Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Elaine out West … two basking lizards

This is Dorrie’s private video diary taken on Madeira, when on hols I guess. Hear about the bad side of her stay as she struggled with our weather problems.

A short private blog of a cruiser : WE’LL BE BACK WHEN IT’S SUNNY

"The pebbled beaches of Madeira such as the Praia Formosa beach at the western end of Funchal with its palm tress and splendid botanical gardens bordering it make for a delightful attraction for tourists. Calheto and Machico are important tourist beaches where the golden sand has been imported.  The golden beach that stretches to about 9 kilometers in neighbouring Porto Santo is of course, magnificent and cannot be missed out". QUITE A NICE REVIEW OF OUR ARCHIPELAGO

I see that the GUINESS BOOK OF RECORDS is still showing 2006 as the world firework display record – "Largest firework display : The record for the largest firework display consisted of 66,326 fireworks and was achieved by Macedo’S Pirotecnia Lda. in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, on 31 December 2006". Has anyone seen any official confirmation that the 2010 display reset the record for Madeira?

This from Elaine out West … many thanks

Only eleven flocked to the “cut price” circus – Bad weather and small audiences forced the cancellation of the session, but there were the complaints … On Tuesday night some people who wanted to see the 21.30 Circus Aquatic Show, which was in Ponta do Sol until yesterday, saw their hopes dashed because of the cancellation of the show.

A situation which caused dissatisfaction and even prompted some complaints from those who felt aggrieved by making the trip to Ponta do Sol to watch a circus show that ultimately did not materialize. Moreover this was not the first time this has happened during the circus’s fateful stay in Madeira, mostly because of bad weather that has been fairly relentless.
Antonela Gouveia was one of those present for what would be the penultimate session of the show in the Region. She told the DIÁRIO that while she was waiting in expectation of the opening of the show a young man appeared who said he was the owner’s brother (Jorge Cardinali), trying to justify the cancellation of the show as "it was not worth opening the circus, with tickets at only five euros”. Antonela criticized the lack of information determining a minimum number of spectators to allow the show to take place.

João Azevedo, who is responsible for the show, confirmed the cancellation of that session "because in total there were only 11 people". Faced with such a small number of spectators, he said there was no justification for holding the show and regretted the resulting inconvenience.

"We are here to work. We did not come here for holidays," he added, pointing to the effects of bad weather, which yesterday also made itself felt at the time of the show. He felt that had been responsible for poor attendances and called for understanding and even tolerance in the circumstances.

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

Jardim cancels test period promised to successor. At the last political meeting at Quinta Vigia, Alberto João Jardim changed the deadline so the new leader will now be announced at the Easter 2011 congress. For a long time, he has guaranteed his successor will be chosen in 2010 and have a year to prepare for the October 2011 regional elections. He will resign during the summer, leaving the new leader two months to prepare, which is considered not enough time.  Another scenario is that Jardim will stay on but this seems unlikely after his recent speeches.

Recording failure requires new statements. A public complaint has been made against the Police Commissioner Roberto Fernandes. In 2004, when he was sub-commissioner at Câmara de Lobos, a traffic accident occurred involving one of his family. There were discrepancies over times, dates and alcohol test results, which were investigated after an anonymous letter. He was investigated for abuse of power, falsification, denial of justice and malfeasance. He was then promoted to Commissioner of the Police of Funchal. For his defence, he submitted audio recordings of the witnesses statements but the judicial authorities now realize these are inaudible, so if the case goes to trial, new statements will be needed.

Vandalism – revenge attacks. On farmland in Campanário, vandals have destroyed banana plants. Some had been deliberately cut, sometimes only the bunches targeted. This act occurred during the first week of this year and was only discovered last weekend by the owner. The land owner has no doubts as to the perpetrator as he has been previously threatened by the owner of neighbouring land. It is not the first time this has happened and this time, he has reported the case to the police. It is bad enough with some of the crop destroyed by the bad weather.

Increases in illegal limpet harvesting, amongst other crimes. Statistics of crimes detected last year by the GNR (National Republic Guard – part of the police force). Increased limpet harvesting was due to bad weather and fewer preventive measures. In 2009, 26 illegal harvesting of limpets were detected by the GNR and Service for Protection of Nature (SEPNA). The maximum catch permissible is 2 kg/day/person. 16 offences occurred in Garajau Reserve and one in Rocha do Navio Reserve (Santana). 10 cases of caça submarina (underwater spear fishing) but no instances of using explosives. 5 cases of illegal sport fishing. 747.45 kilos of fish were seized, worth 4.067,22 euros. Other offences detected were mainly: 458 tax offences, 657 breaches of the Highway Code, 7 cases of illegal gambling and 5 breaches of the street trading laws. Both at Santo da Serra and Funchal, counterfeit goods were confiscated, worth 14,960.30 euros – clothing, CDs, DVDs. The GNR consists of 194 individuals and now have a new commander. There are also 28 officers based at Caniçal (commercial port), 20 at the airport and 15 at Porto Santo. They have maritime powers, up to a range of 12 miles. — A quick calculation, overall crime has decreased.

