Madeira News Blog

(16th September). ‘Bank Complaints Rise 27%’. The number of customers complaining about their banks rose 27% in the first 6 months of this year.

The government of Madeira will compensate farmers whose grapes do not reach the minimum standards (grade). The weather conditions have hampered the ripening of the grape crop, worrying farmers that their produce may not reach the ‘minimum degree of alcohol’ needed for Madeira Wine and table wine. The compensation will be between €0.50 and €0.60 a kilo, depending on the destination for use. Another type of grape ‘Arnsburger’ will attract less compensation.

‘Building project thinking about the foreign investor – ‘Monumental Residence’ cost €10.5 million. The 2nd phase was inaugurated yesterday’. It looks like many other buildings in Amparo, Pilar and even Ajuda, but this new building near the Rotunda da Assicom, in Funchal, is built with the aim of selling the 55 apartments to external investors, foreigners, or even emigrants that want a second home on Madeira. Sales are going well according to a spokesman for the building, which also includes 9 commercial units. An average T2 apartment there will be in the price range of €175,000 to €200,000. "In relation to what is normal, these apartments are 25 or 30% more expensive than market prices". Why? And who chose that silly name?

The last of today’s headlines (for today) : ‘Siram Win Tender – End of year illuminations are judged. The lowest price was worth nothing, as proposed by ‘Inductora’. The Siram consortium ‘Luzosfera’, who have had the contract for Christmas and new year lighting and decorations in Funchal for many years, have been reawarded the contract, despite the entrance of an under bidder in the tender contest. The Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport assessed the two proposals using a points system, and awarded the contract once again to Siram, who have been in the chair for 20 years unopposed. The two areas that swung the deal were experience, and creativity in the new proposal. The two year contract, worth €6.5 million, also includes the Carnival and Flower Festival. The Siram consortium is made up of six sub-holdings, being Luzosfera, Art of Sound, ‘Festival Factory’, Stage Madeira, Kevents, and Full Zoom. Original blog article with more detail HERE

Duarte Ferreira, Director at Madeira Airport, said: “The launch of this new scheduled route is extremely positive news for Madeira and will open up this beautiful region to many more visitors. The creation of this brand new link, especially at a time when other operators are looking to cut costs and services, plays such an important role for tourism in the region, benefiting the local economy and people working and living on the island. We hope that this partnership with Jet2.com will result in the opening of several new routes from the UK in the near future”. Talking about the Jet2 announcement that it is to commence a weekly scheduled flight from Manchester to Madeira May next year.

The cruise ship ‘Pacific Dream’ will be making its last visit here on Friday. At least there is no agreement made that signifies that it will be returning.

(7th September). Today’s main news headline : ‘Wine Makers (Merchants) Buy Less Grapes – All the companies are going to respect their obligations but they guarantee that this year they will buy 20% less’. They will also take on the line of credit arranged by the Madeira government. The growers were promised there would not be a grape unsold, but the truth is that the wine makers (merchants) will buy less this year than they did in 2008. They will meet their legal obligations, which forces the purchase of 75% of the grapes needed to produce the equivalent amount of wine sold, but will fall well short of what the government ‘instructed’. Only 3 out of 9 companies asked said they would be buying more grapes, another 6 intended to buy less. This must be a bit of a blow and embarrassment for the government, who promised the farmers that all their grape crop this year would be purchased, even arranging credit for the buyers at very special terms, and practically ordering them to buy everything. However the wine companies are taking the credit offered anyway, but not doing what the government wanted. Heads will roll for sure!

The main photo today shows an elderly lady in a house that certainly needs some repairs : ‘Over A Thousand Families For Rehoming In Funchal – There are people who fear that the roof might collapse because the law of urban rental was a blunder’. The lady pictured is ‘waiting for the roof to fall in’. She has lived there for 50 years, and is waiting for Funchal Council to rehouse her, along with more than a thousand other families on the waiting lists. The 86 year old lady she said she is afraid of being buried by rubble in her own house, but she is held ‘hostage’ by the lease. The owner of the property says that she can do nothing because the rent of €35 a month won’t pay for the works, or even be sufficient for the bank to consider a loan. There are several similar stories, some even worse. A new system of ‘urban leasing’, introduced in 2006 by the Government of the Republic to recuperate run-down houses in major cities, has brought nothing new. Just expenses and bureaucracy for landlords. It was also intended to end disputes between tenants and landlords. The tenants paid updated rents, but the difference was so negligible it does not cover the need for structural repairs. The law allowed for the rents to be increased and allow the recovery of derelict buildings, but the landlords say that the problems of 30 years ago are still there, because they cannot raise sufficient rent to resolve the problems, because the tenants are protected from rent increases that would reflect real market levels.

