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Summary
of the year
January 2001
February 2001
March 2001
April 2001
May 2001
June 2001
July 2001
August 2001
September 2001
October 2001
November 2001
December 2001
THE
YEAR 2001 IN SARDINIA - A YEAR OF "ISOLA SARDA" NEWSLETTERS
2001 has ended. Hurray for 2001! It's
time to take stock of the past twelve months. The "Isola Sarda"
Newsletter, a weekly summary of the most important events occurring in Sardinia,
can help us to remember how this past year, which is about to come to an end,
has been.
At the beginning of 2001, the news of the moment was the "Mad Cow"
epidemic. Luckily, this worrying phenomenon touched our Region only
marginally and notwithstanding thousands of inspections, only one case of
infection was verified. Unfortunately, however, our Island featured
prominently in the outbreak of another infection. Although harmless to
human beings, it affected the sheep farms very badly. Tens of thousands of heads
of sheep were slaughtered because of the so-called "Blue Tongue Syndrome"
and the entire breeding sector was brought to its knees. The vaccination
of the animals, which could have at least reduced the damage, will only just be
carried out with much delay during 2002.
From a meteorological point of view, Winter and Spring were rather wet.
The Island's 40 water basins gathered some rather positive statistics if
compared with those recorded during certain drought-ridden years in the past.
The real drawback, if these statistics are compared to seasonal averages, was
the Autumn period or rather what should have been Autumn and instead ended up
being a continuation of Summer. Never in living memory have an October and
November been so hot as in 2001, evidently a sign that seasonal patterns are
really changing.
With regard to the economy, 2001 witnessed the continuing ascent of Tiscali,
which established itself as the national leader of the so-called "new
market" companies. At the same time, it expanded to become a European
company through the purchase of a number of companies on the Continent.
2001 will be remembered as the year of the "Parco Geominerario" [geo-mining
park]. The hard battle fought by the workers (and by Regional Councillor
Pinna), who locked themselves in the mines as a sign of protest, eventuated in
the clearance of some bureaucratic red tape and the final approval for the
go-ahead to this important park. It is hoped that this will represent a
new way of managing the economy in Sardinia and that it will clear the way to
the development of the Gennargentu National Park (put on hold by the Sardinians
themselves) and of other "Regional Parks".
What featured most prominently from April to December was news about the
important so-called "Continuita' Territoriale", that is to say the
long-held dream for Sardinians to be able to take advantage of reasonable fares
for their trips to the mainland. After a number of ups and downs and an
experiment that involved an international tender for the allocation of the
routes to the airlines, there were many controversies, appeals, discussions and
threats but in the end it was a cause for a New Year celebration. The
first discounted flights took off.
There were also positive moves with regard to maritime links. A new
operator entered into the market on the Cagliari-Civitavecchia and Olbia-Leghorn
and new ferries like the Tirrenia Lines "Bithia" on the Porto
Torres-Genoa route.
Still on the subject of the economy, 2001 was going to be the year in which
Cagliari's "Porto Canale" project was definitely going to be launched.
The project was to be a massive one, which would have taken 20 years to
complete. Instead, the port had hardly any freight movements during the
year, even thought the first cargo ship did arrive in February.
The "Cartiera" factory in Arbatax is another ailing industrial centre.
The Piemonte-based "Nebiolo" group purchased it and a new start-up in
production is expected in 2002.
On the political front, elections were held in May and 27 representatives from
the Island were elected to the national parliament. Of these, 16 are from
an alliance of centre-right parties and eleven from the centre-right. The
centre-right alliance also had a majority win in the mayoral elections held in
the most important municipalities on the Island. In October the Regional
Council suffered a crisis and this led to Mario Floris' resignation and the
election of Mauro Pili, the Island's heir apparent to Silvio Berlusconi.
