The president of the Azores regional government today flew out of Bermuda after taking part in celebrations for the 170th anniversary of the first arrival of Portuguese immigrants.

Vasco Cordeiro met David Burt, the Premier, as well as the Cabinet, before he visited the Spittal Pond Nature Reserve in Smith’s to see the historic Portuguese Rock.

The rock landmark bears carvings made by Portuguese sailors shipwrecked in 1543.

Kim Dismont-Robinson, the Acting Director of Community and Cultural Affairs, outlined the history, of the rock, once known as Spanish Rock, with Bermudian film-maker Milton Raposo.

Lawrence Scott, the Government whip and chairman of the Bermuda Airport Authority, helped see off Mr Cordeiro and his delegation on behalf of the Bermuda Government.