Madeira News Blog

Many thanks to Josie for today’s photo … "a piccy of one of the chocolate ‘sculptures’ on display at the chocolate exhibition at the Congress Centre this (last) weekend. Many really good creations there as well as free samples and lovely chocolate and cream drinks".

"The Portuguese settled the Atlantic island of Madeira in the 15th century. In Funchal, Madeira’s main city, the houses and commercial buildings are scattered higglety pigglety, many with sideyards of dwarf banana plants. Of Madeira’s history and heritage too little remains as modern hotels are jammed along Funchal’s seafront like hockey players elbowing each other in the corners. Indeed not that long ago the historic building where Hapsburg Empress ‘SiSi’ of Austria stayed regularly was pulled down to make way for a singularly unimpressive hotel". NOT TOO IMPRESSED WITH MADEIRA

"Madeira, particularly Funchal is known for it’s Christmas lights and this year they have excelled. Switched on progressively from late November, at the time of writing this they are all on and blaze a path all the way from the Lido to the old town (where you will find the best of them) and many other streets too". MORE IMPRESSED WITH MADEIRA

This comes under the heading of ‘Silly Signs’ … suggested by Sheila & Derek.

Sheila & Derek’s caption. : "As the credit crunch bites deeper, Madeira’s business owners are having to downsize on their premises. One company has announced the opening shortly of its new superstore in São Vicente". Many thanks … any more anyone?

Tobi sent in this video link (many thanks) for the rough sea at Ribeira Brava yesterday, whilst also concerned and asking about the safety of the many ducks on the well swollen river. I can assure you Tobi, the ducks are safe and sound, but unfortunately I only had room for three in the freezer. The video didn’t show the slightly mangled Xmas decorations along the sea front, and looking down over the town last night the massive ‘Xmas tree’ and other decorated trees weren’t quite as glamorous as they were the previous night.

I had a bit of a moan about the Missa do Parto yesterday, because of the mega bangers that go off very early every morning (5 am), and if you would like to know more Don has covered the subject on his blog. Just carrying on with what goes on outside the church  rather than in, the mega-bangers are the wake up call for the population within earshot. After the service is over another set of mega-bangers are released to signify that one can now enter the church annex and get stuck into a traditional breakfast that includes bread and aguardente (rum) and other sticky thing and beverages. The letting of off the fireworks is in fact against the law, but a blind eye is turned by the police it seems in the name of tradition. MISSA DO PARTO

Nacional da Madeira Appoint Predrag Jokanovic As New Head Coach. Portuguese outfit Nacional da Madeira have appointed Serbian coach Predrag Jokanovic as their new head coach until the end of the 2009-’10 season. Jokanovic takes the reins from Manuel Machado, who has been hospitalised since 27 November and will not return to work this season. MORE One of the main headlines from yesterday’s Diário, so it saved me a translation.

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

Parking from 5.30. For the occasion of the Missas do Parto, from today until December 23, the Church of Ribeira Brava and the Town Hall are associated with a tradition well attended by parishioners and visitors. The car park next to the Town Hall will be open from 5.30 am to meet the extra demand. The capacity of over 100 spaces should help prevent illegally parked cars causing congestion.

Car inspections more expensive from today. The Government believes that Madeira has to follow the increase in rates in the country. The value of the increase is not thought to be significant; cars cost an extra 31 cents and heavy vehicles 49 cents more. This law came from Portugal and the Regional Government thought it only fair that the same increase was implemented in Madeira. Values (including VAT) will be 27.31 (was 27.00) Euros for a car inspection and 41.05 (was 40.56) Euros for heavy vehicles. The price of the ’2 via’ (?) of the certificate of inspection also increases from 2.31 to 2.34 Euros. Re-inspection tariffs are kept without an increase. About 90,000 vehicles are inspected each year in the three centres – Funchal, Porto Santo and the mobile units in Sao Vicente, Faial and Prazeres – representing an annual revenue of 25,000 Euros for light vehicles, which represent about 90% of the inspections.

