Madeira News Blog

Today’s Photo Thanks to  Derek … Jardim do Mar coast

A CRUISE PASSENGER’S ASSESSMENT (Prinsendam cruise in November 2009) : "Madeira (Funchal) – Our last stop before the transatlantic journey, this lush island is such a paradise … I was there at the end of November and the sun was shining, many flowers in bloom and everything was just so green. I did the hop on/hop off here too – be sure to get off and wander. This was my favorite port – the sloping mountainside covered in red roofed homes was quite a sight as I made my way up in the cable car … another activity everyone must try. It’s all just so picturesque. I didn’t try the Madeira wine – mistake! The food was good – lovely soft local cheese blended with al dente pasta, a small salad, chocolate mousse pie and wine for only 10 Euro. I also bought a bottle of local port and a nice big bag of local sea salt to take home to friends – such a nice touch. jmk171′s Rating: 5+". Never heard of anyone taking sea salt as a present for friends … won’t break the bank, that’s for sure.

"They originated as purely experimental devices, but small satellites are now taking on a growing number of operational roles alongside their full-sized counterparts. A conference next year will discuss how the evolution of small satellites is spurring a radical increase in data availability and knowledge-based services. The event is the latest in a series covering Small Satellite Systems and Services – the 4S Symposium. Taking place every two years, the 4S Symposium has enjoyed progressively greater international participation since it began in 1992, with 25 nations represented at the 2008 event in Rhodes, Greece. The next 4S Symposium will take place from 31 May to 4 June on the Portuguese island of Madeira". FASCINATING STUFF … WHERE IS THE PLAIN ENGLISH VERSION?

Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, has, according to the findings of an international study published this week, surpassed London on the ‘World’s Most Expensive Cities’ list regarding the purchasing of common goods, like food. Based on the differences between prices of goods as simple as milk, a coffee or a hamburger, it has been established that all of the afore-mentioned and many other consumables are now more expensive to buy in Lisbon than in London. A study by international price-comparing company PriceRunner International has ranked Lisbon as the 14th most expensive capital city in the world, one place above London, which this year fell one position from 14th to 15th. MORE ON THE PORTUGAL NEWS (thanks to them, and thanks Elaine for the tip-off).

Many thanks to Elaine once again for yesterday’s top news stories :

Paid night watchmen in Funchal. Funchal Council presented last week a proposal for licensing the legal activity of night watchmen in the city of Funchal. The intention is that from 2010, they can be paid by voluntary contributions from people in areas where they will be working. This activity will start in the city centre and later extended to other areas where their intervention is needed. The night guards will be a link between the population and the PSP. Regulation will allow direct action in areas for trade and tourism and in residential areas. Candidates need to be Portuguese, between the ages of 21 and 65, have compulsory education, be very fit and hold no administrative post. To prevent confusion between their work and the police, the role of the night watchman is to patrol and conduct surveillance in the area for the protection of people and goods. They cannot use a weapon but later may be licensed to use dogs. They will wear a uniform and the only financial support from the Council will be for their training.

Cabo Girão redevelopment. The present redevelopment of the viewpoint at Cabo Girão should take a year and a half to complete (first quarter of 2011), costing over 2 million Euros. There will be a glass floor suspended over the cliff and the entire area renovated to enhance the panoramic view. Until then, there will be limited access, both on foot and by car, especially for the next six months. There will be new pedestrian and vehicle access, landscaping, a tourist information centre, exhibition centre, cafeteria, shops and toilets. The viewpoint itself will extend over the cliff, by a steel structure with a glass floor that accentuates the feeling of height above the sea (580 metres). The cafe will have a terrace suspended above the ravine, where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery that attracts many tourists to one of the finest views of Madeira.

PSP hold aggressor. A man has been identified and detained by the police early this afternoon following a warning by the public that a man was assaulting a taxi driver, and might even have the possession of a firearm. The man who was driving a truck carrying pine wood, placed the truck across the road to block the path of the taxi which had a client inside. The taxi driver was pulled from the car and shaken by the neck and threatened several times. Several motorists and residents witnessed the incident in São Matinho, near Edificio Varzea Park. After the scene, the assailant left the area and the taxi driver whose shirt was completely torn, also left. The police later intercepted and detained the van driver and a machete was found inside but no gun.

New luxury mega-yacht. The Northern Star, one of the most luxurious and modern mega-yachts in the world, anchored today in the Port of Funchal for six hours. Coming from Falmouth, en route to the Caribbean (Antigua), where it will operate for the coming months then return to Europe in late March 2010. Built in Germany in 2009, it became operational in July and ranks 67th on the list of today’s largest yachts, the first position belonging to the imposing Dubai with a length of 162 metres. The Northern Star is 75.6 metres long and 13.5 metres wide, it caters for 12 guests and 22 crew and has a maximum speed of 17 knots.

