The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, and the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, have concluded a three-day visit to the Azores at the invitation of His Excellency President José Manuel Bolieiro.
The visit follows President Bolieiro's 2024 visit to Bermuda and former President Vasco Cordeiro's 2019 visit, during which invitations were extended to the Premier to visit the Azores. Bermuda's connection with the Azores spans generations, and Bermudians of Azorean descent have made important contributions to Bermuda's history, culture, economy and society.
On the first day, 12 July, the delegation was welcomed to the Azores by the Regional Secretary of Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Jorge Abraços Estevão. That afternoon, the Premier joined an official audience with President Bolieiro, where he signed the Book of Honour and took part in a gift exchange recognising the longstanding ties between the two islands. The President, Premier and the delegation later toured Terra Nostra Park and visited historic sites in Furnas, including the island's geothermal energy facilities, learning more about the innovative ways the Azores harness their natural resources.
The second day, Monday, 13 July, began with a presentation on the Blue Azores Programme at the Conceição Palace, followed by a working meeting on the Azorean community in Bermuda, providing an opportunity to heardirectly from community representatives on matters of shared interest. At this meeting, the Premier and delegation were joined by Andrea Moniz-DeSouza, President of the Association of Azorean Emigrants and Honorary Consul of Portugal in Hamilton, and Richard Ambrosio, the Azorean Diaspora Councillor for Bermuda, who accompanied the delegation for the remainder of the programme.
The day continued with a visit to the Azores Autonomy Museum Centre at the Conceição Palace, the University of the Azores, where the delegation met with the Rector, and the Azorean Emigration Museum in Ribeira Grande and concluded with a dinner hosted by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities.
On the final day, Tuesday, 14 July, the delegation visited the NONAGON Science and Technology Park, where they were hosted by Mr Luis de Almeida, Chairman of NONAGON’s Board of Directors, given a tour of the facilities, and learned about the park's mission.
The Premier and delegation concluded the visit with a meeting with Mr Luis Estrela, Regional Director for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food within the Government of the Azores and the tasting of regional products organised by Marca Açores at the Azores Centre for Manufacturing. During this meeting, the Premier and Regional Director agreed that the Azorean Government would send dairy experts to Bermuda to assist with matters related to Bermuda’s dairy production.
Premier Burt said: "Over three days, we took part in a programme that showcased the very best of the Azores - from world-leading ocean conservation and geothermal energy to education, technology, food production and culture. At every stop, we saw the remarkable synergies between our two island communities and the potential of a deeper partnership. For the as many as one in five Bermudians who have some form of Azorean heritage, these islands are part of their story - and this visit made it clear that the relationship between Bermuda and the Azores now reaches beyond our historic ties towards a shared future. I thank President Bolieiro, the Regional Government and the people of the Azores for an unforgettable welcome."
Minister Darrell said, "The visit offered an opportunity to learn more about the Azores through its museums, historic sites, educational institutions and centres of innovation. It also provided greater context for the history of Azorean migration and the connections between the Azores and Bermuda. Discussions on tourism and cultural cooperation highlighted areas where our islands can continue to work together."
