Madeira News Blog

Today’s photo – Many thanks to Pete … "The erection of 51 tents on the Avenida Arriaga in Funchal today, (Thursday 25/3). Photo 1 While people looking at stalls in Madeira warm sunshine. 80 Stall owners asked for stalls and 20 rejected. Photo 2 shows space not used  could  this area empty been used to better effect?" No idea Pete, are you sure it was space that was limited and not the number of tents available? Der

Many thanks to Paul for these two contributions :

PORTUGAL SCORES A GOAL FOR CROSS-BORDER FOOTBALLERS! A Dutch citizen had been living in the Portuguese Algarve since he was 5 years old. He played amateur football at junior level for several years, but when he turned senior, the Algarve Football Association presented him with a Portuguese Football Federation ruling that stated that only one non-national player is allowed on each amateur team.

EU rules on the free movement of persons. As a result, he was unable to register for his preferred team, because they already had one non-national registered. Several other clubs turned him down for the same reason. In the end he had to stop playing competitive level football for some 3 years until he heard about SOLVIT. The Portuguese SOLVIT centre contacted both the Algarve Football Association and the Portuguese Football Federation, alerting them to this discrimination against non-Portuguese EU citizens and pointing out that they must abide by EU rules on the free movement of persons. Subsequently, SOLVIT Portugal received a copy of an official communication, dated 4 July 2005, from the Portuguese Football Federation to all Portuguese amateur associations and clubs stating that there should be no restriction regarding the number of amateur EU national football players. The rules now only restrict the number of non-EU nationals allowed to play. Solved within 3 weeks. Cartoon caption: SOLVIT HELPED A  BRITISH COUPLE GET PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN CYPRUS

SOLVIT: ‘free’ EU on-line problem solving network. SOLVIT is an on-line problem solving network in which EU Member States work together to solve without legal proceedings problems caused by the misapplication of Internal Market law by public authorities. There is a SOLVIT centre in every European Union Member State. SOLVIT Centres can help with handling complaints from both citizens and businesses. They are part of the national administration and are committed to providing real solutions to problems within ten weeks. Using SOLVIT is free of charge. SOLVIT LINK

Art in Calheta Region in March: Prazeres Gallery & Casa das Mudas.

Photo : One of the works in Ângela Costa’s exhibition ‘O Tempo passa, as memórias ficam’.

Ângela Costa’s exhibition was opened on Friday at the Prazeres Gallery in the ‘Quinta Pedagogica Complex’ behind Prazeres Church. Its title is: ‘O Tempo passa, as memórias ficam’ The artist was born in Funchal.

Casa das Mudas exhibition.

Photo : the first exhibition of the young artist Zé Maria opens on Saturday evening (27^th March).

Also, at Casa das Mudas another international art centre in Calheta the first exhibition of the young artist Zé Maria opened on Saturday evening (27^th March).

For more information see the venues’ websites: Casa das Mudas    Prazeres Gallery

Thanks a lot to Elaine for these web snippets :

Official – Crime down. 27/3/2010 Eyebrows were raised this week when the Government announced that the number of crimes perpetrated in Portugal during the course of 2009 had fallen by 1.2 percent. Violent crimes were also down, dropping 0.6 percent on the total for the year before. But while the Government was patting itself on the back for overseeing this reduction, police forces stressed that these statistics should be treated with caution and that the battle against crime was far from being won. ARTICLE

Sponsored shave for Madeira. HERE

Many thanks to Becky for this video and web snippet :

The arrival of the AIDAluna yesterday – looks like a beautiful day, wish I had been there instead of a rather grey London.

