Portugal economy slipping ; Library costs an extra €400,000 ; Prison terms after tunnel blasts
Today’s photo – Many thanks to Sheila … "Rough seas meant ideal conditions for these fishing enthusiasts at Ponta Delgada on Boxing Day" (December 26th)
Malmsey in Madeira : Owain John, Assistant Manager at Majestic Aylesbury (UK), visited Madeira in September ’09, funded by the Vintners’ Bursary which he won following the WSET Advanced exam. Here, he reports on his trip. "Touching down at Funchal airport is one of the more hair-raising landings I’ve experienced. The Madeirans are very proud of their smart, new, but rather short runway on stilts over the ocean, which features on many of the postcards available for sale on the island. This was just about the last flat piece of land we were to see for a whole week. Our hire car may not have been the most powerful around, but it is still disconcerting to find yourself having to change down into second gear on a dual-carriageway". FULL REPORT
A really good photo I found on Flickr, with a nice write up too. WINDING ROAD
From Becky (in the UK?) … seems to be prevalent in the news over here today. I think the poses could be worthy of a caption competition as he looks like he’s just missed the Porto Santo ferry in the first one. (Yes, I know he’d never actually have to travel via means of the ferry, but I won’t let fact stand in the way!) CRISTIANOS NEW CACS
"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". CREATIVE PUBLICITY I have not seen this ‘Madeira’ theme website before, but if it attracts tourists, then I am happy to give it a bit of free publicity. All the pages I looked at were empty, but give it time …
Many thanks to Elaine once again for yesterday’s top news stories :
Nina has been found and returned to the circus. The circus dog Nina, reported missing yesterday will return to the show tonight. A woman found the dog wandering the streets, not knowing who it belonged to until she read yesterday’s article in Jornal da Madeira.
Portugal’s economy not doing very well. Two reports in Jornal da Madeira. The economies of Portugal and Greece are at risk of a "slow death", according to an alert issued yesterday by the rating agency Moody’s. The view of the experts at Moody’s is that there is no risk of a "sudden death" but that "the probability of a slow death" is high unless there are improvements in economic competitiveness and ability to raise taxes. The Minister of Economy admits the situation is "difficult" with 0.7% growth predicted this year and 1.4% in 2011. Unemployment level is 10.3% compared to the European average of 8.8%. —Indirectly affects the economy of Madeira, especially as at present the ministers are trying to alter the Regional Finance Law so the State will have to transfer more money and also pay for a new hospital in Funchal etc.
Golf should be seen as a long-term project. (Again, Jornal da Madeira). The vice president of the Regional Government believes that golf has helped combat the seasonality of tourism on Porto Santo. This year, the Madeira Island Open returns to Porto Santo between the 8 – 11 April. More than 100 professional golfers are expected to attend and the prize money is 700,000 Euros, the initiative is supported by Turismo de Portugal. The golf course is ranked ninth amongst the 100 best courses in Europe. Construction work has begun for the new course at Ponta do Pargo with a completion date for the end of 2011. The course was designed by Nick Faldo and is financed by private investment, including the British group Morgan Forbes. An area has been designed for professional golfers and another area for amateur golfers. An 18 hole championship course and a 9 hole pitch and putt course. The Club House will feature a restaurant, bar, shop, reception, changing rooms and other facilities. The natural beauty of the surrounding area can be appreciated whilst playing a round. Local jobs will be generated and it is hoped this course will help put the region on the world championship circuit.
Employee stole, was filmed but it was the employer who was fined 940 Euros. In a bakery in Machico, the management suspected a 46 year old employee of theft. They installed video surveillance cameras and recorded the employee stealing from the till and taking bread, cheese, ham, butter and whisky from the bakery, with her husband as an accomplice. She already had a history of similar crimes when employed in a restaurant and a day care centre. The woman resigned rather than face criminal proceedings. She then appealed to the Employment Tribunal of Funchal and sued the employer. The case was found against the employer who were ordered to pay 940 Euros for Christmas and holiday pay. The law states that video surveillance is allowed only when it is intended for the protection and safety of persons and goods, depending on the nature of the business and is subject to authorization by the National Commission for Data Protection. The right of privacy is constitutionally protected. It cannot be used to evaluate the professional competence of an employee, their performance or (in this case) if they steal. This evidence is an improper invasion of privacy and violation of the right to make images of the employee. A similar case occurred in 2008 when a supermarket manager was caught stealing but the case annulled. The management can apply to the Court of Appeal of Lisbon.