Mundovip Madeira prepares new destinations for Summer. SATA will continue to be the major partner. The new destinations in next Summer’s schedule are ones that are served by direct flights from Madeira. Negotiations with SATA about more flights to the Canary Islands, one of the main destinations for the past eight years. It might be possible to fly directly to Cabo Verde and better links to Canada.

Orchestra launches Symphonies of Mozart. Four years after accepting an invitation from EMI Classics to record five albums for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart, the OCM launches tomorrow at FNAC five albums of Mozart’s symphonies. Both national and regional soloists were involved and some will be at FNAC tomorrow with the conductor Rui Massena at 15.00. The discs have been on sale since November.

Madeira in Autumn / Winter 2010 catalogue of Pierre Cardin. The French designer has chosen Madeira as background for the catalogue for the Autumn collection. Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Quinta da Eira in Santo da Serra, Paul da Serra, Chão da Ribeira (photo) in Porto Moniz and The Vine Hotel were chosen. He hired a German production team with the well-known Hamilton R. Pereira who is responsible for Fiat Punto, BMW, Jaguar, Zara, Nike, Air France and KLM adverts. They came for a week and brought international models including the English top model Ryan Thomas. Two days were spent at Chão da Ribeira. The photographer taking part, Tim Peterson, covered a top editorial piece in Vanity Fair about Michael Jackson. Pierre Cardin is 87 years old and founded his design house in 1950 and is responsible for unisex pieces, avant-garde and designing for men. One of his most famous ploys was the 1954 ‘bubble dress’. This year, he has been named global ambassador for the UN Organisation for Agriculture and Food.

More companies cancel Christmas gatherings. Restaurants show a 30 – 40% loss in demand since 2008. Due to the credit crisis, many companies are suspending traditional Christmas gatherings. Interview with Jose Brito, the manager of A Lareira in Caniço. In the first quarter of the year there was a drop in tourism, numbers increasing during the summer months but a decrease in customers again since then. Their main business is at the weekend and this Christmas is also looking poor, so far 30% less bookings than last year. Restaurants are traditionally visited at the end of Midnight Mass when families go for soup or hot chocolate. In Machico, the restaurant Escondidinho has 40% less bookings for Christmas lunch and dinner. The Council of Machico has cancelled its reservation there. To try to attract customers, the As Vides in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos is offering a digestive aguardente and the possibility of using a photography service on festival days upon payment for photos. The owner said, "In times of crisis, it’s time to innovate".

PSP pay the bill of the Finance Law. The Regional Command of the PSP is the only one in the country without funding because only in Madeira, the fines levied contribute to the Regional Budget. This limits the operation of the PSP. The Regional and Republic Governments have not decided on who takes the initiative for funding: the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the holder of the source of revenue from fines (Executive of Madeira). The PSP has paid the bill for litigation between the State and the Autonomy, since the Law of Regional Finance was announced with a cut in funds for Madeira. In Ponta do Sol, the Council has financed repairs to the dilapidated local police station and a new one is urgently required. New stations are required in other areas and new police vehicles are also needed.

Offended trader receives compensation. Four individuals who were aggressive towards a trader in Banda d’Alem in Machico three years ago, have been ordered by the Court to pay compensation. They were verbally and physically assaultive against the 53 year old haberdashery owner. The shop owner asked a woman driver not to park on a yellow line outside his premises as it was causing damage to his business. The four from the same family heard later on about the incident and thought he had used insulting terms and entered the shop for an explanation. A conflict occurred and local residents had to assist the shop owner and the police arrived. The aggressors had threatened to "take justice into their own hands" and said the proprietor failed to have the same view for every vehicle that stopped outside his shop, especially when it belonged to a relative. The trader is relieved they have been found guilty, as he has found it psychologically difficult when coming across these four in the street and his 15 year old son refused to attend the school in Funchal where one of the aggressors taught, (two of the four were teachers). The money will be donated to an institution which helps victims of domestic abuse.

Cribs in São Roque and Nun’s Valley. On Friday evening, the large manger at São Roque was inaugurated and can be visited between 15.00 to 22.00. It is at the Associação Cultural do Galeão. The theme is ‘Environment and Traditions’ and includes a wide range of figures typical of the region and religion. Every year a new crib is presented to captivate audiences, especially children. At Nun’s Valley, the Associação Refugio da Freira will present the crib on December 19 in the car park of the Civic Centre. It will  stay until January 17 and can be visited between 09.00 to 20.00. The crib is larger than previous years as the space for it is larger and there will be a raffle on the final day. The Casa do Povo in Ponta do Sol is having a Christmas nativity scene contest for all three parishes in that area. Their large public crib will be inaugurated between December 18 and December 20.

Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias. Lots of them today! Far too many for one person to manage …

Fishing with losses of €2 million – The earnings and the catches register further decreases in the third quarter. The losses compared to last year have already reached €1.95 million according the the latest report form the National Institute of Statistics. The first 9 months of 2009 have seen revenues fall to €11.9 million. The drop in revenues is partly due to the  reduction in the Madeira catch, with September this year for example registering a 29% lower catch than in 2008. In the first 9 months of this year 957 thousand less kilos of fish have been landed. Tuna fish have been the exception, with 142 more tons caught so far this year.

Today’s main news headline : Debt is going to duplicate – Loans and other means increase by 125% the direct debt of Madeira that, at the end of 2010 will surpass the thousand million Euros. There is a shortage of funds to meet the budget for 2010, and tomorrow the ‘chancellor’ Ventura Garcês has to explain how the government will cope with the situation, the most difficult in recent years. This link to a webpage will enable you to see where the money is going MADEIRA BUDGET 2010 (you will need to enlarge the tables – bottom right corner of Windows Explorer 8).

Budget obliges government to make up €500 million.

Debate gets underway tomorrow in the Legislative Assembly of Madeira and favours monologue of Jardim.

Pregnancy terminations increase 46% in the Region – Single women, aged from 20 to 29, are the group with the most abortions. In the first 10 months of this year there were 210 voluntary pregnancies terminations, compared to 174 in the whole of 2008. Data collected since the new abortion law came into force on 1st January 2008 shows that 58% of the women are single, 36% are married, and 6% were divorced. 40% of the total are aged between 20 and 29, 6% are aged 40 to 49, and 20% are less than 20. The youngest of them all was a 13 year old girl. 16% of the total were foreigners living here. The increase in abortions is reflected nationally, but not nearly to the same extent according to the examples given in the article.

There are increasing numbers of students with scholarships. 1,470 young people receive government support for their further education, and €250,000 has already been spent on support. In the 2008 / 2009 academic year the number of such students was 1,372, and number that has already been exceeded in the current academic year, with a few more already waiting to be added to the list. One reason for the increase is the "global crisis that affects all families and that causes more students to seek this kind of support", says João Costa e Silva, Director of the Office of Education. Those students who study outside of Madeira receive monthly support of €170, and that amount also applies to those students from Porto Santo who come to Madeira for higher education. The total monthly cost to the Madeira government will work out at around €250,000.

Marítimo lose the game and fifth place – Rio Ave effectively impose the first defeat of Mitchel. Today’s rather pointless main front page photo shows some players milling around on the pitch. Marítimo missed a chance to go 4th in the league, and climb above Nacional who lost on Friday night. They lost 0 – 1 at home to Rio Ave yesterday afternoon, the first [league?] defeat under new manager Mitchel van der Gaag.

Jokanovic takes charge of coaching of Nacional.

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 … Thank you in anticipation.

Elaine has very kindly sent in a second contribution today: "Jornal da Madeira is having a series of articles on Madeiran Christmas traditions".

CHRISTMAS 2009 – The tradition of Christmas with the taste of honey – HONEY CAKE

Appeared in the heyday of sugar production in Madeira, honey cake, and through the centuries until today, remains as a symbol of Madeiran cuisine. The tradition dictates that this cake is prepared on December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which marks the beginning of Christmas in our region.

Although the honey cake is baked in industrial moulds to meet the demands of the business, there are still many people who prefer to do it at home, as with Rita Freitas who from a young age became accustomed to this art that has its secrets, because as she stated "there are many recipes for honey cake and each one has a special feature. What causes it to be tasty and look great are the amount of products that arise and the cooking time."

To make a honey cake at home is a task that requires much effort. It starts the day before the day to prepare the cake, when you buy the bread dough at the bakery in preparation for the baking at home. After a day of "rest" the dough is ready to receive the condiments, warm honey, grated orange or lemon, spices, almonds, walnuts, Cidrão and Madeira wine. Kneading is also a demanding job, as Rita Freitas said, emphasizing that "the person must have some strength in order to be a long time leaning over the bowl to knead, as tradition, but now there are machines that make this service quicker, but never as they did it before. Before then, It seems that the cake was better. But it is with joy knowing that then we will have a honey cake that will please many people."

