Madeira News Blog

(29th September). Today’s main news headline ‘Traffic Signposting / Signalling Full Of Faults – The motorist is often misled by the existing road signage or the lack of it. There are even incongruities between the vertical and horizontal signs. One realises it because there are those who enter onto the via rápida in the wrong lane’. It is also the main photo of today, of a main road with a sliproad, and I had to study it carefully for about 20 seconds before I saw the relevance … and what breathtaking incompetence, I am just not sure yet who from. The full article HERE also contains 8 other photos of such situations, but I not sure I understood all of them. Anyway, the roads signs are littered with flaws and inconsistencies, with the lack of electrical signage the most serious. Even the long established via rápida between Ribeira Brava and Caniçal still has problems in its signage, that could result in dangerous situations. Lots of examples given, so lets hope that the authorities get on the case and put them right. Any reader have a story, or even better a warning, about such situations?

‘Turned Back To The Sea 35 Years After’. An absolutely beautiful picture of a turtle swimming underwater accompanies the headline (not the one shown here). Freedom after 35 years in captivity for a green turtle, from the Municipal Aquarium of Funchal. Tomorrow technicians from Zoomarine and the Portuguese Navy will return the turtle to the sea, complete with a satellite transmitter. It has spent 5 years in a rehabilitation environment for marine species in the Algarve, learning to find its own food, but no one knows how it will react back in the sea. The turtle was found injured in fishing nets in the 1970′s, and was taken in for treatment, which was successful. The tank where it lived for 30 years was inadequate in size, and in 2004 it was decided that it should be set free, but to do so it was necessary to spend rehabilitation time at the centre in the Algarve. The turtle still has around two thirds of it’s natural life cycle remaining, and indeed could still be a parent, until it reaches the age of around 50. The green turtle is the second largest species of  sea turtle, and on average an adult will weigh around 160 kg, with the potential to grow to around 300 kg.

‘Mitchell Moves Forward With Marítimo In Silence – The predicted exit of Carvalhal was confirmed. "Disaster" is how Berado describes the actual situation’. Mitchell van der Gaag has been put in charge of Marítimo for now, after Carlos Carvalhal parted company with the club yesterday. The coach of the Marítimo ‘B’ side team, who used to play for Marítimo, is Dutch, but has also played in Scotland for Motherwell, and for other clubs. A bit of name dropping I know, but I met him once in Ribeira Brava, and he sat and had a coffee with me and we talked football for about half an hour (while Mrs. Gaag was off shopping I think). A real nice guy, and I really hope he does well, ‘cos it’s not many professional footballers that take the time to sit and talk to a stranger. I happened to be wearing an obsolete Motherwell football shirt at the time, in case you are wondering. And of course you couldn’t fail to notice that we both have the same name.

The entertainment headline : ‘Brussels Welcomes Youngster From Porto Santo’. Danilo Mendonça is the first student of the ‘Conservatory – Escola das Artes da Madeira’ (CEPAM) to  enter higher education in a piano course in the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Danilo is described as a diligent student, exemplary, very dedicated and hardworking. His teacher says he lives for the piano, and in three years his development is without comparison. He is already in Brussels, and will spend 3 years there to graduate, and then another two to become a master of his instrument. I think he is 18 years old, but it doesn’t actually say in the article. The future Cristiano Ronaldo of the ivories perhaps.

‘Death Overshadows Weekend’. In the regular weekend traffic report, the death of a 39 year old man [already reported here] in Funchal overshadowed the weekend that had 21 traffic accidents, 11 of which were in Funchal, with the one death and five people ‘slightly’ injured. Santa Cruz and Machico had 5 accidents each. 8 drink drivers were also detained, four of those were in Funchal.

‘Man chased thief and recovered a woman’s stolen handbag – The snatch occurred at the exit of a bus in Livramento’. The woman’s bag was snatched on Sunday night by a man aged between 20 and 30 years old, but the incident was spotted by a physical education teacher, who gave chase and recovered the stolen bag and returned it to the owner. It was at this point that the article said that the teacher actually gave chase in his car, which spoilt the whole story a bit, apart from the happy ending of course. Even PE teachers can be lazy these days it seems, as he actually turned the car around to give chase. What happened to those days when PE teachers would abandon their car in the middle of the road, drivers door left wide open, sprint after the thief, rugby-tackle him, and then hold him down whilst members of the public gathered around, clapping in appreciation? I miss those days.

