Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Becky … 2010 New Year fireworks from Rua do Lazareto in Funchal. That’s definitely the last of the fireworks now.

I quite liked this 10 minute video, with some really good singers from ‘Funchal a Cantar 09′ – Santo António. At first I thought it was from 2008, but at the back of the stage, behind the singer, it looks like someone has stuck a number ’9′ on top of the previous number.

"The enchanting Portuguese archipelago of Madeira is a tiny verdant gem suspended in a sea of brilliant blue. Walking holidays in Madeira can take you from lush walks through sub-tropical vegetation to open ridges approaching 2000m with views seemingly to the ends of the earth". Walking the Levadas of Madeira

‘That’s pretty, but what the hell is it’, I hear you ask. "Vortex streets emerge when the right wind and cloud formation encounters the right kind of obstacle. Theodore von Kármán, a fluid dynamicist, observed and documented this phenomenon. Swirling rings sequence along a street-like corridor trail beyond the obstacle. Each ring stems from an air pockets are released in a series of vortices alternating parallel to wind direction. This condition can happen at any scale if the proportion of energies and obstacles is present". This picture from 2002 shows the area South East of Madeira, and the effect of the landmass on cloud formations. Thanks to InfraNet Lab for the pic / info.

This is very politically incorrect and I prohibit you from clicking on this link How some people can sleep at night I just don’t know!

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

Living under threat.  Dorita Escorcio and her father were driving near the Cruzinhas viewpoint in Faial when a gust of wind dislodged a large eucalyptus branch. It pierced the roof and windscreen of their car and landed in between the seats, near the gear lever. Ironically, it was another branch lying in the road that prevented injury to either of them. They were driving in the middle of the road to circumnavigate this branch when the eucalyptus branch fell on top of their car and it would have hit one of them. She is hoping that the government will partly pay for repairs to her car. There are many instances of storm damage in both the parishes of Faial and Sao Roque do Faial, for example two large landslides in Fajã do Cedro Gordo still mark the landscape. About 30 families live in this area which is known for its instability. Nearby, due to a large landslide, a road has been closed for nine months, to the inconvenience of residents who have to make long detours.

Storm raized a pear plantation. Heartbroken, angry, indignant, revolted and disgusted. These are the five adjectives used to describe the mood of  Albino Teixeira Francisco who lives in São Vicente. He has suffered heavy losses on his land in Burras, the last time at the end of December. A break in the structure of the Levada de Norte led to the water flooding and destroying almost all his plantation of organic Pear trees. This happened three years previously and despite letters to the Electricity Company, no measures were taken. He insists the levada walls are too old to resist the pressure of water formed during periods of heavy rain. His land lies at an altitude of 10,000 metres in the Laurissilva Forest which is littered with branches blown down by the stormy weather and these were dragged down onto his land by the overflowing water. He wants an official assessment of the cost of the damage but will not be compensated for the delay which affects the plantation.

Operation Christmas led to 67 arrests. Results of the increased policing operation from 8 December to January 9. Most offences related to driving, 36 due to driving under the influence of alcohol and 10 for driving without a licence. The police stopped a total of 2,984 vehicles during the operation and most offences occurred during the first period from 8 December to 27 December. During Operation Christmas, the police seized 10,960 doses of illegal drugs, mainly heroin (10,845). They also confiscated two guns and three knives.

Lisbon orders a retrial for murder. The Court of Appeal in Lisbon has ordered a retrial of a Madeiran who was accused in Venezuela of murdering a 33 year old Venezuelan man by dousing him with petrol then setting him alight in 1994. The accused was prosecuted in Venezuela and acquitted. He then returned to his native Funchal but the Venezuelan press still pursued the case. A retrial was ordered in Venezuela but the defendant used his right to be tried in Portugal. His case was heard at the Court of Santa Cruz and he was acquitted in 2009. The Appeal Court in Lisbon has now ordered a retrial. The defendant was the manager of a petrol filling station and the victim was employed to wash windscreens and help motorists. The man was asked to leave by the management after complaints by customers and the two exchanged ‘mangueiradas’ (hosepipes) of petrol. The victim then left the petrol pump area and lit a cigarette when he caught fire and died days later in hospital. The family of the victim also sued for 325,835.28 Euros. The family presented four new witnesses to the Appeal Court and because of their evidence an appeal was ordered. The defendant challenged the admission of new witnesses, that this did not comply with procedural deadlines but it was ruled that their evidence was admissible in court.

