Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Pete … Queen Victoria and P & O Oriana lining up for last nights fireworks.

Today’s second photo – Many thanks to Eiryl … Fish drying on a boat at Câmara de Lobos.

A happy and prosperous new year to everyone, and thanks for the messages and emails.

If you are making a new year resolution, how about helping out with material for this blog. At present there is too much work for too few volunteers. It cannot go on, and a decision will be made very soon which will probably mean that unless matters improve this blog will close down.  Daily photos are not lacking, it is written contributions that are needed. I have trialled this approach now for three months, and so this will probably be the last time I ask. So don’t just assume that someone else will step in to fill the gaps please, as it will be too late. Thank you – Der.

"I was out walking in Funchal, had just been to a rather dissapointing visit at the Madeira Wine Insitute, where history seemed more important than showing the quality of the wines. I was walking down a narrow street and there was a door in the wall that I just walked right past. But was n’t there some barrels inside? I walked back. D’Oliveiras it said. I had not even heard of the producer. I was a starting fan of this great wine, I had had some great Barbeitos, some Henriques & Henriques and some Blandy’s". I THINK HE HAD HAD A FEW WHEN HE WROTE THIS ARTICLE

"All of Portugal is on orange alert – one step up the danger level. Authorities there say the rains have destroyed millions of Euros worth of agricultural produce. Harbours are closed and the Madeira archipelago of islands is also under threat, as 110- kilometre-winds whip up six metre high waves". WE EVEN GOT A MENTION ON EURONEWS (weather video)

"The locals are quite friendly and are happy to share their island paradise with you. Madeira is a great vacation destination, and in fact, it redefines the term. If you are interested in golf, then this is definitely the spot for your next leisure trip. The Campo de Golfe de Madeira is outstanding, and both the play and the scenery are perfect. The island’s climate is lovely, and you will be surrounded by striking natural beauty." CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION GUIDE

This website was showing the Funchal 2010 fireworks live on the internet last night, but the camera seemed badly positioned, which might be unfair as I gave up after a couple of minutes this morning NEW YEAR 2010 FIREWORKS MADEIRA

Many thanks to Elaine once again for this from yesterday’s Diários :

Distinguished guests, events and controversies that marked the Region in 2009

Conflicting relationship between the Regional and Republic Governments generated moments of tension during the year

The first visit of the Prime Minister, José Sócrates; the visit of the President of the Republic accompanied by the King of Spain; the controversy over the passage of the leader of the PSD through Madeira, were among the milestones of regional policy in 2009.

The conflicting relationship between the Governments of the Republic and Region generated moments of tension throughout the year with the President of the Madeiran Executive, Alberto João Jardim, repeatedly criticizing the incompetence of Socrates and "the pranks and villainy of Lisbon" in relation to Madeira.

Jardim was even considering José Sócrates "a plague that befell the Madeirenese", "the greatest enemy of Madeira since the 25th of April" who "sent Portugal into the pit". At the root of the conflict is the alteration of the Regional Finance Law that, for the island leader, was "a bashing to benefit the Azores".

José Sócrates who never had found space in his schedule to visit Madeira, this year made two trips to the region, one on May 15 to deliver the first Magalhães computers, returning on 23 August for the annual festa of the PS-M in Fonte do Bispo.

Also the President of the Republic, Cavaco Silva, spent several days in the archipelago accompanied by the King of Spain who made his first visit to Madeira.

In 2009, Jardim achieved three more absolute election victories in Madeira. On June 7, Madeira lost the Socialist deputy who was in the European Parliament, to be represented by only one Parliamentarian, Nuno Teixeira who replaced Sergio Marques. In the National Legislative the PSD-M increased its presence in the Assembly of the Republic, winning one more place, exceeding four members while the PS lost two and the CDS failed to return to S. Bento after 33 years. In the Local Elections of 11 October after a troubled campaign due to incidents with the PND-M, Jardim was one more time absolute, keeping power in the eleven municipalities in the region including the three he decided to alter the head of the list. This election has inflicted another defeat on the PS-M and revealed some new features, the election of a councillor of the PND in Funchal, the Movement of Citizens ‘Together For the People’ in Santa Cruz, and even the MPT in Câmara de Lobos.

