The Portuguese community in Bermuda has been urged to unite to preserve their culture.

The call came from Alzira Silva, Director of the Office for Azorean Communities.

She told members of the Vasco da Gama Club and the Portuguese Cultural Association that they should stay true to their roots.

"I give them the message that the Azorean Government is with them.

"And to preserve their Portuguese culture.

"Preserving the language and culture will make it easier for the sons when they return to the Azores.

"We want them to integrate in Bermuda but also be able to integrate when they return.

"If they can't integrate when they come back the will not get jobs."

Ms Silva, who travelled from the Azores, provides support to the Portuguese community by identifying their problems are and finding possible solutions.

Ms Silva emphasised the importance of Portuguese children attending Portuguese school. There is one Portuguese school in Bermuda.

Ms Silva works with Azorean president Carlos Cesar.

"Anywhere I go I take his message and my message with me. If the Portuguese don't feel united then they will have more difficulties."

Ms Silva, has travelled with the same message to the United States, Canada, and Brazil where there are strong Portuguese communities.

"When I am here it is easier to get the perspective of the country, rather than through phone calls and e-mails."

This is Ms Silva's third time visiting Bermuda.

When asked if she gets a positive response from the Portuguese community she said: "Yes, but I feel there is work to do that is not getting done ? well, not really."

Ms Silva returned to the Azores on Friday. She was joined by another guest speaker, Amanda Matias Tavares.