Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Pete …  Pitcher plant photo taken at Grandiffora garden centre.

Many thanks to Becky for this video and web snippets :

Pastéis de Nata recipe…  well, you’re going to need something sweet after that fish…

A poem called ‘Madeira from the Sea’ by Sara Teasdale (1884-1933 Missouri, United States)

Pete sent in this video that he found on Don’s blog … thank you both.

Elaine (East) emailed : "Madeira Tourism March e-mail has finally arrived. Only 2 events in March and both are sports and held in Porto Santo, so mainly April activities". Many thanks Elaine.

Madeira Island Open, 8 – 11 April. The Madeira Islands will be hosting the Madeira Island Open 2010 golf tournament from 8 to 11 April, which is part of the main PGA European Tour and is set to take place for the second time at Porto Santo Golf Course. This tournament on the European calendar brings together some of the sport’s finest practitioners each year to contend for victory hole by hole. Under tour rules, the top seventy players after the first two days of play contest the last two days of the tournament. The conditions at Porto Santo Golf Course have never been better, which will certainly contribute towards the success of this event. Golf brochures on the WEBSITE

International Film Festival, 10 – 17 April. This year the Madeira Island’s 5th International Film Festival will include debates, street entertainment, guided tours and parties at night. The event is supported by the Regional Secretariat of Tourism and Transport / Official Tourism Board and will form part of the Annual Calendar of Tourist Entertainment. The film festival is an annual event, highlighting the art of cinema on the Madeira Islands. The programme revolves around an international short and feature film competition, all showing for the first time in Portugal and presided over by an international jury. Those responsible for the films will be there to present their work and take part in this celebration of cinema. The programme will also feature the Panorama informative section, a reflection of current world cinema; a retrospective dedicated to a filmmaker or a country; the "AnimArte" section especially for younger viewers, and various tributes. The presence of celebrities from the world of cinema adds credibility to the festival and increases the international profile of the event. This year the Career Award will be dedicated to the actress Geraldine Chaplin, daughter of one of the greatest figures in the history of cinema and granddaughter of the playwright Eugene O’Neill, as well as the actor Michael York, who shot to fame after appearing with Liza Minelli in the film Cabaret. Information on the official film festival WEBSITE

Flower Festival, 15 – 18 April. Celebrating spring and the wealth of flora it brings us every year, the city of Funchal is once again the stage for this sumptuous spectacle that will please both the eyes and nose. The theme for this year’s Flower Festival, set to take place between 15 and 18 April, is "Earth", tying in with the celebrations for the International Year of Biodiversity. The festivities begin on Thursday 15 April with the opening of the Flower Market in the Central Square of Avenida Arriaga, the Flower Exhibition at Largo da Restauração and the construction of delicate floral carpets along the main streets of Funchal. On Saturday morning, thousands of youngsters will take part in the Children’s Parade, each carrying a flower to place in a mural known as the "Wall of Hope", located in Praça do Município. Doves will be released to mark the end of the wall’s construction and there will also be a show for the children. Sunday brings another dazzling event: the Grand Flower Parade. Hundreds of flower-themed floats and characters will make their way through the city in lavish style to the sound of music in keeping with the Festival, displaying arrangements of many different species of flower typical to the island and leaving soft and ephemeral perfumes in their wake. Program 2010

New Air Links. The Madeira Archipelago will be serviced by new air links this year from various European cities, breathing extra life into the tourism sector and improving air accessibility to this destination. In mid February, the tour operator Atlantic Holidays announced a charter service between London and Porto Santo that will operate during two different periods: from 31 May to 19 July and from 6 September to 25 October. This will be the second time that this operator establishes a direct charter link from the United Kingdom to Porto Santo. Similarly, on 21 February Finnish operators began five new charter flights between Finland and the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The English airline Jet2.com has announced a new direct connection every Monday between Manchester and Madeira, beginning 3 May. The establishment of this connection by the British company is a consequence of the increased demand for the Madeira Islands in this market.

Many thanks also to Elaine (East) for these web snippets :

By a Holistic Psychologist/Health Therapist (?) and Der’s favourite ‘job’, Life Coach. "Madeira clean up puts the world to shame! Ladies and Gentleman, if I ever had any doubts that I was living in the wrong place, let me tell you that over the last week and a half those doubts have been completely erased. Madeira may be a small island but heck, when it comes to getting its ass into gear, (excuse the expression) by God, it surely shifts it … " MORE

Will she be back?  "Madeira floods. The news from Madeira lately has been shocking, but maybe not so surprising. Given the way the island was deforested shortly after it was discovered, the Maderenese have been paying for it ever since. Friable volcanic rock and steep unstable slopes in a semi-tropical oceanic position, flash floods like this appear to be a seasonal occurrence, although in most years these floods, although devastating, are fairly localised and small scale in their effects. I saw many landslips whilst walking on the Levadas last November, and they were all being fixed by the resident workforce the Levaredos within hours of being reported. This time it is’nt going to be so easy to sort things out …" SOMETHING FAMILIAR THERE? Also sent in by Becky, thanks anyway.