2001 was a negative year with regard to the protection of the natural
environment. It began in May with the decimation of flamingo nests caused
by stray dogs in the Molentargius pond and then in Summer, human beings carried
on with this vandalistic behaviour. We then witnessed the now usual
slaughter of dolphins carried out by fishermen without scruples. As well,
there was the theft of the very, very fine sand from the beaches of Is Aruttas
and the vandalism of natural monuments on the coast of Baunei. And last
but not least, there was the incredible tourist who tried to leave the beach in
Calasetta with a specimen of the Caretta Caretta sea turtle under his arm.
So as to remind us that it isn't only the tourists who behave badly, it was a
bunch of local hooligans who caused the death of young man of 22 by throwing
rocks at passing cars at Arzachena. Furthermore, we shouldn't forget
24-year-old Vittorio Greco, the young man who lost his life trying to save two
Galtellì boys who were having difficulties in the sea off the Golfo di Orosei.
The demolition of the Baia delle Ginestre in Teulada in June raised some
controversies. It led to the restoration of legality and a warning
was issued not indulge in anything similar in the future. However, it has
also led to unemployment in a depressed area and it has created an environmental
blot on the landscape because the rubble is still there on show for all to see.
There were still numerous forest fires this year but luckily, no one was killed
and the number of hectares destroyed wasn't particularly high.
In 2001 there was another increase in the acts of violence in the Barbagia area,
which included numerous criminal acts. Fortunately there were no
kidnappings during the year but there has been an increase in hold-ups, both of
private citizens and banks. The latter, in particular, were attacked on
numerous occasions with the so-called "excavator" system whereby the
robbers destroy the actual structure containing the automatic teller and go
escape with the entire "Bancomat" in tow.
Sardinian culture and its language in particular was the subject of debate
during the year. The "Lingua Sarda Unificata" (LSU) [Unified
Sardinian Language], a language primarily based on the Lugodorese was presented
as a possible candidate in the attempt to create a single language for the
entire Island. We don't know whether this proposal will have a large
following but the first objections have already been lodged, particularly from
the Campidano area, in defence of the other versions of the Sardinian language.
2001 was a year of mixed fortunes for Island sport. Soccer is the most
popular sport but for the Cagliari team it was a very negative year. It
began the year with great hopes of being promoted to the top championship league
only to find itself relegated to the insignificant placings in the middle of the
B League championship. The new championship began even worse and the
Cagliari team is now involved in a battle to avoid relegation to the C1 League
in the next championship round. In the C League, the Torres team managed a
good showing by coming close in the play-offs for promotion to the B League.
In the current championship, it started off badly but it is now in clear
recovery. The Dinamo Sassari basketball team was constantly in the lead in
the B1 League but it failed miserably in its effort go gain promotion to the
First Division. Rays of hope come from the Torres Women's Soccer Team.
The ladies from Sassari have won their umpteenth national championship shield.
Finally, it wasn't exactly a fantastic year for our Isola Sarda site. The
Internet has changed compared to the pioneer times when we first started our
activities. Today, there is greater interest in the ephemeral and the
futile, whilst our site always and only deals with the culture, the nature and
the people of Sardinia, which is certainly not the most fashionable of subjects.
Its content is made up of contributions of text and images sent in by the
visitors to the site. This year, however, we received less material
compared to previous years. The number of visitors remains high and the
messages from our migrants and fans of Sardinia encourage us to carry on.
The Newsletter too, yes the one you are reading at this moment represents for
many the only way they can keep informed about events on the Island, thanks to
our translators.
Happy New Year to you all!
Giorgio Plazzotta
Isola Sarda Webmaster
7th January
RAIN - BOSA FEARS RIVER TEMO
Finally it's raining in Sardinia and rivers are running again. The almost
dry basins are swelling considerably and in some places, it's rained even too
much. In Planargia, the river Temo has broken its banks and some
tributaries, in places have flooded streets. In Bosa, the houses in the
centre of town, risk being invaded by the waters if the level doesn't subside.
To make matters worse, a very strong Mistral wind is slowing down the run-off to
the sea.
15th January
PIRATE DRIVER KILLS 2 PEOPLE
Fabrizio Manca and Sandro Caria were killed by a hit-and-run car whilst crossing
Viale Monastir on the outskirts of Cagliari. The driver has since been
identified and arrested.
