Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Becky … "Can anyone help and tell me what plant this is Looks like a Sweet Pea but I have never seen one with a curl in the middle before?".

This video has only just been posted on YouTube, but is the only one I have seen that captures the moment (well almost) when the bridge got badly damaged, with both walls swept away, and a wave of mud then swept into town. As for the second event, that damaged the bridge structurally, I have yet to find even a photograph yet of the tanker lorry that was washed down river from several kilometres away, and whacked into one of the supporting pillars before being torn to pieces. Compulsive but not exactly pleasant viewing! Der.

Nail from time of Christ’s crucifixion found in Madeira. A four-inch long nail thought to be one of thousands used in crucifixions across the Roman empire was discovered in Summer 2009 in a decorated box in a fort on the tiny isle of Ilheu de Pontinha, just off the coast of Madeira. Pontinha was thought to have been held by the Knights Templar, the religious order that was part of the Christian forces which occupied Jerusalem during the Crusades in the 12th century. The knights were part of the plot of Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code. Full article / Source : Daily Telegraph

Image caption: supervisor Dilly Correia Ozard has been in Guernsey for 30 years but still has a lot of family in Madeira

Superstore in Guernsey raises £1,000 for Madeira. Guernsey does its bit for another island in trouble. Sandpiper employs around 20 Madeirans at its Checkers superstore at Admiral Park, Guernsey. HERE

Many thanks to Paul for sending these in, and the following article also.

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Madeira may redirect existing EU funds to re-build infrastructure. ‘EurActiv’ comments that Madeira is already investigating the possibility of redirecting existing EU funds to the worst-hit areas. The island already receives additional regional monies as a peripheral area, and as most of these funds are already earmarked for infrastructure projects, it should be possible to use them for rebuilding bridges, roads and running water systems in the disaster zones.

New Austrian EU Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn will come to Madeira this week and travel to the French coast soon, offering assurances that EU ‘disaster funds’ will be made available to the devastated regions.

- In specific cases The Solidarity Fund can be mobilised even if the threshold is not met. According to the Commission, the Solidarity Fund may only be called upon once a certain threshold has been reached – in Portugal’s case, it is set at €958 million worth of damage. First estimates from the Portuguese authorities show that the damage would exceed this threshold. In specific cases, however, the Fund can be mobilised even if the threshold is not met. The affected areas have 10 weeks to submit an application, though as French EU Minister Pierre Lellouche was quick to point out, the Solidarity Fund cannot be used for damages to private property.

- The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF): background. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), which was set up in 2002, allocates emergency aid to member states and applicant countries which have been struck by a major natural disaster. Its annual budget is €1 billion. Since 2002, the Commission has received 69 applications for financial assistance from the Fund, of which 33 led to the granting of financial support totalling more than €2.15 billion. Catastrophes are considered to be "major” if the estimated direct cost of damage exceeds three billion Euros or 0.6% of gross national income of the member state concerned. Portugal was granted aid from the EUSF in the wake of the forest fires which occurred in the summer of 2003. On that occasion it received €48.5 million.

- Madeira benefits from a reinforced support (additional funding) from Cohesion Policy as it is one of the EU’s seven "outermost regions" with a specific status recognised in the EU Treaty to take into account their specific geographic situation and their insularity. France received €109 million in 2009 when the Landes region was hit by Hurricane Klaus.

- Positions. "Europe is expected to come to the aid of those countries affected by the violent storms this weekend, who must let the European Commission know exactly what they need to get through this disaster so that European solidarity can be as efficient as possible", said French centre-right MEP Joseph Daul yesterday. "If the European Union was effective in Haiti, as it will also, I am sure, be in Chile, its duty is also to work to address the most urgent needs of those Europeans themselves affected by such a violent storm," he added. This article has been written by Paul adapted from the Euractiv article.

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Many thanks to Elaine (East) for these web snippets :

Is this true?  …Pilot whales off Madeira, in the Atlantic, have been known to drag swimmers down to the depths, apparently heedless of their need for air … KILLER WHALE INTERVIEW

Madeira visitor’s blog : FIRST   SECOND

Elaine out West sent this in, from yesterday’s Diário de Notícias … many thanks.

Care still needed with regard to water. Several people have come to the hospital with gastrointestinal complaints. In recent days several people have come to the Emergency Service of Hospital Dr. Nelio Mendonça with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The situation was foreseen by the regional authorities, since, due to the storm of 20 February, the water supply network suffered disruptions, causing the contamination. It was for this reason that, in the first announcements made by the Government to the population, calls were made for water to be boiled before consumption. To reinforce the importance of taking care of the water, the Institute of Health Administration and Social Affairs (IASAÚDE) has created an information pamphlet in which are described and recommended some measures for water treatment. Maurício Melim, president of IASAÚDE, told the DIÁRIO on behalf of the Water Management (GEF) that he has been assured that the water of Funchal is of good quality. However, in areas that were most affected by the storm, such as the uplands of Funchal, as well as in Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, where some problems were identified, there is a continued risk of contamination. "It is better to take preventative measures, which means that water should be boiled for 10 minutes before being consumed,“ he stated. This care should be reinforced in the case of children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, who are usually more fragile, Maurício Melim warned.

