Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Elaine (West) … Hibiscus flower

Someone a few days ago was asking about this : "… This year we will be transmitting the famous Madeira New Year’s Fireworks show live, here on MadeiraHelp.com from an even better location [than last year], where one may see most of Funchal amphitheatre. … The broadcast will be on from 23:30 on the 31st December 2009 and will transmit all 10 to 12 minutes of the Fireworks show which start at midnight (GMT)". FUNCHAL 2010 LIVE FIREWORKS

Someone looking for really cheap accommodation might find this link handy, as it lists cheap hostels / budget accommodation from just over €10 a night MADEIRA HOSTELS 

I must be going soft, giving all this free publicity : "Estate agents Fine & Country have just opened their latest office, at a landmark location in Madeira. The opening of the Madeira office also follows hot on the heels of Fine & Country scooping two of the industry’s top international accolades last month: Best International Estate Agency Marketing at the CNBC International Residential Property Awards, and the Gold Award for Best Estate Agency Overseas at the Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year Awards. ESTATE AGENCY INFO

"Madeira’s unique topology is what accounts for the prolificacy of levadas. A mountain chain cuts the island in half on an east-west plane. This causes clouds drifting in from the Atlantic to get caught, where they release plenty of rain. The problem is that most of that rain falls into the north end of the island. The south end, which is a more favorable farming area, can sometimes go for six months without any rainfall. The particular geography of the island causes what rain does fall to run directly into the ocean". LEVADA WALKS ARTICLE

Wind strong to very strong in mountains – Civil Protection advises against journeys on foot or by car because of the strength of the wind. The Institute of Meteorology predicts the occurrence of strong winds and very strong in the mountains by early afternoon on Monday, December 28, with gusts that could reach 110 km an hour. The Regional Civil Protection warns the public of the risks associated with cars and pedestrians in mountainous areas and exposed areas.

Many thanks to Sheila for sending this in : The Portuguese Parliament has approved a new law (proposed by the Communist Party) which will give tax inspectors power to access the bank accounts of relatives of anyone being investigated for tax evasion. The law was passed with the support of the PCP and other parties of the Left, but the ruling Socialist Party and the main opposition Social Democrats abstained from voting.

Strong winds in the mountains. The Institute of Meteorology predicts strong winds, especially in the mountains, by early afternoon on Monday 28 December. Gusts could reach 110 kilometres per hour. The Regional Civil Protection warns of risks to traffic and pedestrians in the mountainous areas and exposed areas. The ferry to Porto Santo returned earlier than normal to Funchal today due to the conditions of the wind and sea. It might be unable to sail tomorrow with predictions of an increase in waves to 4.6 and 5 metres.

Many thanks to Elaine from the East for this whopping contribution from yesterday’s Diário de Notícias :

SANAS rescue capsized launch in the Marina.  The boat was moored in the Marina of Funchal. The owners of other boats were checking their vessels after the bad weather and discovered this one, a recreation launch (Seagull) beneath other boats. The Maritime Police investigated then SANAS intervened. The boat was re-floated, towed then lifted by a large crane into dry dock at São Lazaro. The operation took five hours.

Overturned car at Pilar.  A car on the motorway from Santa Cruz – Câmara de Lobos, crashed then overturned at Pilar junction. The accident occurred at 20.30 and the driver was unhurt.

Shopping centres flooded yesterday with shoppers. MadeiraShopping Centre was crowded with people exchanging gifts and seeking reduced priced items in the first sales, especially luxury items. Most are visiting relatives on Sunday, although the shops expect another bumper day, and the majority of people want to shop before they have to return to work. The shop owners were rejoicing and the evidence was in the long queues at the tills. The closure of the shops in Funchal centre on Saturday helped boost sales. FNAC did well yesterday since gift cards are gaining popularity as presents. Worten  tripled their sales on the last few days before Christmas. Salsa has maintained its popularity in the 25 – 40 year old range by strategic marketing during the crisis with promotions. Analysts predict a very difficult 2010 for the Portuguese economy. The Avenida Arriaga was visited by numerous families yesterday, especially after the recent stormy weather. The children enjoyed the seasonal displays with many photographs taken, the Christmas Crib and Ethnological Village being favourite attractions, more than the stalls selling regional produce.