Bad weather again undermines the Night Market. After the bad weather ruined the Noite de Mercado in Estreito on Christmas Eve, yesterday a second version was attempted, the Cantar as Janeiras (Night Songs – sung at New Year). Just a few hundred people braved the harsh weather conditions with uninterrupted rain ruining the outside stalls although nearby bars were crowded. The interior of the Municipal Market of Câmara de Lobos was still festive and colourful with traditional musical entertainment. The entertainment was well attended (photo) but the fruit and vegetable stall holders lamented the poor sales.

Construction defects complaints soar. Weaknesses in the construction of buildings has brought in three years (2007 – 2009), 1,200 people to the Defesa do Consumidor. Cracked walls and lifting tiles are the most common examples of problems found in new apartments. Many builders eventually evade liability. The guarantee period is 5 years and people are advised to send a registered letter to the seller, identifying the defects. Usually an agreement is reached and the repair work carried out. If not, then people can go to the Serviço de Defesa do Consumidor desk at the Loja do Cidadão in Funchal. Their Legal Office tries to resolve the issue by mediation before any legal proceedings. They often have to return to court to enforce a judicial ruling. In one case in Caniço, after a three year legal dispute the firm declared insolvency. After declaring bankruptcy, some companies reappear in business under a different name. Cracks are normal in buildings but several apartments in Edificio Panoram in Funchal, built by Manuel de Abreu & Slilva, have serious defects which were reported in the warranty period but are still not repaired. A worse situation is Edificio Quinta do Garajau in Caniço (photo) which was inaugurated by Jardim in 2003. There are serious flaws (e.g. gas and water supplies too close together) and after lengthy arguing (Funchal Council accused Santa Cruz Council of not inspecting the building properly), one million Euros of work should begin this month.   —- I hope the repair work at Edificio Quinta do Garajau in Cancela is completed as the building already looks shabby for a relatively new building. There is an apartment block opposite Caniço Health Centre which looks in a worse condition – I wonder if that is the one where the builder has declared insolvency. The recent weather is certainly finding the ‘quick to build/profit’ faults, roofs and basement garages are the worst areas. (Like many others, I could rant about residents not paying condominium fees).

Contingency plan to save infrastructure from the sea. A CDU councillor urges Funchal Municipal Council to establish a contingency plan to safeguard swimming complexes from sea damage. This would minimize damage and possibly reduce costs to Frente Mar and the Council. The annual cost of repairing damage to the swimming complex at Ponto Gorda is 160,000 Euros. CDU councillors have alerted the Government to the existence of tourist facilities that are exposed to geological hazards, for example at risk form mudslides and landslides. This has been highlighted recently in Angra dos Reis in Rio de Janeiro.

Campanário welcomes Fatima. The Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima is now at the Parish Church of Campanário. There was a large number of people participating in the procession before the religious ceremony, as shown in the video.

It rains outside and inside. The Centro Comercial Olimpo in Avenida do Infante has a glass ceiling which is causing concern to traders as it leaks when it rains. The rubber seals in between the glass frames have perished due to lack of maintenance. The shop owners are particularly worried about water seeping into electrical connections and affecting places such as the elevator. They are concerned about implications for their businesses and have alerted the condominium owners to the problems.

Santo Amaro celebrations in Santa Cruz. More details of activities for the Festas de Santo Amaro, the patron saint of Santa Cruz. On Wednesday at 18.30, opening of a painting exhibition and ethnographic fair. Thursday, procession between Capela de Santo Amaro and the Igreja Matriz for the Eucharist. Entertainment by the Grupo de Folclore da Casa do Povo de Santa Cruz (22.30), Grupo Musical Reis Magos (23.15) and karaoke from 23.30. Friday 15 January, Municipal Band of Santa Cruz at 13.00 followed by a solemn Eucharist. Later, entertainment by Sol Nascente and Encontros da Eira. Saturday, Vozes de Santa Cruz competition at 22.00. Sunday at 16.00, folclore and romarias for the Grande Premio de Santa Amaro and Romarias Antigas do Rochao from 20.00.

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

… and what a lot there are!

Battle against the insects is lost – Mosquitoes and ants resist the cold and the insecticides. Even cockroaches have become more resistant to the cold, as over the last few years new species of insects have appeared on Madeira, and are proving very difficult to control. "The battle against the insects is a battle lost" says the boss of the company called ‘Extermínio’, that has 18 years experience in the control and eradication of plagues. The most famous of the invaders is the mosquito Aedes aegypti, but there are others he continues. There are people now complaining about ant infestations, even in places where there is no food source apparent, and even in cold places, like refrigerators. António Sales Caldeira says that infestations are becoming ever more common, doubling year on year the call outs for help to control the problems in hotels and other businesses, and in private households also.  Of particular problem is the little ‘Pharaoh Ant’ that arrived on Madeira in the 1990′s, adapting very well to our conditions, breeding like rabbits, and seemingly needing very little  resources in order to flourish. Another type is the ‘Argentinean Ant’ that likes to nest near food and water, and is quite territorial and will expel other species. Another type is the ‘Crazy Ant’ that is small, dark, and wanders around quickly in circles. Other ant species, the more native sorts, seem to be disappearing as the new more dominant species take over, and Sr. Exterminator says that of all the insects the ants are the hardest to control. Apparently even ‘bed bugs’ have now found their way to Madeira, enjoying our warm dry climate, and they are active at night and feed on blood, mainly from the area around the neck. They are very difficult to eradicate says our expert, adding that in the case of an infestation, the only solution involves throwing out the old mattress and buying a new one, as well as professional help that will last 4 to 5 days per bedroom.