Arcadia visits today during a 94 night cruise. Two cruise ships visit today, the Costa Serena with 4,900 Italians and the Arcadia with 1,900 British. It is of interest to note that the present Arcadia cruise is for 94 nights, visiting 34 ports in 23 countries. The ship left Southampton 10 days ago and returns on April 15th, via the Suez Canal. The Arcadia visits Madeira several more times this year. At the BTL in Lisbon (Tourism Fair), the State Secretary for Tourism, Bernardo Trinidade admits positive signs in the British tourist market this year but despite this, Madeira is still relying on the increased domestic market.
Câmara de Lobos Library costs an additional 426,000 Euros. The Court of Auditors has published a report stating that the work exceeded 11.7% of the value of the award to the three construction companies and the authorization for "additional works" was given by the mayor Arlindo Gomes although he had "no competence" (legal) to do so. The project exceeded the period of the contracted term by 92 days. The expenditure of 426,000 Euros was granted with no budget to support it, a further violation of the law. The original award was 3,640,692 Euros and the final payment was 4,067,365 Euros. Days before the publication of this report, Arlindo Gomes stated that the State should pay the Council 900,000 Euros for the construction work. The Court of Auditors can charge a fine ranging from a minimum 510 Euros to a maximum 4,080 Euros and all charges are directed at Arlindo Gomes.
BE want regional products in public dining rooms. The Left Block want a law drafted that gives preference to local products in public workplace cafeterias in Madeira. They recognize that it is often cheaper to buy goods produced elsewhere but, "The preferential consumption of products from abroad affects the regional economy, does not help to dispose of agricultural products produced in Madeira – with a clear loss to our farmers – and devalues the effort to produce high quality products which, fortunately, are abundant in the islands." The draft legislation is for a preference of regional products in all canteens and cafeterias in public establishments in the region. These are schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social centres, children’s institutions, etc. Imported products would only be used if there was a proven absence of supply in quantity and quality in the region.
Finance Law postponed. The proposed Regional Finance Act will not be discussed and voted on by the Commission on the Budget and Finances of the Assembly of the Republic in Lisbon, as timetabled. There is technical support showing that Madeira has lost 157 million Euros to the Law of Sócrates. The PSD has failed to secure parliamentary support needed to pass the law. They might not get a favourable vote by the CDS-PP, communists and BE needed to pass the law. The PS have argued for a delay and are preparing an alternative solution.
Cases of the day. A short circuit in a refrigerator/chest freezer badly damaged a kitchen and other rooms in a residence in Campanário. The owners had left for work and a neighbour saw the fire and alerted the firefighters. They had problems accessing the house due to the distance from the road. The couple and their daughter have been temporarily housed with relatives while the house is cleaned up and the damage repaired. Gold articles have been stolen from two homes on the same day. At Pilar in Santo António, the thieves broke in through a bedroom window and stole two gold necklaces and a laptop. That afternoon, in Fundoa in São Roque, thieves entered a house by forcing a door and stole gold jewellery valued over a thousand Euros as well as an air pistol. Last weekend, a 30 year old man was approached by a group of individuals while by the entrance of the Vespas nightclub. They suddenly attacked, punched and kicked him then the group fled in two cars. In São Martinho, at 19.00 on Monday, two teenage girls were approached by an unknown man. He grabbed one of them, a 14 year old, and started to sexually molest her but due to her cries and resistance, he fled then one of them phoned for help. The police are gathering evidence as they suspect an attempted rape. At the Port of Funchal, a 44 year old foreigner travelling on the ferry from Portimão was arrested having 7,152 doses of heroin inside his body. Several landslides and falling trees kept the fire fighters busy in Funchal and Ribeira Brava to clear the roads and keep them passable.