Update on Avenida do Mar. Yesterday it was reported that the renovation had been finished. There is an ‘Observatory’ (structure made of decking) next to the Praça da Autonomia, the Blind Man sculpture, the pedestrian area near to ETAR (sewerage plant) and Teleferico repaved with a square that can be used for temporary exhibitions. The Blind Man sculpture was inspired by the traditional game ‘Blind Man’s Buff’ and the lives of women of the Old Town coping with the men going to sea. The other two associated projects are the recovery of footpaths in the Garden of  Almirante Reis and renovation of the walls of ETAR. The work has been finished although there is still a court case as a company from the mainland has challenged the awarding of the work.

Hospital car park is bad for your health. The hospital car park is the most expensive in the region, and there is no alternative. A complaint by a visitor that he had to pay 5.30 Euros for just over three hours, while taking his pregnant wife to outpatients. The administration board of the hospital have asked the company running the car park to reduce tariffs but without success. The current tariff is 1.40 Euros per hour and a day costs about 20 Euros. It is usually essential for staff and visitors to the hospital and out-patients to use the car park.

Islamists condemn xenophobic attitudes. The Islamic community in Madeira now have a new mosque. It is located in Bairro de Santo Amaro, a space donated by the Government. The President of the Islamic Community in Lisbon at the inauguration ceremony stressed that, "The mosque was only possible thanks to the great openness of spirit and heart of Dr. Alberto João Jardim, who believes that the tradition of multiethnic, multifaith, multicultural and cultural life is one of the key factors in the harmonious and fraternal Madeiran society. Unlike Switzerland where they want to ban minarets, and other manifestations of xenophobia, in Portugal and particularly in Madeira there is a climate of dialogue and respect that contributes to social peace." Surrounded by a large number of police, given the presence of the Ambassadors of Iran and Saudi Arabia as well as representatives from other embassies and the Islamic community at the opening ceremony. The Bishop of Funchal and other regional church representatives also attended. Jardim said, "The big problem today is those that enter the radical materialism." As normal practice in mosques, everyone had to remove their shoes and women restricted to the back of the room. Uncle Bertie gave that impression! … he doesn’t say that about Indians, Chinese, and immigrants who come here to work! Der

Gale rips off Christmas lights. Ribeira Brava battered by bad weather. Ribeira Brava was battered today for a few brief minutes of intense winds and rain that ripped off Christmas lights, terraces and roofs. According to the Chief Fireman, "Everything happened too quickly, with record rains and strong wind." "The Christmas lights that were attached to poles on the sea front were ripped off from the balcony from where they were hooked." The river is in full spate. At Atouguia in Calheta, the river overflowed and flooded some houses (photo). Trees fell onto a road at Terreiro da Luta (photo) and the Estrada Monumental in Funchal, and rockfalls closed roads in Arco da Calheta and Calheta. At the Lido bathing complex, the waves ‘swept’ the pool and the surrounding sundeck. Six flights were cancelled at the airport during the morning and four planes diverted to Porto Santo. The cruise ship Oriana was to berth off-shore due to lack of space. Due to the high seas causing problems in ferrying passengers to the shore, the captain decided to return to England early mid-morning. Thus, the region lost revenue from 1,700 passengers. The wind will continue over Wednesday and on Thursday, the forecast is for the return of heavy rain and the possibility of thunderstorms. The Azores have been affected by bad weather with nearly 100 people displaced in Terceira, also floods and landslides. (Video on DIÁRIO website)

Garces presents budget for crisis year. The Regional Secretary of Planning and Finance presented the budget for 2010 (1.5 thousand million Euros) which concentrates on reducing the current expenditure and investing in social areas. Education, employment and habitation are the areas highlighted underlining that this is a budget for a year in crisis. Concerns about unemployment are also a priority for the Regional Government and investment in innovation and quality, employment, business development, and energy and administrative modernization. There is an increase in the debt of 180 million Euros and transfers from the State of over 200 million. Alberto João Jardim left the room shortly after the speech by Garces, not staying for the debate. Yesterday, the Legislative Assembly of Madeira approved the 2009 budget. The PSD, CDS-PP and the MPT voted for it, the PS, BE and PCP abstained and the PND voted against the budget. Using the 79 million Euros loan approved in this budget, the Regional Government intends to pay suppliers by the end of this year. Garces has asked the Ministry of Finance for a new loan of 34 million Euros for projects co-financed by the EU. The request had been previously denied on the grounds that Madeira already has excess debt but he argues that the State debt’s is 81% GDP whereas Madeira’s debt is only 18% GDP.

