Madeira News Blog

Today’s Photo : Thanks to Jaquine … Nesting birds

"I got this shot of a pair of strange looking birds nesting above the cliffs at Porta da Cruz in October & wondered if it might interest anyone – & if someone might know what they are?" Jaquine.

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

Festa de São Martinho. The centre of São Martinho is getting ready for the traditional festival on the eve of São Martinho but with fewer stalls than usual. Traditional fare is roasted bacalhau, nuts and regional wine. There will be five stalls but there has been criticism of their placing, the lack of sanitary facilities and the way the licences were issued. One of the bars in the centre of São Martinho is not participating and one stall owner said he would be serving beer and frango and espetada instead. Another area where they celebrate the feast of São Martinho, also called Magusto, is São Roque de Faial and they will have musical entertainment. As well as these public celebrations, some associations and organisations have private traditional meals. Some restaurants in other areas are participating and many families prefer to celebrate at home.

Interpret the Finance Law as you wish. Each political party interprets as they wish the amount that Madeira loses in State funding. The Finance Minister said that Madeira now receives more than when the old law was in force. He just considered the amounts transferred from Portugal before the act in 2004 and after the act in 2008, an increase of €10.224 million. He ignored the cost of insularity and the Development and the Cohesion Fund and other funding, which would mean a total loss of €7 million in 2008 compared to 2004. The Socialists looked at three year periods and concluded that the loss was 6 million Euros. The Social Democrats cited the law stating that the Region should not receive less than the previous year, meaning a 200 million Euros loss. Because the Finance Minister called the Finance Law "fair" and beneficial to Madeira, the PSD-M retorted that these words are "obviously offensive" and that he has a "hatred" for Madeira, as the law leads to a cut in funding. They cannot understand how the Government of the Republic accuses the Regional Government of "financial meltdown"  when the Regional debt is 38% GDP and the debt in Portugal is 85% GDP and expected to reach 91% by 2010.

95% of admissions to the Gastroenterology Department are due to alcoholism. Complications such as liver cirrhosis, cancer and hepatitis. Due to high rates of alcoholism in the region. Complications are usually diagnosed in 40 – 50 year old males, but also as young as 30 as it depends on the age of starting consumption. There are only 15 beds, the length of time occupied is prolonged and complications are irreversible once fibrosis occurs. The only effective treatment to prevent progression is alcohol abstention and/or a liver transplant. The situation is aggravated by many alcoholics hiding their dependency so it is not detected until the signs of jaundice occur.

Justice "at a snail’s pace". Many (at least 12) reasons/excuses given why it is so slow to obtain a court hearing. It was even worse 15/20 years ago.

Police seized a mobile phone loaded with heroin. In The Old Zone of Funchal last night, a man apprehended by police officers was found to be carrying two mobile phones, one of which was switched off. This raised the suspicions of the officers and when they removed the battery compartment cover, they found 30 packets of heroin. He also had a few hundred Euros in notes from narcotics dealing.

Day of aggression ended with nine people in hospital. Nine people were treated in hospital yesterday following attacks, mainly in public. The most serious case was a 20 year old woman in Nazaré, requiring the assistance of the  Emergency Medical Team and unlike the others, was detained in hospital.

Naviera Armas disputes IPTM and maintains operation. The deadline is today for the ferry owners to deliver their defence against the allegation that they are not fulfilling the terms of their operating licence. They state they are complying with the terms as they are moving freight in the minimum time possible, as required in the licensing terms. The Portuguese regulator is studying the evidence for a few more days before making a decision. A court case might ensue depending on the decision.

32.7% less British visited in the first half of this year.  Madeira had 40,000 fewer tourists from the UK than last year. There were 27.5% fewer overnight hotel stays or 1,354 beds per day, which represents 6% of total hotel beds. This is approximately the equivalent of two hotels the size of the Madeira Carlton. Porto Santo had worse occupancy rates for UK visitors, falling 50.7% in just six months.

