Madeira News Blog

TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Karen … A lovely view over Jardim do Mar from Prazeres.

Front Page News : source : Diário de Notícias 29/7/2008

‘Lisbon’ ignores the comments made by President Jardim at Chão da Lagoa on Sunday, is the headline. “No comments” or “not interested” are the reactions of the politicians in central government. “I will not allow myself to comment on the craziness of Dr. Jardim”, said one constitutionalist in response to the comments that President José Sócrates was an ‘insult’ to the Portuguese people, and “a big enemy of Madeira”. See, it’s not only me that thinks that AJJ has a screw loose!  (but I will miss him when he’s gone).

An inspection of the bars, cafes, and restaurants in the beach zones and complexes of Madeira has led to the detection of 17 infractions in 15 locations.  As a result 100 kgs of merchandise has been seized, and in one case a criminal action has been instigated. The inspection operation was started on 15th June and runs throughout the summer, at some point going to Porto Santo Island. The infractions detected are : 2 operating without licences, 4 with cleanliness / hygiene problems, 3 do not have or have not been using the complaints book procedure correctly (livro de reclamações), 6 had problems with sanitary conditions. The other two were selling food ‘improper’ for consumption, which in one case was considered a danger to public health. I am very pleased to hear that this is being taken seriously, as I like to know that my meal is well prepared and germ free before I get ripped-off.

Latin American bananas are going to be harmful to the Madeiran banana industry, with changes in the tax / tariff regime which are going to lower costs by 46% up to 2016. After complaints of restrictive trade were received from the South American producing countries against European regulations, action was taken, and the result is likely to hit exports and maybe even the home trade of Madeira grown bananas. Actually, I can’t see the home trade being affected, as I am sure President Jardim will invent some new law to protect his own interests, even if he ends up legislating for smoking bananas in pubs and restaurants … I am sure he will have a good rant about this and the European authorities in the next few days so I will keep you informed.

The Madeira Wine Rally 2008 looks set to be front page news for the next few days, and today the story in about the road stewards tasked with crowd control and public safety. Wearing orange waistcoats with ‘segurança’ on the back, these 310 volunteers will be fundamental to the success of the competition, and without doubt the just result. Talking about the collaboration and behaviour of alcohol fuelled spectators, a spokesman said “the Madeiran public have started cooperating and have improved their behavior over the years”. Ah, so that’s what the Madeira ‘Wine’ Rally really stands for! Any good rally pictures, please send them in for blog publication.

Other News :

The beach of ‘Praia Formosa’, west Funchal, still doesn’t have its Blue Flag. It was removed after a possible sewerage leakage or seepage was found on 15th July. The source of the problem still has to be identified. A spokeswomen is quoting as saying the water is still good.

 On the same subject, the beaches and waters of Machico that also don’t have a blue flag, were being defended by the council, who say that the water quality is good, despite recent criticisms.

Funchal Council (Camara) are to send threatening letters to the ‘Vespas’ nightclub, the ‘Café do Teatro’, and a hot dog caravan after accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities to keep the accesses and surrounding areas clean and litter free. If they don’t sharpen up they will be fined. The main problem seems to be after Friday night revellers. Do hot dog caravans actually have addresses and letterboxes to receive letters?

In the weekly ‘via rapida’ traffic report, last week (Monday to Sunday) there were 15 accidents and 6 non-serious injuries, well over the weekly average of 10 accidents. 71 breakdowns were attended, there was one abandoned car, 17 animal rescues, 10 pedestrian removals, and 33 large objects removed from the motorway. At the weekend, for Madeira as a whole, there were 21 road accidents, and 14 injuries. This weeks accident hotspot league table : 1st Funchal, 2nd Santa Cruz, 3rd Câmara de Lobos. 14 drivers were found over the legal alcohol limit at the weekend, they were from Santa Cruz, Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, São Vicente and Calheta.

In an unusual story, a prisoner allocated ‘outside duties’ stole a car and disappeared whilst his supervisor was distracted. The 30 year old man was working in a slaughterhouse in Funchal at the time. The convicted drug trafficker and addict was on outside duties due to good behaviour and was nearing his release date. A team of prison guards are conducting a search for the man, who is not considered dangerous. It is not the first time that a prisoner has escaped, but the Diario says that they are ALWAYS recaptured … tempting fate perhaps. In that case, keep your boats and amphibious vehicles well secured!

The last session of the regional assembly officially sat yesterday, even though it seems to close anyway when they feel like it. All the politicians will be off on well deserved holidays now, returning to ‘work’ at the start of October. So don’t expect anything useful to happen for 2 months … just business as usual really!

Barclays Bank joined in the race to have more bank branches than people on Madeira, by opening a new branch in Rua do Sabão (Funchal) on Monday. Barclays say this is just part of a new strategy of expansion that is going to strengthen the network of branches throughout Portugal. Funny that, the banks stupidity puts half the world in recession, and yet the banks still have loads of money to expand on a small island that needs new banks about as much as it needs more bananas.

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