Cape Verde's African Status in Jeopardy

A recent topic of a forum in http://www.forcv.com/ dealt with the location of the Cape Verde Islands. I know we have seen it in a world map and it is clear that it is off the west coast of Africa . More precisely, 500 km or 311 miles away from the coast at the 16 00 N, 24 00 W coordinates.

It challenged not only their location, but also their nature; which the author locates them in the Macaronesia Ecoregion of the North Atlantic Ocean . This is explained in full detail on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Verde , where Cape Verde is associated geographically with the Azores (over 1,000 miles from Africa), Madeira (360 miles from Africa), and Canary Islands (67 miles from Africa ). The Word Macaronesia is Greek for "Fortunate Islands ."

I must admit, that this is the first time that I have heard the term Macaronesia. But ok, now that we know about it, let us look at its significance. We know that we are a people of many cultures and ethnicities, but primarily we are Africans and Europeans. Besides our appearances, what will tie us the most to our African roots now that this idea of Macaronesia is gaining ground?

Once you establish your beliefs, whatever they may be, you will need to see beyond the sentimentality of the location of Cape Verde and the significance of this new reality. A main implication is the calling for Cape Verde to become a part of the European Union. Former Portuguese Premier, Mario Soares has been a vocal proponent the Cape Verde induction into the E.U. Many others are sighted saying that Cape Verde is more European than many current E.U. member states; because of its freedoms, customs, economics, and culture.
http://www.afrol.com/articles/16293
http://rfmcdpei.livejournal.com/825014.html

The economic value of Cape Verde to Europe is a vastly untapped territory. Look at the pace of foreign investment coming into the country in terms of housing, tourism, and search of natural resources. Nearly one third of Cape Verde Islands is now owned by foreign investors, primarily, the Italians, the Chinese, the Germans, and the British. In agreements with foreign governments, the Cape Verdean government has reached proposals to begin natural gas explorations. And in land dealings, most of Cape Verde ’s once pristine beaches and mountains are now in the hands of hoteliers, Golf developers, and other tourist financiers. http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/news.php?ID=1354

A military goldmine location is another reason for this new interest in Cape Verde . North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has for many years now, have been attracted by the islands for its geographical location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean . In June of 2006, roughly 8,000 NATO troops were granted permission to conduct military war games exercises over Cape Verde ’s airways and waterways. In turn, Cape Verde is looking for better economic ties and the possible inclusion into the European Union.
http://www.nato.int/shape/issues/shape_nrf/sfjg_06.htm
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=839315&C=america
http://www.afrol.com/articles/18640

Sooner rather than later, Capeverdeans will be forced to decide if we are Africans or Europeans. In the meantime, the Capeverdean government has already taken a stand and it is leaning towards Europe . This is where the Macaronesia idea once again becomes crucial, as Europeans will be sold this notion that Capeverdean are the same as the Azoreans, Madeirense , and the Canary Islanders. Meanwhile, African nations will soon cry fowl, because, they are in their own rights, looking to devise the plans to create a United States of Africa.
http://unitedstatesafrica.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_Africa

From an immigrant point of view, our hearts tell us that Cape Verde should remain militarily and economically independent. Or if a choice must be made, then we should remain African. But reality is very different for our brothers and sisters on the ground, so the recent moves by the Capeverdean government are a reflection of how they perceive the world today. The world is divided now into many economic clusters, such as: The North American Free Trade Agreement, The European Union, and The South Asia Free Trade Agreement, etc.

Capeverdeans do not feel that that have the luxury of time to wait for Africans to make up their minds and organize their intentions. My feeling is that we will call ourselves European before the end of the next decade. And race has little or nothing to do with the final outcome.

S.A.
http://http://www.cvflafla.com/