Images of Madeira on London cabs. The Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport is confident that next year the British market will steadily recover. She is leading a huge delegation at the World Travel Market in London. The purchasing power of the British public has decreased by 30% but she believes that when conditions for this loss have recovered then people will travel again. As well as tourism firms, public entities are at this major tourism fair, i.e. Government bodies, ANAM, and the Association for the Promotion of Harbours. Promotional campaigns are through newspapers, magazines and taxis. The stands at the fair are trying to attract younger tourists and are promoting Madeira for quality hotels, cuisine, as a natural spa and for relaxation through walking and other activities.

Schools and health centres used as security for a Government loan.  A total of 41 buildings owned by the Region were pledged as security in 2007 for the 150 million euro loan from the State under the Ownership and Management of State Assets Fund. These properties, ranging from schools to health centres and museums, have a total value of 165 million and were licensed to the fund and then leased back to the Government. Rents have been given as collateral for the bank loan. The debt will cost two million a month and by the end, 450 million will have been repaid. The mortgage of these properties was made without the knowledge of the Assembly and it is hoped that the money has been used for investment as opposed to current expenses. The CDS-PP Lino Abreu recalled, "The middle class has already mortgaged the house and car and now the Government has mortgaged schools and health centres." To try to reduce the debt the CMF has reduced the budget for 2010 and the amount transferred from Funchal to other councils will be a 6.7% increase this year. 50% of the CMF budget will be for investment in infrastructure. —- What happens if the rents of these buildings to service the debt cannot be paid?

Casa do Sardinha is being transformed into an information centre and reception area for visitors. This building is near the Ponta de Sao Lourenco in the National Park. Today the Park celebrates 27 years of existence.

ALM approves a new model of support to residents on flights between Madeira and the Continent. Aid for air transport fares would be equivalent to the road cost between Lisbon and the county most distant from the capital. The amendment has to be approved by the Assembly of the Republic.

João Carlos Abreu launches a new tourist book on Madeira. On 17th November. ‘Madeira. Monumental e Turistica’ is a tribute to the archipelago and includes photography by the renowned photographer Roberto Santandreu. Joao Carlos Abreu was the Regional Director of Tourism for over 23 years and is associated with the Universe of Memories Museum. The book has details about architecture, festivals, cuisine and traditional costumes and provides a detailed view of the natural environment. Also includes articles about tourism and the people of Porto Santo.

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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 PHOTOS : Thanks to Sue … Quinta do Lorde

"Took advantage of the beautiful weather on Sunday and we went to do a check up on the status of Ponta de São Lourenço Peninsula where they are recreating a small typical coastal village that is called Quinta do Lorde Resort.  Things have moved in a year but cannot believe it will be finished in June 2010, which is their prediction date.  The initial start was made with the Marina (which does have one bar/restaurant) and some initial housing.  This development will include various bars and restaurants, plazas, incredibly a chapel, a gourmet shop, also, I was informed it will have its own supermarket and pharmacy.  Anyone interested in reading more able it should go to their web page www.quintadolorde.pt ".

You sound quite upbeat  about it Sue, but it is an ecological and visual nightmare in the situation where it was built. Not only that, the planning consent process was a farce, and the development is even bigger and higher than the consent that was ‘granted’ allowed. The PSD social democrats have managed to quash various attempts to uncover what really went on, through the Regional Assembly, including a forced public enquiry, and god only knows how many fat brown envelopes were involved. From a personal perspective I would say don’t visit, don’t buy, and tell anyone thinking of buying that they will be condoning ‘naughtiness’ on a breathtaking scale. (I didn’t use the word I really wanted to).

On the 1st of November 2009 3 American species of ducks were recorded in Madeira Island. Wood Ducks, the Green-winged Teal, and American Wigeons were spotted, with one species sighted for the first time. MADEIRA WIND BIRDS for more information and great photos, and a video.