How did I survive without knowing about dredging today.com ?!  (sorry to have used the lowest form of wit) RIVETING ARTICLE

This translation is from yesterday’s Diário, many thanks to Elaine (West) :

Swiss in Porto Moniz to sample honey. Usually the honey with a lighter colour is weaker and softer. A group of Swiss beekeepers were present last Thursday night at the Centro de Ciência Viva do Porto Moniz (CCVPM), where they were able to appreciate the qualities of Madeiran honey. Carlos Pestana, beekeeper and promoter of the event, said that the cultural exchange will allow the release of the product abroad through several photos in a specialty magazine. In this kind of charm offensive, the organization offers a taste of honey in the region. Carlos Pestana said that on the table were 20 products from a number of locations all different in their colouring. A beekeeper in his spare time, he said that "all the honey produced in a sensible way is good honey." He added that the other main condition that determines the quality of the product is caution. "It is prudent not to use antibiotics to fight disease. If they are used, comply with the safety limits and the specific quantities,” he said.

Carlos Pestana explained that "often the brightest honeys are weaker and softer. These are more for children and the elderly, precisely because they are kinder on the stomach," adding that contrary to what has been disclosed, honey should not be eaten on an empty stomach. From a foreign perspective René Zumsteg stated that "good honey is produced in this beautiful island" and in his view this is due to the amount of water and flowers that abound in the region. The event was also attended by Valter Correia, mayor and director of the Câmara, and Liliana Sousa, director of CCVPM. This meeting also sampled traditional regional poncha, a product widely appreciated by the visiting delegation. There was time for a visit to the Unidade Primária de Extracção de Mel in Santa, Porto Moniz, and the group also visited an apiary located in Malhadinha, in the parish of Canhas, at the invitation of a local beekeeper.

After Marítimo’s spectacular win 3 – 2 against Sporting on Friday night, the Madeira ‘double’ was on and a good possibility, but Nacional blew it in the 90th minute. They led most of the match away at relegation candidates Vitoria Setúbal and ended up losing 2 – 1.

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

DIÁRIO 28/03/2010

FRONT PAGE NEWS

International Business Centre loses 409 firms. At the end of 2009, the IBC or Fee Zone had 3,221 companies registered. This was 409 fewer companies than at the end of the previous year, a drop of 11.2%, therefore less income for the management firm. The only increase was in companies registering with the International Ship Register (MAR) but this was only 0.8% more (238 to 240). In 2001, the Free Zone had 6,242 firms registered or 48.4% more. In 2009, the IBC contributed 20 – 23% of PIB (GDP), mainly from the International Services, MAR and Industrial Companies sectors with a lesser contribution from Financial Services. Competition comes from Malta and Luxembourg. There have been more companies lost already this year.

MADEIRA

88 packets of noodles for a lunch for volunteers. 500 volunteers were given a lunch to thank them for their support in the cleaning and solidarity campaign after the tragedy. This was organized by the Community Development Association of Funchal. The president, Ricardo Silva, first thought of forming a troupe wearing jackets and boots for the Flower Festival Parade but decided it was best to forget that fateful day. The owner of the restaurante do Mercado Abastecedor supplied the pasta, olive oil and chouriço, Empresa de Cervejas supplied drinks and the market stall holders provided fruit for dessert. The lunch cost 2.50 Euros to cover other expenses, not to make a profit.

Endless work upsets those who live in Garajau. The enlargement of the Estrada do Garajau in Caniço is putting people who use this road daily and the resident population on the verge of a nervous breakdown. These works have been ongoing for more than two years and do not seem to be coming to an end. The work was authorized by the Government on the 14th July 2007 at a provisional cost of 1 million and 300,0000 Euros. The delays have been due to difficulties in expropriations, thus there is no completion date, which could be some time yet. They have been working on sections of road instead of in phases due to the intensity of traffic.

