Madeira News Blog

TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Elaine … Orchids at the Jardim Botanico

"Recently I had the pleasure of being invited on an official Press trip to the Madeira Islands, courtesy of the Madeira Tourism Board. I must say that my perception of the place changed once I arrived there. Prior to the visit my thought was that Madeira, also the birthplace of the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, was on a similar status to, say, Ibiza, Majorca or some of the other Islands which usually attract your average 18-30 clubbers known for drinking (and causing trouble) etc.". The words of Navjot Singh : AUTHOR, THINKER, PHOTOGRAPHER, PROFESSIONAL NOMAD How come I never get invited on these official press visits? I am sure more people would benefit from my insight rather than Navjot’s. I too can write very nice things about Madeira from a luxury 5 star hotel ‘de borla’, or a nice comfy seat in TAP business class.

From today’s news headlines :

Hotel nights fell 10.6% in August – Madeira’s hotels registered 73 thousand less nights of occupation than in the same month in 2008. Provisional data from the National Institute of Statistics says that 616,000 hotel nights were sold to 111,000 guests, compared to the 122,000 guests in August 2008. Revenue was down 13.01% to €29 million, and from January to August this year the hotel industry has lost €29,049,000 compared to the same period in 2008.

Lobo returns to be judged for fraud and corruption. António Lobo, ex-president of the câmara of Ponta do Sol, a PSD social democrat I should mention, is out of prison temporarily to stand in a new trial. He will start his trial tomorrow in Ponta do Sol court facing further prison terms (up to 5 years for fraud, and one to eight years for corruption). He is currently serving a six year sentence in prison after being convicted on another corruption charge. The charges this time relate to cheques paid into Lobo’s bank account, supposedly on the pretext of financing a local sports club, and the licensing of  a building of 29 apartments in Rateira, Ponta do Sol which involved some illegal payment(s). He is charged along with four other defendants, including other PSD politicians and partners in the building firm that built the 29 apartments.

Fishermen reject monument offered by Jardim – They prefer the resolution of problems in the port to the statue. The statue offered in a recent government announcement, that is to honour the fishermen of Machico, is not news welcomed by the local fishermen who would prefer more focus on the real problems they face. They say that they have to pay for the berths for their boats, whilst in Caniçal and Santa Cruz they don’t, yet there is no security for their boats in dock, there is no guiding light in the port,  the winch is knackered … the long list goes on.

Not to mention that Portugal squeezed past Malta by 4 – 0 (again) to make it through to the play-off to qualify for next year’s world cup in South Africa. The Diário front page shows goal scorer Nani in mid-summersault, which for me was the highlight of a very one sided game.

Some of yesterday’s main main stories … many thanks Elaine :

Toilets at Cabo Girão closed to tourists on Tuesday afternoon. At least eight tour buses, rental cars and taxis visited the viewpoint. To the indignation of both tourists and traders, the only public conveniences in the area were shut due to flooding, along with the information desk and small museum. It is the responsibility of the Regional Directorate of Tourism, and local traders report that it is not the first time this has happened, always for the same reason and represents Madeiran tourism as a "bad image". A trader added "It is one of the best views of Madeira."

First prize of 600,000 Euros in the Classic Lottery sold in the tobacconists ‘Estrela da Sorte’. The shop is in the Rua Cima Queimada, and is associated with over 20 success stories in the lottery, mainly by regular local customers. The last one was last Christmas with a prize of over 906,000 Euros. There is still confetti on the floor following yesterday’s win and the prize is shared amongst nine people, although two have not yet claimed their winnings. The proprietor noted that the draw was on the same night as Our Lady of Fátima (icon) came to Madeira. The Classic Lottery is still popular but loosing ground to the more attractive Euromilhões and Totoloto which have more lucrative prizes.

