Madeira News Blog

Today’s Photo and article : Thanks to Jon … Reid’s Palace Hotel, which opened in Funchal in 1891, although the date of this photograph (taken from a book) is not known, it certainly is not long after the opening date. (I have spent about an hour cleaning it up, so hopefully it is something like the original, which didn’t copy so well. Der).

A young William Reid first landed on Madeira in 1836 as a 14 year old cabin boy with just £5 in his pocket. He worked his way to vast wealth in the burgeoning Madeira wine trade then set about letting property to visiting Europeans and bought several hotels, namely the Santa Clara, the Carmo (formerly Miles’s) and the Mount.

The first hotel to bear his name was started in 1887, designed by George Somers Clarke and called "Reid’s New Hotel". However William Reid died before it was completed, and his son’s William and Alfred opened the Hotel in 1891.

The book I have is by William and Alfred Reid and provides reference to all manner of things "past" in Madeira, not least of all an extract from a speech delivered by The Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (H.R.H. Duke of Edinburgh), at Trinity House Banquet, July 5th 1897:

"I hope that when you are drinking this toast you will pay special attention to the 1837 Madeira. It is Diamond Jubilee Madeira, and I procured it for the Trinity House in the year 1867, half way between the Jubilee".

The wine was bought from William Reid and enjoyed some 30 years later when his son’s still held the appointment as Wine Merchants, etc., to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. 

My book is the fourth issue and contains the above reference thereby dating it post 1897.

At this time (1897) the name of Reid’s had been changed to "Reid’s Palace Hotel" and the Reid’s Family no longer owned the Santa Clara Hotel which I believe was renamed "The Monte Carlo".

Jonathan L Parsons, facts and figures extracted from the above book and Reid’s Palace web site, all rights reserved.

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

500,000 Euros well spent. The opening of the ‘Works of Reference of the Museums of Madeira – 500 Years of History of an Archipelago’ at the Palacio da Ajuda in Lisbon. The event was attended by several notable people, such as the new Minister of Culture Gabriela Canavilhas, the Azorean President, former Bishop of Funchal, members of the Assembly of the Republic and the Regional Secretary for Tourism Bernardo Trindade. Alberto João Jardim was the Master of Ceremonies. They were satisfied with the quality and richness of the collection and Jardim was surprised by the wealth of the exhibits and some parts he could not remember having seen in Madeira. He outlined a new museum for the region, The Convent of Santa Clara. "I usually go there to weddings but I had no idea of this wealth," he said. The commissioner of the exhibition, Francisco Clode de Sousa seized the opportunity, "It has to be transformed into a museum. We have to think about it." The Flemish paintings were the most surprising and Jardim said, "They are what we take to Europe, the Belgians were astounded." The Azorean President said, "It is a work that should be coveted by major museums of the world." In the room devoted to religious art, Gabriela Canavilhas was impressed by the sheer size of the silver pieces. "How much was spent on insurance?" Jardim replied, "Not telling you." He said it was worth it, as the continentals deserve to know of these works. Gabriela Canavilhas said, "The only thing against the embroidery of Madeira is the price." Jardim replied that, "It is good, so you pay for it." Jardim wanted to know if they would recoup the 500,000 Euros expenditure through catalogue and ticket sales and Francisco Clode de Sousa said they hoped to do so. The exhibition can be seen until February 2010.

Suspect ship prevented from approaching. Since November 9, the ship has harboured off Madeira, as it does not have permission to enter. It has a ‘black flag’ because of the conditions under which it was registered in Togo, and the certificate is not recognized within the EU. The ‘Newhope’ approached the island for medical aid for an injured crewman. A SANAS boat transferred the Syrian sailor to the hospital in Funchal where he was treated then returned to the ship. He was accompanied by two Maritime Police officers and an immigration officer. Safety certificates for the ship have expired so the Maritime Authority will not allow it to approach as it is a safety threat. The ship crew have requested fuel, food and water and other supplies as they say there are not enough for travel to the Canary Islands or Morocco. The Portuguese authorities have refused as they are suspicious that for the intended trip from Brazil to India, the ship did not carry enough reserve fuel and supplies. The Maritime Authority has prohibited it to enter the 12 mile restricted area and the navy is monitoring its position.

