Moniz Inducted Into Azorean Order Of Merit
Trevor Moniz has been inducted into the Azorean Order of Merit by the the Legislative Assembly of the Azores.
The Portuguese Cultural Association said, “On 13 May 2022, the Legislative Assembly of the Azores inducted Mr Moniz into the Azorean Order of Merit in recognition of his professional achievements [Insígnia Autonómica de Mérito – Profissional]. The proposal for his induction was made by the President of that Assembly, the Hon Luís Garcia, and it was accepted by unanimous vote of Azorean members of parliament.
“The Azorean Award was created in 2002 to distinguish citizens and organizations that stand out for personal or institutional merit, acts, civic deeds or services rendered to the Azores.
“The Order of Merit aims to distinguish ‘meritorious acts or services carried out by Portuguese or foreign citizens in exercising any public or private functions.’ Those in particular who are recognised for professional merit are recognised for “outstanding performance in any professional activity”.
“The nomination of Mr Moniz was based on his many years of dedication to public service and the legal profession; the advancement of the rights of migrant workers and the need for immigration reform; the promotion of Bermuda’s culture, history and patrimony, especially arising from his years of dedicated service to the National Museum of Bermuda; and his overall contributions to the Portuguese community.
“To receive his award, Mr Moniz has been invited to attend the Formal Session marking Azores Day, taking place on Monday, 6 June 2022. The Legislative Assembly instituted the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in 1980.
“The date, observed throughout the archipelago as a regional holiday, celebrates the “affirmation of the Azoreans’ identity, their philosophy of life and their regional unity”, considered to be “the basis and justification for the political Autonomy they have been recognised with and proudly exercise”.
“Mr Moniz is the first Bermudian of Portuguese descent to be honoured by the Azorean Government. Besides Mr Moniz, the Vasco da Gama Club was recognised as a social association in 2012.
“Mr Moniz was previously honoured by the President of Portugal in October 2002 as a Commander [‘Comendador’] in the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator.”
Mr Moniz said, “I am very grateful for this recognition of my efforts over the years but also for the broader recognition of the Azorean and Azorean descent community in Bermuda and the importance of Bermuda’s historical links to the Azores. I hope that this can aid in some small way to deepen transatlantic bonds between our island communities.”
