Madeira News Blog

Today’s Photo Thanks to Jon … a sunrise from earlier this month

 

This might be of interest to Irish readers, not that I was aware that SATA flies to Ireland.

"Madeira Late sale bargain prices – We have just received a further allocation of seats on the direct Scheduled SATA service to Funchal Madeira which departs every Sunday, the seats are on November 29, December 6 & 13 and January 10, 17, 25 & 31. Hotel Raga 4* B&B from €499 – Hotel Melia Mare 5* B&B from €599 – Hotel Tivoli 5* B&B + 5 evening meals from €699". IS THE RAGA REALLY A 4 STAR HOTEL?

Also for Irish readers, who may not know that Budget Travel has gone bust. IRISH INDEPENDENT 28 travellers are currently stuck here on Madeira.

"Sir Winston Churchill, one of Europe’s most recognisable political figures, was famous for his rousing speeches and war-time strength; what most people don’t know is how he concealed his ill-health from the world by taking recuperating holidays in Madeira". Another one of those Winston Churchill on Madeira articles, nice, but much the same as the many others. WINSTON ON MADEIRA

Can you imagine going into a shop to buy bananas here on Madeira, and getting home and opening the bag and finding that your bananas worked out at €1 each. It can happen I promise. The proof will follow in the next few days. Also if I remember I will tell you about a vegetable that can cost here as much as €20 a kilo, and it’s not a spice or anything fancy. Anyone noticed that broccoli and cauliflower have been remarkably cheap these last couple of weeks. My diet and freezer are filling up with both vegetables. What’s the most expensive fruit or vegetable you have seen? 

Rita sent in this story (or two) that she wrote for friends … many thanks.

We have a loja (shop) in Funchal where all the government departments have counters – you just take a ticket and await your turn – a very good system. However, when I visited the Estrangeiros (immigration) to renew my residency after five years I was told I had to ring a central number to get an appointment before they could deal with my application, despite the fact that there was nobody else waiting and the girl could have done it immediately. I then spent the next two days trying to navigate my way through the telephone system pressing the right button after a series of messages in Portuguese and then sitting for ever with some ghastly music playing in my ear. When I finally got someone to answer I was given an appointment at the loja for the next day, but it did not stop someone queue jumping me. After I had given my fingerprint which is the final detail of the application I asked the girl if she was happy with the new system – very much she replied – I kept my cool and remarked that although it was better for her it may not be so easy for her public…….! On the other hand I went to the laboratory to get my INR blood test done only to find that they must have gone through an inspection of some sort because up until now I have paid my 75 cents when they took the blood but this time was told I needed to wait and pay when picking up the results. When I did return for the results I was presented with an invoice for only 40 cents and was required to sign for the results. You win some – you lose some!!

Rita also sent me a fantastic photo, but that’s on the waiting list so it will be a little while before that treat appears.

Wednesday night was a bit special here in Ribeira Brava when our collection of ’selos’ (the government seals that are stuck onto cigarette packets) reached the 1 kilogramme target. I don’t recall exactly when this particular collection was started, but it can’t be far off a year ago, but that’s another wheelchair ‘raised’ for someone who hopefully will now have a much better Christmas than they would have had. The collection for the next one is already underway. 

Another bit of local news is that the free Portuguese lessons for foreigners, in Ribeira Brava, will continue in the new year, and for now are planned to run until the end of the academic year (Summer 2010). Whilst new students will still be able to join, they should have an understanding of Portuguese at least a basic level, as obviously the classes have to move forward for the existing students, and newcomers with no knowledge will find it difficult to participate and impossible to understand. Anyone wishing to start from the beginning would be best to start by registering an interest at the school (or any school for that matter), but clearly the numbers would need to be sufficient to justify the expense, so it might mean a long wait. It also has to be said that my local school has not been impressed with attendance in the current class, with many joining initially and dropping out soon after, and also with some students who pop in and out of classes when they have time and no other commitments. I can pass on emails registering interest for new classes in Ribeira Brava, but I think it is better if people go in person. Another option, almost certainly quicker, particularly to get started and back into education, is to do the adult education classes with the locals. These are not specifically about the Portuguese language, but the teachers deal with older students who lack basic education in certain areas, and will move around the class focusing on the needs of the individuals enrolled. Of course these teachers may not speak any English or be quite limited in that respect, but I tried it with some success. In my opinion practically no one will learn Portuguese from 3 hours of weekly teaching, and any classes will need to be supplemented with other learning and practicing activities.

PS – For anyone who doesn’t know there will be no lesson in Ribeira Brava on Monday, but Wednesday will be a double lesson from 3 to 6 pm to make up the time.

