The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 18th October 2023

by Mike Evans

With the first of the heavy rain hitting the Algarve region this week it is a good time to check that your properties are water tight. With many houses now having gutters, and over the summer the winds may have blown leaves into them causing a blockage, it is probably a good time to check that they are clear so the water has a place to flow away from the house. With the rain comes the issue of slippery road surfaces so make sure a little extra care is given when coming to a sudden stop. The number of accidents on our roads is on the increase and the change in the weather can only mean a further increase so please be careful on the roads. At Sea the conditions are changing as well. The Algarve region and the entire Portuguese coast are under orange warning due to sea unrest and waves from the west measuring 4.5 or 5.5 metres, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

Now a look at some of the stories making the news across the region in the last week.

Rain causes flooding in arteries in the centre of Faro

The intense rain recorded early in the morning in the Algarve caused the flooding of some roads, with downtown Faro being the most affected area, revealed a Civil Protection source .

According to the District Relief Operations Command (CDOS) of Faro, a total of 19 incidents were recorded caused by the rain that fell shortly after 8am, “the majority of which are the most significant recorded in the city of Faro”.

“We received alerts about the flooding of some streets in the city centre [of Faro] which affected car and pedestrian traffic, but without any significant material damage being recorded”, specified the same source. The source said that, about an hour later, “around 9 am, the rain stopped, the water was drained through the storm systems and the situation returned to normal”.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) placed the district of Faro under yellow warning, until Thursday, due to the forecast of periods of rain or showers, sometimes heavy, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds that could reach 100 kilometres/hour in the highlands.

On the other hand, the district is under orange warning, due to sea unrest, where waves are expected from the western quadrant measuring 5 to 5.5 metres, reaching a maximum height of 10 metres.

Mini tornado causes damage in Choça Queimada

A mini tornado that occurred on the morning of Tuesday, October 17th, caused damage in Choça Queimada, in the municipality of Castro Marim , according to Arenilha TV.

The meteorological phenomenon was accompanied by heavy rain and winds for a few minutes, destroying the roof of a house, the tiles of which were later removed by firefighters.

The locality of the parish of Odeleite also suffered other damage, such as the destruction of trees. There were a dozen operatives from the Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim Fire Department, the Municipal Civil Protection Service and the National Republican Guard, accompanied by five vehicles.

Algarve under orange warning due to sea unrest

The Algarve region and the entire Portuguese coast are under orange warning due to sea unrest and waves from the west measuring 4.5 or 5.5 metres, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

The districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga and Vila Real will be under yellow warning today due to the forecast of rain, sometimes heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms.

These three districts will be under warning between 12:00 and 18:00 today and then between 00:00 on Tuesday and 00:00 on Wednesday. IPMA also issued an orange warning for the entire Portuguese coast due to sea unrest and yellow for 14 districts due to rain, which could be heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms.

The bad weather forecast for the next few days led the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) to issue a warning to the population on Sunday, warning of the possibility of urban flooding, floods and landslides.

In the notice, ANEPC calls for the “adoption of appropriate behaviour” to prevent consequences of bad weather, namely unblocking water drainage systems, fixing loose structures”.

He also asked for care when driving near trees, due to the possibility of falling branches due to the wind, avoiding driving near the coastline and riverside areas, not carrying out activities related to the sea, adopting defensive driving and not crossing flooded areas.

In a note released today, IPMA indicates that the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, Setúbal, Beja and Faro will be under orange warning due to the forecast of west waves with 4.5 to 5, 5 metres, with a maximum height of 9 metres between 06:00 and 21:00 on Tuesday.

These districts will then go on yellow warning between 9pm on Tuesday and 3am on Wednesday.

With regard to rain, the IPMA issued it for the districts of Porto, Aveiro, Viseu, Coimbra, Leiria, Bragança, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Leiria, Lisbon and Santarém between 00:00 and 15:00 on Tuesday .

The 14 districts and Setúbal will also be under yellow warning between 00:00 and 18:00 on Tuesday due to the forecast of strong winds from the southern quadrant, with gusts of up to 75 kilometres per hour, with up to 100 kilometres per hour. time in the highlands. The orange warning indicates a meteorological situation of moderate to high risk and the yellow warning is issued by IPMA whenever there is a risk situation for certain activities depending on the meteorological situation.

