Faro Airport 24 July

EDITOR, I am writing this having just passed through passport control.

Out of 12 “booths”

3 were open for all passengers

1 was for European

1 was for Priority passengers

7 were shut.

None of the electronic readers were working.

This was at peak time and the queue was up the stairs and back to the WC’s. I can appreciate technical issues but this type of issue is so avoidable with proper planning.

Mark Harvey, By email

Re: Cataracts

EDITOR, I was sorry to read recent letters regarding ‘unsuccessful’ cataract surgery. From his description of his symptoms, Ray Scott would appear to have developed macular degeneration post-surgery. This may not have been evident pre-surgery and he can have no complaint. He should now seek advice as to treatment for this developing condition.

With regard to Gerry, I would query why, if his sight was as good as he describes, did he opt for cataract surgery. Ophthalmology standards in Portugal are generally good, although unfortunately, in my 15 years in practice here I came across several cases, from one surgeon in particular, where people were advised to have unnecessary cataract surgery and wisely consulted me for a second opinion.

Diagnosis of early cataract does not require urgent action, provided your sight is adequate for your needs and meets statutory requirements for such things as driving. Getting a second opinion from another consultant, optometrist or G.P. is definitely advisable.

Roy Carpenter, By email

EDITOR, It’s interesting you include another article regarding cataracts in your 26 July issue of TPN.

Like the article in the 5 July edition, it so casually glosses over the serious effects of the so called ‘possible complications’ to this procedure in one sentence!

They are serious quality of life diminishing handicaps! As Gerry Atkins’ letter showed, he also experienced!

I would like to name this ‘practitioner’, but not sure if it would be legal?

I wonder how many Portuguese [who don’t read TPN] have had similar experiences?

Who is the optical licensing authority who oversees these ‘practitioners’?

Are these botched operations reversible?It’s deeply frustrating to have your quality of life diminished!

Ray Scott, Faro.

Voting in Local Elections

EDITOR; Since 2002 the PS have controlled Lagos. That is an uninterrupted 22 years in power. Out of the seven elected vereadors (councillors) five, including the mayor, are PS, one is PSD and the other CDU. This means that policy decisions, and every other facet of city management, are in the hands of a virtual dictatorship. The five PS council members have control of the goal posts, the referees and the linesmen. Those of us who follow history know the old saying about power ...... and, in spite of a good start, long term office often leads to arrogant unchallenged megalomania– Thatcher and Erdogan are prime examples. The feeling among many Portuguese is that the time has come for change and a rebalance of the management of our city. We should take notice because, at 13,758, we represent 40% of the population. (PORDATA)

The national government is now in the hands of a coalition that replaced the PS. So politics are changing in Portugal with many expressing dissatisfaction with the traditional local regimes that operate as old family fiefdoms with systems in place to defend their right to power and rule without challenge. It is well documented that the legal system is ineffective with local lawyers refusing to take cases against Camaras for fear of reprisal or in the knowledge that the judiciary will bury such cases in time to protect the government. The Ministry of Justice and the national ombudsman are jokes, providing such slow and convoluted service as to be useless. One opinion is that post revolutionary Portugal simply transferred the authoritarian practices of Salazar to a local level. L. Democracy is a farce in such conditions but it is the right to vote, the cornerstone of democracy, that offers the only chance of change to restore the rights of ordinary people. Transparency, accountability and restoration of trust in the law are the objectives to bring elected officials and their administrators back into true public service.

There are sufficient non PS candidates in Lagos for the mayoral and councillor positions to enable voters in the upcoming elections to create a properly balanced democratic forum. One problem is that in 2017 the government opened up the law so that unlimited donations could be given to political parties with the donors remaining secret. I imagine that local builders and developers will be queuing up to contribute to maintain a system that has lined their pockets in the current housing boom – while young Portuguese leave the town due to unaffordable rentals, rising prices, low wages and lack of work to be replaced by cheaper workers. A future problem in its own right. It’s time for some new ideas and policies and the ballot box is the vehicle to make it happen.

It is also time for incomers who have invested in the town to do some research and vote to protect their future interests and have a voice in a more democratic and inclusive forum. Registration is simple. Take your passport, residence card and a utility bill to the CML offices. Even those who do not qualify can make a difference by contributing to the funds of the independent candidates or smaller hopefuls who do not have the funds to compete on the street sign battle of well funded parties like the PS.

Chris Freer, Resident in Lagos for 27 years,

By Email