Flights from Moscow bring more to the region. The five weekly flights from Lisbon to Moscow have had a good occupancy rate, a service that began last June. Several Russian travel agents now have packages to Madeira especially with the ease of flying between Lisbon and Madeira. 50% of the Russians arriving in Lisbon come to Madeira and the rest either stay in the Portuguese capital or go to the Algarve.

SATA confirms flight to Faro. SATA will have two weekly flights between Madeira and Faro in the Algarve in the coming summer season, using the new Q400 NextGen aircraft which have 80 seats. At present, passengers must go to Lisbon and this discourages holidaymakers. In future, these new aircraft will be used on the Madeira – Ponta Delgada link and in summer, for the Canary Islands and the Algarve. The increased number of passengers carried over the last quarter was not enough to counteract the global economic crisis in which SATA Internacional had 1.5% fewer passengers than 2008.

Regional Government allow GESBA to borrow 7 million. The public owned management company of the banana sector, GESBA,  has authorization from the Regional Government to obtain a banking loan of 7 million euros. This is to pay the liabilities of two cooperatives. These cooperatives have severe financial problems despite the strong community support they have received over several years. There is a history of guarantees at high cost to the government as the banana business cannot exist without public subsidies.

Jardim accuses Teixeira dos Santos of using the review of the Finance Law for tax rises. Alberto Jardim today accused the Minister of Finance of using the fair review of the Regional Finance Law as a pretext to threaten the Portuguese with tax rises. The review, according to Jardim, seeks only to restore justice under the law legislated by the Gutterres Government/Sousa Franco. The socialist government has for political purposes destroyed a law that was agreed by the Socialist Party itself.  José Sócrates said, "The Government of the Republic will not give more money to the Government of Madeira and the PS does not accept the Law on Regional Finances defended by PSD-M." The changes introduced by his government were "fair". This was in reply to the national PSD leader, Manuela Ferreira Leite accusing the Government of the Republic of pursuing a discriminatory policy in relation to Madeira for political revenge. Guilherma Silva, a PSD member of the Assembly of the Republic said, "The money is not for the Portuguese Government, it is for the Portuguese."

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

Today’s main news headline : Sócrates says "enough!" – "Enough! With this government my lady deputy cannot count on the alteration of the Regional Finance law and giving more money to Madeira". The warning of [Prime Minister] Sócrates to Manuela Ferreira Leite [leader of the Social Democrat Party] was given yesterday in São Bento. It’s bad news for Jardim and is even surprising to the politicians in his own Socialist Party. Already one is talking about new national elections. I was thinking this the other day, that the Socialists without an overall majority in the Lisbon Parliament, are finding it a real struggle to govern either with or without the support of the opposition parties. It was always going to be a tall order, and of course as always the politics and monkey business take priority over the needs of a floundering economy and it’s people. Even with another election, I don’t see how it will necessarily resolve matters, and if it is still possible then the PS should first look again at the possibility of a coalition.  Uncle Bertie will be hopping mad no doubt, and after Marítimo get thumped by Benfica tomorrow, it will be a weekend he would rather forget.

Horários do Funchal opts for the ecology but changes don’t please  – The issue is in the West zone : the [bus] passengers are obliged to flow onto the Estrada Monumental.

Accidents force the stopping of dumping – Only after 5 accidents in the area muddied due to the movement of mud laden lorries, in São Vicente, the Regional Government suspends the clean up operation. The 5 road accidents occurred in the space of just 3 days, with one person receiving facial injuries, and the Regional Secretary, responsible for the big mud clean up after recent storms, has given the order to suspend the clean up works in the area of Paço da Areia. The accidents have been happening where cars are skidding out of control near to the mud dumping site at the coast (in the sea).

Rock fall in Madalena flattens banana crop.

‘City Council of Culture’ remains for Santa Cruz.

The main sport / football headlines today : 5 thousand places in the ‘Cauldron’ sold out in the last 4 days – Mitchell can’t count on Marcinho for the coming of Benfica. How on earth Marítimo’s stadium ever got the nickname of the ‘Cauldron’ is still one of life’s great mysteries for me. You would be lucky to see two men and a dog there during some games.

