Madeira News Blog

(6th September). Today’s main news headline : ‘Cattle In Extinction – Of the number of cows that existed on Madeira 20 years ago, only 20% remain’. The article refers to cattle of regional origin, and in 2007 the livestock count was just 2,500. The regional livestock sector is in danger of disappearing due to declining interest in raising livestock, and the new rules imposed by the government and the European Union. Today we can even say that the regional cattle stock moves towards extinction. Proof of this is the drastic reduction of livestock that occurred in the last two decades, which has further worsened in recent years. In 1986 Madeira had over 11,500 cattle, and that has reduced by around 80% since then. According to a managing partner of the largest importer of live cattle in the region, the reduction is mainly linked to the "lack of interest among farmers" and "lack of information" and "bureaucracy surrounding the raising of animals." A situation he stresses that "is getting worse, and the way this is going, in 10 years there will be no cows left. Less significant, but no less disturbing was the reduction in the import of animals for fattening and slaughter. In this particular case, says Manuel Gaston, "there was a drop between 30 to 35% compared to two years ago". The reasons are mostly related to the national and international crisis. "This is more about the economic situation. The civil construction has slowed, there is less work, wages are low and, obviously people opt for other meats like chicken and pork, which have been very cheap", he said. The situation does not just affect cattle, with livestock declining also for pigs, down from 26,500 in 1986 to 13,300 now. The number of sheep has also reduced in that period from 12,996, to 2,699 at the end of 2007, but that statistic is closely linked to the decision by the regional government to remove sheep from the mountains and countryside, which led to many farmers abandoning this activity.

‘More Support – The crisis obliges the Social Security to expand its budgets for the institutes of solidarity’. The Social Security Centre Madeira (CSSM) gave €6.1 million to Private Institutions of Social Solidarity (IPSS) and other non-profit institutions of social support during the first half of 2009. Compared to the same period last year that was €300,000 more, with the number of support organisations increasing from 57 to 58. The biggest beneficiary was the Centro Social e Paroquial de São Bento, which received over €947,000, followed by the Centro Social Paroquial de Santo António with nearly €700,000, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Calheta with €512,000, and the Centro Social e Paroquial da Santíssima Trindade da Tabua with €437,000. The president of the Board of CSSM, Bernadette Vieira, said that this increase is a reflection "of investments that have been made in the areas that benefit senior citizens and children", and  stresses, that needs tends to increase, not only due to the emergence of new institutions of support and social solidarity, but also due to some serious social problems arising from the economic crisis.

Most of today’s front page is taken up with a photo of Cristiano Ronaldo with that agonising look he specialises in when he misses a scoring chance : ‘The Cursed Lack Of Aim – Liedson makes his debut with a goal but Portugal didn’t go beyond the draw (1 – 1) in Denmark. Faced with the triumph of Sweden in Hungary, our team fell to 4th place in the group and now has to rely on the others to enable it’s arrival at the World Cup’. It was just one of those games, when Denmark had just one shot on goal and scored, and Portugal had 15 at the last count and scored once. The referee was taking a bit of stick on the TV news this morning too, for not giving a pretty obvious penalty. With 3 games left against Hungary (x 2) and Malta, Portugal now need Sweden to slip up to have any hope of a play-off position.

‘Paul Loses Fishermen – The land of ‘sea captains’ awaits the construction of a fish market and for a civic centre’. Another headline : "Some Work The Land, Others Work The Sea" – Paul do Mar marked by emigration’. With 20 years Carlos Ferreira swapped Paul do Mar for Panama four years ago. Since then he has travelled around several Latin American countries on board tuna fishing vessels. The story of Carlos is no different from most of the inhabitants of Paul do Mar, a neighbourhood marked by emigration where "some work the land, others work the sea", explains Maria Fernandes, who at 64 years has also been an emigrant in South Africa. Australia, Panama, Samoa, Venezuela and England are other destinations for ‘pauleiros’. It is in the sea that the majority seek a living and better conditions in life. "It is very worthwhile," says Carlos Ferreira, who has no regrets having spent so much of his life at sea. "You earn a lot of money," he stresses. But in this "corner of heaven" not everything runs to form. There is still much to be done. The population welcomes the progress in the work on the Civic Centre, but complains about the lack of employment, and the health centre, for failing to offer a permanent service. It looks like the Diário series ‘Through Madeira’ is back. Marked by emigration it may be, but also marked by strewn concrete blocks like much of our coastline I see from the photo.