74 complaints of noise this year. Generally, the complaints of excessive noise are against nightclubs (often exceeding the legal hours), industrial activities and neighbour’s dogs. Funchal Council received the most complaints, 30 against establishments and 15 against neighbours, mainly about dogs barking. Santa Cruz Council received 13 complaints and are producing a Charter of Noise and a Noise Map, which outlines the areas where you can make a certain amount of noise (industrial areas and nightlife).

1,270 drivers caught talking on the phone. The PSP this year has caught 1,270 drivers using a mobile phone while driving, 521 cases of failing to wear a seat belt and 120 for lack of child restraint (seats compulsory for under 12 years of age).

Complaints about wage arrears increase in the construction industry. The wage arrears in the construction industry continue to grow, almost 200 complaints by their Union, an increase of 25 – 30% compared to 2008, almost half for wage arrears. Complaints are also about unlawful dismissal, often firms becoming insolvent. The Union suspect that it will be much worse next year despite the Government obtaining a 79 million Euros loan. This is because there will be no improvement in Regional finances and public works employ a lot of workers, and unemployment will probably increase. Data for 2009 will not be available until early 2010. At present, there are 325 officially unemployed related to the construction sector. The real number will be higher as some will not be eligible for unemployment benefit and some will have left the region. The official unemployment total is 13,000 but the Union representative reckons there are 15,000 – 16,000 unemployed. This can lead to divorce, domestic violence and broken families. 

Government provides services and adversely affects businesses. The UEFA delegation staying in Madeira has led to complaints from regional businessmen. The Government decided to offer transport to UEFA, via the Regional Tourism Authority, and this has reduced services that could have been provided by local businessmen. UEFA decided to choose the most expensive hotel in Funchal (Reid’s – over 300 Euros a night), when they could have saved money, has also angered entrepreneurs. The regional authorities have not been such a courteous host to UEFA as the occasion should have merited. Only the airline and hotel industries have benefited from this visit which could have generated more revenue for local businesses and the economy.

Celebrating Madeiran traditions. Xarabanda at Baltazar Dias on Saturday, December 19 at 21.00. Concert entitled, ‘Cantigas ao Menino Jesus’. The repertoire consists of themes of the musical tradition of a Madeiran Christmas.

Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :

Gale causes damage -  Floods, landslides and rough seas are other symptoms of the bad weather, that is coming back tomorrow. There are several articles on the bad weather, with some info already provided by Elaine above, so just a few highlights. Gales rip out Christmas lights – Ribeira Brava battered by bad weather. The town of Ribeira Brava was battered on Tuesday, during several minutes of intense winds and rain that ripped out Christmas lights, terraces and roofs (tiles?), according to a fireman. The Chief Fireman of Ribeira Brava, Agostinho Silva, said that "everything happened so quickly, with intense rain and strong winds". The Christmas lights that were attached to poles at the sea front of the town were uprooted and ended broken and mangled, and the steel barriers they were attached to were bent over.  Another report says that a small tornado shook the town, with chairs and tables flying around. The bad weather made itself felt all over the island. In Funchal there is no record of significant damage, besides a small downfall in the area of Terreiro da Luta, and a tree felled in Estrada Monumental. In Calheta there was a rockfall that forced the closure of the regional road between the town and Arco da Calheta, and in Sítio do Atouguia, a river overflowed and flooded some homes. There are also reports of crops damaged, with Banana plants particularly affected.