Nacional fight for fourth place in Alvalade today.  That’s the home of Sporting in Lisbon of course. G’luck!

A sea of colour. The first mention I have seen this year I think of next months Carnival. The article mentions an organisation that is preparing it’s piece for the parade (Cortejo) on 13th February, that has the theme ‘Fantasias de Ninfa’ [Nymph] which sounds intriguing. Preparation for some of the participants started in last October.

and just a few more snippets to finish up …

This is a nice blog, and account of somebody’s visit here, with lots of photos. A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY

Biggest IT retailer expanding to Africa, Madeira and Azores (from Portugal News Online). Chip7, Portugal’s largest computer retail chain, is expanding its business this year to Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde in Africa and Portugal’s autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores, the company’s founder said. Miguel Monteiro, also Chip7’s majority shareholder, told Lusa he expected to conclude master franchise contracts in the three African Lusophone states and the two Portuguese Atlantic archipelago by the end of this year. Good news for us computer buffs!

Hundreds of different locations from north to south of mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores, have been nominated as candidates to become one of Portugal’s ‘Seven Natural Wonders’. The official list of places that can be voted upon was made public last Thursday in Lisbon. Organisers of the project New 7 Wonders of Portugal, have dodged giving the specific number of valid applications, but confirmed the number was in “the hundreds”. MORE

Have a great weekend!

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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 Derek  … Queimadas thatched Madeiran house.

‘Funchal Daily Photo’ had a photo yesterday of the Google camera car making its way through Funchal, capturing images for ‘Street View’. HERE

Anyone thinking of a late break to Madeira, coming from Scotland, might want to check out these hotel deals on the airline website. Some very cheap deals for sure, especially if you can travel today or next week, or even straight after new year. FLYGLOBESPAN

Martin L sent me this photo from a slightly familiar looking venue, with the caption ‘Uncle Bertie has a part time job?‘. Any other suggestions?

It’s a public holiday tomorrow for the ‘Immaculate Conception’, and the final traditional street festival of the year. I shall be making a visit to my very local one and making the most of it tonight, as it’s a long wait to the next one.

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

Premier visit of the Celebrity Solstice. The cruise ship the Celebrity Solstice has her first visit to the region today at 9 am. The ship arrived from Cartagena and the visit is part of a transatlantic repositioning cruise to its final destination of the Caribbean. The 2,594 tourists on board are mainly American (1,771). Traditional welcoming ceremony of exchange of gifts with the Captain, water jets and entities of the authorities and Ship Enthusiasts Club. This is a relatively new ship built in 2008 and can accommodate 2,850 tourists with a crew of 1,250. This year, Madeira has received 11 inaugural visits by cruise ships and there will be two more this year, the Azamara Journey and the MSC Magnifica on the 8 and 14 December, respectively.

ACIM discuss the actual impacts of the ‘rising sun’ trade. On Wednesday in Porto Santo, the Commerce and Industrial Association will discuss the impact of the entry of the Chinese traders into the region. The aim of the conference is to clarify the opinions of the public and traders of the impact of the proliferation of Chinese shops in the region. Traditional business is threatened and the price payable by the local residents will be in ruin and social imbalance. The conference also aims to dispel taboos around the advantages of Chinese trade.

Police target five illegal dumps in Porto Santo.  Five unlicensed rubbish tips were found in Porto Santo on Friday in a joint environmental monitoring operation by the police, Forestry Police and the local authority. The first part of the operation focused on prevention and the police went to several auto repair shops to inform the owners about the effect of toxic waste; oils, tyres, vehicle and body parts. The second phase was enforcement action and five sites were detected but locations have not been revealed.  Reports for prosecution purposes will go to the Directorate for the Environment and the Municipality of Porto Santo.

Venezuelan cuisine fair. Occurring at Fajã do Penedo in Boaventura, 5 and 6 December. This is the fourth year and this year there are two stands where traditional Venezuelan dishes will be cooked. There are also ten pavilions with regional flavours; carne de vinho e alhos, soup, poncha, broas, bolos-de-mel and others. Also, traditional Madeiran entertainment. —- Notice a bit late in Diário. According to the websites of the Casas do Povo in the area, a lot of food fairs and cultural activities during the year.

Market Night in Câmara de Lobos. Tuesday 22 December at the Municipal Market. Usually attended by thousands of locals and visitors to relive the Christmas traditions. Variety of entertainment from philharmonic bands, folklore and carol singing to modern music. In parallel, there will be the Christmas Craft Fair in the same area.

