TVDE Demonstration

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 National Association of TVDE Movement (ANM TVDE) announced today that it will hold a large-scale peaceful demonstration through Funchal on Friday the 26th of Spetember, in protest against the Regional Government’s decision to suspend the issuance of new TVDE licences for six months.

This comes after the President of Madeira, Miquel Albuquerque stated that it is the people who decide and he will not let the sector behave in an anarachic and savage way.

The measure, to suspend new TVDE licences was approved on the 12th of September through a resolution published in the Official Gazette. The temporary law provides for the suspension of the issuance of driver’s licenses, as well as the registration and registration of operators throughout the regional territory. A decision that directly affects the livelihood of more than 120 Madeiran families. Furthermore, it pushes dozens of companies into imminent bankruptcy and represents an attack right to free economic initiative, under the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic,” states the TVDE association in a press release.

The Association recalls that the suspension had already been stopped by the Representative of the Republic, for organic unconstitutionality, however, the Regional Government has chosen to ignore the opinion and reissue the resolution, insisting on a measure that the Representative of the Republic considers “discriminatory, unconstitutional and favourable to the monopoly of another economic sector (taxis).”

Therefore, the association has contacted the authorities declaring their intent to strike peacefully. Strikers will include drivers, operators and family members.

ANM TVDE will be represented by its national vice-president, Valter Pereira, born and resident in Madeira.

Protestors will meet at 09:00 next to the Estádio dos Barreiros, Funchal. Half an hour later, at 09:30 all those taking part will march towards Quinta Vigia, a journey that should take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. After this, they will demonstrate outside the Assembleia Legislativa Regional da Madeira. Their final protest will be in front of the Direcção Regional dos Transportes Terrestres (DRTT), Rua do Seminário.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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