Mysterious boat.  A  luxurious mega-yacht took refuge from the bad weather off the north coast of Madeira. For two days, the sinister image puzzled drivers on the north coast roads. Dozens of calls alerted the Diário to its presence and the reporters discovered it to be a mega-yacht called ‘A’. The name represents the initials of the owner’s wife Aleksandra. The owner is a Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, his ‘toy’ is 119 metres in length with a construction cost of 150 million Euros. It was built under secrecy at the German shipyards Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, under the name ‘Sigma SF 99′ and the interior designer was French. It was finished this January and it is designed with straight lines to minimize splashing under the maximum speed of 25 knots. Privacy and security are paramount as evidenced by close-circuit TV, motion sensors and digital codes for access, especially to the master suite. It is at the 11th position in the ranking for the largest motor yacht in the world. The heliport is often used by the couple to embark  and disembark. It is crewed by 35 sailors, chefs, entertainers and security staff. The special glass used on the yacht allows privacy for celebrities who want to escape the photographers.

Tsunami here is not a fantasy. The region might suffer a natural disaster, similar to that five years ago in Southeast Asia.  A British researcher, Simon Day, has finished a thesis on the formation of tsunamis by landslides, his study quoted by an advisor to the British Government. In the next 10,000 years, a giant tsunami wave up to a hundred metres might form in the Atlantic Ocean. The epicentre would be the volcano Cumbre Vieja in the Canary Islands and the collapse of rock would cause a wave which would have a catastrophic effect on the east coast of America, Brazil and sweep over the Madeiran archipelago. A previous eruption in 1949 opened a 2 km gap in the island of La Palma, sufficient to threaten the destabilization of an area of 500 cubic kilometres. A University of Madeira representative said that geological mapping of the region confirms this but more work is required for any predictions. Geological mapping of seismicity in the North Atlantic by the National Earthquake Information Centre – United States Geological Study is shown in the photo. The map shows flaws in Madeira but the seismic potential is very small. The two previous earthquakes on 24 November (southwest of Funchal) and 3 December (near the Desertas Islands) have gone largely unnoticed.

100 elderly on the waiting list for domestic help.  At present, 3,346 elderly receive home help from 580 carers employed by Social Security and there are 100 on the waiting list. Judging by the three personal stories quoted, there are no complaints about the care received. Care is often needed when the families lack patience, are selfish and elderly relatives are abandoned.

Year of crisis makes more people join political parties. The Socialist Party over the past 5 years has gained an average 200 new members every year, with an increase of 400 in 2008 – 2009. The only party which will not give numbers is the PSD but numbers have increased for all other parties. The Movement of the Earth party is the only one with more women than men.

Political parties ask for support for families affected by bad weather. The leader of the Party of the Earth, Isidoro Goncalves, has criticized the silence of the authorities over the damage caused by the weather over recent weeks. She suggests that Câmara de Lobos Council give support, through the contingency funds, especially in the areas of Estreito and Curral das Freiras. There have been no official Council or Government visits to the areas and criticism is directed at Manuel Antonio Correira and Santas Costa. Some damage is due to negligence of the Government in not implementing public works which would have influenced the water courses. In Ribeira Grande in São Vicente, Joao Gouveia (PS) suggests the creation of an emergency plan, after visiting the local population. There has been alleged dumping of waste materials in waterways by the company Tâmega. After a protest by locals, he wants their activity suspended and compensation for families affected by damage. The CDS deputy in the Assembly of the Republic has said his party will write to the Prime Minister to ask for a plan to help those affected by bad weather, as it did with the Azores. José Rodriques had visited São Vicente and wants an immediate payment of 250,000 Euros for those affected, similar to the amount given to the Azores on the 16 December. A contingency plan is also needed for farmers, especially for damaged vineyards.  He said the Madeiran executive must establish the responsibility of those who dumped rubbish and other debris in the rivers, which contributed to the destruction seen in São Vicente, Santana and Ponta do Sol. He said the destruction was a combination of human error and the weather, and it was strange that the Regional Government was not meeting the emergency, both in restoring public infrastructure and surveying the damage. The bombeiros responded between the 24 – 26 December to 57 requests for assistance, 34 for transport to hospital. They undertook over 50 hours of work, and 60 vehicles and 123 bombeiros were involved.

New Year average of 90%. Forecasts for the end of the year point to an average occupancy rate of 90% in the hotels. Occupancy is better than last year and some hotels are already full.

Prisoner on Christmas leave returned in less than 24 hours.  The man, on leave to join his family over Christmas, was forcibly returned to Funchal Prison within 24 hours. He was apprehended by the PSP on the day after release, in a bar in Santa Cruz, for damage to a motorcycle by throwing it to the ground after a bar fight. He had more than four times the amount of alcohol in his blood than legally allowed under his probation conditions. He had been imprisoned for several years for a rape which he committed on the Continent, and was imprisoned at Cancela in order that he would be closer to his family.

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

Judicial Police without leads of the whereabouts of Martins – 5 months after the death of the businessman Guilherme  Alves, the PJ were on the look out for José Martins, who was already the accused and the plaintiff in Porto Santo Court. That’s seems an interesting combination of roles, so perhaps Martins also has a separate lawsuit outstanding beyond his alleged role in the murder of the businessman.

´São Silvestre’ trusts in São Pedro. If the weather helps, today there will be a record number of participants in the Volta (race). Marítimo also runs in the name of solidarity.

Today’s main news headline : Malaria attacks Madeira by surprise – There is a man in the intensive care unit infected with Malaria. Another two are hospitalised with the same disease. Returnees from Guinea, they were diagnosed with flu. The clinical director has already requested new medical supplies.

Movements in the port quadrupled in 50 years – Despite the small berthing area, the number of dockings grew 94% and the size of the cruise boats tripled.

The main photo on today’s front page shows several felled trees and a pile of large rocks, clearly where they shouldn’t be. Today seems to be ‘catch-up day’ for weather stories with 5 making the headlines :

Tempest provokes political storm – Rodrigues (PP) has already  written to Sócrates calling for support and sent another letter to Jardim harshly criticizing the lack of action by the Regional Government.

Manuel António guarantees that he was at the site.

BE  (Left Block) takes protest to Legislative Assembly of Madeira.

Race to the water in Ponta do Sol.

Two families relocated in Ribeira Grande.

The Lobo Marinho has decided not to go to Porto Santo island today, well I guess the actual masters of the ferry service have decided that. Sea conditions are just too bad.

I am really strapped for time today and tomorrow, so I can’t do any more today, but will try harder tomorrow.

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. 

I read that tsunami article just before going to bed last night, and it was really interesting, with facts and figures about what this massive piece of rock in the Canary Islands (500 cubic kilometres) would do. I remember trying to work out how big that really is, and I reckon that’s a fair bit bigger than Madeira, the part above sea level at least. That particular risk in the Canary Islands has been known about for years, and nothing has been done to mitigate it. But what do you do with a chunk of rock that big? All the cement and cement mixers in the world probably wouldn’t do much good to patch up the cracks. There I go rambling again. Anyway, the tsunami wave would be between 50 and a 100 metres high, and would obviously devastate Madeira and many other coastlines within hours of happening, so it’s no laughing matter. But you know what dreams are like, and as I was still thinking on the matter when I went to bed, I ended up with dreams ravaged by massive tsunamis. The blog snipers will be pleased to know that I did not survive, perishing as the water crashed through my patio doors situated at a mere 40 metres above sea level, having refused to abandon home along with the others. However the dream also contained other important information about who and what survived, and obviously whilst I cannot tell you much about the fate of Uncle Bertie and the other political cronies for reasons of national security, I can tell you that the newly finished €45 million Barreiros Stadium, where Marítimo play, was smashed to smithereens, and Uncle Bertie was pretty upset. But he still managed to stump up another €116.7 million of taxpayers money to build another one before the tsunami wave reached his own front door. The Nacional football stadium however, being much higher up in Choupana, survived the disaster unscathed, and the team inspired by the memory of those lost went on to win the Champions League. I can’t tell you which year it happens exactly, but Cristiano Ronaldo was still playing for Real Madrid, so it’s not so far away. I might leak some more facts later on, but it’s all still a bit wishy-washy at the moment.

Sue sent in these news stories – many thanks.

Strong wind reaches the Azores islands and disrupts air traffic

An aircraft carrier Azores Sata from Lisbon to the Third and he was forced to depart at the end of the morning on the island of Santa Maria because of the strong wind at the airport of Lajes and eventually returned to the capital. A company spokesman told Lusa that the plane, with 89 passengers on board, tried to operate on Terceira island after refueling in Santa Maria, but the weather did not permit it. Five of the passengers disembarked at Santa Maria and the other will fly on Monday from Lisbon to Terceira, stated by the same source. Despite strong winds, the inter-island operation of the company was to be accomplished by other cancellations, said the same source. The nine islands of the Azores will continue to be buffeted by strong winds, with gusts that could reach 100 miles per hour, until the early afternoon on Monday, warned the Regional Civil Protection yesterday. In a notice issued in the late afternoon yesterday, the Azores Civil Protection stated that it also predicted heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms, between last night and the afternoon on Monday. During the same period they warned of rough seas around the islands, with waves that could reach six feet tall.

Faial without signaling. Not only was the sun out yesterday in the early afternoon it attracted some families in the bathing area of Faial. So popular was it that they also wanted to get close to the power of nature and the damage caused by the storm, as the walls of the support ‘promenade’, tumbled due to the storm last Thursday. Clearly the absence of signs or even barriers that prevent the inquisitive children to move close to the rugged area, it could create more accidents; a fact which should be considered due to the number of visitors and tourists who visit this leisure site.

River sand removed. The mouth of the stream that flows next to the swimming complex Madalena do Mar, which was completely blocked on the night of 22 to 23 December, had the sand removed. However, it is believed that due to the weight of huge amounts of earth, stone and debris from trees and other materials carried by the water caused this. But as the photo shows this did not happen. The dredging of the mouth of the stream resulted in a huge pile of debris that is piled on the stone, served to show the many facets the force of rain can given to the flow which had gone down stream.

BMF collects dog run over and save trapped cat. The Fire Department of Funchal were called yesterday to collect a dog that was killed on the Road Conde Carvalhal. The intervention of the same corporation was sought afterwards in the area of the promenade, near the Lido, to remove a cat that could not get down to an awning, where he hid to escape the attack of a dog. Sad dog Happy cat!

Tons of trash from river give the marina. Funchal Marina protests against illegal dumps in the Ribeira de S. John. Funchal marina has removed rubbish in the order of tons since records began with the more intense rainfall this winter. Americo Costa, head of the management of port infrastructure protests against the "lack of civility and poor education" of Funchal who throw garbage into streams allowing the problems to drag downstream. Debris has been dragged either by long duration of heavy rain which raised the level of the streams. The illegal dumps that proliferate along the Ribeira de Sao Joao, which flows along the portage of St. Lazarus, lie behind the pollution of domestic waste in the river port. The strong southwest wind has carried the garbage to the mouth of the marina, outraging some yachtsmen. Carlos Sousa has several vessels moored there and saw with displeasure the diverse abundance of garbage: bottles, plastic, driftwood and animal carcasses. He witnessed the waste floating on Christmas Eve – describing it as "an attack on public health" – Carlos Sousa contacted the administration of the Marina of Funchal, but says nothing was done. He also called for civil protection that ultimately refered the matter to the authority of the Marine Police. No action was taken and the pollution continued for all to see, tourists and sailors, right next to the berths in the south jetty near the mouth of the marina. "We do not have any claim related to this, either orally or in writing," responds to the director of Diary of marina capital of Madeira. Americo Costa says that whenever outbreaks of garbage are detected, the order for removal is given in conjunction with the evaluating of the weather. "The cleanup actions then proceed immediately whenever they are detected debris carried by the rains.

We have the collaboration of APRAM, which provides us a means to transport car and the site itself," he explains. Since the beginning of the rains that have hit the region over the last three weeks, the Marina of Funchal has removed from the basin under its concession area "junk in the order of tons," says the head. "With the floods and the southwest wind, the garbage comes all into the marina." Americo Costa points out that the problem is upstream and protests against the perpetrators of the attacks environment. "It’s a common situation but it should not happen, but there is a lack of civic education and it is the people and who are downstream who are paying," remarked when asked why more surveillance activities were available.

Play safe CHRISTMAS 2009 – Entrepreneurs of shops selling fireworks leave message. The so-called "bomblets Christmas" and any type of firework that the islanders have traditionally launched at this time of year are safe, since they are launched in accordance with the recommended rules. The message is shared by two owners of "Firework Shops" of Madeira, respectively, Fernando Rodrigues and Rui Camisanova.

The latter, Firework Shop Mariano in Itataia, advises parents not to let the children throw any type of fire without being accompanied by adults. "Although they is a moderate risk, there is risk" he says. Adults, in turn, he warns: "Fireworks and alcohol are not good companions." Rui Camisanova explains that a person should never release "bombs" or other types of fireworks, because under the influence of alcohol you do not have control of your actions. "Have fun in safety and not put others at risk ‘is your final warning. Whilst sales have not been could to date due to the economy and bad weather it is hoped that by the end of the year sales will increase. Until then, who buy 75 Eurs or more fireworks in his shop are entitled to a bottle of sparkling wine and 100 grams bag of raisins. Fernando Rodrigues, in turn, owns the "Shop of Fire" Burn the Street, the oldest of Madeira, with about 60 years. Compared to the past, Fernando Rodrigues has no doubt that sales fell a lot. Mainly due to increased competition. Is that this is a type of product to sell, especially at this time and, or if you can sell, or no recovery possible in other months of the year, explains. Five years does not increase the prices of the products they sell and, although he says people are spending more difficulties than before, another explanation for the loss of sales is primarily the weather. It was, as he says, ‘a real whirlwind for the traditional trades. Fernando Rodrigues caveat that "taking the bombs and rockets of large, none of that danger", when used correctly.

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.

You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.

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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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Today’s photo – Many thanks to Eiryl … Xmas scene from Câmara de Lobos (pt 2).

"The airport was opened on 18 July 1964 with two 1,600m runways. The airport was once infamous for its short runway which, surrounded by high mountains and the ocean, made it a tricky landing for even the most experienced of pilots. The original runway was only 1600 metres in length, but was extended by 200 metres 8 years after the TAP Air Portugal Flight 425 incident of 1977 and subsequently rebuilt in 2000, almost doubling the size of the runway, building it out over the ocean. Instead of using landfill, the extension was built on a series of 180 columns, each being about 70m tall. This airport is also considered the Kai Tak of Europe because of its singular approach to runway 05". MADEIRA AIRPORT ARTICLE

The Diário de Notícias newspaper has published a Christmas colour supplement if anyone would like a browse through it’s online HERE with lots of photos.

The charges for electricity are going to rise by 2.9 percent in 2010 in continental Portugal, the equivalent of a €3 increase for an average bill of €40. In Madeira the increase is of 2.5 percent and in the Azores of 2.1 percent. PORTUGAL NEWS Well of course you already knew, you always hear it here first!

Nothing to do after the new year’s eve celebrations? This might appeal to the younger ones, and might offend the older ones …

Most Levada walks are difficult for anybody with the slightest fear of heights; so when reading  about a short walk described as ‘easy’ and ‘flat’ it already had sounded interesting .  A short ride on  a local bus up to the Palheiro Gardens (Blandy’s gardens)  where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of what must be a beautiful garden at the height of summer, a little short on colour in December but still interesting.  A short walk, approximately 45 minutes to the renowned Jasmine teahouse; once there you can  have a refreshing cuppa before catching the bus (conveniently the stop is just outside the tea house) back to Funchal. Funchal Really Easy levada walking

"Higdon Life in Madeira: Jardim do Mar, Madeira Island, Portugal: We live a simple life on the beautiful island of Madeira off the coast of Morocco. We have three beautiful children that God has blessed us with-Kaija, Mikkai and Adelei!" Never post anything private about Madeira on the web … I will find it! HIGDON FAMILY JIG

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

(There is no newspaper today, as I guess the reporters all had yesterday off … what a luxury, and yesterday’s newspaper just had a handful of stories, some already covered here a couple of days ago).

Rock fall forces family from home. The car was buried inside the garage, and the house damaged, early on Christmas morning in sítio do Calvário, in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. There were 5 people in the house when it was stuck at about 1.30 am yesterday morning, but all escaped uninjured. The fire brigade attended, but there was little they could do, so the matter is now in the hands of the council to clean up and secure the location from further problems. Also up until early yesterday morning the fire departments were called to Funchal, Tâmega (Ribeira Brava), Fontaínhas and to Quinta Grande to deal with trees that had fallen into the roads. At Levada dos Piornais a wall collapsed. Somehow I suspect there must be many more stories of problems than just the few cited here, but everyone deserves a day off, so bad luck for the firemen as well as for those badly affected.

Expense with unemployment benefit soars – Compared to 2008, this year obliged Social Security to spend 40% more on benefits. With unemployment up around 50% in the same twelve months, they did well to keep the increase in expenditure down to 40% in my opinion. The article is full of facts and figures, but luckily for me the Diário also published them in a table, saving me some work.

Yesterday’s main news headline and with most of the front page with a great big picture of a Santa statue : Bring back the good old times [?] – The period of celebrations has been marked by storms and damage. And the forecasts for the next few hours are not the best. But there are compensations that help to fuel the dream and to maintain the tradition.

Footballers : Living Christmas in the traineeship – Christmas dinner in the home of Cléber. A bit of a space filler methinks. The story looks at  three 18 year old apprentices from Nacional football club of Madeira, who are spending their first Christmas away from home. Their normal home these days is in the athlete’s accommodation at the Choupana Stadium. Everyone else has returned home for Xmas, but these 3 Brazilians stayed on Madeira, using the time to play computer games and play snooker, because it would take too long to return to Brazil with just a short break ahead of them.