FROM THE MEDICAL WORLD
Two good pieces of news and one bad, from the island's medical world:
- A bone marrow transplant has been performed in Cagliari, on a patient
suffering with multiple sclerosis and leukaemia. This is the third such
operation to be executed, in the world.
- At the Brotzu Hospital in Cagliari, for the first time in Sardinia, a double
transplant of heart and liver, has been carried out.
- In Modena, a Sardinian surgeon Antonio Pinna, performed the first intestinal
transplant to be done in Italy. Pinna, after having operated in U.S.A.,
wished to return to Srdinia, but the University Polyclinic of Cagliari, closed
its doors in his face.
MORE WATER THAN LAST YEAR
Following the abundant rainfall of December, the 40 basins of Sardinia hold
about 100 million cubic meters more water, than last year, and the rainy season
is not yet over. We now await a relaxation in the water restrictions.
ARBOREA - THE TOMB OF THE JUDGES
Documented proof seems to confirm the theory that the remains of the judges of
Arborea be buried under the flooring of the Cathedral in Oristano.
ANTI-SMOKING USHERS
Although it is now against the law to smoke in offices and public places, this
bad habit continues to flourish in Italy. In the Quartu Council office,
usher Daniele Piras, suffering from emphysema of the lungs, conducts his battle
against inveterate smokers.
LUNA POP DEVASTATE CAGLIARI BAR
Unknown and maltreated until a few months ago, the musical group Luna Pop,
heroes of Cagliari's New Year's Eve celebrations, (demanding a fee of 500
million lire), after having welcomed the new year on stage, ended the
festivities by devastating a bar in the centre of the city.
MAD COW TEST
In order to withstand global competition, the two most important milk producing
companies in Sardinina, the 3C of Arborea and the Coopla of Sassari, are ready
to merge so as to form a group with a turnover of 200 billion lire circa.
21st January
PORTOVESME - FEAR AT
SEA
A Dutch merchant ship carrying blende and galena, risked capsizing off
Portovesme. The cargo had shifted in the hold, endangering the stability
of the vessel.
SPORT
In soccer Cagliari beat Genoa 3-0 and Torres won 3-2 in Sicily against Catania.
In basketball, Cagliari was beaten by Sassari who rises victoriously to first
category. In the A2 volley-ball, Cagliari beat Fano.
HAPPY ENDING FOR SPELAEOLOGISTS
Imprisoned for 60 hours in the valley of Sa Oche, Oliena, owing to flooding of
the entrance, the 5 young cave explorers were never in any serious danger.
There was certain controversy, owing to the high cost their rescue involved.
We, of Isola Sarda invite all excursionists to take care, though the unexpected
may always happen. We admire nature-lovers who wish to explore the
outdoors rather than lock themselves away in four walls of cement.
LIFE SENTENCE FOR LOTUS ELAN KILLERS
The two brothers frm Assemini who murdered Roberto Baldussi, received life
imprisonment and a 20-year sentence respectively. Their motive was to
steal Baldussi's red Lotus Elan.
BOMB FACTORY IN DOMUSNOVAS?
The company SEI, awaiting financing, wishes to open a plant for the production
of a plastic esplosive.
RESEARCH CENTRES REDUCED
Research centres of the CNR in Sardinia, though successful also on an
international scale, will however be reduced, four to one. 60 workers risk
losing their jobs.
VALENTINA UCCHEDDU STOPS JUMPING
Over the past 20years, Valentina Uccheddu has represented the island's sporting
panorama. After having participated in 3 Olympic Games, as many world
events and having established the Italian record in the Long Jump on various
occasions, she has decided to abandon competitive sports and turn to sports
managing.
PLAN for TUVIXEDDU BEGINS
After waiting 20 years, the Regional council has given the starting signal to
recuperate the important archeological area within the urban range of Cagliari.
An overhead roadway will be built, together with a residential centre for
circa 2000 inhabitants.
