Azorean diaspora “honours” Region, says José Manuel Bolieiro
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the closing ceremony of the 26th General Assembly of the World Council of Houses of the Azores (CMCA), held on São Jorge Island. On the occasion, he highlighted the importance of the Azorean diaspora in promoting the cultural identity of the Azores.
The meeting, held this week, underlined the vital role of the Houses of the Azores in maintaining cultural and social ties between the archipelago and the Azorean communities throughout the world.
With representatives from various regions, including Canada, the United States, Brazil and Mainland Portugal, the meeting celebrated the strength of the Azorean diaspora and its continued contribution to the prestige of the Azores at an international level.
José Manuel Bolieiro noted the importance of the joint work between the Regional Government and the Houses of the Azores, highlighting the positive impact of the diaspora on the “establishment” of Azorean culture across borders.
“As our diaspora is prestigious, it honours the Azores, our political autonomy and the existence of our self-government bodies,” said José Manuel Bolieiro.
The President of the Government also expressed his “pride” in the role of the diaspora over the centuries in the lands where they have been welcomed, higlhting the respect the Azores have earned internationally.
During the event, Medals of Merit were awarded to three Azorean figures who stand out for their contribution to the community in Toronto: António “Tabico” Câmara (posthumously), Cidália de Sousa and Grinoalda Pavão. In addition, the São Jorge cheese was chosen as this year’s quality Azorean product, further recognising the archipelago’s typical products internationally.
The annual presidency of the CMCA was officially transferred from the House of the Azores of Ontario in Canada to its counterpart in New England, United States, marking a new phase of cooperation between the Houses of the Azores and their respective regions.
Founded in 1997, the CMCA has the mission to promote initiatives that strengthen cultural, social and economic relations between the Azores and their diaspora.
José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to thank Suzanne Cunha, the outgoing President of CMCA, for her work and dedication throughout her term.
He also congratulated Francisco Viveiros, the new President of CMCA, wishing him success in continuing this mission and consolidating initiatives that promote the Azorean identity and strengthen the ties of Azorean communities throughout the world.
The ceremony was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, and the Mayor of Velas, Luís Silveira, who reiterated the institutional support and importance of this important meeting.
He also took the opportunity to highlight the crucial role of the Azorean media, which has contributed to bringing the diaspora closer to the Azores.
“The media has been fundamental not only in news coverage but also through creative programmes that promote literacy and the recognition of our diaspora worldwide,” he said.
The event, held on the island of São Jorge, symbolises Azorean unity and pride. As such, it highlights the importance of the Regional Government, together with the Houses of the Azores throughout the world, continuing to build a future in which the Azorean roots and identity are kept alive and projected globally, through new generations of Azoreans around the world.