New pharmacies in 2010. IASAÚDE (Administration of Health and Social Affairs) are opening tenders for one in Monte and one in São Roque. They will replace the ones that have closed to re-open in other areas. Judging by the requests for information, there are a lot of candidates to open the pharmacies. There are strict rules for the positioning of pharmacies, for example they must serve a minimum of 3,500 inhabitants in the municipality unless there is not one within 2 kilometres, or the locality has fewer than 4,000 inhabitants. 

Armed man walked around Funchal. A man armed with two knives walked around Funchal yesterday afternoon, menacing the public until arrested by the PSP. He was tall, bare-chested with a chain around his neck and appeared mentally unstable. He was first detected in Rua do Comboio and finally arrested in Rua do Aljube and he was taken to the Regional Command Centre.

Funeral 35 years later. Funeral of Gabriel Ferreira Telo who died 35 years ago, aged 23, while serving in the army. He died at the siege of the garrison at Guidage in Guinea. Most of the dead were buried there. His remains were recovered by the League of Soldiers. The casket containing his remains will be taken today to the Monument to the Madeiran Combatants Overseas, at Nazaré. It will stay there overnight then be transported to Paul do Mar for a Mass, and buried in the cemetery at the same place as his father, with military honours.

Chapel transformed into a drug den. PND councillor Gil Canha asks for the urgent restoration of the Capela da Nazaré. It is used by drug abusers, the roof is in danger of collapse and local householders also use it to dump rubbish. He says it has the same fate as the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Fundão, which is completely in ruins. He condemned the Government’s priorities of investing millions of Euros in new churches instead of preserving the religious heritage.

Transavia confirm air route Porto to Madeira. Transavia.com a low-cost carrier, part of the Air France – KLM consortium, will offer four weekly flights between Porto and Madeira from March 2010. Next winter, they hope to increase flights to six a week.

41% more Dutch tourists via KRAS. This Dutch operator has increased the number of tourists travelling here by 41% this year to 4,500. The Dutch stay on average for 11 nights due to the flights schedule. The firm are hoping to double the number they bring here next year. In 2008, 33,278 Dutch visited the region and represent 3.2% of the tourists.

Nematode threatens 6,000 hectares of pine. The nematode worm which attacks pine wood is carried by an insect vector and damages the trees leaving them subject to attack by other pests. Of the 52,000 hectares of forestry, 6,000 are occupied by pine trees. They are fragmented and scattered around the island and only the older and vulnerable trees would die. Pine trees are not endemic and are not of economic importance. The nematode has been detected in trees in Palheiro Ferreiro and the infected trees felled and burnt. The Directorate of Forestry have drawn up a plan for approval by the Government in case there is an increase in the nematode numbers.

Hospitalized children will have GPS bracelets. For protection against child abduction, especially those at risk, as has occurred in Portugal.

Socialist Party ask for explanations about the company formed by Santos Costa. After yesterday’s report in the Diário that Santos Costa formed a firm while he was part of the Regional Executive, responsible for a related area. They want a Commission of Inquiry set up. The CDU (Communists) want the Regional Government to submit to the Regional Parliament all the details of any contractual and/or other connections of the Regional Public Administration with the company which Santos Costa was a partner of and which currently belongs to his family.

Driver hits lamp post then flees. On Friday night at 22.30 in the Estrada João Paulo II. A green Land Rover mounted the pavement and hit a lamp post, dragging if for a dozen metres then came to a halt. The driver left the scene before the PSP arrived around 23.15. Both the car and the lamp post were damaged and there was a mini blackout of other street lamps along the road.

Rehabilitation Centre for children with mental disabilities receives Government funding. The new unit was inaugurated in September and is to receive Government funding. It is a short stay unit with eleven beds. —- One of a few projects inaugurated pre-election, before operational or funded.