The next step may be effected only three or four days after mixing, since in this work "we have to cover the dough with a cloth or blanket and let it rise in a warm place at a constant temperature. Then divide the dough into portions of 250, 500 or 750 grams depending on the size of the cakes. Put these portions of dough into round shapes, low and level and well oiled and take to bake in a hot oven, after having decorated the surface with half walnuts or almonds or pieces of Cidrão." When finished, honey cake is ready to be served at home visits of family and friends, or typical gatherings particularly those that are after the Mass do Parto. A lament of our speaker is that "the younger generation is no longer interested in making honey cake at home and thus this tradition will be lost. I still remember the time when in all the houses honey cakes were made and the joy that lived with so many people to help in making this cake. So then it seemed that Christmas was more joyful. But while I can I will continue to make homemade honey cake, not only to maintain the tradition but also that many can enjoy a real Madeiran treat."

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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 and article : Thanks to Jon … Reid’s Palace Hotel, which opened in Funchal in 1891, although the date of this photograph (taken from a book) is not known, it certainly is not long after the opening date. (I have spent about an hour cleaning it up, so hopefully it is something like the original, which didn’t copy so well. Der).

A young William Reid first landed on Madeira in 1836 as a 14 year old cabin boy with just £5 in his pocket. He worked his way to vast wealth in the burgeoning Madeira wine trade then set about letting property to visiting Europeans and bought several hotels, namely the Santa Clara, the Carmo (formerly Miles’s) and the Mount.

The first hotel to bear his name was started in 1887, designed by George Somers Clarke and called "Reid’s New Hotel". However William Reid died before it was completed, and his son’s William and Alfred opened the Hotel in 1891.

The book I have is by William and Alfred Reid and provides reference to all manner of things "past" in Madeira, not least of all an extract from a speech delivered by The Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (H.R.H. Duke of Edinburgh), at Trinity House Banquet, July 5th 1897:

"I hope that when you are drinking this toast you will pay special attention to the 1837 Madeira. It is Diamond Jubilee Madeira, and I procured it for the Trinity House in the year 1867, half way between the Jubilee".

The wine was bought from William Reid and enjoyed some 30 years later when his son’s still held the appointment as Wine Merchants, etc., to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. 

My book is the fourth issue and contains the above reference thereby dating it post 1897.

At this time (1897) the name of Reid’s had been changed to "Reid’s Palace Hotel" and the Reid’s Family no longer owned the Santa Clara Hotel which I believe was renamed "The Monte Carlo".

Jonathan L Parsons, facts and figures extracted from the above book and Reid’s Palace web site, all rights reserved.

Many thanks to Elaine once again for yesterday’s top news stories :

500,000 Euros well spent. The opening of the ‘Works of Reference of the Museums of Madeira – 500 Years of History of an Archipelago’ at the Palacio da Ajuda in Lisbon. The event was attended by several notable people, such as the new Minister of Culture Gabriela Canavilhas, the Azorean President, former Bishop of Funchal, members of the Assembly of the Republic and the Regional Secretary for Tourism Bernardo Trindade. Alberto João Jardim was the Master of Ceremonies. They were satisfied with the quality and richness of the collection and Jardim was surprised by the wealth of the exhibits and some parts he could not remember having seen in Madeira. He outlined a new museum for the region, The Convent of Santa Clara. "I usually go there to weddings but I had no idea of this wealth," he said. The commissioner of the exhibition, Francisco Clode de Sousa seized the opportunity, "It has to be transformed into a museum. We have to think about it." The Flemish paintings were the most surprising and Jardim said, "They are what we take to Europe, the Belgians were astounded." The Azorean President said, "It is a work that should be coveted by major museums of the world." In the room devoted to religious art, Gabriela Canavilhas was impressed by the sheer size of the silver pieces. "How much was spent on insurance?" Jardim replied, "Not telling you." He said it was worth it, as the continentals deserve to know of these works. Gabriela Canavilhas said, "The only thing against the embroidery of Madeira is the price." Jardim replied that, "It is good, so you pay for it." Jardim wanted to know if they would recoup the 500,000 Euros expenditure through catalogue and ticket sales and Francisco Clode de Sousa said they hoped to do so. The exhibition can be seen until February 2010.

Suspect ship prevented from approaching. Since November 9, the ship has harboured off Madeira, as it does not have permission to enter. It has a ‘black flag’ because of the conditions under which it was registered in Togo, and the certificate is not recognized within the EU. The ‘Newhope’ approached the island for medical aid for an injured crewman. A SANAS boat transferred the Syrian sailor to the hospital in Funchal where he was treated then returned to the ship. He was accompanied by two Maritime Police officers and an immigration officer. Safety certificates for the ship have expired so the Maritime Authority will not allow it to approach as it is a safety threat. The ship crew have requested fuel, food and water and other supplies as they say there are not enough for travel to the Canary Islands or Morocco. The Portuguese authorities have refused as they are suspicious that for the intended trip from Brazil to India, the ship did not carry enough reserve fuel and supplies. The Maritime Authority has prohibited it to enter the 12 mile restricted area and the navy is monitoring its position.