Junta (Council) of Gaula pay the presidents default – Élvio Sousa arranges payment of €5 thousand in his favour.

CDS takes to the Ministry [the issue of] delays in the scholarships of UMa [Madeira University].

Government returns to freezing funding.

Today’s main news headline : Environmental inspections double – The inspection increased in the last 4 years. Only in 2009 there were nearly 400 done, the majority about the waste from construction.

The authorised landfills have withstood the recent rains.

Dumping of inerts [mud, stones, etc.] increase along the roadsides.

The sport / football headline today : Madeiran coach is ‘Winter Champion’ – Beira-Mar of Leonardo Jardim finished the first half of the season with leadership of the second division. The coach is already thinking about how to keep the position until the end [of the season], but he knows it is going to get tougher.

I can’t get into the pages of the Diário (beyond the headline page at least), as I guess they are having some technical problems, so I had to get the news story about the  insects from netmadeira instead, but the only one I could find is the insect one, except the extra one below.

Easyjet tariffs have been slashed by 25% in a sale that ends tomorrow. The discount is applicable for travel between 3rd February and 14th July. 22 million seats are available, and the discount applies for flights between Madeira and Lisbon, and Madeira and UK airports.

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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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 Jon … the last but one in the six old hand coloured photos 

It was a week ago that Elaine covered a newspaper story about free diabetes testing, and rather concerned about the article that said that nearly a third of us on Madeira are either diabetic or pre-diabetic, I thought I would give it a go. So Thursday afternoon I popped down into town, about four hours after opening time, and with an hour still to go before the ‘clinic’ was closed. Expecting to see some sort of queue or waiting room with people waiting, but there was no one at all. I was the only one there, aside from 4 very attractive young nurses or medics in white coats, who looked very pleased to see me (or anyone for that matter). It was a very quick and painless process, with just a small prick involved (no, no sign of Uncle Bertie), and a couple of questions, and I was in and out in 5 minutes. I saw the list of people who had attended, as the nurse recorded my details, and there were only about 15 names listed in 4 hours! Anyway I was told that I was normal, in respect of my blood at least. Didn’t get a free cup of tea though, as that really was a bigger motivation than the test itself. Although at one time I was convinced that I was diabetic, I have since then been taking regular doses of © Toranja Poncha ©, and so wasn’t particularly worried any more.

"It is a very simple dessert and one much loved on the island of Madeira where it originated and where the locals call it Mousse de chocolate Viriato. What I like about it is the subtle citrus flavour the addition of freshly-squeezed orange juice gives to the chocolate. It’s also quick and easy to make". NEVER HEARD OF IT Tobi (top chef) no doubt will give us an opinion or verdict.

Have a good weekend!

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

Seabirds the victims of fishing gear. Previously it was dogs, yesterday it was cows, today it is seabirds that need saving. Every year in Europe about 200,000 seabirds are accidentally captured in fishing activity, according to the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA). There has not been a study in this region but it is thought to only occur sporadically. A study would require a survey of fishermen and observers on fishing vessels but the numbers involved are thought to be insignificant.

‘Estelinha’ is back again. Continuation of a previous story about ‘Estelinha’ who holds the key and money for the chapel Nossa Senhora do Bom Despacho and refuses to hand the key over to the priest. Parishioners say that "the people are on the side of the priest." One option put forward is that, "She could have a key, as with other chapels, but the priest should also have a key to avoid having to wait at the door of the chapel, as has happened." The issue around the gold belonging to the chapel is also a matter of contention. Only with great difficulty ‘Estelinha’ allowed it to be placed in the vaults and under the custody of the church, which has raised suspicions of embezzlement. Parishioners contest the repairs and the way she kept the gold, "She buried the gold in poio in front of the house and said it was safe, because it was buried." — Poio in Madeira are the cultivated terraced slopes. (www.infopedia.pt definition) ‘Estelinha’ is in her 70s, so I suppose it will be resolved when she dies. She is a very devout Catholic so it is a question of either her strong faith or embezzlement or stubbornness due to her age. The plots are also called fazendas (doings). Der