UPDATES :

‘Five Thousand In Grape Harvest Festival’. An estimated 5,000 people, including many tourists, went to Estreito de Câmara de Lobos yesterday morning to see the 32nd Festa das Vindimas. The Diário observed that the festival goers snubbed the risks of Gripe A swine flu, passing around drinking classes from person to person, a high-risk behaviour. One visitor was dazzled by the party and with the island, saying "It’s very beautiful. I’m really enjoying it. Madeira is beautiful". Herminia Lopez, a Luso-Venezuelan visiting Madeira for the first time praised the festival, "I loved it. It is very interesting". The regional secretary for tourism said that the wine festivals are well consolidated as tourism events, a fact proved by the 75% hotel occupancy, but she still aiming to improve on that. Grape production this year is expected to fall short of that achieved last year, and the harvest is also delayed as a result of weather conditions.
The photo is from Estreito de Câmara de Lobos yesterday.

‘Families should make contingency plans – The Director-General of Health states that each one must have their own procedures’. "We are informing all the Portuguese that the principal contingency plans are those of families", he said, referring of course to Gripe A swine flu. He also said that the obese, asthmatics, diabetics and those who have chronic problems, should consult their doctors beforehand to prepare protocols and procedures, to work to in the event of contracting Gripe A. "We are not at great risk, but it may be in the Autumn or Winter that this will happen" he added, stressing that at that time, "everyone should know what to do". The President of the Board of Health and Social Affairs, Maurício Melim, also present at the awareness initiative, said that the regional authorities will continue to invest in a plan of prevention, with particular attention for children, pregnant women, and the chronically ill.

‘Dog Show With More Breeds – The Lido Gardens filled yesterday afternoon and the appeal of the organisation was heard’. 65 dogs were entered and judged in several categories. The organiser took the opportunity to appeal to people not to abandon dogs, and to ensure that they were sterilised. There is a slideshow HERE with more photographs.

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London came to distinguish one wine made in Madeira as being the best in its category. The award for the best dessert(?) wine in the world was given to Verdelho 10 Old Reserve produced by Vinhos Barbeito. The election of a Madeira wine as the best liqueur(?) in the world is of great importance, since Madeira will increase its exports when the quality of its wine is recognized in such a way. Two other Madeira wines were also awarded at the event last week. Henriques & Henriques won a medal with a Malmsey of 2001, and also a Bual Colheita 1993 was among the winners. (It’s a bit tricky translating wine terminology, so a bit of guesswork was involved … just in case anyone was thinking of going out to buy a bottle of one of those mentioned).

The last of the front page stories today : ‘Parties Repetitive – There are places and entities, almost always the same, that are tempting for the parties in campaign times’. Bit of a pointless article really, but here goes. The political parties always target the same institutions when on the election campaign trail. Some institutions refuse to get involved. Favourites are Funchal Central Hospital and the regions health centres, to highlight a lack of conditions, Madeira Education Centre, the Farmers Market in Funchal, to get nice colourful pictures, and Madeira Free Zone. Visits to the regional command centre of the police, to highlight security issues, and the employment office of course, are also popular. The PSD social democrats particularly like to associate themselves with the church, and charities are also popular. In terms of a good backdrop for TV interviews, Pico dos Barcelos is popular, being a good spot with a panoramic view over Funchal.

"Absolute Majorites Always Abuse" – To inaugurate in election times is a sign of a lack of democratic maturity’. Those were some of the messages from Paulo Portas, national leader of the CDS Christian Democrats, on Madeira yesterday for the party political rally in Prazeres. The party has a slight chance of a seat in the Assembly of the Republic, if all goes really well. Portas referred to two politicians in his criticism, José Sócrates and Alberto João Jardim, saying that in absolute majorities "they transform the power into abuse". We all know that inaugurations at election time are a speciality of president Jardim, to win votes, but this year prime minister Sócrates is being accused of copying Jardim by doing much the same thing. Not quite on the same scale, as Jardim does two a day, and Sócrates just one. 

