Government to focus on autonomous regions ; Whacky Madeira wine : New Savoy can start
TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Vic … Daybreak over Caniço
From Tobi : "Der this is quite funny, if you click on newer post (bottom left) he has a couple more posts". Cheers Tobi, this blogger is nuttier than other bloggers I know. GNOME ON MADEIRA
Quite a useful short guide to some of the museums and specialist centres on Madeira, for those with the time and interest. Unfortunately in most cases the locations are not mentioned. STATIC ATTRACTIONS
"Madeira has got to be the world’s wackiest wine. Most folks know madeira as "cooking wine" … bobbing in the Atlantic some 350 miles north of Africa". So I woke up in Spain this morning did I? Got to be the whacky newspaper article of the day DAILY HERALD
Madeira Photo Excursion – Nature Meetings in cooperation with Associação Promoção da Madeira, ACIF with their Chapters of Hoteliers, Photographer’s & Travel Agencies, are organizing on Saturday 21st of November 2009 a Full Day Madeira Photography Excursion.The Autonomous Region of Madeira is one of the best photogenic locations in Europe. For both amateur and professional photographers we offer to combine their visit to Madeira Islands with a Full Day excursion. A professional local photographer will provide photo coaching and guide you to locations helping you take full advantage of the opportunities presents during the excursion. The excursion will set you back €39.50, but includes transport from Funchal and a 3 course lunch. PHOTO EXCURSION
Sócrates Government to focus on development of Autonomous Regions. Directly related to the Azores, the program of Prime Minister José Socrates will also seek to limit the terms in office for regional presidents. Already delivered to Parliament, the program of the 13th constitutional Government states that "the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira represent devolution strategies of great importance to the country". The Government is committed to consolidating autonomy at institutional, economical, social and cultural level. In addition, José Socrates will enforce the law of incompatibility between public office and pluralism of representation at the Legislative Assembly, as stated in the Political-Administrative Statute of Madeira. The Government’s program also plans to introduce limits of office for Regional presidents, and financial effort aimed at convergence in order to contribute to national development and cohesion. I found this on the RTP Azores TV website, and having never seen anything on RTP news written in English, I thought I should mark the occasion. I would argue that the mandate limit is more related (or even targeted) at Madeira rather than the Azores, not that will ever be admitted of course. Unlike Jardim of Madeira, President César of the Azores is a socialist, the same as Sócrates, just so there is absolutely no doubt on the issue.
Many thanks to Elaine for yesterday’s top stories :
CMF give ultimatum to residents of the ‘Edificio Infante’. The Marina Shopping mall owes 1/4 of the building and some shops are thought to have strategically closed before upgrading work has to be paid for in the first quarter of 2010, rather than close due to bankruptcy. The two facades of the building (Avenida Arriaga and Avenida do Mar), terraces and garage fitments need redecorating. The idea is to start the work when the weather improves in the Spring. The condominium administration company are looking for tenders and the next meeting with the residents is at the end of the month. At previous meetings, the residents have rejected the costs despite ‘tireless’ work by some and when works are approved, fund-raising will begin. If the residents still cannot agree then Funchal Council will find a tender and it could be more costly to the residents, so the condominium administrator wants this to be a last resort. The longer the delay, the more expensive it will become, so it is an investment.
Ribeira Brava will have the Emigrant Museum. The proposal was in the electoral program of the Social Democrats and highlighted at the inauguration of the mayor who is starting his final term, and is a former immigrant. It is intended as a tribute to those who go abroad for a brighter future but always remember their ‘roots’ where they were born. Plans are for the museum to be installed in the old health centre, which was the first one in the area.
Signs that Madeira is in economic crisis. In the past nine months, there have been an overall 27% fewer automatic transactions through electronic terminals or ATM machines, a loss of 437 million Euros (1,637 to 1,200) or 1.6 million Euros per day. 30% less through automatic terminals, 23% less using cards, 25% less through ATMs and 42% less international transactions. This penalises local companies and taxes, for example IVA (VAT) and consumption taxes on fuel, alcohol, tobacco, etc.
