Madeira News Blog

TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Jon … Lucy & Gizmo, both adopted from SPAD (Domestic Animal Protection Society). What a pair of posers Jon! They certainly don’t look bovered by anything on this planet!

Sheila sent me this, mainly for the attention of the British readers :  Are we bovered?

"Am I alone in noticing that, despite the sterling efforts of Der and Elaine to bring news items to the Blog, few if any of us seem to have opinions about serious matters, which might be expected to concern us as Brits?

For instance, how do we feel about our dear departed Prime Minister, Tony Blair becoming the first President of the European Council of EU leaders? Do any of us care one way or the other? No?

Well, how about this then. The Lisbon Treaty is almost certain to be ratified after the Czechs were bribed by an opt-out into withdrawing their opposition. Ireland has had two stabs at a referendum because they got it "wrong" and voted "no" the first time. Britain was promised a referendum but we are not going to get one. Do any of us care?
Maybe we can’t do anything to influence the major decisions, which affect all our lives, but do we have to allow ourselves to be rail-roaded into changes, which most of us may not want? Perhaps we are just not "bovered".

I forgot all about Britain some time ago, so not comment from that perspective, but putting a warmonger  in charge of anything to me sends all the wrong messages, and I must admit I didn’t even know about his appointment.  Anyway that aside, like Sheila I always thought it strange that very few people over the last two years were interested enough to make any comments on the daily news, although I have had the impression a few times that some people who are not Madeirans think they don’t have the right to do so. It takes allsorts I suppose, as Bertie Bassett one said. BTW I haven’t had one for years, but those round coconut ones (pink or blue) with liquorice centres were definitely from sweetie heaven. Der

"The Madeira group Siram is looking for partners in Macau to manage casinos in Porto Santo and Cape Verde, and to develop an innovative spa project in Macau, Siram president Silvio Santos told Portuguese news agency Lusa. One of the company’s’ real estate and tourism developers is having difficulties financing its Colombo’s Resort tourism project, in the Madeiran island of Porto Santo, and are looking for partnerships and a new ownership structure focused on the areas of tourism and gambling, to be set up next year. With a current budget of €200 million, Colombo’s Resort, a five star resort to be managed by Starwood, is looking for new investors which may come from Macau, depending on the revival of construction work". MACAU DAILY TIMES

"When considering the size of Madeira, you can hardly imagine that this island has so much to offer!  From many historical monuments, squares and streets in the capital of Funchal to enchanting gardens, picturesque villages, amazing landscapes, impressive volcanic caves, rugged coast lines, beautiful natural beaches and, last but not least, breathtaking views, there is so much to see that you will soon realise that one visit to Madeira just isn’t enough!" A very well written article ATLANTIC QUEST – My journey across the Americas during my Gap Year

Elaine completes a full month with her news translation, without a break. Thanks so much Elaine. Here are yesterday’s main stories :

Pink Christmas trees in fashion this year. Expensive but selling well, according to the manager of ‘Bazar do Povo’ (Sa) in Funchal. They have been selling Christmas decorations since September. —- You heard it first here. Of course. © Toranja Poncha © is also pink, so have yourself a very pinky Christmas time with a tree as well. Der

Requests for help from consumers rise 52%. Requests to Serviço de Defesa do Consumidor (Citizen’s Advice Bureau) for help with financial issues increased 52% this year. Most frequent cases related to credit, often due to changes in family circumstances, e.g. divorce, widowhood, health or unemployment. Also mortgage queries as to which is the best deal.

The association gave the following tips: Prevention is best. Before taking out a loan, work out your budget and whether you can afford it without getting into debt. Avoid credit for everyday expenses. Never borrow to pay off other debts. Never sign a contract unless you understand it. You always need to have some savings.

Business group suspected of fraud began in Caniçal Free Zone. The business group headed by Manuel Godinho, suspected of economic crimes and bribery of managers of public funds, was launched in the Madeira market through a company newly established in the Free Zone, the Resatlantico – Waste Management. All Manuel Godinho’s companies, many of which are linked to business waste and waste management, are based in Aveiro. The only exception seems to be a company formed in May this year in Madeira and is based in the Free Zone in Caniçal. Resatlantico entered the regional market to collect used electrical and electronic equipment for the purposes of dismantling and recycling using facilities on the continent. It has established protocols with AMB3E and municipalities and is licensed by the Directorate for the Environment. It is unknown if the investigations on the continent will affect regional expansion. Manuel Godinho was arrested last Wednesday in Aveiro in relation to economic crimes involving an oxygen-treatment and environmental cleaning group. 14 people were indicted.

Good chestnut harvest. (Interview with a farmer) The harvest is only half done but has already doubled the amount produced in 2008. Increases both in the quantity and quality. Grown in Curral das Freiras and sold in the local shops, in Sao Martinho and sold to the Sã supermarket group. There is a processing centre in Curral das Freiras where the chestnuts are graded then heat treated to preserve them. Are inexpensive this year, selling through an intermediary for 1.20 to 1.40 Euros a kilo and directly to the consumer for 1.60 to 1.70 Euros a kilo. This year, 43% less are imported. The dried fruit price has increased globally. —- As noted in the comments section in the Diário, selling in the Farmer’s Market for 3.99 to 4.10 Euros a kilo.

The Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development estimates that Madeira has the capacity to produce 764 tonnes per year. The processing plant has graded 33% more than last year and heat treated 160% more since the season started on October 6th. There are 24 producers of organic nuts corresponding to an area of 33.14 hectares, of which 21.53 are in Curral das Freiras and 11.61 in Jardim da Serra.