(20th August). Today’s main news headline : ‘Hospital Is Not A High Security Prison – The case of the baby that appeared badly treated continues unexplained. Miguel Ferreira says it is not possible to control the movements of patients and visitors, referring also to the drug addict that stole ampoules in the hospital, that then killed him’. It’s just not possible to follow all the moves of patients and visitors when they pass through the hospital entrance, says the Clinical Director at Funchal Central Hospital (HCF). He was speaking after bad publicity about a 3 month old baby with a broken arm and bruising, and a junkie who stole drugs when waiting to be seen in the ‘emergencies’, and died. We can’t have someone to accompany everyone who moves around the hospital, and we don’t expect people to appear who are inclined to hurt babies, he added. ID checks are made at the entrance he says, and security cameras would act as a deterrent, but the request for them was blocked by the data protection commissioner. The request has now been approved for security cameras to be placed at the entrance doors, but elsewhere it has been deemed to be an ‘invasion of privacy’. He says he doesn’t know what happened to the three month old baby with the broken arm. As for the young drug addict who died, it is not possible to prevent as the theft took place when the man went to the bathroom. The drugs taken were known to have fatal consequences if taken without medical supervision. The family of the baby continue prohibited from visiting her.

The main front page photo shows a JCB digger working on a site construction : ‘€690,000 Spent On Project That Doesn’t Move From The Paper – The Madeira government spend money on land, but the pavilion will be built elsewhere. Estreito awaits the promised work. 17 years have passed’. This story has done the rounds before, so I will keep it brief. 17 years ago Estreito de Câmara de Lobos was promised a sports pavilion (one of those huge buildings with indoor courts I think). 17 plots of land were purchased for the purpose by the government using the compulsory purchase procedure, spending at least €690,000 plus costs. A decision from the courts (injunction) then made the government decide to change the site, and the philosophy for the plans for the pavilion also changed. The ‘old field’ of 6,738 square metres is still there doing nothing.

‘Adjudication On Controversial Contract In Câmara Of Santa Cruz’. The council awarded a contract for computing anti-virus services and licences to the most expensive tender, which has caused some controversy. Three tenders were submitted, the cheapest of which was disqualified for not meeting the specification. The company ACIN went in with €13,260.95 to win the contract, whilst Euronetworks had tendered second highest at €10,600. The latter company has a majority shareholder, who also happens to be an independent councillor on the câmara of Santa Cruz, who said that the tender was dismissed for illegitimate reasons. He believes his company has been discriminated against because he is an opposition councillor in the eyes of the ruling PSD-M social democrats. Questioned directly on that accusation the council responded that is it deals with such matters with "total transparency and equality" for all the tenderers, and one cannot mix political situations in these competitive procedures.

‘Sé : Highs And Lows Of The Low – Traditional trade is weak, lack of parking, homelessness, some insecurity, … but where one lives well’. The Diário featured district today in the series ‘Through Madeira’, is the area of Funchal known simply as Sé, and the location of the cathedral. It’s the most urban and busiest area, but has the lowest resident population in Funchal. Amid the agony of diminishing traditional trade and some social dramas, the Cathedral zone presents itself as an urban area that is clean and a pleasant place to live and work. The resident population is just 2,148 according to the 2001 census. Homelessness is a problem, and it has some association with drug problems, but Sé is considered a relatively safe place to live and work. On the number of homeless people who sleep on the streets, one businessman says "It’s a situation that must be stopped very quickly because it is leaving a very negative image for tourism". Another shop owner says that lack of policing is a concern, and also problems connected with the sewers. Pedestrianised streets and lack of parking causes a problem for trade, particularly in competing with other areas that are better organised in this respect.