Man helped on Monte Gordo beach after feeling unwell

A 61-year-old man was helped during the afternoon of Thursday, October 12th, after feeling unwell with chest pains on Monte Gordo beach , in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António , announced the National Maritime Authority .

The alert was given at 4:30 pm by the victim himself and elements of the “SeaWatch” project and INEM were immediately activated on site.

The victim was promptly assisted upon arrival at the scene and was subsequently transported, via Amarok vehicle, to the INEM ambulance and to a hospital unit. The local Command of the Maritime Police of Vila Real de Santo António took charge of the incident.

PSP arrests three suspects for the crime of domestic violence

The District Command of the PSP of Faro arrested, in recent days, three suspects of the crime of domestic violence, with two of them having been applied to the most serious measure of coercion (preventive detention), reported this Friday (13th) that police force.

Two of the suspects were detained in Portimão , following “reports of domestic violence” presented to the Police Division of that city, which, given “its seriousness and pressing need for measures to safeguard the victims’ safety, gave rise to the development of very rapid measures of evidence collection by the Portimão Criminal Investigation Squadron”, can be read in a statement. The Portimão Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants with a view to applying coercive measures to the suspects.

During the morning of this Thursday, the suspects, aged 33 and 51, were located, detained and present in court, with one of them being subject to a preventive detention measure and to the other a measure prohibiting contact and approaching the victim, supported by electronic control”, details the note.

The third detainee mentioned above, “resulted from an investigation carried out by the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the Olhão Police Station, and the suspect, aged 36 and with a history of drug use, had been recording repeated episodes of increasingly violent actions to with the victim, so for their protection, it was urgent to apply more effective coercive measures”, the note continues. Based on the evidence already collected, the Public Prosecutor’s Office decided to “issue an arrest warrant targeting the suspect”, which was carried out on Wednesday, the 11th. the “measure of preventive detention coercion”, specifies.

Man’s body found on Armona beach

The body of a 27-year-old man was found this Wednesday morning, October 11th, on Armona -Ria beach, in the municipality of Olhão , announced the National Maritime Authority. The man is of English nationality, but so far the causes behind this occurrence are unknown.

The alert was given at 08:00 by a member of the public who was in the area, and crew members from the Olhão Lifeguard Station, members of the local Command of the Olhão Maritime Police and the Police had to immediately move to the area. The body was in a prone position and showed signs of blood on the head.

Death was declared by the health delegate and the body was later transported to the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Faro.

The Olhão Maritime Police Local Command took charge of the incident and the Judiciary Police is investigating the case.

And to close this newsletter, a “good news story” and recognition on a countrywide basis for the Algarve Food Bank. Banco Alimentar do Algarve, has been distinguished in the 11th edition of the MSD Maria José Nogueira Pinto award. The ceremony took place at the Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira, in Lisbon, and was attended by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Republic, and Manuel Pizarro, Minister of Health.

The fourth largest food bank in the country won with a project that aims to improve the distribution of food to the most needy in the Algarve region. The project, called “E-Integrar”appears within the scope of the Associação Pró-Partilha e Inserção do Algarve, with the purpose of boosting the Algarve Food Bank.

This project will receive €15,000 euros  that will be used to build a digital platform for managing and distributing food support, with the aim of meeting the population’s essential needs, without them having to expose themselves. E-Integra allows the food bank to cross-reference all the information of those interested in receiving support, ensuring that the food reaches those who really need it. Furthermore, the project aims to impose greater justice and equity in the distribution of food.

In collaboration with the University of Algarve, the Algarve Health Administration and the Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences of the University of Porto, E-Integrar takes into account the nutritional criteria of foods, in order to prepare healthier baskets .

Nuno Cabrita Alves, president of the BAA, emphasised that this is “a victory that highlights the work of Banco Alimentar do Algarve and highlights its position in the country.  It is important to thank all the partners, institutions and volunteers who have always supported Banco Alimentar do Algarve”, he said.