At the moment I can’t get into any other online stories, but may try again later.

If anyone else can oblige with any other news stories, Thank you in anticipation.

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.

You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.

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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.

(more…)

Today’s Photo : Thanks to Tobi … "Just a pic"

This article might appeal to potential tourists who like walking, particularly LEVADA WALKING 

Sheila kindly sent me in an article, but as it may have copyright issues I have provided a link to it instead : "Crisis in Portugal is mirrored in Madeira – Perhaps this article in the latest edition of The Portugal News will be of interest because some of the problems being faced in mainland Portugal (for instance unemployment and a lack of funds for animal care) are even more acute here in Madeira". Institutions struggle – Thousands of families in Portugal have been left living below the breadline.

Which leads on nicely to a letter I saw in the Diário on Friday, that brought a lot of responses from Diário readers.

P’Neco – A letter from a dog :
I’m an old dog, I am 14 years old. I’m happy, I have owners who really like me, who always gave me love and attention. But now I’m sick, I feel pain, I’m tired and my owners have little money. They took me to the vet, I was very well attended, my mistress was nervous, my master was sad and I just thought: – Do not be so sad I’ll will become well.

After the consultation I went home, I was already feeling better, but I realized that my owners were still anxious and sad. I finally realized why – they had little money and taking care of a dog is not easy. There is no assistance from anyone, no Health Centre to go to, as my owners have when they feel sick. Everything costs and is very expensive, and there are no reimbursements. 

My owners have spent the rest of the money that they had to get through the month. They had to pay for the consultation, and it seems I need a special diet, I had to do tests, there are vaccines that I have to take … I have  doggy friends in the same situation or even worse than me.

In the news, it is all about cases of abandonment, and bad treatment. But there are many good owners, like mine, that want to take care of their dogs, treating them, but that sometimes can only give affection that is not sufficient, as you must also have money.
In the car on the way home, my mistress was crying because she knows that I’m older and that from now on I will need care and medication, and she will not be able to pay.

I realised that one of the options was to put me to sleep, because I’m old. But I do not want to die, knowing the grief that my owners are going to have to suffer to send me to be killed, just because they have no money to take care of me. My desperate mistress already said he did not want more dogs, because it was too painful to see us die without dignity.

A few days ago my neighbour, a dog called Bobby, heard his owner say that he wanted to have another dog, but to treat it right is very expensive, and that there is no public vet and nothing cheaper, and so it was better not to. Bobby was sad, he wanted company, because his owners go off to work all day and he is left alone.

We dogs are friends, loyal, playful, because there are no laws to protect us, and to help those who protect us. – Anabela Sousa

Another fine contribution from Elaine from yesterday’s news, with many thanks …

Health Service and Electricity Company have liabilities totalling €985.2 million. The Regional Health Service at the end of the 2008 financial year had liabilities worth 484.6 million Euros, as calculated by the ‘Exame’ magazine. Two-thirds (€323 million) were owed to banks and suppliers. The liability represented record levels of debt (126%) unparalleled at a company / institution level. The Regional budget paid 227.2 million Euros to the Health Service and profit was a negative 13.9 million Euros. With 101.2 million Euros in negative equity, it was technically bankrupt, as the cost-effectiveness of services provided was -7%. The service provides care in 3 hospitals and 54 health centres. The Electricity Company of Madeira had total liabilities of 500.5 million Euros. The firm owed 360 million to banks and 60 million to suppliers. It had an 18% increase in sales (171.3 million) and overall profit of 3.7 million Euros. Madeira had 5.8% of the 500 largest Portuguese companies, 20 of these were foreign-owned and residing at the International Business Centre. They were from Italy, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Brazil. Despite popular opinion that they are tax-free companies, they provided a large proportion of both corporation tax and IVA. —– Lots of figures given which are meaningless to me and difficult to summarise. Der calculated the EEM had a debt of 5,000 Euros for every customer. The debt the health service is running up for each taxpayer must also be unbelievable. Is everyone living beyond their means? Sharp increase in taxes coming?