"Nailed in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the paradisiac archipelago of Madeira offers a different trip, to a wild corner which principal element is the Forest of Laurisilva, forest relic classified by the UNESCO like Natural World Patrimony. It is one of the few ones in the world that there preserves the purity that existed millions of years ago". I guess the author of this article meant well, but the writing style is just a bit weird. NEW WAYS TO USE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

José Sócrates presents government programme for the next four years – MPs of the PSD and PS don’t assume for now any firm position. Thursday and Friday have been scheduled for debating the document. Rather than speculate about what the proposals will do for Madeira in terms of the revision of the regional finance law, Madeira’s MPs will wait to see the conclusions of the various parliamentary groups that  will meet to discuss the issues. With a reduced majority, Sócrates may have to negotiate with other parties both to the left and right, to get the programme accepted. As president Jardim already had the commitment of the PSD nationally to accept changes to the regional finance law (a pre-election deal), then it may stand a good chance of going through. Exactly what it will do for us the people in €€€s and our economy I can’t really tell you, as I can’t remember everything, but we will know fairly soon I would imagine.

Many thanks again to Elaine for a summary of yesterday’s main news article :

Portuguese consuming less. Following on from the report about fewer imports /exports in Madeira. Portuguese consumers are taking advantage of  falls in interest rates on housing loans to pay off debt and increase savings, but do not seem to consume more, preferring to defer purchases of higher value. This is typical behaviour in times of recession and crisis, and savings rates have risen. They have not started to buy for Christmas yet.

522 new cancer patients already this year. The numbers of cancers detected are increasing each year, as they are worldwide. 453 in 2005 and 614 last year. Increases are mainly in colon cancer and breast cancer which are thought to be due to less healthy lifestyles. Survival rates are improving due to early diagnosis and more effective treatment. Malignancy is still the second cause of death in Madeira, exceeded by cardiovascular diseases. In 2006, there were 462 deaths from cancers, breast cancer leading. About a thousand patients use the Day Hospital  facilities, mainly for oncological diseases as well as others.

Airport security guards want more recognition. Since May 2007, the access controls at the airport of Madeira are no longer the responsibility of the police but ‘Securitas’ security guards. These workers have minimal training and are not certified. They are regularly trained with bogus bomb threats without much knowledge of weapons or explosives. Despite the increased responsibility, they are in the same category as other security staff, e.g. supermarket employees. The responsibilities are not proportional to the category. They want a recognized professional career. They are responsible for passenger screening, staff screening and luggage security checks, e.g.. using x-ray machines and other detectors. The task of the police is to maintain public order and prevention of incidents. The National Association of Wardens wants the airport authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to establish a new professional category for airport security staff that would create better conditions, wages and training. This was promised in March but has not been implemented. A ‘Securitas’ spokesman says it is up to the union and the authorities to resolve labour issues. The training is the same as for those working in other situations with an additional 71 hours of specific training for airport employment.

Residents do not want funeral directors in their apartment block. Originally a cafe was promised in the commercial area on the ground floor of the apartment block in Porto Santo. The residents now realize a funeral parlour is being installed. The conversion work has started without any notification, or authorization by the apartment owners, as established by law. Following their complaints, the council have stopped the building works as they are unauthorized by either the council or the residents. Any other types of trade will also need approval.

Rockfall threatened access to Nun’s Valley just before festivities. About 4.10 am, there was a landslide from the back garden of a house onto the Estrada da Eira do Serrado blocking the only access to Nun’s Valley, where they expected thousands of sightseers to the Chestnut Festival. The 72 year old owner immediately hired men and a lorry to clear the debris although it was still dark. The firemen visited later on Sunday and just put red tape across the area where there should have been a support wall to prevent the collapse but did not recommend that the owner moves out. The owner built the house 30 years ago and the council queried its legality. He has recently noticed cracks in the walls of the house which he blames on the increased traffic, especially lorries on the nearby road. He is hoping the council will start securing the area on Monday.

Councillors safeguard their own interests (receive more money). The later they leave, the more money they receive. The inauguration ceremonies for new councillors and mayors are on November 2nd instead of being in October. If the outgoing staff left in October, they would receive 10 months salary. By delaying to November, they receive an additional month’s salary and full Christmas bonus.