‘Music Of Buraka Lands Today – The park of Água de Pena livens tonight with the most international Portuguese group of the present time’. "We’re going to give our best" the group guarantees, on it’s first ever visit to Madeira. The top Portuguese band of the moment, and one of the most innovative of recent years on the international stage, will land at the airport and head downstairs to perform at the sports complex beneath the runway. As I type this I am listening to one of their latest tracks, and I can’t believe I actually recognise it (Wegue Wegue). I keep hearing it on the radio, kids singing it, bars, wherever. I won’t be going, or buying the CD, but doors open at 10 pm if anyone wants to go. I wonder if that will be a world record for the shortest trip by an international band from landing to the actual concert venue?

Today’s front page sports story is of the big Europa League game tonight on Madeira : ‘Nacional – Zenit Affected By Television Controversy – Financial demands distance live coverage and highlights’. "The years passed behind the iron curtain still weigh heavy. The Russians of Zenit are cold people, untrusting with very little humour" that’s the Diário view of Russians! The president of Nacional is looking for €150,000 for television rights for the match highlights. The club wanted €1 million for the live rights to the game, but the deal was aborted, meaning there will be no live coverage of tonight’s game, not even in Russia. Zenit say it is unbelievable, even the champions league final doesn’t cost that much. Zenit St Petersburg are one of the richest clubs in the world, and no expense has been spared on accommodation for the players, and 30 rooms have been booked at Reid’s Hotel at €300 per night. If the worst comes to the worst and you want to follow the game, you can listen on the radio (TSF 100FM) at 8.30 pm, but I can’t even get that station where I live, so I will have to try on the internet. Look forward to the sniper visits regarding the belittling of the Russians … I just translate don’t forget.

(19th August). ‘Council approves amendment to train plans – Project should proceed inside the next term of the Câmara of Funchal’. The original article from the blog in May is HERE. Funchal Council approved amendments to a plan for the construction and operation of a train in Monte, at it’s last meeting. The alteration relates to the station located at Terreiro da Luta. The company that operates the cable car to Monte has permission to restore the old train station, last used by the old train, that ran between 1893 and 1943, between Pombal and Terreiro da Luta. Firstly the plan has to be submitted again to the Office of Mobility and Land Transport (IMTT). A council spokesman said that it is a "value added" investment to the zone of Monte, that complements the other attractions there, including the many ‘quintas’, in an area considered very important in tourism terms. The plan also includes the restoration of the old station building at Largo da Fonte. ‘Teleféricos Madeira’, who own the project, will also where possible preserve the image of the original service, with signage, staff uniforms, and decor designed from the originals of over 65 years ago. The duration of the operation has been approved for a 40 year term. The line will be 1.3 km in length, and the funicular type train will be able to carry up to 60 passengers.

A girl’s drink was spiked with what is believed to be GHB one night last week, whilst at a night club on Porto Santo. The substance is better known as a ‘date rape drug’, but in this case the youngster became very ill with convulsions and had to go to hospital where she stayed for 9 hours. How horrible, and the first time I have heard of this here.

‘Gastronomy and folk music on the ‘menu’ on the Nights of the Promenade in Caniço – The event runs from 21st to 30th August on the promenade of Reis Magos’. It’s more than a gastronomic event, at the ‘Nights of the Promenade of Caniço’, which this year takes place for the tenth time. Besides food and delicacies, folk music is always an ‘ingredient’ present on the ‘menu’ for those present from late afternoon. There is at least one group every night (8 pm, or 7.30 pm  on 22nd & 23rd) to liven up the night, and this year the entertainment comes from Portugal, Russia and Canada, as well as local performances. On the final night the event closes with a firework display (11 pm).

This from the Jornal da Madeira : ‘Farmers markets doing product promotions – Campaign is running on Sundays during the Summer’. The Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a campaign to promote innovative products on sale in the farmers’ market, which will be sold at much cheaper prices. The "extremely competitive prices" will be offered under the slogan "Feel the freshness of our products at a great price!" (Sinta a frescura dos nossos produtos a óptimo preço!). The farmers markets with the campaign at present are in Santana, Prazeres and Canhas, and each Sunday a range of products will be offered at the campaign prices, whichever stall they are purchased from. I am curious about the ‘innovative products’ bit. Thanks to the restraints of nature on this earth, there are strict limitations on what a farmer can do, so a new type of vegetable perhaps, blue oranges (called ‘blues’ of course), or maybe a mutant or hybrid farm animal called a chig or chow. The mind boggles.

