Madeira News Blog

Blog for Monday 28th January, 2008 

Source : Diário de Notícias 28/1/2008

To the delight of some for sure, it seems that from next month all the rural taxis (all outside of Funchal) are to have meters installed, at a cost of between €805 and €905. Although it seems all in the world of taxi drivers is not well as a result of the introduction of these meters. Does this theoretically mean the end of ‘rip-off the foreigner’ taxi trips? Probably not, as apparently Funchal taxis (which have had the meters for a long time already) can still manage to fleece their customers, often by quite staggering amounts, but how do they do it? Do they switch the meter off, or charge for non-existant luggage, or charge night rate during the day time? Can anyone shed any light on the matter?

Going back to a blog I did last year about a restaurant that ripped us off on a couple of beers we brought, well I was told by someone else at the weekend that he went to the same place (in Ribeira Brava) and got charged €3.75 for
a pint of beer! To add to that, a waiter who was working there said that he left because they gave him an ultimatum, that he had to increase his 7 hour working day to 11 or 12 hours, without any extra pay (and this is on the state
minimum wage mind you). I don’t feel quite so bad now that I know it is not just foreigners, but anyone that breathes is a legitimate target.

Going back to todays news, there is a story about a police “megaoperation” that took place over Saturday night and early Sunday morning in areas between Sâo Martinho and Caniçal, which resulted in the apprehension of several individuals and hundreds of doses of drugs and narcotic substances.

Blog for Sunday 27th January, 2008

Source : Diário de Notícias 27/1/2008

The Hiper Sã supermarket chain is looking for new land to build yet another superstore. This time they want to build in Câmara de Lobos, and have already been making enquires for premises in the vicinty of the recently opened Modelo store. That should put a few more businesses out of commission in the area, just what was needed in a region that is probably already the most deprived on Madeira.

Little else worth reading in the newspaper today. I think Madeira is having a news relapse. So in the spirit of good entertainment, here is a piece I wrote a couple of weeks ago, waiting for some space to put it.

CONDOMINIUM WOES

‘Condominiums’ are common on Madeira for apartments owners, or those who live in places with shared facilities. They are theoretically governed by law, but in practice they can be (and often are) a real nightmare for the owners once a condominium management company has been appointed, and also where members don’t pay their dues.

I heard one story a couple of weeks ago where the electricity bill for the common areas of the building wasn’t paid because of non payment of fees by some owners, and the supply was cut off for a few days … no lift, no lights, and worst of all no electricity for the water pump.

Blog for Saturday 26th January, 2008

Source : Diário de Notícias 26/1/2008

The government has earmarked the grand sum of €1.6 million to tackle the problem of a rat infestation affecting Madeira. Starting from August, when 30 tons of rat poison are due to be delivered here and lasting until the beginning of 2010, the campaign will focus on the worst affected areas, many of which include farms where the rats are eating the bananas and other crops. The governement says there is no risk to the population of Madeira, and that the poisons will be used carefully to ensure that there is no chance of children being poisoned. One of the main types of rat which are causing the problem reproduces rapidly, giving birth 4 to 6 times a year, with litters of between 6 and 12. First I
have heard about a rat problem, as I think I have only seen two in four years and one of those was as flat as a pancake on our road. You have to question the timing of the clean up operation, as by my calculations if they wait until August the rat population could increase tenfold in that time. It would help if the litter problem was tackled, as it seems to be second nature for many local to discard their rubbish in places they shouldn’t, kids especially.

In a national story, the head of the association (order) of lawyers has called for the creation of a commission to look at the issues of corruption within the country. Of particular concern is the poor management and accountability for public funds, and the costs and expenses incurred that nobody understands. Probably not a bad idea, as stories and rumours of corruption are rife on Madeira, though I suspect poor judgement is the cause much of the time. However, you cannot help but wonder why the pot is calling the kettle black, when corruption is rife amongst many of his own members in the legal profession. My suggestion would be to wait until August, when that big delivery mentioned above
arrives, and take the opportunity to clean up two species in one swoop.

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Photo : One of Ribeira Brava’s peacocks – anxiously awaiting the forthcoming mating season, when he can start his noisy screaming ritual once more