‘English Tourists Still Enchanted With Madeira’. "Madeira has developed greatly over the past 30 years, but remains a popular destination, beautiful, pleasant and safe to visit." This statement was made by the British commander William Kent, during the inaugural and final visit of the cruse ship ‘Tahitian Princess’, which took place last Saturday at the port of Funchal. "The first time I arrived at this port was in March 1976, and I was amazed at the beauty of the island", he added. He also emphasized the quality of Madeiran cuisine: "Whenever I’m here I have lunch with some of the crew members. Today, we decided to have lunch in the ‘Montanha’. In addition to superb views of Funchal, the service is very good. I suggested the black scabbard fish, known as espada to the Madeirans. At the end a fine glass of Madeira wine" he explained. The next passage of the cruise ship here will be on the 29th of May next year, with the oddity that it will then be sporting a new name: ‘Ocean Princess’. I certainly hope he wasn’t ‘taking the wheel’ afterwards.

A report from "European Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker" has revealed that mobile phone sales in Portugal have hit record lows. In the second quarter this year, sales fell 9% compared to the same quarter in 2008, but increased by 36% compared to the first quarter.

‘More than 2200 buildings ‘energy certified – This will be one of the topics discussed at the ‘FIC 2009′. In just a few months, there is strong take up’. The energy certification of residences and buildings is going at a fair pace now, with a very slow take up initially, with just 36 inspections until the end of January this year. Funchal has more that 1,000 residences certified, with over half of those in São Martinho, followed by Santo António, the two most populated areas there, and with the highest concentrations of new buildings. The ‘National System of Energy Certification and Air Quality in Buildings (SCE), was adapted on Madeira in January 2008. The scale of assessment ranges from A+ (best) to G (worst) and involve the services of a trained assessor, of which there are 45. The certificate is compulsory to obtain permits for construction and habitation for new properties, and for sales and rental of existing properties. MORE HERE (only in Portuguese of course).

(3rd July). Today’s main news headline : ‘Rats And Cockroaches Invade Formosa – The thicket in the zone near to the beach contributes to the plague that intimidates users and traders’. With the hot weather only just starting, the rats and cockroaches are already displaying a worrying level of activity in the area. Traders, bathers, and those who frequent the area, tell of appearances of the two creatures around restaurants, rubbish bins and even on the beach pebbles, and they fear the situation will worsen significantly with improving Summer breeding conditions. Part of the problem area is the old Shell installation, abandoned in 2007, and now overgrown. A rat extermination programme that covered public spaces finished 3 months ago in Funchal, but will be restarted soon to include the Praia Formosa zone.

The main photograph today shows jazz singer Vânia Fernandes at the opening night of the Funchal Jazz Festival : ‘Jazz Sells More – After the filling of the opening night, Funchal Jazz today hosts a musical legend’. The headline is referring to the ‘legend’ contrabassist Ron Carter, who performs tonight at 9.30 in the park of Santa Catarina in Funchal. Aside from being overflowing last night, ticket sales have been "pretty good", with three day passes tripling in sales compared to last year.

‘Eight Thousand Teachers Contest 295 Vacancies’. The internal application deadline is midnight tonight, and external applicants are able to apply from next week. They are competing for teaching posts through the regional Department for Education. This exercise happens every year, and I assume these are permanent full time positions, that are of interest to existing teaching staff that have lesser status or working hours.

‘The First Step Is Taken – Bernardo Trindade is confident that the agreement to resolve matters at Colombo’s Resort is going to work out’. The first stage in rescuing the incomplete and paralysed tourist complex on Porto Santo has now been taken, with the new partners signing an agreement in Lisbon yesterday. Trindade said he expects it to move forward, regardless of the election results in October, even though it is no more at this stage than a gentleman’s agreement. Work stopped on the construction some time ago when the original project ran out of money. It is interesting to also learn that the €5 million pledge by Porto Santo Council, is not in fact a pledge, but an exemption from municipal taxes. I know they are allowed to do this, but that might raise an eyebrow or two with other hotel owners past, present and future.

