Paulo Estêvão recalls that being close to Azoreans around the world is a project that "goes beyond political parties" - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, stressed on Sunday night in Winnipeg that bringing government representatives together with Azoreans and people of Azorean descent around the world should be a project that "goes beyond political parties."

"It is always a source of pride to learn how official organisations refer to the Azoreans. I have noted how you have adapted and lived a life of work and prestige," he stressed.

Paulo Estêvão spoke at the House of the Azores of Winnipeg, Canada, at the end of "Azores Cultural Week," promoted by this organisation.

Before more than a hundred and fifty people, the government official pointed out that the Azores of today are different, with an expected "doubling of GDP in eight years" and "significant" growth in the regional economy and living conditions in the archipelago.

Also praising the role of RTP/Açores in "bringing to Azoreans living in the archipelago what is being done in the diaspora, and vice versa," Paulo Estêvão announced that the Government will seek to implement a programme to support media with Azorean roots in the diaspora by 2026. As early as 2025, it will also involve professionals from these media outlets in training initiatives held in the Region.

"Count on us, just as we count on you," he continued.

Folklore, cuisine, theatre, music, lectures, book launches and other activities marked the week of festivities in the Canadian city.

The House of the Azores of Winnipeg, initially designated as the Azorean Cultural Centre of Manitoba, was founded on September 13, 1992.

This organisation aims to promote, preserve and disseminate Azorean culture locally as well as build bridges to bring Azoreans living in that part of Canada closer to the Azores.