(8th June). ‘Quinta Pedagógica Of Pico do Funcho Inaugurated Today – The new area has a Residential Home and Centre for Occupational Activities’. The Association of Cerebral Palsy of Madeira now has a home and a residential centre for occupational activities, with the home able to take 49 adults, and the centre another 37. The project was financed in full by the Social Security of Madeira. A Quinta Pedagógica is what they have in Prazeres, and there it is a small farm with animals, for learning purposes.
Palmeiras, Roca Mar, Galo Mar, and Garajau are the four beaches of Santa Cruz that have now hoisted their ‘blue flags’ for high standards. Garajau and Palmeiras also receive the award of ‘Accessible Beach’, signifying they are equipped for people with limited mobility. I just looked out this morning to see we now have our ‘blue flag’ flying in Ribeira Brava. The water looks so much blue and clearer now, funny that!
‘Misunderstanding – The process for the concession of the dockyard at Água de Pena is close to going to court’. The start date for the new boat repair yard underneath Madeira Airport is not yet known, but the tender process to select the site operator is running into problems, and regardless of who gets the contract, the unsuccessful tenderers are likely to take the matter to the courts … because the operating terms are ‘surreal’. The main issue seems to be about the rights and responsibilities for the boat lifting equipment, and the payments for using the boatyard by those based there, and those just using it when needed.
‘Worrying – The young people of Porto Santo try to keep their hopes alive, but the poverty, the health, and the work are chapters of risk’. This is the featured location in the Diário this week, selecting a complete island rather than the usual town, village, or parish. The older generation consider that in days gone by living conditions were worse, "everything is made if people want to buy something. In our time we had to work hard to have some of the goods that today people easily buy in supermarkets", says one older resident. But the more serious problems are new and hidden, with a lack of work being one problem. "Put simply, work is increasingly scarce and I do not see how small companies on the island will survive", said the owner of a construction company. The island has become increasing dependent on the hotel industry for work, but some of these are now closing for Winter. The president of the parish council says that whole families increasingly live in a climate of poverty, that is not extreme, but is likely to endanger the normal growth and development of some children and young people.
This article gives a report (in English) from the European Cup 10,000 metres events held in Ribeira Brava on Saturday. The Portuguese had a good day in both male and female events IAAF … Thanks to Paul for the link.
‘Five Million For Nenê – Nacional and Al Nasr in agreement. It just lacks the player to say yes’. Somehow I doubt that Nenê wants to go and play in Dubai, unless he wants to hide away a very promising future. Still that seems to have set the price tag. There is a German club expressing interest also.
(7th June). The next presidency of the EU (Sweden) will seriously consider banning beer advertising throughout Europe. The industry in Portugal employs 3,500 people directly, and 100,000 indirectly, and the barley crops have more acreage than the vineyards on the mainland. There are of course concerns for Portuguese brewers on such a tough measure. Does that mean they would have to get rid of all the Coral tables and chairs, sun umbrellas, pub signs and everything else which seems to carry the Coral brand? How will we know where to go to buy a beer … worrying thoughts indeed!