ECONOMY

Three Madeiran establishments listed in the Expresso’s ‘Boa Cama Boa Mesa’ Guide.  This guidebook is published by the newspaper Expresso and is the benchmark for the accommodation and catering sectors in Portugal. The 432 page guide includes hundreds of restaurants, places to stay and useful information for unforgettable moments. The sector  ‘Boa Cama’ was won by the ‘Pousada do Porto – Palácio do Freixo’, run by the Pestana Group who received the Platinum Key. 25 Gold Keys included Madeira’s ‘Choupana Hills’ and ‘The Vine’. Included in the 25 ‘best’ in the sector ‘Boa Mesa’ was listed the ‘Il Gallo D’Oro’ restaurant at the Cliff Bay Hotel, led by Chef Benoît Sinthon. This restaurant was awarded a Michelin Guide star in 2008 for its Mediterranean and Iberian inspired aromatic cuisine.

Revenue in Porto Santo no longer enough to pay the staff. The first two months of this year were the worst for a decade for the hotel trade in Porto Santo. Prospects for Easter are bleak. 75% of the beds were not available this year due to some hotels closing for the low season. 20% less passengers used the airport and 18% fewer sailed on the Lobo Marinho during these two months. Total revenue fell dramatically from 2007 (62.8%) and the price per bed also decreased by 5 Euros per night. In 2007, the income covered the staffing costs but this year it only covered 41% of the costs. The resorts and local residents of Porto Santo are suffering a diminishing economy.

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

Suspicions cast a shadow over the police statute – The Trade Union Association says that the government ‘bought the  peace’ with the officials at the cost of operations and taxpayers.

Today’s main news headline : Fight in farming against lack of water – The storm of February destroyed almost all of the principal levadas of the Region and predictions point to 3 months for the repairs. The Directorate for Agriculture and the IGA join forces to speed up the process. Madeira’s farming output is at risk, as there is more than a month since the filling of the farming water supplies, and there are already cases where insufficient water has been provided. All the blame lies with the storm of 20th February, which damaged the infrastructure of the water distribution network. The principle levadas of Tornos, do Norte, das 25 Fontes, do Galhano and do Faial, to name the most important, make up 600 kilometres of levadas in need of repair. Worried farmers spread around the island, with hoses in hand, are resorting to drinking water to save their crops. The Regional Directorate of Agriculture (DRA) and the Institute of Water Management (IGA), have joined forces to advance quickly with the repair work that is classed as "unprecedented in the region". So a quick calculation says that it will be the end of June before the work is completed, add to that the ‘Madeira productivity factor’, and we are well into Summer. Expect a rather expensive salad on your plates in the coming months!

The securing of the slopes [landslide risks] has also moved forward, but case by case.

Gouveia discards his immunity – The ex-leader of the Socialist Party of Madeira goes to court to respond to the complaint of Jaime Leandro.

Renewables don’t slow down petroleum  – Despite the penetration of new energy sources, petroleum based electricity consumption shoots up.

75% occupation on the first few connections of the new route – ‘transavia.com’ started the new Porto – Madeira connection on Sunday. Since 4.30 pm yesterday Madeira has it’s second connection with the continent through the low-cost airline Transavia. The first flight had 135 passengers, and the first 3 flights have sold around 75% of seating capacity for the French Company [I just translate, if you disagree please write to the Diário]. Madeira’s tourism boss, Conceição Estudante believes that the new flights will open up Madeira to those from the north of Portugal and also Northwest Spain. If all goes well the 4 weekly flights of Transavia could turn into daily flights in or after October.

The main sport / football headline today : Defeat in Setúbal complicates the situation for Europe – The victory goal arrived in the last moments of the fixture. Those in charge at Nacional continue to believe that the Europa League is still a possibility. Of course it is … a mathematical possibility, not a realistic one.

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. 