Bus used by only 22% of students. Diário investigative journalism again. By their figures, only 22% of school children in Funchal travel to school by bus. The social pass costs 35.50 Euros a month. The Diário asks if this low usage, as most travel by car, is due to laziness or mentality. The pollution in the city centre is causing problems in terms of the air quality. The monitoring station on top of Edificio 2000 has registered quantities of fine particles to cause a warning from the EC. The Municipality of Funchal provides a 16,400 Euros reserve fund to subsidize transport for 103 students. They provide aid for First Cycle students with economic difficulties living within 1 – 2 kilometres, and subsidized school passes for students residing more than 2 kilometres from the educational establishment.

More doctors in training. SESARAM have opened 66 vacancies for 2010. 33 vacancies are for the common year internship mandatory for all new graduates before specialising, and the other 33 places are for the seven years specialist training. There will be even more vacancies for specialist training in 2011, about 40. The largest number of vacancies, 10, are for training in Family Medicine. Anaesthesiology and Maxillofacial Surgery are the two areas where the region has a greater lack of specialists. Anaesthesiology is a nationwide problem for a lack of specialists. They are aiming to have two graduates who will graduate in 2010, so in a few years they can create a new Maxillofacial Surgery unit in the hospital.

Fugitive arrested in Spain. A Ukrainian sentenced to four years in prison for being responsible for the arson of the SEF premises in Funchal, was arrested on Tuesday in Alicante. The 18 year old has being fleeing justice since 2006 and an international arrest warrant was issued. The fire caused 17,000 Euros worth of damage. He lived legally in Madeira and was not under any investigation. He was identified after an investigation and fled the country and sentenced to four years in prison in his absence. He will be extradited to Portugal to serve his sentence. (SEF = Service for border controls and foreigners).

Surveillance in the serra. The Forestry Police in the coming days will monitor the areas to prevent illegal felling of trees and harvesting of vegetation used for nativity scenes for Christmas. There are a diminishing number of such offences as people are becoming more aware that the forestry needs protecting. There will also be mobile teams who will monitor products on sale.

SANAS took part in the rescue exercise Zarco. SANAS participated in the exercise Zarco 092 Missing 09 yesterday. The scenario were missing people at sea who were to be taken to the patrol vessel Schultz Xavier. The exercise began when a communication between the patrol vessel and the Rescue Centre of Santa Cruz indicated an emergency between the Cais do Sardinha and the Enseada da Baia d’Abra in Machico. The most seriously injured casualty was evacuated by air, via a Merlin helicopter from Porto Santo. Another victim, collected by a SANAS rescue boat with four crew, was in a state of hypothermia with slight injuries. He was rescued and treated for his injuries and hypothermia. The boat disembarked at the Quinta do Lorde where the bombeiros took him to the hospital in Funchal. The rescue exercise in Rabaçal this morning was hampered by dense fog, persistent rain and very cold weather. —– You now can have your accident at the airport, mountains or at sea.

Casas do Povo have not seen the ‘colour of money’. The Government has formalized contracts for financial support to the Casas do Povo but they have not yet seen any money. This puts them in a difficult position because they have debts to pay and cannot follow up projects already started or planned. The money is for social, cultural, recreational and sport activities. They were to be allocated 448.103,00 Euros this year and 448.102,00 Euros in 2010. The Casa do Povo da Camacha receives the most, 43.427,00 Euros.

Santo da Serra is the fourth best golf course in the country.  ABTA Magazine in the UK considered Santo da Serra as the fourth best golf course in Portugal. This monthly magazine has a circulation of more than 55,000 tourism sector readers making it an excellent promotional vehicle for Madeira. The magazine highlighted the location of the courses on a beautiful island and the views of Machico from Santo da Serra. Madeira is penalized for not having five or six courses. Porto Santo golf course had a surprising 13.5% increase in the number of rounds of golf played, achieved by a 21.7% increase by foreign players and 10.4% by Portuguese. Porto Santo had 18% more rounds of golf played by tourists, and Santo da Serra and Palheiro courses lost 26% rounds of golf. Overall, a loss of 18% rounds of golf. The major markets are the UK (35%) and Germany (25%) and the average age is 45 years old. In another tourist related article, Madeira in October had 6 more cruise ships stopping than in 2008, a total of 34. There were 18% more tourists.

