The Azores’ representative to its diaspora was welcomed to Bermuda this week as celebrations of the anniversary of the first Portuguese immigrants continue.

Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, met Paulo Teves, the director of Regional Communities for the Azorean Government, who came to the island to open an exhibition of art, called Azores, in the Washington Mall.

Ms Foggo said Dr Teves’s visit was “fitting and timely” as the island launched Heritage Month.

Ms Foggo said: “In 1849, Portuguese immigrants first arrived on Bermuda’s shores from Madeira and the Azores.

She added they have “played a significant role towards the social, economic, political and cultural advancement of Bermuda. Our discussions centred around furthering and strengthening relationships between Bermuda and the Azores”.

Ms Foggo concluded: “We have much in common and against the backdrop of highlighting May as Heritage Month, I was very pleased to join with Bermuda’s Portuguese community to welcome Dr Teves and our friends from the Azorean Government to Bermuda.”