Many thanks to Anna for writing in yesterday … (for tomorrow, please read Friday (today)).

"RTP Madeira had an interview with Feliz which was broadcast last night (Wednesday), and probably shown again this morning. Looks like he was wearing his Nike trainers! It really brings home how devastating the floods were when you focus on one particular case. He has gone back to school/college where it appears he is taking a multimedia course, Good luck to him. They flashed up bank details for donations.

My kids are doing a sponsored walk tomorrow (FRIDAY) with their school, walking round Santa Catarina park, all money going to the flood fund. People outside of Madeira can donate as a webpage has been set up on Justgiving.com there is a video and a short piece explaining what happened in Madeira and what the school is planning to do. I know there are rules on your blog (and rightly so) re websites but if you can post the weblink there may be some people who read the blog who may wish to donate something. So far donations have come from Europe, Caribbean, Russia and South Africa If you want to take a look and see if you are happy to put it on your site here is the link. Thanks LINK

It takes a little time and obviously easier to just buy but I wonder if anyone is interested in making their own bolo do caco? we found a recipe on line and tried it out and it works! we think the recipe needs a little fine tuning but it is fun to do and great for kids to "help" with! will send recipe". Many thanks Anna … does it contain sweet potato, as I don’t think I have ever actually tried the genuine version, and not even seen it on sale anywhere. Der 

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

DIÁRIO 11/03/2010

MADEIRA

Estradas da Madeira accused of destroying a vineyard. A farmer complained that the company Estradas da Madeira and the rocheiros have thrown rocks onto his portion of 3,000 square metres of grapevines used in the manufacture of verdelho wines. The damage has lost two years of work and caused heavy financial losses. 3,000 Euros spent on this community project have been lost. Several landslides hit the access road to Arco de São Jorge on February 20th. Witnesses claim the cleaning machines are responsible for the rocks on his land. The Secretariat of the Environment has advised him to make a formal complaint at the police station. Estradas da Madeira said human lives come first and cleaning was a necessity, but they will investigate when they have details of the claim.

Marote denies favours to the Union and his son. In the continuation of the Marote Case in court, Rui Marote, a former vice-president of Funchal Council, said he did not abuse his position to promote Clube de Futebol União (CFU) or the company ‘Placar Vertical’  – of which his son is a partner. In 2002, Rui Marote was responsible for sport and finances. He decided, without consulting any other councillors, to spend 101.962.09 Euros to pay for sports equipment for the Union and lesser amounts went to the Club Sport Marítimo and the Associação de Futebol da Madeira. Without public tender, (illegal), equipment was purchased from ‘Placar Vertical’ at a cost of 24,036.07 Euros but the council was billed for 101,962.09 Euros, through 51 separate invoices. The equipment never entered the warehouse or supply division of the council. His defence was that the purchase of the equipment was the result of a meeting between three leaders of the Union and his son. The equipment was justified as it benefited the EU, other clubs like Nacional and Marítimo, and the policy of promoting sport was an electoral promise. The judge questioned whether support for sport should have been a priority at a time when the council was technically bankrupt. Marote said he had no knowledge that ‘Placar Vertical’ was involved until later on, and had never suggested they should be a supplier to the council.

One week, two large landslides. Jardineiros and Pauleiros are angry that they do not know what to do to gain the attention of the ‘deaf ears’ of the government. This was until the Mayor of Calheta suggested in an interview for TSF-Madeira, that the construction of a tunnel would provide an alternative access route to Jardim do Mar. Residents have petitioned for a more secure access to Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar but without any results. Within the last week there have been two large rockfalls onto the present road and the last one occurred around 00.45 this morning, near the exit of the tunnel that links Paul do Mar. It blocked the road, preventing children from attending schools at Calheta. There is a history of landslides, especially after heavy rainfall giving rise to new water channels in the escarpment. An option for the residents is to use the route Paul do Mar/Fajã da Ovelha.

Macau sends aid to Madeira. 30,000 Euros donated to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Funchal (charity). This has been deposited in the fund created by the União das Misericórdias Portuguesas (UMP).

Analysis proves water quality. In 15 different areas of Funchal, samples of drinking water have been sent for microbiological analysis to ensure that the water is fit for consumption. IASAÚDE – part of the health service – published the results yesterday afternoon on their website, certifying that the water can be safely consumed. Dozens of people have used the emergency service of the hospital with gastrointestinal complaints, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, but these are not related to the recent storm affecting the water supply network. A viral infection is responsible, often occurring at this time of year, and is currently affecting other countries such as England and Sweden. The President of IASAÚDE said it is possible that some of the viral gastroenteritis diagnosed in the region could have been caused by viruses ‘imported’ by visitors.