Controversy is also installed in Madeira because of the ‘rides’ that Jardim gave the national leader of the PSD, Manuela Ferreira Leite, in September but today Jardim says she is "getting more separate from the party at a national level".

Another major event that marked 2009 were the arguments used in the proposed constitutional revision of the PSD-M which displeased the Representative of the Republic, Monteiro Diniz, who even publicly declared himself "injured" by the situation.

The closure of the centennial Hotel Savoy in Funchal which launched dozens of workers unemployed in May; the wave of solidarity to try to save the baby Rodrigo who needed a bone marrow transplant and who passed away; the visit of the pilgrim image of Fatima to Madeira, were other landmarks of the news in 2009.

In sport the focus was on the National coach, Manuel Machado, whose life was at risk and in an induced coma following complications arising after surgery that took place on the Continent, and since the 27 November has been in the Hospital of Funchal.

…and also from Elaine …

Regional Government will assess the damage to pay for work. The storm damage to the water supply network at Rabacal, which supplies Ponta do Sol and part of Ribeira Brava, will be repaired immediately after the weather improves. This decision was made by the Governing Council whilst Jardim was present. According to the resolution, ‘The Government has authorized the various sectoral departments to proceed with the preparation and launch of replacement infrastructure and utilities most affected by the diverse weather conditions of recent weeks, to ensure a smooth operation and especially the safety of persons and goods.’ ‘At the moment, we await for a sustained improvement of weather conditions, to allow a complete and accurate assessment of damages to form and examine a means of financing.’ In the resolution, Technicians and Workers who rushed to repair the serous damage, despite their own sacrifices, were thanked and the Executive renews its expression of solidarity with the population affected, through the commitment of necessary repairs. Through criticism, people take advantage of natural disasters for political campaigns and are hypocrites. This was the first official statement from the Regional Government with the exception of  public statements by Manuel Antonio Correia.

PP wants Lisbon to talk about the bad weather in Madeira. The leader of the CDS-PP, Jose Rodrigues has not heard back from Sócrates, after his letter asking for financial help for regional storm damage. He said he will not give up and "I am still thinking of the best formula to achieve this objective." He does not agree with the PSD member Guilherme Silva, who wants to jointly submit a draft resolution and said, "I do not know where you will search for the money to rebuild." At present, the Government of Sócrates has given money to some areas of the Continent and declared a state of emergency in some agricultural zones. — Judging on past events, I doubt if Portugal could or would pay. Parts of the Continent and the Azores have been devastated and Portugal is in a worse economic position than Madeira.

PND considers the extraction of stone from a stream as theft.  The recent flooding at São Vicente. José Manuel Coelho accuses Rocha da Silva and Coita Pita – " two sharks regime". "These gentlemen constructed a road to serve the serra that they bought" whose debris was "lying on the bed of the stream. Now they want to free the water by the cloak (disguise) of  tattered excuses." He criticized them for wanting to intimidate the leader of the Socialist Party "who told the truth and put his finger in the wound." Coelho accused the workers of Madeira Nova of initially stealing the stones from the river to break stones for the crusher and then deposit the debris into the river, as it an inexpensive method. "They gain millions with poorly made work" and Alberto Jardim "protects all these gentlemen".

€50 million to spend in a month. Regional Government enters the new year with over 50 million Euros. Madeira has until the end of January to spend a 50 million Euros loan authorized by the Government of the Republic for projects co-financed by the EU, in an initiative in the 2009 budget. The formalization of this request for additional debt was authorized by the Representative for Madeira, Monteiro Diniz, and published in yesterday’s Diário da Republica.

