The Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations defended in Ponta Delgada that “we all ought to pay tribute to one of the greatest personalities in the area of culture, particularly those who have achieved international recognition."

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke on behalf of the President of the Government at the ceremony to celebrate the 90th anniversary of José Saramago's birth that took place at Laranjeiras Secondary School on Friday.

On the occasion, the government official praised the initiative promote by the Laranjeiras School Board, which has celebrated this event since 1998, thus contributing to perpetuate the memory of one the most important figures of world literature.

According to him, José Saramago is "a reference to all those who cherish the Portuguese language and culture."

In this context, "the Azores cannot be forgotten as they have given many important names to the arts, literature, poetry and lusophony," and as such they have a greater obligation to honour their greatest figures and promote all areas of learning and culture, particularly among youngsters.

Concluding, the Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations also conveyed his satisfaction with the presence of many youngsters in this event.
 
The government official considered important that the legacy of Saramago, his permanent questioning attitude towards the individual and society, be able to challenge students to sharpen their thought on everything that surrounds us.