Survivor of Pomar da Rocha has his own solidarity fund. José Feliz Abreu is the only survivor of a family of eight, victims of landslides in Pomar da Rocha in Ribeira Brava, during the storm of February 20th. He is 19 years old and after two weeks in hospital, he has now returned to Ribeira Brava. He has had some fingers of his right hand amputated, hampering his return to work at a petrol filling station and restaurant. The local school and friends have started a fund to help him start a new life. Contributions to: BANIF, NIB 0038 0000 3867502177117. — Alternatively, contribute to Der’s fund for him. No please, if you can, send any help direct to Feliz. Thanks Der

LATEST NEWS

Opposition wanted the suspension of the work at Barreiros. The opposition parties wanted the immediate suspension of work on the Estádio dos Barreiros and instead, the 31 million Euros should go towards the recovery of Madeira. At issue was the discussion of a protest vote by the BE against money being wasted on a football stadium. All opposition parties supported the vote although some parties saw the necessity of a new stadium for Marítimo. The PSD rejected the vote, arguing that it was not a capital expenditure of 31 million Euros, but an endorsement for 15 years. They also argued that it will create jobs and generate tax revenue.

European Parliament adopts resolution on disaster. Joint Committee to be established. 5% repayment of IRS to councils. Members of the European Parliament approved a resolution on the effects of the storm of February 20th, expressing the need for assistance to the region for economic and social development. The voting was 474 in favour, 7 against and 50 abstentions. All Portuguese MEPs supported the document. The resolution calls for the mobilization of the Solidarity Fund and a review of regional programs funded by the EU. The document called for the rapid deployment of the maximum amount from the Solidarity Fund. José Sócrates has signed the order creating a Joint Committee to determine the damage and cost of the reconstruction of Madeira. After the survey, the Special Law of Finances for Autonomous Regions will be created  for the next three years. The Government wants to present in April to the national parliament the amount of solidarity money the State wants to transfer to Madeira. The Joint Committee’s work is essential as regards the engagement of external aid, such as the EU Solidarity Fund. Parliament has approved the proposal to re-enter in the State Budget the transfer of 5% of IRS revenue to the councils of Madeira and the Azores, and payment of arrears. Votes in favour by the PSD, PCP, BE, CDS-PP and socialist deputies. Teixeira dos Santos (Minister of Finance) was against this proposal as the councils on the Continent automatically receive 5% of IRS revenue, so the autonomous regions would get 100% of revenue and the State only receives 95%. Arrears amount to 5,671,839 Euros for the Azores and 8,085,960 Euros for Madeira.

Travel Agents complain of serious consequences of the strike by pilots. The six day strike by the Union of Civil Aviation Pilots is from the 26 – 31 March. According to the Portuguese Association of Travel Agents, this will cause serious problems for tourists that travel for the Easter holiday. It will affect scheduled flights, including those to Madeira. Alternatively, the Union of Civil Aviation Pilots says the strike by TAP pilots will not affect Madeira, as the operation to and from Madeira will be maintained, since it is considered urgent that the normal activity of tourism returns after the effects of February 20th.

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

Jardim goes to the  convention but doesn’t commit himself – Critic of the situation of the three candidates and then attempting to launch Marcelo, the leader of the Social Democrat Party of Madeira delays his declaration of support to the national party leadership. President Jardim seems to be on the side of Paulo Rangel in the leadership race of the PSD, but the Europe MP will have to wait and see if Jardim publically declares himself in that direction. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is the ideal candidate for the leader of Madeira, but he will not get the vote of Jardim because he is a ‘no hoper’.

Music festivals on the account of Europe – DRAC without funds for the major annual events. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) must now rely on a share of European funds for organizing its annual cultural festivals, under the program INTERVENE +. The Music Festival of Madeira, the Festival of Traditional Music ‘Atlantic Roots’, the Regional Meeting of the Philharmonic Bands in Ribeira Brava, and a new Organ Festival to be held in October should all proceed with 80% of the funding provided through Europe.

Today’s main news headline : Regional Government stopping its support for the cost of insularity – Madeiran civil service workers receive this month the final subsidy of 2%. Starting next year, the value will be fixed according to the rate of inflation, that doesn’t guarantee the current insularity subsidy.

Families of the eight disappeared give up hope – Twenty days after the tragedy, the families cannot even mourn for those who were taken by the storm. "Without face, without trace", 20 days on there are still 8 missing people from Funchal, Ribeira Brava, and Curral das Freiras. These are families who can not mourn for their loved ones that have not appeared. They do not want a ‘presumed death’ to prevail over the right to a dignified funeral.