More controversy over Quinta do Lorde development. Machico Council, Caniçal Parish Council and the Madeira Roads have stopped the construction of a wall separating the development from the regional road 101. It was also brought to the attention of the above authorities as the locals were upset that the developers were going to block off  palm  trees (palmeiras) planted 50 years ago by the Government. The locals cannot understand why the wall is still infringing planning laws. The wall was originally licensed despite difficulties in deciding the wall dimensions and who owned the trees as the land is now owned by the Quinta do Lorde developers. The General Manager of the resort says the construction of the wall is due to an error in their plans and new plans will be submitted. The trees will still belong to the resort but they will preserve them and he is trying to make amends with the locals, who have resisted the development, by reminding them that the developers returned the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy back to the Council, although it was originally part of the Quinta do Lorde development.

Amendments to the Regional Finance Law. The amendments were previously proposed but rejected by the PS party nationally. The PSD of Madeira want to reintroduce them so "justice is restored to Madeira, without any prejudice to any other autonomous region."  The changes are to restore the transfer of the state budget to Madeira to 2006 figures, which now are about €111 million penalty to the region at the expense of the Azores. The law also provides for a change in the national contribution to funds, support of the new Funchal Hospital, fishing port of Machico and other public projects. It could lead to a decrease in IVA (VAT) and debt limits should be taken into account, which should proportionally follow ‘growth per capita’ (GDP) rather than arbitrary limits set by the Minister of Finance.

In another article, discussions about changes to the Income Tax laws and couples being able to file separate returns.

School situations are incomparable. In response to yesterday’s publication of school league tables, where Câmara de Lobos did badly, the Regional Director of Education said, "Always resist the temptation to compare the incomparable, even if the comparison is favourable." He said that you could not compare different educational situations, and it is more important to improve the performance each year. He noted that the top school is a female private school where the fees are €500 a month.

Second Health Fair at the University tomorrow. Due to the success of the first one, another Health Fair is to be held on the 15th October between 10.00 and 17.30. Health professionals, the police, and the Society for the Protection of Domestic Animals (SPAD) will again advise about alcohol, drug and tobacco consumption, road safety, dental check-ups, cancer and AIDS prevention and awareness, screening for blood glucose, blood pressure and body mass index, and a collection for stray animals.

Air passenger traffic falls 8.9% in September. Drop in international flights mitigated by a 11.7% increase in domestic flights. 32,707 international passengers and 95,706 domestic ones. The indicator fell in July (3.1%) but increased 2.2% in August.

APRAM is threatened with bankruptcy. The Administration of Ports of Madeira finished 2008 with record losses of €16.8 million and liabilities increased by 4.4% to 227 million Euros. These losses are not expected to change in the short term unless covered by lucrative business, and means the profits generated cannot meet the operating costs. Partly due to  a lot of public investments burdening the company, and higher staff costs.

"Women are increasingly present in the career of scientific research in Portugal, but still far from the circles of power." President of the Association of Women Scientists says many women gain doctorates but men still hold decision-making jobs. Partly due to family commitments, but also to a society accustomed to men in circles of power, and they tend to suggest each other for committees etc.

In the same article, tobacco kills six people per second around the world (World Health Organisation). Lung cancer kills 85% of patients and only 15% can be diagnosed early. Lists other diseases linked to smoking. Stopping smoking takes a lot of willpower but the nicotine replacements help under medical supervision.

Continuation of this article. Men who drive a ‘big car’ (expensive) attract more women. A study by psychologists at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.  They showed women photos of men in different cars, for example, a ‘Bentley Continental’ versus a ‘Ford Fiesta’ and the women rated the second car driver a better man. On the other hand, men similarly tested, were more interested in the woman’s appearance than their car. A psychologist hypothesises that this is because a wealthy man is "better able to care for their offspring". He says this basic human instinct will not change in the future even though women are becoming more independent with career and financial success. —- Jornal da Madeira found this latter article in The Daily Telegraph. Highlighted on the front page just beneath a large photo from the next story.