Quinta do Lorde will raise 7 million in taxes. Machico Council have calculated they will receive 7 million Euros in direct taxes (IMI and IMT) accruing 625,000 Euros in licences/permits and 68,000 Euros in IMI each year. This was one of the arguments they used in a court case filed on July 17 opposing the construction of the resort. They also expect employment for 400 construction workers and 200 jobs created in the future. —- I thought it had been ruled legal and the arguments finally ended.
German resident in Água de Pena accusing neighbour of assault. A 66 year old German, resident since 1977, has filed a court case against a 35 year old Madeiran neighbour. Both residents were in dispute in 2006 over the construction of a house on the Vereda (lane) da Quinta da Lagartixa, which gave access to the German’s residence. There were a dozen subscribers to a petition against the construction but the Council authorized an alternative access to the vereda, which was constructed. The German citizen alleges he was insulted then pushed against a wall resulting in minor injuries and an upset wife. The court hearing has begun today in Santa Cruz.
Community policing in Nazaré works. Recovered a stolen ‘Toshiba’ portable computer worth 1,000 Euros which had been sold for 40 Euros. Case of theft and receiving stolen goods, to pay for drug addiction. The police were on patrol in São Martinho and spotted a man carrying a ‘Toshiba’ laptop identical to one which had been reported as stolen from a house in Nazaré. He could not explain the origin and was the suspected receiver of the laptop. The suspect of the crime is the brother of the victim, referred to as toxicodependent, who admitted selling it for 40 Euros. The laptop has been returned to the rightful owner and legal proceedings will follow.
Sweet potato weighing about eight kilos. From farmland in Água de Pena, Machico.
—– Quite a fertile region for unusual and large vegetables.
Government will spend 10% of the budget on pensions to former MPs. €1.6 million to 52 former MPs. The politicians on the Continent and the Azores lost this ‘privilege’ in 2005 following an amendment which Madeira did not follow. Holding office for not less than 12 years and under 55 years of age, the pension is 4% for each year in office, up to a maximum of 80% of salary.
50% fewer fatal accidents at work. In 2000, there were 10 and only 4 in 2008. A Regional Strategy 2008/11 has been implemented. The ultimate goal is to minimize occupational accidents and illnesses by changing attitudes, behaviours and through training and awareness. The highest number of fatal accidents are in construction, responsible for more than a third, but 7% less in 2006 than 2000.
Police catch a well-known thief after a pursuit. The 40 year old man from Caniçal is known for burglary of rural properties. A neighbour alerted the police that the man was inside a property in Poco do Gil. Realizing that the police had arrived, he fled to land near the football field. The police surrounded him from several sides as he ran through private land and had to be handcuffed for detention at Machico Police Station for identification.
Savoy Group can start building the new hotel. The present Savoy Hotel can be demolished ready for the construction of a new hotel on the Avenida do Infante. The permit should be issued shortly and work begun within six months. The details of the plan for the redevelopment of the Ribeira de São Joao still need approval.
‘Aida Vita’ passenger air-lifted off yesterday. A 77 year old German on the cruise ship was evacuated to Funchal Central Hospital after a suspected cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The ship was about 240 miles west of Madeira and although the area comes under the Ponta Delgada rescue services, a naval ‘Merlin’ helicopter was deployed due to the proximity of the navy in the area.
Madeiran drivers aggressive. A Driving School Instructor said the psychological testing for some applicants for driving licences, if the new law is applied in Madeira next year, should be extended to all drivers. He said most driving is of a good standard but too many drivers are aggressive and lack the maturity and civility needed. Testing would help reduce this number. He outlined in particular the problems with lane discipline on roundabouts. ——- Are there many unemployed psychologists here to carry out testing?
A quick look at today’s front page headlines :
Reoccurring burglaries shake Campanário – Elderly question the law. The Diário got together a group of victims and neighbours to discuss the problem. One lady aged 60 said "But what law is it that we have on Madeira", after being a victim 3 times so far this year. Residents say they are fed up of the burglaries and point the finger of blame on a 23 year old man, a drug addict called Hugo, but the justice system appears to do nothing.
Today’s main news headline : Police Expel Commissioner – Manuel Saldanha was influential in the PSP (Public Security Police) of Madeira. He was a promising official, but he ruined his own career. He was convicted for the practice of a crime of drug trafficking, conduct that led Internal Affairs to dismiss him.
