Justice for Brava: The Island the World Forgot

Justice for Brava

A movement for the people. Led by the people. Fueled by love.

My name is Patrick Rodrigues, and I’m the founder of CVBP—Cape Verdean Beautiful People.

This campaign was born from something real. Not a trend. Not a headline. But from years of watching Brava, one of the smallest and most beautiful islands in Cabo Verde, be left behind.

I have deep roots in Brava. My grandmother we called her Vovó—was from there. My aunt Duca ran one of the most beloved local stores—Flor de Brava—where she gave back to the community and treated every child with kindness. My older brother Nilton, who was also born in Brava, taught me to love our people and our culture. His passing is what inspired me to start CVBP and dedicate my life to helping our community.

In 2019, I stayed in Brava—sleeping house to house, raising small donations, and giving what I could. I saw the struggles firsthand. The silence. The system failures. I heard stories of people dying from things that were entirely preventable. Stories that still haven’t changed.

Then, recently, I saw a protest. Brave women of Brava, including people close to my circle, crying out for help. And I heard about Maria—a 27-year-old pregnant woman who died on a ferry trying to get medical treatment. She lost her baby. Then she lost her life.

That moment broke me.

I realized that no one was coming to save us. Not the government. Not the media. So I decided I would use my platform and my voice to launch something bigger than me.

Justice for Brava is not just a GoFundMe. It’s a people-powered movement. It’s a call to action for Cape Verdeans across the diaspora to rise up, support each other, and finally give Brava the attention it deserves.

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What Your Donation Supports (PHASES):

PHASE 1 — Media & Awareness

Right now, your donation is helping us create media, share stories, document injustice, and raise global awareness through CVBP. This movement starts with noise—because if the world can’t hear Brava, they won’t help it. You’re funding the organizing, outreach, and production needed to make that noise loud.

PHASE 2 — Emergency Support

As donations grow, we’ll begin directly helping families in Brava—through emergency supplies, hygiene kits, small medical support, and transportation help. We will also vet and support trusted individuals already doing work on the ground.

PHASE 3 — Long-Term Solutions

If we reach our full goal of $50,000 or more, we’ll begin exploring sustainable projects: a dedicated medical boat or ferry for emergencies , upgrades to the island clinic, or even the early stages of a permanent health center or hospital. These goals are ambitious, but with collective power, nothing is off the table.

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Full Transparency

CVBP has supported Brava before. We’ve raised funds, delivered supplies, and helped real families. Now, we’re scaling that effort with structure, intention, and public accountability. Updates will be shared along the way.

This isn’t charity. This is justice.

If you’ve ever loved Brava—or believe every island, every elder, every child deserves to be protected—this is your moment to stand up.

Donate. Share. Speak up.

Let’s make history together.

Let’s bring Justice for Brava.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-brava ❤️✊