How to treat drinking water. Wash salads, fruit or other foods that are consumed raw, and only drink water boiled for at least 10 minutes. If boiling is impossible, added bleach to it on the following scale: one litre of water to two drops of bleach, a gallon of water to ten drops of bleach. The water, whether boiled or treated with bleach, should be stored in a clean container (for example, a bottle with a capacity of five litres) so it can be used more easily. It is not necessary to boil or disinfect water that is intended for cooking food or cleaning teeth.

Nacional played their rescheduled football match against Belenenses yesterday afternoon, after it was postponed on Monday night due to thick fog in Choupana. Our lads managed a 1 – 0 win, ending a poor run of results, and leaving them in equal 6th position in the Portuguese premier league.

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

FRONT PAGE NEWS

People are the high priority. Alberto João Jardim and José Sócrates met for more than two hours yesterday in Lisbon to set a plan for dealing with the damage caused by the disaster that struck Madeira. José Sócrates welcomed a framework of cooperation and presented the three areas that Funchal and Lisbon will work hard on: homeless, economy and reconstruction of public infrastructure. "This operation of great urgency aims to restore living conditions for the homeless." The plan is also to help the recovery of the affected economy and help private enterprises recover their businesses. The Prime Minister also considered it important to recover the destroyed public infrastructure. There will be a joint committee established between both governments which will rigorously examine what can be done in all three areas: what is needed, the work that is needed and its financial cost. In the case of homelessness, new homes will only be supplied to those in need. There were 400 homes damaged by the storm and those that need cleaning, will be cleaned. In terms of businesses, cheques will be distributed to revitalise the economy. There are already credit lines established for traders. From today, there will also be help with paying wages. In the case of infrastructure, international means will be a key pillar for the reconstruction. The priority is the water infrastructure and the coast. The European Investment Bank has approved a loan of 240 million Euros for the reconstruction of public infrastructure, for 75% of the cost. Using the Solidarity Fund is another option. Sócrates says he will resort to all means. Over the next three years, the financial relationship between the two governments will be under a Special Law which will replace the Regional Finance Law for the period of reconstruction. The Regional Finance Law is not affected and will be voted on in March. The Prime Minister said this is because extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures. "It would be pointless if Madeira can only count on the support from the Government resulting from the new Regional Finance Law." Not so long ago, he found increased transfers to the Region were unaffordable and a negative sign but times have changed. The opposition parties all seem pleased and in agreement with this arrangement.

Century-old bridge will disappear. The Mayor of Ribeira Brava believes the century-old bridge at Ribeira Brava, opposite the church, is not recoverable after structural damage during flooding on February 20th. This iconic bridge was once the only access to the southwest coast of the island. The decision to demolish and replace it will not be taken until after further evaluation. The water in the stream underneath pounded and overflowed this bridge until the structure finally gave way and it was partially destroyed. The council have a special telephone help line for those affected by the storm, for help and advice about damage to buildings, belongings and agricultural land.

Trinidade offers to Madeira a Flower Festival campaign. Bernardo Trinidade, the State Secretary for Tourism, has instructed Turismo de Portugal to allow Madeira to enter late proposals for the PIT program, for promoting the Flower Festival to the domestic market. The deadline for submissions was last October but there is still 150,000 Euros in funding available. This exceptional measure is because of downturn in demand in the hotel and regional economy at times of high activity, Easter and the Flower Festival. As well as financial support, the promotional ‘machine’ of Tourismo de Portugal will be available. Yesterday, a delegation of the Portuguese Association of Travel Agents and Tourism and eight journalists visited the region, with the cooperation of TAP. The recovery of Madeira and promoting the Flower Festival to the domestic market were the aims. Madeira is a focus for this association as there is a meeting in Lisbon next week for European tour operators and associations, so this organization will be able to speak about the recovery of this island.

MADEIRA

Population in Achada in despair. About 30 people living in Achada in Curral das Freiras are in despair as there have been no visits to help or assess the damage and support needed, since the tragedy. The criticism is towards the Regional Government, Municipal Council and Parish Council. Although close to the centre of Curral das Freiras, this area is difficult to access and many children missed the beginning of the school week yesterday. There are four other areas difficult to access from the centre. There are still fears of mudslides and landslides in Achada.