‘Ministry of health Announces Three More Cases – Two women and a child infected with gripe A virus’. That takes the total now to 23, and there were just a handful a week or so ago. One of the women has just returned from Spain, and is now being kept in Lisbon in the hospital called Curry Cabral (Goat Curry?). The other woman, in the Azores, came from Canada. The child is an eight month old baby, coming from Majorca. All 23 cases are confirmed as having H1N1 swine flu. I have seen no update on the two that came into Madeira Airport yet. I wrote that last night, this morning on the TV news it says there are now 27 cases.

‘Madeirans have the highest global rate of deficiency in the chromosome 14 gene – Researchers publish results of a study in an international scientific journal’. The study, managed by the Laboratory of Human Genetics in the University of Madeira (LGHUMa), will be published soon by the British scientific journal ‘Respiratory Medicine’. The deficiency exists in 4.1% of the population, and relates to the presence of glycoprotein, that functions to protect the lungs against dust, air pollution, and tobacco smoke. The deficiency can lead to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema), or diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver. It has been well known for years that respiratory problems are a frequent problem for Madeirans, and a genetic problem was often mentioned. Perhaps now that the exact cause has been pinpointed an exact and effective remedy can be developed.

‘World Press Photo On Exhibition – The best photographs in the world of news are on display to the public until 23rd July’. I had mentioned it some weeks ago, but the exhibition starts today in the Salão Nobre of the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias (Funchal Theatre). The photos from 2008 will be displayed here, in a custom now in its fourth successive year. The entry fee is €1, but if you prefer you can send me the €1 and see the photos here (go to ‘Winners 2009′): WORLD PRESS PHOTO

‘Disgusted drivers leave TEAM MARÍTIMO – The walk out has already taken place in the rally club’. The drivers are fed up with internal politics in the club, and a broken promise of the club president over free inscriptions for the Coral Championship.

‘Nacional awaits €1.5 million from FC Porto for Paulo Assunção’. The ‘bonus’ will come as a result of the transfer of the ex-Nacional player from Porto to Athletico Madrid for €3 million, of which Nacional has the right of 50% under terms previously agreed with Porto.

(2nd July). And a few snippets left over from yesterday …

‘Hospital Already Performed Eight Operations by GPS – Computer assisted operations since May’. Funchal Central Hospital performed between 60 and 70 knee rebuilding operations per year over the last 10 years or so, to deal with wear and tear and other medical conditions, but a new procedure introduced in May using a computer navigation system is proving successful. The equipment used does not yet exist in other hospitals in Portugal. The eight patients so far are recuperating very well, and indicating an encouraging start for the new procedure, which can also be used for hip replacement operations.

Madeira baby Rodrigo, who received a bone marrow transplant a month ago as a result of being diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 6 weeks, remains in hospital in Lisbon, but is doing well after liver and kidney complications were resolved after 15 days in intensive care. He will stay in hospital longer than was originally hoped, and will now have to spend his first birthday there on 7th July.

Discussions are underway in Gauteng in South Africa, where there is a Madeiran community, for a twinning relationship with Madeira.

Serra de Água has its first multibanco machine (ATM / Cash point) after years of asking. The population wanted it in a location where it could be accessed 24 hours a day, but eventually had to settle for it being located in the ‘Tasquinha da Poncha’ (Poncha Bar). What a dream excuse for a quick bevy … just popping out to the cash point dear … won’t be long!

(2nd July). Today’s main news headline : ‘Owes Millions But Wants To Buy Shares – The society that launched ‘Colombo’s Resort’ doesn’t pay the €70 million it owes to the creditors, but tries to buy shares of the associates. An option that arouses suspicion’. Just a couple of days after a rescue package to complete the tourist complex on Porto Santo was announced, it seems the original consortium that started and financed the project originally has called for an ‘extraordinary meeting’ for 7th July, to discuss the acquisition of its originating shareholders shares. The shares which belong to individual associates in the original project would be sold to the consortium, in order for the associates to recover their investment, but the consortium company seems to have money available for the move, and yet abandoned the project months ago owing €70 million. The consortium company, that is not technically bankrupt, claims that it own the assets that cover the liabilities. A bit tricky to follow this one, but it seems the rescue scheme organised by the Secretary for Tourism of Portugal did not foresee this coming, which is very odd if the assets (i.e. what has been built so far) still belong to the original consortium.