Many thanks to Elaine once again for yesterday’s top stories : 

Machico infested with rats. The municipality of Machico is infested with rats. The Council admits difficulties in controlling the pests and the misuse of rat poison. The plague is in evidence in the vacant lots (photo) and houses located near the local Ribeira. Incorrect use of poison has led to the development of poison-resistant rats. The Regional Directorate of the Environment extermination campaign did not work because of the number of derelict land plots which are in the vicinity of the Ribeira – and range of herbs which help the spread of rats – especially in the city centre. One example is the large piece of land at the back of the Church of Machico, about 3,000 square metres, left completely abandoned and was provided for the construction of the Parish Social Centre in a program in conjunction with the Regional Government. The environment authority asks owners to have their land cleaned up as if the majority are cleaned, but there are others who do not, the effect of the pest campaign is reduced.  The rats destroy seasonal fruits and agricultural crops. A land owner lamented: "The rats have been eating pears, avocados and papayas. Just last week, I left out a bucket full of 20 kilos of pears, but all eaten. The official admitted that the campaign of extermination had immediate positive effects in reducing the number of rats, but the plague returned quickly. This is due to poor application of poison. "Much of the success of the process of extermination was the proper administration of the poison in traps that were delivered to farmers." Of the 333 farmers, 78 did not use the poison as directed. The process of extermination has been carried out in two ways: The Council put poison in locations previously defined, while the Parish Council delivered rat poison to the farmers. But a lot of owners of vacant lots did not request rat poison. The Council have bought nearly 4 tons of rat poison this year.

Jardim Ramos abandons seminar. The criticism of the President of the Regional Board of the Union of Nurses, Élvio Jesus, meant that the Secretary of Social Affairs, Jardim Ramos, voluntarily left the room during the opening session of the seminar, accompanied by other members of SESARAM (Health Service Administration). Just before the opening of the seminar, Élvio Jesus, speaking to reporters, said he would take the opportunity to address "two or three issues of concern to nurses". Very critical, he began by pointing out that nurses are overworked, doing overtime "with great risk to themselves and to patients." "The tender announced (this month)  is not on the ground, we do not know anything." Although there is "strong pressure" to assign more nurses to community-based care, he warned it is "a huge waste of resources." Élvio Jesus also denounced the "climate of concern about what is happening in SESARAM", embodied in a petition which in a day and a half managed to gather over 600 signatures. The official went further, saying there were "illegalities that have to be repaired." When confronted with this criticism, even before the meeting, Jardim Ramos said that the tender for admission of nurses is being prepared and will be met. With regard to careers, the minister warned that in the region there is to be applied the "national career" pathway. He assured that there are nurses working overtime and that is why they are launching the tender, so he will ignore the petition. Jardim Ramos said that at the opening of the session he was confronted by Élvio Jesus, "with an intervention of Trade Union nature, offensive, disrespectful, completely devoid of civility and out of context of the meeting, which is why he decided to leave the room." He said he has always shown willingness to hold dialogue with the Nurses Union and the episode will not affect the commitment to maintain the dialogue."

Renewable energies. The Fourth Global Forum on Economy and Regional Development will be held in Funchal in 2011. This was announced by the President of the Association of Development of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (ADARAM) at the end of a workshop on alternative and renewable energies. The objectives of this workshop was to discuss how clean energy could be integrated into networks by 20 – 30% in the coming years. The aim is to achieve 20% in the short-term and European governments should speed up their investments so these objectives can soon be achieved, as in California, New Zealand and Denmark. The Portuguese company EDP is working with a German company to transfer technology to Portugal, for example for wind farms. Regionally, there is a political will to reach the goals set at a national and a European level although the archipelago relies heavily on weather conditions, rain and wind, to meet the aim to integrate 30% of all sources into the regional distribution network by 2017.

‘Winning the competition". Theme at the Conference of APAVT (Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism). The recovery may be imminent and to do so they need to win the competition. A decrease in activity in the range 10 – 20% resulting in losses from the decrease in demand, taxation as well as inadequate cash flow problems arising from the postponement of credit. In a scenario not very encouraging, the President estimates improvements in 2010. The first signs appear in Asia and the United States, although not yet reflected in the invoices in Portugal. Training and having qualified employees is a priority. The congress will also discuss new forms of distribution – which models are effective and better protect customers – and sales – strategies to promote sales and customer loyalty.

119 creditors reclaiming €11 million from the bankrupt Elimar. The largest creditors are the banks but there are dozens of companies providing construction materials to receive money from this engineering company (one of nine companies of the group). After the first postponement on October 22, yesterday the Judicial Court in Funchal with a meeting of creditors, ruled for the liquidation of the company after a report by the insolvency administrator that recovery of the firm is impossible. Liquidation of the company is, however, suspended as a creditor asked for an embargo on the insolvency request arguing that the firm was solvent in December 2008 and seven months later presents a liability close to 14 million. The application of the embargo has not been decided by the judge. The report by the insolvency administrator lists the credits reclaimed that, with interest, already exceed 11 million. Anxious are the employees of the firm, whose claims have not been recognized but have to pay taxes and have been made unemployed. Elimar had 42 employees but the group founded 27 years ago (9 companies) has a total of 72 employees.