Intervention by the BIR (Rapid response unit) motivates complaint in MP. A member of  the BIR is facing a complaint from the father of a 17 year old who says that his son was slapped last weekend. The complaint will be handled by the public prosecutor, and is awaiting the issue of a medical report before proceeding. The officer allegedly slapped the lad after he was considering driving home after a night out, possibly after a drinking session with friends, and had got mouthy when he was challenged about his intentions.

Today’s main news headline : ViaMadeira takes €700 million – The government was forced to go to the bank to resolve the financing arrangements for the new concessions for the roads. A case to liven up the Budget debate. President Jardim had to go to the banks in Lisbon, to secure the millions needed to finance the concessions that construct and maintain the roads of Madeira. The operation managed by ViaMadeira (AFA, Zagope, Tecnovia, Somague and Tâmega) could need an amount of up to €700 million, but it was struggling to obtain further funding from the banks, and attempts by the Regional Secretaries of Finance and Infrastructure had to be propped up with the personal intervention of Jardim. Our president met with officials from BES, BCP, and CGD banks in Lisbon, and managed to secure the funding needed, avoiding another direct debt for Madeira.

Councils cutting off Banif Bank following the ‘raspa’.

Emanuel Silva wins prize for ‘Justice and Communication’ – The Diário journalist will receive the national distinction today. Well done, but the headline tells me all I need to know.

Problems in mid-field complicate the ‘last waltz’ – ‘Joka’ returns to Nacional in order to beat Austria. Predrag Jokanovic is taking command of the team for the rest of the season as already mentioned, with the immediate focus on the final Europa League match tonight against FK Austria Vienna. Live at 8.00  pm on SportTV1.

If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link Thank you in anticipation.

Finally (from me that is), Don very kindly sent in a video filmed in Lugar de Baixo Marina yesterday afternoon. Thanks Don :

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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. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.

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  Elaine (out West) … An old typewriter in the Blandy’s Wine Lodge Museum in Funchal.

This site has a couple of photos of a cruise ship in Funchal. It has real grass and a golf putting game FUNCHAL DAILY PHOTO hmm, looks good enough to eat (baahh)

From Paul in Paul do Mar … interesting stuff, many thanks Paul :

Here are some great contributions: links to the Financial Times

1. Funchal: the difference in life between 1933 & 2007. (can’t say any more because of copyright restrictions, so you will have to visit the site yourself. Der) . FINANCIAL TIMES

2. Article: Title: George Bernard Shaw: “Have you ever tried Madeira?”

According to a Financial Times (FT) article about learning holidays George Bernard Shaw learnt to tango in Madeira at Reid’s Palace Hotel in 1924. There is a photograph of him in the hotel 68 and white-bearded in the arms of the glamorous and youthful Hope du Barri. “To the only man who ever taught me anything,” he wrote on a photograph he gave to the hotel’s male dance teacher.

As the FT article ends: “For there are those, as Shaw observed, for whom a holiday can be “a good working definition of hell”, in which case a purpose, not to mention a ringing sense of having accomplished something, can make all the difference. Even on his voyage home, he was agog at his triumph on the dancefloor. “Have you ever tried Madeira?” he wrote in a letter to Lady Meyer. “I learnt the tango.” Learning holidays, then, can be as much about self-indulgence as self-improvement.” MORE AT THE FINANCIAL TIMES

3. Title: The ukulele which originated in Madeira is so in vogue even Tony Blair has been snapped strumming one whilst on holiday YET MORE AT THE FINANCIAL TIMES

This from Elaine (East) … a translation of Saturday’s article in Jornal da Madeira in a series of Madeira Christmas editions. (Many thanks as always … Der)

Specialties of the season – The sweet tradition of Madeiran liqueurs

Although no longer there are so many people making homemade liqueurs, as was the case previously, the truth is that there are still those that like to stick to tradition, as is the case of Teresa Santos, President of the Casa do Povo at Ponta do Sol, who since a young age has learnt to prepare at home the most diverse specialty liqueurs. And the recipes are not lost because the young people are interested in this art, so in 2007 the Institution launched the book "Sabores da Ponta do Sol", a project coordinated by Theresa Santos and had the support of the Secretariat for the Environment and Natural Resources, through the Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development Services.