Jorge Ferreira has died. The former parliamentary leader of the CDS-PP and founder of the New Democracy Party (PND) has died in Lisbon at the age of 48, after a long illness.

Future of the only auction room in Funchal is seriously compromised. Article in Friday’s Diário da Cidade. Due to the economic crisis and the failure of people to appreciate antiques. The father and son who run the auction rooms also criticize the law for failing to protect them.  The octogenarian said that they used to have 4 or 5 sales running simultaneously. Now the rooms are in their hour of death. People are ‘idiots’ as they buy modern articles which are more expensive than similar older ones they sell. They also have no legal protection when people bid for items and then fail to collect them and pay, after getting ‘auction fever’ then when they go back home they realise they do not have enough money. They often contact the local museums with pieces of cultural heritage value but they do not have enough funds to purchase them, as the Government prefers to spend money on a football stadium and other projects.

The front page news stories from today’s Diário :

Budget 2010 focuses on tourism and employment – The proposal is delivered tomorrow in the Madeira Assembly. According to the predictions, the debt hits a new record. The budget leans towards incentives for companies to create employment, and boosting promotion of tourism. By the end of this year Madeira will have the biggest debt ever in the history of autonomy … €1.9 billion. The guaranteed income for the new budget (tax revenues, state and EU funding) will only cover 86% of projected expenditure, so the rest of the money will have to be borrowed, and that needs to authorised by the Republic. If my maths is correct, that’s around €7,600 for every man, woman and child on Madeira, an absolutely staggering sum for such a small economy with such limited means of generating income. When you think that that is the debt after all the state and European funding that Madeira has received over recent years, funding which is now in increasingly short supply, how on earth are we going continue to survive (let alone grow) and repay our debts under the leadership of this Madeira government that lives for today and worries about the consequences tomorrow. President Jardim may think he will retire in 2011, leaving a legacy to be proud of, but the true legacy he will leave will be a millstone around the neck for all of us living here for many many years to come. This €1.9 billion is not just a figure on paper, it is real debt that has to be repaid to lending institutions.

Crisis and alcohol associated to suicide – Psychiatrist Ricardo Alves is alert to the virtual life of young people and to the access  to weed-killers. This is an interview with the head psychiatrist in the health service, who talks of the role of alcoholism in suicides, and the fight to reduce the rate of 10 suicides per 100,000 people, of which probably 80 to 90% have alcohol problems. He condemns the sale of alcohol to minors, psychotic patients and intoxicated individuals. He also recommends legislation to control the sale of weed-killers through ‘responsible traders’, and talks about the ‘virtual world’ that many youngsters live in and the dangers they face through the internet and online ‘chat’. Many suicides stem from the depression and stress, caused by situations such as unemployment and loss of financial standing. Currently there are four psychiatrists in the hospital, all alert for the signs of suicidal individuals, and by 2011 there will be two more in the team. At present there are between 300 and 350 adult consultations per month.

Accident Saturday causes five injuries on the roads. Three road accidents yesterday injured five people, including a mother and her two children, injured in an accident in Santa Rita and taken to hospital. A 25 year lady was also hospitalised after a road accident in Santa Cruz, and also a 55 year old women in the area of Cabo Girão.

Three teams from Madeira attempt to progress in the ‘Cup’ – Nacional, União SAD, and AD Camacha have strong possibilities of passing to the 5th round. Camacha host Vigor da Mocidade this afternoon (3 pm), and are clear favourites to win. Nacional are also at home this afternoon against CD Fátima from the league below, and though obviously favourites, Nacional struggled a bit in the previous round against lesser opposition from that same division. União kick off at 2 pm against 2nd division Mafra.

The top headline today : Irregular list makes a botch-up in the ACIF (Funchal Chamber of Commerce) – Unhappy associates with the only list say that there are candidates that the regulations don’t contemplate and they prepare the refutation. That’s all I have time for today, but if someone feels the urge to put some meat on this story, you will find it through this link : ACIF

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. 

You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.