Two big photos on today’s front page : The first shows lots of cars in a compound : ‘Abandoned Cars Given Stickers – Funchal Council launches alert : Negligent owners have 8 days to avoid being towed away’. The council are putting notices on cars seemingly left abandoned on roads and in public places, warning owners that they have 8 days to remove the vehicle before it is towed off and taken to the pound at Vasco Gil. From June 2007 to March 2009 650 cars were towed away by the council, an average of 33 cars a month. Once the deadline has expired, there is no going back, and the vehicles are removed. Owners are able to retrieve their vehicles from the pound, and a notice of warning is posted in the newspaper, after which the cars are dismantled and sent to Portugal for scrap / recycling. Owners wishing to rescue their vehicles have to pay the towing fee (€71.48 – €125.04, depending on the vehicle size), and a fine which can range between €250 and €2,500, but according to the council very few people try to recover their cars. The ‘stickers’ must be having some effect, as the council say they have only towed away 38 cars so far this year, compared to 445 cars for the whole of 2008. It seems the Diário must have picked up this story long after the scheme was implemented, but it also seems odd that the fines only apply if you want to retrieve a car, when surely they should apply regardless?

‘Police Officers Gather Today To Boycott The Service’. This is a national story which also ties in the police on Madeira, about the government of the republic failing to recognise the professional status of the police. Organised by police trade unions, a protest has been organised for today outside of the official residence of prime minister José Socrates. The method of communication to notify police officers is by sms text message to mobile phones, with the message "The police were cheated. On the 2nd don’t go to work. Show your disgust. This is a radical fight". Little support is expected here on Madeira, particularly as yesterday was a public holiday when there was no administration working in the police force. The police can only legally boycott work through approved time off work or by booking holidays, and given the amount of notice given, they would have been unlikely to have been able to organise in time through the police administration office.

‘Street Sacrifices Heritage – The new road buried two water mills in Fajã da Ovelha’. The construction of the ‘via expresso’ (fast road) that connects Fajã da Ovelha to Ponta do Pargo has buried the two old water mills that are relics of the industrial heritage of Madeira, protected under regional laws. People wanted the new road, but are upset about the lack of respect for the mills. The contractors, AFA and Technovia, responsible for the new road, simply covered them over with concrete seemingly without any thought about preserving them. The regional office responsible for culture says it doesn’t understand how this could have happened.

‘Jazz In The Park Doesn’t Create Agreement – The 10th edition of Funchal Jazz gets going today in a location less intimate, but that also receives praise’. The new home of the Jazz Festival, previously in the gardens of Quinta Magnolia since 1999, has caused some upset with traditionalists, but pleased other fans. The Parque de Santa Catarina is the new venue. "It is important to highlight the presence of Ron Carter and also Benny Golson and Cedar Walton, living legends of jazz", said one musician. The event starts at 9.30pm with a tribute to the musician Tony Cruz, who passed away. That is followed by a concert by Vânia Fernandes at 9.45pm, and then other concerts through to the early hours.

‘Police Recover Stolen Material Worth €13,000 – The two individuals detained are aged 15 and 18′. The robbery happened last month in a shop in São Martinho that had the door forced. Police recovered six laptop computers, a PDA, and a mobile phone. They were also believed to have been responsible for a robbery in Rádio Clube, as further stolen property was also recovered.

‘Protecting The Tarantulas Of The Ilhas Desertas – The PHARALIS has lead to fragmentation of the endemic species of spiders’. This particular species of tarantula spider, that can only be found on the Desterta Grande of the ‘Deserted Islands’, is under threat from a type of grass plant, which has already spread over an area of 20 hectares. The problem was discovered after culling work on goats and rabbits on the island. The Valley da Castanheira, which the spiders favour because it is protected from the wind, and has good conditions for water and humidity, is being taken over by the Pharalis aquatica plant, which is affecting the food resources for the spider, such as snails, and reducing the places for the spiders to live. That is resulting in fragmentation of the population, which according to an expert "in a population of a few specimens, the fragmentation is the worst that can happen, as it increases the risk of extinction". Experts are now looking into ways to reduce and control the invading plant, and without using herbicides that could cause even more problems, it may be that the work is done by hand.