As she said, the writing of this book began with a survey of sweets and dishes preferred by the ponta-solenses in the Christmas season, the result was a set of recipes that pass through the fish dishes, meat, soups, side dishes, desserts and drinks. These have highlighted the place of traditional liqueurs of our land. The book is a collection of recipes for drinks, published in the newspaper Brado d’Oeste which was published in Ponta do Sol, on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 1907 and 1917. This includes liqueurs of tea, peppermint and liqueur of rose, the latter recipe required the precise "fourteen deciliters of alcohol, fourteen decilitres of pure water, one hundred and twenty grams of roses and six grams of sugar." An old recipe whose outcome is still very good.

Because in Ponta do Sol there were noble families who had their own kitchen, in this book are included recipes of D. Teresa Pita de Macedo, a descendant of one of these families. These include, among others, recipes for liqueurs of cocoa, coffee, fig leaves, fennel seed, passion fruit and orange. Teresa Santos reminded us that "up to the last 50 years of the last century, people were making use of the aromatic herbs, leaves and peel of orange or tangerine to make liqueurs. Then it moved to a stage when it began using chemical essences. Now there are many people who are using herbs and peels, as before, which give a better flavour to liqueurs." It tells us that the liqueurs are easy to make because "just place the fruit or aromatic herbs or peel in an infusion, then boil the water to make a syrup and when cold add the alcohol."

The president is satisfied that the young seem to be interested in liqueur recipes, as reflected by the enthusiasm that occurs in cooking classes that are held in the Casa do Povo of Ponta do Sol. As she told us, "liqueurs are associated with Christmas but are also an integral part of the visits of the Holy Spirit, in Ponta do Sol, and not possible to be missing in the festas of wedding and baptisms. This tradition comes from the time that at these visits men would be offered a glass of wine and ladies a liqueur."  One of the reasons that liqueurs are a particular beverage at Christmas time is "because there was a belief that spirits give warmth at this time of year when the weather is cold, nothing better than a warm liqueur for people, provided that they drink in moderation."

According to the encyclopaedias, liqueur is a sweet alcoholic beverage, often mixed with fruits, herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, roots, tree bark even creams. The term comes from the Latin liquifacere, which means liquefy, dissolve. This refers to mixtures which are used in making drinks. The liqueurs are not usually aged for a long time, but may take some time to rest until they reach the ideal flavour. In Madeira, Christmas has a flavour all the more special with a variety of liqueurs that can be proven before, during and after the time of the ‘festival’.

Elaine on the West side found this article in the Jornal da Madeira :

Entertainment till 10 January : The Circo Brasil will be in Machico until 10 January 2010. From Monday to Thursday this week it will be open for Christmas parties and sessions geared to groups of companies and / or schools by previous appointment only. Yesterday, one of the shows was for the children of employees of the Jornal da Madeira.

As of Friday 18 December the sessions are intended for the general public and there are two scheduled shows, at 18.00 and 21.30. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays there will be three shows, at 15.00, 18.00 and 21.00, with the exception of Christmas Day, which is at 16:00. Entry is 15 Euros for adults and 10 Euros for children and each show lasts approximately 2 hours. Trapeze artists, jugglers, Olympic rings, clowns, fakir, Chinese scarves, illusions with "Harry Potter" and another with dogs are the main attractions Circo Brasil offers this festive season. For the second consecutive year the circus tent is located next to the football stadium in Machico. The owners of the company, Joaquim Silva and Fernanda Alves, hope to match or surpass the success achieved in 2008. Since opening last Friday the house has been virtually full. Once again, Circo Brasil has the support of Machico’s Câmara.

Circo Brasil is, like other circuses, run by one family. In fact, Joaquim Silva and his wife Fernanda Alves, their children and other immediate family members provide most of the entertainment. For example, the character "Harry Potter" is interpreted by his son, Sandro Silva (19). Other artistes have also been hired, and in total the company consists of about 15 people.