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Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

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Today’s Photo : Thanks to Jaquine … Nesting birds

"I got this shot of a pair of strange looking birds nesting above the cliffs at Porta da Cruz in October & wondered if it might interest anyone – & if someone might know what they are?" Jaquine.

Many thanks to Elaine for yesterday’s top news stories :

Festa de São Martinho. The centre of São Martinho is getting ready for the traditional festival on the eve of São Martinho but with fewer stalls than usual. Traditional fare is roasted bacalhau, nuts and regional wine. There will be five stalls but there has been criticism of their placing, the lack of sanitary facilities and the way the licences were issued. One of the bars in the centre of São Martinho is not participating and one stall owner said he would be serving beer and frango and espetada instead. Another area where they celebrate the feast of São Martinho, also called Magusto, is São Roque de Faial and they will have musical entertainment. As well as these public celebrations, some associations and organisations have private traditional meals. Some restaurants in other areas are participating and many families prefer to celebrate at home.

Interpret the Finance Law as you wish. Each political party interprets as they wish the amount that Madeira loses in State funding. The Finance Minister said that Madeira now receives more than when the old law was in force. He just considered the amounts transferred from Portugal before the act in 2004 and after the act in 2008, an increase of €10.224 million. He ignored the cost of insularity and the Development and the Cohesion Fund and other funding, which would mean a total loss of €7 million in 2008 compared to 2004. The Socialists looked at three year periods and concluded that the loss was 6 million Euros. The Social Democrats cited the law stating that the Region should not receive less than the previous year, meaning a 200 million Euros loss. Because the Finance Minister called the Finance Law "fair" and beneficial to Madeira, the PSD-M retorted that these words are "obviously offensive" and that he has a "hatred" for Madeira, as the law leads to a cut in funding. They cannot understand how the Government of the Republic accuses the Regional Government of "financial meltdown"  when the Regional debt is 38% GDP and the debt in Portugal is 85% GDP and expected to reach 91% by 2010.

95% of admissions to the Gastroenterology Department are due to alcoholism. Complications such as liver cirrhosis, cancer and hepatitis. Due to high rates of alcoholism in the region. Complications are usually diagnosed in 40 – 50 year old males, but also as young as 30 as it depends on the age of starting consumption. There are only 15 beds, the length of time occupied is prolonged and complications are irreversible once fibrosis occurs. The only effective treatment to prevent progression is alcohol abstention and/or a liver transplant. The situation is aggravated by many alcoholics hiding their dependency so it is not detected until the signs of jaundice occur.

Justice "at a snail’s pace". Many (at least 12) reasons/excuses given why it is so slow to obtain a court hearing. It was even worse 15/20 years ago.

Police seized a mobile phone loaded with heroin. In The Old Zone of Funchal last night, a man apprehended by police officers was found to be carrying two mobile phones, one of which was switched off. This raised the suspicions of the officers and when they removed the battery compartment cover, they found 30 packets of heroin. He also had a few hundred Euros in notes from narcotics dealing.

Day of aggression ended with nine people in hospital. Nine people were treated in hospital yesterday following attacks, mainly in public. The most serious case was a 20 year old woman in Nazaré, requiring the assistance of the  Emergency Medical Team and unlike the others, was detained in hospital.

Naviera Armas disputes IPTM and maintains operation. The deadline is today for the ferry owners to deliver their defence against the allegation that they are not fulfilling the terms of their operating licence. They state they are complying with the terms as they are moving freight in the minimum time possible, as required in the licensing terms. The Portuguese regulator is studying the evidence for a few more days before making a decision. A court case might ensue depending on the decision.

32.7% less British visited in the first half of this year.  Madeira had 40,000 fewer tourists from the UK than last year. There were 27.5% fewer overnight hotel stays or 1,354 beds per day, which represents 6% of total hotel beds. This is approximately the equivalent of two hotels the size of the Madeira Carlton. Porto Santo had worse occupancy rates for UK visitors, falling 50.7% in just six months.