‘Two Father Martins "Fighters" In Machico – The canon "dismissed" from Sé goes to Machico and Ribeira Seca. The change excites Martins junior’. The decree dismissing the canon Manuel Martins was signed by the Bishop of Funchal on Saturday. The reasons given are vague, but seem to be related to things the canon said in the cathedral in Sé (Funchal), and mentions the questioning of the regional policy of support for the poor.

In football : ‘Marítimo At Their Worst In The League Cup – Goal of Baba avoids defeat facing Trofense’ (1-1).

‘CAMPANÁRIO – The parish and its people’ is released on September 12th’. The book by magistrate João Luís Gonçalves is relaunched in its second edition with some updates, the first being released in 2004 by journalist and writer José António Gonçalves. It says in the introduction "to remember and record the life of our land is one way of knowing ourselves. It is a setting of accounts and a tribute to our ancestors, as well as a duty to our countrymen of the future". I think it’s wonderful that people take the time and trouble to do this, with obviously little or nothing in compensation, because so few copies will be sold. If I can get hold of a copy I will definitely read it, as it’s material like this that tells the real story of life on Madeira.

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‘Jardim accused RTP of censorship – The president inaugurates road in Ponta do Pargo’. Alberto João Jardim yesterday accused RTP Madeira of censoring his inaugurations by imposing "colonial power". "[RTP] Almost gives no information about them [inaugurations]. They just put in a minute to disguise" he criticized. Then came the counter-attack, "Our struggle is not just a struggle for development, it is also to be free from colonial rule", he concluded. Jardim was opening a 500 metre new council road in Lombo Queimado, an investment of €210,000. I know what he is on about, but what is he on about … ‘Colonial power’ indeed. I am sure RTP would like to cover the inaugurations, but my guess is that they are too politically loaded to make impartial viewing at a time of elections, when the media is under extra scrutiny.

‘Jardim accuses the PS of mafia-like behaviour because of the embargo on the marina at Lugar de Baixo’. Without ever actually mentioning the name of the Socialist Party nor the Marina of Lugar de Baixo, Alberto João Jardim said on Saturday afternoon at Ponta do Sol that "having a work there ready to start working with, and to go and embargo it in the courts to undermine the people of Ponta do Sol", is an example of "mafia like behaviour". I am not quite sure I quite understood the true sentiment of that penultimate quote.

‘Regedor’ Fears That The PSD May Fall In Disgrace – He says that "the party will shrink in Tabua". The regedor, as he is known, is today honoured. He spent 62 years as leader’. I don’t know if the PSD is well received in Tabua, he says. "I think that the party is going shrink in Tabua, but it will be the PPD who wins". Who says so is the oldest active Portuguese politician, who is about to retire from political life after 62 years in service. He is just completing his ninth successive mandate as president of the parish (Junta da Freguesia) as the candidate for the PSD/PPD, and for years has been the top man in Tabua. António Ramos, his real name, will turn 89 in November. Proud of the long ‘career’ which is about to finish, Ramos is decisive : "In the world there is nobody who has 62 years [in politics]. Not even dictators". Although the PSD-M has not officially announced the presence of Manuela Ferreira Leite, sources contacted yesterday have assured that the national leader of the social democrats will be at the ceremony to be held this afternoon, in the parish of Tabua. I shall look out for her as she passes through Ribeira Brava to mix with the population this afternoon. She might be prime minister very shortly, so I might even manage a friendly smile.

