The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations stressed in Ponta Delgada the “spirit of unity” that Azoreans from the archipelago and the Diaspora communities have shown in face of the difficulties arising during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"You have played a very important role in uniting and facing the difficulties of your communities and those of the Azorean communities around the world," Rui Bettencourt said, addressing the presidents of the Houses of the Azores, with whom he met by video conference.
For the government official, the Azoreans have been “exemplary,” as well as the Houses of the Azores and other non-governmental organisations, “in expressing solidarity with the difficulties that some Azoreans are experiencing in their communities.” The union of Azoreans is exemplary, not only in the Azores but also throughout the world.
Rui Bettencourt also stated that the Regional Government has been following the situation around the world. It has been quite “interesting” to see “the civic awareness that the Azoreans have shown in their communities and the great solidarity between Azoreans,” namely solidarity institutions, non-governmental organisations and the Houses of the Azores. As he emphasised, the latter “have assisted those who are in a more fragile situation in the States where they are implemented."
"We are going through a very difficult moment in our history and it is good to be united with all the Azoreans of the Diaspora," noted the government official. In this context, he recalled that, in six centuries of history, the Azoreans and the Azores have already faced other difficulties in their lives and they will continue to be united and to set this example of unity throughout the world.
The Regional Secretary praised the efforts undertaken by everyone and left a message of hope to everyone, hoping that they can meet soon.
This meeting was attended by 15 Houses of the Azores, with 13 being members of the World Council of the Houses of the Azores: Canada (Ontario, Quebec and Winnipeg), United States (New England and Hilmar in California), Bermuda, Brazil (Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul), Uruguay and Mainland Portugal (Lisbon and North Region). The two new Houses of the Azores (Madeira and Maranhão) participated as observers.