Seasonal work linked to tourism, low wages and rising inflation have led to an increase in requests for help from the Algarve Food Bank. “We count, more than ever, on the support of volunteers to be able to support the thousands of families in need in the Algarve region”, appealed Nuno Cabrita Alves.

At the moment, the Algarve Food Bank helps 22,500 people, a number that exceeds the 15,500 people who were being supported in the pre-covid-19 pandemic period. Our warm congratulations from us all at Safe Communities.

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 11th October 2023

by Mike Evans

With the weather across the Algarve in particular still providing us with warm sunshine, it is a good time to remember that there is still the chance of wildfires as we have had an unprecedented run of extremely hot weather since the early part of summer. There are 8 municipalities across the Algarve on maximum alert for fires. On average temperatures have been around 5 degrees warmer for this time of year than we have seen for the past couple of years so it is important that we continue to be on the lookout for any signs of fires.

At the same time we continue to see the reservoirs that feed the Algarve with water, dropping even lower with some at only 22% of their capacity. We should all continue to try and save water and hope that the forecast of rain towards the end of this week is correct. If we do see some downpours then we must all be aware of the possibility of localised flooding as the hard ground will not be able to absorb the rainfall if it is torrential.

On Monday, October 9th, the 16 municipalities of the Algarve signed a protocol with the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) to implement a set of good practices that are more friendly to the elderly, which will later be extended to the entire country .

“The Algarve will be a guide of good practices in order to favour environments and cities with measures that provide older people with well-being and health, among other things”, said the Secretary of State for Health Promotion, Margarida Tavares, on the sidelines of a meeting on the National Program for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.

At the meeting, held in Loulé , proposals were presented for implementing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities and Communities project, with measures that will be tested in the Algarve, and are expected to be expanded nationally in 2025. The meeting also included a discussion on health policies and initiatives implemented in the different Member States of the WHO European region that aim to promote the health, well-being and quality of life of older people, in a scenario of increasing longevity.

During the debate, some examples of good practices were given to support the daily lives of older people in sectors such as transport, health, cultural activities, security and social protection.

“We have already developed many of the good practices mentioned, but not all municipalities have the possibility of moving forward at the same speed”, said Osvaldo Gonçalves, mayor of Alcoutim, one of the oldest municipalities in the Algarve.

For the vice-president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL), with the association of municipalities as the coordinating entity, “a better job can be done at regional level to achieve the objectives”.

According to DGS technicians, the objective is, by the end of 2024, to “involve more and more municipalities in this movement”, so that by 2025 we can “move towards a national program”.

“The aim is for there to be standardisation and coordination that will expand and be tested here”, in the Algarve, explained Margarida Tavares.

This entire discussion is based on a good practice guide prepared by the WHO in which elderly people were asked, in discussion groups, to describe the advantages and obstacles they encounter in eight areas of life in the city.

In most cities, reports from older people were complemented through contributions from discussion groups made up of carers and service providers from the public, voluntary and private sectors.

In practical terms, it is concluded that an elderly-friendly city adapts its structures and services so that they include and are accessible to older people, with different needs and abilities.

The network of cities that try to follow this best practice guide includes 1445 cities around the world, among which 14 are Portuguese, namely Castro Marim. Here at Safe Communities we applaud this initiative.

Now a look at some of the other news across the region in the past week.

Man detained in Olhão on suspicion of sexual abuse of minors

The Southern Directorate of the Judiciary Police identified and detained a man, aged 75, due to strong evidence of committing several crimes “against sexual freedom and self-determination”, crimes committed against two minors “from his family circle”. Both parties reside in the municipality of Olhão, the PJ reported today.

The sexual assaults took place, according to the PJ, at different periods, in 2022, when the children, aged eight and 15, foreigners, “came to live with their mother in Portugal, settling in the city of Olhão”, read in the note.

Following the investigation, it was possible to “collect various pieces of evidence”, namely “reports of the various sexual assaults perpetrated by the now detained man”, he details. The facts spread “over the last year, having only ceased after a complaint to this Judiciary Police, formalised by the mother of colleagues who attended the same educational establishment as the victims, to whom the facts had been confided”, explains the PJ.

The sexual assaults “always took place in an environment completely controlled by the detained person, an individual who was a regular visitor to the minor’s family, and always on occasions when they were alone”, the statement continues.