28th January
'ISOLA SARDA' SITE BECOMES A
SCHOOL
The island's leading newspaper, the Unione Sarda, has launched two initiatives
concerning the web, namely: isardinelmondo.it and
vaisardegna.it. It pleases us greatly after 4 years since the birth of
Isola Sarda (http://isolasarda.com), even
others have decided to aim at spreading the Sard nature and culture, and not
only the commercial aspects tied to turism. Vaisardegna.it is very
similar to Isola Sarda, both in content and graphics, but we're not jealous.
Ours is a non-profit enterprise, having no support, and our goals are
necessarily limited. We are happy to be copied and it makes us understand
that the road we took 4 years ago, when Internet was not the mass phenomenon it
is today, was the right one. It is another reason for us to continue.
Furthermore, without there being any contact between the two editorials, in the
section Recen-siti of vaisardegna.it (http://recensiti.vaisardegna.it/layout3.asp?IDCategoria=1),
you will find a review precisely of our site. It is a review that
expresses flattering judgement and gathers the unique elements of our work, and
therefore, the internationalisation and spontaneous cooperation between the
users and the network.
HOOLIGAN KILLED BY LABOURER FROM LULA
Insulted and attacked by a group of hooligans at the Mestre station, Vito Serra,
a 50year old labourer from Lula, reacted to the aggression by fatally
stabbing 30year old Massimo Belmonte. The injured workman is at present in
hospital, under guard.
LILLI GRUBER'S FATHER DIES
In the attempt to climb a wall in his garden at Torre delle Stelle, the
giornalist's father fell onto the rocks. He died an hour later.
A SARDINIAN CARDINAL AFTER 123 YEARS
Monsignor Francesco Pompedda from Ozieri, is one of the 36 new cardinals
nominated by the Pope. Pompedda is at present a "Minister of Justice"
in the Vatican.
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE
Thanks to the ready intervention of her girlfriends who received a goodbye
message on their mobile phone, a High School student from Nuoro was saved from
her suicide attempt by swallowing sleeping pills.
BSE SYNDROME ALSO IN SARDINIA
Although no cases of 'Mad Cow' disease have yet been proven on the island, the
consequences are being felt as with the rest of Europe. In Arborea, the
milk producing capital of Sardinia, there is alarm at the discovery in the
silos, of the law-forbidden fodder containing animal-flour arriving from
Lombardia.
BAD PERIOD FOR NAVIGATION
*On board the Majestic, a Grimaldi ship connecting Genova with Pt.Torres, a fire
developed in a refrigerated truck, causing great concern to the 230 passengers,
who however, ran no risk.
*Another accident occurred outside the port of Livorno, when Tirrenia's
cargo ferry collided with a fishing vessel.
***** (news of 15th January not published in the previous newsletter) *****
PRISONERS IN GROTTO
Four Sard youths and one Bolivian girl were blocked inside a cave in the
Lanaittu valley (Oliena-Nuoro). The grotto was flooded after a heavy
downpour, making it impossible for them to emerge.
SARD EXPORT - RISING
According to the latest reports on exports from various Italian regions,
Sardinia registers an excellent percentage in increase (+58%), though it results
having the fifth-last place in total value.
MASTER PLAN MEETS MAYORS' APPROVAL
The mayors of Arzachena and Olbia are in favour of the design in regional laws
which abolishes the 14 Landscape Plans, opening the road to the new Master Plan.
SPORT : BAD - CAGLIARI, GOOD - TORRES
Gloomy period for Cagliari who lost to Terni (1-0) receiving even 2 expulsions.
Following the results of the last matches (only 2 points in the last 4), the
Bellotto team lost contact with the first places in classification.
Instead Torres, won 2-1 against Castel di Sangro and is now
in 5th place in classification in the C1 championship.
In Basketball, Cagliari trained by Carosi, won with Mestre, but remains in a
delicate spot in classification. The Bank of Sassari continues its run,
winning against Riva del Garda, but only after extra time.
MORE BAD WEATHER
After a brief period of fine weather at the beginning of the new year, it's
started raining again, especially in the North of Sardinia. There has been
flooding in Olbia with the Cedrino River breaking its banks.