—————————————————————————————————————————————–
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 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.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

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 … Lapas and Planalto at the Roca Mar, Caniço do Baixo

Many thanks to Paul for these articles on EU support and footpaths :

Commissioner’s visit to see damage and discuss scope for EU support

"Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, will be in Madeira on 6 and 7 March to see at first-hand the devastation caused by the floods which hit the Portuguese island on 20 February. He will assess the damage and discuss scope for EU support with the President of Madeira’s regional government, Alberto João Jardim. This visit follows up a meeting the Commissioner held with the Portuguese Interior Minister, Mr Rui Pereira, in Bruges (Belgium) on 26 February.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr. Hahn said: “ We do not know the full scale of the tragedy yet, but we do know that a lot of people lost their lives and that many more are suffering. My thoughts go out to the victims and their families. The Commission will do its utmost to assist Madeira through the EU Solidarity Fund, as well as with its Structural and Cohesion Funds. Our aim is, to help restore normal living conditions as soon as possible, in particular ensuring access to running water, and bringing bridges, roads and businesses back into operation.”

Drawing on the European Union Solidarity Fund

The Portuguese authorities have 10 weeks (i.e. until 1 May) in which to submit an application to the Commission for assistance from the European Union Solidarity Fund. They are currently preparing such an application, with the help of the Commission. At this stage no estimate of possible payments can be made.

The Commission will decide as quickly as possible if the criteria of application for the Solidarity Fund are met, and if so, will propose an amount of aid that can be made available. In order for the funding to be released, the Commission will then have to ask the European Parliament and the EU-Member States to adopt an amending budget to be incorporated into the Community budget.

The EU aid may be used to finance the most urgent measures: providing temporary accommodation for the victims, repairing essential infrastructure and clearing land and devastated villages. Measures will be selected jointly by the Commission and the Portuguese authorities before the aid is released. Damage to private property will not be covered by the above arrangements.

Other resources available

The Madeira regional programme (allocated €320 million from the European Regional Development Fund – ERDF in 2007-2013) may also provide aid. In addition, Madeira also benefits from €143 million from the Cohesion Fund through the national programme called “ Territorial Enhancement ”. Specific measures can be taken inside these two programmes to respond to the catastrophe and for longer term reconstruction.

The Portuguese authorities have a certain margin of manoeuvre and have also the possibility to transfer funds from their other programmes. Under Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, the country has been allocated a total of €21.5 billion broken down into 14 programmes.

The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) facts:

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. 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."

Source: Lithuanian website

Madeira’s footpaths: report February 2010

The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Natural Resources (SRA) reported last February on the state of Madeira’s footpaths. The Report posted on the official Tourism website which is detailed includes list of footpaths in good condition and footpaths temporarily closed and maps.

Footpaths in good condition

· PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro – Achada do Teixeira)

· PR 1.1 Vereda da Ilha (Achada do Teixeira – Ilha)

· PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Areeiro (Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo)

· PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada (Pico de Areeiro – Encumeada)

· PR5 Vereda das Funduras (Portela – Maroços)

· PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes (Rabaçal – Risco)

· PR 8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

· PR 11 Levada dos Balcões (Ribeiro Frio – Balcões)

· PR 13 Vereda do Fanal (Assobiadores – Fanal)

· PR 14 Levada dos Cedros (Fanal – Curral Falso)

· PR 15 Vereda da Ribeira da Janela (Curral Falso – Ribeira da Janela)

· PR19 Vereda do Paul do Mar

· Path between Queimadas and Pico das Pedras

Footpaths temporarily closed

· PR 7 Levada do Moinho (Ribeira da Cruz – Lamaceiros)

· PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde (Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde)

· PR10 Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio – Lamaceiros – Portela)

· PR 12 Caminho Real da Encumeada (Boca da Corrida – Encumeada)

· PR 16 Levada da Fajã do Rodrigues (Fajã da Amã – Ribeira do Inferno)

· PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo and Folhadal (Lombo do Mouro – Caramujo – Folhadal – Encumeada)

· PR 18 Levada do Rei (Quebradas – Ribeiro Bonito)

To see the entire Report and maps click HERE

To see a map of the current status of the Madeira Levada Walks click HERE

Many thanks to Elaine out West for this article from yesterday’s Diário de Notícias :