Machico dumps inerts [flood deposits] on the beach at São Roque.

Durão Barroso visits Madeira to "express solidarity" and ensure support – The President of the European Commission travels this morning to the locations most affected by the storm.

The main sports / football headline today : Draws in the Europa League generate disappointment in the Luz [Benfica camp] and hope for Alvalade [Sporting camp] – Marseilles tied with Benfica right at the end, Sporting held Athletic Madrid with a player less for an hour.

Cristiano Ronaldo may arrive today for the funeral of his cousin.

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 other material.

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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 – Many thanks to Becky … "Can anyone help and tell me what plant this is Looks like a Sweet Pea but I have never seen one with a curl in the middle before?".

This video has only just been posted on YouTube, but is the only one I have seen that captures the moment (well almost) when the bridge got badly damaged, with both walls swept away, and a wave of mud then swept into town. As for the second event, that damaged the bridge structurally, I have yet to find even a photograph yet of the tanker lorry that was washed down river from several kilometres away, and whacked into one of the supporting pillars before being torn to pieces. Compulsive but not exactly pleasant viewing! Der.

Nail from time of Christ’s crucifixion found in Madeira. A four-inch long nail thought to be one of thousands used in crucifixions across the Roman empire was discovered in Summer 2009 in a decorated box in a fort on the tiny isle of Ilheu de Pontinha, just off the coast of Madeira. Pontinha was thought to have been held by the Knights Templar, the religious order that was part of the Christian forces which occupied Jerusalem during the Crusades in the 12th century. The knights were part of the plot of Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code. Full article / Source : Daily Telegraph

Image caption: supervisor Dilly Correia Ozard has been in Guernsey for 30 years but still has a lot of family in Madeira

Superstore in Guernsey raises £1,000 for Madeira. Guernsey does its bit for another island in trouble. Sandpiper employs around 20 Madeirans at its Checkers superstore at Admiral Park, Guernsey. HERE

Many thanks to Paul for sending these in, and the following article also.

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Madeira may redirect existing EU funds to re-build infrastructure. ‘EurActiv’ comments that Madeira is already investigating the possibility of redirecting existing EU funds to the worst-hit areas. The island already receives additional regional monies as a peripheral area, and as most of these funds are already earmarked for infrastructure projects, it should be possible to use them for rebuilding bridges, roads and running water systems in the disaster zones.

New Austrian EU Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn will come to Madeira this week and travel to the French coast soon, offering assurances that EU ‘disaster funds’ will be made available to the devastated regions.

- In specific cases The Solidarity Fund can be mobilised even if the threshold is not met. According to the Commission, the Solidarity Fund may only be called upon once a certain threshold has been reached – in Portugal’s case, it is set at €958 million worth of damage. First estimates from the Portuguese authorities show that the damage would exceed this threshold. In specific cases, however, the Fund can be mobilised even if the threshold is not met. The affected areas have 10 weeks to submit an application, though as French EU Minister Pierre Lellouche was quick to point out, the Solidarity Fund cannot be used for damages to private property.

- The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF): background. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), which was set up in 2002, allocates emergency aid to member states and applicant countries which have been struck by a major natural disaster. Its annual budget is €1 billion. Since 2002, the Commission has received 69 applications for financial assistance from the Fund, of which 33 led to the granting of financial support totalling more than €2.15 billion. Catastrophes are considered to be "major” if the estimated direct cost of damage exceeds three billion Euros or 0.6% of gross national income of the member state concerned. Portugal was granted aid from the EUSF in the wake of the forest fires which occurred in the summer of 2003. On that occasion it received €48.5 million.

- Madeira benefits from a reinforced support (additional funding) from Cohesion Policy as it is one of the EU’s seven "outermost regions" with a specific status recognised in the EU Treaty to take into account their specific geographic situation and their insularity. France received €109 million in 2009 when the Landes region was hit by Hurricane Klaus.

- Positions. "Europe is expected to come to the aid of those countries affected by the violent storms this weekend, who must let the European Commission know exactly what they need to get through this disaster so that European solidarity can be as efficient as possible", said French centre-right MEP Joseph Daul yesterday. "If the European Union was effective in Haiti, as it will also, I am sure, be in Chile, its duty is also to work to address the most urgent needs of those Europeans themselves affected by such a violent storm," he added. This article has been written by Paul adapted from the Euractiv article.

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Many thanks to Elaine (East) for these web snippets :

Is this true?  …Pilot whales off Madeira, in the Atlantic, have been known to drag swimmers down to the depths, apparently heedless of their need for air … KILLER WHALE INTERVIEW

Madeira visitor’s blog : FIRST   SECOND

Elaine out West sent this in, from yesterday’s Diário de Notícias … many thanks.