"Fátima is the spiritual heart of the country." Highlighted on the front page of J. da Madeira, a long interview with the Bishop of Leiria-Fátima. He states that the idea of the image coming to Madeira is to enhance spirituality and faith, and show the commitment of the Church to world peace. He is interested in studying the contribution of other symbols to peace in the world.

Mega-yacht in Caniçal. A 52-metre yacht, the ‘Meteor’ stopped yesterday for refuelling, and to replace the crew. It came from Gibraltar and left for Palm Beach, California. It is the largest yacht to visit the Marina Quinta do Lorde since opening in November 2002. This marina was recommended to the ‘Meteor’ commander  by his counterpart of the ‘Never Enough’ which stopped twice there in 2008.

Sotheby’s International Real Estate interested in Madeira. Luxury apartments and houses in Madeira for sale are of interest to them.

Man arrested suspected of murder. A 20 year old was arrested suspected of homicide in Santo António after a fight between two men during the evening of September 22nd.

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(24th July). ‘Lack Of Bunkers Threatens Fireworks – The lack of storage facilities threaten traditional fireworks, after the police say that it is "desirable" to create bunkers to meet the demand for fireworks’. All of the tradition of fireworks on Madeira, in religious events and country festivals, and even the larger events like the end of year and Atlantic Festivals, may be at risk. Who says it is Carlos Macedo, president of the Portuguese Association of Industrial Explosives and Pyrotechnics (APIPA), and he explains that there is currently no storehouse for keeping fireworks in the region. "Before there were many, throughout the island, and even in the city centre", he recalls. However, under Decree-Law 87/2005, as these spaces did not meet the required standards they were closed. In Portugal dozens of new ‘bunkers’ are being created, like ammunition storerooms, but in Madeira nothing has been done, and any fireworks are kept in the Military Zone of Madeira, only because the space has been made available, or because the police are tolerant and allow storage in places that are not best suited for the purpose. The situation is worsened by the illegal manufacture and trade of fireworks here, as well as illegal importation. Last June 5,400 kilos of fireworks were seized in Caniçal Port. I expect Uncle Bertie will be on the case with this, and change the law so explosives can be stored in his cigar cellar, underwear, or wherever. I can hardly see a little thing like safety putting an end to two of the greatest tourist attractions this island has.

‘Divorce Process Causes Death Of Couple – Man from Arco fulfils his threat: killed his wife and committed suicide’. The murder in Calheta On Wednesday night, covered briefly yesterday, was in Arco da Calheta, when a man of 49 shot his wife aged 47, and then killed himself. An illegal firearm was used, a Magnum .38mm. The man is reported to have a record of violent behaviour against his wife, with the police, and had recently returned to heavy drinking after a long period of abstinence. The couple were going through divorce proceedings. They leave two adult children behind.

‘Shots Fired At Houses And Cars In Santana – It rained lead on a night of revelry’. Youths in five cars fired shots with a shotgun at cars, shops and houses, in "scenes worthy of the wild west". No one was hurt on Tuesday night last week, in an incident that is seen by police as pure vandalism. The police have some names to investigate, and a gun cartridge which is undergoing ballistics tests. They suspect that the youths were under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

‘Yacht Bar Robbed Again In The Early Hours’. It happened again yesterday morning, the fourth time this year. This time no money was stolen, but the thieves took cooking utensils and a gas bottle, and damaged the video surveillance cameras.

Today’s main photo shows a group performing at the auditorium in the Municipal Gardens in Funchal : ‘Atlântico Without Roots Of Traditional Music – The option for innovating projects, such as the Percussion Ensemble, won over the public that yesterday filled the auditorium of the Jardim Municipal’. Hundreds of Madeirans and tourists watched the opening night of the ‘Roots of the Atlantic’ festival last night. The 10th edition of the festival started with a musical about emigration and health called ‘new world’, with music and dance, video and plastic arts. The festival has been much criticised this year after traditional music, that started this event right at the beginning, was dropped. The festival runs through until tomorrow, with the shows beginning at 9.30pm. The programme is on www.atlanticroots.com (bit of a naff photo from the Diário don’t you think?)

