Dear Sir,

My recent Letter to the Editor regarding the honorary consul for Portugal, Andrea Moniz-DeSouza, was not meant to offend or be a personal attack on her character in any way.

I do not condone the malicious comments that were made towards her on The Royal Gazette’s website and, if any of my comments were seen as offensive to Mrs Moniz-DeSouza, I offer my sincerest apologies.

I was merely trying to express that every society does experience its share of issues and we should be trying to make strides towards the betterment of that society. We should focus on the solutions and not highlight the problem.

I am still of the opinion that Bermuda as a whole has made progress in embracing the Portuguese community, and my hope is that we continue to do so, not just with the Portuguese community, but with all communities that are present on the Island.

SUZETTE ARRUDA