Care still needed with regard to water. Several people have come to the hospital with gastrointestinal complaints. In recent days several people have come to the Emergency Service of Hospital Dr. Nelio Mendonça with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The situation was foreseen by the regional authorities, since, due to the storm of 20 February, the water supply network suffered disruptions, causing the contamination. It was for this reason that, in the first announcements made by the Government to the population, calls were made for water to be boiled before consumption. To reinforce the importance of taking care of the water, the Institute of Health Administration and Social Affairs (IASAÚDE) has created an information pamphlet in which are described and recommended some measures for water treatment. Maurício Melim, president of IASAÚDE, told the DIÁRIO on behalf of the Water Management (GEF) that he has been assured that the water of Funchal is of good quality. However, in areas that were most affected by the storm, such as the uplands of Funchal, as well as in Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, where some problems were identified, there is a continued risk of contamination. "It is better to take preventative measures, which means that water should be boiled for 10 minutes before being consumed,“ he stated. This care should be reinforced in the case of children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, who are usually more fragile, Maurício Melim warned.

How to treat drinking water. Wash salads, fruit or other foods that are consumed raw, and only drink water boiled for at least 10 minutes. If boiling is impossible, added bleach to it on the following scale: one litre of water to two drops of bleach, a gallon of water to ten drops of bleach. The water, whether boiled or treated with bleach, should be stored in a clean container (for example, a bottle with a capacity of five litres) so it can be used more easily. It is not necessary to boil or disinfect water that is intended for cooking food or cleaning teeth.

Nacional played their rescheduled football match against Belenenses yesterday afternoon, after it was postponed on Monday night due to thick fog in Choupana. Our lads managed a 1 – 0 win, ending a poor run of results, and leaving them in equal 6th position in the Portuguese premier league.

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

FRONT PAGE NEWS

People are the high priority. Alberto João Jardim and José Sócrates met for more than two hours yesterday in Lisbon to set a plan for dealing with the damage caused by the disaster that struck Madeira. José Sócrates welcomed a framework of cooperation and presented the three areas that Funchal and Lisbon will work hard on: homeless, economy and reconstruction of public infrastructure. "This operation of great urgency aims to restore living conditions for the homeless." The plan is also to help the recovery of the affected economy and help private enterprises recover their businesses. The Prime Minister also considered it important to recover the destroyed public infrastructure. There will be a joint committee established between both governments which will rigorously examine what can be done in all three areas: what is needed, the work that is needed and its financial cost. In the case of homelessness, new homes will only be supplied to those in need. There were 400 homes damaged by the storm and those that need cleaning, will be cleaned. In terms of businesses, cheques will be distributed to revitalise the economy. There are already credit lines established for traders. From today, there will also be help with paying wages. In the case of infrastructure, international means will be a key pillar for the reconstruction. The priority is the water infrastructure and the coast. The European Investment Bank has approved a loan of 240 million Euros for the reconstruction of public infrastructure, for 75% of the cost. Using the Solidarity Fund is another option. Sócrates says he will resort to all means. Over the next three years, the financial relationship between the two governments will be under a Special Law which will replace the Regional Finance Law for the period of reconstruction. The Regional Finance Law is not affected and will be voted on in March. The Prime Minister said this is because extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures. "It would be pointless if Madeira can only count on the support from the Government resulting from the new Regional Finance Law." Not so long ago, he found increased transfers to the Region were unaffordable and a negative sign but times have changed. The opposition parties all seem pleased and in agreement with this arrangement.

Century-old bridge will disappear. The Mayor of Ribeira Brava believes the century-old bridge at Ribeira Brava, opposite the church, is not recoverable after structural damage during flooding on February 20th. This iconic bridge was once the only access to the southwest coast of the island. The decision to demolish and replace it will not be taken until after further evaluation. The water in the stream underneath pounded and overflowed this bridge until the structure finally gave way and it was partially destroyed. The council have a special telephone help line for those affected by the storm, for help and advice about damage to buildings, belongings and agricultural land.

Trinidade offers to Madeira a Flower Festival campaign. Bernardo Trinidade, the State Secretary for Tourism, has instructed Turismo de Portugal to allow Madeira to enter late proposals for the PIT program, for promoting the Flower Festival to the domestic market. The deadline for submissions was last October but there is still 150,000 Euros in funding available. This exceptional measure is because of downturn in demand in the hotel and regional economy at times of high activity, Easter and the Flower Festival. As well as financial support, the promotional ‘machine’ of Tourismo de Portugal will be available. Yesterday, a delegation of the Portuguese Association of Travel Agents and Tourism and eight journalists visited the region, with the cooperation of TAP. The recovery of Madeira and promoting the Flower Festival to the domestic market were the aims. Madeira is a focus for this association as there is a meeting in Lisbon next week for European tour operators and associations, so this organization will be able to speak about the recovery of this island.

