Jardim's 'moderation', New police policies, Madeira Wine Rally, & other snippets
TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Dave … “your readers may be interested to see a picture of Pombar an isolated hamlet near Pinheiro. I walked through it yesterday along the route of the Levada Nova and yes amazingly it is still inhabited.”
Front Page News : source : Diário de Notícias 28/7/2008
Sócrates is an “insult” to the Portuguese … the Portuguese prime minister was the subject of the day in Chão da Lagoa at the annual political rally of the PSD party President of the PSD on Madeira, Alberto João Jardim, said that is “an insult” that Portugal is governed by a prime minister like José Sócrates and affirmed that the social-democrats of Madeira will do everything to enable a political change.”This has arrived to such a state that it is not enough that we leave this to the broken politicians of the opposition. We are people that should change Portugal. They know that they can count on the Portuguese of Madeira to return Portugal to the way it should be. Sócrates cannot continue to govern Portugal”.
He called José Sócrates a “big enemy of Madeira” through the difficulties that he has caused in the region: “That individual, the big enemy of Madeira, thought that he could destroy us, thought that we are going to stop our development, stealing money from us.” That was Jardim’s “moderate” tone that he promised at the end of last week … I would hate to be on the receiving end of his real wrath then! In another story, there was a forest fire in the locality that afternoon which firemen managed to control … perhaps not everyone agrees with Pres. AJJ.
The new commander (3 months) of the Public Security Police says he wants the public to evaluate the performance of the police force, and wants to provide a form of victim support, particularly for the victims of domestic violence. He hopes that by taking on board feedback from the community, that there can be a strong relationship between the PSP and the public, and that the citizens can have some degree of satisfaction with the performance of the police. A model of crime prevention will focus on the known problem areas on Madeira, and in the localities of the greatest crime incidence.
The ferry ‘Volcán of Tijarafe’, that arrived from Portimão yesterday brought with it to Funchal the rally cars, support vehicles, and the equipment needed for the Madeira Wine Rally. You can find out everything you need to know on www.ralivm.com, which you can view in English. It shows the full programme, the routes, maps, and even which roads will be closed and when.
Other News :
Featuring the thousands of Madeirans about to embark on their summer holidays, the Diario reports on how easy it is now to travel within Europe, with border controls very relaxed between EU countries, but singles out the UK as having more stringent controls. Travelling outside the EU however is not so simple, and visas may be needed, and you also need to have six months validity on passports, and two free pages for immigration control stamps.
In it’s continuing series of beach reports, this one covers Porto da Cruz, highlighting it as a paradise for ‘bodyboarders’. Praia da Lagoa has a sandy area with much to offer for surf, as well as sun and relaxation. Because of it’s surf attractions, the beach appeals more to younger people. It seems it doesn’t have the normal ‘blue flag’ due to some “residual waters” that enter into the sea. Nevertheless, the beach complex has changing rooms, showers, toilets, playground and a restaurant, in a area that includes Internet through Wi-fi. There are several parking facilities and areas, but you may have a few minutes walk.
The public car park at Lido (Funchal) gets a story, as some drivers are finding their cars locked in when it closes at night. Apparently the hours of opening / closing are not displayed, and if your car is there after 10.30pm (or is it 11pm?) you have to call the police to retrieve it or wait until morning.
Another thin newspaper today … must be the politicians on their summer break.
Message from Dave (today’s photographer) “I wonder if any of your readers know where I can purchase either large (bulk) quantities of Casca Pinheiro or decorative stones (small)? I’m aware of Maxmat but they only seem to cater for relatively small quantities and I need a couple of tons (of the latter or an equivalent volume of pine bark chippings)!”
No idea Dave, but hope someone else knows (Casca = skin of fruit, egg shell, husk, pod, or in this case tree bark)
Aside from your valued blog responses (you can reply direct using the form at the bottom of each blog comments page), please send any unreported Madeira news, photos, events information, or snippets for the madeira4u blog to blog@madeira4u.com – anyone can join in! Thank you!
just had a good look at that rally website … quite informative. Is it first time ever that a Madeiran information website has been translated for English speakers? Anyway, many thanks to whoever thought of us!
1–Der
The rally site last year had an English version so does 'Volta a Madeira'. I guess it's 'cos motor sport has an international following which mainly conducts its activities in english. As you say good for us mono liguists.
2–martin