Constitutionalist Jorge Miranda believes that the Lisbon Treaty "is a mistake". "For better or worse, the Lisbon Treaty, which is almost a carbon copy of the former called the European Constitution severely limits the powers of state sovereignty and therefore it will also affect the relationship between States and Autonomous Regions." Jorge Miranda says the important thing is "to strengthen the participation of the Autonomous Regions in the European construction." He is pro-Europe but against the new agreement. "I am an advocate of European integration but not in this sense of very centralized and federalist."  —- From yesterday’s rant, Bertie for EU President?

New exhibition about whales and dolphins of Madeira in Ponta do Pargo. 4 December to 4 January in the Civic Centre. The exhibition is organized by the Whaling Museum in Caniçal and will display images taken between 2004 and 2006 of dolphins and whales that inhabit the seas of the Madeira archipelago. (The permanent exhibition at the Whale Museum is presently closed)

Porto Bay wants to open two more hotels in Brazil. The economic crisis in Europe has made the group rethink its strategy and take advantage of the good indications for the Brazilian market, with extraordinary economic growth and a series of events scheduled for the coming years. Three of their hotels have 500 beds in Rio de Janeiro, Buzios and São Paulo. In the future Olympic city of Rio, in Copacabana, the Porto Bay International hotel has 117 rooms and is also well placed for two airports and exploring the historic town, shops, museums, park and night life. They want to adapt or build a beach hotel in the northeast.

Naviera Armas and Ports Institute on a collision course. The Spanish owner ensures that they comply with the rules imposed by the licence to load and unload at the port. The regulator ruled the operation illegal. The company is working with their lawyers to provide their defence. The case could go to both the Portuguese and Spanish Governments.

Some of today’s news headlines :

There have been 4 new cases of Gripe A swine flu detected on Madeira this last week. Three of the cases came from Venezuela and Belgium. The big relief is that there have still not been any cases in our schools.

Madeira’s newest airline FlyMI made it’s inaugural flight today. The plane is on the TV as I type, already landed at Madeira airport, so I assume it has delivered it’s first cargo inbound from Lisbon.

On the front page of today’s Diário :

Support for ‘Flor do Mar’ refused by Tribunal de Contas (Audit Office) – In dispute is the contract of accommodation for the professionals that shoot the film. Flor do Mar is the national soap opera filmed on Madeira by TVI. Putting up 50 people for three weeks every month between September 2008 and last May, was too much said the tribunal. The arrangements were made through the secretary for Tourism and Transport, and have set Madeira back €423,040. The issue was that the cast and crew were accommodated in the ‘CS’ hotel, and the contract for accommodation should have gone out to tender. The tourism secretary has argued that it was all arranged as a matter or urgency to safeguard the public interest, and appealed the decision, but the appeal has been rejected.

The main headline today : Complaints in the hotel sector – The trade union talks of over one hundred cases of unpaid staff. The Chamber of Commerce of Funchal says that the numbers are worrying, but requires confirmation of the numbers. The TU spokesman says the salary arrears also extend to restaurants and other hotel establishments. The numbers relate to trade union members, when in fact between 50 and 60% of hotel workers are not in the trade union, saving themselves 1% of their salaries.

Madeira wants to widen the the timescales for applying for community funds of QREN.

Most of today’s front page is taken up with a photo of our two football teams, Nacional and Marítimo, pictured in a joint team pose : Derby game in Caracas – IV Banif Trophy to be played in Venezuela. The game will take place in may 2010, at the end of the premier league.

‘Night of the witches’ brought bad luck for 5 youths from Porto Santo – Inappropriate adventure suppressed by the police. That’s the name given to Halloween night in Portugal, although it is noticeable that ‘Halloween’, the actual name is becoming more popular. The 5 youths, who gathered together to play some pranks on Friday night, tried to rob an elderly woman wearing masks, and also raided an empty holiday home as a ‘haunted house’. It seems the police at the arrest were not happy with the situation, and gave the gang a good kicking, and that will be the subject of a counter complaint against the police.