Pilot study for Census 2011 transferred to Santana. As there have been many regions of Ribeira Brava affected by the storm on February 20th, the pilot survey for the Census 2011 is now to be carried out in Santana.

ECONOMY

Children fly free on TAP flights. TAP will launch a solidarity campaign with Madeira that provides free tickets for children under 12 years old, accompanied by their parents, flying from the Continent to Madeira. The campaign runs from April 12th to May 31st. There is not a fixed number of seats reserved for this campaign as it will depend on demand but it is assured there will be a considerable number. TAP will also assist journalists and tour operators from the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Russia, so they can evaluate the recovery of the island. Members of the Victoria campaign can donate their air miles which will be converted to funds for the recuperation of Madeira.

Madeirans were stranded on board the Island Escape. A group of Madeirans who made a cruise between the Canary Islands and Madeira on February 15th, had a choice of staying free for another 7 nights or returning by flight. They were due to return on February 22nd but this was cancelled due to security as many streets were being cleaned and restored. Five couples declined the free cruise extension as they were anxious to return. Due to the bad weather, the ship could not stop at Agadir and only stayed at Lanzarote long enough to pick up passengers. Instead, the ship sailed between Tenerife and Las Palmas four times.The option to continue on board for an extra week meant that passengers could visit Agadir and the three Canary Islands before a difficult return journey in rough seas to Funchal.

POLITICS

New mandate of Jardim is not surprising. The confirmation of the continuity of Alberto Jardim as the head of the Regional Government and the PSD after 2011, seems almost a formality. Some of the most influential leaders of the party were not surprised by his statement that he is reconsidering leaving. Miguel Mendonça, president of the Legislative Assembly, has always advocated Jardim remaining in power and says that the reconstruction of Madeira might be a factor in this important decision. He said he is of the same generation as Jardim and is grateful for what he has done and maybe he is "mais albertista". Miguel Sousa, vice-president of the Legislative Assembly, also agrees with this decision, "I thought so in times of peace, much more I believe in times of crisis."

CULTURE

Cultural Agenda of DRAC is outdated. The Cultural Agenda of DRAC for March, published yesterday, does not include changes due to the aftermath of the flood. These are after the flooding of the Municipal Theatre and include the postponement of some plays, exhibitions and concerts. Some other concerts are not guaranteed, for example those by the OCM at the Casino.

Gala raised half a million Euros. The Portuguese pledged 526,000 Euros to help the victims of the flood. The gala event in Lisbon was organized by SIC television channel and was broadcasted live.

Taken from today’s Journal da Madeira.  Best wishes to you all. Waterbaby.

FIRST MODULE OF THE BRIDGE FOR FAJÃ DA RIBEIRA, RIBEIRA BRAVA HAS ARRIVED!

The first of several modules of a bridge for Fajã da Ribeira, Ribeira Brava arrived yesterday at around 18.15 hours, by a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft of the Portuguese Air force. Assembly of the bridge modules will be carried out by army engineers who arrived on the same flight.  This flight also included a Lieutenant-General of the Portuguese Army, Amaral Vieira, who came to learn of the help that the army has provided to the region following the floods.  In a brief interview Lt-General Vieira said ‘I know what the staff of the 3rd Regiment of the Military Zone of Madeira has done, and I want to congratulate them for the excellent work they have carried out’.

Lt-General Vieira stated that the bridge is split into 3 sections prior to final assembly.  The first section arrived yesterday and today two additional flights by C-130 transport aircraft arriving in Madeira at 11.30 and 13.30 hours, whereupon the sections will be transported and assembled on site.  Weather permitting the assembly will take 24 hours to complete, with the bridge being capable of supporting up to 22 tonne loads.

For the return flight to the Mainland, the transport aircraft took aboard 10 elements of firefighters from Lisbon, as well as elements of the Navy (Marines) and equipment such as the large capacity pumps loaned by firefighters and the Port of Lisbon, that were used to empty the basements of some buildings. Many thanks Waterbaby. I can’t find the exact location of this on my very expensive map, or through the internet, but I believe this is the bridge that will open up the road to Serra d’Água again?

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

Madeira is losing anti-storm ‘shield’  – The island is more vulnerable to the bad weather.

The instability continues this Winter.

Hail stones whitened the mountain ranges and arrived in Funchal. 

Today’s main news headline : Damages of €90 million in Ribeira Brava – The initial calculations of the Council don’t include damaged equipment [infrastructure] of the Regional Government within the area of responsibility, such as the roads.

Governments give priority to the European Funds – [president] Jardim and [prime minister] Sócrates seek to minimise expenses in the state budget. Nacional funds will not arrive before May.

