Madeira News Blog

(22nd August). Today’s main news story : ‘Wind Enables Saving Of €5 Million – Wind turbines already create 6.5% of the energy produced on Madeira, supplying the equivalent of 27,500 houses in 6 regions of the island’. It is predicted that by 2012, wind power will represent 9.8% of electricity needs, and take up to 22% (of total electricity needs) the output of the renewable sources of generation on Madeira. The new wind turbines will generate 71 GWh per year, enough to supply all the domestic needs of Machico, Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Santana, São Vicente and Porto Moniz. By the end of next year it is planned to have two new wind farms, one an expansion of the site at Loiral (project of EEM), the other a private initiative. The current capacity saves the importation of 13,700 tons of fuel to Madeira, and eliminates the emission 43,000 of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In theory there is no limit to the number of wind farms that could be built here, but there are restrictions that prevent this purely for technical reasons. Renewable resources could provide as much as 30% of electricity production by 2016/17. In theory, anyone can apply for a licence to generate electricity from wind power, by applying to the Regional Directorate for Trade, Industry and Energy, although the guarantee that all such energy produced can be sold into the grid in the future is not quite so clear.

The main front page photo today today is an eye-catching colourful shot inside the farmers market : ‘Bosses Annoyed With Market opening – Lack of information fell badly for the traders that preferred to relax on the Day of the City of Funchal’. The majority of traders only knew from the newspapers that Funchal Council had decided that the market (Mercado dos Lavradores) would be open, and those contacted by the Diário said they did not want to work on that public holiday, preferring to relax along with everyone else from Funchal. The stalls were open from 7 am until 4 pm, and trade was weak. One flower seller said she had just €20 in the cash till at the end of the day. The shops of downtown Funchal were also running on ‘half gas’, but bars and some restaurants were full of customers.

‘Rescued From The Sea Of The North With A Tragedy Imminent – SANAS, the Navy and FA undertook an operation together that finished in a difficult rescue, at night, of a 20 year old man in the high seas of São Vicente’. A helicopter, lifeboat, and the launch ‘da capitania’ fought for 4 hours against bad weather. The 20 year old man who was catching ‘lapas’ (limpets) on the reefs of São Vicente was rescued in the dark by a combination of rescue teams, and survived thanks to being in good shape physically, the diving suit he was wearing, and his rescuers of course. He was seen as it was getting dark, and a surfer bravely tried a rescue and had to be rescued himself, but as darkness fell the fisherman was lost from sight. The alert was raised about 7.30 pm and the authorities rushed to attend, along with the Merlin Helicopter stationed on Porto Santo. The rescue was achieved around 11 pm. A spokesman breathed a sigh of relief, saying these night time operations don’t always go so well.

’5 Dead In Rock Fall On A Beach Of Albufeira’. 4 women and a man died after a huge rockfall on the beach of Maria Luísa in the Algarve. 6 more were injured, one seriously. One expert believed that the cliff face, which was already identified as ‘at risk’, fell after a slight seismic activity. Four of the dead were women, killed just after midday yesterday. 8 people were rescued, including the injured mentioned. Work is still underway to clear the location, but there will not be any more survivors found.

‘SPAD Received 184 Animals Up Until 19th August’. The number has been less this year according to a spokesman for the Society for the Protection of Domestic Animals. Of the 184 animals received in just 19 days, 57 have already been adopted. The SPAD adoption campaign held in May will probably be repeated at the end of the Summer.

The emergency landing of the SATA shuttle service at Porto Santo yesterday, resulted in one injury, a man with a light fracture to his left foot, after a drop of around 3 metres on exiting the aircraft. He said he was pushed by another passenger in panic. The escape chute on the rear exit was not put in place until after all the passengers had left the plane. A vice president of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal was amongst the passengers.

‘Parents Deal With Purchase Of School Books’. It’s just a month to the start of the new academic year, but this year this year the sale of school text books has gone very quiet, in complete contrast with previous years, and especially last year. Large queues formed from late buyers, and supply problems from the publishers, have always caused a large headache with parents, not to mention the unwanted expense. This year, "Parents are being more responsible," says Agostinho Gonçalves, of Anny & Jhonny’s Bookstore, which sells textbooks for all subjects and levels, and to all parts of the Madeira and abroad. "There is much concern for purchasing the text books earlier", he stressed. This book shop alone orders more than 100,000 books a year. The text books needed are chosen by each school, so a wide variety are needed, although each book selected has to be adopted for a period of six years. For younger children, parents will have to find €60 – €75 for each child this year. In the secondary school this rises to €250 – €300 a year.