Many thanks Elaine

Many thanks to Elaine (East) once again for this picture link and yesterday’s top news stories below :

Error in yesterday’s Diário CO2 emissions report. Madeira is responsible for 1,000 million kilos, not tons, of CO2 released to the atmosphere. Madeira has a value of emissions per capita (4.3 tons) which is below the national average of 7.2, due to the absence of heavy industry. Madeira may not meet the goals set by the EU to reduce atmospheric emissions by 20 – 30% by 2020. By international agreement, countries also pledged to increase the share of renewable energies to 20% and a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020. In Madeira, the goal of 20% renewables will be met if linked only to electricity production. But what the EU decided covers total energy, including fossil fuels used in transport. In this context, the goal will not be met as electricity is only about 30% of energy consumed in the region, transport accounting for 60%. Public transport occupancy rate is only 22% so to meet these targets, Madeira would have to change its transport policy and reduce the import of fossil fuels.

Illuminations cause ‘spark’ between mayors. The cost of Christmas lights and decorations triggered a ‘spark’ between mayors. All because Funchal benefits from assistance from the Regional Government, which is not true for other municipalities, who have to pay for their decorations. The issue continues to cause a division of opinion between mayors of the PSD. The Mayor of Câmara de Lobos does not hide his dissatisfaction, although the other councils also have to pay for their decorations. The Mayor of Ponta do Sol considers the claim of his counterpart in the câmara-lobense unreasonable. Arlindo Gomes says he thought the current situation is an "injustice" whereas Rui Marques finds reasons to justify this ‘discrimination’. "Our capital is the area of concentration for most tourists and the Funchal amphitheatre is excellent for the spectacle of New Year’s Eve." The Mayor of Câmara de Lobos said, "While in Funchal the Government is paying, here the council supports all these costs. All these Christmas decorations should be part of a Regional project and not handed over to each municipality." The councils have to pay for the decorations whereas in Funchal it is for profit. Funchal receives EU funding for its decorations whereas other cities, like Câmara de Lobos, do not receive anything in this context. Rui Marques rejects this claim as "out of context." "In this time of crisis when the Regional Government is asking for everybody’s efforts, to be raising controversy about a benefit that is in fact for all, because not only Funchal gains, gains for all the region, I think it is inappropriate." The ponto-solense mayor defends the continuation of the current model "according to the possibilities of the councils." Rui Marques is against the municipalities that ‘burn money" on the night of S. Silvestre. The overwhelming majority of people who want to celebrate the New Year go to Funchal, where the firework display is a worldwide tourist attraction, even those that live in Porto Moniz or Santana are now less than an hour away from Funchal.

Meeting of twins. During this month, there will a total of 44 cruise ships calling at the Port of Funchal. Today is no exception with three cruise ships arriving. It is an odd moment in the history of the port because it is the first time that both the AIDAbella and AIDAluna will be here simultaneously. The AIDAluna moored yesterday with 2,250 German tourists and the AIDAbella brings the same number of Germans. Both leave at the same time and for the same destination, La Palma in the Canary Islands. This situation will be repeated twice next year on the 28 February and 21 March. The other ship today is the Island Escape carrying 1,500 tourists which arrived from La Palma and goes to Agadir in Morocco at 23.30. The port will also accommodate the ferry Volcan de Tijarafe from Portimão which will leave later today for Tenerife.

Classification of trees does not always protect them. It has been previously announced that the regional database of iconic and monumental trees is to be updated. The DRF (Regional Directorate of Forestry) now state they prefer to classify zones rather than individual trees. If individual trees are defined, it could lead to vandalism and revenge attacks just due to the sheer pleasure of destroying, so the Regional Director considers it could be counterproductive to implement the national law in the region. The small size of the island compared to the mainland also leads to incompatibility issues, for example the need of a protected area of a radius of 50 metres around the tree. The present laws and land management initiatives for authorities to implement mean that it does not make sense to adopt the national law in the region. Trees can only be pruned or cut with pre-authorization. Some species are already protected like the lauraceas and the invasive eucaliptos and large acacias whose largest specimens occur in Jardim da Serra. Examples, even if on private land, are protected if of botanical or landscape interest.