Regional Government wants to  re-house the displaced population [through the floods] up until the end of March. 350 people are currently staying in the holding centres. There were 600 people without homes, and 350 still remain in that position, mostly from Funchal, Ribeira Brava, Santa Cruz and Câmara de Lobos. I asked an official from the (family) court in Funchal about this yesterday, curious to know what guarantees Feliz Abreu from Pomar da Rocha would have, as it seems the government takes responsibility for re-housing those who have been made homeless. He said that there are no guarantees, and each case is judged on it’s own merits, based mainly on the circumstances of an individual after the event. So for example, if someone had another home, or relatives that could offer accommodation, the government would not help. The issue of whether the person had failed to take out buildings insurance or not (to have a property repaired or rebuilt) does not seem to be an issue, as it is recognised that such insurance is just too expensive for many, and besides that many policies exclude liability for ‘an act of god’, as was seen last month.

Gil Rosa Director of content on RTP Madeira. An interview with the man chosen to direct the information content for public television and radio.

Martim Santos new director of RTP Madeira – Gil Rosa moves to lead the Department of Information. The news about Martim seems to have exited Diário readers today, with mixed reactions to the appointment. 16 comments posted already (2 pm). Some readers think that there is nepotism, or perhaps favouritism, in play. Who would of thought that could happen on Madeira?

The main sport / football headline today : Nacional achieves it’s first win in 2010 – The goal of João Aurélio defeated Belenenses (1 – 0) and strengthens the position of the alvinegros for a European position. The Portugal v China friendly game, or rather a World Cup 2010 warm-up match, is live on TVI (channel 4) tonight at 8.45 pm. The under 21′s also play Wales today, with live coverage on TVI at 2.55 pm.

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. All contributions much appreciated. 

I have been sent a computer virus warning, and whilst normally I would just bin it, this one actually comes from the Portuguese police. It is a video called "Aneis Durex", and although it arouses my curiosity at least, it apparently reformats your hard drive and sends the virus to your contacts, so don’t open it.

The blog software upgrade attempted today failed. As a result another attempt will be made tomorrow morning, but is expected to take longer, and so access to the blog will be not be possible during the work. Sorry for any inconvenience.

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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 – Many thanks to Becky … 2010 Funchal fireworks from Rua do Lazareto

No ‘bonus items’ for today, so no other websites to visit, videos to watch, just Becky’s photo above, so that’s allowed me a little time to have a ramble, and reflect on the weekend just passed.

Saturday morning started off with a trip to the local Modelo. There and back in less than an hour, so I was quite please with myself … for a while at least. A new sale 50% had started, although according to the flyer I received afterwards, it wasn’t actually supposed to start until Sunday, but nether-the-less there it was, so I managed to stock up on many things I didn’t really need with a 50% discount (on the Modelo loyalty card, as usual). Most of the ‘sale’ items’ were also unusually all located together, so that was really handy to stock up all from one aisle. 18 litres of milk were acquired, but it wasn’t until I returned home that I noticed that the b*****ds hadn’t discounted the 73c price by 50%, so I had paid an extra €4 and something. Most annoying! And then to make matters even worse, I opened a carton of Continente ‘tuna chunks’ on Sunday night, to find one chunk missing. What’s the matter with these people, can’t  they count. I don’t think I have ever been to Modelo without some mistake being made in 6 years, but I usually manage to sniff out more of the ones in my favour.

I didn’t really get time to browse the newspapers this weekend, but somebody did give me copy of MAIS, the weekend magazine that comes with the Diário newspaper. That put me off my beer when I saw a very unexpected mug peering out at me … enough said!

I mentioned on Sunday morning the appearance of a new sandy beach at Ribeira Brava, and forget to thank the people of Calheta for donating it. By Sunday afternoon it had gone again, so I figured that it is just a low tide beach for now, as it was back again on Sunday night. Yesterday morning the sand was even deeper. I had figured this would happen one day, but expected a gradual build up of sand, not for it all to happen overnight. Fishermen in hoards have taken over the beaches and the quay, mostly fishing in areas they shouldn’t be, but the council don’t care it seems. I said before that I thought that one of the giant nets at the offshore Campanário fish farm had broken in the stormy seas, and looking at the tiddlers these fisherman were catching, I think that must be the case. Some of them were bagging skinny little fish as small as 7 or 8 cm long, a mouthful at most, and I am guessing that they are Dourada, but am not certain. If they all held back on the catch for a few months these fish would have grown significantly and been worthwhile fishing for, but whether that’s a fisherman or human mentality or not, I don’t know.

