Azores situation report Wednesday 15^th March 2023

 

New president of SATA says the company is in “significant recovery”. 

The new chairman of SATA’s Board of Directors, Teresa Mafalda Gonçalves, assured, in a parliamentary hearing, in the Azores, that the company is in “recovery” and that it will show “significant growth” in the 2022 accounts.

“It is not a recovery that can be seen overnight”, explained the administrator of the Azorean airline, during a hearing at the Economics commission of the Regional Assembly, held in Ponta Delgada, stressing that, even so, the company’s financial results, indicate a “very significant growth in terms of revenues”.

Teresa Gonçalves, who replaces Luís Rodrigues in the position, who was transferred to the management of TAP, at the invitation of the Government of the Republic, recalled that the financial results of Grupo SATA, relative to last year, are not yet closed and, therefore, did not want to still reveal numbers to deputies.

Diocese of Angra suspends two priests on suspicion of abuse. 

The diocese of Angra, in the Azores, has suspended two priests who are being investigated for alleged cases of sexual abuse of minors, it has been announced.

In a statement, the Bishop of Angra, Armando Esteves Domingues, reveals that the list given to him last Friday by the Independent Commission for the Study of cases of Sexual Abuse of Minors in the Catholic Church in Portugal “contains two names: one priest from São Miguel and another from Terceira Island”.

“The diocesan bishop has already spoken with both and, together, they agreed that the priests in question will be prevented from the public exercise of the ministry until the end of the prior investigation process, which has already been initiated in the diocese and in accordance with canonical norms. The participation to the Public Ministry will also follow”, adds the statement.

In the note, Armando Esteves Domingues underlines that “this decision is not an assumption of guilt by themselves, nor a condemnation by the diocesan bishop”, but rather the fulfilment of what Pope Francis has recommended as a norm and practice of the Church in matters of abuses.

The report by the Independent Commission for the Study of Sexual Abuse of Children in the Catholic Church in Portugal identified complaints relating to eight cases of alleged abuse that occurred in seven municipalities in the Azores: two in Velas and one in Calheta, on the island of São Jorge; one on Faial; one in Angra do Heroísmo and one in Praia da Vitória, on Terceira Island; one in the municipality of Lajes and another in São Roque, both on the island of Pico, the statement also says.

“These alleged abuses were allegedly committed between 1973 and 2004, by different people”, four of whom – three priests and one layperson – have since died.

The diocese adds that, “after the presentation of the report by the Independent Commission, and after three years of activity without any complaint, it has already received a new complaint, which involves a priest of São Miguel who has died”.

A member of the Diocesan Commission for Prevention and Accompaniment met with the victim and provided “the support of the diocese to continue this path of recovery”.

According to the bishop, “after the shame and scandal that the revelation of the existence of abuses provoked in society in general and Christians in particular, it is time for action”.

“To all those who feel hurt, confused or lost, we appeal to you to trust that everything will be done to implement punitive measures where necessary, but also preventive and formative measures, which contribute to restoring confidence and hope to all Christians”, he adds.

Armando Esteves Domingues defends that “the priority of the Church must continue to be the victims, who for years suffered in silence (…), guaranteeing them the right to justice and care, without rejecting technical, human and financial means to repair the harm inflicted”.

“Even aware that the perception of the seriousness of this crime is very different today than it was in the past, these abuses could never have happened in the Church. Asking for forgiveness is not enough”, stresses the prelate, assuring that “the diocese of Angra will do everything to ensure that abuses no longer take place”.

“The Church cannot even try to hide the tragedy of abuse. We will act with zero tolerance towards abusers and make ourselves available to welcome, listen and repair the lives of all those who have been abused, whether those who have already reported it, or those who in their silence and shame continue to suffer alone”, he adds.

The bishop also announces the availability, through the Diocesan Commission for Prevention and Monitoring, “of all means to guarantee the monitoring and psychological treatment of the victims”.

“This commission, now renewed, composed only of lay people, specialists in various social, therapeutic and legal areas, will continue to do its work in an even more committed way, guaranteeing the secrecy that situations of this delicacy require”, continues the statement.

The bishop of Angra also addresses “those who still haven’t had the courage to denounce or prefer not to voice their silence”, expressing “availability to listen to them”.

The Independent Commission validated, at the national level, 512 of the 564 testimonies received – between January and October 2022 -, pointing, by extrapolation, to a minimum number of victims of around 4,815. Twenty-five cases were reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which led to the opening of 15 inquiries, of which nine have already been archived, six remaining under investigation.

These testimonies refer to cases that occurred in the period between 1950 and 2022, the time span that covered the commission’s work.

The summary of the report, however, reveals that “the data collected in ecclesiastical archives regarding the incidence of sexual abuse must be understood as the ‘tip of the iceberg’”.

On the morning of last Friday, this commission led by child psychiatrist Pedro Strecht, delivered the list of alleged abusers to those responsible for the different dioceses.

 

 

 

Azores Situation Report Wednesday – 8^th March 2023

 

Pre-trial detention for three suspects of robbery crimes in Ponta Delgada 

Three men were held in pre-trial detention for being suspected of committing three crimes of theft, which took place in the city of Ponta Delgada.