CAGLIARI - TELEPHONES IN TILT
For the past 10 days, after copious rains at the end of the last year, hundreds
of Cagliaritani are
without telephone connection. Problems
for both subscribers and the Telecom.
4th february
TENSION
OVER GENNARGENTU
The administrators of the Park, met with the provincial councils of Nuoro, the
regional council and also the environment minister. Together they decided
to declare themselves against the decree to form a protected oasis of
Gennargentu. The bonds on the Park's area, decided upon in 1998 and
suspended until today, are now active. The local administration, never
before having espressed their assent, are revolting against a measure from above,
regarding their territories and threaten to hand in their notice.
FOREST RANGER KILLED IN CARDEDU
Paolino Mulas, forest ranger of 47yrs old, was murdered in the countryside of
Cardedu (Nu). Whoever killed him, made Mulas kneel; he was then shot in
the neck. The motive for the barbaric crime is unknown.
BAD WEATHER
Flooding in Sant'Anna Arresi and the land surrounding the swamps of Porto Pino,
also the fraction of Gutturu Saidu. Chia, the Iglesiente and Bosa
have registered the biggest problems caused by heavy rainfall and river
overflows. The temperature fell half way through the week and also
Sardinia is swept by the cold wave covering Southern Italy. Snow has
fallen on all the high points of the island and the ski establishments of Bruncu
Spina are in full operation.
ORISTANO - STUDENTS' HOUSE
Never completed in 30 years, the students' house in Oristano, lies half in ruins.
The Court of Cassation is investigating the wasted billions. For the first
time, a dossier has been discovered, revealing mysteries costing 1,400million
lire, while the Council now wishes to spend another 2 billion.
MAYOR DELOGU - HANDS IN NOTICE
Cagliari's Mayor, Mariano Delogu has retired from office, in order to
participate in the coming elections for the Senate of the Republic.
ANOTHER 20 YEARS FOR MATTEO BOE
The ex-fugitive is considered the boss of the gang which kidnapped the Roman
builder Giulio De Angelis, in 1988 on the Costa Smeralda.
3 SARDS - COMMUTING BANDITS
Only hours after a hold-up, three Sardinian bandits were immobilized. They
flew between Sardinia and Romagna and the Marche, where they held-up small post
offices. Pietro Addis, 48yrs, Nuorese, was the 'look-out', Antonio Loi,
42yrs of Sorradile and Massimiliano Marongiu, 23yrs, of Goni, must all answer to
robbery and offences against public property. All three men are previous
offenders.
ORTACESUS: REGIONAL KENNELS
"Dogs' Town" has been born in Ortacesus. It will house strays
from the whole of the island. This is the first "health" kennel
in Sardinia. Our 4-legged friends will find refuge and care from the
sick-bay to the operating theatre, from the ward for treating parassites to the
kitchen, from rehabilitation areas to the sterilization ward.
CAGLIARI JAZZ
Edition number 19 of "Jazz in Sardinia", will offer Cagliari seven
appointments from 21 February to 2 April in the Piccolo Auditorium. There
will be Afro-American stars, from James Carter to Carmen Lundy, from Al Foster,
who will open the review, to Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The South-american
guitarist / singer Joao Bosco will be performing and for the Italian music,
Vinicio Capossela.
ART: THE INGRAO COLLECTION
In the Council Gallery of the Public Gardens in Cagliari, completely restored
for the occasion, there was the inauguration exposition of masterpieces in
paintings of 1900, taken from the Ingrao collection, the Roman collector who
died two years ago.
14th February
CLASHES
AT ST.ELIA
For the first time in the history of the city's stadium, violent disputes took
place between the Cagliari "ultras" and the police force. What
triggered the fighting was the rivality between the Cagliari - Treviso fans,
though the problems began at the ticket office during check-ups. Some 17
policemen were injured and about 15 people are being questioned.
FAMILY'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE
In the centre of Sennori, a 2-story building crumbled only minutes after its
occupants fled. One of the children in the family noticed the crack in the
wall and gave the alarm.
