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.
I asked yesterday how high is the statue of Cristo Rei in Garajau, and the consensus ranged between 20 and 150 metres, and although I have never seen it I would guess that a lower estimate is nearer the mark . The reason I asked was to do with the story during the week, where the PND new Democrats had put forward a motion in the regional assembly to erect a statue of Uncle Bertie overlooking the port of Funchal. It wasn’t mentioned until a couple of days later that the statue proposed would be 50 metres high. The 
Reminder XXIV Regional Meeting of the Tunas and Mandolin Orchestras in Câmara de Lobos Saturday and Sunday. 16 groups in the Casa da Cultura. Sunday from 16.00.
Mackerel fishing fleet reduced. The fleet will be reduced to three when two boats are taken out of service next year. Weak demand, low prices, limitations in the Madeiran market and the only canning factory has closed means that profits are low. Last year’s taxable income was 1,800 Euros. One fisherman will join another company and the other will work with his brother. The EU aims to reduce the quotas (to 15% less fish) in the Atlantic and North Sea next year. For Madeira, it means a reduction from 1,280 to 1,088 tons but they only catch an average of 400 tons. The fishermen reckon there is enough mackerel and horse mackerel locally, especially as there is no Spanish competition. A Marine Biologist said it would be different if the quotas were reduced for the Black Scabbard fish as they are presently catching near the EU quota.
Diocese has new church paid by the Government. The new church in Feiteiras, São Vicente cost €1.5 million. The parish community raised 120,000 Euros for restoration of art works and interior furnishings. The building was started in 2003 and represents an inverted ship, a reference to St. Peter’s boat.
Portela to Ribeiro Frio levada walk still partially closed. Will remain so until next March. There are notices at Portela advising how much of the walk can be undertaken.
