INTERVIEW | Dr. Miguel Albuquerque
He had invited me the following day to visit his garden set on the northern side of the island and see for myself his other passion, roses. Quinta do Arco is the most fabulous place to escape to. Not only did he design the garden himself but he has also written several books on the subject, is a member of the Royal National Rose Society, the Federation of Rose Societies and the American Rose Society.
In the garden, I saw over 1,500 varieties and I was told there were over 17,000 roses growing there. I wondered how a man with so many talents had time for politics let alone run for presidency and perhaps even lend his hand to pruning? He is also an author of several books on politics!
I have had the opportunity of meeting many people in my career, but I think Dr Miguel Albuquerque is one of the most enthusiastic men I have ever met: he thinks and breathes Madeira. He is also an accomplished musician; he plays the piano to a very high standard. He told me that his love for music dates back to when he was young and how as a young student he used to earn money playing in some of the hotels on the island.
Should Dr Miguel be elected President in 2013, islanders will witness a huge change. He wants to see the island encourage more and more people to sample Madeira, to walk amongst its nature, see the abundance of the flora and fauna. He is a man of vision; you can almost see his foresight in his eyes.
On the subject of his eyes, they lit up when I mentioned the subject of Madeira’ s sister island Porto Santo. He agreed with me the island has huge opportunities and more tourists need to be encouraged to visit it.
Regrettably at present, Dr Miguel told me there are not enough flights directly to the island, but readers should know- the island is never closed to visitors!
The fabulous golf course designed by Seve Ballesteros is open throughout the year( see pages 40 and 41) and the island’ s wonderful beaches really have to be seen to be believed. Porto Santo is a glittering charm on the bracelet suspended from Madeira’ s archipelago.
The old English expression of a safe pair of hands dates back to Victorian days, it means a reliable person who can be entrusted not to make a mistake. Madeira can relax knowing their island is in very safe in Dr Miguel Albuquerque’ s hands.
8 | Summer 2012 | www. madeira-life. net |