Images of Madeira on London cabs. The Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport is confident that next year the British market will steadily recover. She is leading a huge delegation at the World Travel Market in London. The purchasing power of the British public has decreased by 30% but she believes that when conditions for this loss have recovered then people will travel again. As well as tourism firms, public entities are at this major tourism fair, i.e. Government bodies, ANAM, and the Association for the Promotion of Harbours. Promotional campaigns are through newspapers, magazines and taxis. The stands at the fair are trying to attract younger tourists and are promoting Madeira for quality hotels, cuisine, as a natural spa and for relaxation through walking and other activities.

Schools and health centres used as security for a Government loan.  A total of 41 buildings owned by the Region were pledged as security in 2007 for the 150 million euro loan from the State under the Ownership and Management of State Assets Fund. These properties, ranging from schools to health centres and museums, have a total value of 165 million and were licensed to the fund and then leased back to the Government. Rents have been given as collateral for the bank loan. The debt will cost two million a month and by the end, 450 million will have been repaid. The mortgage of these properties was made without the knowledge of the Assembly and it is hoped that the money has been used for investment as opposed to current expenses. The CDS-PP Lino Abreu recalled, "The middle class has already mortgaged the house and car and now the Government has mortgaged schools and health centres." To try to reduce the debt the CMF has reduced the budget for 2010 and the amount transferred from Funchal to other councils will be a 6.7% increase this year. 50% of the CMF budget will be for investment in infrastructure. —- What happens if the rents of these buildings to service the debt cannot be paid?

Casa do Sardinha is being transformed into an information centre and reception area for visitors. This building is near the Ponta de Sao Lourenco in the National Park. Today the Park celebrates 27 years of existence.

ALM approves a new model of support to residents on flights between Madeira and the Continent. Aid for air transport fares would be equivalent to the road cost between Lisbon and the county most distant from the capital. The amendment has to be approved by the Assembly of the Republic.

João Carlos Abreu launches a new tourist book on Madeira. On 17th November. ‘Madeira. Monumental e Turistica’ is a tribute to the archipelago and includes photography by the renowned photographer Roberto Santandreu. Joao Carlos Abreu was the Regional Director of Tourism for over 23 years and is associated with the Universe of Memories Museum. The book has details about architecture, festivals, cuisine and traditional costumes and provides a detailed view of the natural environment. Also includes articles about tourism and the people of Porto Santo.

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. 

You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

(more…)

Today’s Photo : Thanks to Jon … another one from his collection of old postcards.

Tobi found this Madeira online radio station MIRADOURO I had a listen when I was reading through the Diário yesterday, It’s was all pre-recorded music early morning, although there was some talking around 8 am.

Tobi, also said : "A friend of mine Luis Filipe Pessoa e Costa has an exhibition on in the Electricity museum of paintings and some other artwork on the theme of Africa, they are there till the 14th November, and its free to enter, just ask to see the Africa Exhibition.  I have added a link to the photos I have". AFRICA ART

Don has updated his blog with a preview of a Madeira Christmas FUNCHAL’S EVENING DRESS

"Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel (Azores), has unveiled a New Year’s Eve program set to rival that of Funchal, Madeira". I DON’T THINK SO!

It’s the day of São Martinho tomorrow, a special saint’s day for bacalhau, castanhas, wine and good deeds. The Roman soldier died in 397 AD, and his first and most famous good deed was to cut his cape in half with his sword to help keep a half naked beggar warm.

And talking of good deeds, I’m in a better mood today, particularly cheered up by a kind soul that used the PayPal button (just down there on the right hand side of this page). How he got through the rust I don’t know, but he managed, and it is now loosened and working OK. Anyone else encouraged by this act of kindness, please bear in mind that without volunteers to contribute to this blog there are no guarantees as to how long it will keep going. At the moment it’s just a few regulars, and in particular Elaine, who has been providing the daily news, keeping this going.

The rumours last week were true, with the TVI series set on Madeira, Flor do Mar, coming to an end after nearly 300 episodes. Anyone wants to know who shot Ana-Maria, I’m your man. It finished in an action packed fashion, with yet another murder, and the suicide of the baddy (of the feminine type).  That should save the government here a few Eurobucks in hotel bills.