The set of steps taken allowed “the collection of relevant evidence, culminating in the arrest of the suspect”, this Tuesday, the 10th, awaiting presentation before the competent judicial authorities for judicial interrogation and application of coercive measures deemed appropriate.

The investigation is led by the Olhão Department of Investigation and Criminal Action.

Tourist boat captain dies trying to dock at Portimão Marina

The captain of a maritime tourist vessel died today when trying to dock the boat, with 16 people on board, at the Portimão Marina, said the captain of the port of Portimão.

According to Rodrigo González dos Paços, the captain was in the docking manoeuvre “when he fell into the water and the vessel passed over him”, and the boat was stopped by the second commander and the victim was taken to the pier with a dead body.

The remaining 14 occupants (tourists) suffered minor injuries, 11 of which were treated on site by the emergency and resuscitation medical vehicle team (VMER) and three were taken to the hospital in Portimão (district of Faro) for observation. Recognizing that this is not a usual accident, the captain of the port of Portimão ordered the opening of an investigation and communicated the facts to the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP), which must now open a criminal investigation.

The vessel involved in the accident is approximately eight metres long and is semi-rigid, with capacity for 20 people.

Passenger detained at Faro airport with 1205 doses of cocaine

A passenger who intended to fly to Milan, Italy, was arrested on Monday, October 2, at Gago Coutinho Airport, in Faro , in possession of 1,205 doses of cocaine , revealed the Public Security Police.

According to a statement from this security force, when the suspect was searched to access the restricted area, private security detected him trying to hide a package in his pants, which was later found to contain doses of cocaine.

The detainee was brought before the judicial authority and the coercive measure of preventive detention was applied to him, according to the same note.

Ten detained in investigation into drug trafficking in the region

Ten people were arrested for drug trafficking , after an investigation that lasted around ten months and spanned the entire Algarve region, revealed the GNR.

According to a statement, the military arrested three women and seven men between the ages of 23 and 50 on Monday, October 2, for drug trafficking in the Algarve region.

The GNR also states that, as part of an investigation into trafficking in narcotic products that lasted around ten months and spread across the entire Algarve region, the Guard soldiers carried out police investigations that allowed it to be established that the individuals were engaged in drug trafficking. drug and which were organised in a drug distribution network for sale to consumers in the Algarve region.

According to the GNR, following the investigations, 34 search warrants were executed, 15 home search warrants and 19 non-home search warrants, namely 14 in vehicles, on a vessel, in an establishment, two in warehouses and another in a garage, in various locations. from the municipalities of Albufeira, Loulé , Faro, Olhão and Portimão.

The actions culminated in the arrest of the ten suspects and the seizure of various material related to illicit activity, adds the GNR in the note.

Among the seized material are 500 doses of hashish, 334 doses of cocaine, four doses of liamba, 3.23 grams of MDMA (ecstasy), 1.1 grams of CBD (cannabidiol) hashish concentrate, four hallucinogenic mushroom capsules and a pistol hidden on an MB card (ATM).

The GNR investigation had the support of the PSP, with a total of 147 operatives. The detainees were presented to the Loulé Judicial Court for the application of coercive measures.

Two arrested for shoplifting and vehicle theft

Two men aged 23 and 38 were arrested on Tuesday, October 3, for stealing from a commercial establishment and a vehicle in the municipality of Tavira , announced the National Republican Guard ( GNR ).

After being alerted about the theft at the commercial establishment, GNR soldiers went to the location, from where the suspects fled, but ended up being intercepted and detained.

During the police investigation, 57 packs of tobacco, a vehicle, two cell phones, a brush cutter and a food vending machine were seized. The detainees were presented to the Tavira Department of Investigation and Criminal Action for the application of coercive measures.

The action was reinforced by the Territorial Post of Castro Marim, Vila Real de Santo António, Alcoutim and with the support of the Public Security Police of Tavira.

Have a safe week until the next time..