Tunnel at Curral das Freiras, only 1 of 4 defendants acquitted. In March 2003, four workers died and four others were injured when an explosive charge was detonated during the construction of the tunnel. Miguel Ângelo, the engineer responsible for the safety of the work was acquitted. Already, Flório Quintal in charge of the work, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison and considered the person responsible for the accident. He was the only person licensed to handle explosives and at the time of the explosion, he was outside the tunnel. Luís Miguel Freire, a geological engineer and Raimundo Calhau, the general contractor, were sentenced to four and a half years in prison. There was also a lack of supervision and training. The three intend to appeal.
‘Help Haiti Now’. Cruz Vermelha Portuguese (CVP) – the Portuguese Red Cross – have launched an appeal. The campaign has set up accounts at Milenium, CGD, BPI, Totta, BES, Montepio, Banif and BPN.
Santo Amaro tonight. One of the major religious celebrations takes place in Santa Cruz tonight when at 20.00, thousands of faithful are expected to take part in the procession from the Chapel of Santo Amaro to the Church of Santa Cruz. They will carry candles and images in wax. This saint, according to legend, prevented a young man from drowning and is revered by the faithful in times of crisis. Despite the high number of unemployed, the Canon does not see an increase in the number of devotees, instead the opposite. On Sunday, the Festa de Santa Amaro will continue with 40 stalls selling food and drink adjacent to Santa Cruz market. Program on WEBSITE (click onto Guia de eventos):
… and yet more from Elaine, with a special feature from the Jornal da Madeira :
The new document will allow, for two and a half Euros, access to all landscaped areas, children’s parks, as well as access to restaurants.
Theme Park launches card for residents. The Theme Park of Madeira, a work of the Society of Northern Development, a body subordinate to the Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, has just launched the "resident card". According to the director of this facility, it is a product with two versions, one for women and another for men. He explained, this is a document that will cost 2.5 Euros and will allow people to come and visit throughout the year; the gardens, children’s parks, access to the restaurants of the park and Craft Workshops. To obtain this card, as mentioned by the Director of the Theme Park, those resident in the region, which is easily verifiable by the identity card (Bilhete de Identidade) or another document with a photograph, fill out a form which is available from the services. Until now, there have been three annual passes; normal, which costs 30 Euros and the junior and senior, both 24 Euros. These are the documents that, according to Tiago Feitas, allow the visitor to visit the Theme Park as many times as they want, entering the pavilions and attractions. The new arrangement that started this year does not give access to the attractions.
In the new attractions planned for this year, Tiago Feitas says the desire is to promote an exhibition within the water mill, explaining to tourists how the water mill works. Please note that the Theme Park, "Has a water mill that, especially at weekends is put into operation, grinding cereals that are then taken to the ‘Casa de Santana’ where they are made into bread which is offered to visitors on Saturday and Sunday." According to him, this exhibition is already being prepared. Several photos of the craftsman who use these water mills have been made in order to show to visitors, in a very simple way, how they work and the authentic utensils. Another concern for this year relates to the gardens. According to Tiago Feitas, in the Theme Park they will select and plant throughout the year, plants that embellish and give a different colour and are more appealing in the enclosure.
‘Monte train’ will have a station. The Theme Park already has a ‘Monte train’. According to the director of this institution, "The ‘Monte train’ is a vehicle that is designed to make journeys for visitors. But it did not have a station consistent with the value of the attraction. Not only to shelter passengers from the weather, but also to create a picturesque area." Therefore, "We will build a replica of the Monte train station where people can have a lot of fun, taking pictures and enjoying that area while queuing for a trip through the enclosure." The head of the Theme Park said they have created a space in the area of the artificial lake, where there are rowing boats, reserved for small remote-controlled crafts. Here as mentioned, the visitor is likely to stretch their talents to the "rudder" of the ship and carry out the steps which are required, for about three minutes. According to Tiago Feitas, this attraction for about three months, and despite not being included in the ticket – costing 50 cents, has already been a big hit with younger visitors and also among the older ones who accept this challenge of skill and adventure.