The receipt of a ‘Golden Buda’ email (from two sources) one Sunday afternoon, told me that I was going to get some luck in the next few hours. I can’t get lucky stuck indoors I thought, so I ventured off into town at night Then Nacional lost to Benfica, so the luck obviously wasn’t coming from all angles … persistence was obviously needed. I went with a pal to a bar I hadn’t been in since 2008, and it is now under new management. I got the new customer treatment, which was nice, even though a medium beer was a pricey €1.20. I was given a free liquor, or something like that, but didn’t like it much. The Polvo (Octopus, or even squid perhaps) turned up in a small bowl. I knew I shouldn’t have indulged, but it did taste nice even though pretty tough as usual, and so I am still picking out chunks stuck in my teeth two days later. Then another beer later came along with a dish of piping hot spicy chips. That was a little bit of my promised luck I thought, but at €1.20 for a beer a free complete meal was what I  really deserved.

Then it was back to school yesterday … it’s beginning to seem that the start of a new term for us Portuguese students is doomed to fail, and yesterday was no exception. 20 minutes into the lesson, and still no teacher. A quick trip down to the office, and it materialized that the dozen of us who had turned up were on our way out again without so much as lifting a pen. Teacher was off on doctors orders, and no one had told us, and no substitute was arranged, and it seems we have two more weeks of the same. As a kid I would have whooped with joy, but at a slightly less tender age now, I just want to get on with it and see the course out.

The vaccination of under 18 year olds against Gripe A is underway – Maurício Melim admits limitations in the health centres. Starting yesterday the health centres of Madeira are vaccinating against H1N1 swine flu in the age group 6 months to 18 years, and also the parents of babies under 6 months old. The president of the Institute of Health Administration IASAÚDE predicts a natural increase in the influx to the health centres. The target priority group will be widened as more vaccine supplies arrive. It will probably be about 5 years before my turn then, what with being an ageing foreigner and all that. We will probably have moved onto Halibut flu (aka Gripe ZX2) by then, and just be entering the phase of Banana flu that is forecast worldwide. In the meantime, I will just have to continue to protect myself with © Toranja Poncha ©, so that’s a bit of a bind now as Toranjas are out of season. Pimpinela poncha for sure wont be very palatable to fill the gap, but the research will go on.

55 new cases of gripe A were diagnosed on Madeira last week.

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

Cancelled Porto Santo ferry. The Lobo Marinho ferry did not sail for Porto Santo this morning due to rough seas and strong winds forecasted. The Captain of the Port of Funchal has advised all vessels to stay in safe harbour today with improvements expected this afternoon and tomorrow. 100 reservations had been made. Yesterday, the ferry left Porto Santo at 16.00 instead of 19.00, warning all passengers in advance, due to strong winds forecasted which caused the captain to fear berthing at Funchal in a strong swell. Despite previous announcements to the contrary, the boat will not sail tomorrow as Tuesday is the usual day for maintenance. It’s nice to think that somewhat is enjoying the bad weather, namely the ships crew. Der

MSC Splendida visits Funchal for the first time. Photo of the ship this morning. This new cruise ship accompanied two others, bringing a total of around 7,000 tourists. The Splendida has 3,300 tourists on board but can accommodate up to 3,887 passengers. Arriving form Tenerife at 7 am, she sails for Malaga at 17.00. Traditional arrival ceremony hosted by the Ship Enthusiasts Club and the port authorities but she will not be seen here again until 21 January 2011.

TAP overbooked flight. Yesterday morning at Madeira Airport, nearly two dozen passengers were left behind due to a TAP flight to Porto being overbooked by the airline company. The flight TAP3574 should have left at 11.40 but finally took off at 12.26 due to the confusion. The passengers were left behind despite arriving early, having booked months in advance and some paying more than 300 Euros. Some are University of Porto students who have examinations soon and they thought they had been bypassed in the queue as they were single travellers. The majority were able to fly at midnight yesterday but one student contacted knew of a colleague who could not get a flight until 7am this morning. TAP will pay 250 Euros compensation.

Rampa de Carros de Pau in Água de Pena. (These are home-made wooden go-karts). 28 ‘cars’ and 40 participants in the fourth edition of the race which is organized by the Parish Council. There were more participants yesterday afternoon than previously. Some ‘cars’ are conspicuous in their originality, one decorated with the ‘colours of Ferrari’. The competition is open to all ages and there are prizes for all present, especially the winners of the two categories: individuals and pairs. As they went between the Caminho Florestal and the Queimada de Cima, there were a few minor scratches and bruises from falling off or to poor driving ability, especially around corners, but all the participants were satisfied and happy to complete the course. — I watched them on the news this morning and they were able to accurately steer when they had to weave in between tyres placed in the centre of the road, and quite reasonable speeds were achieved. Some were wearing the requisite helmets and elbow and knee pads but not all. I remember that the race had to be rescheduled to yesterday due to previous bad weather. Fathers and children had combined forces, really enjoying themselves and proud of their efforts – great to see.