More details about rescue exercise in Rabaçal. The Civil Defence and Armed Forces are performing a ‘Missing 09′ rescue exercise on the 19th and 20th November in Rabaçal. To simulate the disappearance of a group of 15 tourists in Rabaçal and an accident involving a passenger bus on the road that leads to the Casa da Rabaçal. Over 100 people and 25 vehicles will be involved. There will be the Armed Forces, Emergency Medical Teams, Bombeiros and ambulances from 6 regions, PSP and GNR, SANAS, Forestry Police, Mountain Rescue and Canyoning Teams and Calheta Council representatives. Rabaçal is chosen as it is a tourist area where weather conditions can quickly change during the day, which tourists are often unaware of. On November 18th at the airport, the other rescue exercise will involve about 60 – 70 people, 10 – 12 ambulances and 2 Emergency Medical Teams. It is a collaboration between ANAM, Civil Defence and the Armed Forces. —- Don’t have an accident on any of these days.

Veterinary clinics now only used in emergencies. Due to the economic crisis, the clinics are used less for prophylactic care and animals tend to be taken only when essential. The clinics occasionally have large debts run up by customers and offer phased payments to assist. SPAD also find people have problems paying, and sometimes ask for proof that people really are in the economic difficulties that they claim.

Banks should finance Colombo’s Resort. Jardim has dismissed the Government’s responsibilities in the deadlock of continuing the financing of the work on Porto Santo. He said that the Government has nothing to do with investment and "If not resolved as soon as possible, banks will have to explain to shareholders how they lost that money, so the only solution is for those same banks to finish the work and subsequently put in on the market." Talking about the resignation of the Director of RDP and RTP-Madeira, Leonel de Freitas, he said his departure should have happened earlier. He pointed to the divisive character that RTP-Madeira had assumed, violating some of the fundamental ethics of the media. —- I think he is referring to RTP-Madeira not always reporting the Government in a favourable light. I think there were pre-election (interview) broadcast disputes.

Chakras and energy in health. SESARAM sending 400 nurses on a training course on the ‘Consciousness of Being’. These training sessions (the human, scientific and religious grounds; fields and energy centres; principles of the universe, care, healing nursing) and particularly (chakras, mental and emotional issues, anatomical power to defend the self, self-esteem, willpower, follow our dreams, faith and knowledge, spirituality and devotion, among others) have led some to question their relevance, scientific status and priority over more scientific / technical training needed. Especially the seven universal principles taught (mentalism, correspondence, vibration, polarity, rhythm, cause and effect and karma). This theory of transpersonal nursing was developed by a Colorado University Professor of Nursing who is considered a pioneer in the study of nursing as a scientific discipline that unites rationality and sensibility. This training promoting a holistic approach is financed by the EU, supported by WHO directives and authorized by the Director of Nursing. It aims to humanize the health service as patients do not want to be treated as mere numbers. The ‘Consciousness of Being’ serves to remind nurses that they deal with people and not the patient in bed X, ward Y. —– I love the last sentence – do nurses really have to be taught this? Just thought the taxpayers would like to know what the €484 million debt they are financing is spent on. Evidence-based medicine? No mention of the cost of the course. (Wikipedia has a page on Chakra which is a concept from traditional Indian medicine. I am still no wiser and wonder if quality of care will improve after this course).

260 have been treated for alcoholism this year. Treated at the Centre at the Casa de Saúde São Joao de Deus (hospital). The Unit has been functioning for 30 years and treated 7,000 to 10,000. The Director of the Hospital does not think that alcoholism is increasing in Madeira but there are more people seeking treatment and there is more attention given to treatment, recovery and rehabilitation. 18% of the patients are female and there are 20 beds. The Unit does not act alone but in conjunction with the regional network and the family have a key role. The Director of the Department of Mental Health, Luis Filipe, who also runs the unit, said that quicker and easier access is due to the recent formation of Community Mental Health Teams at the Regional Health Centres. More women are now asking for treatment possibly due to a decrease in stigma. A statistical analysis of the extent of alcoholism is presently being undertaken. He noted the help of the voluntary organisations, Alcoholics Anonymous and ‘Mão Amiga’. Alcoholism is decreasing amongst 40 – 50 years old as this age group has been targeted but increasing amongst young people who refuse to believe they can have a problem at their age. There will be an anniversary party for the Unit on December 2nd for 250 guests to celebrate those successfully treated.

Increase in the number of insolvencies. A new Code of Insolvency came into force five years ago and there has been an increase in the number of bankruptcies. There have been 72 this year which is about 7 times more than in the Nineties when there were only 10 – 12 a year. There were 26 in 2008. The number of firms becoming insolvent are 7% of the number of firms created, which is a positive sign.

Public works pollutes the seafront of Câmara de Lobos. Mud was being washed into the sea yesterday afternoon west of Vigario causing a brown discolouration. This was clearly seen from the Largo da Autonomia situated in front of the Town Hall. Diário reporters traced the origin to Council contractors who are building a wall in association with a new access to Ribeira da Alforra and Limoeiro. No one at the Council was available for comment.

