The President of the Government expressed his "deep sorrow" over the death of Heitor Sousa, who was "a great Azorean that honoured his land in the United States with a civic and cultural work of utmost importance."
 
"The name of Heitor Sousa will always be linked to the Holy Spirit Festivities of New England, which have become, over time, one of the greatest demonstrations and celebrations of 'Azoreanity' in the Diaspora," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
"The importance that Heitor Sousa achieved in the Azorean Diaspora is the result, and I believe it is not an exaggeration to say, of his devotion. The devotion to the Holy Spirit, yes, but his devotion to the Azores, a land always present in his conversations and allusions, was no less intense," added the government official.
 
According to the President of the Government, Heitor Sousa has left a "legacy of promotion of Azorean values and traditions in the Diaspora," which was acknowledged by the Autonomous Region of the Azores with the bestowal of the Autonomic Commendation of Recognition in 2013.
 
Heitor Miguel Medeiros Sousa was born in Rabo de Peixe on May 8, 1938.
 
Among his many sports, civic and political duties, we emphasise his key role in the foundation and coordination of the Holy Spirit Festivities of New England - a celebration that brings together thousands of Azorean emigrants from around the world - and the creation and coordination of the Philharmonic Bands Festival.
 
In addition to being Commander of the Order of Merit and of the Order of Prince Henry, he was also awarded the Medal of Merit of the Portuguese Communities and the Medal of the House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts.