Madeira News Blog

(14th September). Today’s main news headline : ‘Oncology Without Means Causes Desperation – The hospital promises rectification but admits to not having conditions nor doctors to attend to the dozens of patients that pass each day in the service Haemato-Oncology(?), where there are tac and ultrasound scans waiting to be dealt with’. The service is working at its limit, and just doesn’t have the medical means and conditions to serve the hundreds of patients who attend the service of Hemato-Oncology (I am having trouble with medical terms here, hence the different spelling!). Maria’s life took a turn when her husband became ill and doctors discovered that he had cancer in his tongue. The last months have been a struggle with consultations, treatments, tests and long waits in the Emergencies Department, in the services of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre. Funchal Central Hospital has two oncologists, and they cannot meet the demand for tacs and other scans. Patients, such as Maria’s husband, are being referred to the private sector, and having to pay. Maria explains that it is not just the illness that burdens, it is more than that. She says with tears dancing in her eyes, that if it wasn’t for the understanding at her work, she would be unemployed by now. Her husband cannot take public transport to the hospital from their home in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, and so she needs to pay €30 for a taxi, a lot of money on a domestic helpers salary, and money is already tight. Two scans needed cost her another €85, and the long periods of waiting mean taking a lot of time off work. Maria’s story is similar to many family members of patients who receive a cancer diagnosis, and they have to learn to cope with the disease and with a system lacking conditions, doctors and resources to act adequately. Even the clinical director of the Department of Health for Madeira acknowledges that it is true, but reminds that improvements are planned for the service of Hemato-Oncology, with work starting in October with an expansion of the laboratory test area. More consulting and treatment areas, with better conditions, are also planned, but the director says it is dependant on bureaucratic procedures. Even with new scanning equipment being planned, the unit will not be able to cope with all the requirements, and people will continue to be referred to private practices. FOOTNOTE : If referred by the health service to a private practice, under the green requisition system, the price paid is significantly reduced from that normally charged.

‘Beach-Goers Block Cemetery – Confusion at the cemetery entrance, that is located near to the beach meaning parking spaces are much in demand’. This is just across the valley from me, and quite why it is on the front page I don’t know. Anyway, despite there being a car park right next to the beach, people don’t want to pay, so the road outside the cemetery, that overlooks the beach, gets congested and cemetery access is a problem. It is particularly a problem when there is a funeral, and the necessary vehicles cannot get access. The council say it is a matter for the police to deal with, but calls for "a little civility" to ensure there is access and that those who need to visit the cemetery can park there. According to a local priest, "it is a fact that there really is a lack of civility, but also it is a reality we are experiencing, in that people need to save a few cêntimos, so it is natural to look for spaces where one doesn’t need to pay". The police say they are aware of the situation, and that numerous cars have already been fined, and will continue to ensure the area is policed. It is an offence to to deny access to properties, buildings, and garages, and any cases noticed should be promptly reported to the police.

Another ‘headline’, is the announcement that that applications are open today for the Diário’s annual event, the ’100 Biggest & Best Companies’. Moving on …

The main front page picture today is from yesterday’s football match : ‘First Defeat Marked With Mistakes – Marítimo lost to the championship leader (Braga). Carlos Carvalhal (Manager), that has only won 2 games out of the 16 since training the verde-rubros, blames the referee. What lacks is an excuse for the apathy in attack’.

‘Champion Sand Sculptor’. Brandon Allen is from Porto Santo, is 14 years old, and is the latest national champion of sand sculptures. The competition, an initiative of the Diário de Notícias in Lisbon, had the final on the white sand beach in Lourinha in Portugal, with the winners from 29 beaches nationwide competing for the prestigious title. Brandon won with his feminine sculpture shown, and is the first ever winner from Porto Santo. On winning, "It was indescribable, I was thrilled and very happy. There are no words to describe what I felt", said Brandon.

The parish (freguesia) of Camacha has a new website : www.freguesiadacamacha.pt

‘Competition To Inaugurate Cycle Path’. The cycle path at Estrada Monumental will be inaugurated on Friday by Funchal council, and a competition is being held to mark the occasion for ‘non polluting’ (home made) vehicles, such as go karts. Judging is to be at 7 pm. A number of events have also been organised for Saturday and beyond, to mark the European Week For Mobility. It ends on the 22nd September with the opening of the ‘Green Line’ (Linha Verde), when the five buses that work the route between Funchal and Praia Formosa will be replaced with the new environmentally friendly models, which should also relieve traffic congestion on the route.

UPDATES FROM THE POLITICAL NEWS :

The last of today’s headlines : ‘Debate Puts 12 Talking Together For An Hour – The proposal of RTP-M doesn’t please the candidacies where national and local elections are mixed’. The debate on the Madeira TV channel is scheduled for the 23rd September, but those expected to take part are not happy with the proposed format, which will involve 12 representatives from the different political parties to sit and debate in one single session lasting a little over an hour. Bernardo Trindade, the head of the socialist list said: "The PS will be present, out of respect for Madeira and Porto Santo, but we are well aware that this debate will serve for nothing, since it is impossible to discuss seriously the problems affecting Madeira and in Porto Santo (in such a forum)". It would certainly be a spectacle of unpleasantness and disorder that I would watch, but as for a decisive guide for the discerning voter, I think not. I feel however that I have a duty to say that there is no truth in the rumour that President Jardim’s social democrats are happy with the 12 person format, on the condition that exactly 11 of them are PSD representatives, in line with the democratic principles of the party on Madeira. 

‘Santa Cruz inaugurates 12 works up to the elections – In less than a month 23% of the works promised will be inaugurated’. The electoral program with which the current PSD president of Santa Cruz, José Alberto Gonçalves, was elected four years ago, promised 51 public works in the 5 districts of the region. 12 of these are due to be inaugurated, or opened, before the local elections on 11th October. Opposition parties accuse the council of trying to mislead the voters and cover up the failures of the current administration. On the face of it, the opposition have a bit of a point, as spread evenly the inaugurations should work out at about one a month, not 12 in less than 4 weeks. However, like all councils, Santa Cruz have to do things the ‘Uncle Bertie way’, and that means holding projects back until election time to leave the voters with good and very recent memories, as their needs and desires are fulfilled. Are voters really that stupid, as Bertie and the PSD are indirectly implying. I think not. The majority will still vote for Bertie regardless of how many white elephants, pigs in pokes, and BS the government and councils deliver, so what is the point in holding things back?

Along similar lines, we in Ribeira Brava have been treated to free entertainment over the Summer weekends. At first it was once a fortnight or less, now it is every week, and the quality acts are being saved until the last weeks, as last night showed when probably over a thousand people came to watch several acts, one of which was imported. The president of Ribeira Brava was quoted in the newspaper some weeks ago as saying he doesn’t mix politics with business … yeah, right! Of course they are not really free, as someone pays for them, probably the taxpayer, or perhaps I have it all wrong and the PSD fund it all from their election budgets?

Loads of political stuff in today’s newspaper (more than the rest put together, excluding sport and entertainment), and on the TV, radio … it’s everywhere and there is nowhere to hide without going into hibernation. I reckon the Diário must have already sacked those 10 journalists, and it seems that none of the sacked ones were from the political reporting team.

(18th August). Today’s main news headline : ‘Hospitalised Baby Appears With Broken Arm And Hematomas – The baby was in hospital since the day of birth, three months ago. Friday she appeared with a broken arm and several heavy bruises on the head. The clinical director says that the case is running in judicial secrecy. Visits are prohibited’. The family are prevented from visiting the baby girl, and have not been given any explanations. The baby was kept in hospital for detoxification of methadone, as the mother is a drug addict in treatment, and also because she is under the supervision of the Commission for the Protection of Children and the courts. The mother was visiting her baby on Friday when she saw the arm in plaster and the bruises, but nobody had informed her of what had happened or was able to offer any explanations at the time or since. The baby has now been moved to an area where visitors are not permitted. A health spokesman contacted by the Diário was not able to give any more detail, as the case is undergoing an enquiry.

‘Neighbourhood Obliges Officers To Seek Medical Support – Affronts, threats and insults to the Public Security Police in Nogueira puts the officers under heavy pressure, insists the trade union ASPP’. Following on from yesterday’s story about an unpleasant incident in the neighbourhood of Nogueira on Saturday, some of the officers with duties in that area are receiving medical support. In particular those who have the duty of working in the police post in the area, and have to work there alone. The union ASPP (Association of Police Professionals) says that the regional command of the police has the resources and means to calm the area is it wishes. According to Jorge Silva, everything depends on the decision of the commander. For now, the truth is that the "police presence that are in service in Nogueira are under great pressure, and some are receiving medical assistance." Despite the preparation and training, "the police are people of flesh and blood, they also feel", he says. He does not talk of a neighbourhood out of control, but stressed that the climate in Nogueira is complicated, and the worsening of the situation. Jorge Silva does not make any predictions for the future, but reminds that the "little corner of heaven no longer exists in Portugal." Madeira is no exception, nobody can predict anything in a time where there is increasingly less respect for authority. Nogueira has social problems that can not be resolved with one police officer at the police post, and two other in a patrol car. That view coincides with that of Paulo Atouguia, chairman of Housing Investment Madeira (IHM), who said "The Neighbourhood of Nogueira has serious problems of drug addiction, unemployment and crime, that is true. Besides this, a significant part of the population is in adolescence, at an age of risk". He also emphasises that in Nogueira, there are many normal families who live normally, are working, and ensure that the house supplied by the government is looked after. He also points out that Nogueira has its own problems coming from the fact that the population has been relocated (from Câmara de Lobos I believe). "These people are uprooted, coming from far away, they have no connection with the place and that does not facilitate integration". The District of Nogueira was inaugurated in 1994 and now, 1,398 people live in all the 387 ‘side by side’ houses. The houses, with gardens, are nice and well constructed, but for years that area has been associated with trafficking and drug use. There are 312 unemployed people there, mostly men, and 79 people receiving social benefit payments. I have included a typical photo from Nogueira today, as it might surprise some people who expect something quite different. In appearance it is nothing like the trouble hotspots of Funchal.

‘Imaculado Complains Of Lack Of Festival – There are few other problems mentioned by the population’. This is another featured location in the Diário series ‘Through Madeira’, this time in Imaculado Coração de Maria, in Funchal, and the conclusion is that Imaculado "is not one of the worse parishes". Problems with lack of safety are passing with time, but the population still regret the abolition of the parish festival 15 years ago, that used to take place on the last Sunday in August. Nobody knows why it was stopped, but one resident suggests that the padre at the time found the event disrespectful for the church, as there people causing disturbances. Two attempts to resurrect the occasion have failed, and now the event ‘Immaculate Heart of Mary’ is just celebrated within the church. Social / crime problems have improved over the last 5 years, and one can now feel quite secure there, although there are still a few problems, some connected with drugs. The local church causes some criticisms, with locals saying it is a bit of a mess, and needs work doing. The location has a health centre and a football pitch, and public transport is pretty good. Things are even better in one part of the parish. "A corner of heaven" is how the residents feel about the district of Penha de França, describing it as the place to live, without confusion, contempt, problems with neighbours or in connection with violence or drugs. "I love living here, it is quiet, clean, and no one interferes with anyone" says Fernanda Andrade, resident in the neighbourhood for over 30 years. But that area is made up of pre-fabricated houses, which others feel should not exist, and feel that Funchal Council failed to deliver on a promise made 30 years ago to deal with the situation. The council has also neglected the green open spaces, which now pose a fire hazard as well as a home for mice.

The front page football story : ‘Danny Already Informed Zenit About Nacional’. Adopted as an Madeiran, Danny, who plays for Zenit St. Petersburgh, and arrives here this afternoon, has spilt the beans. Asked if he has told his Russian club about Nacional, their opponents on Thursday, he says "Of course. I told them everything. It’s my team". The game on Thursday is the first leg of the tie in the UEFA Europa League qualifying stage. Danny will not play in the game.

‘Capacity Exhausted In The Forum Madeira – Animation and fantasy sum up the second week of open air cinema’. The first day of the initiative last week saw 1,500 people turn up in the central square of the forum to see the film Slum Dog Millionaire. Today one can see Madagascar 2, on Thursday, the Strange Case of Benjamin Button, and on Sunday, Angels and Demons.

‘Illegal Firearms Seized In Calheta – Police arrest an individual’. One arrest and three illegal firearms seized as police from Câmara de Lobos went to Calheta for an ‘intervention’. One of the weapons was actually a compressed air gun. Câmara de Lobos police going to Calheta … we don’t hear about boundary crossovers like this very often.

‘SJ again criticizes dismissals – The Union of Journalists (SJ) returned yesterday to protest against the process of collective redundancies ongoing in the Diário de Notícias’. The union believes that the action is not justifed in sacking 10 journalists and 3 other workers, and has called for the public opinion of Madeira and the support of others in the public eye to protest to the newspaper. The union argues that not only is the action injust, but it will also affect the income of a number of people and their families, who have very few opportunities for equivalent jobs on Madeira, as well as affecting the future quality of the newspaper.

’25 Cases Of Gripe A On Madeira – The ages range between 20 and 54. They are all clinically well’. Whilst nationally the numbers of confirmed cases have soared above 1,400, Madeira had just 4 new cases in the last week, none required to stay in hospital, bringing the running total to 25. 

‘Funchal Marks 501 Years Friday’. I have already covered it and given the link to the programme of events, but it’s worth noting that on Thursday night there is a concert in the Municipal Gardens at 9 pm, when the Bandolins da Madeira and tenor Carlos Guilherme perform.

(6th August). Today’s main front page photo shows an empty hospital corridor . ‘More ‘Green Routes’ Are Going To Speed Up Emergencies – After the quick accesses created for patients with sepsis and strokes, there follows quick-routes for coronaries and traumas’. ‘Vias Verdes’ or ‘Green Routes’ are the latest fashion in Funchal Central Hospital, so those attending the emergency department with serious health problems can bypass the triage system and the waiting room queues, and get seen and treated that much quicker. By the end of this year there will be 4 such green routes, and these are coupled with the new computer system that manages admissions and allocations, ensuring that patients with these 4 dangerous conditions have a greater chance of survival and less chance of enduring ill health. The World Health Organization estimates that there is a reduction of about 20% of the number of deaths of trauma victims alone, in countries where there are routes direct to the place of medical treatment. A hospital spokesman states that not all ‘victims’ will enter the’ Via Verde ‘. A hospital spokesman said the fast-track system will be activated depending on the clinical situation of each patient, but in case of danger of life or loss of a bodily function, then the ‘Via Verde’ is immediately implemented. Makes sense, but doesn’t make sense, if you ask me. If a patient still has to assessed, then surely the fast-track should be up to the point of assessment, and from there it is a matter of prioritising and reallocating doctors and treatment.

’25 Works Of Various Types To Finish In The Summer – The project was to take advantage of the school holidays. In the end, the traffic didn’t diminish’. Traffic returned with a shock in Funchal. Paving work starts today in São António and has started on the road 5 de Outubro in Funchal, making necessary an access change at the end at Avenida do Mar, causing some confusion. Drivers complain about the lack of signs about the changes. But the local authority says that the works are important, and August is the best time to do them. Anyway the article gives comments on several of the works, and it seems like disruption is the key word. Couldn’t agree more that school holidays are the best time for essential road repairs and upgrades, but 25 in Funchal, all in one month! I am sure more sceptical readers will have already thought … road improvements x 25 … inaugurations x 25 … elections in September / October … but I believe deeply in the integrity of this government, and would say to these people that Uncle Bertie is just looking after us all, thinking of our safety, and creating employment. Long live Bertie!!!

