Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Martin … Rolls Royce Phantom c 1922 displayed on Avenida Arriaga during the 2009 Volta da Madeira

"Due to the long established fishing tradition on the island, fish plays an important role on the daily menu of the locals.  When you have spent a few days on the island, you will soon discover that Madeirans also have a sweet tooth!  Everywhere on the island, in all the cafés, snack bars and restaurants, you will find a wide variety of cakes, sweets and desserts.  Besides the world-renowned Madeira Wine, locals produce their own wine from different grapes – the so-called ‘vinho seco’ (dry wine)". A well written and researched article from a cruise website TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

"Madeira is, essentially, 2 island, and not only does a little over 98% of its population live on just one island, but a huge part of that live in just one city, Funchal. This makes things incredibly easier from a managerial standpoint because then you CAN have any type of flight you want. All the Madeira Regional government has to worry about is the littler under 5,000 people living in Porto Santo". This article was written by a blogger in the Azores, on the problems of servicing the many islands with flights, including the ‘low cost’ factor. Quite an interesting read, and shows that we do pretty well here in comparison. LUSO’S LAIR

A short private blog with a few photos, mainly of the author … CARROT TOPS ARE GREEN

"Discovered in 1419 by Portuguese explorers, its strategic position and warm sub-tropical climate led to quick colonisation and nowadays around a quarter of a million Madeirans call this beautiful island home. Known locally as the ‘Island Of Flowers’, or ‘The Floating Garden’, Madeira certainly lives up to its nicknames and, in fact, boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery you’ll find anywhere". ANOTHER MADEIRA REVIEW – CREST HOLIDAYS

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

Der, small news items today. If you want to make money, sell on the black market in Venezuela or become a doctor. No wonder the Health Service is in debt – I bet the article on the doctor’s cars gets some comments. The paper misprinted ‘Austin Martin’. This was the Google translation to a photo caption of the story I covered yesterday about a falling wall damaging a roof: ‘The day before yesterday, Matilde Gonçalves not resist the temptation to go to her house to lie down to eat three cats.’

Wind looses force from tomorrow. Today, yellow alert for wind up to 50 km/h and gusts up to 90 km/h in mountainous regions. A slight reduction in wind speed from tomorrow, a moderate 20 – 30 km/h wind from the west becoming weak, below 15 km/h. In mountainous regions, the wind will be moderate but should not exceed 35 km/h. Temperatures slightly below today’s maximum of 22 C and 18 C minimum temperature. Sea conditions about the same, temperature 18 C, 1.5 – 3.5 metres waves.

‘NetMadeira’ fraudulent e-mail. An e-mail asking for personal details was received yesterday by 1.5% of NetMadeira customers who use the 880 mailbox. NetMadeira, like other companies, does not ask users for their passwords or identification.

New Civil Protection website. This site has been updated to make it easier and quicker to find useful information. I had a look and it has a version in English and contains useful information. Examples include road closures, phoning about emergencies, location of fire stations, weather and health alerts, emergency first aid and there are good links. Website: Civil Protection — Might be one for Der’s right-hand side toolbar. OK, make a comment if you like it and we’ll see, but I know the sponsor wants to shorten the list rather than grow it. Der

Dates when nurses are on strike. For two days, 27 – 28 January. On the 29th, some will participate in the national demonstration at the Ministry of Health. There is a three day national strike but it is only for two days in Madeira. The proposed wage scale presented by the Ministry of Health in January is worse than the one presented in November.

SATA also increase fuel surcharge. As expected, following TAP’s announcement yesterday that they will increase the fuel surcharge for flights between the Continent and Madeira, SATA will similarly increase it for flights between the Continent and Madeira and the Azores. Increased from 9 to 12 Euros for flights from 20 January. In effect, this means an extra 3 Euros on each ticket except promotional fares. Promotional fares SATA Discount are unchanged for flights between Funchal and Porto Santo, and for other tickets the surcharge increases from 4.5 Euros to 6 Euros. Fuel surcharge is updated quarterly.

Caracas – Funchal ticket doubles in price. Flights between Caracas – Funchal will cost twice the present price due to the exchange rate between the strong bolivar and the dollar. Last Friday, Hugo Chávez announced a devaluation of the national currency, which rose from 2.15 to 4.3 bolivars to the dollar. Thus, Luso-Venezuelans will have more difficulty in leaving Venezuela. The airline ticket between Caracas and Funchal rises more than 200%. The sale of flight tickets was suspended last Monday to allow the airlines to update the reservation system, as they have to be sold at the official exchange rate. There is no change in price for tickets sold in Portugal because the exchange rate for euro – bolivar stays the same. Exchange rate controls have been in place in Venezuela since 2003 to prevent obtaining unregulated foreign currency in the country. This also means imported goods are more expensive and people have been rushing to the shops to stock up. On the black market, due to demand the euro is worth three times more than the official exchange rate. Venezuela is said to be like a pressure cooker with no escape valve. — I think there will be mass exodus of Madeirans back here. The old houses in Madeira owned / inherited by Madeirans who have emigrated to Venezuela might finally be restored and made habitable. Many have been murdered recently, especially in Caracas.