Farmer’s Market holds Sexy New Year Eve’s Party. The party at the Farmer’s Market in Funchal will have two separate areas for different audiences with separate access. The entrance to the ‘VIP Area’ will be at the entrance to the Market with a red carpet in front. The exterior and interior walls will be painted red and iced Madeira Wine with lemon will be served at the door. This area is for personalities from the media and famous people have been invited. Entrance fee 15 Euros. A second zone with the entrance south of the fish market has a 10 Euros entrance fee. The musical selection of DJ Nelio Fabricio and the dual Sexy DJs will play from 1 am until 3 am. There will be four bars, two in each area and a ‘coffee break’ service. Powerful lighting and sound system and led curtains. Tickets soon on sale at the kiosks at the Yacht Bar Marina.

Santa Claus does not give kisses to children and washes his hands every hour. Santa Claus hides a different gift in his bag this year: an influenza A kit. In the shopping centres, he is forbidden to give kisses to children, instead he must blow kisses through the air, shake hands and make bows. Dozens of Santa Clauses are working in the 13 shopping centres of Sonae Sierra in Portugal, hired by the firm Bee Action. All players have had special training from a drama teacher on the character role. If they feel unwell, they are automatically replaced as 36 people have been hired to fill this role. They also disinfect surrounding surfaces hourly.

Trade is strengthened against assaults. The Christmas season is synonymous with an increased volume of sales in shops but also more theft and robbery. Small and medium businesses cannot afford to hire security guards, alarm systems and video surveillance cameras. Instead it is down to employees to be more vigilant in response to an increased number of shoppers. The culprits blamed are the toxicodependents and an increased number of unemployed, often to support their family. The police respond by more officers on the streets and in Operation Christmas last year, there were 41 per day in Funchal centre.

PSP in force in downtown Funchal. For twelve consecutive hours on Saturday night / Sunday morning, 66 police officers surrounded the main streets of downtown Funchal in a Special Crime Prevention Operation. A total of 672 vehicles were stopped, 262 drivers breathalysed and speeds monitored. 32 were arrested for driving offences and driving under the influence of alcohol, 16 were identified and 2 sticks of wood seized.

Expansion of Tecnopolo stopped by Arabic crisis. Expansion of the Science and Technology park in Panteada postponed without date. Announced with pomp and ceremony in June 2005 that the second development phase of the Science and Technology Park  would feature a multinational Arab group, the Tricon Group. The project is now stagnant because the economic crisis affects the investors. The area reserved for the expansion is on the left and right margins of Ribeira de São João and the only development has been a new access road. The development company renamed itself Madeira Knowledge City (MKC) in 2006. The plans are for construction of buildings with their operation and maintenance, to support technology and business. Also themed public spaces; leisure and sports, a garden of biodiversity, a multi-purpose pavilion, a science centre, a home for the orchestra and a cable-car running throughout the length of the complex.  The Government Program for the next three years is to invest 560,000, 750,000 and 500,000 Euros for the years 2010 – 2012. From 1996 to 2008, the investment has been 9.632.347 Euros. The Chairman of the Board of the Science and Technology Park answered some of Diário’s questions. They have had promotional activities to attract investors in Singapore, Northern Europe, India and the USA. They emphasize the location, climate and presence of the International Business Centre. They are focusing on other areas; interaction with research and technology departments of the University of Madeira and University of Carnegie Mellon, and tourism and energy in conjunction with the University of Madeira.

Dallas circus tent in the car park of Tecnopolo. After all, Funchal will not spend the festive season without the circus. After much controversy surrounding lack of space, the Madeira Tecnopolo was the site chosen. The circus opens at 21.30 on the 22 December and is here until 15 January. Performances held every day at 15.00, 18.00 and 20.30. The tent has a capacity for 2,000 spectators. This year the show will be more diverse with many animals, including lions, horses, ponies, pigeons, dogs, camels, macaws, parrots and cockatoos. Performances by clowns, a juggler and a ventriloquist.

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

Maurício Melim insists on the priority groups – The Health Administration is against Miguel Ferreira : The vaccines go to ‘at risk’ groups. You would need to read yesterdays main headline (on the blog), but it seems on the face of it that the two superpowers in health here are at odds on who can and who can’t get priority vaccinations against Gripe A swine flu. The vaccination plan against Gripe A will remain as before, and the president of the Institute of Health Administration (IASAÚDE) insists that the vaccine doses are only available to give to people from priority groups. In other words, pregnant women, the chronically ill, and children up to two years old. Maurício Melim understands the concern of the clinical director of the health service, Miguel Ferreira, but reminds him that the vaccination plans are specified by the Public Health authorities. Around three thousand vaccinations have already been made, and another two thousand vaccine doses are just coming available. The reality is that both men are saying that with a doctor’s recommendation, anyone can get the jab, but Melim clearly wants to play down what Ferreira said, which suggests a clear and deliberate breach of what was demanded by the Directorate General of Health.