There were 8 new cases of Gripe A swine flue on Madeira last week, half of the victims  were aged 15 or under. Two cases of the virus were caught here. 27 suspect cases were tested.

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

Delays in Santa Cruz Court. People in Santa Cruz are having problems obtaining compensation due to delays in court hearings, now taking three years. Both cases cited were against Vialitoral for damage to cars when hitting loose stones on the motorway at Porto Novo and near the airport. One case was dismissed and another is still awaiting a trial date. One person sent a letter to the President of the Supreme Court of Justice asking him to intervene to make the court enforce the Civil Procedure Code and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so there would be justice without delay.

"The worst is yet to come." Unemployed immigrants from Eastern Europe are going in increasing numbers to the Presbyterian Church for social assistance to help pay their utility bills. The Church has limited funds. Employment is increasingly scarce whereas in the past, unemployed workers could obtain temporary work in agriculture, e.g. banana cultivation. People can not see a way out of the crisis and often become alcoholics and both men and women turn up drunk when they go to ask for help. The Pastor stated, "The most serious are the middle class in poverty, feeling embarrassment and shame. This has not yet appeared in force, but I believe it will appear. They are hoping the problem is resolved. The worst is yet to come." Many of the other 200 Presbyterian population are also experiencing hardship, pensioners needing help with obtaining medication. At one stage, there were 4,000 Ukrainians resident in Madeira, and now are less than half, but they are having problems getting their permits renewed if they cannot provide evidence they can support themselves and their families. They do not want to return to the Ukraine where the economic situation is worse and they have families here with children in the education system. As well as the Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church receives Government aid and the Pastor thinks there could be better social assistance by a united effort of all the Christian religions.

Criminal Register Certificates. These are for criminal convictions handed down by Portuguese courts and foreign courts for both Portuguese and foreign residents. The Criminal Register Certificate  can be obtained from judicial offices, Loja do Cidadão and representatives of Foreign Consulates or Embassies and costs 3.5 Euros.  It should take no more than three days to obtain and the content depends on the purpose it is intended for. It can be used for employment, licence, permit or registration of a public nature. It is required to obtain Portuguese nationality, change of name, taxi drivers, children transport services, freight forwarding businesses, public service workers etc. There is also a certificate for public companies, organisations and institutions. Misuse is punishable by either a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.

Diocese of Funchal held vocational meetings for young people. For people interested in entering seminaries for the Priesthood. About 20 boys of year seven or above at school attended the meetings where there was a screening of an American video about the life of a priest, called ‘Fishers of Men’ and is available on YouTube. They also learnt about the three components of seminary life; prayer, relationship and living and study. In the 96 parishes of the Diocese of Funchal, there are 76 priests and 22 are more than 70 years old, and 4 between 50 and 60 years. There has been 10 years with no ordinations and there will be 3 new Priests in Madeira next year. On average, there are 2 ordinations a year.

Socialists call for an inquiry into RAM debt. The "rampant debt" and the "illegal debt" the Madeira Government has been mounting up, could lead to a 100 million Euros penalty in State transfers in 2010. The 150 million Euros in loans which "violated zero indebtedness" under applicable laws could result in a penalty of more than 50% of transfers in 2010. The Socialists justify the initiative as follows: "The need for the commission of inquiry stems from the fact that the Government of the PSD shows a great sense of irresponsibility and makes politics a weapon against the Madeirans since launching  a state siege with the loss of two million per year in the Regional Finance Act (between 2007 and 2009), and calls into question more than 100 million Euros in transfers in 2010, with the bad governance it practices." They also accuse the Government of the "obvious inability to act" with incentives to overcome the crisis that have proved "clearly insufficient". They proposed seven initiatives to help the crisis.

‘Almanaque PEF’ celebrates 150 years of existence. The cover picture is a reproduction by a forgotten artist from Madeira, Jayme de Sa. This yearbook has 200 pages of regional events, religion, agriculture, history and cuisine and in addition to the tributes each month, a chapter on the British participation in the economic, social and cultural Madeira. —– I assume there is not an English translation. It sounds interesting.