Garage claims a doctor owes 83,000 Euros for work on his ‘fast-cars’. A well-known physician who works in family and occupational medicine, known for his display of top-of-the-range ‘fast-cars’ is facing a debt of 83,000 Euros owed to the workshop. At the end of December at Santa Cruz Court, a claim was lodged to recover the debt accumulated between March 5 2002 and September 10 2008. The garage, as far as Diário could establish, is ‘Auto Lazareto’ in Cancela and the claim is for unpaid mechanical repairs, bodywork and panel beating, painting and upgrades. The cars involved are: a red Ferrari, Jaguar, Golf, Aston Martin, 2 Toyota Yaris, Opel Astra, Maserati, Audi A6 and a Citroen AX. The claimant provided goods and services to the amount of 75,898.86 Euros plus interest, which have not been paid for. They acted in good faith and in a climate of friendship. Over seven years, the debt grew and the doctor postponed deadlines claiming financial difficulties and debts from third parties. Since September 2008, the doctor suddenly failed to appear at the garage to pay the instalments although he had been gradually settling the bill. He used his reputation as a reputable and distinguished doctor and it was his social status that led the workshop to grant credit. The doctor asked for urgent repairs to his Ferrari (photo) so he could lend it to Cristiano Ronaldo on his trips to Madeira, and repairs to other cars to lend to the singer Marco Paulo and other media figures whom he knows well. Diário contacted the doctor who denies he owes the money. He said he has not been notified of the court action, and if and when notified will challenge it, and if necessary will sue for defamation. — "Trust me, I’m a doctor."

Potato more than 10 kg in Tabua. This sweet potato was dug up from agricultural land in Tabua and weighs 10kg and 600g. The potato is of the type batata vermelha (red potato).

CDU support agricultural reserve areas. The communists want the region to adopt agricultural reserve areas. These would be located in areas where agriculture is most profitable in the region and would be adequately protected for this activity. They would not be ‘eaten away’ by construction works, for example the places chosen for the Câmara de Lobos football stadium (zona do Carmo) and the future Hospital of Funchal (Santa Rita), which absorb significant agricultural areas. Such reserves already exist on the Continent and the Azores. Edgar Silva accused the Executive of being "the grave digger of regional agriculture".

Census 2011. The National Institute of Statistics in conjunction with the Regional Government will hold a census in 2011. The last one was in 2001. 450 people are already being recruited who will carry out the survey and the period for the census will last from January to July 2011.

New Pestana hotel in Porto Santo. The Pestana Group are preparing to build a second hotel in Porto Santo. The work will begin later this quarter and will be a four star tourist village named Pestana Residence. It will include 250 apartments and the investment is 50 million Euros. The financing of the Colombo’s Resort is still uncertain as the banks are not interested in loaning the money to complete the development.

Vote of congratulation of the EU Treaty rejected. A vote of appreciation of the entry of the Treaty of Lisbon was rejected yesterday by the PSD, BE, PCP and only favoured by the Socialists who proposed the vote. The Socialist Serrão Jacinto considered that the Lisbon Treaty resolved the impasse the EU was plunged into and economic problems, thus constitutes "a tool that will give more power to the EU". He said that Madeira should appreciate the EU as it has used their funds to develop the country. "We must stand together in solidarity with those who were with us."

79 People in ‘virtual home’ in hospitals. 51 people who remained unnecessarily in hospital with ‘high dependency’ status have been transferred to homes; 28 to Dr. João de Almada, 15 in Lar de Bela Vista, 8 to Lar do Porto Moniz and one transferred to the Health Centre in Calheta. This has been after a joint effort by the Department of Health and Centre for Social Security. There are still 79 people left in a ‘virtual home’ in the two hospitals in Funchal. This is not ideal as they are likely to become infected and are ‘bed blockers’. The situation is aggravated by a waiting list of 800 elderly people for care home places. There are plans to provide 400 more nursing home places in the near future but with an increasingly elderly population, an additional solution is needed. To help keep people in the family home, there are 3,000 people receiving daily nursing and social care at home. Since 2008, the aim has been to pay family members to function as carers and there are 179 such people who receive 220.79 Euros from Social Security.

State will have to pay 82 million Euros in 2010 to restore justice to Madeira. The Technical Unit for Budget Support has proved that the current Regional Finance Law has lost Madeira 157 million Euros from 2007 to 2009. To remedy this, the State would have to transfer 82 million;  74.6 million to Madeira and 7.4 million to the Azores.

11.5 million investment in Câmara de Lobos football stadium is sinking. The soil along the wall that supports the newly opened stadium is sinking. This stadium, promoted by the Regional Government, has been open for six months and is already causing concern. The stadium cost 7.5 million Euros to build and an additional 4 million Euros to stabilise a slope overlooking it. The athletics track is uneven, also due to subsidence. The Regional Secretariat for Social Infrastructure say that this is normal settling of land.

Dog disappeared from the circus. Circus Brazil in Machico was yesterday without two of the three dogs that were part of the show. One was a hit and run victim. The other, Nina, was the star of the show and has been missing since last night. The dog is a brown poodle wearing a pink collar. The dog is two years old and has been in training for eight months. The circus goes to Lisbon on Saturday. Any information, please phone 968072755. If found after Saturday, please contact Joaquim who works at Circus Dalas at Madeira Tecnopolo.

Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :

Very unusually the Diário moves out of Portugal for the big photo and headline : Earthquake in Haiti kills 100 thousand – The numbers are of course not confirmed, because there are bodies buried. But the tragedy results in the destruction of one of the poorest countries in the world, very vulnerable to natural disasters.

Video catches boss that wanted to fire – Bakery in Machico filmed employee suspected of stealing, but the video didn’t serve as proof and the management even incurred expenses.

Moisés opened presents sent to employees – The president of Santana [council] took care of the Christmas presents and opened them in front of everybody, with the names of the benefactors. Bottles and cheeses were kept for the office Xmas party. Moisés diverts the presents for employees to the council. Bottles, cheeses, liquors, wines, chocolates and watches were kept. Not everybody was happy. The new president of Santana Câmara never ceases to surprise. This time, after the office Xmas lunch held in the school canteen in Porto da Cruz, the boss ordered all Christmas gifts to be received at work to be taken directly to his office. And it wasn’t just the employees, with bosses, politicians / councillors also told to fall-in-line, with the spoils claimed as property of the treasury. Rui Moisés confirmed to the Diário that he had taken the action … "I respect everything that is personal. However, from the time the delivery is made in the council it ceases to belong the individual", justifies the president to explain the his position, not withstanding that the move has a questionable nature. Some of the bottles (costing in excess of €30 each) were drank at the staff gathering, but the rest of the goodies were retained. It has been suggested that things like the watches be auctioned, but Moisés guarantees that they will serve as ‘offerings’ in official functions. Since he was elected last October and took up his post, PSD politician Rui has made waves throughout his constituency, with staff, locals, local businesses, and even his predecessor, and since then has probably made the front page more times than Uncle Bertie himself. But is he the real thing we ask? Is he a PSD politician determined to crack down on corruption and special favours, as Portugal portrays as an urgent priority, or are there ulterior motives more in line with what we are accustomed to in the Socialist Democrats of Madeira? Will there be a man with a boné and dark glasses with a stall at the nearby Sunday market selling certain goods this weekend I wonder? I would like to think that his motives are genuine, but I think we need to give this a few more months, or even years, before concluding that someone has broke that stereotypical image we all know so well.

Today’s main news headline : Strike and lack of vaccines threaten to make matters worse in health – The ventilators [breathing aids] arrive at the end of the month, guarantees the company that won the public tender process. But the vaccines for Gripe A have run out again. And the nurses foresee more disruption during the three day strike.

Jardim keeps quiet over Regional Finance Law and State Budget – But he praised the stance taken by the CDS / PP, MPT, and PCP over the Regional Finance Law.

The main sport / football headline today : Nacional draw and stay with one foot out of the [next phase] of the League Cup – The ‘Alvinegros’ now depend on the results of others to progress to the next stage. With just one point from their first two group games after a 1 – 1 away draw yesterday, Nacional are bottom of their group, with a tough game remaining against Guimarães on Madeira.

‘Chapéu da Esperança’ [Hat of Hope] delivers donation of €5,000 to charitable institutions. I have no time to read the article this morning due to a rare foray into Funchal, but I hope that this annual fund raising event managed more than €5,000, with all the effort put in. It must cost so much more than €5k just to organise. It all seems a waste of effort when you compare with the €45 million of taxpayers money given to Marítimo to redevelop its stadium. And yes I am getting repetitive.

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. 

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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. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.

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 Photo : Thanks to Vic … a Caniço sunset

"Funchal on the Portuguese Island of Madeira is the site for Vitor Sa vs Kiatchai Singwancha January 14 with the TWBA super middleweight title at stake. This could be the first ever professional boxing match there". BOXING NEWS You heard it here first! Funny name that, Vitor Sa, as that is the same name as the Madeira rally driver and son of Jorge Sã, owner of the Hiper Sã supermarket chain here.

Don’s website has a new video showing Funchal at Christmas. It’s about 10 minutes long. XMAS ON MADEIRA Lets hope it gets us a few extra tourists for the festive season, as  I think we need them.

Tour operator Holiday Options has shut down after entering administration. The company, which specialised in holidays to destinations such as Croatia, Corsica, Sicily, Cape Verde, Madeira and the Azores, shut down on Tuesday after 16 years in operation. A spokesman for the company said no passengers had been left stranded and all forward bookings, thought to been around 1,100, would be taken over by Cambridge-based Light Blue Travel.

Many thanks to Elaine for this huge contribution from yesterday’s news :

Return of Marcelino Andrade shakes HCF. More turmoil at the hospital between the staff and the managers of the health service (SESARAM). This time it is related to the return of Marcelino Andrade to the hospital. For five years he was the president of Santo António, after a friendly invitation by president Jardim. In the recent elections, the PSD selected another president and he is free to return to the health service. The turmoil is due to the rumour among staff that he is to be employed on the Board of Directors of SESARAM. Some Directors of Services would resign if that happened and there was to be a protest mass resignation which was cancelled by SMS last night. The opposition is based on credibility and technical issues. Andrade explained that he wishes to return to working in the orthopaedic services. SESARAM said they will keep the present Board of Directors and such rumours are designed to destabilize the services.

Bio Madeira week in the Largo da Restauração. In the region, 5% of agricultural land is devoted to organic farming and is increasing. The week is to "sensitize the community to the economic, social and environmental aspects of organic farming." Bio Week runs from the 23 – 29 November. Initiatives will also occur around the island. In 2008, there were 240 tons produced and an additional 130 tons of bananas. The theme of the week this year is ‘Growing Sustainably’. There have already been training initiatives held in people’s homes, schools, town halls and hotels involving about 9,000 people spread between farmers, students, teachers, parents and the general public. The activities next week will include an organic food fair, culinary demonstrations by hotel chefs, presentation of books for children and adults about the various perspectives of organic agriculture, and theatrical and musical competitions for children, promoted by the schools. On the 29th at Jardim da Serra, endemic species will be planted to offset carbon dioxide emissions. Full program on the website: www.sra.pt

Presidency rejects blame for the transfer requests by the police officers. The Government rejected accusations that Jardim’s comments are the cause of the requests for transfers out of the region. The statement clarifies that the people responsible for what happened are the current command and not the officers and agents. The statement also refers to the Madeiran police officers on the continent who have been unsuccessful with transfer requests to the region.

Exercise in Rabaçal involves more than one hundred people and various media. Exercise ‘Missing 09′ begins early tomorrow morning. The training exercise in Rabaçal will be coordinated by the Regional Service for Civil Protection and involve the armed forces. Two different scenarios; the disappearance of a group of 15 tourists in the area and an accident involving a passenger bus in the section towards the Casa do Rabaçal. There will be observers from the National Authority for Civil Protection, National Institute of Emergency Medicine and observers from the Azores and the Canary Islands.

Waiting 13 years for an asphalt road in Santa Cruz. ‘Impassable’ is the adjective used to describe Caminho da Fonte which is used every day by 30 people. This road is about a kilometre long and is in the rural ‘zonas altas’ of Santa Cruz. The area is believed by many to belong to the ‘Madeira Velha’, even though it is a five minute road journey into the centre of Santa Cruz. The road was originally only a short path then 13 years ago, it was widened to facilitate access to houses and agricultural land. For the past 13 years, every mayor has promised to asphalt it. There is a beautiful view over the bay and city of Santa Cruz. As the road is not asphalted, the land is purchased at a price lower than the normal market value, so in recent years there have been several new houses built there. They are licensed and have water and electricity services connected. A petition was delivered to the council in 2005 and another with 300 signatures three years later. The poor state of the road causes damage to vehicles and prevents access to agricultural land, as lamented by a 73 year old man who cultivates sweet potato, onions, beans and some fruit trees such as papaya and tangerine. The municipality said they would make it "passable in the meantime" while searching for an inexpensive solution.

