The lack of a consul or an honorary consul to represent the community among the government bodies of Bermuda is one the main claims of the Portuguese community residing in Bermuda.

The issue, which remains unsolved despite repeated promises by the National Government, was posed to Regional Director for Communities during a visit to Bermuda that ended yesterday.

At the meeting with the Board of the Vasco da Gama Club, the only institution that defends and represents the Portuguese community, which is mostly Azorean, Graça Castanho "took notice" of this situation that genuinely concerns the Portuguese community. In addition, this community also has to deal with other issues such as employment and the procedures for obtaining residence permits.

Currently, there is an official providing the most basic consular services to the community in Bermuda without diplomatic representation or decision powers on the delicate matters.

The Regional Director for Communities also participated in the Holy Spirit Festivities, organised by the Azorean community in the city of St. George, which were largely attended by Azoreans of different generations, locals and tourists.

After the religious celebrations, Graça Castanho addressed a few words to the numerous community, recalling the important contribution provided by the Azoreans in the long-term to the development, quality of life and professionalism that characterise modern day Bermuda.

The government official also reminded of preserving Azorean heritage in Bermuda with special emphasis on Holy Spirit celebrations, a centuries-old tradition that has endured in the Azores communities spread throughout the world. In a gesture of recognition and pride showed by the Azorean population towards the volunteers that promote the Azores abroad, the Regional Director for Communities offered a plaque of the DRC with words of thanks.

In addition to the meeting with the Azoreans who have played a relevant role in the life of our community, the government official also attended several music shows and other moments filled with "Azoreanity."

The success of Holy Spirit Festivities was due to the tireless work carried out by the committee and the contribution made by the Vasco da Gama Club through its presence in traditional dances, theatre, folklore and "foliões" (traditional Holy Spirit musicians). The Regional Directorate for Communities paid tribute to the Vasco da Gama Club for the work carried out by its president, Andrea DeSousa, as well as for the efforts undertaken in the preservation of culture and integration of communities.
 Interviewed by Bernews, a highly respected online newspaper that is widely read in Bermuda, Graça Castanho had the opportunity to remind that the Azoreans, who share a common experience with the first settlers that came to those islands in the 18th century, "should not be considered as an ethnic minority or being treated as minorities or immigrant that have arrived to the archipelago a few decades ago."

In this regard, the Regional Director defended that "our role in the foundation and construction of Bermuda has been so relevant to these island that we cannot be regarded as a group of immigrants whose presence in Bermuda, despite their importance, do not have the history and the past of the Azorean communities."

Soon after the British domination and the arrival of slaves from Africa, the Azoreans also began emigrating to the archipelago and shared the same difficulties felt by black people. "Our genetic heritage is diluted among the entire population. If we flip through a phonebook, we become aware of the strength of our community. If we talk with white or black people, we will realise how comprehensive was the mixing process we have started. We just need to see the Portuguese names distinguished in all political and social areas of Bermuda to become aware that are neither a minority nor we should be treated as such," defended Graça Castanho.

"Due to the significant number of Azoreans living these on islands, Portuguese is the second language of communication in Bermuda, being used alongside with English at ATM stations, trade and business".

During her visit, Graça Castanho also held a working meeting with the Vice-President of Academic Services of Bermuda College to outline some projects to be developed in partnership with the Regional Directorate for Communities, the Vasco da Gama Club and the University of the Azores.