Rehousing is a problem in Serra d’Agua IHM wants to keep families in the same neighbourhood, but few homes are available. The resettlement of households in Serra d’Agua affected by the storm remains the main concern of the Madeiran Housing Investment (IHM), due to housing shortages in the parish of Ribeira Brava. Paulo Atouguia, president of IHM, will this morning, together with the president of the local authority, to try to raise awareness of owners of empty houses in Serra d’Agua to lease them to the 139 people who had to leave their homes. "Our goal is to get people relocated near the place where they lived," he told the DIÁRIO. But the main priority is to rehabilitate them; if no solutions are found in the parish, the IHM will look for houses in the centre of Ribeira Brava, or even in another county. This at a time when about 28 households, mostly in Funchal, have been placed temporarily in new housing. Right now, says Paulo Atouguia, the HMI is on the ground to assess not only the proposals for lease which the authorities have received – to assess conditions on offer – but also to conduct a survey of the damage to the homes of displaced persons, a task that is also being carried out by the Regional Laboratory of Civil Engineering and the respective municipalities.

Here a link on Madeira light houses … Pete. HERE Thanks Pete, one of my favourite subjects, though disappointed that there is no photo of the Ribeira Brava lighthouse.

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

DIÁRIO DE NOTÍCIAS 05/03/2010

MADEIRA

Fajã da Ribeira out of isolation. The military bridge connecting this area to Ribeira Brava was finished yesterday and can now be used by motorists. For the assembly, materials had to be transported from Portugal in three trips using military aircraft (C130), transported to the area, a large crane stabilized on site and the bridge mounted by nine soldiers supervised by senior army officers. The bridge can support up to 22 tons and measures 18 metres long and 4.10 metres wide. There are no plans at present for any other military bridges.

Only a third of homes have insurance. Data from the Portuguese Association of Insurers which represents 70 insurance companies operating in the domestic market. On the Continent, the number of houses insured is 50% and traditionally in Europe, house insurance covers 70 – 90% of homes. Insurers originally estimated that compensation after the 20th February storm would reach 60 million Euros but this figure has been revised upwards to 80 million Euros. 54 million Euros covers 616 claims from commerce and industry, with only 454 claims for habitation (4 million Euros). There has been only one claim on life insurance, 11 for injury at work or personal indemnity and 79 for damage to vehicles.

POLITICS

No time to receive the MEPs. The Vice-president of the Regional Government, João Cunha e Silva, claimed a lack of space in the agenda to receive the socialist MEPs who visited the region from Wednesday until yesterday. Alberto Jardim had also refused to meet the four, claiming he had not been contacted through the official channels. He also thought it was in "bad taste" to include the socialist MEP Edite Estrela, whose legal case against him has been ruled in his favour by the Court of Appeal. The Mayor of Funchal was also unavailable so they met with the Vice-president of Funchal, Paulo Fontes. The Spanish MEP said, "If someone did not want to meet the delegation, that decision was their responsibility and strengthened the commitment of the European Socialist group in relation to the autonomous regions, such as Madeira, in supporting the transfer of aid to respond to the effects of the disaster."

Azores / Madeira alliance in the National Assembly. Members from the Azores and Madeira in the National Assembly joined together to try to force the State to re-pay 5% of the income tax revenue to the local councils of the Autonomous Regions. The proposal to alter the State Budget came from the PSD-M but the MPs from the Azores, from other parties, also agreed to it. The proposal is also supported by national PSD and CDS-PP members. Madeiran councils claim that IRS arrears are worth 8 million Euros, and Funchal Council is owed 5 million Euros. Last year, the Ministry of Finance ruled that since the IRS revenue goes to the Regional Governments, they should pay the 5% to the local councils. But the Regions counter-argued that this financial relationship belongs to the Executive in Lisbon. Recently, the municipalities asked the national Parliament to resolve this issue and the Mayor of Funchal has begun court action against the Ministry of Finance.