New pavilion comes from the history of the port
The pavilion "Roots of Madeira" is at present, according to the Director of the Theme Park, "The only virtual theatre that the region has and perhaps even the only virtual theatre that exists in our country." This space is in the auditorium of the natural park. According to Tiago Feitas, "Basically this is an area which explains the history of the port of Madeira." "This history" he said, "is from the period of discovery to the present day, explaining in an intelligent and fun way the development of the port, showing the evolution of the port and the importance it had for the various economic cycles of the region, and also explaining the importance of a port to an island." According to Tiago Feitas, "There are created, during about seven minutes, a set of scenarios that allow you to see the whole evolution of the port and the whole evolution of the city and the island through its maritime port." "The history of Madeira can also be told through the eyes of its port." The Director of the Theme Park says he is excited about this new product which was released in late November. It has been in great demand and has met the expectations of visitors who leave that space satisfied. It is noted that the end of the show in the pavilion "Roots of Madeira" is marked with fireworks which, according to Tiago Feitas, "Have left people very satisfied by the degree of realism and involvement that is provided. It is a very emotional end and people have left very satisfied."
Several improvements in 2009
The Theme Park was the target of several interventions in 2009. One of the improvements occurred in the pavilion "A world of islands – the islands of the world", which is considered one of the spaces that best illustrates the history of Madeira and its culture. As pointed out by the park director, "It has an improved set design that onto two large screens projects a light that defines each county, explaining each county and its respective parishes. This goes a little to meet our audience who can now understand a little better the division of counties and parishes in the Region."
The pavilion "Future of the Earth", as Tiago Feitas said, "Was previously a film that was called ‘There was a day’. It is a movie that calls for park visitors to be more sensitive to environmental issues. In 2009, we decided to create ‘a time machine where the visitor is invited to make a trip to the island of Madeira in the year 2419, exactly a thousand years after the island was discovered by Gonçalves Zarco.’ Entering this space gives the feeling that you are entering a ship of ‘Star Wars’. It is in fact extremely well done in terms of scenery." Website: parquetematicodamadeira
Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :
Magazines disturb the family of Carlos. This is about Carlos Costa, the contestant from Porto Moniz in the Portuguese Pop Idol competition. His family say that some of the stuff being said about him is just not true.
And while we are on the subject of entertainment, the Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias has its premier of the long awaited showing of ‘The Lesbian Vampires of Sodom’. 9.30 tonight and tomorrow night (tickets €20), and the last performance is on Sunday at 6 pm (€18). The mind boggles!
Today’s main news headline : Regional Government sustains a new guarantee of €7 million – Who benefits now from the fatherly approach of the government, that pledges government money, are now the banana cooperatives. Little notice is taken of the warnings by the Court of Auditors to the dangers of the [financial] guarantees.
Madeira wins Russian tourism.
SATA confirms Algarve in the Summer.
Portugal’s Minister for Finance acknowledges tax increases – If Parliament approves proposals for the changes to the Regional Finance Law, Finance Minister [Teixeira dos Santos] cannot see any alternative to reduce the deficit. Santos said yesterday that approval of the changes, that will result in extra money being allocated to Madeira, will need to be covered by tax increases, or will signal the end of the Special Payment on Account scheme (PEC). He then clarifies that if "some of the proposals on the table" go forward, that will be the situation, so it’s won’t be just on account of Madeira if taxes increase. He was responding to a question from a journalist who asked him if a tax rise could be totally ruled out.
World in state of shock seeks to help Haiti – Nations and international organisations combine efforts to send assistance to a decimated country. Portugal is in the territory, and Madeira is collecting money to help. That story also provides the main front page photo again.