JPP accuse PSD of voting against the interests of Gaula. PSD members of the Parish Council of Gaula voted against the 2010 Budget and Plan for the Council. Élvio Sousa (JPP) is the leader of the Parish Council and fails to understand how the PSD can vote against a budget that provides 7,500 Euros for the purchase of medicines and 3,500 Euros for the support of impoverished families. Despite this, the proposals were passed due to the support of the JPP councillors and will be put into practice, an announcement that was received with great enthusiasm from the local people who filled the auditorium of the Civic Centre. Élvio Sousa accused the PSD members of obeying the directives of their party in Funchal. "A true gaules would not vote against the interests of the People of Gaula." Regulations are now being drafted and will be sent for judicial review at the end of January. Élvio Sousa does not know what will be the main criteria for reimbursement of the cost of medicines. Humberto Bettencourt explained that the PSD had voted against the budget because it was a 26% increase relative to last year’s budget and this has not yet been voted for by the County Council. "We never questioned the social measures that the new president presented. We did not vote against it because of these measures."

Right to a view in Avista Navios recognized by the courts. A widow in her 70s living in Caminho do Avista Navios in Nazaré, Funchal has had a long standing dispute with a neighbour over construction work which obstructed her view of the bay of Funchal. She owns a building of 762 square metres and a neighbour built a wall that caused the dispute. The neighbour bought the property in 2003 and in 2004 built a wall which was 2.35 metres high rather than the legal 1.5 metres, and a chimney for a barbecue which also obscured the view. The widow complained that her house has an aluminium and glass porch with a 80 cm high balcony, from which there had been a fantastic view over the city. She has had this right to a view for over 20 years and in addition, the building works caused water damage to her property. In 2005, the defendant was ordered to lower the wall to 1.80 metres and replace the adjacent roof and gutter that had been removed. The neighbour refused and in 2008, another court case ruled that the widow had a right to a view, the offending part of the wall would have to be demolished and compensation paid. The case then went to the Appeal Court in Lisbon and without any reasons given, the court ruled the first decision was correct. The neighbour, still not satisfied, went back to the Appeal Court and on the 10 December, the court again ruled the widow had a right to a view and part of the wall had to be demolished. The defendant has no right to further appeal and will have to comply with the court order.

Cultural events in various areas this month. Cantar dos Reis on Tuesday January 5 at Funchal, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol and other localities. Sunday 10 January, Romarias de Boaventura – São Vicente at the Casa do Povo da Boaventura at 15.00  At 16.00 on the 18 January, the third Canticos da Festa in the Parish Hall at Raposeira, Fajã da Ovelha – Christmas songs from the various parishes. 30 – 31 January at the Praça da Serra de Água, during the afternoon and evening there will be an Exhibition of Crafts and Local Traditions, including recipes for ponchas. On Saturday January 16, a walking tour of Paul da Mar integrated into the festa de Santo Amaro, patron saint of the parish. There are various organizations involved and it recalls the times when local people went down the vereda dos Zimbreiros to go to Paul da Mar. People are invited to take a bordão (walking stick), musical instrument and their friends and be very joyful and it starts at Sítio do Lombo, Ponta do Pargo at 14.00. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from Fajã da Ovelha to Paul and meet the group at Ribeira das Galinhas. Return bus to the Sítio do Lombo leaves at 19.00, run by the County Council. Water, cakes and fruit juices will be distributed during the tour.

Two hundred watched the Cantar os Reis. The rain did not stop attendance at this initiative yesterday afternoon, organized by the Casa do Povo da Camacha. It is the first time a tent has had to be used due to heavy rain, erected in the Largo da Achada by Santa Cruz Council. Folklore groups from Camacha and Santo da Serra took part. They will still keep the tradition of singing at people’s homes during the night of the 5 – 6 January.

And from the Jornal da Madeira – North of the island revives the tradition. Last Saturday night, the Youth Group of the Parish along with the Casa do Povo de São Roque do Faial maintained the tradition of "Cantar os Reis" (Singing of the Kings) at houses in the parish. This tradition has resumed after for almost a decade, it was in danger of being lost forever in that area and had practically not occurred in the northern parishes. Since then, several parishes have heard the sound of the "Cantar dos Reis". This initiative is nurtured by the people of the parish who welcome young people and offer sweet confectionery left over from Christmas, like bolo or broas de mel accompanied by local wine or liqueur, abundant during the holiday festivities. The visits began in the late afternoon. The group sang the Romagem de Natal and then went to the residence of Father João Mendonça, situated in the village of Porto da Cruz. The music and songs sung were retained in the parish collectively by the older people.