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 4th October 2023

by Mike Evans

Good Morning to you all. In a week where the Algarve has once again shown the world that it is a great place to holiday in, we also see that the situation regarding the supply of water to the region is again in the spotlight with the reservoirs showing just 27% filled which is very concerning for those of us who live here permanently. Whilst there are plans for a desalination plant to be built the chances of this being in operation before 2025 is pretty low. We all need to do what we can to conserve this precious commodity. If we don’t, there is a good chance that the tourism euros that so many rely on could dry up along with the tap water if the hotels, golf courses, apartments and other tourist attractions find themselves unable to operate if water is scarce.

Now let’s look at what else has been happening across the region in the past week.

Man dies on Nossa Senhora da Rocha beach

A 63-year-old Canadian man died on the afternoon of Sunday, October 1st, after going into cardiorespiratory arrest after diving at Nossa Senhora da Rocha beach, in Lagoa, announced the National Maritime Authority .

The alert was given at 16:56, through the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center, and elements of the Portimão Maritime Police Local Command, elements of the Emergency Medical Vehicle and Resuscitation of the INEM and the Lagoa Volunteer Firefighters.

When these elements arrived at the scene, the victim had already been removed from the water by the lifeguards on duty, who had started basic life support maneuvers with a doctor who was also on the beach. INEM continued the maneuvers using the Automatic External Defibrillator and after several attempts, death was declared on the spot by the doctor from the Emergency and Resuscitation Medical Vehicle.

The body was later transported by the Lagoa Volunteer Firefighters to the Portimão Medical-Legal Office, after the Public Prosecutor’s Office was contacted. The local command of the Portimão Maritime Police took charge of the incident.

36-year-old man detained in VRSA on suspicion of child pornography 

The Judiciary Police , through the Southern Directorate, arrested a 36-year-old man, due to strong evidence of the crime of pornography of minors, an illicit crime that occurred in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, it was announced today.

The facts came to the attention of the Judiciary Police through the individual “with whom the now detained person interacted, through social media applications and to whom he addressed several files containing explicit sexual acts carried out on and between minors”, details the PJ in a statement. The set of steps taken allowed “the collection of relevant evidence”, which culminated in the arrest of the suspect, who will be before the competent judicial authorities for interrogation and application of coercive measures deemed appropriate. The investigation is led by the Public Prosecutor ‘s Office , Department of Investigation and Criminal Action of Vila Real de Santo António.

High-speed vessel suspected of drug trafficking seized

The Navy and the National Maritime Authority, in cooperation with the Portuguese Air Force, seized a high-speed vessel suspected of drug trafficking off the Algarve, it was announced today.

In a statement, the Navy said that the joint operation took place in international waters 50 nautical miles, approximately 93 kilometres south of Portugal, which resulted in the seizure of a high-speed vessel.

According to the Navy, the vessel, which had 89 jerry cans of fuel on board, was carrying three male crew members, foreigners, aged between 27 and 53, who were identified. “The high-speed vessel was identified and monitored by the Portuguese Air Force, and was pursued by a ship and two high-speed vessels, one from the Navy, operated by Marines, and the other from the National Maritime Authority, manned by Maritime Police agents. ”, is mentioned in the note.

Since the beginning of the year, the Navy and the National Maritime Authority through the Maritime Police, in cooperation with the Portuguese Air Force, have made 81 arrests and seized 33 high-speed vessels with around 33 tons of drugs.

Algarve receives 958 thousand euros to support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking

The Government opened this Thursday, the 28th, a competition to finance with 958 thousand euros structures in the Algarve region to provide care and reception for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, announced the office of the Deputy Minister and Parliamentary Affairs .

In a statement, the Government states that it has opened three competitions, within the scope of the Algarve 2030 Regional Program, for care and monitoring structures for victims of domestic and gender-based violence, for emergency reception responses to victims of domestic and gender-based violence and for reception and protection structures for victims of human trafficking.

“Applications for the competitions, whose allocation foresees a period of 24 months, end on December 5th and are intended for entities of the National Support Network for Victims of Domestic Violence (RNAVVD) and the Support and Protection Network for Victims of Trafficking . Human Beings”, reads the statement. The Government will also support care, monitoring and specialised support actions for children and young people who are victims of domestic violence, as long as they are integrated into care structures.