Extractions in need of a study – The lorries continue to take away inerts [sand, stone, etc.] in Ribeira do Faial. The Regional Government says that there is a permit. But the geologist João Baptista warns : "Mother nature responds to the mistakes of man". [John the Baptist] reckons that nature will be back to rebalance the damage caused by the human extractions, "this is one of the great laws of nature" he says. His warning comes just a few days after massive amounts of mud and inert material were shifted along Madeira’s water courses. He says that the issue is more complex than anybody can imagine, and could not be explained in a short conversation. I for one believe him, and I certainly can’t imagine that the extraction company(s) have carried out impact analyses of the damage they are doing and the long term dangers that are posed. Of course these ‘inerts’ are used in the construction industry, and who are the main beneficiaries of the profits I wonder? Couldn’t be the politicians who granted the permit surely? I noticed a couple of comments a few days ago along the lines of what harm could dumping thousands of tons of mud and debris into the sea do. I bit my tongue, thinking it was just a wind up, but as J the B says you upset the balance of nature on such a huge scale, it will have consequences, whether on land or at sea.
The main sport / football headline today : Only the rain threatens the turf at Barreiros – The maintenance company guarantees the ground is in good condition for the Marítimo – Benfica game, on Sunday. Marítimo will take on Benfica at 8.15 pm, and it’s on SportTV1.
Nacional play away at Sporting in a super-duper football weekend for Madeira. You can watch this game on RTP tomorrow night at 9.15 pm on RTP.
If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link. All contributions much appreciated, but there will have to be a cut off time of 9 pm today.
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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.
Living under threat. Dorita Escorcio and her father were driving near the Cruzinhas viewpoint in Faial when a gust of wind dislodged a large eucalyptus branch. It pierced the roof and windscreen of their car and landed in between the seats, near the gear lever. Ironically, it was another branch lying in the road that prevented injury to either of them. They were driving in the middle of the road to circumnavigate this branch when the eucalyptus branch fell on top of their car and it would have hit one of them. She is hoping that the government will partly pay for repairs to her car. There are many instances of storm damage in both the parishes of Faial and Sao Roque do Faial, for example two large landslides in Fajã do Cedro Gordo still mark the landscape. About 30 families live in this area which is known for its instability. Nearby, due to a large landslide, a road has been closed for nine months, to the inconvenience of residents who have to make long detours. 
Storm raized a pear plantation. Heartbroken, angry, indignant, revolted and disgusted. These are the five adjectives used to describe the mood of Albino Teixeira Francisco who lives in São Vicente. He has suffered heavy losses on his land in Burras, the last time at the end of December. A break in the structure of the Levada de Norte led to the water flooding and destroying almost all his plantation of organic Pear trees. This happened three years previously and despite letters to the Electricity Company, no measures were taken. He insists the levada walls are too old to resist the pressure of water formed during periods of heavy rain. His land lies at an altitude of 10,000 metres in the Laurissilva Forest which is littered with branches blown down by the stormy weather and these were dragged down onto his land by the overflowing water. He wants an official assessment of the cost of the damage but will not be compensated for the delay which affects the plantation.
Bad weather again undermines the Night Market. After the bad weather ruined the Noite de Mercado in Estreito on Christmas Eve, yesterday a second version was attempted, the Cantar as Janeiras (Night Songs – sung at New Year). Just a few hundred people braved the harsh weather conditions with uninterrupted rain ruining the outside stalls although nearby bars were crowded. The interior of the Municipal Market of Câmara de Lobos was still festive and colourful with traditional musical entertainment. The entertainment was well attended (photo) but the fruit and vegetable stall holders lamented the poor sales.
Construction defects complaints soar. Weaknesses in the construction of buildings has brought in three years (2007 – 2009), 1,200 people to the Defesa do Consumidor. Cracked walls and lifting tiles are the most common examples of problems found in new apartments. Many builders eventually evade liability. The guarantee period is 5 years and people are advised to send a registered letter to the seller, identifying the defects. Usually an agreement is reached and the repair work carried out. If not, then people can go to the Serviço de Defesa do Consumidor desk at the Loja do Cidadão in Funchal. Their Legal Office tries to resolve the issue by mediation before any legal proceedings. They often have to return to court to enforce a judicial ruling. In one case in Caniço, after a three year legal dispute the firm declared insolvency. After declaring bankruptcy, some companies reappear in business under a different name. Cracks are normal in buildings but several apartments in Edificio Panoram in Funchal, built by Manuel de Abreu & Slilva, have serious defects which were reported in the warranty period but are still not repaired. A worse situation is Edificio Quinta do Garajau in Caniço (photo) which was inaugurated by Jardim in 2003. There are serious flaws (e.g. gas and water supplies too close together) and after lengthy arguing (Funchal Council accused Santa Cruz Council of not inspecting the building properly), one million Euros of work should begin this month. —- I hope the repair work at Edificio Quinta do Garajau in Cancela is completed as the building already looks shabby for a relatively new building. There is an apartment block opposite Caniço Health Centre which looks in a worse condition – I wonder if that is the one where the builder has declared insolvency. The recent weather is certainly finding the ‘quick to build/profit’ faults, roofs and basement garages are the worst areas. (Like many others, I could rant about residents not paying condominium fees).