A few short late items, rather than do a separate posting :

(20th August). "Fetishes Of Jardimism". The CDU communists want to show what the reign of president Jardim has achieved in terms of his personal lust, and wastage of public money, by publishing a book that will present 100 public works – An A to Z of Doubtful Usefulness. The book  gives examples of public works that are total failures, some that were built but were never used, and some that never got off the drawing board, even though significant expenditure was incurred. The book was presented yesterday at the Refrigerated Warehouse at Porto Novo, one of the prime examples of "works that do not work". In the case of this cold store, a unit with capacity to store many tons of fish for the canning industry, it stopped working ten years ago. "It’s a great white elephant," says a CDU official. I have just visited the CDU website rather keen to request a copy of the said publication, but I couldn’t find it, not really having tried too hard because of the unavoidable awful music.

In a national story that doesn’t show Madeira separately, there is a breakdown of political party expenditure for the national (legislative) elections next month. It is a requirement for all parties to submit this budget to the electoral authorities. The PS socialists have budgeted the most (€5.54 million), followed by the social democrats PSD (€3.34 m). At the other end of the scale the range is from the Christian Democrats / People’s Party with €850,000 to spend, to the MPT earth party with just €300.

(19th August). ‘Pontinha Will Have More Cruise Ships In 2010 – Funchal Port will register over 300 stopovers’. The port will be filling up in 2010, especially in the early months. Already the bookings for moorings (305) are 21 more than currently predicted for this year. April 2010 alone has 42 bookings, with 46 in November, and 52 in December. With some matters not yet finalised, there could be another 25 still to be added to the list. Even more ‘full houses’ next year than this year then, and what with the additional ferry traffic as well, some days could be a nightmare. If you don’t believe me, or want to know exactly what is coming and when, you can check the lists on the menu on the right hand sidebar (Funchal Port, then click ‘Ships Movements’)

(23rd July). Today’s main news headline : ‘Government Suspends PDM – For this time, the suspension of the Municipal Master Plan is done for S. Roque: Twisting rules to permit the construction of a civic centre’. The Câmara of Funchal and the Madeira government are roughly in agreement with the action, that will allow a significant deviation in policy that ensures urban planning projects conform with investment requirements. The civic centre in São Roque, the conversion of an existing building, violates the rules of the PDM, but will go ahead under the label of "public interest", justified by the fact that the one new centre will unite the users of other local centres.

The day’s main photo shows a police vehicle parked outside a police station, and continues the kidnapping and murder story : ‘Family Of Guilherme Alves Had The Money For The Ransom Demand – Rui Jorge Ferreira, son-in-law of the murdered Porto Santo businessman, deplores that the kidnappers had not given time so that he could have transferred to ransom sum. Talking to the Madeiran society in a long open letter in today’s Diário, Rui Jorge who was also threatened with death, tells everything and says that he warned the police to detain the suspect at large. Still alert to businessmen and individuals "This real bandit can appear when you least expect him". The family of the murdered man have not requested special protection, but they are in fear of retaliation, but protective measures will have to be approved through a court, following examination of the circumstances. Also in fear are those with their names on a fake ‘headstone’, for their part in the failed business of Martins (as mentioned yesterday). The fact that there are two of the gang in prison helps, but with the ringleader still on the run, people are still worried for their safety, despite the fact that Martins is known to have fled the country using a false passport, but he may have other false documentation he could use to return.

In a related headline : ‘For their part, one family member of the suspect José Martins complains that no one offered psychological help to the family and he understands that, if his relative murdered someone, he would kill himself afterwards’. The relative mentions that Martins has farmland in Brazil, with around 300 head of cattle, but refused to give more details and the address when asked. They also say that he "is of good heart", and that he is "capable of turning himself in to justice, if he realises he is thought to be involved in the case", as he is "not capable of spending all of his life with the burden of guilt". It’s always best to hear both sides of the story to get a balanced opinion, but a man who flees the country on a false passport straight after a kidnapping and murder only deserves so much positive blog coverage. Who knows, I might soon be on his ‘gravestone’ black list, and I wouldn’t be to hard to track down.