JORNAL DA MADEIRA

FRONT PAGE NEWS

IGA invests 11 million Euros in water recovery. The President of Investment and Management of Water (IGA) pledged yesterday to invest 11 million Euros for the reconstruction of the damaged water supply network. It will cost 4 million Euros to repair the damaged drinking water supply network and it will take at least two and a half months. Water should still be boiled in affected areas and the drinking water supply is still unavailable in Jangão in the municipality of Ponta do Sol, in Zimbreiros in Apresentação and in Serra d’Água in the county of  Ribeira Brava. The worst area is Serra d’Água where the complete network has been destroyed. The remaining 7 million Euros is for damage to the supply of water for irrigation and this should be resolved within a month. The problem areas for these damaged channels are Ribeira Brava, Funchal and Ponta do Sol.

REGION

New access for Meia Légua and the north of the island. The Regional Government has given Estradas da Madeira the contract to build a new access road to Meia Légua. This will be a more permanent safer road to this parish in Serra de Água, and a link to the north of the island through the Encumeada tunnel. The new route will be 2.6 km long and include a 2,100 m tunnel with three emergency exits. There will be two bridges and a roundabout linking the expressway in Serra de Água. The cost is estimated at 41.5 million Euros and the project was planned previously but never implemented due to a lack of funds.

LAST PAGE

GNR will have another dog for search and rescue. The team in Madeira will have another dog as another one is necessary to cover the region. The commander of the Territorial branch of the GNR said that first they have to find the right dog and then a handler who needs total commitment to the job. The team in Madeira has only one dog for detecting human odour and this dog is presently in convalescence. There are four dogs trained to detect drugs. Diário has a long article about the two dogs that came over from Portugal to search after the February 20th storm. They are Timmy, a 5 year old border collie who has returned to Portugal while Sacha, a six year old golden retriever, remains on the island. Each handler works exclusively with his dog. When the dog detects a victim, it signals this by barking. If the dog is unsure, it smells and scrapes. They are trained to work in various scenarios/types of terrain and weather conditions. The dogs are trained from an early age by being rewarded for detecting human odour and they treat it like a game.

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

Tragedy harms tourism to the tune of €1.6 million – In just 15 days, the tourism sector suffered a sharp fall, between visitor losses from cruise ships and planes.

Satellite locates origins of collapses – A cabinet is being created that will study mountainsides and modern solutions to secure unstable slopes. IMAGE HERE. The assessments of the landslides and rock falls in the lands of Funchal has been done. Satellite images have pinpointed the precise problem areas, and now Funchal Council is looking for solutions to secure against further collapses. Engineer and councillor, Amílcar Gonçalves, has been chosen to lead the cabinet that will study the biggest problem in Funchal, the risk of rock falls and landslides. The scale of the problem was highlighted on 20th February, when after extreme rainfall over a long period, 173 collapses occurred in the high and medium zones of Funchal, mostly along a strip between Santo António and Monte. The task ahead to find the solutions that will secure the problem area at an economic cost will not be an easy one.

Today’s main news headline : "The Social Democrats Party of Madeira at this moment needs to change". Miguel Albuquerque highlighted matters and ignored the messages of [president] Jardim about taking a lead in the storms. Now, he has received  Edite Estrela, to the contrary of the Regional Government. In an interview about the aftermath, the pretender [to the throne of Jardim as president of Madeira and the PSD-M] affirms his readiness  for the succession. But he says that he would not continue in [Funchal] Council even if the law actually permits that, because he has a profession and doesn’t depend on "pans and perches". He supports the remodelling of the PSD-M, but without wanting to refer that to Jardim, because "that’s his problem". ‘Pans and perches’ is some colloquial expression that I couldn’t work out, but I think refers in part to ‘cushy jobs’. I am not surprised that the Diário made this today’s lead story, as Madeira’s top man outside of the Regional Assembly seems to be breaking ranks. It has been a suppressed as much as possible, within the PSD-M, but it has been no secret for some time that the President of Funchal Câmara has had his eye on the top job of Jardim. Now that Jardim has indicated that he might remain in post after his alleged planned retirements in 2011, perhaps that has prompted Albuquerque to speak out now, perhaps (excuse my french), a sort of ‘S*** or bust’ tactic. I am looking forward to reading this in full in the printed edition of the Diário tonight.´

[José] Sócrates is coming the Flower Festival in April – The prime minister said to the Diário that he is coming to see the rebuilding. Yesterday he left Maputo [Mozambique], which is calling for Madeiran businessmen.