Individual detained in Santa Catarina with 5 thousand doses in his body. The 25 year old Portuguese man was detained at the airport and taken to hospital where the drugs (cocaine) were removed through surgery. The drugs have a street value of €125,000. The man is being held in custody, and was under surveillance by police prior to his arrest.

Maiata : People insist on using dangerous road. Maiata is in Porta da Cruz, and the road in question is closed through danger of rockfall, a fact that does not worry the local population, who seemingly use it as they always have.

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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.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

(more…)

TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Jon … Lucy & Gizmo, both adopted from SPAD (Domestic Animal Protection Society). What a pair of posers Jon! They certainly don’t look bovered by anything on this planet!

Sheila sent me this, mainly for the attention of the British readers :  Are we bovered?

"Am I alone in noticing that, despite the sterling efforts of Der and Elaine to bring news items to the Blog, few if any of us seem to have opinions about serious matters, which might be expected to concern us as Brits?

For instance, how do we feel about our dear departed Prime Minister, Tony Blair becoming the first President of the European Council of EU leaders? Do any of us care one way or the other? No?

Well, how about this then. The Lisbon Treaty is almost certain to be ratified after the Czechs were bribed by an opt-out into withdrawing their opposition. Ireland has had two stabs at a referendum because they got it "wrong" and voted "no" the first time. Britain was promised a referendum but we are not going to get one. Do any of us care?
Maybe we can’t do anything to influence the major decisions, which affect all our lives, but do we have to allow ourselves to be rail-roaded into changes, which most of us may not want? Perhaps we are just not "bovered".

I forgot all about Britain some time ago, so not comment from that perspective, but putting a warmonger  in charge of anything to me sends all the wrong messages, and I must admit I didn’t even know about his appointment.  Anyway that aside, like Sheila I always thought it strange that very few people over the last two years were interested enough to make any comments on the daily news, although I have had the impression a few times that some people who are not Madeirans think they don’t have the right to do so. It takes allsorts I suppose, as Bertie Bassett one said. BTW I haven’t had one for years, but those round coconut ones (pink or blue) with liquorice centres were definitely from sweetie heaven. Der

"The Madeira group Siram is looking for partners in Macau to manage casinos in Porto Santo and Cape Verde, and to develop an innovative spa project in Macau, Siram president Silvio Santos told Portuguese news agency Lusa. One of the company’s’ real estate and tourism developers is having difficulties financing its Colombo’s Resort tourism project, in the Madeiran island of Porto Santo, and are looking for partnerships and a new ownership structure focused on the areas of tourism and gambling, to be set up next year. With a current budget of €200 million, Colombo’s Resort, a five star resort to be managed by Starwood, is looking for new investors which may come from Macau, depending on the revival of construction work". MACAU DAILY TIMES

"When considering the size of Madeira, you can hardly imagine that this island has so much to offer!  From many historical monuments, squares and streets in the capital of Funchal to enchanting gardens, picturesque villages, amazing landscapes, impressive volcanic caves, rugged coast lines, beautiful natural beaches and, last but not least, breathtaking views, there is so much to see that you will soon realise that one visit to Madeira just isn’t enough!" A very well written article ATLANTIC QUEST – My journey across the Americas during my Gap Year

Elaine completes a full month with her news translation, without a break. Thanks so much Elaine. Here are yesterday’s main stories :

Pink Christmas trees in fashion this year. Expensive but selling well, according to the manager of ‘Bazar do Povo’ (Sa) in Funchal. They have been selling Christmas decorations since September. —- You heard it first here. Of course. © Toranja Poncha © is also pink, so have yourself a very pinky Christmas time with a tree as well. Der

Requests for help from consumers rise 52%. Requests to Serviço de Defesa do Consumidor (Citizen’s Advice Bureau) for help with financial issues increased 52% this year. Most frequent cases related to credit, often due to changes in family circumstances, e.g. divorce, widowhood, health or unemployment. Also mortgage queries as to which is the best deal.