MADEIRA

Population in Achada in despair. About 30 people living in Achada in Curral das Freiras are in despair as there have been no visits to help or assess the damage and support needed, since the tragedy. The criticism is towards the Regional Government, Municipal Council and Parish Council. Although close to the centre of Curral das Freiras, this area is difficult to access and many children missed the beginning of the school week yesterday. There are four other areas difficult to access from the centre. There are still fears of mudslides and landslides in Achada.

Pilot study for Census 2011 transferred to Santana. As there have been many regions of Ribeira Brava affected by the storm on February 20th, the pilot survey for the Census 2011 is now to be carried out in Santana.

ECONOMY

Children fly free on TAP flights. TAP will launch a solidarity campaign with Madeira that provides free tickets for children under 12 years old, accompanied by their parents, flying from the Continent to Madeira. The campaign runs from April 12th to May 31st. There is not a fixed number of seats reserved for this campaign as it will depend on demand but it is assured there will be a considerable number. TAP will also assist journalists and tour operators from the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Russia, so they can evaluate the recovery of the island. Members of the Victoria campaign can donate their air miles which will be converted to funds for the recuperation of Madeira.

Madeirans were stranded on board the Island Escape. A group of Madeirans who made a cruise between the Canary Islands and Madeira on February 15th, had a choice of staying free for another 7 nights or returning by flight. They were due to return on February 22nd but this was cancelled due to security as many streets were being cleaned and restored. Five couples declined the free cruise extension as they were anxious to return. Due to the bad weather, the ship could not stop at Agadir and only stayed at Lanzarote long enough to pick up passengers. Instead, the ship sailed between Tenerife and Las Palmas four times.The option to continue on board for an extra week meant that passengers could visit Agadir and the three Canary Islands before a difficult return journey in rough seas to Funchal.

POLITICS

New mandate of Jardim is not surprising. The confirmation of the continuity of Alberto Jardim as the head of the Regional Government and the PSD after 2011, seems almost a formality. Some of the most influential leaders of the party were not surprised by his statement that he is reconsidering leaving. Miguel Mendonça, president of the Legislative Assembly, has always advocated Jardim remaining in power and says that the reconstruction of Madeira might be a factor in this important decision. He said he is of the same generation as Jardim and is grateful for what he has done and maybe he is "mais albertista". Miguel Sousa, vice-president of the Legislative Assembly, also agrees with this decision, "I thought so in times of peace, much more I believe in times of crisis."

CULTURE

Cultural Agenda of DRAC is outdated. The Cultural Agenda of DRAC for March, published yesterday, does not include changes due to the aftermath of the flood. These are after the flooding of the Municipal Theatre and include the postponement of some plays, exhibitions and concerts. Some other concerts are not guaranteed, for example those by the OCM at the Casino.

Gala raised half a million Euros. The Portuguese pledged 526,000 Euros to help the victims of the flood. The gala event in Lisbon was organized by SIC television channel and was broadcasted live.

Taken from today’s Journal da Madeira.  Best wishes to you all. Waterbaby.

FIRST MODULE OF THE BRIDGE FOR FAJÃ DA RIBEIRA, RIBEIRA BRAVA HAS ARRIVED!

The first of several modules of a bridge for Fajã da Ribeira, Ribeira Brava arrived yesterday at around 18.15 hours, by a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft of the Portuguese Air force. Assembly of the bridge modules will be carried out by army engineers who arrived on the same flight.  This flight also included a Lieutenant-General of the Portuguese Army, Amaral Vieira, who came to learn of the help that the army has provided to the region following the floods.  In a brief interview Lt-General Vieira said ‘I know what the staff of the 3rd Regiment of the Military Zone of Madeira has done, and I want to congratulate them for the excellent work they have carried out’.

Lt-General Vieira stated that the bridge is split into 3 sections prior to final assembly.  The first section arrived yesterday and today two additional flights by C-130 transport aircraft arriving in Madeira at 11.30 and 13.30 hours, whereupon the sections will be transported and assembled on site.  Weather permitting the assembly will take 24 hours to complete, with the bridge being capable of supporting up to 22 tonne loads.

For the return flight to the Mainland, the transport aircraft took aboard 10 elements of firefighters from Lisbon, as well as elements of the Navy (Marines) and equipment such as the large capacity pumps loaned by firefighters and the Port of Lisbon, that were used to empty the basements of some buildings. Many thanks Waterbaby. I can’t find the exact location of this on my very expensive map, or through the internet, but I believe this is the bridge that will open up the road to Serra d’Água again?

