Column: Andrade On Azoreans In Bermuda
[Opinion column written by José Andrade]
We have always been, and still are, a people of migrants. We have been in the Azores for almost six centuries, and for more than 400 years we have left here, without ever leaving these islands. We left successively for Maranhão in the 17th century; for Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul and even Uruguay in the 18th century; for Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, New England, California and even Hawaii in the 19th century; or for Canada in the 20th century.
In the case of Bermuda, the first Portuguese families [58 men, women and children] officially emigrated in 1849, specifically to boost wine production. Since then, thousands of Azoreans have emigrated to those [other] islands, mostly from São Miguel.
They left to fill local needs for agricultural skills and to ensure better conditions for their families. Thanks to Azoreans, agriculture became a lucrative industry [also] in the archipelago in the second half of the 19th century.
Progressive integration has been difficult, not least because of strict government regulations, but thanks to the size and determination of the Azorean community, more recent generations have already taken on important economic and social positions in the host society, which is now also theirs by merit.
Therefore, the duration and intensity of our emigration, especially as a result of family reunions, continue to justify the fascination of Azoreans with Bermuda.
Since the 1980s, the governments of the Azores and Bermuda have had an agreement that allows Azoreans with employment contracts to emigrate. As part of its permanent public service, the Regional Directorate for the Communities provides important intermediary support for Azoreans who obtain job offers and for Bermudian contracting companies, through the local services of the Department of Immigration.
The employment relationship associated with the act of migration allows for an up-to-date record of departures to Bermuda, which is unlike what happens with the United States of America and Canada.
Thus, within the scope of the bilateral agreement to hire Portuguese workers in Bermuda, the Regional Directorate for the Communities was the intermediary for 3,463 emigration cases in the first 20 years of this century – more in the first decade [2,741] than in the second [722].
In the 60 years in which official records exist, from 1960 to 2020, 8,722 Azoreans emigrated to Bermuda. The annual figures vary greatly, from a high of 519 in 1962 to a low of zero in 1993. In 2020, there were 34 cases of emigration associated with recruitment processes.
Bermuda is a British overseas territory located close to the east coast of the United States of America, with which we also have historical migratory links. They have practically the same population as the municipality of Ponta Delgada, around 70,000 inhabitants, although in a much smaller area: this municipality has 231 square kilometers, and that archipelago has only 53.
However, it is there that the Azorean community is most representative, in proportional terms, in relation to its host society. It is estimated that a quarter of Bermuda’s population, around 25%, are emigrants or the descendants of emigrants from Portugal, mostly from the Azores, especially from the island of São Miguel.
Therefore, it’s only natural that the Azorean community has made a name for itself in Bermudian society. Firstly, through its institutions, such as the Vasco da Gama Club, founded in 1935, the Portuguese Cultural Association, founded in 1970, or the Bermuda House of the Azores, founded in 2015. But also, through popular events that are representative of Azorean culture, such as the feast of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres or the cult of the Divine Holy Spirit.
The Government of the Azores is very proud of the Azorean community in Bermuda. And it reflects this pride in cooperation.
On the one hand, it provides important financial support for the operation of the Official Portuguese School in Bermuda, which is run by the Portuguese Cultural Association on the premises of the Vasco da Gama Club, guaranteeing the co-financing of the regular teaching of what is considered to be Bermuda’s second language.
It also maintains a financial cooperation protocol, which is renewed annually, with the young and dynamic House of the Azores of Bermuda.
The Azoreans of Bermuda need and deserve the Azores to be ever closer.
- José Andrade, Regional Director for Communities of the Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Based on a text from the Author’s book Transatlantic – Migrations of the Azores [2023]
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No offense to any readers of Azorean descent but let’s be reminded that the first immigrants were bought to keep a significant black population recently fired from slavery equalized by more European people and then later more Caribbean immigrants were allowed to emigrate for the same reason.
NEWSFLASH: It isn’t always about you!! This is an informational article about the Portuguese people and their culture. Give it a rest for once! Seriously!
I agree. A lot of people in Bermuda pretend that no one else lives in Bermuda except their own community. Certainly not ignoring anyone’s histories, but it’s correct in thinking “it’s not always about you”.
The first Azoreans were brought here when the then governor wanted to reinvigorate the farming industry that was languishing due to the expansion of maritime interests and the fact that the recently freed slaves didn’t want to work the fields any more . It was nothing to do with balancing the population or even more ridiculously influencing ‘the vote’ . Back then only land owners could vote and it was a long time before those Azorean people owned any land.
“let’s be reminded that the first immigrants were bought …”
I suppose that depends on how you define “immigrants”. The first immigrants to Bermuda we know of were either the Spanish or Portuguese people who landed here in the 1500s and left their hogs to be found later by the occupants of the Sea Venture, the first “immigrants” to remain in Bermuda.
Every human being in Bermuda is an “immigrant” or the descendant of an “immigrant”. There is not and never has been any indigenous population of Bermuda, at least not in human form.
Think about it .
One track mindedness leads to a lack of diversification with a complete break down in the culture required of successful society.
Attaching labels to people serves absolutely no purpose neither does deviding a nation.
Our guest workers were named EXPATS a horrible name to brand people who were here to help.
Every body can flatter them selves and claim a derogatory name EG: immigrant to put on their shirt sleeve .
This recent exodus of those guest workers drained Bermuda of a valuable asset there were here because Bermudians did not want the work or could not do the work in many sections of the economy .
Back then the convenient excuse was they were needed to be here to train Bermudians.
Who does the job that now ?
Over and over we see glaring examples of poor leader ship by those being unawear of the ramifications which is called the” what if theory”.
10 green bottles, has become less than 4 green bottles.
I am prowd to say that as a born Bermudian , thati do not claim to be an immigrant or imposter of either form, neither were my parents as being seconded here, gained automatic status during the war effort at the Royal Naval Dockyard, mother played the organ at St Mary’s church.
I guess that some here remember that Bermuda was a prime near the top of the list German target during WW11
We with exceptional tallents and my parents have contributed more to this island than many could ever imagine , it was never for the money, today that has all changed, we now are fortunate to have 3 green bottles !
Let us talk about the many unfortunate results which has casued a negative financial impact on the economy by all those people who for one reason or another have decided to up anchor and quietly just go .
As we all know with out placing blame there are always two sides to ever situation.
Never the less the recent departures has caused loss and created negativity income affecting many Bermudians and also the many business people who have chosen to invest in Bermuda.
There may be some local job terminations.
Loss of rent by those who have invested by here being subject to :-
THE LIST
mortgage repayments with interest from loss of rents with possible for closures.
reluctance by those who wish to further develop their properties causing rental shortage
Insurance payments home an vehicle
Purchase of cars or scooters in cluding service
Purchase of Food Gas petrol and Power
Cost of Children’s Education.
loss of income from home maintenance requirements.
and also virtual every domestic requirement down to hair cuts a nail painting.