Decorations, “the São Vicente case”

On the verge of completing our first 50 years as a nation, we are being “bombarded” with so many decorations that no one can any longer understand the merit of those who receive them. Perhaps because we live in a country where, more or less officially, “the goat eats where it is tied,” we have lost the sense and notion of heroism. In reality, who are our true heroes? It is not my role here to define who and what heroes are, but I ask myself whether a citizen of high entrepreneurial standing is or is not a national hero. I will explain myself in such a way as to leave no doubts to those who always question anyone who thinks outside the box.

This story begins in the early 2000s when, on his own initiative, at the time the Director of Risk Management of the oil concessionaire (Sonangol) improved the risk management system in the oil industry by designing, creating, and developing an organization totally dedicated and focused on the objective. Thus, after the opening of the insurance market, one of the first insurance and reinsurance companies in our country emerged, “AAA Seguros,” rapidly becoming the leading company in the field. From that moment on, despite the protests of oil companies operating in the country, in addition to multinational insurers who saw the lion’s share of their business being divided with a local company, “AAA Seguros” consolidated its position and obviously grew.

These events were happening at a time when the “creed” of the country’s political leadership was the appearance and development of a group of national “capitalists” who were expected to catapult entrepreneurship and expand job creation nationwide. It was in this spirit of development that a push was given to several citizens identified as socioeconomic leaders of interest, with the capacity to carry out such a thorny task. Of those organizations sponsored by the State and blessed by the ruling party, none achieved the success of “AAA Seguros.” None went that far. In fact, almost all fell by the wayside, with the funds provided simply disappearing.

It was in this “modus operandi,” and in recognition of his contribution and strategic vision for the country in the impeccable management of “AAA Seguros,” as well as his Angolan identity and patriotism, that the Government approved the “Risk Management Strategy for Petroleum Operations,” granting “AAA” the leadership of oil co-insurance and approving the sale of shares as negotiated and agreed with Dr. Carlos São Vicente. Putting aside merit (which is a habit among us, the eternally envious), gossip insinuates that this opportunity was easily given and supported by the ruling consortium (Government and ruling party) largely because Dr. Carlos São Vicente was the son-in-law of the country’s founder.

If until then there had been a wave of envy, the famous “why him, not me,” this insurance and reinsurance activity was highly profitable as expected and gave Dr. Carlos São Vicente the golden opportunity, within the spirit of local wealth creation, benevolently to invest his wealth in the Angolan economy, creating jobs and improving conditions for the country. With the profits from the insurance company, the reinsurance broker, the reinsurer, and the pension fund manager, Dr. Carlos São Vicente in little more than 10 years endowed the entire country with an expanded hotel network of fundamental and indispensable quality, which would be the foundation for the development of tourism in the country. Of the many beneficiaries of the benevolence and generosity of the ruling consortium to members of their extended family (very likely with the exception of Eng. Isabel Santos), who else did, or invested, within the country? Beyond anything else one might say, Dr. Carlos São Vicente became the country’s largest national investor, having built a legacy that for many generations to come will certainly be studied and analyzed.

The chain of 84 hotels of “AAA Activos Lda.” established itself in almost all provincial capitals, and the buildings in many cases became landmarks of those same cities. Whether one likes the architecture or not, these buildings are visible from kilometers away, immediately reassuring travelers with the promise of rest and restoration after journeys often long and tortuous due to the state of our roads. Bearing witness to his vision and management and development capacity, Dr. Carlos São Vicente successfully placed his chain of 84 hotels into the international reservation network. What could be better for the development of national tourism?

Beyond the construction of the buildings, and following through on the plan of creating a national bourgeoisie, Dr. Carlos São Vicente designed and implemented a program focused on developing the necessary workforce for the expansion and maintenance of the hotel chain, starting activity in 2014 with truly competitive prices and quality service, proving that it is possible to have hotels in Angola well managed by Angolans, without the need for foreign operators, without the need for the infamous “cooperants” who continue to absorb a large part of our foreign currency.

Without a doubt, we must recognize the talent and management capacity both in the field of insurance and reinsurance and in the hotel sector, either of which is highly significant for the country. By “neutralizing” Dr. Carlos São Vicente, the Angolan Government “frustrated” the hotel industry with a detention defined as arbitrary by the legal body of the “United Nations Human Rights Council” as described in the document published under registration “UNITED NATIONS_a-hrc-wgad-2023-63-angola-aev.pdf.” (“Human Rights Council – Working Group on Arbitrary Detention” – opinions adopted at its ninety-eighth session, 13–17 November 2023 under No. 63/2023 concerning Carlos Manuel de São Vicente).

Obviously, it is regrettable that our Government does not face reality and release Dr. Carlos São Vicente, not only for his works and achievements in benefit of the country, but also because he should be decorated with a commemorative medal for the 50 years. If we are not capable of recognizing those who truly did something for the country, who created major infrastructures and seriously invested in the training of national cadres, what kind of country do we hope to build? How will we encourage other Angolans to do the best they can for our future? For the future of our children and grandchildren? For the future of Angola?

General, I fully believe that the awarding of decorations needs to be improved (improving what is good) to safeguard the credibility of our heroes. In our daily life there is much that is wrong, and that is what needs to be corrected. At least that is what you and the ruling party promised us. To correct what is wrong and improve what is right is not exactly what is happening in the saga of the AAAs. The future is promising.

António Vieira
Former Director of Cobalt Angola