The Cape Verde interest was exemplified by the decision in 1977 to give Ernestina to the "people of the United States." Speaking on behalf of President Aristides Pereira the Foreign Minister said, "The Government of Cape Verde offers the Ernestina as a gift to the United States of America as an expression of the high regard of the people of Cape Verde for the people of the United States and we deliver the vessel to the State of  Massachusetts as a representative of the people of the United States." This was a significant gesture, bespeaking goodwill but also acknowledging the centuries-old and vital connection between the two peoples, and the understood expectation that the gift from a small and economically poor  country would be honored and protected. As expressed by Ambassador Andrew Young, Cape Verde is to be saluted for its "generous return of a piece of our common heritage."

Meanwhile, in Cape Verde, the exacting work of restoration and repairs was begun. Expert visitors  have marveled at the high quality of workmanship and organizers of the restoration have referred as much as possible to original plans and drawings of the rugged Schooner. Wood was brought from Lisbon and the interiors of Guinea-Bissau. Carpenters at the Mindelo Shipyard worked carefully to remove badly eroded planks and beams while merging with the new whatever was possible. Thus the  usable past was identified and preserved. The Cummins Engineer noted with amazement the ingenuity of the Cape Verdean carpenters who could not run down to the nearest hardware store for just the right nail, wrench or other tool.