The Regional Under secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, Rodrigo Oliveira, said the social service organisations in the Diaspora communities "are an example of the joint action and shared responsibility between different generations of Azoreans and the members of emigrant communities."

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke at a meeting with the International Network of Social Service Organisations held in New Bedford. The government official emphasised that the Azorean Government highly praises the work that has been developed and is committed to developing a close relation with institutions in order to support the Azorean communities residing on the East Coast of the United States.

At the meeting, the Regional Under Secretary, who was accompanied by the Regional Director for Communities, Paulo Teves, said the Regional Government's commitment to promote better mutual understanding and reinforce partnerships in work towards the integration of Azorean emigrants and returnees.

The meeting, held at the Portuguese Consulate in New Bedford, was attended by the associations SER-Jobs for Progress, House of the Azores of New England, Immigrant’s Assistance Centre, Catholic Social Services, MAPS – Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Coastline Elderly Services, Inc e South Coastal Counties Legal Services.

These institutions work with the Azorean communities in various areas, ranging from legal advice, promotion of citizenship to the fight against exclusion and the promotion of health rights. "

During his visit to the communities on the East Coast of the United States, Rodrigo Oliveira also met with academic institutions and the Portuguese consular corps in Boston, New Bedford and Providence to analyse various relevant issues for Azorean communities.

Rodrigo Oliveira also had the opportunity to meet with associations Amigos da Terceira Community Centre in Pawtucket and the Portuguese American Civic League in the city of Lowell.

During these visits, the Regional Under Secretary became acquainted with the meritorious work developed by these institutions in the preservation of Azorean identity and traditions as well as in different areas. As the government official noted, in addition to bringing the community closer, these associations play an increasingly relevant role in social areas, such as the support to the elderly."

Moreover, the Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations conveyed his satisfaction with the presence of youngsters of Azorean descent in the managing bodies of associations, which he considered to be "a positive signal and an important contribution to this work."