(6th September). Today’s main news headline : ‘Cattle In Extinction – Of the number of cows that existed on Madeira 20 years ago, only 20% remain’. The article refers to cattle of regional origin, and in 2007 the livestock count was just 2,500. The regional livestock sector is in danger of disappearing due to declining interest in raising livestock, and the new rules imposed by the government and the European Union. Today we can even say that the regional cattle stock moves towards extinction. Proof of this is the drastic reduction of livestock that occurred in the last two decades, which has further worsened in recent years. In 1986 Madeira had over 11,500 cattle, and that has reduced by around 80% since then. According to a managing partner of the largest importer of live cattle in the region, the reduction is mainly linked to the "lack of interest among farmers" and "lack of information" and "bureaucracy surrounding the raising of animals." A situation he stresses that "is getting worse, and the way this is going, in 10 years there will be no cows left. Less significant, but no less disturbing was the reduction in the import of animals for fattening and slaughter. In this particular case, says Manuel Gaston, "there was a drop between 30 to 35% compared to two years ago". The reasons are mostly related to the national and international crisis. "This is more about the economic situation. The civil construction has slowed, there is less work, wages are low and, obviously people opt for other meats like chicken and pork, which have been very cheap", he said. The situation does not just affect cattle, with livestock declining also for pigs, down from 26,500 in 1986 to 13,300 now. The number of sheep has also reduced in that period from 12,996, to 2,699 at the end of 2007, but that statistic is closely linked to the decision by the regional government to remove sheep from the mountains and countryside, which led to many farmers abandoning this activity.

‘More Support – The crisis obliges the Social Security to expand its budgets for the institutes of solidarity’. The Social Security Centre Madeira (CSSM) gave €6.1 million to Private Institutions of Social Solidarity (IPSS) and other non-profit institutions of social support during the first half of 2009. Compared to the same period last year that was €300,000 more, with the number of support organisations increasing from 57 to 58. The biggest beneficiary was the Centro Social e Paroquial de São Bento, which received over €947,000, followed by the Centro Social Paroquial de Santo António with nearly €700,000, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Calheta with €512,000, and the Centro Social e Paroquial da Santíssima Trindade da Tabua with €437,000. The president of the Board of CSSM, Bernadette Vieira, said that this increase is a reflection "of investments that have been made in the areas that benefit senior citizens and children", and  stresses, that needs tends to increase, not only due to the emergence of new institutions of support and social solidarity, but also due to some serious social problems arising from the economic crisis.

Most of today’s front page is taken up with a photo of Cristiano Ronaldo with that agonising look he specialises in when he misses a scoring chance : ‘The Cursed Lack Of Aim – Liedson makes his debut with a goal but Portugal didn’t go beyond the draw (1 – 1) in Denmark. Faced with the triumph of Sweden in Hungary, our team fell to 4th place in the group and now has to rely on the others to enable it’s arrival at the World Cup’. It was just one of those games, when Denmark had just one shot on goal and scored, and Portugal had 15 at the last count and scored once. The referee was taking a bit of stick on the TV news this morning too, for not giving a pretty obvious penalty. With 3 games left against Hungary (x 2) and Malta, Portugal now need Sweden to slip up to have any hope of a play-off position.

‘Paul Loses Fishermen – The land of ‘sea captains’ awaits the construction of a fish market and for a civic centre’. Another headline : "Some Work The Land, Others Work The Sea" – Paul do Mar marked by emigration’. With 20 years Carlos Ferreira swapped Paul do Mar for Panama four years ago. Since then he has travelled around several Latin American countries on board tuna fishing vessels. The story of Carlos is no different from most of the inhabitants of Paul do Mar, a neighbourhood marked by emigration where "some work the land, others work the sea", explains Maria Fernandes, who at 64 years has also been an emigrant in South Africa. Australia, Panama, Samoa, Venezuela and England are other destinations for ‘pauleiros’. It is in the sea that the majority seek a living and better conditions in life. "It is very worthwhile," says Carlos Ferreira, who has no regrets having spent so much of his life at sea. "You earn a lot of money," he stresses. But in this "corner of heaven" not everything runs to form. There is still much to be done. The population welcomes the progress in the work on the Civic Centre, but complains about the lack of employment, and the health centre, for failing to offer a permanent service. It looks like the Diário series ‘Through Madeira’ is back. Marked by emigration it may be, but also marked by strewn concrete blocks like much of our coastline I see from the photo.

