Azorean Diaspora Council approves votes of solidarity with HDES fire and Rio Grande do Sul floods - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

The Azorean Diaspora Council approved today a vote of solidarity - proposed by the members of the Council - regarding the recent fire at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) and another one, presented by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, concerning the floods that have already caused more than 70 deaths in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the opening of the meeting, which takes place today and Wednesday in Ponta Delgada, Paulo Estêvão recalled that many thousands of people of Azorean descent live in that state, a "large community" that is part of the "large diaspora" whose representatives are meeting in São Miguel these days.

"This Council gives a voice to the entire Azorean community," he stressed.

During the initial session, the councillors discussed several challenges, such as the "economic potential for exchange," whether through the export of Azorean products or investment by representatives of the communities in the Region.

Greater cultural exchange was also advocated at the opening of the meeting of the Azorean Diaspora Council, with some councillors also discussing the desirability of "increasing air connections to the diaspora" on the part of SATA.

On behalf of the Regional Government, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities assured that he will discuss with the National Government the search for mechanisms "to find ways to boost economic activity, particularly in terms of customs matters, which are the responsibility of the State."

The Azorean Diaspora Council meets regularly every two years. It is made up of 35 members, including 19 councillors selected by the Azorean diaspora, through the constituencies of Bermuda (one), Brazil (five), Canada (five), the United States of America (five), Uruguay (one), Mainland Portugal and Madeira (one) and the rest of the world (one), for four-year terms.

The Council also comprises three representatives of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, a representative of the World Council of Houses of the Azores and the regional directors whose responsibilities fall within the areas of emigration and communities, social solidarity, vocational training and employment, culture, tourism and incentives.

Furthermore, the CDA includes a representative of the Association of Municipalities of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, a representative of emigrant associations active in the Region, a representative of the Directorate-General for Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communities, and a representative of the Council of the Portuguese Communities.