The Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations pointed out in Montreal the "vitality" of Azorean communities in the Diaspora, considering that the Houses of the Azores play an "important role" that is essential to the development of the Region and the projection of the archipelago in the world.
"Only then we will be able to enhance and strengthen our relations, gain more space for participation and, above all, acknowledge the value of our islands and our People," said Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official spoke Thursday at the opening session of 18th General Assembly of the World Council of Houses of the Azores (CMCA).
Rodrigo Oliveira chaired the meeting on behalf of the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, stressing the growing extension of the "scope and territorial projection" of this network of Azorean institutions in the Diaspora. There were only nine Houses in 1997 and now there are 13 Houses. The number is expected to grow to 15 with the creation of the House of the Azores of Bahia in Brazil and the House of the Azores of Bermuda; the latter was recently established and participates in this meeting as observer.
"This clearly demonstrates the vitality and dynamics of our communities," said the Regional Under Secretary.
In his speech, Rodrigo Oliveira also emphasised the presence of the members of the parties represented at the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, since it represents a "clear sign of the important role that both bodies Region's self government bodies - Government and Assembly - play in the relations between the Region and the Communities of the Diaspora."
"What brings us together is the existence of a deep connection and dedication to our Azores and our feeling of 'Azoreanity'. It is this feeling of affection, friendship, and of love for our islands and all they represent that allows us to be closer and unite all these Houses of the Azores by transposing the physical barriers of the geographical distance between the archipelago, Mainland Portugal, Canada, the USA, Bermuda, Brazil and Uruguay," said the government official.
In this regard, Rodrigo Oliveira stressed the "most important action carried out by the Houses of the Azores is the unifying role they play in the assertion of 'Azoreanity' as well as the high sense of responsibility they demonstrate in the pursuit of a mission that values the Community's image and the prestige the Azores, the Azorean people and the feeling of 'Azoreanity'." The government official also "emphasised how they have adapted to the times and needs" of emigrant communities.
"The Houses of the Azores have effectively combined today's challenges with the priorities defined by the context in which we live," said the government official. The Regional Under Secretary stressed the way how these institutions are open to new areas, such as social support and fundraising investments, without neglecting its primary mission to support Azorean emigrants and preserve the cultural identity of the nine islands.
"Being aware of the fundamental role played by the Houses of the Azores, the Government of the Azores has maintained and strengthened a close partnership with all of them, always paying attention to the needs and specificities of each House of the Azores in accordance with the aspirations of the communities they serve," said Rodrigo Oliveira.
In his speech, the government official noted that "the Houses of the Azores are not public property. They were neither created by decree nor are run for political purposes," adding that they "are the genuine result of a community that is alive, defends its uniqueness in the community, and honours the ties that unite them to their cultural origins."
Rodrigo Oliveira recalled that "it was the Autonomy of the Azores" that has created this privileged and close relation with the Diaspora and its institutions. It has also promoted the signing of collaboration agreements, the provision of financial and logistical support, and the collaboration and partnership in the organisation of numerous initiatives that bring "a piece of the Azores and the Azoreans living in the archipelago to the Azores and the Azoreans living in the Diaspora communities. In turn, Autonomy "brings to the Azores what is the assertion of the 'Azoreanity' in the Diaspora.
With regard to this joint and ongoing effort between the Government and the Houses of the Azores, Rodrigo Oliveira highlighted the delivery of more than 600 works by Azorean authors or about the Azores in order to enhance the book collections of the Houses of the Azores. The Internet Portal of the World Council of Houses of the Azores will be launched today; which will "enhance the knowledge of the actions carried out by the Houses of the Azores in the Region."
On the other hand, the government official revealed that a specific five-day training course will take place in October with the aim of providing the Houses of the Azores with tools and information about the Region, thus creating the conditions to enhance their action as "ambassadors of the Azores" in the host communities.