The idea of a cultural memorandum of understanding with the Azores or Portugal has been deemed unnecessary by Cultural Affairs Minister Dale Butler.

Portuguese activist Robert Pires raised the issue of such a memorandum, similar to the memorandum recently signed between Bermuda and the communist island of Cuba, in the wake of an on-going debate on whether Portuguese and Bermudians of Portuguese heritage have been marginalised in Bermudian politics.

Mr. Pires maintains that Government is a "write-off" in terms of diversity and therefore unapproachable, and that Opposition leader Grant Gibbons has effectively blocked Portuguese from involvement at the higher levels of his party, despite the UBP being the so-called "diverse" party.

Both parties have denied Mr. Pires' claims, saying all are welcome, and The Royal Gazette has been contacted by more than one person of Portuguese heritage claiming that Mr. Pires speaks for himself and is not representative of the Portuguese community.

Mr. Pires himself said it would undermine his credibility if Government was considering the option of an Azorean/Portuguese cultural memorandum of understanding. However Mr. Butler said Government had not been approached about the idea.

Mr. Butler pointed out that MPs are "Bermudians first", whether they are of Portuguese heritage or not. Secondly, he said Bermuda already has several accords with the governments of the Azores and Portugal, mainly to do with working arrangements.

He added: "There is nothing preventing the Portuguese community of Bermuda from expressing their culture in any way - I would welcome it. But I don't really think that there is a need for any type of (cultural) accord."

He added that Portuguese and Bermudians with Portuguese heritage on the Island have every opportunity to celebrate their culture.

"I think we're being a little silly here," he continued, pointing out the idea was setting a precedent for an accord with every West Indian nation, African nations, and so on.

There is a significant chapter on Portuguese heritage in Bermuda in the book on Bermudian history that is being released by the Millennium Committee next year, he said, and added expanding that chapter into a full book on its own was feasible.

He also said he himself wished to attend any and all events celebrating Portuguese heritage whenever his schedule permitted it and echoed the sentiments of PLP Senator and acting spokesperson Walter Roban that the PLP's doors were open to all members of the community.

Michael Madeiros, the former vice-chairman of the Portuguese-Bermudian Organisation that was formed during the long term residents debate in 2000, agreed with Mr. Butler and Mr. Roban.

"Government is not closed off to Portuguese Bermudians," he said. "Those that wish to stand in the electoral process can."

He pointed out that people of Portuguese heritage serve on many Government boards, adding that he himself is a member of the West End Development Corporation board.

"Premier Scott has very much embraced the whole of these Islands," he said. "This Premier and the former Premier have never marginalised Portuguese Bermudians."

However he did not wish to comment on the idea of a cultural understanding with the Azores or Portugal, instead suggesting The Royal Gazette contact the Portuguese Consulate. There was no answer at the Portuguese Consulate on Wednesday.

Mr. Butler added Portuguese in Bermuda are similar to blacks in that they have been treated as second-class for so long that they do not celebrate their own culture enough.

"There is a need for a growing appreciation from the Portuguese themselves as to their worth, significance and importance to Bermuda. They are still living that legacy when they really should be celebrating."