‘Ten Suspected Cases In The Emergencies Of Funchal Central Hospital – A group of Spanish scouts await confirmation of tests in the Institute Ricardo Jorge (Lisbon)‘. A hospital source confirmed that tests are being done for Gripe A (swine flu H1N1) on the youngsters, who are on holiday on Madeira. A separate report says that 13 youngsters actually went to the hospital complaining of Gripe A symptoms, but a spokesman said is is likely that a lesser strain of flu is involved, and this was an over-reaction to the pandemic situation. A 17 month baby that arrived here from the UK on Monday was also confirmed as infected, the 6th confirmed case. Portugal now has 174 confirmed cases.

‘Urgent Works Needed To Save Bridge – Tender for the work in Serra d’Água is launched with urgency’. The recent appearance of cracks at the base of the support structure of the road bridge, believed to have been the result of heavy rainfall last month, are estimated to cost €30,000 to repair. I didn’t realise the municipal vocabulary included the word ‘urgent’, and the fastest expression of important action was still ‘when I get around to it’.

‘Star Gazing In Pico do Areeiro’. The Association of Amateur Astronomers continues its tour in the International Year of Astronomy at Pico do Areeiro tomorrow at 9.30pm. Anyone is welcome if the past events are anything to go by.

This photo was taken on Tuesday, showing the end of a rockfall over the beach between Lugar de Baixo and Tabua. None of the beachgoers were hurt, but they must have had a bit of a scare. It is well known as a danger zone despite still being open to the public.

(23rd July). Today’s main news headline : ‘Government Suspends PDM – For this time, the suspension of the Municipal Master Plan is done for S. Roque: Twisting rules to permit the construction of a civic centre’. The Câmara of Funchal and the Madeira government are roughly in agreement with the action, that will allow a significant deviation in policy that ensures urban planning projects conform with investment requirements. The civic centre in São Roque, the conversion of an existing building, violates the rules of the PDM, but will go ahead under the label of "public interest", justified by the fact that the one new centre will unite the users of other local centres.

The day’s main photo shows a police vehicle parked outside a police station, and continues the kidnapping and murder story : ‘Family Of Guilherme Alves Had The Money For The Ransom Demand – Rui Jorge Ferreira, son-in-law of the murdered Porto Santo businessman, deplores that the kidnappers had not given time so that he could have transferred to ransom sum. Talking to the Madeiran society in a long open letter in today’s Diário, Rui Jorge who was also threatened with death, tells everything and says that he warned the police to detain the suspect at large. Still alert to businessmen and individuals "This real bandit can appear when you least expect him". The family of the murdered man have not requested special protection, but they are in fear of retaliation, but protective measures will have to be approved through a court, following examination of the circumstances. Also in fear are those with their names on a fake ‘headstone’, for their part in the failed business of Martins (as mentioned yesterday). The fact that there are two of the gang in prison helps, but with the ringleader still on the run, people are still worried for their safety, despite the fact that Martins is known to have fled the country using a false passport, but he may have other false documentation he could use to return.

In a related headline : ‘For their part, one family member of the suspect José Martins complains that no one offered psychological help to the family and he understands that, if his relative murdered someone, he would kill himself afterwards’. The relative mentions that Martins has farmland in Brazil, with around 300 head of cattle, but refused to give more details and the address when asked. They also say that he "is of good heart", and that he is "capable of turning himself in to justice, if he realises he is thought to be involved in the case", as he is "not capable of spending all of his life with the burden of guilt". It’s always best to hear both sides of the story to get a balanced opinion, but a man who flees the country on a false passport straight after a kidnapping and murder only deserves so much positive blog coverage. Who knows, I might soon be on his ‘gravestone’ black list, and I wouldn’t be to hard to track down.

