Strict Drug Control Proceedures Needed

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)

PAN Madeira carried out an official visit to Porto Santo, where it met with the Mayor and visited several local institutions and infrastructures, namely the Municipal Kennel and the Porto Santo Volunteer House. The party was also in contact with the local population to survey the problems and potential of the island.

One of the pressing problems concerns the alarming increase in drug use in Porto Santo. People denounce that the entry of narcotics into the island takes place mainly through the Lobo Marinho ship, due to the lack of control. PAN Madeira argues that it is urgent to strengthen inspection at maritime entrances, ensuring more regular monitoring by the GNR dog teams to stop a phenomenon that is affecting the safety and well-being of the local community.

“The fight against the entry of drugs into Porto Santo should be a priority for the regional authorities. We cannot allow the lack of adequate inspection to compromise the quality of life of the population. It is essential that more effective mechanisms are implemented to stop this problem before it gets even worse,” underlined Válter Ramos, deputy spokesperson for PAN Madeira.

Another concern shared by the people of Porto Santo is related to the serious problems of domestic violence on the island, a reality often hidden by the fear or shame of victims to report it. PAN Madeira warns of the need to strengthen awareness and information campaigns to combat this scourge, ensuring that victims have the necessary support to break cycles of violence. In this sense, local IPSS’s, such as the Volunteer House, can play an essential role in promoting an effective social response and direct support to victims.

PAN Madeira reaffirms its commitment to fighting for better living conditions for the people of Porto Santo, demanding concrete solutions to the challenges that affect the island. The party will continue to monitor these and other problems, reinforcing the need for public policies that ensure greater security, social inclusion, and well-being for all people.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

Mobility in Funchal

Strict Drug Control Proceedures Needed

Public Holidays 2025

Orchids in Neves