New pharmacies in 2010. IASAÚDE (Administration of Health and Social Affairs) are opening tenders for one in Monte and one in São Roque. They will replace the ones that have closed to re-open in other areas. Judging by the requests for information, there are a lot of candidates to open the pharmacies. There are strict rules for the positioning of pharmacies, for example they must serve a minimum of 3,500 inhabitants in the municipality unless there is not one within 2 kilometres, or the locality has fewer than 4,000 inhabitants. 

Armed man walked around Funchal. A man armed with two knives walked around Funchal yesterday afternoon, menacing the public until arrested by the PSP. He was tall, bare-chested with a chain around his neck and appeared mentally unstable. He was first detected in Rua do Comboio and finally arrested in Rua do Aljube and he was taken to the Regional Command Centre.

Funeral 35 years later. Funeral of Gabriel Ferreira Telo who died 35 years ago, aged 23, while serving in the army. He died at the siege of the garrison at Guidage in Guinea. Most of the dead were buried there. His remains were recovered by the League of Soldiers. The casket containing his remains will be taken today to the Monument to the Madeiran Combatants Overseas, at Nazaré. It will stay there overnight then be transported to Paul do Mar for a Mass, and buried in the cemetery at the same place as his father, with military honours.

Chapel transformed into a drug den. PND councillor Gil Canha asks for the urgent restoration of the Capela da Nazaré. It is used by drug abusers, the roof is in danger of collapse and local householders also use it to dump rubbish. He says it has the same fate as the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Fundão, which is completely in ruins. He condemned the Government’s priorities of investing millions of Euros in new churches instead of preserving the religious heritage.

Transavia confirm air route Porto to Madeira. Transavia.com a low-cost carrier, part of the Air France – KLM consortium, will offer four weekly flights between Porto and Madeira from March 2010. Next winter, they hope to increase flights to six a week.

41% more Dutch tourists via KRAS. This Dutch operator has increased the number of tourists travelling here by 41% this year to 4,500. The Dutch stay on average for 11 nights due to the flights schedule. The firm are hoping to double the number they bring here next year. In 2008, 33,278 Dutch visited the region and represent 3.2% of the tourists.

Nematode threatens 6,000 hectares of pine. The nematode worm which attacks pine wood is carried by an insect vector and damages the trees leaving them subject to attack by other pests. Of the 52,000 hectares of forestry, 6,000 are occupied by pine trees. They are fragmented and scattered around the island and only the older and vulnerable trees would die. Pine trees are not endemic and are not of economic importance. The nematode has been detected in trees in Palheiro Ferreiro and the infected trees felled and burnt. The Directorate of Forestry have drawn up a plan for approval by the Government in case there is an increase in the nematode numbers.

Hospitalized children will have GPS bracelets. For protection against child abduction, especially those at risk, as has occurred in Portugal.

Socialist Party ask for explanations about the company formed by Santos Costa. After yesterday’s report in the Diário that Santos Costa formed a firm while he was part of the Regional Executive, responsible for a related area. They want a Commission of Inquiry set up. The CDU (Communists) want the Regional Government to submit to the Regional Parliament all the details of any contractual and/or other connections of the Regional Public Administration with the company which Santos Costa was a partner of and which currently belongs to his family.

Driver hits lamp post then flees. On Friday night at 22.30 in the Estrada João Paulo II. A green Land Rover mounted the pavement and hit a lamp post, dragging if for a dozen metres then came to a halt. The driver left the scene before the PSP arrived around 23.15. Both the car and the lamp post were damaged and there was a mini blackout of other street lamps along the road.

Rehabilitation Centre for children with mental disabilities receives Government funding. The new unit was inaugurated in September and is to receive Government funding. It is a short stay unit with eleven beds. —- One of a few projects inaugurated pre-election, before operational or funded.

Jorge Ferreira has died. The former parliamentary leader of the CDS-PP and founder of the New Democracy Party (PND) has died in Lisbon at the age of 48, after a long illness.

Future of the only auction room in Funchal is seriously compromised. Article in Friday’s Diário da Cidade. Due to the economic crisis and the failure of people to appreciate antiques. The father and son who run the auction rooms also criticize the law for failing to protect them.  The octogenarian said that they used to have 4 or 5 sales running simultaneously. Now the rooms are in their hour of death. People are ‘idiots’ as they buy modern articles which are more expensive than similar older ones they sell. They also have no legal protection when people bid for items and then fail to collect them and pay, after getting ‘auction fever’ then when they go back home they realise they do not have enough money. They often contact the local museums with pieces of cultural heritage value but they do not have enough funds to purchase them, as the Government prefers to spend money on a football stadium and other projects.

The front page news stories from today’s Diário :

Budget 2010 focuses on tourism and employment – The proposal is delivered tomorrow in the Madeira Assembly. According to the predictions, the debt hits a new record. The budget leans towards incentives for companies to create employment, and boosting promotion of tourism. By the end of this year Madeira will have the biggest debt ever in the history of autonomy … €1.9 billion. The guaranteed income for the new budget (tax revenues, state and EU funding) will only cover 86% of projected expenditure, so the rest of the money will have to be borrowed, and that needs to authorised by the Republic. If my maths is correct, that’s around €7,600 for every man, woman and child on Madeira, an absolutely staggering sum for such a small economy with such limited means of generating income. When you think that that is the debt after all the state and European funding that Madeira has received over recent years, funding which is now in increasingly short supply, how on earth are we going continue to survive (let alone grow) and repay our debts under the leadership of this Madeira government that lives for today and worries about the consequences tomorrow. President Jardim may think he will retire in 2011, leaving a legacy to be proud of, but the true legacy he will leave will be a millstone around the neck for all of us living here for many many years to come. This €1.9 billion is not just a figure on paper, it is real debt that has to be repaid to lending institutions.

Crisis and alcohol associated to suicide – Psychiatrist Ricardo Alves is alert to the virtual life of young people and to the access  to weed-killers. This is an interview with the head psychiatrist in the health service, who talks of the role of alcoholism in suicides, and the fight to reduce the rate of 10 suicides per 100,000 people, of which probably 80 to 90% have alcohol problems. He condemns the sale of alcohol to minors, psychotic patients and intoxicated individuals. He also recommends legislation to control the sale of weed-killers through ‘responsible traders’, and talks about the ‘virtual world’ that many youngsters live in and the dangers they face through the internet and online ‘chat’. Many suicides stem from the depression and stress, caused by situations such as unemployment and loss of financial standing. Currently there are four psychiatrists in the hospital, all alert for the signs of suicidal individuals, and by 2011 there will be two more in the team. At present there are between 300 and 350 adult consultations per month.

Accident Saturday causes five injuries on the roads. Three road accidents yesterday injured five people, including a mother and her two children, injured in an accident in Santa Rita and taken to hospital. A 25 year lady was also hospitalised after a road accident in Santa Cruz, and also a 55 year old women in the area of Cabo Girão.

Three teams from Madeira attempt to progress in the ‘Cup’ – Nacional, União SAD, and AD Camacha have strong possibilities of passing to the 5th round. Camacha host Vigor da Mocidade this afternoon (3 pm), and are clear favourites to win. Nacional are also at home this afternoon against CD Fátima from the league below, and though obviously favourites, Nacional struggled a bit in the previous round against lesser opposition from that same division. União kick off at 2 pm against 2nd division Mafra.

The top headline today : Irregular list makes a botch-up in the ACIF (Funchal Chamber of Commerce) – Unhappy associates with the only list say that there are candidates that the regulations don’t contemplate and they prepare the refutation. That’s all I have time for today, but if someone feels the urge to put some meat on this story, you will find it through this link : ACIF

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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. 

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 : Thanks to Vic … The inbound flight from Caracas, Venezuela

I have never seen this website before, but it has some nice photos to which it seems you can add your own FOTOPEDIA

I was reading a website yesterday about property prices, that claimed that Madeira property prices "survived the downturn relatively unscathed and is (are) already looking at some growth now things are recovering". It also says that "Madeira offers a unique opportunity to buy property in the safety of an established property market, amidst the climate, growth potential and low living costs of an African nation". What absolute BS. I won’t even put a link to the article on the site as I usually do. Whether that is a foreigners perspective of the property market here, or just marketing BS I don’t know, but anyone considering buying here should be aware that the island economy and property market is still in recession. As for an African nation cost of living, generally speaking, that would explain the starvation, poverty and poor health suffered by many in Africa if they have to  pay Madeiran prices with African wages (I am of course referring to the underdeveloped parts of Africa).

"Fancy pan-fried frogs legs with chervil sauce or steamed wild sea bass with oyster tartar? These are just two of the creations Chef Antoine Westermann spoils his guests with at The Vine, Design Hotels™’ newest member hotel in Madeira. At UVA, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, the award-winning chef creates fusion cuisine at its best. Locals have also discovered this gem – for its culinary delights as well as the spectacular views". According to the article they have a dog cooking the restaurant specialities, and I wondered if they are also serving any Korean dishes to the "Locals (who) have also discovered this gem". Bit out of my price range I suspect, and I certainly suspect its prices put it out of the reach of the vast vast majority of the local population. FROG LEGS A LA WOOF

Trindade reappointed as Secretary of State for Tourism – Socrates rewards work done in the last mandate. Prime Minister José Sócrates will bring in Madeira’s Bernardo Trindade as Secretary of State for Tourism. The Daily News of Lisbon says that the reappointment is the recognition of work done during the last legislative term. Trinidade currently occupies his place in the National Assembly as a deputy elected by the PS-M socialists in September, and will be replaced next week by Miguel França, number two on the election list submitted by the PS-M. The ‘swearing in’ of Secretaries of State is scheduled for next Saturday. That can only be good news for Madeira, it’s just a great pity that president Jardim gives the impression that he hates his guts. Welcome back Bernie-the-Bolt.

Many thanks to Elaine for this huge news contribution from yesterday :

Road construction in São Vicente begins with the police and a shot in the air. There was no official notification by the municipality that the construction of the road  between Feiteiras and Levada do Poio in Sao Vicente would begin. Confusion started at 14.30 when Jose Mendes was informed that his land was being "invaded by strangers". He went to the land but was too late as the bulldozer had already started and he has lodged an injunction for an immediate halt. He heard a shot but does not know who fired the bullet. The construction workers gave an alternative story, that they were warned via their mobile phones that locals were heading their way. This was collaborated by locals who said the owner of the land, enraged, left his car and was in possession of a firearm. João José Mendes says he does not know who the contractor is as there are no identifying signs. The council, annoyed, later tried to contact the president and executive of the services department but everybody was in a meeting. There was criticism about the time the police took to respond and it is for the bulldozer driver to decide whether to make a complaint against the person who fired the shot. The Diário could not get a reply from the mayor of the council, Humberto Vasconcelos.

Government is considering privatizing the Professional School of Hospitality and Tourism. Of the 4.5 million Euros a year, €2.5 million are for staff costs and €1.8 million for goods and services. The Department of Education and Culture is considering a public tender for privatization as many firms provide similar qualifications at less cost. The school has 460 students, 318 in residence and 50 staff. It was founded in 1967 and became under the Regional Educational Department in 1983 and a new building inaugurated in 1997. The building contains a 4 star hotel with 20 rooms for training purposes, and the qualifications are recognized by local businesses.

Controversy over Portugal’s new Government legalizing same-sex ‘marriages’. The Catholic Church and some people representing Madeira in Parliament disagree with the new law, especially as it is to be a priority when they think there are other more pressing concerns, e.g. economic difficulties. Regarding the possibility of a referendum, a representative of the Diocese of Funchal said, "If it is tabled in Parliament, it will be presented many times until they approve." The legislation was proposed by the BE (Left Block) on grounds of non-discrimination and freedom. The Socialist Party said it would be debated at the ‘"appropriate time", especially as the Socialist Government in Portugal has a relative majority, which means dialogue. The CDS-PP think a legal safeguard of rights is needed but not the term ‘marriage’. The Social Democrats think prioritizing it is "scandalous" and "an insult" when the "country is in crisis" and that the term ‘marriage’ is inappropriate in a secular society.

Collision at Quinta Grande damaged two parked cars. A car damaged two vans at dawn, about 04.15 on the 15th October and did not stop. Surveillance video (shown) has been released and it is thought to be a metallic grey Polo. The police and owners are appealing for information.

Nurses unhappy. Regarding the recent changes in management and the way nurses are not consulted about changes, a petition is circulating the health service. They worry that what has happened with doctors (sudden dismissal via phone) and now with nurses will spread to other health professionals. A meeting of the Union of Nurses representatives with the Regional Secretary for Social Affairs is set for October 30th, when career changes will also be discussed. —- Usual internal politics and management making all the decisions. More strikes?

An "environmental attack" in the construction of the promenade in the zone of Soccoridos.  The Municipal Council of Funchal have complained about the amount of gravel put down, needed for construction machines, which they think will wash into the sea and cause pollution. They say the level is higher than the contractor SMD originally stated and have sent a report to the Regional Department of the Environment and Maritime Police.

Collision between three cars and a motorcycle. No casualties but damage to the vehicles. It occurred at rush hour yesterday afternoon at the entrance to the Funchal – Machico expressway at Santo António and a 15 km queue formed.

