The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the gala marking PALCUS’s 35th anniversary, held at the Coliseu Micaelense in Ponta Delgada, and highlighted the role of the Portuguese diaspora in strengthening relations between Portugal and the United States of America.
José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of PALCUS in promoting the Portuguese-American community, preserving Portuguese cultural identity and deepening institutional, political and economic relations between the two countries.
The head of the Azorean Government expressed particular satisfaction that the gala was held in the Azores, emphasising that the archipelago occupies a key position in transatlantic relations, representing a “living bridge between Portugal and North America.”
The President of the Government also praised the contribution made by PALCUS to “giving a voice to the Portuguese-American community,” acknowledging the organisation’s work in bringing communities closer and passing on Portuguese values and traditions to new generations.
He further highlighted the symbolic significance of 2026, the year marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America and the 50th anniversary of the Azores’ political autonomy, noting that these two milestones represent an opportunity to “deepen the enduring ties between residents of the Azores and our diaspora.”
In his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro also expressed his gratitude to the president of PALCUS, Katherine Soares, and her team for their work in promoting the Portuguese-American community and strengthening cooperation between both sides of the Atlantic.
From a Press Release. The photo is from the Government of the Azores.