Help The Rabelados, Santiago, Cape Vert with New Homes

Hello to you, Dear Viewer.

As a regular traveller on the beautiful Cape Verdean Islands and as tour-manger of many of its artists, I became very much acquinted to all of the islands.

I got envolved in happy scenes but also into sad situations. There is plenty to be done here, as nothing is structured like in the Western Countries. But at least it is a very humble and kind population, which are fighting daily the poverty of their islands and families.

One of these islands is Santiago, with its capital city of Praia and major towns like Assomada and Tarrafal. In between following the coastline, there is a small Community of the so called Rabelados (Rebels), which were disconnected from the ruling religion to be part of the Catolicism, preached by the Franciscan Monks; they were already living by the Jesuit Beliefs and run away to the surrounding mountains losing their Civil Rights, for example their surnames. This all took place under the Portuguese Colonial period.

Now this parallel society of a few thousands, kept their own customs and did not accept any modern influences. Their original houses were made of straw and they were a very closed community in the early years, living from their cattle, vegetables and handmade ceramics, which are now developed to true Art Tiles, Sculptures and Paintings.

Tourists passing by, often take a nice piece of Art homewards, paid cash, as there are NO ATM machines.

Visiting Rabelados in 2023, in the week of the upcoming disaster, I had to see my friend and guide Jusefa, but things turned out dramaticly different.

On the morning of March 27th 2024 I came accross a movie of hers, with horrific high flames bursting out of their homes. I was truly in shock... the left side of the village with many of the straw houses, were burning!

I went to visit the Community 3 days after, to see if there was anything I could do for them. I got introduced to Gracie, who told me how this fire expanded... probably originated by preparing the lunch.

Actions are being taken all over by islanders, collecting mainly clothes, daily utensils and furniture. As I noticed during our interview, I realized that, rebuilding there homes from scrap and get the financial funds to do so, Urgently Needed Now!

I realised that due my wide range of contacts, I could mean something for them and this is the result, in which I ask everyone to reach out and support them with whatever you can miss.

Much appreciated

Ron Jaspers

The Detructive Fire