The association gave the following tips: Prevention is best. Before taking out a loan, work out your budget and whether you can afford it without getting into debt. Avoid credit for everyday expenses. Never borrow to pay off other debts. Never sign a contract unless you understand it. You always need to have some savings.

Business group suspected of fraud began in Caniçal Free Zone. The business group headed by Manuel Godinho, suspected of economic crimes and bribery of managers of public funds, was launched in the Madeira market through a company newly established in the Free Zone, the Resatlantico – Waste Management. All Manuel Godinho’s companies, many of which are linked to business waste and waste management, are based in Aveiro. The only exception seems to be a company formed in May this year in Madeira and is based in the Free Zone in Caniçal. Resatlantico entered the regional market to collect used electrical and electronic equipment for the purposes of dismantling and recycling using facilities on the continent. It has established protocols with AMB3E and municipalities and is licensed by the Directorate for the Environment. It is unknown if the investigations on the continent will affect regional expansion. Manuel Godinho was arrested last Wednesday in Aveiro in relation to economic crimes involving an oxygen-treatment and environmental cleaning group. 14 people were indicted.

Good chestnut harvest. (Interview with a farmer) The harvest is only half done but has already doubled the amount produced in 2008. Increases both in the quantity and quality. Grown in Curral das Freiras and sold in the local shops, in Sao Martinho and sold to the Sã supermarket group. There is a processing centre in Curral das Freiras where the chestnuts are graded then heat treated to preserve them. Are inexpensive this year, selling through an intermediary for 1.20 to 1.40 Euros a kilo and directly to the consumer for 1.60 to 1.70 Euros a kilo. This year, 43% less are imported. The dried fruit price has increased globally. —- As noted in the comments section in the Diário, selling in the Farmer’s Market for 3.99 to 4.10 Euros a kilo.

The Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development estimates that Madeira has the capacity to produce 764 tonnes per year. The processing plant has graded 33% more than last year and heat treated 160% more since the season started on October 6th. There are 24 producers of organic nuts corresponding to an area of 33.14 hectares, of which 21.53 are in Curral das Freiras and 11.61 in Jardim da Serra.

Court seeks list of projects approved in Ponta do Sol in 2001. The present mayor, Rui Marques and former mayor, António Lobo were in the dock (both PSD politicians) and eight witnesses gave evidence. It involves a 20,000 Euros bribe for approval of a 29 unit apartment block when the Plano Director Municipal (PDM) was suspended. Partners in the firm are former members of the PSD, Emidio Correia and the former Ponta do Sol councillor Antonio Munuel. A witness, a Socialist Party councillor said that councillors of the opposition did not know the legal implications of the suspension of the PDM and had limited access to projects. Approval of this one had been done quickly whereas others took "weeks and months" and other projects were approved in consequence of the suspension of the PDM. At that time he did not realise the building site was controversial. The trial continues on 13 November when Ponta do Sol Council have to send a list of all draft permits for private buildings approved during the year 2001.

Driver of car that collided with two vans identified. He fled the scene and video surveillance tape was released of his grey Polo car. He has contacted the owners of the damaged vans and accepted liability. —- No report of police prosecuting.

Tribute to combatants. On Monday 2 November, there will be a ceremony commemorating combatants who lost their lives on overseas missions. It will be in Nazaré at the Monumento de Homenagem dos Combatentes do Ultramar (in photo). Appeal for serving combatants and the general public to attend to make the greatest possible tribute.

Free bus pass for the elderly back on the parliamentary agenda. This was approved in 1999 but never implemented. The free pass should be given to anyone over 60 who receives an income below the minimum wage. Also aimed at all people with disabilities, regardless of age.

Club Med 2 in port today. A five-masted luxurious cruising yacht joined three other ships to  make another full harbour. She sailed from Casablanca and is going on to the Caribbean. The Club Med Portugal visited the ship. The yacht has recently been renovated with 10 new suites of 36 square metres and it can accommodate 392 tourists.