FLORIS AGAINST AMATO ON ELECTION DAY
The Sardinian Regional President, Mario Foris, together with his 'Polo'
colleagues who administer the region by special statute (Sicily and Friuli), are
busy in a dispute with the Government over fixing the date of the coming council
elections. Following example, also our president is trying to create
problems for the Government. The Opposition invites Floris to mind his
impelling regional business.
LORENZI - FALSE KIDNAPPING
Fourteen months reclusion for simulated offence: Justice has presented the bill
to Stefano Lorenzi, the protagonist in the kidnapping farce of last October.
5000 YEAR OLD VASE
During the diggings in Masainas, a neolithic vase was found, dating circa five
thousand years ago. The decoration representing the Goddess Turriga, is
clearly visible in one clay fragment.
NO REPRIEVE FOR MESINA
The Tribunal of Asti refused the request presented by the defensors of Sardinia's
most famous bandit, Graziano Mesina. They begged reprieve of life
imprisonment. Now, the only hope for "Grazianeddu" is to be
granted pardon.
LURAS WANTED A LYNCHING
Four bandits attempted to hold-up a jeweller's in centre Luras, but warned by a
boy who noted the scene, the Carabinieri succeeded in surrounding the building,
forcing the bandits to surrender and after, protecting them from a furious crowd.
SANTADI: AN ENGLISH COUNCILLOR OF ARTS
The council of Santadi has nominated the 45 year old Londoner, Jeff Grosch, as
Councillor of Arts. He and his wife from Santadi moved to the Sulcis, 14
years ago, in love with the "land of no winter".
CAMPANIA'S RUBBISH IN SARDINIA?
Provocation in bad taste comes from leaders on the Sorrentina coast, in urgent
trouble over their rubbish disposal. They suggest "using ferries to
transport the garbage to be disposed of in Cagliari.
KINSELLA GIVES NOTICE TO TISCALI
James Kinsella gave in his notice yesterday from the position of administrator,
delegated by the society born after its fusion with the Dutch World Online.
His reason being through various differences of opinion with the president,
Renato Soru.
CAGLIARI - WATER RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE
Notwithstanding the heavy rainfalls of the past two months, Cagliari still
suffers water restrictions and the city's supply is still interrupted every day
at 3pm. The Flumendosa basin which provides Cagliari with water, although
rising, is still far from its full capacity, not to speak of the numerous
leakages in the network of pipes.
BRONZE CRUCIFIX ON MT.TUTTAVISTA
The Council of Galtelli has decided to erect the 12mt.tall bronze statue of
Christ, created by the Prof.of Sculpture, Pedro Terron Manrique of the
Universidad Complutense of Madrid.
22nd February
SAILING - WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS
At the end of June, the Golfo degli Angeli will be host to the sixth world
sailing championship, for '60 foot' trimarans. Unofficially, Cagliari is
candidate number 1.
CANAL PORT - FIRST MERCHANT SHIP
After 27 years in construction, Cagliari's canal port received its first
merchant ship, a French vessel, 275mts long, carrying foodstuffs.
PILI UNDER ESCORT
Graffiti threatening Mauro Pili with death, have alarmed Police and political
circles to the point of speaking of terrorism. However, pre-election
campaigns are in full swing.
CAGLIARI IN MASKS
To the rhythm of the "ratantira", the Carneval celebrations are under
way in the streets of the historical centre in Cagliari.
SPORT
Cagliari tied 1-1 with Salernitana in a home match. Now it's only 4
lengths from the promotion zone and must confront 3 difficult matches. It
is a criticaland decisive moment for the Bellotto team, who might have to
abandon all hope of returning to the A series. Also Torres, beaten by
Avellino 2-1, is having a bad run, but for the Sassaresi, their aim was not a
promotion into B.
CAPOTERRA - SHOOTING AGAINST POACHERS
Two Forest Rangers from Capoterra, intent on their anti-poaching service in the
St. Lucia area, were injured by a road-pirate car carrying two people. The
Rangers opened fire and hit the car.