Price of pork might rise 70% or by 1.10 euro a kilo. POSEIMA is a European Community program which is intended to offset the economic cost of Madeira being an island, and takes into account regional supply and imports. The EU subsidizes the price of these imports. The price of beef and pork imported from the EU countries will increase very shortly if the Commission does not authorize the increase of the POSEIMA quota. At present, the quota for pork is already exhausted and the same will happen with beef. The price of pork carcasses is currently 1.50/1.60 Euros a kilo. POSEIMA allows a subsidy of 1.10 Euros a kilo for every kilo imported. Beef would rise 0.35 Euros per kilo.

Polish operator announces two flights per week to Madeira. Itaka recently announced that from next summer, it will operate two charter flights each week from Warsaw to Madeira. Currently, it has one flight per week.

Easyjet to have three daily flights from Lisbon in the summer of 2010. Already bookable on their website. Between 10 July and 5 September and there will be better flight times. Prices start at 22.99 Euros each way, all charges included. Flights from Lisbon at 06.30, 14.05 and 17.05. Flights from Madeira at 08.40, 18.00 and 20.00.

Funchal Jazz 2010 in the park. 8 – 10 July 2010 in Santa Catarina Park. Next year the event will have better facilities to attract more visitors. Esperanza Spalding, a jazz musician for 25 years, is to be one of the top artists.

4,260 inaugurations. Number of inaugurations by Jardim between 18 March 1978 and 15 November 2009. Around 1 in 2.7 were private initiatives. Of 565 initiatives of the Regional Government, to be launched by 2011, 359 are underway or completed, equivalent to 63%.

Increase in fuel surcharge in shipping is a burden to the island. From December 1, there will be increases in fuel surcharges on maritime transport activities, due to an increase in fuel prices in Lisbon. Exports from the autonomous regions are exempt so these prices apply only to goods leaving the continent. The Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport asks the EU or the Regional Government to compensate for these increased costs.

IMI is unchanged in Funchal. The Council Tax rates are to be kept unchanged. Urban buildings are a rate of 0.7% and new buildings 0.35%. These rates have not altered since 2004 and are the lowest at the national level. There will be a submission to the Municipal Assembly for a 30% increase in IMI for derelict buildings, which have been identified by a survey in Santa Maria Maior, Sé and São Pedro.

Joint operation between various crime prevention forces. The SEF co-ordinated an operation in Caniçal yesterday morning which included elements of the PSP, GNR and Maritime Police. Another operation was undertaken in Funchal. Foreigners were subjected to a monitoring exercise, prohibited weapons seized and other illegalities identified.

Assaults on vehicles parked in the Rua do Jasmineiro at night-time. Between Avenida do Infante and Cabouqueira. This is a favourite area for people wanting to walk into the city centre for the night-time activities. 

PSP dismantles network of drug trafficking in Livramento. Three individuals arrested and a seizure of 2,148 individual doses of heroin and 3,160 Euros in notes. Those arrested were between the ages of 37 and 39, two are foreigners residing in Funchal and Câmara de Lobos and have previously been caught for this crime.

Leonel Nunes suspects the Government of favours to Manuel Godinho. ‘Face Oculta’ or ‘Hidden Face’ prosecution. The request for a parliamentary commission of inquiry into the Government and PSD involvement with the company Resatlantica, set up by the businessman Manuel Godinho, was rejected. The Communist Leonel Nunes said he would be making accusations and suspicions about people and institutions and present evidence to the prosecutor, but would not name names. He said people linked to the Regional Government were involved in the ability of the company to be registered in the free zone before a licence had been approved.

These headlines are from today’s Diário front page, and sorry I have no time today to put any meat on the bones, but if anyone else would like to, any contributions would be very welcome.

Company : Parties call for Secretary – The Socialist Party and CDU communists react to the news about the family company that Santos Costa was a partner of, and demand a hearing in the Madeira assembly.

Pacification delays teachers from here – negotiations progress in Lisbon,  evaluations here take form.

The main news headline in today’s Diário : Suspect ship prevented from approaching – The ‘Newhope’ has spent a week off the coast of Madeira. Without sufficient provisions and fuel to travel to another port. The assistance requested was refused, given the illegality.

Worm threatens Wild Pine in six thousand hectares. 

Regional Five-a-side football with more charm – The championships start today, involving more than 300 players. In the 1st division, the champion will have support to go to the ‘nationals’ ; in the 2nd everyone has faith in promotion.

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

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

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

(more…)

A couple more old bus photos taken from the photographic exhibition in Ribeira Brava. The photos don’t have any commentary, so I have no idea when they were taken, or when these fine vehicles were last in service.