Hundreds say farewell to the Pilgrim Statue in Ribeira Brava. Hundreds of people gathered yesterday afternoon on the football pitch in Ribeira Brava to attend the farewell Mass of the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady Fátima from the parishes of Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol. The service was taken by the Bishop of Funchal who also took part in the motorcade and presided over welcoming  prayers at the present location of the Monastery of Caldeira (Convent of Sister Clarissas) in Câmara de Lobos.

SEF holds a person for fraud in Portuguese test. A person who was applying for the acquisition of nationality by naturalization, was arrested by the Immigration Authority in Madeira for committing a crime of fraud in the compulsory Portuguese test. SEF were carrying out a surveillance operation at the national level covering 31 educational establishments, including one in Madeira and one in Porto Santo. They detected falsification of documents and altogether a total of 14 applicants were arrested.

Chocolate Festival attracted more than 3,000. The first Chocolate Island festival this weekend at the Congress Centre attracted more than 3,000 people. The chocolate sculptures which were more than three metres high and made by local school children attracted the most visitors. The organizers expected smaller sculptures so were surprised by the enthusiasm of the children. The target of next year’s edition is to attract international professionals. Two of the exhibitors ran out of products and had to quickly acquire more stock.

Burglaries becoming more daring – or desperate. Collection of stories about unusual burglaries. In Nazaré, the residents were surprised by the daring of two individuals who prey on the elderly alone in their homes. With the intention of robbery, the two walk around the apartment blocks, knocking on doors where they suspect elderly people live. On one occasion, they cursed an elderly woman who persistently refused to open the door because she lived alone, as advised by her family.  In Estrada Monumental, it is not safe to leave a hotel room window open, even on the eighth floor. A thief managed to climb in from the balcony and stole 2,000 Euros worth of goods; 500 Euros in cash, two watches, a mobile phone and a gold chain. Playing a round of golf at Santo da Serra is not even safe! There have been thefts from the golf trolleys while players move away from the equipment during the course of play. There have been several complaints to the police that wallets and documents have been stolen, from both locals and tourists. The same group of individuals is suspected that have for some time been hanging around the area and have on previous occasions climbed over the security net and cut holes in it. ‘Sapatinhos’ were stolen from gardens of houses in Poco do Gil, Machico last week. Dozens of vessels containing sapatinhos were stolen and the neighbourhood is on alert to apprehend the individual in the act.

European Commission wants to reduce catches of mackerel in Madeira and the Azores. The Portuguese Government is opposed to the EU wanting to reduce by 15% the catches of mackerel in the waters of the Azores and Madeira, based on scientific criteria. The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries points to a study by the University of the Azores which indicates a good state of stocks of the species and does not anticipate the need to reduce.

Jardim’s monologue. The Regional Plan and Budget for 2010 starts to be discussed tomorrow in the Legislative Assembly, in a way that is unparalleled in most democratic parliaments. First, because the President of the Regional Government is not required to provide any clarification to the members. He can, and probably will, give a speech on Thursday with no time limit and without the right of questions. In both São Bento (Portugal) and the Azores, the presidents always participate in the debates. Due to the limitation and distribution of time, the opposition does not have the opportunity to raise any detailed questions to the members of the Executive. Each individual members of the BE, MPT and PND have three minutes and each member of the Regional Government has 45 seconds for a reply. Despite the budget’s spending cuts, the opposition will still be critical especially as the PS expect the total debt to increase to 5,000 million Euros. The PS will propose more than two dozen amendments, including a tax of 1.5% on the assets of furniture companies holding concessions for public services and as with other proposals, the proceeds will be used to fund social projects. They also want a 7.5 euro tax on each ton of aggregates extracted in the Region. They will present alternatives to the limits of indebtedness, investments and current expenditure. The PCP (communists) want 39 measures on social and economic development that have already been debated in parliament to be recovered although previously rejected by the social democrats. They highlight the payments of debts to suppliers, reduction in VAT rates, intervention in energy prices and a new transport policy to support businesses and families. Other measures are compensation to farmers and fishermen, support of the taxi industry, construction of a new Hospital of Madeira and Hospital of Porto Santo, and an increase of 7% in the minimum wage. The CDS-PP want a reduction in expenditure and investment priorities should be limited to a new hospital, the rehabilitation of health centres and schools. They want a reduction in both income and corporation tax and tax incentives for the establishment of new companies in rural areas. The BE, MPT and PND each have only one member in the Regional Government. They have similar views and due to limited time, should attack tax revenues and the large proportion of current expenditure. The BE will propose measures to combat unemployment, support for the elderly and funding for school boards.