The post of the Representative of the Republic is in jeopardy. Monteiro Diniz is the Representative, and a lawyer and has made comments about legalities of some actions of the Regional Government, in the newspaper Expresso. After such comments and his distance from the present Regional Government, the PSD-M and Jardim now want to end his position. His comments about the legality of the removal of the Socialist  Victor Freitas from the Legislative Assembly have not helped. (It depends on which parts of two conflicting laws you apply). Victor Freitas said, "What happens in the Legislative Assembly of Madeira is that democracy is suspended, the PSD does what it wants, does not comply with the Constitution or the Regulations of the Region." He said that the rules were subverted illegally, "This must be one of the worst situations that has attended the Regional Assembly." Diniz is not commenting publically, responding to Jardim’s letter in private, which accused him and the Portuguese Government of outrageous colonial imposition and dividing the people of Madeira.

Cunha e Silva meets with Barroso and urges his support for the region. The Vice President of the Region presented Barroso with an 80-page memorandum highlighting the importance of maintaining European Union support for the production of tradable goods, agricultural production, fisheries, energy, tourism and transport. "I tried to raise with the President of the European Commission the need to simplify the procedures and rules of access to funds."  The other Presidents of the Autonomous Regions at the meeting in Brussels were also optimistic about  Barroso’s support as he is knowledgeable about the issues surrounding the Portuguese autonomous regions. I know what I would do with an 80 page memorandum, and it wouldn’t involve any reading. As for simplifying the access to European funding Cunha e Silva must be joking. The rules are there to make sure European taxpayers money is allocated fairly and properly where most needed, and with Madeira’s record in bogus applications for funds and misusing them, the EU should make Madeira a special case and tighten the rules even more. Der

Jardim just wants justice. In the official reception to the Committee on Regional Development of the European Parliament, Jardim also re-iterated the need for continuity of funding, especially in the transport sector and specific legislation for the Free Zone. "We do not want privileges, we just want justice. We have reached a good level of development, but we need continuity. Just because the GDP has reached a high level, it does not mean that we do not need more." In response, the Greek delegation member praised the projects they had visited and saw their positive impact on the development of the island, although he had some reservations about the future allotment of funds. The airport, wind farm and water distribution network were seen to be good implementation of EU funds. —- They are worried as Madeira has exceeded 75% of GDP (gross domestic product) per capita of the EU average. This means it is no longer eligible for continuation of the present EU support after 2014. The Free Zone ends in 2011 (tax haven).

Easyjet carried 25% more passengers than expected on the Lisbon – Funchal route. In October 2008, they predicted 152,000 in the first year but flew 190,000 people. An average of 16,000 a month and an occupancy rate of 86%. It is in the second position in numbers of passengers flown via Madeira Airport, increasing its market quota from 7.5% to 13.4%.

Madeira invited to join Medicruise, the largest association of Mediterranean cruise ports. Formal entry will be at the 35th General Assembly in Monaco. This is important for the growth of the industry in Madeira and as a seasonal tourist destination. The 72  most important ports of the Mediterranean and surrounding areas are in the organization. Madeira joining will help maintain the sustainable growth of the cruise ships and passenger port, and break the summer seasonality. It will help promotion, and influencing regulation and monitoring by the European Council. Lisbon, Portimão and the Azores are already members.

Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport wants subsidies to residents for travel between the autonomous regions and the continent. Wants the new Government of the Republic to give a more fairer subsidy to people travelling by either air or boat. Also need to resolve issues about maintaining the investments in the fishing port at Caniçal and Madeira Airport.

Santa Cruz Council wants more police in Nogueira. The council is assessing the situation and has spoken to the Regional Command of the PSP, especially after the attack on a fireman. Want to be able to resolve issues before violence occurs. The mayor did not deny a drug trafficking problem and gang fights, but also spoke of the work done by the Community Centre and that it is generally a good neighbourhood with some situations arising giving it a bad image. —- No motive for the attack on the fireman given. I do not know if the police have any information about who was involved.

More about the Gerontology Plan. The idea is to promote autonomy and independence to keep people in their own homes, rather than residential care. Admits there is not enough resources and this is only the beginning. One major part of the plan is to make health care more easily accessible through the regional health centres by determining present limitations. Early diagnosis of elderly-related illnesses and health education about them, and priority treatment for chronic illnesses to prevent future complications. Opportunities for both paid and unpaid voluntary work. The elderly will have a right to choice in the context of the end of life. There will also be creation of legal representation for the elderly, and a hotline in case of abuse. More social facilities and the re-structuring of help services. There will be community-based care and informal carers will be trained and regulated by law, at present there are 72. Small local residential units will be created and support networks developed for dementia and dependence.

Anyone recognise this from 16 years ago, exactly to the day?

Eight people died as a result of the floods of 29th October 1993.

Mud, debris, and rubble ‘todo o lado’. Heavy rains made rivers overflow, and eight people were carried away by the force of the waters.

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