I mentioned last week that I had received in the post the AKI Xmas catalogue, full of Christmas decorations, and not much else. The IZI equivalent arrived this week, again packed with Xmas decorations, but also a lot of ideas for gifts also. Lots of DIY stuff and power tools for men, and gardening tools and equipment too, so I have my preferences picked out. However when I paged through again to look for Xmas presents for the ladies, I couldn’t find any kitchen items at all, nor cleaning equipment, or ironing boards or suchlike. In fact there was nothing household at all, so is the IZI store really like this? Is this part of a worldwide conspiracy against men, as I had hoped that maybe I had left this attitude behind years ago?

Following an article a couple of days ago, it seems that RTP Azores has employed a journalist of mixed origin and language skills to provide news stories in English. TAKE A LOOK

One for the MADEIRA WINE buffs.

Tough games for our local football teams this weekend. Both games are on Sunday. Firstly Nacional visit Leixões at 4 pm, but the hosts are not as good as they were last season, so a bit of a chance of a result. At 6 pm, Marítimo host the big name of Porto (SportTV1), who aren’t playing that well this season, having changed their style of game somewhat.

Have a good weekend! 

Another whacking great contribution from Elaine from yesterday, many thanks … is no one else going to help?

TAP cheaper than Easyjet. D.Cidade looked at the websites of both carriers for prices of flights leaving Funchal on the 28 December and returning from Lisbon on the 2nd January (end-of-year celebrations). Easyjet, advertised as a budget airline, lowest inclusive price was 450.98 Euros. If the return flight was on the 1st January, the total was 362.98 Euros, i.e. 88 Euros less. TAP for 28 December to 2 January was 399.91 Euros which is 51.07 Euros cheaper than Easyjet. If returning on the 1st January, TAP website price was 334.91 Euros which is 28.07 Euros cheaper than Easyjet.

Drugs killed 19 in four years. Between 2005 and 2008, 19 people died in Madeira due to illicit drug use. The actual number is probably higher as the official figures only account for those who died after hospitalization, i.e. not those who died outside the hospital setting.  The European Monitoring Centre report indicated a 45% increase between 2006 – 2007 in drug overdose deaths in Portugal due to an increase in cocaine use. Of the 314 who died, 91% were male. In Madeira, according to the Director of Drug Prevention, "The average age of first drug use is lower than the national average, as is the percentage of consumers per number of residents." In 2001 in Madeira, 8.6% of the population consumed drugs at least once, and in 2006 this had fallen to 5.2% compared to the national average of 12%. Prevention is focused on the individual rather than the drug consumed.

A 25 and 34 year old couple detained today for trafficking 24,300 doses of heroin. The wife is Portuguese and the husband a foreigner. They already have criminal records.

Madeiran computer usage above the national average. In Madeira, 58.3% of households have a computer at home and 49.7% have Internet connection, mainly through broadband. The only place in Portugal to exceed this number is Lisbon where 60% of households have a computer. Nationally, 9% of items bought are over the Internet but only 7% in Madeira, despite the fact it is an island. The majority of orders were for travel, accommodation, holiday-related services, computer software and electronic equipment. Most users are between 16 and 54 years, especially under 34 years of age and 51% are male. —- Could be low sales due to unavailability as many Portuguese sites will not deliver here and costly in postage, or people shop when they fly to Lisbon.

Stolen condoms machine! A condoms vending machine was stolen from outside a pharmacy in Santana early one morning, without witnesses.

Parliament using a law that no longer exists. The Socialist Party MP Jacinto Serrão accused Parliament of "negligence" in relation to a matter  of "utmost importance for the region". The Regional Government sent a report to Parliament on participation in the European Region. The application of EU funding and participation in EU programs presented to Parliament was under a legislative decree, which is based on a national law which does not exist. The law was repealed three years ago and replaced by another one which is more favourable to the Autonomous Regions. Under this new amendment, Parliament could comment on anything that came from Brussels, so this later law needs adopting.

Hybrid and electric cars will have cheaper parking. From January 1st, car parking in Funchal will be half price for such cars. 150 places will be created for these cars, which is 10% of all parking where parking meters are used. These spaces will be in Aljube, Hospital Velho, Avenida do Mar and the zone of Ajuda, and other areas. The owners of such cars will have to obtain a green sticker from Funchal Council to put on their windscreens. Such areas are reserved only for ecological cars or there will be a none-parking fine applicable. The meters will have two buttons, one for the normal tariff and a green one.

There will also be more parking spaces for motorcycles as there are more bikes up to 125 cc after the change in the law which allowed Category B licence holders to use vehicles up to 125 cc and 11 kw of power, This is to abolish the abusive parking which is occurring, for example when walking by Edificio 2000.

