Premier David Burt Leads Delegation To Azores
Premier David Burt will lead a Government delegation to the Azores this week to “honour and strengthen the long-standing ties between Bermuda and the Azores.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Premier, the Hon. David Burt JP, MP, will lead a Government delegation to Azores, from 12 to 14 July 2026, at the invitation of His Excellency, Jose Manuel Bolieiro, the President of the Regional Government of the Azores.
“The Premier will be joined by the Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture and Sport, the Hon. Minister Owen Darrell JP, MP, and supported during the visit by Deputy UK Representative Brandon Sousa.
“The purpose of the visit is to honour and strengthen the long-standing ties between Bermuda and the Azores, rooted in the deep and enduring connection between the Azorean and Bermudian people. Bermuda is home to a large and vibrant community of Azorean descent, whose contributions have helped shape the island’s culture, economy and society for generations.
“In addition, Bermuda has had the honour of welcoming two Presidents of the Regional Government of the Azores in recent years, former President Vasco Cordeiro in 2019 and current President, José Manuel Bolieiro in 2024. On both occasions, the Presidents extended an invitation for the Premier and the Government of Bermuda to visit the Azores in return. This visit fulfils that invitation and reaffirms the close bond between the two island communities.
“While in the Azores, the Premier will have an audience with President Bolieiro at Sant’Ana Palace, where he will sign the Book of Honour. The Premier and Minister Darrell will also engage in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening the tourism, cultural and environmental ties between Bermuda and the Azores.
“The delegation’s programme also includes a working meeting on the Azorean community in Bermuda, a presentation of the Blue Azores Programme, and visits to the University of the Azores, the NONAGON Science and Technology Park, and the Azorean Emigration Museum.”
Speaking ahead of the visit, Premier Burt said: “The bonds between Bermuda and the Azores run deep, carried across generations by the many Bermudians of Azorean heritage who have contributed so much to our island.”
“During my time in office, Bermuda has had the pleasure of hosting two Presidents of the Regional Government of the Azores, President Cordeiro and President Bolieiro, both of whom extended a gracious invitation for us to visit in return. I am delighted to finally be able to accept that invitation, and I look forward to strengthening the friendship between our two jurisdictions and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in areas of shared interest, including tourism, culture, ocean stewardship and innovation.”
A Government spokesperson added, “While the Premier is overseas, the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Zane DeSilva JP, MP, will serve as Acting Premier. Premier Burt will return to Bermuda on 15 July.”