Court seeks list of projects approved in Ponta do Sol in 2001. The present mayor, Rui Marques and former mayor, António Lobo were in the dock (both PSD politicians) and eight witnesses gave evidence. It involves a 20,000 Euros bribe for approval of a 29 unit apartment block when the Plano Director Municipal (PDM) was suspended. Partners in the firm are former members of the PSD, Emidio Correia and the former Ponta do Sol councillor Antonio Munuel. A witness, a Socialist Party councillor said that councillors of the opposition did not know the legal implications of the suspension of the PDM and had limited access to projects. Approval of this one had been done quickly whereas others took "weeks and months" and other projects were approved in consequence of the suspension of the PDM. At that time he did not realise the building site was controversial. The trial continues on 13 November when Ponta do Sol Council have to send a list of all draft permits for private buildings approved during the year 2001.

Driver of car that collided with two vans identified. He fled the scene and video surveillance tape was released of his grey Polo car. He has contacted the owners of the damaged vans and accepted liability. —- No report of police prosecuting.

Tribute to combatants. On Monday 2 November, there will be a ceremony commemorating combatants who lost their lives on overseas missions. It will be in Nazaré at the Monumento de Homenagem dos Combatentes do Ultramar (in photo). Appeal for serving combatants and the general public to attend to make the greatest possible tribute.

Free bus pass for the elderly back on the parliamentary agenda. This was approved in 1999 but never implemented. The free pass should be given to anyone over 60 who receives an income below the minimum wage. Also aimed at all people with disabilities, regardless of age.

Club Med 2 in port today. A five-masted luxurious cruising yacht joined three other ships to  make another full harbour. She sailed from Casablanca and is going on to the Caribbean. The Club Med Portugal visited the ship. The yacht has recently been renovated with 10 new suites of 36 square metres and it can accommodate 392 tourists.

Porto Santo port promoted as free of charge.  Medicruise (association of cruise ports) meeting in Monaco, where Madeira is gaining membership. Because Porto Santo port is free of charge, companies save between 3,500 and 12,000 Euros depending on tonnage of the vessel and passenger numbers. Funchal has lowered its tariff during the quieter summer months to try to increase business.

C&A want to open a second store in Funchal in the near future. The new store opened yesterday at the Forum Madeira. The group wanted to open a larger store, as they are normally 1400 to 2000 square metres but this one is just over 700 square metres. Yesterday was busy, partially due to curiosity and also because of an opening discount of 20%. —- The papers are a bit late with this one. Quite right Elaine, Josie had already told us having actually checked it out personally yesterday. Der

Valor Ambiente reply to Diário’s report. Diário yesterday had a report highlighting exportation of clinical waste to Spain for incineration. In Jornal da Madeira, the company stated that this is just a temporary solution which is in the public interest until the company who built the incinerator at Meia Serra make alterations to increase productivity and create safer operating conditions, as it is still under warranty. They said this company is paying for the exportation and it is not resulting in extra costs to Valor Ambiente (Government owned) and the Diário is just being critical of the Government.

Direct debits can be paid into a bank account in another EU country. From Monday but not available immediately in all 27 countries. This is under the SEPA (Single Euro Payments) system developed in 2008 to simplify payments through bank transfers, direct debits and bank cards in the Eurozone. Customers in the Single Area will also be able to make and receive payments in Euros under the same conditions as they do nationally.

A quick look at today’s front page news headlines in the Diário :

‘PS proposes an educational revolution – André Escórcio is the project author. Not that this idea will go anywhere, as it’s not a PSD idea, but the gist is to offer free education at all levels, and cut support to private and small independent schools, and then to create a more autonomous education system, with its own characteristics, without impinging on the general principles of law.

Failures in the management of hazardous waste lead CDU to ask for an inquiry. A story which Elaine has covered well in the last couple of days, and it seems a plausible reason has been given, that satisfies accusations made in a possible case of mischief-making by the Diário.

The main headline today : Armas operation is illegal – The Port and Maritime Transport Authorities have concluded that the loading operation undertaken by the Spanish vessel in Funchal Port is in breach of the rules. The license is at risk. The unloading of freight in Funchal Port from the passenger ferry that does the Madeira – Portimão – Canary Islands route has been deemed to breach licence conditions it seems. The situation arose after complaints from other shipping companies who had been forced to load and unload elsewhere, whilst the passenger ferry could continue freight operations unhindered. That could bump up the costs of the passenger ferry service somewhat, as that would have been a big piece of income for Naviera Armas, or even put the whole operation at risk. As for the next step, I reckon the government will step in and intervene, as the ferry service just cannot be put at risk.

A large picture shows a graveyard with some estrelicia flowers : No one dares to mess with the rules of the cemeteries – The 40 year old regulations provide great breeding conditions for the mosquito that spreads dengue disease. The health authorities prefer to respect the cult and its rituals.

‘Fly Madeira’ commences flying next Tuesday – Transporting cargo will mark the start of operations of the new airline company. It will be better known as FlyMI (Fly Madeira Islands), and on Tuesday it will fly a cargo from Lisbon to Madeira in it’s inaugural flight in a leased Boeing 737-300. Phase one of the formation for FlyMI is freight, passengers will come later through scheduled and charter flights.

In football : Nacional and Marítimo want to imitate Braga. Victory over Benfica results in clear league leadership for Braga. Today the teams from Madeira play, with TV honours. And what a great game and result it was (2 – 0), and how wonderful it was to see those Benfica supporters ,who were gloating over putting 6 goals past Nacional last week, crying in their beer. Benfica were the stronger side, but Braga played a strategy to outwit them, and it worked very well. Fantastic first goal as well.

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