Delays in 270 scholarship distresses in the University.

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. 

—————————————————————————————————————————————–
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.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

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 Elize … Funchal, after the flood had gone. I have received loads of photos, many thanks.

Please bear in mind that I am on ‘catch up’ at the moment, 4 days behind, so if anything is posted that no longer seems so relevant, I probably didn’t know … I apologise.

Tess did a piece on her blog about Funchal – ‘An Island in Shock’. "I’m sure you’ll be inundated with pictures – but this is just a written piece". And another : ‘Indomitable spirit’

Paul asked me to post this :

MADEIRA DISASTER COLLECTION : Dioceses Cáritas of Funchal is collecting clothing and other goods to help those most affected by floods in Madeira. They will also inform the local population where the donations can be delivered. However, monetary donations can now be made.

Cáritas Funchal : Address: Calçada do Pico,59 9000-206 – Funchal
Phone:(+351) 291743331
Fax: (+351) 291745714 By sending a fax to this number a receipt will be sent out to you
E-mail: caritasfunchal@netmadeira.com WEBSITE

Needs: Clothes, Diapers and baby food needed, Appliances, School Material, Furniture

Donations: Financial Institution: Banif A/c no 1626371377 or NIB no. 003800011626371377113

This from Don re Madeira disaster donations : Attention here is some extra information that is important :
- (BANIF) IBAN PT 50003800011986711677151 and SWIFT CODE (BIC) BNLFPTPL
- If you use this BANIF bank account, then it gives tax benefits to taxpayers, in accordance with Articles 61 and 62 of the Statute of Tax Benefits.
- There are NO officials of the Regional Administration or City Council that are collecting funds for solidarity among the population. Official source SRTT. Thanks a lot Don

This contribution also from Paul :

VIVA MADEIRA! Coverage of Madeira’s unceasing clean-up

The clean-up operation is being documented & filmed by a BBC team led by the reporter Robert Hall on the BBC news website: HERE

Photos of key Funchal city streets that have already been cleaned in 72 hours! HERE

Videos of key Funchal city streets that have already been cleaned in 72 hours! HERE

Outside the famous ‘Apolo Restaurant’ 72 hours after the flooding: Source: FLICKR

As a benchmark for all visitor accommodation in Madeira: “the hotel industry of Madeira was not affected and maintains all operating conditions safely.”

Statement on the floods from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation: HERE

As for the tourism sector, according to the information provided by the regional government, the hotel industry of Madeira was not affected and maintains all operating conditions safely. Hotel establishments, in general, are operational and there were not reported any difficulties or problems. The Madeira International Airport is also operational. "I am confident that Madeira will continue to count on its solid tourism infrastructure and services, which have made it the destination of excellence it is today." Taleb Rifai, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization

Viva Madeira! (long live Madeira)

[Just to change the mood a little] Pete though these links might be of interest :
DINAS DESERTS AZORES FOOD "I have been there a few times. I think they make the best food I have come across, if I was a condemned man my final wish would be one last meal there then you can do what you like ha ha". Thanks Pete.

Tom emailed and said : "Today [last Friday], the brand new dealership of Toyota was officially open in Funchal. I’ve been there. So was Mr. President uncle Bertie. He is a very good talker. His Speech was good and lasted around 15 min. without any prompter or note. During Toyota President speech the lights went off. all was kaput and dark. Fuses could not keep so much power taken from the electrical system. There were two TV stations and maybe four Radios. After we have a very nice reception, including lots of booze and finger food. During radio interview the President was visibly upset about the lack of funds from Lisbon and City staying behind with payments to subcontractors".