‘Hole’ in Areal Dourado estimated at 60,000 Euros. First reported yesterday. The diversion of funds of the municipal group Areal Dourado is estimated at approximately 60,000 Euros. No one from the Municipality of Porto Santo was available for comment but sources contacted yesterday revealed that in just over two years there has been diverted a large sum of money from the treasury of that company. Funds were used by the Board of Directors of the company for their own purpose including purchase of goods and services of various kinds. It is unknown how the funds were diverted. The participation of the local authority with the prosecution services involve all elements of the Board of Directors but it seems that the alleged irregularities have been committed by only one member of that body. However in order to clarify the real extent of the irregularities, the Municipality has chosen to refer the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, who are taking the necessary steps to determine the facts. The Municipality has also asked Areal Dourado to audit their accounts. The case has raised eyebrows in the locality because the sums involved are large given the size of the company concerned. The company is only partially owned by the local authority and is designed to perform in various areas such as event management and management of social and cultural facilities and even at the level of social action. It is the entity responsible for promotion of tourism activities, cultural, recreational and sports activities that will contribute to the integrated economic, social, tourist, sporting and cultural life of the municipality of Porto Santo.

Market Night at Santana. This Christmas season, do not miss the animation in Santana. The municipal program is a series of recreational and cultural initiatives for the coming days. The program highlights the Night of the Farmers’ Market, the Northern municipality’s first ever and to be held from 20 to 21 December. More than 20 producers expected. Various traditional performances to attract more tourists to the town centre. There will be two other features: The Feast of the Nativity, set for 20 December and Exponatal, between 11 and 18 December. The representation of the nativity is already promised to be one of the largest in the region and one of the most emblematic with live figures. This is to capture the attention of children who may, like other visitors, enter the crib. Exponatal is to promote the county, the products and help businessmen and industrialists of the municipality recoup their sales. This will be installed in the area next to the Municipal Building accompanied by musical entertainment performed by different associations in the county. On the 8 December, the Christmas illuminations will be switched on.

Recall of Ben-U-ron syrup. Although there are thought to be no risks to health, the syrup was withdrawn last weekend form pharmacies. A change in the colour of the syrup has been detected. Some people may still have affected lots at home and should not use them but deliver them to pharmacies.

Lions Club organizes Christmas Fair. Next weekend, Saturday and Sunday and aims to raise funds for social causes. There will be on sale various products offered by individuals and companies, as well as new and second hand clothes. Snacks will also be served and homemade pastries and cakes made by members of the club and helpers. Part of the revenue will be used for 12 Christmas baskets allotted to households in economic difficulties. An initiative in partnership with the Parish of Sao Pedro. There will also be 12 grants to help students at the University. The fair takes place at the premises of the Lions Club of Funchal at Rua Imperatriz D. Amelia 84, between the hours of 10.00 and 20.00 next Saturday and Sunday. 

Brussels warns of danger of Christmas lights. 30% of lights are dangerous and half with defects come from China. The main risk is electric shock. 25% had defective wiring, 23% had filaments too thin for the current which increases the risk of overheating and fire, 19%  failed the test of protection against electric shock by insufficient insulation. Brussels recommends consumers buy lights from reputable traders, ensuring compliance with safety standards and warn you not to leave lights on when leaving the home or at night.

ALM staff can receive 35% bonus. The special regime of work allows the entire permanent staff of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, without exception, to receive monthly, 35% additional remuneration based on their basic salary. This is to replace overtime pay which was seen as an injustice. When they leave office, they are entitled to 8% of the salary. This is for as many years as they held in office.

Barclays open two new branches. 30 November, new branches at Calheta and Ajuda in Funchal.

Christmas Bazaar. Red Cross. 30 November to 5 December at 21 Rua Dr. Fernao Ornelas. Crafts, jams, liqueurs and many other items will be on sale.

Christmas opening hours. Traditional trade will close at 20.00, except the week of December 21. Closure on Sunday and opening on public holidays December 1 and 8.

Air Force records 200 evacuations per year. One mission every two days. These are evacuations of injured patients from Porto Santo by the E H 101 helicopter ‘Merlin’.

Foiled robbery at a hotel in Funchal. Two men attempted to break into a hotel on the Rua Imperatriz Dona Amelia in Funchal. Yesterday at dawn, the two suspects were seen trying to break one of the windows of the hotel reception. The police were alerted and were quickly on site but the individuals fled and escaped through the surrounding alleyways and streets. The attempted robbery occurred two months after the same hotel was the target of a robbery by four individuals. These men violently assaulted the hotel receptionist and stole 600 Euros. There had previously been an assault on a hotel when a safe was stolen and the receptionist jumped through a window and fractured a leg, when it was apparent the robbers were armed with metal bars.