Schoolchildren taught road safety. 50 children in Câmara de Lobos participated in an initiative promoted by the Operation Life association. After a talk at the Police Station, they went to the promenade at Vigario where there was a test course marked out. There was a maze of signs, both marked out on the promenade and roadsigns, and different means of transport, ranging from bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards. This was also part of the social inclusion project called Radically Inclusive which is designed to channel the excess adrenaline that youngsters have.

Assassination of Madeiran restaurant owner in Venezuela. A 44 year old man originating from Ribeira Brava was shot yesterday in his restaurant in Venezuela. Two men entered the establishment and repeatedly asked to be served by him, Jordan Teixeira dos Santos, mentioning his name several times. He was shot 14 times and it is thought to be part of a personal vendetta or Venezuelan ‘sicariato’. Complaints about insecurity are increasing in the country.

Destination Madeira promoted in London. The World Travel Market is to be held at the ExCel Exhibition Centre in London on the 9 – 11 November. The UK is the largest market for tourists, increasing 26.4% last year but has sharply fallen since then.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a fashion icon for the young. In his birthplace, Quinta Falcão in Funchal, the youngsters try to copy the way he walks, talks, hairstyle, earrings etc. according to the owner of the local billiard hall. They have difficulty buying from his store CR7 due to expense. A local hairdresser, who has Ronaldo’s mother and sister as clients, agrees. Ronaldo is also the Portuguese most imitated by young people worldwide and this began when he joined Manchester United six years ago and he has replaced previous idol Beckham. He is the ‘victim’ of the publicity machine of that club that buys players for their skills and transforms them into icons that can sell millions.

A quick look at today’s front page headlines :

Purely by coincidence (having published the readers letter above), this was the main photo on today’s Diário cover : Strays in the mountain remain waiting for owners until they die. Paul da Serra is the dumping ground for abandoned dogs. Also in other remote sites like Choupana. They fight until death to survive (exact translation). Confused, and wet to the bones, a little dog wanders amongst the parked cars at the miradouro of Rabaçal, in Paul da Serra. The fog was thick on that Thursday morning. The rain drizzled but was steady, soaking into the ground and leaving puddles here and there, and the animal ambled around in search of food, and for his owner who left him there to die. Further in front, on the road, the same scenario. The dog this time is bigger, seemingly a German Shepherd, hungry, soaking wet, staring and pleading … enough of that because does anyone really care? Will anyone head up there today to feed them … no I thought not, so there’s not much point in me continuing.

Marítimo with attitude to confront Porto – Mitchel (Van der Gaag) scored in the last victory against the portistas. Good prognostic for this afternoon’s game. I think I heard on the radio that it has been 6 years since Marítimo beat Porto, but this time I think  Porto could struggle a little. SportTV1 6 pm.

Accounting Tribunal (Public Auditors) refuse explanations – The region asked the tribunal if it might explain the denial the approval of support for the TV series ‘Flor do Mar’. The tribunal says that it is already all clear. Clear it was, as even I understood without any mental effort at all, that the accommodation for the crew and cast of TVI (the series producer), was  so costly that there should have been a tender organised. It’s called I believe ensuring effective use of public money, a concept that I think is totally alien to the Madeira government. Uncle Bertie and his crew of cronies are constantly breaking the rules on expenditure, and then always complain when the auditors criticise the action. Thank god we have the auditors, otherwise who knows what pockets would be lined and crazy projects endorsed without us ever knowing.

The main news headline today : Fishing fleet flees to the Azores – Already 14 boats and 250 fishermen are opting to labour in the neighbouring archipelago. They come to the dockyard of Caniçal yet pay the taxes there (?). They complain of lack of support of the regional government. Accompanied by a photo of two large fishing boats in dry dock, that clearly weren’t going anywhere. Lets hope these fishermen in the Azores don’t have the ‘Madeira taxi driver mentality’, or it will all end in tears for sure.

‘Wall of Shame’ fell 20 years ago – On a night of liberty, canticles and hugs, the Germans reunited the country two decades ago. It was the 9th November 1989. A news item that the world commemorates tomorrow. Well the world will have to commemorate without me, ‘cos I couldn’t care less, and I doubt if most of the people who read this headline will change their day either. I will spare a thought for that poor little dog pictured above though, and wonder if he is still just about alive. That wall is just history. Yet another stupid chapter in the history of mankind.

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