Today, Premier Michael Dunkley concluded what he termed a “very successful” visit to the Azores and he noted that the trip has helped foster a greater appreciation and understanding between Bermuda and the Azores.
On the final full day of the Azores trip (Weds May 4), Premier Dunkley and the Bermuda delegation continued their extensive tour of the region, which included a courtesy call to Ana Luís, President of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, and visits to the Capelinhos Vulcano Interpretative Centre; the Oceanography and Fisheries Department of the University of the Azores; the Wine Museum’s Protected Vineyard Landscape of Pico Island; the Whalers’ Museum; and the Lajido in Criação Velha vineyard – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The public will be aware that the Premier travelled to the Azores this week to participate in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between the two Governments. The Premier was accompanied to the Azores by the Hon. Trevor G. Moniz, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dr. Derrick Binns, Secretary to the Cabinet and Kimberley Durrant, the Bermuda Government’s London Office Representative.
Providing an overview of the visit, Premier Dunkley said, “This week my colleagues and I had the pleasure of touring this amazing country. We visited some of the most incredible natural and cultural landmarks and what a breathtaking experience it was. Like Bermuda, it’s clear that tourism is very important to the Azores.
“The landscape was visually stunning, replete with unique architecture, beautiful flora and fauna, mountains, ancient volcanoes and hot springs and of course some of the friendliest people in the world. Certainly two days just wasn’t enough to take it all in, but for the time that we were there, we were graciously welcomed and embraced.
“We also appreciated the invaluable opportunity to learn more about the Azores’ business, science and technology sectors. Even though we have links that date back centuries, I still believe that we have much to learn from one another. And the formalizing of our ties with a Memorandum of Understanding has the potential to open up so many possibilities for both our countries, particularly as it relates to matters to do with aviation, education, energy, technology and commerce.”
The Premier concluded, “This has been a very successful visit. President Vasco Cordeiro, his Azorean Government colleagues and the people of the Azores were wonderful hosts and the memories from our visit will remain with us forever.”
Later today, the Premier will arrive in New York where he will participate in activities in support of the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) taking place this weekend.
Tomorrow (May 6) evening, Premier Dunkley will make a special appearance at Yankee Stadium, where he will throw out the symbolic first pitch at the New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox baseball game.
Auld Mug”, the America’s Cup Trophy, will also be on display at the game, which is expected to have nearly 50,000 spectators in attendance. The Premier will also engage in media outreach to promote Bermuda while in New York.