Christmas message from the President of the Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

Azoreans,

It is with great joy that I address you, in this which is the first Christmas at which I am honoured and proud to represent the Government of the Azores.

Our sense of responsibility and mission goes hand in hand with the size of our global azoreanship, through our diaspora.

On these days, despite some anxiety and sorrow, due to the COVID -19 pandemic, we cannot fail to feel the Christmas spirit that the season itself symbolises, which brings together the Azorean families.

With this letter, I share with you the common recognition of the challenging times we have experienced and which force us all to act, with responsibility, for the protection of all and every one of us.

Christmas this year is different. The pandemic has made our lives different. We have reduced the expression of our closeness, our affectivity, which both characterises us, to a touch with the elbow or a bowing of the head, which is obviously little for a welcoming People.

But public health has been our priority and concern, so I am proud of the good behaviour of our People and I call for them to remain an example in complying with the measures announced by the Regional Health Authority.

But this is also a different Christmas because many of our fellow citizens have lost their income and some have lost their own jobs. Many families go through more difficult moments and are plagued by a sense of desperation.

It is especially the lives of these Azorean and Azorean people that are in our minds, in the thoughts of the Azores Government.

Our priority is to protect them and we will not rest until we have been able to minimise the suffering of the most unprotected people, without forgetting all those who need and deserve a word of recognition and support from their government.

From the public health crisis that marked the end of the year, we are rapidly moving to an economic crisis, which has further weakened our difficult regional economy and deepened social inequalities.

For those who are unemployed or who suffer the consequences of unemployment on their families, I want to address, at this difficult time, a particularly warm word and a message of encouragement and hope.

I am convinced that we will be able to overcome this crisis with the common impetus of all. And with this impetus we will build a stronger, more solidarity-based region better equipped to face the challenges of the new times, a more modern and prosperous, territorially and socially cohesive, dynamic region that leaves no one behind, as the strength of a society is its weakest, most unprotected element.

We always count on everyone to raise the development of the Azores to levels that promote collective well-being. This is what motivates us. The Azores and the Azorean.

With everyone’s commitment, motivation and commitment, the mission of the closest times is clear: Solidarity and Aid. Restoring the economy, income and employment in the Azores.

We all want the year 2021 to bring our best to the top and to give us the freedom of our affections.

I am sure that we will all achieve a better Azores and a more humane, fairer and solidarity-based world.

I leave a special and affectionate congratulation for all Azorean people who celebrate Christmas alone, those suffering from illness, or feel marginalised, forgotten or sad.

I offer our gratitude to those who devote their effort and time to help those in need and the most fragile.

I also welcome immigrants. It is good to count on you and your contribution to the development of our society.

To our diaspora, the expression of our congratulations and pride. Thank you for honouring the name of the Azores outside our islands.

For everyone, without exception, I would like to leave this message, on the anniversary of the birth of the baby Jesus, a message that fills our souls with hope and courage,  a word of solidarity, trust and hope.

Happy Holidays. A Santo and Feliz Natal and a Good New Year.