Movement in the Port of Funchal for End of Year. A well presented article with good photos of the cruise ships visiting Funchal for the fireworks display, their movements in and out of port, and summary tables about the ships. CRUISE SHIPS FOR NEW YEAR 2010 

Delays and detours of 25 flights will cost 150,000 Euros. The bad weather which affected the operation of Madeira Airport was costly to airlines and passengers. Dozens of passengers had to change reservations and purchase new tickets. The carriers will have to bear the cost of accommodation and meals where rules over flight cancellations and long delays require them to. They also have additional charges associated with rescheduling of flights. The average cost of  ‘passenger protection’ is 60 Euros for the airline companies. More than 8,000 passengers were affected in recent days by the bad weather and had their flight cancelled or diverted to another airport. Over the past week, 22 aircraft could not land at Madeira, carrying more than 3,500 passengers. 31% had to stay at a hotel and others required meal allowances due to long delays. With ongoing clearance, the companies expect the cost for accommodation and meals will reach over 150,000 Euros. A contact working at TAP told Diário that the company will loose half a million Euros, due to changes and delays in routes. Porto Santo Airport cannot always be used as an alternative to Madeira Airport because safety rules, with respect to the fuel carried, require an alternative airport to be at least 40 miles away. The introduction of low-cost flights has penalized passengers affected by bad weather. A change in ticket before the flight costs 50 Euros if there is a vacant seat on the intended flight, of equal value. A change after the flight has taken place will cost 100 Euros. If the passenger wants to pay for a higher cost seat, (especially applicable with Christmas arrangements), they have to pay the difference in cost as well as the 50 Euros fee.

Fireworks displays also in the North and Machico. Santana, Machico and Porto Moniz are also having fireworks displays to mark the New Year. Santana is having fireworks and a mega-gala dinner followed by a musical concert and a disco until dawn. Porto Moniz, as well as fireworks, has stalls selling food and drink. Machico Council have organized 8 minutes of fireworks and musical entertainment, lasting until 2 am. The investment is 25,000 Euros. Santa Cruz is having its celebrations between the 8 – 17 January for the Festas de Santo Amaro, instead of celebrating tonight. In the West, Calheta, Ribeira Brava, Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol have no official arrangements. Rui Marques explained the reason; most people are in travelling distance of Funchal now, so especially in the present economic times, they would just be "burning money". It was true here in Ribeira Brava … they might as well have turned off the electricity last night! Der

More storm damage news. In Paul do Mar, a landslide of stones and earth fell nearby the water treatment plant. The retaining walls have already been battered by the sea and finally, the Regional Government has acted. Nearby in Jardim do Mar, a landslide has blocked an access road. In Ribeira Brava, three truckloads of rocks were emptied near the mouth of the ribeira to strengthen the wall and protect the coast. Also in Ribeira Brava, falling stones damaged a boat and holed the hull and particularly the helm. Ironically, it had been moved there to protect it from the sea.

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

Casas do Povo also run into debt – The regional government usually pays one year behind for the social centres. The suppliers also sharpen [?]. The 40 ‘Casas do Povo’ have mounting debts stretching back over a year, due to the Madeira government’s cash flow problems, and the matter has the presidents  of the institutions on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Those that employ staff are struggling to find money to pay them, and it is becoming a matter in some cases of turning to banks for loans to pay-off suppliers. The Diário contacted several presidents to discuss the matter, but the majority, despite of confirming the problems, avoided talking about the subject because of the "proximity with the party of government". Sounds like yet another situation of ‘keep yer gob shut or else’ from our Social Democrat rulers, who probably ‘take advantage’ of this deep rooted social and support network as an extension to it’s propaganda machine, in exchange for the possibility of public funding of course.