According to a statement from the Regional Command of the PSP of the Azores, the three men, aged between 38 and 40, were arrested last weekend, two of which have a criminal record.

The arrests “occurred following the treatment and analysis of the various signs that were collected during the investigation, which found that there was an interconnection between the three crimes, namely in terms of the motive for the crime, mode of action, places where they occurred and the type of crime, chosen victim, in this case, vulnerable victims resulting from situations associated with strong social exclusion”.

The PSP also says that the approach to the victims “was done by the suspects mainly at night, in places with little movement of people, in the city of Ponta Delgada, and the victims, under threat of aggression with white weapons, were forced to hand over money and goods they had in their possession. In one of the cases, under the threat of a knife, the victim was forced to go to an ATM, collect and deliver all the money he had in his account”.

After judicial interrogation, the coercive measure of pre-trial detention was applied to them.

Investigation continues, with a view to ascertaining the possible responsibility of the defendants in the commission of other crimes.

 

Two brothers arrested for domestic violence against their mother in Ponta Delgada 

The PSP detained, in flagrante delicto, two brothers, aged 33 and 49, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, for committing the crime of domestic violence against their 71-year-old mother.

According to a statement from the Regional Command of the Azores of the PSP, “after a complaint reporting the episode of violence at the victim’s residence”, the PSP immediately went to the scene, “having glimpsed the victim in a state of nervousness and crying, informing that, moments before she had been threatened with death by her own children, causing her fear and restlessness”.

The PSP also said that they continued with aggressive and violent threats against their mother, they were immediately arrested, for the protection of the victim, due to advanced age and physical and psychological fragility, in addition to the danger of continuing criminal activity against the victim”.

The defendants were present at the 1st judicial interrogation before the competent Judicial Authority and the oldest defendant was given the most serious coercive measure, preventive detention and the other defendant the coercive measures of periodic presentations at the PSP Police Station, prohibition of contact with his mother and sister, not coming closer than 200 metres from the residence, and consequently abandoning the victim’s residence, in addition to undergoing drug addiction treatment.

Azores with worsening weather conditions and sea unrest 

The Azores will experience a “considerable worsening” of weather conditions and sea unrest, between 18:00 on Monday and 18:00 on Wednesday, warned the Navy.

The Navy and the National Maritime Authority alert the maritime community and the population in general “to the care to be taken, both in preparation for a trip to the sea, and when at sea or in coastal areas”, advising the reinforcement of mooring and to “close surveillance of moored and anchored vessels”.

“Avoid walks along the sea or in areas exposed to sea turmoil, such as the protective piers at ports, cliffs or beaches, to avoid being surprised by a wave”, is another precaution to be taken.

The Navy and the National Maritime Authority also ask that recreational fishing activities not be carried out, “especially along the cliffs and cliffs and cliff areas often hit by breaking waves, always bearing in mind that in these conditions the sea can easily reach apparently safe areas”.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has placed the islands of the Western group under yellow warning from the end of today due to the forecast of maritime unrest.

According to the IPMA, the yellow warning for the islands of the Western group (Flores and Corvo) will be active in the period between 18:00 today and 12:00 Tuesday.

The yellow warning is issued by the IPMA whenever there is a risk situation for certain activities dependent on the weather situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Azores Situation Report Wednesday February 22nd 2023

4.1 earthquake on the Richter scale felt off the island of Santa Maria in the Azores 

An earthquake of 4.1 on the Richter scale was felt on the island of Santa Maria, in Vila do Porto, São Pedro, Almagreira and Santo Espírito, revealed today the Civil Protection.

On the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service website, it is reported that the earthquake was recorded by the Azores  Information and Surveillance Centre (CIVISA), at 22:40 local time on Monday (23:40 in Lisbon) , with an epicentre about 51 kilometres east of Santo Espírito, on the island of Santa Maria, located in the eastern group of the Azorean archipelago.

“According to the information available so far, the earthquake was felt with maximum intensity III/IV (Modified Mercalli Scale) in Vila do Porto, São Pedro, Almagreira and Santo Espírito (municipality of Vila do Porto)”, adds the Protection Civil.

The Modified Mercalli Scale measures the “degrees of intensity and respective description” and, when there is an intensity of IV, considered “Moderate”, “parked cars shake”, “windows, doors and dishes shake” and “glasses and dishes collide or jingle”, walls or wooden structures can creak, reveals the Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) on its website.

With intensity III, considered Weak, the shock is “felt inside the house” and “the hanging objects sway”, feeling a “vibration similar to that caused by the passage of heavy vehicles”, according to the IPMA.

Azores promote literary contest in mother tongue for immigrants. 

A literary contest will distinguish original literary texts in the Azores, written in the mother tongue of immigrants residing in the region, an initiative that aims to promote “interculturality” and “greater knowledge about the different communities existing in the archipelago”, was announced today.