Jacinto Rodrigues and Miguel Angelo exposed in Funchal Two artists from Madeira, Jacinto Rodrigues Abreu and Miguel Angelo Freitas, will present an exhibition entitled, ‘Black and White’ on the central section of Avenida Arriaga, between the Golden Gate cafe and the Municipal Theatre. There will be nine sculptures, two by Miguel Angelo. The exhibition runs from 15 January to February 14. These are stone structures (marble, basalt and limestone). Miguel Angelo’s sculptures are more figurative whereas the other sculptor prefers a more abstract approach. Jacinto Rodrigues has had solo exhibitions, for example in Lisbon and several of his sculptures are in public spaces in Madeira. Miguel Angelo has sculptures on the Continent, Madeira and Porto Santo. (Photo is one of the exhibits by Miguel Angelo)
Rocheira clean up dangerous slopes Two days ago, the Rocheira team along with human and technical resources from the firm Estradas da Madeira, cleaned up the slopes above the ER 103 in between Cobouco and Fajã do Cedro Gordo in São Roque do Faial. There have recently been two landslides in this area, the last one on Sunday. On Wednesday, the Rocheira cut trees which had lost surrounding anchoring stones and rocks, and threatened to fall onto the road. Yesterday, the work focused on rocks which also threatened the road. The road and footpath were closed during this operation and this will also be the case today. The workers will return next Monday and Tuesday to finish the clean up operation. The Rocheira team work by two men suspended by ropes with three anchor men. The falling rocks and logs which they displace can also cause damage, for example a fibre optic cable had to be replaced yesterday.
Nine candidates for the ‘Seven Wonders of Portugal’ competition Of the 323 chosen applicants, nine are from Madeira and Porto Santo. This is the first round of the contest and originally, the region had entered 55 candidates. The next selection will be revealed on the 7 February when the list will be down to 77 winners and the final 31 announced on March 7. The nine candidates are: Ilhas Desertas and Selvagens, Cabo Girão, Fajã das Padres, laurissilva forest in São Vicente, Pico de Ana Ferreira in Porto Santo (photo), Porto Santo beach, Cabeco das Laranjas (Ilheu da Cima) and the coral fossils and galleries of the Ilheu da Cal.
Vítor in front in the first votes of the PS Socialists – Serrão won Funchal in the closely disputed elections. The battle for the new leadership of the only serious opposition party to the PSD social democrats is underway, and it is up to the Madeiran socialists to choose. Jacinto Serrão and Vítor Freitas are the choices, and yesterday and today more than three thousand of them will get their say on who takes over from 
The main front page photo today shows something that looks like earthquake damage to a beach facility : Weather demolishes new works of Madeira – The storms have highlighted the fragility of the more recent constructions compared to the old works. Engineers point out the rush-jobs and remind that "the cheap comes out expensive". Engineers are saying that quality of materials, and orders to complete public works in record times, are showing the new monoliths of Madeira to be inferior than the older constructions using traditional materials, when it comes to standing up to weather such as that in December. The science is the same, whether the work has to withstand the sea or the air. These works all have to go through the political machinery to get approval and funding of course, and obviously the quality of materials, the required life of the construction, and the timescales of construction, are all issues that our politicians consider of course. Issues like when are the next elections coming up, and who in politics has stakes in the cement and construction companies wouldn’t be a factor in the equation of course.