Algarve is the Best Beach Destination in Europe for the 10th time

The Algarve won, for the tenth time and for the fifth consecutive year, the title of “Best Beach Destination in Europe”, awarded by the World Travel Awards , it was announced on September 29th by the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA).

The distinction was announced in Batumi, Georgia, during the ceremony of the 30th edition of what are considered the most prestigious awards in the tourism and travel industry.

The region once again won the preference of the main leaders in the tourism sector, who voted to reward the best tourist offer at European level, with the Algarve ahead of other renowned beach destinations such as Cannes (France), Corfu and Costa Navarino (Greece), Mallorca and Marbella (Spain) and Sardinia (Italy). “It is an honor to receive this distinction for the tenth time. We remain committed to making travelers aware of the natural beauty of the Algarve. As such, this award recognizes the work of all professionals in the region’s tourism sector who, through their dedication and professionalism, contribute daily to making this the best beach destination in Europe”, declares André Gomes, president of Turismo do Algarve .

Taking into account the region’s history in winning that award (which took place in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023), “this international recognition gives the Algarve the possibility of consolidating its already undeniable status as a seaside paradise. The beauty and diversity of scenery that the region’s beaches offer along 200 km of coastline – from extensive cliffs to small hidden coves -, combined with the sun and mild temperatures that are felt throughout the year, continue to make people delights for sea and sunbathing lovers”, highlights ATA in a statement.

In this edition of the World Travel Awards, several companies that represent the best that is done in terms of tourism in the Algarve were also distinguished. Among the winners are members of the Algarve Tourism Association such as Abreu DMC Portugal, Amazing Evolution, Conrad Algarve, Dunas Douradas Beach Club (Best Villa Resort), Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, Monte Santo Resort Carvoeiro (Most Romantic Resort ) and Vale do Lobo (winner of Best ‘Lifestyle’ Resort).

Cascade Wellness, in Lagos, and Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort were also recognized as Best Sports Resort as Best Villa Resort.

Water Levels in The Algarve still in Decline 

The scarcity of water in river basins worries experts. At the end of September, only 69% of the total volume was stored in Portuguese reservoirs.

According to reservoir monitoring data from the National Water Resources Information System (SNIRH), the amount of water stored in September 2023 was below average in six of the country’s river basins. This represents approximately 36% of monitored reservoirs with water availability greater than 80% of the total volume, while 24% of them have water availability below 40% of the total volume.

Nine of the river basins recorded values above the average for the month. The highest storage levels at the end of September were observed in the Douro basins, with 89.7% of the total volume, Lima, with 80.5%, and Cávado, with 77.5%. However, these numbers are not enough to alleviate concerns regarding water scarcity. Comparing storage at the end of September 2023 with the storage averages for the month of September in previous years (1990/91 to 2021/22), a worrying situation is observed. Most river basins have storage levels below historical averages for this month. The basins of Vouga (68.4%), Sado (37.1%), Mira (31.3%), Arade (27.2%), Ribeiras do Barlavento (7.8%) and Ribeiras do Sotavento (28 .2%) are particularly below average.

Along with Portugal, neighbouring Spain is in an even more critical situation, which could have more serious consequences on the national territory, in the medium and long term. Scarce water resources and lack of significant precipitation have seriously affected several regions. However, Portugal continues to feel the impacts of the imminent drought. In particular, the Algarve region, for example, faces structural problems of lack of water, and the lack of investment in sustainable solutions is a cause for concern.

Have a great week.

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 27th September 2023

by Mike Evans

Good day to you all. With the end of Summer now on the horizon, for many residents this is the time that they take to enjoy the Algarve and beyond when the crowds are low. Whilst much of the infrastructure is still in place people should remember that some elements of keeping you safe are withdrawn especially on the beaches. Please remember that the lifeguards on many beaches will disappear at the end of this month so be aware for yourself and other beach goers of the dangers that still lurk in the sea. Rip currents are especially difficult to spot and we have been raising this issue over the summer and how to spot them as well as how to escape from one.

With the temperatures set to remain in the mid 20’s for October it is a lovely time to enjoy our fabulous country but please be wary of the dangers that may be lurking!

Now a look at some of the stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past week.

