Unemployment rockets, No Oscars for Madeira, Rapid response police, & other snippets
TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Sarah … who had her photos in within a couple of hours. These ‘orange ladies’ may be making a political statement, or perhaps they just like oranges?
Front Page News : source : Diário de Notícias 24/2/2009
There are conflicting weekly reports about the unemployment situation on Madeira, depending on who provides the statistics, but this article comes up with a staggering statistic. It alleges that since December unemployment has increased by 6.8%, and by 12.4% since January last year. In a headcount, that represents 630 more unemployed from one month to the next, and 1,100 over a year. The current unemployed figure is 9,932, although trade unions report numbers well over that. Over a year, the number of job vacancies has dropped 44%. These figures come from the Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP) (institute of employment).
Aside from that not a big news day, but I will persevere a little longer …
‘Oscars far from the Madeirans’ : Aside from lamenting the lack of Madeiran Oscar winners, the Diário seems a little peeved that the winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, or in Portugal ‘Who wants to be billionaire?’ has not yet arrived on Madeira, despite hitting the continent on 5th February.
The Marítimo manager, Lori Sandri, has been sacked along with his assistant after a meeting with the club president on Monday. An ex-manager of Sporting Braga is favoured to take over. No reasons given for the sacking, as Marítimo are in a comfortable 7th place in the league, just 3 points away from the European placings. I bet President Bertie had a hand in it though, as there is nothing he hates more than to see his favourite team trailing behind Nacional.
The Diário sent a reporter out with one of the three ‘Rapid Response Teams’ that are part of the Public Security Police. The teams each have 9 officers, and have been in place since 2004, but the three teams are unable to provide 24 hour coverage, being two teams short. Unlike the normal police, the team works across the island, concentrating on ‘problem areas’. A decision is awaited on whether to set up two more teams.
The other story is about the nervousness of the social democrat politicians in Santa Cruz, where President Jardim has left his people hanging in terms of election candidates for 2009. The other concern is the lack of public works in the area, presumably seen as an important factor in winning votes from the local electorate, as election years are famous for a flood of inaugurations.
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Anyone join in or watch the ‘trapalhão’ parade yesterday? Any good? I watched an hour or so on TV, and was very impressed with some of the entries, quite a few of which were protests (against Bertie, the cable car at Rabaçal etc.). Many thanks to those who sent in photos.
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, topical photos, events information, or snippets for the madeira4u blog to blog@madeira4u.com – anyone can join in! Thank you!
Hi der , yes the parade was good yesterday, and a lovely sunny bank holiday. we sat down in one of the seats to watch the parade this year as they only cost €5 apposed to €25 for the main Saturday Carnival.
It seems colds and sore throats are doing the rounds again as i have come down with it again.
Please note that i have RESIGNED from the CARING COMPANY as of last Friday, and have nothing to do with its state of affairs.
1I have enjoyed very much working in the company, and have meet many lovely people who have used the company.
–Tobi
Sorry to hear about your job Tobi, hope something else comes along soon.
2–Der
Sarah, thanks for advice re Jam. Some very good recipe books on eBay also. Nice and sunny again, just waiting for our banana trees to grow!
3–Jon
Have I missed something about the Caring Co? Just interested because although we have never used them I was given their contact tel no for managing our apt whilst we are away eg collecting post and watering plantpots/light cleaning.
4If anyone knows a good Management Co please let me know so I can keep their details.
–Eiryl
Eiryl On what part of the island are you located?
5Ellen
Try AYS Tel 291936057 info@ays-madeira.com website http://www.ays-madeira.com English man and Madeiran wife – very good
6We are in Funchal, Santa Maria Maior, Ellen. At present a young couple below us help but if they move home we may need to find someone else…
Thanks, anon, for the info. I've made a note
7–Eiryl
Eiryl, do you live close to the market? As I am also in the same district as you (but I guess like many districts in Funchal they spread!) Sarah
8love you web site please keep up the good info
9Sarah
Our apt is the north edge of SMM, near the Estrada de Boa Nova (I think it's called) on the route to the Jardim Botanico. We live in UK and come out to Madeira every 2/3 months.
10–Eiryl
Another couple Alan (Brit) & Cecila (Maderian) Lewington, live in Canico also do this kind of job. Alan 912 314 827 Cecila 916 489 380.
11–Sue
Sue – Alan & Cecilia are AYS – just thought you would like to know
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