Albuquerque Invites Boris Johnson to Honeymoon in Madeira

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

The President of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque has written to the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, inviting him to spend his honeymoon in Madeira, reminding him that his predecessor, Margaret Thatcher, stayed in the Region in 1951.

In his letter, Miguel Albuquerque assures the UK Prime Minister, that Madeira is a safe destination, adding that despite the difficulties, since the beginning of the pandemic, it has been considered the safest destination in Europe.

Furthermore, the Madeiran President affirms that he is certain that the results of the implemented measures demonstrated the Regional Governments effectiveness in controlling the pandemic, ensuring that Madeira has implemented careful health measures and tests on arrival, as well as a manual of good practices for the sector, in order to receive tourists safely, safeguarding both visitors and residents.

The letter also details the screening operation at the airports of Madeira and Porto Santo to control the arrival of those who arrive with a negative PCR test for SARS-Cov-2, and those who do not. Moreover, the creation, in July 2020, of the online platform for travellers “Madeira Safe” is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of monitoring passenger health and that the whole of Madeira has been awarded the ‘Madeira Safe to Discover Certificate.’

Boris Johnson is also reminded that on the 4th of January this year, in order to facilitate the free entry of travellers, the Regional Government created a ‘Green Corridor’ where passengers who have either been vaccinated or carry the ‘Covid Recovered Certificate’ were not subject to further resting.

In addition, the President of Madeira, has advised the UK Prime Minister that the region is undergoing an intense vaccination programme, and that more than 40% of the population have received their first vaccination.

In conclusion, Miguel Albuquerque assures Boris Johnson that the Region is committed to creating conditions that guarantee the safety of residents and travellers in the face of current challenges in terms of protecting the health of all, and restoring the island’s fragile economy.

Concluding, he reminded the British Prime Minister of the historic ties that exist between the United Kingdom and the Madeira archipelago.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com