‘Delights of Israel’ in Reid’s Palace Hotel. The Embassy of Israel in Funchal is promoting the cultural event to be held on the 7th and 8th December. Specialities in ‘Les Faunes’ restaurant will be provided by the Executive Chef of the Sheraton Plaza Hotel Jerusalem with music provided by the singer Ya’ara Olchik.

Mission Recycle short of expectations. After three days in Funchal and Machico, only 72 used coffee machines deposited, enough to represent the planting of only 18 trees. No one showed up later on at Ribeira Brava after the initial queue at 7.15 am for the offers of 10 coffee machines at 10 Euros. .

PS Rui Caetano warns of illegal container park. He was at the entrance of the food market in São Martinho yesterday morning to highlight the fact that the illegal parking of trucks and containers has occurred for four years. The problem starts when it rains and the mud floods the road and obstructs access for residents and customers of the food market. There is also the issue of unfair competition as there are some companies with the same activity which conform to the payment of taxes. The land is a public space and is not licensed by the Council and taxes are not paid to either the Council or the Government.

Another container site in between Machico and Santa Casa de Misericordia has been complained about to the police and the Council of Machico, as the container has been placed there without prior written permission of the owner since 2006. Manuel Franco Santos told the Diário, "I went to the Council of Machico, where I was told it was illegal and they would notify the owner of the container to remove it within 15 days." So far, nothing has happened. The President of the Council says he will send an inspector to investigate as the situation is illegal and an invasion of private property, so justifies informing the police. In 2007, Manuel Franco Santos filed a complaint with the police but they said they could do nothing as it was private property.

Habitat restoration projects are important. 10th November is the anniversary of the Natural Park of Madeira becoming the second protected area in Madeira in 1982. (Interview with the Director). The objective of the Park is to improve the quality of life of the people of Madeira for the long-term. The Director of the Natural Park said, "The mission is to contribute to the sparing use of our unique natural heritage, preserving our cultural identity and landscape, three elements crucial to creating wealth and employment interests of sustainable tourism." The Natural Park occupies 70% of the island, includes several different habitation areas and some species in danger of extinction. One of the many projects being developed is the recovery of the habitat of the Freira da Madeira (Zino’s Petrel) to help its survival. Another project is to minimize the impact of wood pigeons on agricultural fields. Surveys are looking at the use of natural plants in the everyday life in the rural parishes and in Fajã da Ovelho, and cultural and heritage uses of natural materials. The Marine Reserves are an asset to the island; Garajau, Rocha do Navio, Ilhas Desertas and Selvagens and around Porto Santo.

Almost half of the olive oil consumed in Portugal comes from Spain. Between 40 and 50 thousand tons imported per year but within four years Portugal will be self-sufficient. This is when the recently planted olive groves will be in full production. Spain is the main investor in Portugal in this sector, especially in the regions Alentejo, Beja, Serpa and Ferreira do Alentejo. The price has almost increased 50% worldwide in two months. Portugal exports 32.3% of its olive oil production, mainly to Brazil. This year, Tras-de-Montes predicts a fall in production, Alentejo region estimates a 20% increase in production and Beira Interior promises to be the best harvest in recent years.

SATA and TAP reinforce code-sharing agreement. The Azorean airline increased the agreement it has with TAP to destinations linking Porta Delagada and Funchal to northern Europe and Lisbon-Zurich. —- Details given but I haven’t a clue what code-sharing means. It just means they share the same plane, but from a passenger point of view they are separate flights … until they board that is. Der

Cristiano Ronaldo receives compensation from the Daily Mirror. The British tabloid newspaper accused him of drinking excess alcohol and dancing while recovering from a foot operation in Los Angeles in July 2008. He received an apology and an unspecified amount of damages.

Madeira nurses are better leaving the region in search of better working conditions. The complaint of the President of the Order of Nurses, due to motivation and difficulties in finding employment. Nurses have left due to recent changes made by the Regional Health Service for nurses with more years of service and difficulties for recent graduates in finding work. The President said that the future is black and within six or seven years, Madeira will have to import nurses from less developed countries. For these reasons he calls on the Government to reverse the health policies in the region. He said the health service lacks human resources and the 75 nurses who qualified this year are not enough to make up the shortfall.