 

Police to monitor the environment. To discourage breaches of legislation. Enforcement action started last Monday in several areas, mainly quarries, aggregate extraction and intervention at the level of protected species. This action will continue until 29 November and already some offenses have been identified.

 

 

 

 

 

Romeira files disciplinary proceedings against two officials. These are the fastest disciplinary proceedings in the history of the civil service. Based on an anonymous letter to the Council of São Vicente on October 8 2009 (three days before the elections), the then mayor Humberto Vasconcelos suspended immediately two municipal officials (a building inspector and an IT official). On 23 November, the new mayor Jorge Romeira filed disciplinary proceedings. The reason was for illegal dissemination of information and internal documentation, intentionally and in order to undermine the normal functioning of services. One was working with the Judicial Police. It is unknown who is the author of the letter. It came to the Council at 12.00 and in the afternoon there was drawn up the order to initiate the disciplinary proceedings and the next morning, the seizure of computers and related work. The suspended officials are studying the possibility of suing the Council.

Today’s news headlines from the Diário de Notícias :

The main news headline today : Radar of €25 million already dominates Areeiro – the works will finish in the Spring of 2010 and the radar will be operational in 2011. The tourists stick with the café and the souvenir bazaar. Defence creates a centre for environmental education. Regarding the Freira, it was already stated that it would not affected. The site is supposed to blend in with the barren landscape of Pico do Areeiro, but it is impossible to hide the impact of the radar itself. A placard written in Portuguese and English explains to visitors that the radar is necessary to improve vigilance in the seas around Madeira, and for airspace security. It’s old news now, as the environmentalists lost their battle a long time ago, and it’s just a question of waiting to see how ugly the facility turns out to be in a site of natural beauty. No doubt it will be a talking point for new visitors for eternity, or at least until it rusts into powder. "What idiot allowed that horrible thing to be built there", they will be saying to each other. Of course that idiot will be the faceless Ministry of Defence,  who clearly have the power to steamroller local planning laws, public opinion, and common sense, all in the name of national security.

Madeira Wine and ‘Barbeito’ distinguished in London – International award strengthens brand  prestige. The ‘Madeira Wine Company’ was given the title of best company in the sector of fortified wines, operating in London. The annual gala of the International Wine & Spirit Competition also praised highly the 30 year old Vinho Madeira Malvasia, produced by Vinhos Barbeito (Madeira), and awarded it the title of ‘Best Fortified Wine’. Several other awards too, but I won’t go on as I never really understood mankind’s obsession with fine wines, maybe someone can explain to me? Me, I just go to the local supermarkets, sniff out a bargain, enjoy drinking it, and then sleep very well. It has never occurred to me to sniff a wine, then take a mouthful only to spit it out again. Is there such a thing as an unpleasant-tasting wine?

Funchal Council criticised for changing plan to enable project of Minas Gerais – CMF denies favouritism. This building has been ‘on hold’ since July 2008 after Funchal Council noticed that it has more floors than it has planning consent for. It is a private development by the company Minas Gerais, and is situated in an area  that forms part of the ‘Urbanisation plan of São João’, in Funchal. The PDM (municipal plan for Funchal) requires that new developments conform with the limit of four storeys. However the PSD-M social democrats, the ruling party in Funchal council, voted yesterday to accept the urbanisation plan, which the other political parties did not. Now it seems that the Minas Gerais building will be able to continue in construction, albeit modified.

Insults in the council session in Ponta do Sol. Easily done!

Local authority of the Socialist Party in Santa Cruz criticises it’s own socialist government.

Under-20’s of Madeira want to assert themselves – Today our squad has two games for the ‘Eusébio Regions’. The target is to reach the final on Sunday. Our younger footballers set off for Lisbon yesterday for a regional tournament, named after Portugal’s most respected(?) footballer Eusébio da Silva Ferreira.

Trindade widens promotions to emigration – Portugal Tourism bets on South Africa and Venezuela during the coming year.

Please feel free to put some more meat on these or submit any other stories.

A news extra from Elaine : Car crime silly initiative – Come and get my valuables!

Police are going to leave notices on cars with belongings in sight inside. In order to prevent theft from cars, the police today began an awareness raising campaign that alerts owners to adopt behaviours that may prevent the occurrence of this type of crime. The initiative seeks to alert the owners of vehicles to the importance of not leaving valuables inside the car as this contributes to the risk of them being stolen. Thus whenever the Traffic Police detect the presence of certain objects or items in sight inside the car, they put a warning notice under the windscreen wipers. — They tried this in America and the UK, and not surprisingly crime went up as thieves knew which cars to target!

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