Câmara de Lobos unable to close cow farm. The farm in Vereda da Ribeira da Caixa remains active as sanitary rules have been met, despite previous pollution into a stream and the Praia do Vigário. There are now a few dozen cows and bulls in poor living conditions in a shed with a corrugated iron roof. The people living locally complain about the smell and noise at night. There have been disputes with the farmer and staff which involved the police at one stage. The local mayor admits that the situation is not pleasing to the neighbourhood but he has no power to license or cease operations.

Court annuls trial. The Court of Appeal in Lisbon annulled the judgement of the Court in Funchal which sentenced a 31 year old mother to 16 years in prison for murdering her daughter with poisoned biscuits and juice when institutionalized at the Cecilia Zino Foundation. It was alleged to be ‘an act of selfishness’, ‘cold and ruthless’ and not ‘true love’ although the defence argued it was due to mental incapacity. The original trial was in November 2007, and in response to new evidence about the defendant’s liability, the Court of Appeal in November 2008 requested a new trial. The woman was interned at the Casa da Saúde Câmara Pestana but failed to abide by the rules so was sent to prison, where she is at present. The two psychiatrists are arguing that she suffers from a mental illness caused by previous relationship problems, preventing her from discerning good from evil and that you cannot fake a mental illness when you only try to kill your children when mentally disturbed. Their evidence is "strong and credible enough to raise serious doubts about the liability of the defendant."

Banana growers versus GESBA. Another allegation and counter-allegation saga, this time the banana producers versus the management board GESBA. The growers have a petition challenging the action of the management, but GESBA give an assurance that the sector is "calm". The management said that in October there occurred an exceptional situation due to climatic conditions, when the production levels were equivalent to those in August, when the production is higher. This, coupled with the fact that it rained some days, meant that there was some delay in cutting the banana. When it was dry enough to use the machinery, they normalized the situation. The management explained that of the 2,800 producers, only a relatively few had complaints. They say their essential role is to manage the collection and distribution of the larger quantity of fruit produced in the summer and the lower amounts during winter months.

Tivoli Madeira celebrates 10 years. Jardim highlighted the good quality Tivoli hotels, the excellence of service, particularly with regard to the five-star hotel in Funchal which yesterday marked 10 years of activity. There was a cocktail event for travel agents, tour operators and local hotel managers. —-Thought you’d enjoy the photo, has Jardim any liver left?

Praia Formosa without sand and Toco waits. Both projects suspended. The document first presented to the public in 2004, for the period 2007/2011 stated, ‘Improvement of the entire seafront of Praia Formosa and leisure areas, contracting a study for the installation of an artificial beach and its construction, if technically and financially possible.’ Another project in the ‘banho-maria’ is Toco. The Government and the CMF are considering pursuing a public-private partnership to overcome legal impediments encountered. If this is legally possible, then interested private parties will have to be found.

‘Caso da mala’. ‘Case of the suitcase’. The defendants in this trial in Lisbon are António Preto, Jorge Silverio and Sobral de Sousa. António Preto is a PSD member suspended from the Assembly of the Republic, accused of tax evasion. Silverio and Sobral de Sousa were on the Board of the property firm Serbro. Sebro attempted to avoid paying 347,000 Euros IRC claiming wrong address. Instead of ‘Rua do Castanheiro nos 1 a 3, 8 – Funchal ‘ the tax offices used the address ‘Rua do Castanheiro nos 1 a 38′ and the claim is that the postman attempted to deliver a registered letter to the wrong address. The Court of Funchal have not yet decided on this case but if they decide to cancel the debt, it will weaken the prosecution’s ‘caso da mala’. António Preto was a lawyer to companies of Virgilio Sobral de Sousa. Sobral de Sousa was a PS councillor in Amadora. He was a partner of a firm accused of fraud in the issue of driving licences, selling ‘packages’ to candidates in Madeira who went to the continent, with accommodation, for a guaranteed licence, for 4,000 Euros. During the investigation, telephone conversations were recorded between Preto and the leader of the PSD-Lisbon, detailing delivery of 39,956 Euros packed in suitcases to pay for his campaign. During this investigation in 2002, Preto was caught receiving a suitcase containing 25,000 Euros. This opened a second criminal proceedings and in 2005, Preto was accused of tax fraud and document forgery with suspicions of corruption. During a famous eavesdropping phone call, Preto was heard to say to Sobral de Sousa, "I’m here to receive money, pal, as I have never seen in my life." Corrupt lawyers … whatever next … you’ll be telling me next Elaine that there are corrupt politicians as well … well I’ll be darned Preto is both … why bother with a trial! Der

Air disaster occurred 32 years ago on the 19 November 1977. The Diário has a video interview with one of the survivors of the disaster when the flight TP425, a Boeing 727-200, plunged into the sea at Santa Catarina Airport with 164 people on board. The biggest disaster in the history of TAP caused 131 deaths. There were 33 survivors.