Deadly skid in Rosário. A 34 year old man died from his injuries after his truck went off the road at a bend and hit a wall.
Madeira pays €200 thousand to exhibit art in Lisbon. The regional heritage (collection) is going to be promoted starting 21st November in the National Palace of Ajuda.
The main front page photo today shows a number of elderly football supporters arriving at Madeira Airport : Bilbao brings a thousand supporters and Nacional asks for a full house. "Them coming is helping us to win". The challenge is launched by Nacional coach Manuel Machado. Spanish flight operators fill four charter flights. The game is live on SportTV1 around 8 pm tonight. Last chance saloon methinks, so good luck lads!
In politics : New president changes the locks – The drastic measure of Rui Moisés motivates the opposition to ask if the local authority was burgled. The new president of Santana Câmara took the measure as one of his first acts after taking command. He says that is something "normal for one who is new in post" and "it is not a lack of confidence in anyone". Knowing the level of corruption that goes on in politics here, I think I would have done the same thing, and used the exact same excuses.
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Limitations of mandates doesn’t worry Jardim – President of the Madeira government considers that the rule is anti-democratic. For Jardim the limitation of terms served signifies that "the people cannot choose who they want, when they want". The programme of the new government of Portugal foresees the introduction of limits on how many terms can be served. You only have to look at the photo of Uncle Bertie (from the Diário) to see when a man has served enough terms already. I wonder why prime minister José Sócrates would want to limit the number of terms a politician might serve, what could have possibly motivated that? As for the comment "anti-democratic", well why is the words pot, kettle and black, suddenly leapt into my mind? 
Population ignores danger. The public in the areas of Maiata, Larano and Lombinho in Porto da Cruz risk their lives every day by using the road Caminho da Maiata da Baixo, which runs beneath a rocky slope which is threatening to collapse. The road was closed by Machico Council in January 2008 with two large concrete blocks at the entrance but the closure is ignored by the public. People have repositioned the blocks despite a car being crushed by a falling rock last year and the occupant lucky to escape injury. People still use the road to prevent a long diversion, for example a six kilometre detour to the centre of Porto da Cruz. Three weeks before the local elections, the council removed the boulders most in danger of falling but work has since stopped due to lack of finance. It will resume when construction of a nearby promenade has begun. 
Christmas illuminations more environmentally friendly. Assembly has begun of more than 400,000 lights which will form part of the Christmas display in Funchal from 27 November to 6 January. The lighting will differ from previous years with themes of astronomy and science alongside traditional themes. The lights are more energy efficient with greater longevity and lower power consumption and therefore more environmentally friendly. There will be stars, comets, planets and angels and the predominant colours will be green, red, gold and white with more bolder colours this year. There will also be the usual themed street displays plus flowers and the traditional exhibition of cribs in December. Also street entertainment. 
Goodbye ‘Costa Europa’. The ‘Costa Europa’ arrived at 6.30 am from Tenerife with 4,800 tourists and left at 17.00 for Malaga. It is the 90th and final time she will be in port with that designation. Next year she will be operated by Thomson Cruises and the contract is for ten years, with the option to buy after five. The ship was built in 1986 and named ‘Westerdam’, then renamed ‘Costa Europa’ in 2002 and first visited Funchal on 15 May that year. The ‘AIDAvita’ (1,300) and ‘Oceana’ (1,900 mainly British tourists) also in port.
Regional Plan for Homeless People presented today. 37 measures to be implemented by 2011. Multi-sector and in collaboration with public and private organizations. The plan is initially for the 60 homeless people the authorities know about, and to prevent further situations developing through drug addiction, alcoholism, unemployment, family conflicts and psychosocial disorders.
Today’s top headline : Câmara obliges ‘Infante’ to carry out urgent works – A clear ultimatum : either the administration of the building goes forward with repair works, or the council manages the process and passes the bill to the residents. We have great laws here which oblige owners to keep their property in good nick, and if they don’t the local council can take on the maintenance and repairs and bill the owners. This condominium building ‘Edifício Infante’ now has that ultimatum from Funchal council, and from the photo I think they have a fair point.