FORMER OLHÃO COUNCILLOR SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS FOR MEGA FRAUD OF ILLEGAL APPROPRIATION OF BUILDINGS

The Judicial Court of Faro was the stage, this Wednesday afternoon, for the reading of the ruling, despite the strike of judicial employees during the investigations, of a mega fraud case.

More than 30 people were accused of fraud and forgery crimes, for having appropriated land and houses that did not belong to them. One of the accused was João Pereira, former councillor of the Olhão Chamber, who was sentenced to nine years in prison.

More than 20 buildings in Olhão, Faro and Albufeira were illegally appropriated in a scheme in which the leader was the former councillor of Olhão.

The former councillor of Bloco de Esquerda (BE) was suspected of organising the necessary documentation and presenting it to the notary at the Olhão Notary Office, accompanying the justifications. In some cases, he was also a witness to the facts that served to justify possession by adverse possession. It was João Pereira who, as a rule, registered with the land registry offices. The notary from the Olhão Notary Office was one of the accused, but was acquitted of all crimes.

The public deeds of justification were carried out at the Olhão Notary’s Office, stating that the buildings in question had been sold or donated verbally in the 1980s. More than 20 buildings in Olhão, Faro and Albufeira were illegally appropriated.

João Pereira is the first activist expelled in the history of BE, for allegedly “failing to tell the truth” about several processes, including an alleged fraudulent bankruptcy of a company and debts to the tax authorities.

Of the 32 defendants, two were sentenced to effective prison sentences, 16 to suspended prison sentences and one to a fine. The rest were acquitted. The trial had started in March and ended this Wednesday.

Sérgio Martins, the president of the Parish Council of Santa Bárbara de Nexe, in Faro, was the first to warn about this situation. Between 2019 and 2020, Sérgio Martins published two videos on Facebook about the issue.

LPG STATION IN THE ALGARVE CLOSED FOR POSING A DANGER 

Authorities have closed a Liquefied Petroleum Gas ( LPG ) filling station in the Algarve, which will be dismantled as it represents a “potential danger” to the local population, announced the National Entity for the Energy Sector ( ENSE ).

In a statement, ENSE said that it had sealed the station, the exact location of which it did not specify, and that it had been “completely removed, thus guaranteeing the safety of residents in the area”.

According to this entity, measures were also taken to dismantle the station, which was not licensed, did not have mandatory civil liability insurance, nor authorization to operate the LPG tank (ESP). GPL Auto also did not have metrological control of the reservoir pressure gauge, among other “serious risks to the safety and health of people and property”, highlights ENSE, which sealed the station during a nationwide inspection action.

In this action, which ended on Friday, September 22nd, ENSE carried out inspections of 28 LPG Auto stations across the country.

During these actions, which involved the collection of evidence for subsequent analysis, special attention was paid to the safety conditions necessary for the operation of these filling stations. “These actions have the main objective of ensuring compliance with current legislation, as well as compliance with safety rules and guaranteeing free market competition”, he concluded.

Three injured in explosion at Vila Galé Lagos restaurant

Three people were injured – two seriously – after a bottle of alcohol exploded during a live cooking show at the restaurant of Vila Galé Lagos Hotel on Monday.

Two German clients – male, aged 83 and 69 – sustained serious injuries while a Portuguese man, 50, suffered light injuries.

The incident occurred at around 6.45pm.

The hotel management said in a statement that it is collaborating with local authorities and closely following the guests’ health condition, ensuring that all appropriate safety measures are implemented to prevent future incidents.”

British expats to lose Barclays Bank accounts

British people living abroad who bank with Barclays are going to have their UK current or savings accounts closed, which could leave customers with no access to their savings and pensions.

According to The Daily Telegraph, it states that the bank began a review of its international offerings in 2021 and is now writing to customers with a six-month warning and that a Barclays spokesman stated that “UK products are designed for customers living in Britain”. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) added that “it was a commercial decision as banks are allowed to set their own rules on customers which they accept.”

The lender cited by The Telegraph, has advised expats to open a global account with Barclays, however, they will need to maintain a balance of £100,000 in order to avoid a monthly charge of £40. According to The Telegraph: “In 2021, Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Halifax and the Bank of Scotland, contacted 13,000 expats who live in Europe to tell them their accounts held in Britain would close as the bank is no longer allowed to offer services.”