Of the six patients in Portugal who had severe problems after eye injections at Santa Maria Hospital, two have just been told they are permanently blind. The hospital later denied that the blindness is irreversible.

Interest rates threaten to double by the end of next year. Opinion of many analysts that the Euribor rate will settle at around 2% in 12 months time, i.e.. late 2010. At present the rates are at a historic low at 1% and there has been a downward trend since October 2008. Last September mortgage rates reached the lowest value at 2.361%.

Holders of firearms unaware of amendments to the law. The Regional Command of the PSP has found irregularities in the supervision of individuals with firearms due to amendments of the act in May 2009. Failure to comply with standards of conduct leads to fines, forfeiture of licences and confiscation of weapons. There is "frequent confusion" between liability insurance policies, and safe storage of firearms to ensure against loss, theft and accidents.

Praça do Município in Funchal illuminated blue. From last night until Sunday the three most  important buildings in the square, the Town Hall, Sacred Art Museum and the Church of the College, are illuminated due to an initiative of the International Diabetes Federation. 10.9% of the population of Madeira suffer from diabetes. 26% of those aged from 60 – 79 years suffer from the illness.

A quick peek at the front page of today’s Diário newspaper :

Today’s main news headline : Alcohol sends 600 a year to hospital. Liver cirrhosis problems account for 95% of the hospitalizations in the Service of  Gastroenterology. The Nucleus of professionals of that sector, who celebrate 25 years, meets Friday and Saturday in Funchal. Too many medical terms in this one to make sense to me, but the 600 alcohol related admissions mentioned in the headline, would be higher, but the unit is limited to just 15 beds.

São Martinho : Bacalhau without music – The celebrations today on Madeira are the initiatives of the  traders. And, with the exception of São Roque in Faial, new wine and cod fish is served without music. Even in São Martinho. There will be less barracas than usual in São Martinho tonight on the eve of it’s patron saints day, but the urge to mark the tradition will be the same as always.

Minister says that Madeira received €10 million more – Office of Portugal’s Finance Minister insists in the advantages of the current Finance Law. The PSD-M social democrats say that the Regional Finance Law loses Madeira €200 million, the PS-M socialists say it amounts to just €6 million, and now the chancellor of the Republic says it benefits Madeira with an extra €10 million. As the Diário correctly points out, analysing the Finance Law is like analysing the election results, with each party having a different angle on the subject. They all agree that Madeira has lost out however, and there seems to be no doubt that the Azores receive more than Madeira from the State Budget. And why shouldn’t they, if the need is greater.

Golf of Ponta do Pargo already awarded – It just lacks the money. The €40 million needed has not yet been secured, even though the consortium of Somaque and Zagope has already been awarded the €16.4 million construction contract for the new golf course. The 100 hectare site has already been acquired at a cost of around €20 million. With an area of around 1 million square meters, the design conceived by Nick Faldo will include an 18 hole course, a 9 hole ‘pitch and putt’, a driving range, and a club house. The work will not start whilst the finances are unresolved, and the banks are tightening their lending criteria, and will not now lend against the original concept of the project to minimise their risk. So big deal … we need another golf course here about as much as we need Uncle Bertie’s debt management skills. I have been living here since before the concept of this new golf course, and despite the picture, I swear that there has never been a report of Nick Faldo ever coming here, so maybe his kids designed the complex with some coloured crayons when they were like 6 years old.

Ronaldo provokes ‘Iberic war’ – Portuguese Football Federation pressures, but Real Madrid won’t back down. Portugal want to call up Ronaldo for the game against Bosnia, but Real Madrid say he is injured and won’t be ready to play. But the Portugal manager reckons that Real are pulling a fast one, and said send him anyway and we will get our own doctors to check him out, and if there is any risk we won’t play him. Ronaldo himself when asked said he just wants to play football, so he is keeping out of the politics.

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