The new House of the Azores was opened this afternoon.

David Burt, the Premier, and Vasco Cordeiro, the president of the Azores regional government, unveiled a plaque at the Casa Dos Acores - House of the Azores - charity near Admiralty House in Pembroke.

Mr Burt said, “Since its founding in 2015, The House of the Azores Bermuda has worked to promote and preserve the heritage of the Azores in Bermuda. Bermudians of Azorean descent are connected to these two islands by the strongest of bonds - family.

“This site and its conversion into a headquarters for this charity is an excellent example of how Government and community groups can work together for a common goal.”

Mr Burt added: “The House of the Azores may be dedicated to the preservation of Azorean culture but, like Bermuda’s Portuguese community, they aim to support local charities that benefit all Bermudians regardless of their family background.”

He said his Government had pledge to “bring about greater understanding of racial relationships and diversity”.

Mr Burt added the Government had also used the 2018 operating plan for the civil service to help promote a Bermuda where “culture and historical legacy is valued, preserved and sustained.”

He said: “I am honoured to join President Cordeiro in opening this new building. This occasion reinforces the strong link we have determined to develop between our two islands and is an important step in the preservation of our shared cultural and historical legacy. Thank you.”

Mr Cordeiro and the rest of the Azorean delegation, in Bermuda for the 170th anniversary of the island’s first Portuguese immigrants, will today visit Portuguese Rock at Spittal Pond in Smith’s before they return home.