Armas obliged to use trucks – The regulatory authority says that the ferry company has to obey the law : loading and unloading operations can be done only with trucks. A decision that has been a long time coming. The matter has been in dispute for some months, after other freight shipping companies were prohibited from freight handling at Funchal port, having to do so elsewhere. However, Naviera Armas, that ferries passengers and their cars between Madeira and Portimão in Portugal, and the Canary Islands, was also taking ‘loose’ commercial freight onboard, mostly on trailers or in containers. Now it will have to actually transport ´’tractors’ onboard to move its freight, from tomorrow, to comply with the ruling from the port authorities which simply says that cargo handling is prohibited where trailers are not ‘self propelled’. The measure is aimed to reduce loading and unloading times, and congestion in the port. A decision that sounds a bit like a ‘let off’ for Armas, and I can’t see how it will satisfy the other shippers who complain that Armas has a competitive advantage in using Funchal Port for freight transport.

Today’s main news headline : €22 million in direct settlements – Considerable funds and only in amounts superior to 70 thousand Euros. The Regional Secretaries head the list of entities that dispense with the chore of the public tender process.

Vandalism destroys Ecopontos [recycling disposal points] – The gratuitous savagery of the vandals taking place throughout the city and suburbs does not spare the plastic bins, In two years Funchal Council spent 40 thousand Euros on replacements. "The modern day vandals it seems do not like to see rubbish kept in [recycling] containers", say the Diário. The problem is quickly growing according to one counsellor, saying that in the previous year €15 thousand had to be spent, but this last year the amount had risen to €24,000. "All societies have their outcasts and idiots and I think that Madeira is no exception," says Costa Neves when asked to comment on these acts, which in his view, only "harm society" and are "unjustifiable". Most the vandalism takes place at night, and in areas where there are few people, to lessen the chance of the thugs being identified. In the latest episode in Pico do Barcelos miradouro, the bins that were set alight were dangerously close to a sizeable gas storage area. In most cases the attacks are pure vandalism, but there is also a lesser problem of people throwing still-lighted cigarette butts into the containers. Never had any such problems in my  town at night, but there again there is no one around at night.

In the sport / football headline : Danny says goodbye to a year that prevented him joining Chelsea or Barcelona. A nice portrait photo of the almost Madeiran star footballer toasting in the new year with Mrs. Danny (presumably). Odd that, as there were no pictures from the new year fireworks, so was the Diário photographer up at Danny’s place instead?

The big match for us this weekend is on Sunday, when Nacional visit Benfica in the group stages of the Carlsberg Cup (league cup). It’s on SportTV1 at 6.15 pm. Another to watch straight afterwards is Sporting v Braga, 8.15 pm on SIC (channel 6).

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. 

December saw a big rise in blog visitor numbers, 4,169 different visitors from 105 countries made 10,593 visits during the months. The biggest day was yesterday with 462 visits. Portugal was the most popular origin for visitors, followed closely by the UK, and then some way behind was the USA.  Just one visitor each from Nepal and the Cayman Islands though!

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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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(30th August). Today’s main news story : ‘Inter-Island Voyages More Expensive In The Region – To travel by plane between the islands of Madeira costs triple that in the Azores and the Canaries. Airport taxes also penalise the connection between Madeira and Porto Santo’. The Diário conducted a study in the three locations mentioned, about the cost of inter island travel, by air and sea. The conclusion is that mile for mile, the good people of Madeira pay more, and one of the main reasons is the direct government subsidies given (or not given). Cheaper fuel prices and economies of scale also play a part, as well as airport taxes. One of the conclusions is that inter-island travel in the Azores, by sea, costs €0.07 per mile, whilst here it costs €1.20 per mile. By air it costs on SATA between the Azores €3.50 per minute of air travel, whilst here the comparative cost is €9.60 per minute, charged by the same airline. In the Canary Islands the state subsidises residents by almost 60%, the Azores by 25%. Nothing for Madeirans, although those who live on Porto Santo do have an entitlement of 35% discount. It’s a long article, but if anyone wants to know more the two charts on these links sum it up MADEIRA TRAVEL MADEIRA TRAVEL 2

All people suffer from post-holiday syndrome on returning to work and their routines – Syndrome is "a longer version of the sensation that people feel Sunday night, having to return to work". Fatigue, concentration problems, and irritability, are symptoms that experts associate with the post-holiday syndrome, which this time of year affects those who, after a rest period, have to return to work and the routine of everyday life. Many according to a report are suffering from anxiety. An expert on the subject recommends an easing back into the routines, by going to bed early and getting up earlier, and anything else that helps readjust the routines more gradually. I guess that day then for many is tomorrow?

