This letter is very well written. Obviously its  writter  has  an universal experience, at least from three continents--  Europe, Africa and America.  This letter has a lot of true statements and raises very important cancerns that,  unfortunatly,  the Portuguese reponsable parties have not been able to see.

But together, and with the help of the Internet, we will be able to alert  the world and present the true historical facts in favor of the Portuguese History. We will win!!!

Here  is the letter, with my sincere thanks, 
                                                                         Luciano da Silva

Dr. Luciano

In reference to your letter to Editor of "Diário Insular" regarding the status of the Jardim Do Corte Real in Angra Do Heroismo, I truly applaud your comments. 

I was in Angra, Terceira during June last year and was appalled at the condition in which this park had deteriorated. Naturally there was no one using it since it was such an eyesore, but since it is strategically situated at a slope in front of the Bay in full view of the marina and incoming tourist it would seem logical that the municipality would at very least maintain it.

However, I found a much more disturbing trend as to why many of these memorial parks and historical sites are being neglected and in disrepair.  At first it may seem that it is a financial problem, but it goes deeper than that since the municipality always find funds for more frivolous affairs that are more contemporary popular.

By talking with younger people both in Azores and Canada (where I currently live) on historical subjects, I confirmed what I already suspected. The problems lie in the method in which  history is taught in schools, even years ago when I was in school, history was always unpopular subject, the way the teachers presented it was dry,boring series of dates and events.

But the most serious threat to history as a subject is that most of today's teachers use current politically correct attitudes to pass negative judgement on what used to be historical heroes. Teachers seem to fail emphasizing that it was these pioneers that shaped the world in which we live today, not the rock star or sports heroes.

Personally I consider myself an amateur historian (focus on 15 & 16 centuries  ) and place great value in research, so when ever I travel to Europe my wife always complains to me about the time I spend at historical sites. 

Born in Angra do Heroismo I am especially pleased that this city is a world Heritage site. This status will help increase tourism, which then increases the value of its historical sites, so there is hope.

Having lived and studied both in Canada and South Africa, I Always found that the Portuguese have always been left out of the history books of both of these countries, as well as United States and Australia even though The Portuguese were the primary pioneers in these lands.

In Canada ALL history books and documentaries start with John Cabot (Giovanni Cabotto), in South Africa it's Jan Van Riebeek, in Australia James Cook and so on.  Why then are the Corte Reais, the Bartolemeu Diaz and others left out of history books.

The only way to change these omissions is through research, publication education, and public exposure such as monuments and naming on large public structures. It takes people like yourself  who are prepared to face large skepticism and still succeed in making a difference. Your website is very informative and your work is inspirational.

In the coming week I will be in the Cape Cod area for a week, I will of course make a serious attempt to visit Dighton Rock, Newport Tower and possibly the Ninnigret Fort Site. In light of the obvious overwhelming evidence of the early Portuguese occupation of North America, I believe that there is much more evidence yet to be discovered.  I would hope that one day I could participate in this such an effort.

Roger Alves
Brampton, Ontario Canada
ralves@pathcom.com

Roger Alves
National Business Development Manager
RAM TSD

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