Maintenance of ‘Lobo Marinho’ will be in Madeira instead of Spain or Portugal. Annual maintenance work will be at Caniçal and prevent the ferry from sailing 16 trips between  12 – 30 January 2010. The decision needed a special permit and will employ 20 local workers from 6 companies. Cargo (fresh produce) will go twice a week via SATA flights, and the Porto Santo Line ferry will refund the difference in the air fare for residents on either island who have to fly.

French tourism promotional campaigns have worked. In October, there was a promotional campaign in Madeira for 150 French travel agents and journalists. SATA have also promoted the island. Madeira now features in some holiday brochures and between them, ‘Top of Travel’ and ‘Voyages Internacionaux’ have brought 800 French tourists here and they hope to double that number next year. The sale of Aigle Azur flights from Paris have exceeded expectations and if this continues, they will increase the frequency next summer.

Government not honouring its debts to contractors. The liquidity problems of the Region, justified by the Government reducing state transfers  and the prohibition of use of new bank loans, is causing havoc in dozens of the companies that provide services to the Region. The Government has 25 year contracts under part-private partnerships with Vialitoral and ViaExpresso for construction and operation of new roads. This year, the Region owes Vialitoral 58 million and ViaExpresso 25 million. Over the past three years, there has been failure in paying some of the money to the companies so they cannot pay back the bank loans, which accumulate interest, and this should be met by the Government. The Regional Government is awaiting permission to pay this debt under a program created by the Portuguese Government. The Government of Madeira initially received 574.2 million Euros for the projects and they pay ‘virtual tolls’ ranging between 0.1 and 0.2 cents for each vehicle on the roads. Over the contractual 25 years, they will pay 1,825 million Euros, varying between €38 million in 2002 and €100 million in 2015.

As Der mentioned, other complaints of non-payments. The SIRAM group of companies who installed the Christmas illuminations are irregular in payments to workers, especially for holiday bonuses from June / July and overtime.

Warning for travellers to Cabo Verde. The Portuguese Government has issued a warning about dengue fever carried by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Since October, due to the outbreak of dengue fever in Cabo Verde, there have been 6,700 cases and 4 deaths. People travelling there have been advised to take special care. IASAÚDE is aware of the problem and last year when there was a similar problem in Brazil, special precautions were taken in Madeira. Travellers are advised to be vaccinated against yellow fever and use insect repellents. If a person shows symptoms, they are sent to the Service of Communicable Diseases for diagnosis. Since the mosquito has been identified on Madeira, care has been intensified.

Surveillance will tighten on Market Night. The street vendors will have to comply with hygiene standards and the space allocated to them. They have to pay a deposit before the event which is not refunded if the area is not kept clean. Extra litter bins and containers are provided but not always used. Last year, 18 stallholders were fined an average of 50 Euros, totalling 900 Euros. From the 10th December, there will be an increase in waste collection and they hope homeowners will make use of these to counteract the days over Christmas and the New Year when normal collections are missed.

‘Play the buzios’ competition in São Roque do Faial. Next Tuesday at 19.30 in the Casa do Povo, a competition to provide entertainment and teach children the art of making sounds out of this ‘instrument’ (conch shell). Awarded on merits of loudness, length of time and artistic ability. There will also be the Feast of São Martinho to revive the local tradition on the eve of São Martinho.

Individuals in a car assaulted an elderly woman.  An elderly woman was alone at a bus stop in Quinta Grande on Wednesday morning when a passenger of a passing car got out, threw her violently to the ground and stole a wallet containing about 100 Euros, personal documents and glasses. The woman went to the nearest residence for help, but unfortunately no individuals could be identified. A local resident claimed this type of crime has happened before and that criminals watch for people on their own.

Madeirans postpone buying a car. Up until September this year, there was a 26.28% reduction in the sale of new vehicles, to 2,130 cars and 296 commercial vehicles. At least 855 new cars were left at the dealers compared to last year. This means that both commercial and private buyers are buying fewer vehicles. There are faint signs of recovery and a lot of cars were previously bought using more readily-available credit. The tax incentives to buy hybrid or electric cars has had little impact as these vehicles are still very expensive. The picture is the same for used cars, and more diesel cars are selling than petrol cars. From the 11 – 15 November, there will be a used-car market at the Tecnopolo.

Madeira Wines & Spirits Festival. Update on yesterday. It was promoted yesterday on one of the catamarans and they were lucky enough to see dolphins. Access is 5 Euros a day, 7 Euros for 2 days and 9 Euros for all 3 days. This entitles you to a wine tasting cup and free entry to other activities.

—— If anyone goes, can they tell us what it is like. (The newspapers are heavily promoting it).