7th March
MAD COW - ANIMAL FLOUR FOUND IN SARDINIAN CATTLE-FARMS
The local health authority (Aziende Sanitarie Locali - ASL) has targeted a barn
in Quartu and a sheep pen in Pula. During an inspection at Quartu,
residues of animal bones and tissue were found. The packaging, however,
listed only vegetable ingredients.
RUN OVER BY CARNEVALE FLOAT
Three boys were seriously injured last Thursday at Calangianus during a Fat
Thursday pageant. On passing through the Piazza, one of the floats took a
bad turn by mistake and veered against a wall.
INQUIRY INTO THE S.A.R.A.S. GAS PLANT
The Magistrature in Cagliari is undertaking an inquiry into S.A.R.A.S.'
operations. It appears that production waste residues from a gasification
plant utilised for the cogeneration of electrical energy from the refinery in
Sarroch were found. These are highly pollutant materials and it's not
clear where and how these would be disposed of.
SARA PALMAS - ITALIAN FEMALE CHAMPION
During the peak indoor athletics championships in Turin, the female athlete from
Nuoro won the Italian title in the 1,500 metres and at the same time,
established a new Sardinian record (4'15.90 compared to the previous record of
4'18.18).
SARTIGLIA
Out of 64 rides, eleven stars were targeted successfully. The leader of
the race (the Componidori) manages to hit his target with his carved wooden
stick (su stoccu) but not before having fallen on some bales of hay which,
according to the tradition, represents premonitions which certainly aren't good.
The live telecast of the Sartiglia was transmitted via satellite by the regional
channel, Videolina. A ceremony was also held to celebrate the Sister City
partnership between Oristano and the Spanish City of Ciutadella de Minorca where
an event similar to the Sartiglia is also held.
SPORT
The Cagliari team, beaten in Verona by the Chievo team 2-1, is sadly distancing
itself from the top of the placings list thereby disappointing the fans and the
team's President, Cellino, who had replaced coach Bellotto. Giuseppe
Materazzi now sits in Bellotto's place on the Cagliari bench.
Sassari won the Cagliari-Sassari basketball derby in the B1 Series. In the
A2 Series volley, Cagliari beats Piacenza and goes to third place on the
placings list.
POLAR TEMPERATURES ON THE WHOLE ISLAND
Winter is about to end but is firing its last bullets. The other night at
Illorai, in the heart of the Goceano, the temperature fell to -10°.
14th March
CLUBBED TO DEATH
Rosa Asole, 66yr old pensioner from Santa Maria Coghinas, was found dead
yesterday morning in her home where she lived alone. Her lover, 73yr
old Luciano Pinna from Cabras confessed to the murder. Motive: The woman
wanted him to marry her.
ROME: WHITE SMOKE FOR GEO-MINERAL PARK
After a long tug-of-war between mayors, provinces, ministeries and Region, the
Minister Bordon signs the outline for the order to make ready 38 billion lire.
There is still a long way to go, but this week a decided step forward has
certainly been taken.
RUINAS: MAN-HUNT FOR KILLER
After killing 36yr old Pierpaolo Meloni and wounding 46yr old Dino Secci, the
presumed murderer Mario Lostia, has gone into hiding. The Carabinieri have
begun a man-hunt in the surrounding countryside.
SEUI: ARMED HOLD-UP
After holding-up the Post Office in Seui, the robbers escaped in a car, shooting
at random with a rifle to clear the way in the town's centre streets.
Fortunately, no victims, but much fear among passers-by.
SPORT
Notwithstanding the change in tecnique, Cagliari continues to disappoint us and
seems to have abandoned all vain desire for promotion. An exciting finale
when she tied with Piacenza at St.Elia - no goals.
ASSESSOR'S LIFE THREATENED
The regional urbanistic assessor Sergio Milia, has received death-threatening
letters. Among the accusations, apart from his wishing to fill-in the Sard
coastline with cement, under the name of Berlusconi, is also that of his being a
''colonizer''. In Sassari, the right-wing and the left-wing agree: '' It's
an episode not to be under-estimated.''
CARNIVAL COSTUME CATCHES FIRE
A 12yr old girl from Mamoiada had a dramatic conclusion to her carnival
celebrations when her dress caught fire as she entered the piazza in masquerade.