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

Madeira is losing anti-storm ‘shield’  – The island is more vulnerable to the bad weather.

The instability continues this Winter.

Hail stones whitened the mountain ranges and arrived in Funchal. 

Today’s main news headline : Damages of €90 million in Ribeira Brava – The initial calculations of the Council don’t include damaged equipment [infrastructure] of the Regional Government within the area of responsibility, such as the roads.

Governments give priority to the European Funds – [president] Jardim and [prime minister] Sócrates seek to minimise expenses in the state budget. Nacional funds will not arrive before May.

Regional Government wants to  re-house the displaced population [through the floods] up until the end of March. 350 people are currently staying in the holding centres. There were 600 people without homes, and 350 still remain in that position, mostly from Funchal, Ribeira Brava, Santa Cruz and Câmara de Lobos. I asked an official from the (family) court in Funchal about this yesterday, curious to know what guarantees Feliz Abreu from Pomar da Rocha would have, as it seems the government takes responsibility for re-housing those who have been made homeless. He said that there are no guarantees, and each case is judged on it’s own merits, based mainly on the circumstances of an individual after the event. So for example, if someone had another home, or relatives that could offer accommodation, the government would not help. The issue of whether the person had failed to take out buildings insurance or not (to have a property repaired or rebuilt) does not seem to be an issue, as it is recognised that such insurance is just too expensive for many, and besides that many policies exclude liability for ‘an act of god’, as was seen last month.

Gil Rosa Director of content on RTP Madeira. An interview with the man chosen to direct the information content for public television and radio.

Martim Santos new director of RTP Madeira – Gil Rosa moves to lead the Department of Information. The news about Martim seems to have exited Diário readers today, with mixed reactions to the appointment. 16 comments posted already (2 pm). Some readers think that there is nepotism, or perhaps favouritism, in play. Who would of thought that could happen on Madeira?

The main sport / football headline today : Nacional achieves it’s first win in 2010 – The goal of João Aurélio defeated Belenenses (1 – 0) and strengthens the position of the alvinegros for a European position. The Portugal v China friendly game, or rather a World Cup 2010 warm-up match, is live on TVI (channel 4) tonight at 8.45 pm. The under 21′s also play Wales today, with live coverage on TVI at 2.55 pm.

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. 

I have been sent a computer virus warning, and whilst normally I would just bin it, this one actually comes from the Portuguese police. It is a video called "Aneis Durex", and although it arouses my curiosity at least, it apparently reformats your hard drive and sends the virus to your contacts, so don’t open it.

The blog software upgrade attempted today failed. As a result another attempt will be made tomorrow morning, but is expected to take longer, and so access to the blog will be not be possible during the work. Sorry for any inconvenience.

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(21st September). ‘Return To School : Quality Is Higher With Less Students’. This is an interview with the regional secretary for education and culture, Francisco Fernandes, who says that with less students this year, the quality of teaching will improve. He also talks about the 37 projects of construction, improvement and expansion (individually listed) in higher education in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Two challenges being faced are the extension of full time schooling to 100%, as some children still have to ‘work shifts’ due to limited teaching resources, and the extension of compulsory education until the age of 18, something eased by a reduction generally in student numbers. 40,230 children and youngsters return to school today, although 2,941 will in truth be attending for the first time. They will be full time in school, apart from some small deviations in Funchal, Calheta, and Câmara de Lobos. 173 schools will be involved in the education of our children, one more than last year. Teaching staff have increased in number from 6,867 to 7,621, including 1,402 on temporary contracts. Non teaching staff have diminished slightly from 3,231 to 3,226.

Staying on the subject of schools : ‘School Ready In April – Government was counting on having the infrastructure enlarged for a thousand extra students this year’. The new basic and secondary school in São Martinho is not ready in time for this new academic year, as was targeted, due to a series of problems has put the completion target back to April 2010. The main problem arose when large storm drainage pipes were detected in the foundations of the new structure, which needed diverting at an additional cost of nearly €400,000. Funny time to be announcing it on the first day of the new school year?

’13 Already Died On The Roads This Year – A nasty accident on the via rápida, in the early hours of yesterday, was fatal for a 34 year old man’. The car lost control and hit the central barrier in the area of Magi Reis, close to the Caniço junction. It seems likely that the dead man was not wearing his seat belt. A woman in the car was also hurt, with a suspected fracture, and suffering from shock and bruising. The same night another serious injury was inflicted in Santo da Serra, when a car hit a wall at speed, and the driver had to be freed from the vehicle. It was a black weekend on Madeira’s roads, after a 79 year old man was run over and killed on the Estrada do Aeroporto, in Abegoaria, Caniço. 22 people died on Madeira’s roads in 2008 (but that does not include those who died later in hospital under strange counting rules).