Mega-operation leads to 32 arrests – Driving under the influence of alcohol and / or disobedience, were the causes of the arrests made Friday through Saturday in downtown Funchal by the PSP police. This is the 5th special anti-crime operation and lasted around 12 hours. Already mentioned by Elaine above, but to add that, this is the highest number of detentions ever in such an operation. The operations objectives included vehicle checks, criminal investigations, checks for weapons and explosives, and checks on private security and establishments.

Today’s main news headline : Race to retirement - Facilities granted for the choice of retirement have led to growing demand. From 2006 / 2007 to 2008 / 2009, there was a was a doubling of requests, with a corresponding increase in pensioners. * No time for me to translate this today, but what is that photo all about? I have noticed this before in newspapers, that when they are struggling for a photo of an article about people, they select a ‘stock photo’ showing people walking away from the camera. I suppose the philosophy is that every story should have an illustration, but in this case no one has any idea whether these people are the ones plumping for early retirement, and they could just be a bunch of people off to do their Xmas shopping. We have an ex-journalist who reads this blog, so maybe they can shed some light on the subject?

Câmara de Lobos prepares a budget of €45 million. *

Marítimo return to the convincing victories – At 5 – 2 Olhanense hid the difficulties experienced by the red-greens. Marítimo had a splendid 5 – 2 win against Olhanense yesterday, that takes them into 4th position in the league.  Baba got a hat-trick with 3 late goals within 13 minutes, and captain Bruno, who this time last week was in bed with Gripe A swine flu, also scored.

Nacional play tonight in Leiria, Machado shows improvement. Manager of Nacional, Manuel Machado, who was on the critical list a week ago after an infection during a surgical procedure, is gradually recovering.

Paulo Franco, swimmer with Nacional sports club, beats national record. *

* For anyone with the time and urge to translate these articles, you could make a lot of people very happy. Here is the LINK

Also, yesterday the Diário did a really useful article on tax matters. It was in the printed edition at least. Too long to go into detail here, but the highlights might prove useful. As always with these matters, although I am confident in the translation, if anyone is to use the information, you should confirm your situation with your own accountant or tax advisor. This is especially important as some of the allowances or deductions have conditions attached, and some also have claim limits (some of which are shown in the article).

You can still gain with IRS (tax) – Organisation is important , despite there being only 26 days until the end of the tax year. The year end is close, but you can still organise yourself and pay less in tax to Finanças with some organisation and planning. Expenses on health, and education and training, investments in renewable energy, pensions savings plans, life and accident insurance premiums, and many other items also count as ‘deductibles’. There is no shortage of ways and tricks to make life in 2010 somewhat financially easier, and because we are at Christmas it comes to the fore the ‘spirit’ of charitable donations, that are tax deductible to 25% of the amount spent (see below). The important thing is to take into account is that the organization of documents regarding expenditure and revenue earned this year, will bring only benefits. Mainly, because if you forget to declare a receipt, you may have to pay the extra income tax, increasing the overall tax burden.

The article also list the tax bands and tax rates for 2009, that will apply to the next income tax submissions in the Spring. The rates applied range from 8% to 41%, depending on which earnings band you fall into.

Health expenses – 30% (no limit).
Interest on health loans – 30% (no limit).
Expenditure on education and rehabilitation of disabled people – 30% (no limit).
Expenditure on education and professional training – 30% (maximum 720 Euros and 135 Euros more per dependent student).
Insurance premiums rehabilitation of taxpayers, disabled or dependent – 25% (limit of 15% of collection)
Amounts spent on homes and institutions in support of old age – 25% (limit of 382.50 Euros)
Interest and amortization on debts of property acquisition, construction or improvement of property – 30% (minimum 586 Euros, plus 10% for certain categories)
Interest and amortization of debt through contracts with social housing – 30% (ditto)
Payment of rent on properties – 30% (ditto)
Charges incurred for the rehabilitation of buildings – 30% (maximum €500)
Premiums for life insurance and personal accident – 30% (limit of €64 for single taxpayers and married €128).
Insurance premiums covering only health risks – 30% (limit of €84 Euros for singles and €168 for married couples, with 42 Euros for each dependent).
Expenditure on new equipment using renewable energy or natural gas – 30% (limit of 796 Euros. Cannot be combined with deductions for buildings).
Purchase of  ‘environmentally friendly’ cars – 30% (maximum 796 Euros and can not use in combination with deductions in respect of renewable energy).
Purchase of personal computers – 50% (limit of 250 Euros)
Donations to the State, Autonomous Regions and Municipalities – 25% (no limit)
Donations to other entities – 25%. Donations to churches or religious institutions 130% (limit of 15% of collection).

