they agreed the money had been well invested in the community, but returned thoroughly depressed at the level of poverty and living standards witnessed on their tour of the island.

Not exactly the luxury junket portrayed by council opponents, especially when it was revealed that the total costs of the trip were €940 per councillor, fully inclusive of a tiring three stop economy flight, hotel, food and personal expenses.

Subsequent doctor’s bills not included.  UK politicians – please take note.

By Benny Davis

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