‘Tourism Nationally Distinguishes João Borges’. The state is to officially award João for his services in tourism and promoting Madeira, and Bernardo Trindade, secretary of state for tourism will present him with the gold merit medal. Known around the world as ‘Mr. Madeira’, he assumed the role of public relations for our island, and was a key figure in the consolidation of tourism here as former Regional Director of Tourism. A medal of merit is also to be given to the Museum of Sacred Art for the provision of services relevant to the satisfaction of tourism, and enriching the tourism experience. The Secretary of State for Tourism, feels that the museum exhibits one of the finest collections of Flemish art in Portugal, and even in Europe, and for that is the most visited museum on Madeira. Much of the collection was assembled through past generations producing and exchanging sugar in exchange for Flemish art.

‘Day Without Cars’ On Porto Santo Will Have Free To Use Bicycles – Companies on the island join in with the challenge : "Improve the environment in the city". Tomorrow Porto Santo joins in with the European initiative ‘Day Without Cars’. The main road ER120 will be controlled between 8 am and 4pm to take the pressure off of traffic in the city, and bicycles will be loaned free of charge.

A photo from yesterdays’ football epic, Nacional v Marítimo, has most of today’s front page : ‘Race And Efficiency Make The Difference – Edgar doubled up in the first victory for Nacional in the Portuguese Premier League’. Edgar scored twice to give Nacional the three points, and spoil the 99th birthday part of Marítimo, who failed to take advantage in the second half of a 10 man Nacional side. ‘After the game, Marítimo’s Bruno forced his way into the changing rooms, resulting in the involvement of the police’.

‘African Association wants to know the size of the community’. One hundred members of the African community in Madeira were present yesterday at the taking on of the social body of the Cultural and Recreational Association of Africans in Madeira (ACRAM). After several years of low activity, the association wants to undertake work from scratch. The new president Augusto Mané wants to carry out a survey about the community on Madeira. Mané admits to not knowing the number of African immigrants on the island and their needs, and wants to address this. Regardless of the outcome of the survey, Augusto Mané assures commitment to social and economic issues. "The biggest problem in the community is legalization [in immigration]," notes the president of ACRAM. "In second place we are concerned about housing and employment". The regional secretary for Human Resources, Brazão de Castro, attended the event. The politician stressed the attitude of the Regional Government on immigration as "responsible and serious", stressing the openness to dialogue, especially since 2003, when the it supported the establishment of the headquarters of ACRAM in the neighbourhood of Nazaré.

‘Robbed Three Times In A Month And A Half – A robbery in Gaula, in the early hours of yesterday, yielded over a thousand Euros to the thieves’. The bar of Alexandre Caldeira has been robbed again, with the robbers entering through the toilet window, and breaking into several machines with cashboxes, and causing a lot of damage in the process.

‘Lacked Fruit And Money – Business was poor for the farmers and traders who went to Ponta do Pargo’. The Festa do Pêro ought to be at the beginning of the month when people have more money, suggested one farmer, who was disappointed with the level of trade. "This year is worse. They come, they look and go away. They do not buy hardly anything", she said. In ‘food and drink’ things did not go any better. Manuel Costa gambled in taking "one hundred and something kilos" of meat. "This is worse", he said, still hoping that he might sell half of what he sold last year. Did anyone go? I am curious to know what the fruit is, as what I always thought was the ‘Pear Festival’ is in fact technically sweet apples, as the word for pears is PÊRA.

I expect a few people, like me, saw this ship bombing along the south coast yesterday, and wondered what it was. It is the sail boat ‘Cisne Branco’ (White Swan), that has just finished the ‘Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge’, where it finished first in its class and second overall. It is now travelling between Europe and Brazil. It belongs to the Brazilian Navy, and was built 10 years ago for the purpose of representing Brazil in commemorative events and tall ship races.

From yesterday’s Jornal da Madeira : ‘€300 Million For Improvement In Water – Madeira will have a strong investment in the water sector in the next six years’. The president of IGA, the new water management company, says that there are in hand new investment programmes of renovation and reform of the main water pipes and ducts, public distribution networks, and agricultural watering, that will run through to 2015. The investments will address the problems of water loss through leakage, and provide for the storage of large quantities of surface water from Winter rain, as well as improve the treatment of residual waters and water for recycling. The measures will also provide contingency for reduced rainfall through climate change. The article doesn’t actually say where this €300m is going to come from, but presumably there are grants and European funding up for grabs, although the article does mention that water services are very cheap for the public, which does suggest that one source of expected revenue raising could be from us. €300m works out at €1,200 for every man, woman, and child on Madeira, so maybe it would be cheaper all round to import it and deliver bottled water to our homes.

That’s just about it from everything in the Diário, except ‘politics’, and I will be back with that and today’s main headline later.