Madeira classified as a destination of excellence. The World Tourism Organization has an institute, the CED, which has distinguished Madeira in 13 of the 15 parameters under evaluation for classification as a tourism destination of excellence. In all 15 parameters, the performance was above average. Six had a level of excellence, 6 a level of high performance and 3 had reached average.

Police rescued a Madeiran trader kidnapped in Caracas for a week.  The 41 year old was riding a motorcycle in Caracas when he was forced into a vehicle by armed men and kept in captivity for a ransom of about 160,000 Euros. The ransom demand was made to his wife. On rescuing him, three men were killed who the police claimed were the kidnappers but in a radio program, a woman claimed one of them was her son. The suspects are thought to have been involved in 28 kidnapping cases.

Man attempts to rob a man leaving a pharmacy. In Nazaré yesterday morning, a man was leaving a pharmacy after collecting prescribed medications. A thief attempted to grab the bag of drugs but because he was ill, he just went away with the handles of the bag in his hand. There is a climate of insecurity in the area.

From today’s Diário newspaper front page :

Members of the Madeira government put relatives at the top of the vaccine waiting list – In the Health Centre of Santo António they say that the orders come from above. It was through this that at least vice president Cunha e Silva and his family were there for their vaccinations. Also there are doctors putting their children and friends at the front of the queue before they set off for holidays abroad. That’s today’s main news headline, but why? Did anyone really expect any different in the race for a limited supply of Gripe A swine flu medication. And this story is just the cases that have been discovered. The story already has 7 readers comments, and nothing very complementary I can assure you. Clear guidelines have been issued as to who the ‘at risk’ groups are and the priorities for administering the vaccine, but who would ever stop to think that by jumping the queue because you know somebody important, that a real ‘at risk’ person will be leapfrogged and maybe have to go without. Just human nature I suppose. No doubt Uncle Bertie has issued secret order for foreigners like me to be left until last, which of course would be totally expected, and I am certainly not complaining, as I still have adequate supplies of © Toranja Poncha ©.

Portugal may be top-of-the list – FIFA updates it’s rankings today and  decides the ‘pots’ on day 2. So having scraped through with a string of close but favourable results, the desire is now that Portuguese football team gets seeded and avoids any particularly difficult games in the group stages of the actual 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Santos Costa had a construction company when he was already regional secretary – The leader was a partner, with relatives, of a company of construction consultancy. But he says he has already left the company. The company offered services in the areas that Costa himself works, particularly in construction, promotion and marketing of real estate, tourism, hotel hospitality, and consultancy. Costa himself and his wife both held 40% of the shares, and the two children 10% each. The firm was created in April 2007, with a starting capital of just €5,000. In December 2008, company assets were stated as being around €300,000. Politicians in construction consultancy … stinks of a conflict of interest, especially for one that holds the very senior post of Regional Secretary responsible for ‘social assets’. But it is not illegal! It seems that now the company belongs just to the wife and two sons, which makes me feel so much better. It’s only just after midday as I write this, and the article already has 13 readers responses on the Diário website., and I have read them all and found nothing but scorn and contempt for Costa. 

Why is it I feel guilty hogging all the top stories of the day? … I will leave these other two in case someone else wants a go …

Traffic continues in chaos around the schools – One of the reasons is the fact that only one quarter of the children take the bus to school. The winner is pollution.

Theatre celebrates 20 years of inclusive art.

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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.

(more…)

TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Vic … The inbound flight from Caracas, Venezuela

I have never seen this website before, but it has some nice photos to which it seems you can add your own FOTOPEDIA

I was reading a website yesterday about property prices, that claimed that Madeira property prices "survived the downturn relatively unscathed and is (are) already looking at some growth now things are recovering". It also says that "Madeira offers a unique opportunity to buy property in the safety of an established property market, amidst the climate, growth potential and low living costs of an African nation". What absolute BS. I won’t even put a link to the article on the site as I usually do. Whether that is a foreigners perspective of the property market here, or just marketing BS I don’t know, but anyone considering buying here should be aware that the island economy and property market is still in recession. As for an African nation cost of living, generally speaking, that would explain the starvation, poverty and poor health suffered by many in Africa if they have to  pay Madeiran prices with African wages (I am of course referring to the underdeveloped parts of Africa).