New Savoy Hotel. They hope to start the demolition before the end of the year, which should take 10 months, and redevelopment will take between 3 and 4 years. There will be 828 beds in 4 blocks, both in the hotel and apartments. 371 housing units split between standard rooms and apartments, ranging from T0 to T4 duplex. There will be more green areas in the 18,794 square metre site than before.

‘Atlantis’ special program. 10th anniversary of the RTP-M program. A special 2 hr recording today at the Casino which will be broadcasted on RTP-M, RTP-Azores and RTP-International. The program includes traditional folklore groups from Camacha and the Choir of the Portuguese in Caracas who are presently visiting the region and performing around the island.

Fire brigades better prepared for forest fires. From next Summer, there will be nine new vehicles spread around the region. The fire brigade will take part in an exercise at Madeira Airport on November 18th. There will be further exercises on the 19th and 20th at Rabacal to test the response at two scenarios of serious accidents with multiple victims. One will be a disappearance of a group of tourists in adverse weather conditions and another will be an accident involving a passenger bus.

Postponement of increase in the fees of private doctors. Consultation fees remain at 55 Euros until 2011 due to the present economic climate which is causing a drop in the number of consultations.

Fuel increases on Monday. Unleaded 95 octane up by 1 cent to 1.21 Euros and diesel will be 0.97 cents.

Businessman António Lopes acquires abandoned village in Portugal. António Lopes was for many years involved in the construction industry in Madeira. He has brought the abandoned village of Vieiro in Portugal which has been uninhabited for over 30 years and consists of about 24 houses which are now in ruins. It has taken 26 years to locate all the owners. He wants to rehabilitate the homes, primarily for tourism.

Mercarte in the Largo da Restauração on Saturday 7th. November. 09.00 to 18.00. Mercarte Madeira – Fair of Art and Craftwork. Both traditional and contemporary articles for sale.

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

Company of group involved in ‘Hidden Face’ received licence on Madeira before it was even created. It’s a long story of bigger consequences, but this particular part relates to a company set up on Madeira this year called Resatlântico, licensed in waste management, which apparently received its licence before the company was even formed.  The Department for the Environment says it followed the same legal regime that applies to all applications, and the company had not enjoyed any preferential treatment.  The  facts may say otherwise,  with ‘Resatlântico – Waste Management Ltd.’ not legally registered in the commercial registry office until May 11th, 2009, but the first license request in that name was received by the Department for the Environment two months before (March 3rd, 2009), via the Regional Secretary for Planning and Finances / Office of the Free Zone (Zona Franca), and an amended licence was thereafter issued, dated 19th May 2009. Hard to believe there would be any wrongdoing methinks. Busy people with so many brown and white envelopes passing through their hands often get dates mixed up.

Today’s top news story : Health and electricity owe €985 million – The Madeira health service has a passive debt of €484.6 million at the close of the 2008 economic year. The negative trend is worrying. Also the Electricity Company (EEM), despite of good economic indicators, registered in the same period a passive debt of €500,500,000. I can’t believe that last figure is correct … that must represent carrying a debt of around €5,000 for every customer EEM has on Madeira.

Contest for the Botanic Garden takes out director – Biologists surprised with opening for candidates just for agricultural engineers, leaving out the current post-holder. The regional secretary responsible has launched a recruitment process for a new  services manager of the ‘Jardim Botânico da Madeira – Eng. Rui Vieira’ (as it is now officially called). Roberto Jardim, who took the office left vacant by Susana Fontinha eight years ago, has a degree in biology, as did his predecessor.

Services through the loudspeakers causes controversy – The early morning masses in Lombada da Ponta do Sol are the origin of a police complaint. The câmara tried to make the priest more sensitive, that agrees to desist. All it needs is a letter to justify the matter before the faithful. The church ‘broadcasts’ the service to the community at 7.30 am on Sunday mornings, much to the annoyance of some locals. A complaint to the police under ‘noise laws’ was passed to the council to deal with, and the priest was approached. He will stop the broadcasts once he has some documents he needs to justify the move to the people. Unbelievable how the church thinks it has a free licence to impose itself in peoples lives whether they want it or not. I can live with the church bells, and even the occasional broadcasted services, and I even quite like the local events that now and again that close the town streets to traffic, and after all I did see the nearby church when I brought my house. But what I really detest is what is coming in just a few weeks, and that’s the 5 am mega-bangers day after day in the lead up to Christmas, but local traditions override national laws it seems.

In football : Madeiran Leonel Pontes in charge of Sporting. Following the shock resignation of Sporting boss Paulo Bento, his deputy will replace him for now. Leonel was born in Porto da Cruz, and was a tutor of Cristiano Ronaldo. Manuel Machado of Nacional was favourite to replace Bento in Lisbon, but it is believed he is not interested in leaving the Madeira club.

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