More than 7,000 square metres of leisure. Second phase of the redevelopment of the Avenida do Mar in Funchal opened today. The project cost 778,000 Euros. According to the Mayor of Funchal, it will allow, among other things, "to contemplate the sea". The public toilets have been renovated and there is one for people with disabilities. Also installed, a sculpture by the artist Silvio Cro, entitled The Blind Man. According to the sculptor, "it is a metaphor between the traditional game and the experiences of the women in the Old Zone."

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Bang on time and as noisy as ever the ‘Missa do Parto’ explosions started this morning. 5 mega-bangers went off at 5 am this morning, and having eventually got back to sleep another series went off a while later. This is the first time I remembered it was going to happen, so not quite the usual shock as in previous years … oh well, only 9 more days to go of the same!

A bit more on the orange weather alert I mentioned earlier in the comments :

Madeira orange alert – Wind, wave and rain motivate warning from the Institute of Meteorology. Due to wind, rain and strong sea waves the Meteorological Institute placed Madeira on orange alert for Tuesday, the second most severe on a scale of four. Weather forecasts indicate periods of rain or showers, temporarily strong, and favourable conditions for the occurrence of thunderstorms. Moderate winds (25 to 35 km / h) south-west, blowing strongly at times (35 to 50 km / h) with gusts of winds of 65 km / h. In mountainous areas, high wind (35 to 55 km / h) southwest with gusts of 70 mph, making it very strong (60 to 75 km / h) with gusts to 120 km / h. At sea, on the north coast waves of 2.5 to 3.5 metres, increasing to 4 to 5 metres. On the south coast the forecast is for waves of 2 to 3 metres, increasing to 3.5 to 4 metres. Due to the warning of rainfall and strong winds, the Regional Civil Protection and Fire Department caution and advise against walking or driving on the mountains and the exposed slopes.

Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :

200 thousand per day – In the Christmas season, the amount of mail to deliver soars. The daily average for December so far is around 170,000 mail items, but yesterday was exceptionally busy, and the dates the 21st and 22nd December will be the same, with 200,000 or more items to be delivered. The busiest day last year saw 220,000 items being delivered.

Today’s main news headline : Tenants owe €8 million to IHM – despite of the reduction in the amount of infullfilment, there are many social rents to pay. This story comes up regularly, as tenants of the housing institute of Madeira fail to keep up with rent payments.

The other top story today : Complaints about salary arrears grow – The accusations against the failure of bosses in civil construction are arriving in the courts. According to the trade union for construction workers, the civil sector will have lost around 50% of the workforce in the last 4 years. The union has received nearly 200 complaints from workers since the beginning of this year, nearly half of them relating to arrears in salary payments, followed by unfair dismissals.

Companies criticise unfair competition of the government in the meeting with UEFA.

Emigrants without tickets – Still with 6 months to the football World Cup, some emigrants living in South Africa complain that they cannot get tickets for the Portugal games.

Social Democrats reject Jardim – Some notable names in the party in Portugal don’t want to talk about the chance of the leader of the PSD-M being a candidate at national level. Rumours that President Alberto João Jardim is being pressured by some PSD members to go to Lisbon to go on the National Executive save the party, are in the wind again. PSD members contacted by the Diário generally say they don’t know of any such move, or just don’t want to talk about the matter. Of course you will probably guess that he has my full support for such a move, and his dictatorship leadership skills probably make him the ideal candidate for the top job in the flagging party that seems to have no real direction.

If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link Thank you in anticipation.

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