"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". According to the article they have a dog cooking the restaurant specialities, and I wondered if they are also serving any Korean dishes to the "Locals (who) have also discovered this gem". Bit out of my price range I suspect, and I certainly suspect its prices put it out of the reach of the vast vast majority of the local population. FROG LEGS A LA WOOF

Trindade reappointed as Secretary of State for Tourism – Socrates rewards work done in the last mandate. Prime Minister José Sócrates will bring in Madeira’s Bernardo Trindade as Secretary of State for Tourism. The Daily News of Lisbon says that the reappointment is the recognition of work done during the last legislative term. Trinidade currently occupies his place in the National Assembly as a deputy elected by the PS-M socialists in September, and will be replaced next week by Miguel França, number two on the election list submitted by the PS-M. The ‘swearing in’ of Secretaries of State is scheduled for next Saturday. That can only be good news for Madeira, it’s just a great pity that president Jardim gives the impression that he hates his guts. Welcome back Bernie-the-Bolt.

Many thanks to Elaine for this huge news contribution from yesterday :

Road construction in São Vicente begins with the police and a shot in the air. There was no official notification by the municipality that the construction of the road  between Feiteiras and Levada do Poio in Sao Vicente would begin. Confusion started at 14.30 when Jose Mendes was informed that his land was being "invaded by strangers". He went to the land but was too late as the bulldozer had already started and he has lodged an injunction for an immediate halt. He heard a shot but does not know who fired the bullet. The construction workers gave an alternative story, that they were warned via their mobile phones that locals were heading their way. This was collaborated by locals who said the owner of the land, enraged, left his car and was in possession of a firearm. João José Mendes says he does not know who the contractor is as there are no identifying signs. The council, annoyed, later tried to contact the president and executive of the services department but everybody was in a meeting. There was criticism about the time the police took to respond and it is for the bulldozer driver to decide whether to make a complaint against the person who fired the shot. The Diário could not get a reply from the mayor of the council, Humberto Vasconcelos.

Government is considering privatizing the Professional School of Hospitality and Tourism. Of the 4.5 million Euros a year, €2.5 million are for staff costs and €1.8 million for goods and services. The Department of Education and Culture is considering a public tender for privatization as many firms provide similar qualifications at less cost. The school has 460 students, 318 in residence and 50 staff. It was founded in 1967 and became under the Regional Educational Department in 1983 and a new building inaugurated in 1997. The building contains a 4 star hotel with 20 rooms for training purposes, and the qualifications are recognized by local businesses.

Controversy over Portugal’s new Government legalizing same-sex ‘marriages’. The Catholic Church and some people representing Madeira in Parliament disagree with the new law, especially as it is to be a priority when they think there are other more pressing concerns, e.g. economic difficulties. Regarding the possibility of a referendum, a representative of the Diocese of Funchal said, "If it is tabled in Parliament, it will be presented many times until they approve." The legislation was proposed by the BE (Left Block) on grounds of non-discrimination and freedom. The Socialist Party said it would be debated at the ‘"appropriate time", especially as the Socialist Government in Portugal has a relative majority, which means dialogue. The CDS-PP think a legal safeguard of rights is needed but not the term ‘marriage’. The Social Democrats think prioritizing it is "scandalous" and "an insult" when the "country is in crisis" and that the term ‘marriage’ is inappropriate in a secular society.

Collision at Quinta Grande damaged two parked cars. A car damaged two vans at dawn, about 04.15 on the 15th October and did not stop. Surveillance video (shown) has been released and it is thought to be a metallic grey Polo. The police and owners are appealing for information.

Nurses unhappy. Regarding the recent changes in management and the way nurses are not consulted about changes, a petition is circulating the health service. They worry that what has happened with doctors (sudden dismissal via phone) and now with nurses will spread to other health professionals. A meeting of the Union of Nurses representatives with the Regional Secretary for Social Affairs is set for October 30th, when career changes will also be discussed. —- Usual internal politics and management making all the decisions. More strikes?

An "environmental attack" in the construction of the promenade in the zone of Soccoridos.  The Municipal Council of Funchal have complained about the amount of gravel put down, needed for construction machines, which they think will wash into the sea and cause pollution. They say the level is higher than the contractor SMD originally stated and have sent a report to the Regional Department of the Environment and Maritime Police.

Collision between three cars and a motorcycle. No casualties but damage to the vehicles. It occurred at rush hour yesterday afternoon at the entrance to the Funchal – Machico expressway at Santo António and a 15 km queue formed.