The literary contest “Saudades da Terra”, in the area of ​​immigration, is promoted by the regional directorate of the Communities, in partnership with the air carrier SATA Azores Airlines, as part of the celebrations of the International Mother Language Day, marked annually on February 21st.

According to a press release published on the Regional Government’s website, the initiative is aimed at all immigrants residing in the Azores.

The works in competition must be “texts in any literary genre, original and unpublished”, which address “the personal perspective of the competitors, with a minimum age of 18, about the host society”, adds the Azorean Government (PSD/CDS- PP/PPM).

The competition aims to promote interculturality and encourage greater knowledge about the different communities and nationalities existing in the archipelago, through the production of literary texts, written in their mother tongue, which convey the vision of their authors about the Azores.

The winner will be awarded an airline ticket for two people, departing from any Azorean airport to all destinations operated by SATA Azores Airlines.

Applications must be sent by April 21, 2023, using a form to the email address ‘ saudadesdaterra.drc@azores.gov.pt ‘.

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 and later recognized by the UN in 2002, with the aim of “protecting and safeguarding all languages ​​spoken in the world, honouring cultural traditions and respecting linguistic diversity”, stresses the Directorate Regional Communities.

Iberia with flights from Ponta Delgada in summer 

Spanish airline Iberia is planning flights between Faro and Ponta Delgada in the summer of 2023.

Antonio Linares, sales director for Iberia in Spain and Portugal, has said that he is “moderately optimistic” for 2023 and that the airline wants to maintain its commitment to the Portuguese market. Thus, for Portugal, the Spanish airline wants to maintain a “broad and stable flight schedule” this year.

In the summer of 2023, normal operations will continue from Lisbon, Porto and Funchal, but Iberia destinations will also be reached from Faro and Ponta Delgada; more details will be revealed soon, guarantees

 

Azores Situation Report Wednesday 15th February 2023

Azores break record for overnight stays in tourist accommodation in 2022 

The Azores accounted for around 3.2 million overnight stays in tourist accommodation in 2022, an amount above that of 2019, in which a record value had been recorded, according to data from the Regional Statistics Service (SREA).

In the year 2022, in the range of tourist accommodation establishments (hotels, apartment hotels, tourist apartments, inns, rural tourism units and local accommodation units) in the Azores, 3,215.4 thousand overnight stays were recorded, a higher figure by 65.7% compared to the year 2021.

According to data from the Azores Regional Statistics Service, the value for 2022 is the highest since there have been records, surpassing the 2019 record (3,009,385 overnight stays), by 6.8%.

Overnight stays from tourists residing abroad (1,945.4 thousand) more than doubled compared to the same period last year (149.4%), surpassing those of tourists residing in Portugal (1,270.0 thousand), which also registered an increase, but less accentuated (9.4%).

Azores always available for a “good reception” of immigrants 

The President of the Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, said that the region is a “welcoming community”, which is “always available” to promote a “good reception” of immigrants, whether for economic or humanitarian reasons.

“We are a welcoming community. We have done this in all situations where there is migration for economic reasons and for humanitarian reasons, fleeing persecution or war. We have always been a welcoming community. Today, as always, the Azores and this government will be available for good integration and a good reception”, he said, when asked about the migration policy in the region.

He was speaking to journalists at the Palácio da Conceição, in Ponta Delgada, after a meeting of the Regional Advisory Council for Immigration Affairs.

Carnival returns to the streets in São Miguel with Coliseum dances almost sold out. 

Carnival returns to the streets in São Miguel after two years of interregnum due to the pandemic, with parades, the Battle of Limas and dances, including the one at the Coliseu Micaelense, with an “almost sold out” capacity.

“There is great demand. The two dances, the one on Friday and the one on Monday, are almost sold out”, said today the chairman of the board of directors of the Coliseu Micaelense, Cila Simas.

The first Carnival celebration dated back to 1918 at the Coliseu Micaelense, in Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel.  Three years later, gala balls began at that venue, with women wearing long dresses and men in black suits, a tradition that is repeated annually during the Carnival season, only suspended due to the covid-19 pandemic. .

“There is a lot of Carnival events on offer, which makes people divide. But the Coliseum maintains the same percentage of participants as in years prior to the pandemic”, highlighted Cila Simas, stressing that there is a great affinity of the public with the traditional Carnival galas at the concert hall.

“This is a ball with great traditions and always has a faithful audience”, underlined the person responsible for the Coliseu Micaelense, a building from the beginning of the 20th century.

President of SATA says that there are already interested parties in the privatization of Azores Airlines 

The president of SATA Holding, SA, Luís Rodrigues, announced that there are at least “half a dozen interested parties” in the privatization of 51% of Azores Airlines, even without the terms of reference having been concluded.

Flights between the Azores and North America with “great demand” 

The president of SATA stated that renting an Airbus A330 plane to connect the Azores to North America during the summer is the “most profitable solution”, revealing that the flights are in “great demand”.

Speaking to the Lusa agency, Luís Rodrigues said that the company will rent (in a leasing service) an Airbus A330 to the Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aérea, which will serve “fundamentally” to connect Oakland, California, to the Azorean archipelago.