Source: ‘Tax Guide 2009′

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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 Rita  … this is the photo I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, and for me just goes to show that black & white lives on, and in this case makes the subject so much more dramatic. Anyone other readers still using black and white these days? If not send me in a colour photo for publishing, and I can convert it to black and white on request. BTW its taken at Ponto do São Lourenço.

This is quite an interesting article about the opinions of Low Cost Airlines in Portugal. LINK 

"The World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED), a World Tourism Organisation (WTO) institution, has assessed the Madeira Islands as a tourist destination based on 15 parameters". Repeated, because Don very kindly provided a link to the full report, which is quite interesting, and shows lots of strengths, but rather than than list the ‘weaknesses’ it very diplomatically puts the strengths in a lower rating band. It’s not very in-depth, but worth a read. MADEIRA EXCELLENCE 

We had the Google wagon in Ribeira Brava this week, capturing it’s images for Street View. Luckily I was out of sight as it passed by, as no doubt Interpol will be checking all these images. I am looking forward to a ‘virtual walk’ around town very soon. Shame they didn’t wait a few more days, and then we would have a permanent record of the lovely Xmas decorations.

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

Region recorded an increase in beekeepers and hives. The number of beekeepers in the region has increased by 40% between 2008 and 2009. There are 142 registered beekeepers whereas there were only 104 last year. There are also 38% more hives, increased from a total of 2,262 to 3,127 this year. In terms of honey production, 30 tons is similar to the previous two years. This year, there has already been sold 300 kilograms of honey from organic production from the hives situated at Galhano in Calheta and this amount should increase next year. The six members of the two inspection teams visit hives to detect pests and diseases, and disseminate information from experimentation on new methods. There are two main serious diseases, one controlled by medications but the other can prove deadly to hives as the pests can become medication-resistant. Tomorrow in Ribeira Brava is the Festa de Santo Ambrósio, the patron saint of beekeepers in the region.This is a 20 year old tradition. The celebrations begin at 10.00 with Mass in the Church of Ribeira Brava, then at 11.00 a colloquium in the parish hall on the health of bees. A lunch at the restaurant Lugar de Baixo will include the traditional honey poncha. The lunch costs 16 Euros for adults and 8 Euros for children and is bookable by phone.

Collection by Abraço beats expectations. The association Abraço supports people diagnosed with HIV / AIDS. Their collection of food, hygiene and cleaning products exceeded expectations. Between 28 November and 1 December, they collected 26,000 packages which will be distributed to affected families. Abraço also supply meals daily. The association receives donations throughout the year of toys, educational supplies and clothing and have an increasing number of volunteers. On 12 December they are relaunching the fund-raising campaign to collect used electrical cables for their copper content. —- The Madeirans are being more generous each year, despite the economic difficulties.

Presépios of Portugal in Santana. Joao Egidio Rodriques, since he was six years old, has amassed a collection of over 2,000 nativity pieces from various countries and a hundred are displayed in the Casa da Cultura in Santana. This year, he will again be responsible for the decorations in the Largo do Chafariz and the large presépio in Funchal. Gold, red and purple are this year’s colours. The figures have arrived from the continent and are awaiting his final touches.

Expropriation of the sanitation in Santo da Serra. The basic sanitation in Santo da Serra is not functional despite the infrastructure being in place, as the three pumping stations have not been built. Problems in the ownership and location of land have meant that the 250,000 Euros stations have not been constructed. The sanitation should be working next year, depending on network connections by the Municipalities Machico and Santa Cruz. Until then, the population will still be forced to use septic tanks and the Municipality will still send out cleaning tankers.