Under the latest closures, those with cash ISAs and fixed-rate bonds will be able to keep their accounts unless they live in Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands or Slovakia.

The same rule applies to mortgage and loan holders with the UK wing of the bank. However, existing home loan customers will not be able to remortgage when their term ends.

Crown employees and their spouses can also keep the accounts, and the bank will allow the account to remain open if the overseas address is for someone who manages the money, such as an accountant or lawyer.”

A FCA spokesman said “Banks may set their own requirements on country of residence for account holders and must comply with local law and regulation when serving customers outside the UK.

“Whether or not banks decide to extend services to customers outside of the UK is a commercial decision for them, but we expect them to treat their customers fairly, comply with equalities legislation, and provide adequate notice to the customer if they decide to close their account.

“Customers who feel they have had their accounts closed unfairly have the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.”

A separate article published by The Guardian explained that “Financial services in the UK can currently trade across the European Economic Area (EEA) because member countries are bound by the same regulatory framework.

The arrangement, known as “passporting”, expires at the end of the year and, while the UK has legislated so that EU banks can continue to provide services for customers in Britain, the EU has not done the same.” Customers who bank with firms that own EU-based subsidiaries are having their accounts transferred, but banks that do not have an EU arm would have to apply for a licence to trade in each EEA country. Some banks have too small a customer base in the EU to justify the cost.”

Thinking of taking a Trip to Spain?

Finally,  If you are planning a trip to Spain and intend to drive during your stay, it is essential to know the differences and specificities of the roads and regulations in relation to Portugal. Driving in Spain can be a pleasant experience, as long as you are prepared.

In this piece, using some of the information from Ekonomista, we will cover the main aspects to consider before venturing onto Spanish roads.

Documentation required in Spain:  For European Union citizens, including the Portuguese, driving in Spain is relatively simple in terms of documentation. You must have the following documents with you:

Driving licence: Your valid driving licence is essential. Make sure it is up to date and in compliance with regulations.

Vehicle documents: Make sure you have the vehicle documents, including the Documento Único and the green card (international insurance certificate).

Signal triangle: Have a warning triangle in the vehicle. If you want to become a resident in Spain, you will need two triangles. These are mandatory when the vehicle is immobilised in the lane.

Spare tyre and tools: In Spain, it is mandatory for vehicles to have a spare tire in good condition and the necessary tools for replacement. The only exception is when the vehicle is not factory equipped with a spare tyre, but rather with a repair kit.

Differences in Traffic Regulations: Although there are many similarities between traffic regulations in Spain and Portugal, it is important to be aware of some significant differences:

Daytime running lights:  For motorcycles, the use of permanent daytime running lights is mandatory, even during the day. For other vehicles, this obligation only applies in conditions of reduced visibility.

Blood alcohol limit:  In Spain, the maximum blood alcohol level allowed for newly licensed and professional drivers is 0.3 g/l (0.2 g/l in Portugal), while for other drivers it is 0.5 g/l , the same as in Portugal.

Speed ​​limits: Speed ​​limits vary on motorways (120 km/h), conventional roads (100 km/h), other roads (90 km/h), and urban areas (50 km/h). Please note that as of May 2021, 70% of urban streets have a speed limit of 30 km/h.

In addition to the main differences in regulations, keep the following issues in mind when driving in Spain: Seat belts.The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, inside and outside the locations. Fines can reach €200: Cell phones . Talking on a cell phone while driving is prohibited, except when using a hands-free system.

Fines:   The traffic police can impose fines at the location of the violation. Fines can be challenged within a maximum period of 15 days. Paying now reduces the fine by 30%. If you do not pay and do not indicate a person or company as payment guarantee, the vehicle may be confiscated.

Parking . In large cities, public on-street parking usually has a maximum limit of two hours.

Highways . Many motorways in Spain have tolls , with rates that can vary according to the time of day and the time of year.

Now that you are informed about the differences and regulations when driving in Spain, you can enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind, whether for leisure or work.

Always remember to respect local traffic laws and ensure that your vehicle and documentation are in compliance.

Have a great week.