"We’re Going To Lose History" – Traders and cultural agents ask for certification for traditional drinks of Curral de Freiras’. A solution that supports the production of traditional beverages such as ginja (cherry liquor) and castanha liquor (chestnut), is wanted by traders, and organisations that are interesting in preserving and disseminating traditional activities in Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns). Currently local products such as chestnut cake, chestnut soup and grilled chestnuts are sold in establishments, but the ginja and liquors sold are not from Curral das Freiras, even though they may purport to be. The process for certification of ginja has already started, but no mention of plans for the chestnut liquor, and if it doesn’t occur then production and tradition may be lost. Does this mean to say that if one buys a bottle of ginja in Curral das Freiras now, then currently it would be considered to be ‘moonshine’?

The football stadium of Marítimo at Barreiros has now got permission to start work on the stadium redevelopment, from Funchal Council, although it does appear that work had already started.

‘PJ Investigate A Probable Murder In Calheta – A man looks to have killed his own wife, and then committed suicide’. It happened last night, with a disagreement being the cause suggested. The man appears to have taken his own life with a firearm.

‘Funchal Is The 5th Best District To Live In Portugal – ‘Land Of The Future’ was the slogan chosen by those responsible for the study’. From among 20 districts in all of Portugal, through enquires made to public using 10 objective criteria, Funchal finished in a top position, and was given the title ‘Land Of The Future’. The project did criticise Funchal for lack of investment in the area of culture, but the president of Funchal Câmara said that steps were planned for a venue to host shows, and for a public art gallery.

‘Two More Cases Of Gripe A On Madeira – The number of confirmed cases rises to five’. Two 9 year old children have now been confirmed to have H1N1 swine flu. They arrived from the UK on Saturday. Why don’t they cross-off the ones that are released? It would be nice to get back to zero again when the current 4 are released, but instead they just keep adding on.

In a related headline story : ‘Gripe A: The Race To The Pharmacies Continues – Paranoia helps to sell out supplies of disinfectants and masks’. On Tuesday one chemist sold 130 bottles of disinfectant, and the story repeats itself throughout Funchal, if there are any stocks left at all. One customer brought 10 bottles. Those most worried are those that work in public service and have contact with the public. The masks are also in high demand, mostly from those going on holiday, to wear on the plane. What they don’t realise is that the masks on sale are not suitable for Gripe A, and all they do is protect others from the wearer of the mask, and not the other way around. It’s an updated and recycled story from a couple of weeks ago. National forecasts on the expected impact of the swine flu is that 2.5 million people will be affected, and between 2,500 and 8,700 people will die. For just Madeira, 62,500 infected, and between 625 and 2,170 will die.  If that news doesn’t send people scarpering off to the chemist, I don’t know what will!

A report released yesterday on the state of forestry on Madeira reveals that 43% of the island is forest. Of the total area of Madeira (80,102 hectares) over 34,000 are forested zones, mostly Laurissilva. The report, which is the first forestry ‘inventory’ ever carried out, shows that just 5% of such areas exist in urban zones, and the rest is roughly equally split between natural forest and cultivated forest. The report will be updated every 5 years, and will be a key tool in planning matters. Like what forest will we use to build the next cable car perhaps?

Traders in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos are suffering a crime spree. A florist shop in the centre is the latest victim of 5 robberies within a week. Around €100 was taken during the night. It seems a lot of robberies take place because cash is left on the premises overnight. If the insurance companies insisted on ‘no cash’ left on the premises, a lot of this would gradually fizzle out. Otherwise who would burgle a florists?

‘Madeira Gains New Magazine. It can be read on http://magazon.netmadeira.com/ Magazon is a magazine about arts, politics, society, and the good things in life. It is only available online, and is in Portuguese of course.