It is recalled that each year there are more houses visited. The "Kings" are received with great joy and are always invited to visit the Lapinha and have a liqueur and sample the traditional broas and cakes of this season. This activity has always been held on the Saturday before the Epifania do Senhor (Epiphany of the Lord), (the day the Church celebrates the Dia de Reis, second Sunday after Christmas). The fact that this initiative falls on a Saturday makes it possible for young people, mostly students, to participate since the visits last into the night.

This year despite the weather, the group of players and singers took a tour of the parish covering homes from the lower part up to higher sites. "A curiosity of our region is that one of the ‘Kings can carry’ the Menino Jesus to people for kissing," said Heliodoro Dória from the local Casa do Povo, stating that "the visits ended only at two in the morning despite uncertain weather with some rain." After that hour the bells stopped ringing. Note that in addition to singing and music, the group was accompanied by bells in order to be heard in the distance so that people could prepare for the visit. For the president of the Casa do Povo, the main reason for this activity to continue is to "keep alive the traditions of this region and provide moments of conviviality and fellowship among the dozens of people involved." 

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

Tradition of ‘Cantar os Reis’ livens Madeira – In Curral das Freiras, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Funchal, and out there somewhere, the coming night is going to warm. I think we have probably covered these stories several times here, so no more from me to be said. But it does seem to me that what I understood was mainly a sort of house-to-house tradition is moving more outdoors into organised events more recently. Am I mistaken?

Today’s main news headline : Lisbon without any pressure delay the Regional Finance Law – The successive resort to technical advice about the various alterations to the LFRA is surely going to ‘red tape’ the conclusion of the process, and the release of funds for which the Regional Government has been campaigning. The PS Socialists say they are not dithering on purpose, but that also they do not exist to serve the requests of the PSD Social Democrats.

The main front page photo today shows a rural / agricultural scene littered with debris resulting from the recent bad weather : 200 farmers have already requested assistance – The Environment Agency has 16 technicians to inspect damage from the bad weather. Up until yesterday afternoon, around 200 farmers had already applied for financial support from the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources, from a resource set up to assist citizens with land damaged resulting from the bad weather suffered in the last two weeks of December. Regional Secretary, Manuel António Correia, says that inspections are already underway, so that the farms can be restored, and even improved, as soon as possible. The 16 technicians have not only to evaluate the damage claim, but also verify that it was caused during the most recent bad weather. The funding has been ring-fenced from both Regional and European sources, and can cover between 85 and 100% of eligible expenses.

Wind and waves continue to hinder navigation. The Lobo Marinho did not make the trip and the tanker ‘Madeiro’ unloads its fuel with an ‘eye dropper’.

150 thousand litres of water ‘bail out’ Ponta do Sol. Over 150,000 litres of drinking water have been distributed in just 4 days. The tankers used to provide the water will not result in any additional costs for Ponta do Sol council. Normality is returning to domestic users in Ponta do Sol, as drinking water now flows through household taps.  A week ago around 5,000 people in the district were still without drinking water, due to storm damage to the supply network in Rabaças on 22nd December. The council used it’s own tanker, and one from the fire brigade from Ribeira Brava, to meet demand for drinking water, but as it pays €100,000 a year to the ‘bombeiros’ in support, the service provided will not cost the taxpayers in Ponta do Sol anything extra.

Difficulties of companies in 2009 take a record 89 insolvency cases. The last three months of 2009 confirmed what was already a certainty, that in both the cases of individuals and collectives, all records for Madeira were demolished with 89 insolvency cases through the courts. The last three months were in fact quieter, with just 15 cases, but the year overall saw an increase of 150%.

In sport / football, after what seems a long absence, Marítimo are back on the front page : Marcinho prohibited of entering the club – The Brazilian player has already arrived, but not yet trained. It is claimed that Marcinho has had a virus and he wants to explain that to the president.

Rain and strong winds are remaining in the forecasts, from this afternoon. Tomorrow a slight drop in temperature may result in snow on the highest peaks.

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. All contributions much appreciated. 

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(2nd September). Today’s main news headline  : ‘Hospital Cause Of Incurable Illness – A young person aged 24 went into Funchal Central Hospital Emergency Department six months ago with abdominal pains and left with a hospital infection. She lives today "a hell", without good health and scarred by the "inconclusive" surgical interventions. Her mother tells the drama and asks for help. "Hospital also kills" is the title of her letter of desperation’. About 8% of those admitted to hospital suffer ‘hospital infections’. Cutting a long story short the girl went to hospital in February suffering with abdominal pains and vomiting, and underwent various tests, including for pregnancy, but was diagnosed with a hemorrhagic cyst and a gall bladder problem, and was operated on and her appendix removed. According to the mother the diagnosis was not even certain. Anyway she contracted the infection, and since then the lives of patient and mother has been "hell".  The trips back and forth to hospital, including in Portugal, and the effects of the infection have been numerous. The Diário contacted the clinical director of the Regional Health Service (SESARAM), Miguel Ferreira, who said he is aware of the case, but said that with regard to such infections – (infections caught in hospital facilities) – "there is nothing to do". Infections are frequent, and are caused by bacteria which cannot be killed, he said.

