Press Release  Governor Healey Welcomes President José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde to the Massachusetts State House

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today welcomed His Excellency José Maria Neves, President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, to the Massachusetts State House. Governor Healey greeted President Neves on the front steps of the State House before hosting him for a ceremonial meeting. 

President Neves is visiting Massachusetts as Cabo Verde prepares for its historic appearance in the 2026 World Cup. During his visit, he is meeting with community leaders, elected officials and members of Massachusetts' Cabo Verdean community. 

 "The Cabo Verdean community is an essential part of the fabric of Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Families from Cabo Verde have helped build our communities, strengthen our economy and enrich our culture for generations. We're honored to welcome President Neves to the People's House and celebrate the enduring ties between Massachusetts and Cabo Verde."  

“The Cabo-verdean community in the State of Massachusetts has made valuable contributions to the material and spiritual growth of Cabo Verde and is a fundamental pillar of the Islands,” said President José Maria Neves. “Cabo Verde is a transnational nation, and the Blue Sharks embody the unity, strength, and resilience of Cabo-verdeans—both across our islands and throughout the diaspora. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the welcome given to Cabo-verdeans. Together, we are unbeatable.” 

"Massachusetts is home to one of the largest Cabo Verdean communities outside of Cabo Verde, and those connections continue to strengthen our state in countless ways," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "We're proud to welcome President Neves and celebrate the contributions of the Cabo Verdean community to our civic, cultural and economic life." 

“Today’s visit by President José Maria Neves and warm welcome from our Governor, Maura Healey, is a powerful reminder of the deep and enduring bonds between Massachusetts and Cabo Verde,” said Senator Liz Miranda. Across the Commonwealth, Cabo Verdean families have helped shape our neighborhoods, strengthen our economy, and enrich our cultural life for generations. We remain deeply connected through a vibrant and engaged diaspora, and those ties grow even stronger as Cabo Verde prepares to take the world stage in the 2026 World Cup. We join in celebrating this historic moment and reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Commonwealth and Cabo Verde for years to come.” 

Following the welcome ceremony, Governor Healey and President Neves discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration between Massachusetts and Cabo Verde, including economic development, workforce development, education and more cultural exchange. Governor Healey also presented President Neves with a commemorative gift recognizing the Ernestina-Morrissey, the historic schooner gifted to Massachusetts by Cabo Verde in 1982. Today, the vessel is homeported in New Bedford and serves as a symbol of friendship and shared history between Massachusetts and Cabo Verde. Governor Healey also has family ties to the ship, as a relative served as its first captain. 

Massachusetts is home to more than 65,000 residents of Cabo Verdean descent and one of the largest Cabo Verdean communities outside of Cabo Verde. Communities across the state, including Boston, Brockton, Taunton, New Bedford and the South Coast region, maintain strong cultural, family and economic ties to the island nation. 

In 2025, Massachusetts and Cabo Verde exchanged approximately $8.6 million in goods, reflecting the importance of our economic ties. Massachusetts exported $6.9 million in goods to Cabo Verde, led by medical devices, furniture, and vehicles, while imports from Cabo Verde totaled $1.7 million and included beverages and spirits, meats and fish, and flour products. 

Since taking office, Governor Healey has welcomed international leaders and dignitaries from around the world to Massachusetts, reflecting the state's growing role as a global hub for innovation, education, culture and economic opportunity. 

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