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‘Five Thousand In Grape Harvest Festival’. An estimated 5,000 people, including many tourists, went to Estreito de Câmara de Lobos yesterday morning to see the 32nd Festa das Vindimas. The Diário observed that the festival goers snubbed the risks of Gripe A swine flu, passing around drinking classes from person to person, a high-risk behaviour. One visitor was dazzled by the party and with the island, saying "It’s very beautiful. I’m really enjoying it. Madeira is beautiful". Herminia Lopez, a Luso-Venezuelan visiting Madeira for the first time praised the festival, "I loved it. It is very interesting". The regional secretary for tourism said that the wine festivals are well consolidated as tourism events, a fact proved by the 75% hotel occupancy, but she still aiming to improve on that. Grape production this year is expected to fall short of that achieved last year, and the harvest is also delayed as a result of weather conditions.
The photo is from Estreito de Câmara de Lobos yesterday.

‘Families should make contingency plans – The Director-General of Health states that each one must have their own procedures’. "We are informing all the Portuguese that the principal contingency plans are those of families", he said, referring of course to Gripe A swine flu. He also said that the obese, asthmatics, diabetics and those who have chronic problems, should consult their doctors beforehand to prepare protocols and procedures, to work to in the event of contracting Gripe A. "We are not at great risk, but it may be in the Autumn or Winter that this will happen" he added, stressing that at that time, "everyone should know what to do". The President of the Board of Health and Social Affairs, Maurício Melim, also present at the awareness initiative, said that the regional authorities will continue to invest in a plan of prevention, with particular attention for children, pregnant women, and the chronically ill.

‘Dog Show With More Breeds – The Lido Gardens filled yesterday afternoon and the appeal of the organisation was heard’. 65 dogs were entered and judged in several categories. The organiser took the opportunity to appeal to people not to abandon dogs, and to ensure that they were sterilised. There is a slideshow HERE with more photographs.

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London came to distinguish one wine made in Madeira as being the best in its category. The award for the best dessert(?) wine in the world was given to Verdelho 10 Old Reserve produced by Vinhos Barbeito. The election of a Madeira wine as the best liqueur(?) in the world is of great importance, since Madeira will increase its exports when the quality of its wine is recognized in such a way. Two other Madeira wines were also awarded at the event last week. Henriques & Henriques won a medal with a Malmsey of 2001, and also a Bual Colheita 1993 was among the winners. (It’s a bit tricky translating wine terminology, so a bit of guesswork was involved … just in case anyone was thinking of going out to buy a bottle of one of those mentioned).

The last of the front page stories today : ‘Parties Repetitive – There are places and entities, almost always the same, that are tempting for the parties in campaign times’. Bit of a pointless article really, but here goes. The political parties always target the same institutions when on the election campaign trail. Some institutions refuse to get involved. Favourites are Funchal Central Hospital and the regions health centres, to highlight a lack of conditions, Madeira Education Centre, the Farmers Market in Funchal, to get nice colourful pictures, and Madeira Free Zone. Visits to the regional command centre of the police, to highlight security issues, and the employment office of course, are also popular. The PSD social democrats particularly like to associate themselves with the church, and charities are also popular. In terms of a good backdrop for TV interviews, Pico dos Barcelos is popular, being a good spot with a panoramic view over Funchal.

"Absolute Majorites Always Abuse" – To inaugurate in election times is a sign of a lack of democratic maturity’. Those were some of the messages from Paulo Portas, national leader of the CDS Christian Democrats, on Madeira yesterday for the party political rally in Prazeres. The party has a slight chance of a seat in the Assembly of the Republic, if all goes really well. Portas referred to two politicians in his criticism, José Sócrates and Alberto João Jardim, saying that in absolute majorities "they transform the power into abuse". We all know that inaugurations at election time are a speciality of president Jardim, to win votes, but this year prime minister Sócrates is being accused of copying Jardim by doing much the same thing. Not quite on the same scale, as Jardim does two a day, and Sócrates just one.