The post of the Representative of the Republic is in jeopardy. Monteiro Diniz is the Representative, and a lawyer and has made comments about legalities of some actions of the Regional Government, in the newspaper Expresso. After such comments and his distance from the present Regional Government, the PSD-M and Jardim now want to end his position. His comments about the legality of the removal of the Socialist  Victor Freitas from the Legislative Assembly have not helped. (It depends on which parts of two conflicting laws you apply). Victor Freitas said, "What happens in the Legislative Assembly of Madeira is that democracy is suspended, the PSD does what it wants, does not comply with the Constitution or the Regulations of the Region." He said that the rules were subverted illegally, "This must be one of the worst situations that has attended the Regional Assembly." Diniz is not commenting publically, responding to Jardim’s letter in private, which accused him and the Portuguese Government of outrageous colonial imposition and dividing the people of Madeira.

Cunha e Silva meets with Barroso and urges his support for the region. The Vice President of the Region presented Barroso with an 80-page memorandum highlighting the importance of maintaining European Union support for the production of tradable goods, agricultural production, fisheries, energy, tourism and transport. "I tried to raise with the President of the European Commission the need to simplify the procedures and rules of access to funds."  The other Presidents of the Autonomous Regions at the meeting in Brussels were also optimistic about  Barroso’s support as he is knowledgeable about the issues surrounding the Portuguese autonomous regions. I know what I would do with an 80 page memorandum, and it wouldn’t involve any reading. As for simplifying the access to European funding Cunha e Silva must be joking. The rules are there to make sure European taxpayers money is allocated fairly and properly where most needed, and with Madeira’s record in bogus applications for funds and misusing them, the EU should make Madeira a special case and tighten the rules even more. Der

Jardim just wants justice. In the official reception to the Committee on Regional Development of the European Parliament, Jardim also re-iterated the need for continuity of funding, especially in the transport sector and specific legislation for the Free Zone. "We do not want privileges, we just want justice. We have reached a good level of development, but we need continuity. Just because the GDP has reached a high level, it does not mean that we do not need more." In response, the Greek delegation member praised the projects they had visited and saw their positive impact on the development of the island, although he had some reservations about the future allotment of funds. The airport, wind farm and water distribution network were seen to be good implementation of EU funds. —- They are worried as Madeira has exceeded 75% of GDP (gross domestic product) per capita of the EU average. This means it is no longer eligible for continuation of the present EU support after 2014. The Free Zone ends in 2011 (tax haven).

Easyjet carried 25% more passengers than expected on the Lisbon – Funchal route. In October 2008, they predicted 152,000 in the first year but flew 190,000 people. An average of 16,000 a month and an occupancy rate of 86%. It is in the second position in numbers of passengers flown via Madeira Airport, increasing its market quota from 7.5% to 13.4%.

Madeira invited to join Medicruise, the largest association of Mediterranean cruise ports. Formal entry will be at the 35th General Assembly in Monaco. This is important for the growth of the industry in Madeira and as a seasonal tourist destination. The 72  most important ports of the Mediterranean and surrounding areas are in the organization. Madeira joining will help maintain the sustainable growth of the cruise ships and passenger port, and break the summer seasonality. It will help promotion, and influencing regulation and monitoring by the European Council. Lisbon, Portimão and the Azores are already members.

Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport wants subsidies to residents for travel between the autonomous regions and the continent. Wants the new Government of the Republic to give a more fairer subsidy to people travelling by either air or boat. Also need to resolve issues about maintaining the investments in the fishing port at Caniçal and Madeira Airport.

Santa Cruz Council wants more police in Nogueira. The council is assessing the situation and has spoken to the Regional Command of the PSP, especially after the attack on a fireman. Want to be able to resolve issues before violence occurs. The mayor did not deny a drug trafficking problem and gang fights, but also spoke of the work done by the Community Centre and that it is generally a good neighbourhood with some situations arising giving it a bad image. —- No motive for the attack on the fireman given. I do not know if the police have any information about who was involved.

More about the Gerontology Plan. The idea is to promote autonomy and independence to keep people in their own homes, rather than residential care. Admits there is not enough resources and this is only the beginning. One major part of the plan is to make health care more easily accessible through the regional health centres by determining present limitations. Early diagnosis of elderly-related illnesses and health education about them, and priority treatment for chronic illnesses to prevent future complications. Opportunities for both paid and unpaid voluntary work. The elderly will have a right to choice in the context of the end of life. There will also be creation of legal representation for the elderly, and a hotline in case of abuse. More social facilities and the re-structuring of help services. There will be community-based care and informal carers will be trained and regulated by law, at present there are 72. Small local residential units will be created and support networks developed for dementia and dependence.

Anyone recognise this from 16 years ago, exactly to the day?

Eight people died as a result of the floods of 29th October 1993.

Mud, debris, and rubble ‘todo o lado’. Heavy rains made rivers overflow, and eight people were carried away by the force of the waters.

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