‘Police Make The "Biggest Seizure Ever" Of Ecstasy On Madeira – The authorities seized 17,450 units of the drug’. Through the criminal investigation squad of Câmara de Lobos, an important drug distribution network has been broken in the north of the island, particularly São Vicente. The police did a stake out in order to catch and arrest 5 individuals and seize 300 ecstasy doses, and then on searching the residence of one of the 5 they found the rest of the evil haul, as well as €1,470 in cash. The police say that the drug seized has been popping up at venues recently, particularly large music events. The 5 arrested are aged between 23 and 36, three male and two female.

"Easiest And Cheapest Solution" – Quercus regrets the authorization given for the slaughter of Pombo Torcaz’. "We regret that option for the easier and cheaper solution was taken instead of actually taking the steps necessary and appropriate in order to protect the Torcaz Pigeon" said the representative of the environmental organisation Quercus, especially as the authorisation is for an indefinite period. The order was made by Regional Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources (SRARN), but Quercus argue that crops should be protected with nets and scarecrows, with compensation for farmers with crop losses. There seems to be some difference of opinion on whether the bird is called Trocaz or Torcaz, but the bird was extensively hunted here for 4 or more years until 1989, when it was given a protected status. The pigeon is particularly fond of cabbage.

In football : ‘The ‘Exchanges’ Of Players That Stir Up Rivalry’. With a local derby match due to be played in Machico on Saturday, rivalry between Nacional and Marítimo has been stirred up between the two clubs, after the signing of ex-Nacional defender Alonso by Marítimo. Hardly front page news I know, but with the new football season just a week away, I think the daily front page football story is already back in force.

Following last week’s serious fires in parts of Santa Cruz, the local firemen are out and about cutting down the bigger Eucalyptus and Pine trees that are considered to pose a future fire risk to the population. Householders are being advised to ensure that their properties have a surrounding "clear area" of at least 10 metres, and not to light fires (prohibited anyway during Summer months), and outside of this period to contact the fire department to supervise fires (average cost around €10).

‘Detained And Identified A Trio Of Robbers Who Carried Out A ‘Rally’ Of Churches’. Only a little place in the newspaper, but a big story on the news last night and today. Three men were arrested yesterday by Ribeira Brava police suspected of a spate of church robberies over the last few days. They were about to do the same with the church in Tabua very early morning when a police patrol spotted them, catching them after an attempted escape. The problem has been mainly in the north of Madeira, but the police believe they have the men responsible. The ‘getaway’ car was stolen, and had false plates, and was believed to have just been used in another church robbery in Conceição in Ponta do Sol where the donation box and other property was stolen.

‘Xenophobia in Jersey – The Constable of St. Helier says he was "shocked" by the controversy over the Rue de Funchal’. The change of name of a street in St. Helier, Jersey, from James Street to Rue de Funchal, is at the heart of a controversy with "xenophobic" overtones, that has been stirring for a few days in the population centre of the capital of this British island. "The case is serious". Rue de Funchal was named in recognition of the island’s British connection with Portugal, including the important community of Madeiran immigrants. READ MORE
I am quite surprised really. I have never been to Jersey, but I though it was quite upmarket, and even if that is a false impression, perhaps some people forget that the Madeirans go there and take all the c**p minimum wage jobs that the locals won’t do, and that alone should be a reason for gratitude rather than racism.

It was destined for sure, as I made the observation yesterday that Madeira probably didn’t have any ‘live’ Gripe A cases, that within an hour of the posting that 4 new swine flu cases were reported. The 4 new cases are ‘imported’, as were the previous 12. The truth is that I forgot that we have now moved to a weekly reporting system for Gripe A cases, and we will only get  a ‘balance’ in future every Wednesday. Nationally, a big jump yesterday took Portugal over the 400 confirmed cases.

(5th August). According to the Jornal da Madeira, Funchal Central Hospital treated 770 cases of intoxication in 2008. 360 of these were alcohol consumption, 123 were accidental, and 287 were premeditated ingestion of poisons, pills and other toxic substances.