MOU An ‘Historic Occasion’ For Bermuda, Azores
Earlier this morning [May 3] , on behalf of Bermuda, the Premier Michael Dunkley, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] with the Government of the Autonomous Region of Azores.
The significance and aim of the MOU is to formalize the historical, cultural, educational, environmental and commercial ties that unite the territories of Bermuda and the Azores.
Signing the MOU on behalf of the Azores was the Hon. Vasco Cordeiro, President of the Government of the Autonomous Region of Azores.
Following the MOU signing Premier Dunkley hailed the event as an “historic occasion” for both Bermuda and the Azores.
The Premier said, “We view the Azores as an important partner of Bermuda, and with today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding we have strengthened our centuries old relationship.
“Our two countries have significant bonds which connect us… cultural, historical, familial, environmental and commercial… so it is only fitting that we solidify our partnership with today’s event.”
The Premier continued, “We have an incredibly vibrant Portuguese community in Bermuda, and they express their heritage with pride and passion. The contribution of the Portuguese community to our Island over the centuries has been immeasurable.
“You have left a lasting legacy on Bermuda’s cultural enrichment and our economic and social development and we are grateful for your contribution to helping to shape our history.”
In addition to the shared traditional bonds, the Premier also highlighted the importance of the two countries’ support of one another in the shared challenges.
He added, “We also have common challenges due to our insular geography. Your willingness to become signatory of the Hamilton Declaration on Collaboration for the Conservation of the Sargasso Sea should be roundly commended as it speaks to your commitment to our partnership.
“During our visit we look forward to discussing and exploring additional opportunities that will mutually benefit and strengthen the relationship between our two countries.”
The Premier concluded by saying, “Today we have fortified our bond of friendship and laid the foundation for greater things to come. I want to take this opportunity on behalf of my colleagues to thank you for your gracious welcome and hospitality, and know that we are very eager see more of your beautiful country during our stay.”
Over the course of today and tomorrow, the Premier will engage in a number of meetings, visits and activities, including attending an official dinner in his honour that is being hosted by President Cordeiro later this evening.
Other events and activities that the Premier will engage in include:
- A visit to the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Station;
- A visit to NONAGON – São Miguel Science and Technology Park to meet with the Board of Directors of Sociedade de Desenvolvimento Empresarial dos Açores – Azores Business Development Society;
- A visit to the Image of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres – Lord Holy Christ of Miracles – and its Treasure;
- A courtesy call to the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Azores; and
- A visit to the Oceanography and Fisheries Department of the University of the Azores.
The Premier is accompanied to the Azores by the Trevor Moniz, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dr. Derrick Binns, Secretary to the Cabinet and Kimberley Durrant, the Bermuda Government’s London Office Representative.
Photos courtesy of José Antonio Rodrigues Pgra
Irony.
A guy like me never been home to Acores ……………….
Must be the Milky Way.
Shalom.
I trust they are counting your blessings each and every day.
So no MOU for Africa?
Africa is not a country. It’s a continent.
Obviously he means the diaspora nations….
Lol of course not!
Can never let anyone else have the spotlight huh! Always gotta be brought back around to your outdated perceptions of reality. Smh
I wonder if he would go to St Kitts and sign the same agreement.
Are there as many St Kittians in Bermuda as there are Portuguese?
Didn’t the Portugese discover Bermuda?
Um….if your ancestors were slaves, the St Kittians are your cousins….and Juan de Bermudez was spanish btw.
SMH….It has since been learned that Juan d’ Bermuda was not the first person to land on / discover Bermuda which is why Spanish Rock was renamed Portuguese rock perhaps 10 years ago now.
Im not sure if our kids are still taught incorrectly in school but history books used in schools have never been known for being accurate, just convenient.
Many black bermudians can trace their linage to st kitts
Also there is a West Indian association here and just as many west indians as portugese. Why go outside of the carribean to forge links with a european island instead of fortifying things with our west indian family?
Bermuda is not in the Caribbean
We are in the North Atlantic, you know, like the Azores
Most Blacks in Bermuda have St. Kitts roots, Blacks in the western world are the most displaced people in the world, most Europeans can trace their direct descendants back as far as 5 or more generations, but when it comes to Blacks, ours stop on de Plantations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a F!@#ing SHAME.
More than not likely he would do that.
Wrong group of people for this man.
@Its me again…take a walk through Spittal Pond. You will find a place of historical significance to Bermuda called Portuguese Rock. Our relationship with Portugal and Acores goes back to DAY ONE. Get it now!
Did you complain about the amount of visits that the former administration made to the Caribbean to watch cricket , football etc…??? Or did you complain about the fact that the former administration forked out big $$$ so that we could become members of Caricom- EVEN THOUGH WE ARE NOT PART OF THE CARIBBEAN! I doubt it.
Hey Dreamer, we are not full members but associates like the other British overseas Territories, and Caribbean and descendants of Caribbean people built this island and have strong ties there. Malta is part of the European Union but is in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, so are they European or North African ?
Dreamer
Your comparison to Malta actually makes sense. I’m big enough to admit when u get something right…for a change.
Dreamer, Malta is not out ‘in the middle of the Mediterranean’. It is 50 miles off Sicily. It is geographically closer to Europe than the UK.
How many miles outside of the Caribbean are we?
@ Why, they were also the first Slave Traders !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Try and get a flight between the Azores and Bermuda.
So many families would travel this route rather than go via Boston.
It would never work unless it was a charter making a few visits during a specific time of year when there was interest for travel on both sides. Perhaps travel this time of year could work since many native Acoreans , Bermudians and expats might me interested in going to see the many festivals including Santo Christo (PLEASE FORGIVE MY SPELLING) and many others.At the same time the weather in Bda is good enough this time of year where family members of those residing in Bermuda would come and visit. having a regular scheduled flight would never work. If we cant get a regular scheduled daily flight from Canada and England , countries with populations of millions and with a relatively good average per capital incomes, sorry but it ain’t gonna happen from the Acores.
I would love to go there someday, and I hopefully will but it won’t be on a direct flight unless it is a chartered flight.
After listening to him on the radio concerning crime Vs unemployment
He states that there is no correlation
not have a clue -out of touch with the average bermudian
ALL these grass-roots bermudians unemployed
– young and old
I think you are old and out of touch. Most of those robbers are not poor souls who lost their jobs. They are straight up Gs and have been for years.