Second Helicopter Still on Hold

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.

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The long-promised second aerial firefighting resource for Madeira has yet to enter service, despite the Regional Government confirming that the agreement with the State has now been signed.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Regional Government President Miguel Albuquerque said the protocol between the Regional Government and the Republic had been finalised and that the State would fully fund both the aircraft and its crew.

However, he declined to give a date for the helicopter’s arrival, explaining that the process now depends on the completion of a public procurement procedure being conducted by the Ministry of Defence through the Portuguese Air Force.

“The important thing at this moment is that the State assumes this responsibility, as was the commitment of this Government,” Albuquerque said, adding that the aircraft would be deployed to Madeira once the tender had been awarded.

The issue was raised again on Wednesday by Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) deputy and Vice-President of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, Rafael Nunes, who criticised the continued delay in delivering the second aerial firefighting resource.

Nunes noted that the helicopter had originally been expected to arrive in July 2025 before the timetable was revised to July 2026. With July now drawing to a close, he said no confirmed delivery date had been announced.

“What is the point of announcing reinforcements and strategies if the necessary resources never arrive in time for Madeira?” he asked.

The deputy stressed that the Region is currently in the Delta phase of rural fire risk, a period associated with higher temperatures and an increased likelihood of wildfires, making the availability of firefighting aircraft particularly important.

He also pointed out that while the Government of the Republic has announced a reinforced national aerial firefighting fleet of 81 aircraft for mainland Portugal, Madeira is still awaiting the second helicopter promised to the Region.

“We continue to wait for the Government to fulfil the commitment it made to the people of Madeira,” Nunes said.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com