Nails are ‘bleeding’ trees. Council have acknowledged the error and have had to replace the nails. Dozen of nails were driven by the Council itself into the trees that support the Christmas lights in Câmara de Lobos. This practice was once widespread but now has been virtually banned by environmentalists. The Mayor of Câmara de Lobos was annoyed by the wave of criticism and counter-attacked, "Today even a nail into a tree causes an outcry but maybe these people do not see the number of trees that were planted." He devalues the impact of the nails as he thinks they do not have any effect, and in some circumstances the branches will be cut during pruning. Quercus, the environment lobby, criticize driving nails, screws or other sharp materials into trees as they can cause the death of the tree, and other methods can be used. The fact that this practice has been carried out by local officials reinforced the tone of criticism, "Even more serious because the authority itself knows what it takes to keep the trees and public spaces healthy." What often happens is that the ornaments are removed but the nails are left in place, with consequences later on for the tree.

Court case to stop Quinta do Lorde will cause bankruptcy. The Director-General of the company of the Quinta do Lorde development said yesterday in court that if the work stops for more than three months, the company will go bankrupt. The pre-trial case is for the class action filed against the Council of Machico. The company has already spent 43 million Euros on the development in Caniçal. The marina and adjacent buildings cost 18 million and were completed in April 2007. The marina was financed by the Incentive Scheme for Tourism by 4 million Euros, of which €1.1 million was in grants, and the support of the Regional Government was 0.5 million Euros. The project directly employs 40 workers and indirectly provides employment for 200 people. The current restaurants and marina have an annual turnover of 350,000 – 400,000 Euros. There are around 600 entries / sailings per year of yachts in the bay of Funchal. The total bank loan is for €70 million and already €43 million has been spent. 650,000 Euros has been paid to Machico Council for licences. Contracts to the sum of €4 million have already been signed. The Council will gain €7 million from the cost of the enterprise. After pressure, the Quinta do Lorde management returned the public land around the Capela da Piedade and supported a network of sanitation and telecommunications / energy for 3 kilometres serving both the project and the Council. The environmentalist / popular author Raimundo Quintal is one of the witnesses and due to the complexity of the case, the parties are submitting written evidence.

Closure of São Lazaro by the end of the year. The Administration of the Harbours is to shut São Lazaro in the next 20 days due to a contract ending. 48 sailing vessels will have to be removed, not an easy task as some are in for maintenance work and some have been abandoned, occasionally the owner is not known. The administrators of Funchal Marina are trying to contact the owners but moving large boats in bad condition will be difficult and the authorities will not assume that responsibility. Three dozen owners of small boats will not have any facilities for storing the boats or equipment. This closure is due to the development of the Northern area of the port of Funchal. The opening of the area at Água de Pena should occur this week and will be managed by the same firm that manages the marinas at Quinta do Lorde and Porto Santo.

Transavia.com flights to Nantes. The low-cost carrier will fly on Mondays and Fridays from Madeira to Nantes (West provincial France) from next summer. Launch price of 90 Euros per leg. This should benefit the increasing number of French tourists. SATA has one flight a week to Paris, which will increase to two in the summer. Aigle Azur began last October a scheduled weekly flight, also to Paris, which could increase to two in the summer depending on demand.

CDS-PP propose a famer’s market in Ribeira Brava. The central parking area over the Ribeira was disapproved of by the majority of the PSD. The CDS-PP want a farmer’s market on land in front of the municipal auto-silo, so farmers can sell their produce on the same day.

Most hotels lowered prices to overcome crisis. Hoteliers emphasize that the cost of holidays in Madeira is increased by the cost of air transport. Most hotels in Madeira have lowered their prices to minimize the effects of the crisis, but Madeira keeps the status of high quality. The region has had decreased occupation this year. A five-star hotel is charging prices that used to be charged by a four-star hotel, and the latter now the same as a three-star hotel used to charge. They have had to decrease prices to compensate for the cost of flights. Reid’s Palace Hotel, one of the oldest on the island, has suffered from a 24% fall in (mainly) English tourists but has an increased number from France, Germany and Portugal, the latter by 30%. They are now looking at alternative markets, for example Scandinavia, Switzerland and Poland. The Director-General of Reid’s said that Madeira still has the same quality of customers as before, of higher quality than visit the Algarve. They will not lower their prices to attract more customers as they cannot provide the service any cheaper. The Tourism Minister also emphasized that the region will always remain a destination of quality despite reduced hotel prices. Everything has been done in the region to promote quality, including investments made by hotels in staff training and replacement of equipment. She thinks the current economic crisis is temporary, and that prices of hotels are now at the level two years ago and this situation is not desirable but recoverable.

Marine tourism activities grow in the region. Weather conditions allow operations throughout the year. Increasing are footpaths to contemplate the coast of the island and whale watching, though not always possible, with dolphins more probable as they occur in larger numbers in the North Atlantic. The visitor can also enjoy a swim in the warm, clean ocean off the island. The catamaran for whale and dolphin watching was very busy during the first year, especially the summer months, so the family business brought a second boat and numbers of visitors have been steadily increasing.