"We’re Going To Lose History" – Traders and cultural agents ask for certification for traditional drinks of Curral de Freiras’. A solution that supports the production of traditional beverages such as ginja (cherry liquor) and castanha liquor (chestnut), is wanted by traders, and organisations that are interesting in preserving and disseminating traditional activities in Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns). Currently local products such as chestnut cake, chestnut soup and grilled chestnuts are sold in establishments, but the ginja and liquors sold are not from Curral das Freiras, even though they may purport to be. The process for certification of ginja has already started, but no mention of plans for the chestnut liquor, and if it doesn’t occur then production and tradition may be lost. Does this mean to say that if one buys a bottle of ginja in Curral das Freiras now, then currently it would be considered to be ‘moonshine’?

The football stadium of Marítimo at Barreiros has now got permission to start work on the stadium redevelopment, from Funchal Council, although it does appear that work had already started.

‘PJ Investigate A Probable Murder In Calheta – A man looks to have killed his own wife, and then committed suicide’. It happened last night, with a disagreement being the cause suggested. The man appears to have taken his own life with a firearm.

‘Funchal Is The 5th Best District To Live In Portugal – ‘Land Of The Future’ was the slogan chosen by those responsible for the study’. From among 20 districts in all of Portugal, through enquires made to public using 10 objective criteria, Funchal finished in a top position, and was given the title ‘Land Of The Future’. The project did criticise Funchal for lack of investment in the area of culture, but the president of Funchal Câmara said that steps were planned for a venue to host shows, and for a public art gallery.

‘Two More Cases Of Gripe A On Madeira – The number of confirmed cases rises to five’. Two 9 year old children have now been confirmed to have H1N1 swine flu. They arrived from the UK on Saturday. Why don’t they cross-off the ones that are released? It would be nice to get back to zero again when the current 4 are released, but instead they just keep adding on.

In a related headline story : ‘Gripe A: The Race To The Pharmacies Continues – Paranoia helps to sell out supplies of disinfectants and masks’. On Tuesday one chemist sold 130 bottles of disinfectant, and the story repeats itself throughout Funchal, if there are any stocks left at all. One customer brought 10 bottles. Those most worried are those that work in public service and have contact with the public. The masks are also in high demand, mostly from those going on holiday, to wear on the plane. What they don’t realise is that the masks on sale are not suitable for Gripe A, and all they do is protect others from the wearer of the mask, and not the other way around. It’s an updated and recycled story from a couple of weeks ago. National forecasts on the expected impact of the swine flu is that 2.5 million people will be affected, and between 2,500 and 8,700 people will die. For just Madeira, 62,500 infected, and between 625 and 2,170 will die.  If that news doesn’t send people scarpering off to the chemist, I don’t know what will!

A report released yesterday on the state of forestry on Madeira reveals that 43% of the island is forest. Of the total area of Madeira (80,102 hectares) over 34,000 are forested zones, mostly Laurissilva. The report, which is the first forestry ‘inventory’ ever carried out, shows that just 5% of such areas exist in urban zones, and the rest is roughly equally split between natural forest and cultivated forest. The report will be updated every 5 years, and will be a key tool in planning matters. Like what forest will we use to build the next cable car perhaps?

Traders in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos are suffering a crime spree. A florist shop in the centre is the latest victim of 5 robberies within a week. Around €100 was taken during the night. It seems a lot of robberies take place because cash is left on the premises overnight. If the insurance companies insisted on ‘no cash’ left on the premises, a lot of this would gradually fizzle out. Otherwise who would burgle a florists?

‘Madeira Gains New Magazine. It can be read on http://magazon.netmadeira.com/ Magazon is a magazine about arts, politics, society, and the good things in life. It is only available online, and is in Portuguese of course.