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

Difficult situations in the high zones of Funchal. There are suspicions of people buried in the Luso-Brasileira, as a consequence of a movement of an illegal dump in Babosas.

In the road Travessa dos Poços (Monte) residents are evacuated. Many thanks to Ellen for this : Wall at risk of collapse forces evacuation at Monte – Residents of the Travessa dos Poços relocated to homes of relatives. About two dozen people had to leave their homes, on Wednesday,  in Travessa dos Poços, parish of Monte. Due to the forecast of rain and a wall at risk of collapse the area was evacuated and the residents relocated to homes of relatives. Speaking to TSF, Duarte Pereira, president of the Parish of Monte hopes that next week a study will be done on the support of the wall to allow the return of residents of Travessa dos Poços to their homes.

Forecasts now admit that the water discharge from Saturday  may pass to the side of Madeira.

‘Calamity’ would prevent construction in affected areas.

Today’s main news headline : Solidarity in force – The determination of the Madeirans in the recovery after the storm is having a notable benefit : in the solidarity [fund raising] accounts alone there are €2 million. But groups such as ‘Pingo Doce’ are making their own contributions. The Madeira Beer Company is also restocking outlets in the worst affected areas in Funchal and Ribeira Brava ‘on the house’.

"There is only one Madeira" The president of the Republic thought highly of the recovery effort in Funchal and visited problem areas such as Tabua. He needed to tread in the mud and wander around in the rain, but Cavaco Silva didn’t avoid the problems. "Shoes are plentiful, but there is only one Madeira" he declared. The main picture shows Cavaco in Ribeira Brava, inspecting the remains of the old bridge. The popular view is that the bridge was damaged, probably beyond repair, purely by the force of the water, but that isn’t the full story.  One of many stories yet to be told when the dust settles, unless someone can enlighten us beforehand?

500 vehicles damaged – The damage calculations in the ‘car park Madeira’ suggests as much as €7.5 million.

The main sport / football headline today : Solidarity [fund raising] match may be in Madrid – The Spanish football federation forgives the ‘highlighting’ of "Madeira" by CR9 [Cristiano Ronaldo]. Referring to the t-shirt incident of the Madeiran footballer during a Real Madrid match, as mentioned yesterday. It would be shame, but given the low level of support for football matches on Madeira, the potential for fund raising would probably be much greater in Spain, bizarre as it seems.  

Ellen has kindly covered some of these stories in the ‘blog comments’ … many thanks.

On the TV news (RTP) this morning, the cost of repairing the flood damage in Funchal has been estimated at €200 million. I guess that is just for public property, and the city businesses will have to claim through their insurance policies.

There has also been a warning on the radio about the quality of water, where supplies were affected by the floods. The advice is to boil water, or add bleach, depending what the water is to be used for.

Just announced at 12.20 pm today by the Regional Government the reinstatement, some with alterations, of many of the bus routes cancelled since Saturday. It was a lot of information, probably best obtained from the website(s) of Horários and Rodoeste.

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. 

Many thanks to Paul for sending this in :

Friendship and support from Jersey – My homeland has launched an urgent appeal for the victims of the Madeiran floods. The overseas aid charity Jersey Side By Side is urging Islanders to co-ordinate any fundraising efforts into one larger appeal which Side By Side will run and endorse.

It is hoped that as much money as possible can be raised, but also that the appeal will act as a symbol of friendship and support to the Madeiran community both in Jersey and Madeira. Jersey Side By Side chairman Mike Wavell said that Jersey’s close relationship to Madeira meant it was important for Islanders to show their support.

A concert in aid of the appeal is already being organised by a group of young Jersey musicians currently in Madeira. It is hoped the event will take place on Saturday 6 March at St Thomas’ Church. LINK 

—————————————————————————————————————————————–
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.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

(more…)