Providence Journal photo/Steve Szydlowski
Cape Verdean Prime Minister José Maria Neves visits with local Cape Verdeans -- U.S. District Judge George N. Leighton and his sister, Virginia Cardoso, both of Plymouth, Mass. -- at the Cape Verde Progressive Center in East Providence on Saturday.
EAST PROVIDENCE -- Two days after a visit to the White House to talk with President Obama about democracy and economic development, Cape Verdean Prime Minister José Maria Neves showed that he is just at home with regular people as he is with heads of state.
Democracy and development were still on his mind as he attended a Saturday luncheon at the Cape Verdean Progressive Center, but so were the ties between his nation and many Rhode Islanders.
He displayed a mix of polish and spontaneity during the two-hour visit, pausing for photos and an introduction after he entered the room, then making his way around, shaking hands and sometimes hugging or kissing many of those who came.
He began by saying "Good afternoon." Then, saying his "English is not good," he told the audience he would be speaking in Creole.
An interpreter later summarized his remarks, saying the prime minister "thanks all of you for your presence" and wants to highlight the progress that has been made in Cape Verde.
Whereas just a few decades ago, 80 percent of Cape Verdeans lived in poverty, that number has been reduced to 24 percent. In addition, education for children is now compulsory, and all children have immunization plans.
The visit attracted a number of local public officials, including U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and East Providence Mayor James Briden, who was part of the formal speaking program and sat at Neves' table. Also at the head table was retired U.S. District Judge George N. Leighton, who is the son of Cape Verdean immigrants and happened to turn 100 last fall.