The sports headline today : ‘Nacional Prepares For FC Porto Thinking About Russia : Alvinegros (Nacional nickname) guaranteed a minimum of €900,000 if they eliminate Zenit St. Petersburg. But before that there is the game tomorrow in the Dragon’.

This weekend football : Marítimo are at home to Leixões on Sunday at 4 pm, and later on Nacional play away at the ‘Dragon’ against league champions Porto. (8.15 pm SportTV 1). There are currently 14 teams (out of 16) tied in second position in the league table, and I will stick my neck out and predict that will change significantly this weekend.

And from the political pages :

‘Solemn Session : Albuquerque says that the political class lives wrapped in cotton wool’. At the ‘Solene’ (solemn or serious) session yesterday in Funchal on the ‘Dia da Cidade’, in a 25 minute speech, one of the longest in 15 years, the President of Funchal Câmara Miguel Albuquerque accused the state of being "controlling, arrogant, and inefficient". The PSD politician was using a public engagement for political purposes, saying that politicians in the republic live in a glass dome. The last time I looked sr. Albuquerque you were one of the political class.

‘PND Help Jardim’. The New Democratic party launched a campaign yesterday afternoon, during Funchal 501, to help president Jardim pay the rent on the holiday home he is using on Porto Santo. The government owned property, reserved for the most deserved holidays for politicians and their cronies requires that a daily rent of €10 is paid by users, including Madeira’s president. According to José Manuel Coelho of the PND (aka The Rabbit), through a megaphone, Jardim does not deserve to be subjected to such "ingratitude", because despite being "retired", he still "cannot rest day or night, as he is always thinking about the welfare of Madeira and Porto-Santo". For everything that he has done for Madeira, especially "roads and concrete", and for being a "great world leader", at the level of Obama or Putin, he (The Rabbit) can not agree that Jardim has "to pay from his own pocket", for the holiday that he enjoys every year on Porto Santo. The money collected will be given to president Jardim. Yet another great wheeze from The Rabbit, the entertainment just doesn’t stop coming! Lettuce wait and see how much he raised for Uncle Bertie.

‘Candidate Denies Coming Together Of MPT (Earth Party) And The Orange Power – Lícia Agrela aspires in counting on the disenchanted PS supporters’. This is the next in the series of Diário interviews with the top candidates (head-of-list) for the national elections. The first question posed is about a ‘proximity between the MPT and the PSD, which she says is not correct and is just criticism made because of the MPT support shown for good policies (regardless of the political party responsible). As for the rest of the interview, I can’t be bothered. 

‘Santos Silva says that Ferreira Leite, in ‘democratic asphyxiation’, confuses the Republic with Madeira’. The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in Portugal, Augusto Santos Silva, said yesterday that Manuela Ferreira Leite (PSD Leader) is confusing Portugal with Madeira, "where they don’t follow the main democratic principles". He was reacting to a radio interview given by the social democrat national leader in which she said that the main problem of Portuguese society is a "very complex democratic asphyxia", and that "people are afraid to speak out against the government because they have fear of retaliation". I can’t speak for Portugal, but yup, that’s definitely Madeira.

‘BE does not participate in the Day of the City – Left Block challenges Funchal to "think" about the city’. Left Block councillors did not participate in the formal session of the 501st anniversary of the city of Funchal yesterday, because they contest the fact that only the PSD speeches were permitted. A situation which has been repeated for several years. Only Miguel Albquerque, president of CMF and Alberto João Jardim, president of the regional government, were allowed to speak. Rodrigo Trancoso, candidate of the BE for the forthcoming council elections on 11th October, believes this is a clear trampling of democracy and challenges Funchal to think about the future of the city. That must have spoiled the day for everyone then, and it certainly got me thinking about Funchal, particularly on how to avoid going there during election time.

(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’)

TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to ???? … Sorry, I forgot to note who sent it, but a nice shot of the farmers / fruit market in Funchal.

Desperate times mean desperate measures … another bar here in Ribeira Brava has become a smoking bar, nearly 18 months after the ban was introduced and implemented. As the owners don’t smoke, I guess it was a case of even smoking customers are better than no customers.

Two new write ups on Madeira at CHANGE DIRECTION 1  and CHANGE DIRECTION 2 

This site has a great slide show of photographs taken by a paraglider, of other paragliders, paragliding over Madeira, with some great scenery, and some shots even taken above the clouds. MADEIRA PARAGLIDING

Don’t forget that news articles will be posted at various times during the day – Check back regularly and keep yourself up to date.

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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