‘Engineer Rui Vieira Died – The agronomist and politician was aged 83′. He was the first director of the Jardim Botânico (Botanic Gardens) of Funchal, and a Euro MP for the CDS / PP. He died yesterday of cancer. 

Today’s sports headline, in football again : ‘Real Madrid Win (3 – 2) With A Goal From Ronaldo – The Madeiran put away a penalty to score one of the goals of the victory of the ‘merengues’ in the start of the Spanish league’.

‘Ponta Delgada Waiting A Civic Centre – With the festival ‘at the door’, it is clear also that it lacks a public bathroom in the centre of the parish’. This sounds like one of those gripping local features that I thought had disappeared a few weeks ago. It has a nice photo of a petrol station / cafe, and a few local men going about their business on the front page of today’s newspaper, but I couldn’t copy that, so we have a scenic view instead. Aside from the WC, it seems that Ponta Delgada has just about everything except adequate parking, and having it’s own petrol station is indeed a great privilege. Aside from that it has it’s own multibanco (ATM), post office, pharmacy, and even a swimming complex. The civic centre was promised to the people ten years ago. As for life there, there is a small drug problem, but mostly out of sight, but people continue to feel safe in the parish. Next weekend is the festa of Bom Jesus, that is one of the most popular and well attended on Madeira, and that is one of the reasons so many people complained about the lack of a public toilet. Like everywhere else here, the youngsters don’t want to work the land their families worked for generations.

‘Funchal Câmara Doesn’t Back Down On The Projects Of Clean Public Transport – President Miguel Albuquerque  assures that the ‘Eco Line’ and the ‘Green Line’ will not affect the taxis’. Despite the opposition of the taxi drivers, Funchal Council will not back down on the projects for environmentally friendly public transport. Eco Line goes into free travel on Tuesday, and September 22nd sees the start up of the Green Line, which connects Praia Formosa Beach to the city centre. The president of CMF believes that the controversy with the taxi drivers is being fed and used by politicians on the eve of elections. As regards to the Green Line, which replaces the various existing buses, Albuquerque states that it will not be free travel, and what changes is that the new buses are environmentally friendly.

‘The president of the Azores, Carlos César, argued yesterday that the Portuguese autonomous regions can not be treated equally by the state – Madeira to Porto Santo is 40 miles, but Santa Maria to Corvo is over 600 miles’. He directed his speech at the elections of 27th September, and to support the re-election of José Sócrates, Prime Minister. In his view, the Government of the Republic can not "treat in the same way things that are different," noting that the Azores are composed of nine islands and Madeira of just two. So the Azores should be entitled to a "positive discrimination" within the Regional Finance Law, which determines the amount of money that comes from the state to the autonomous regions. In other words he argues that the Azores should receive more state money than Madeira. That reality, according to the PS president, "the PSD and Manuela Ferreira Leite (party leader) have not understood" accusing the Social Democrats of wishing to change the calculations of transfers from the islands so as to "harm the Azores". "It is therefore crucial and fundamental to the Azores that the PS and José Sócrates win in the elections of 27th September", he appealed.

UPDATES :

Following the earlier story about the new environmentally friendly buses in Funchal, the council has said it wants to take out out the hotel coaches / buses that frequent Avenida do Mar, and encourage tourists to take the new ‘Green Line’ buses instead. The idea is to reduce congestion along the Avenida and the Estrada Monumental, by taking out the coaches which often carry very few passengers. That means tourists will have to pay for transport in and out of downtown Funchal.