Special Presépios in the Dolce Vita. The initiative ‘Nativity Scenes Contest’ is in its fourth year. It is a competition for people with special needs to build presépios.The exhibition of them in the Dolce Vita is to promote inclusion and make awareness of the entire population that has special needs. They have been prepared in Centres of Occupational Activities in the region which welcome both young and adults with certain intellectual difficulties, some charities and some primary schools. The Toy Museum has also gained toys made from recycled materials, the results of an educational contest for people with special needs.

Region wants to borrow €129 million. The ALM want the Assembly of the Republic to rectify the State Budget to increase the net debt per capita in the Region. José Sócrates government will ask the Assembly of the Republic to increase the debt by more than €4.500 million, which will mean the State spends more than €15 billion than it raises in revenues, the largest deficit in 24 years. Jardim states that if the State Budget was altered, then the Autonomous Region could also increase its debt to about 388 million Euros, if the State agrees to an increase in Regional debt by €129 million.

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

Homeless resigned to spending Christmas in the ‘Casa dos Pobres (Poor House) – Those that live on the street are more concerned with survival day to day : food and a roof. It is meal time in the Protective Association for the Poor, on Rua do Frigorífico in Funchal, and those who rely on the free meals are appearing. António Pita, retired from the Câmara Municipal of Funchal says "It is true. I lunch and take an evening meal every day and Christmas isn’t going to be any different, I am going to spend it here". The tears are dancing in his eyes, but they quickly disappear. "I am already used to it" he adds. He is 69 years old, he receives a pension of €500 (a month I presume), and says he is alone in the world. "I have a daughter, but it is like I don’t have". He sleeps at night in a room for which he pays €300, and what remains doesn’t go very far, but he doesn’t lack anything, and is well clothed, shoed, and well fed. Another man says, "I have been unemployed since the Hotel do Mar closed. I am aged 51", says Mário Freitas. "[Xmas] is always a complicated season, I am alone, and all my family are in Venezuela". "I come here everyday for lunch and dinner, and what I receive from the Social Security doesn’t go any further". He was employed in the hotel until 12 years ago when it shut down, and has been unemployed ever since. Just a sample of some of the stories in the article.

Today’s top news headline : Vaccines for everybody with or without risk – The Clinical Director of SESARAM gave orders to the Health Centres to vaccinate whoever requests it as long as they are in possession of a referral note. And who makes it difficult picks up a ‘process’. For Miguel Ferreira, the more people that get vaccinated, the better, whether or not in an identified ‘at risk’ group. Yesterday there was a second fatal victim on Madeira, and another infected person remains in intensive care. The two thousand vaccines available at present won’t go very far, but the health chief has issued the order that anyone who comes forward with a ‘doctors note’ should be given the jab, and he is not interested if they are officially in a priority ‘at risk’ group or not, or hear talk of bureaucratic issues. Those who disobey his order by refusing to give the inoculation face disciplinary action.

Arabic crisis hinders ‘new’ Technopólo - It was announced with pomp and circumstance in 2005, the second phase of development of the Science and Technology Park of Madeira is now in check. The crisis has hit  Arabic investors. For anyone with the time and urge to translate this article, here is the LINK

Dallas Circus in Funchal with a tent big enough for two thousand – The controversy is over : The Madeiran Xmas has a circus, Dallas, that was in the Marítimo Fair. For anyone with the time and urge to translate this article, here is the LINK

In sport, or football even, the main stories : Portuguese squad sets up camp in the zone of the Madeirans – During the 2010 World Cup Portugal will stay in Gauteng, a zone in reach of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Bruno is the news story in the Marítimo – Olhanense match today. The skipper is back already for this afternoons game, having just recovered from Gripe A swine flu. A win for Marítimo will put them in fourth place in the league table, but Nacional could retake the position tomorrow night.

Ronaldo missed a penalty, scored a goal, and was sent off. Cristiano Ronaldo had an eventful game last night in Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Almeria. The forward from Madeira missed a penalty, scored a few minutes later and then received a red card for a second bookable offence. Ronaldo was initially booked for taking his shirt off after scoring his team’s fourth goal and then received a second yellow card for lashing out at an opposition defender. After the game Ronaldo said: "I am human and I have faults" and added that he had raised his arm in "an instinctive reaction." The world’s most expensive player admitted he had apologized to his team mates and said he was “sad” to miss the next match against Valencia next week (and the one after I believe).

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