The main photo today shows a couple of ladies cleaning and cutting bananas : ‘Madeira Government Takes Possession Of The Banana Factory – A conflict between partners initiates the ‘nationalisation’. The solution conflicts with community rules. Although it might finish with the dumping of tons of bananas in Meia Serra waste processing plant’. Madif, the company of the banana processing plant in Ponta do Sol, was hit by internal disputes, that should oblige the regional government to nationalise the company and take on the management. The plant has had problems since it was opened in 2004, with breaks in production and low productivity, the collapse of the banana cooperative, and the presence of a Spanish partner who wanted to change the terms of operation. Obligations arising from the aid given by the European Union further complicate the matter.

Today’s sports headline : "Television Rights Are A Scandal" – The president of the General Assembly of Nacional tackles the moment of the "4th best" in Portugal’. An interview with Miguel de Sousa, president of AG Nacional, who considers the football club to be the best in Portugal, outside the ‘big three’ on the continent. He says that Nacional and FC Porto are the fastest growing clubs in terms of fans, because of their successes. As regards TV coverage, he says the obligations placed on the clubs are a scandal when the media concentrates so much on the ‘big three’, and the revenue from TV coverage is not distributed fairly.

‘Eco’ Freebie Attracts New Customers- Around 50 people regularly use the ‘Eco Line’ buses, the trips that used to cost 50 cêntimos are now free’. One of the Eco bus drivers said that yesterday that "many strange faces" boarded his bus. The Funchal buses run Monday to Friday between 8 am and 8 pm, and Saturday until 2 pm. The 4 buses can carry 8 seated passengers, 11 standing, and also has space for a wheelchair.

Any table tennis fans? The Funchal Junior Open begins today. Everyone a Winner in Funchal (in English).

‘Madeiran On The Up On The TV In Latin America’. Gavo Figueira is an actor in a soap called ‘Oye Bonita’ in Columbia, that is also being shown in Venezuela, where he also had roles in several soaps. He is also a model and writes books. Born on Madeira, but raised abroad, he has been in acting since he was aged 12.

An unnamed ‘electrical shop’ in Fórum Madeira was under fire for what was showing on a large LCD TV screen. Dad said that his three year old son turned to him and said "what are those people doing", and he looked around to see a hard-core pornography film being shown on a huge screen in the shop. The man complained and the film was switched off. The Diário said that the manager was not available to explain the situation.

UPDATES : 

‘Three New Cases Of Gripe A Confirmed On Madeira’. 24 suspected cases of swine flu H1N1 were investigated in the last week, with just 3 with positive tests, taking the total to 33 since the first case. All three came from abroad.  Two cases admitted to hospital prior to the latest count are doing well, although one is stable in intensive care.

‘Council ‘Without Hands’ For Leakage Repair Work – On average there are 12 ruptures daily in the drinking water system in Funchal’. One case was reported a month ago, but still has water running off down the road, getting the locals wet as traffic passes by. The council is aware of the leak, but works have not yet started, and the repair teams have not been able to attend all the leaks reported in recent weeks. Funchal council says it has had to raise a tender contract to deal with the most urgent cases, almost all in the east of the city. A major contract will be awarded for pipework renewals, but that won’t happen until January. A counsellor explained that the new leaks are coming quicker because works in the west of Funchal raised the pressure in the water network.

‘Passenger Airlifted From The Armas’. A passenger was airlifted off the ferry on its way to the Canary Islands, and taken to Funchal Central Hospital. The navy rescue was undertaken Monday night by the Merlin helicopter, 112 km south of Madeira, to deal with a man who lost a finger on board the ferry.

The 24 year old man caught twice with stolen cars in just a few days, and without a driving licence, has been released again by a judge ‘awaiting trial’.

‘President On The Way Out Helps PS’. The PSD president of Santana, on his way out from the job which he has held since 1984, voted with the socialists on a proposal to lower property taxes (IMI) in Santana from 0.7% (of valuation?) to 0.6%. A rare event indeed for a social democrat to side with socialists on matters of public finance. The meeting had 2 counsellors from PS-M and 2 from PSD-M, but chairman Carlos Pereira had the casting vote to block the proposal had he needed it. The reason given by the socialists for the cut in IMI taxes is that Santana has high levels of population leaving the area, and those left are in an ageing population. The lower taxes might be an incentive for families to stay in the area.