Fireworks Threatened ; Wild West In Santana ; Divorce Leads To Murder In Arco da Calheta
(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.