Porto Santo port promoted as free of charge.  Medicruise (association of cruise ports) meeting in Monaco, where Madeira is gaining membership. Because Porto Santo port is free of charge, companies save between 3,500 and 12,000 Euros depending on tonnage of the vessel and passenger numbers. Funchal has lowered its tariff during the quieter summer months to try to increase business.

C&A want to open a second store in Funchal in the near future. The new store opened yesterday at the Forum Madeira. The group wanted to open a larger store, as they are normally 1400 to 2000 square metres but this one is just over 700 square metres. Yesterday was busy, partially due to curiosity and also because of an opening discount of 20%. —- The papers are a bit late with this one. Quite right Elaine, Josie had already told us having actually checked it out personally yesterday. Der

Valor Ambiente reply to Diário’s report. Diário yesterday had a report highlighting exportation of clinical waste to Spain for incineration. In Jornal da Madeira, the company stated that this is just a temporary solution which is in the public interest until the company who built the incinerator at Meia Serra make alterations to increase productivity and create safer operating conditions, as it is still under warranty. They said this company is paying for the exportation and it is not resulting in extra costs to Valor Ambiente (Government owned) and the Diário is just being critical of the Government.

Direct debits can be paid into a bank account in another EU country. From Monday but not available immediately in all 27 countries. This is under the SEPA (Single Euro Payments) system developed in 2008 to simplify payments through bank transfers, direct debits and bank cards in the Eurozone. Customers in the Single Area will also be able to make and receive payments in Euros under the same conditions as they do nationally.

A quick look at today’s front page news headlines in the Diário :

‘PS proposes an educational revolution – André Escórcio is the project author. Not that this idea will go anywhere, as it’s not a PSD idea, but the gist is to offer free education at all levels, and cut support to private and small independent schools, and then to create a more autonomous education system, with its own characteristics, without impinging on the general principles of law.

Failures in the management of hazardous waste lead CDU to ask for an inquiry. A story which Elaine has covered well in the last couple of days, and it seems a plausible reason has been given, that satisfies accusations made in a possible case of mischief-making by the Diário.

The main headline today : Armas operation is illegal – The Port and Maritime Transport Authorities have concluded that the loading operation undertaken by the Spanish vessel in Funchal Port is in breach of the rules. The license is at risk. The unloading of freight in Funchal Port from the passenger ferry that does the Madeira – Portimão – Canary Islands route has been deemed to breach licence conditions it seems. The situation arose after complaints from other shipping companies who had been forced to load and unload elsewhere, whilst the passenger ferry could continue freight operations unhindered. That could bump up the costs of the passenger ferry service somewhat, as that would have been a big piece of income for Naviera Armas, or even put the whole operation at risk. As for the next step, I reckon the government will step in and intervene, as the ferry service just cannot be put at risk.

A large picture shows a graveyard with some estrelicia flowers : No one dares to mess with the rules of the cemeteries – The 40 year old regulations provide great breeding conditions for the mosquito that spreads dengue disease. The health authorities prefer to respect the cult and its rituals.

‘Fly Madeira’ commences flying next Tuesday – Transporting cargo will mark the start of operations of the new airline company. It will be better known as FlyMI (Fly Madeira Islands), and on Tuesday it will fly a cargo from Lisbon to Madeira in it’s inaugural flight in a leased Boeing 737-300. Phase one of the formation for FlyMI is freight, passengers will come later through scheduled and charter flights.

In football : Nacional and Marítimo want to imitate Braga. Victory over Benfica results in clear league leadership for Braga. Today the teams from Madeira play, with TV honours. And what a great game and result it was (2 – 0), and how wonderful it was to see those Benfica supporters ,who were gloating over putting 6 goals past Nacional last week, crying in their beer. Benfica were the stronger side, but Braga played a strategy to outwit them, and it worked very well. Fantastic first goal as well.

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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.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

(more…)