‘RTP-M Interviews 12 Candidates In 12 Days’. The TV station of Madeira has decided to interview the 12 main candidates from the political parties that are standing in the national legislative elections on 27th September. The first one starts on Tuesday, and they will be shown after the 9 pm news. Each candidate or party representative will be given around 30 minutes to express their ideas and positions to the Madeira public. The channel is also considering having debates, but nothing is decided yet.

The final front page article today has a photo that makes no sense at all : ‘Ministers Come To Support Bernardo – A circuit of lectures will include a minister and several secretaries of state’. The objective is to discuss "key areas for the Region" with Bernardo Trindade, the socialist candidate for the parliament, as part of a set of initiatives that will take place from 7th September. He has invited several members of central government to take part, as well as other personalities from Madeira. "The aim is to trigger thought and discussion, and seek to decentralize initiatives," says Bernardo Trindade. The first lecture is scheduled for September 7th in Santa Cruz, and will be dedicated to the environment and spatial planning. The roadshow then goes to Câmara de Lobos (8th), Funchal (10th), administrative simplification will be the subject on 12th, then to Ponta do Sol (14th) to discuss agriculture, and then Machico to discuss employment. Porto Santo will be the venue to discuss tourism and transport on the 16th, with a final lecture still to be arranged on the 18th to discuss policies for autonomy.

‘Sócrates Against Social Security Proposed By The PSD’. The prime minister and secretary general of the Socialist Party, José Sócrates, said yesterday in Faro that he disagrees with Social Security based on "every man for himself", and criticized the social democrats for defending the capping of the Portuguese Social Security, as outlined in its prospectus presented to the public on Thursday. He said what was being proposed certainly means the "privatisation" of part of Social Security, and it would be "a bad decision for the country".

A very thin newspaper today, so that’s it for now. With the holiday season over tomorrow, perhaps there might be a few more journalists on duty.

(21st July). ‘Threat Of Italy Puts At Risk 30% Of The Companies In Madeira’s Business Centre’. This would be in the ‘Economy’, section, but there is no economy section today for some reason, and the Diário website seems to be having all sorts of problems and mix ups today. Will check again later, but this story continues from yesterday about the new law in Italy that considers Madeira to be a tax haven.

‘Armas With Capacity Sold Out In August – The 5 voyages anticipated for next month are already all sold’. The ferry will bring more than 5,000 tourists on the trips from Portimão in Portugal, to Madeira. The ferry owner Naviera Armas has even been considering putting on a second ferry, but no application has yet been made to the port authorities. 3,400 of the passengers will stop at Madeira, and another 2,000 will go on to the Canary Islands. 

In national news :

‘Electric Cars Give €5,000 – Sócrates announces financial incentives for electric cars’. The prime minister of Portugal announced yesterday that anyone who buys an electric car will receive €5,000 in incentives, or €6,500 if the person delivers their old car to be scrapped. Companies will also receive a 50% tax benefit. He also announced that he is preparing legislation that will compel new buildings to have recharging facilities for these cars in the garages.

(20th July). ‘Massages To Combat Aggression In Schools – Programme for children has come to Portugal’. Just 15 minutes of massage in the day to day routine of younger children, aged 4 to 12, but it could produce benefits for the rest of their lives. Massages given and received by children are part of a new international program to combat aggression in schools, that has now been initiated in Portugal. The programme was created by a Swedish woman and a French-Canadian woman, both professional masseurs, as well as mothers and educators. ‘Massage in Schools’ is being developed "with a huge success around the world" in schools and other places that care for children, to stimulate the capacity for learning, facilitate interpersonal relationships, and combat ‘bullying’ behaviour or threat of verbal or psychological aggression that occurs without apparent motivation. The massages are done clothed, and cover the head, back, arms and neck of the recipient. Adults will just teach the techniques but not actually deliver the massages. So have I got this right … some kid is getting a good kicking by another kid in the playground at school, and the victim, spitting blood, offers to give the bully a massage? Or does the victim in fact ask the bully  for a massage? Can anyone clarify?