More than 30% of her body was badly burned. She is now in grave condition
in the '' Serious Burns'' ward of the hospital in Genova.
CAGLIARI - ALARM IN COURT HOUSE
It is suspected that the excavations for the underground parking in Via Amat,
are threatening the foundations o;f the Court House in Cagliari. Various
cracks in the walls have been noticed, in the ceilings and on the floors of the
fourth and fifth levels of the new wing.
CAR HITS TREE - YOUTH KILLED
A frightful accident in Viale Colombo in Cagliari last night, shortly before
1am. A man was killed and another gravely injured when their car crashed into a
tree in front of the Hotel Mediterraneo.
PROJECTS FOR CAGLIARI SOCCER
Massimo Cellino, president of Cagliari Soccer, has declared that within two
years he shall build a new stadium, smaller and more compact than the present
one and quote the society on the Stock Exchange - or else, hand in his
resignation.
21st march
ROME "SURRENDERS"
EMPLOYMENT OFFICES TO CAGLIARI
Local employment offices will now be under the control of the Regional
Government. This is within the scope of the new powers and
jurisdiction negotiated with the Government and approved at the last sitting of
the Council of Ministers.
A wave of Federalism which also endows Sardinia with the "regional and
local administrative police", as well as the vast sector of services to the
people and the community, namely the safeguard of health, social services,
education, vocational training, cultural assets and activities, entertainment
and sport.
PINNA'S PROTEST HAS ENDED - HE LIVED IN A MINE TUNNEL FOR 4 MONTHS
Regional Councillor, Giampiero Pinna, has ended his protest after having spent
four months in the mine at Pozzo Sella. "Having won the geo-mining
park, the battle will continue in the Institutions," he said.
CAGLIARI AND ORISTANO MOVING TO THE JAZZ BEAT
As well as the "Jazz in Sardinia" Festival which is being held
successfully at the "Piccolo Auditorium" in Cagliari, other dates with
the "greats" of Afro-American music are coming very soon. The
most awaited star is the pianist, Herbie Hancock, who will be on the stage of
the "Teatro Municipale" in Cagliari on the 24th.
SPORT
The Cagliari team was beaten (1-0) by the Monza team which was playing with ten
men. Its classification continues to be even more critical, the dream of a
promotion has vanished, the fans infuriated. The La Torres team beats the
Messina team convincingly, repeating the success it had in the first round and
again sees the possibility of competing in the play-offs.
Sassari won the Cagliari-Sassari basketball derby in the B1 Series.
MYSTERY OF THE NINETY-YEAR-OLD FROM AGLIENTU RESOLVED
Silvana Djordjevic, a 25-year-old gipsy ended up in a cell yesterday accused of
having killed Raimondo Tiveddu, a pensioner, by stabbing him about ten times
with a knife. It is alleged that the woman had lured the old man with the
intention of robbing him but then supposedly killed him, maybe because she was
caught in the act.
HE KISSED THE LITTLE GIRLS AS THEY WERE COMING OUT OF SCHOOL
Sexual abuse of minors. This grave accusation hangs over the head of
27-year-old Cristian Piludu from Selargius. He has been in Buoncammino
since yesterday, accused of having "molested" four little girls, 11 to
14 years old, between October and January at Quartu, Cagliari and Monserrato.
ESCAPES TO SEE THE WORLD AT 77 YEARS OF AGE
He had won the Lotto and abandoned the sheep pen. tziu Antoni was found in
Tuscany whilst roaming around the countryside, without a Lira in his pocket but
with his desire to travel still intact.
29th march
ESCAPES FROM BUONCAMMINO
IMPERSONATING AN ATTORNEY
It was the first time anyone had broken out of the Cagliari prison. A
Macedonian prisoner managed to escape yesterday, unarmed and without threatening
anyone, thereby gaining three hours of unexpected freedom. He was in fact
caught by the guards in piazza Matteotti from where he had hoped to make his way
out of Cagliari.
FIRE IN CHURCH SPARES THE FAITHFUL - THE BISHOP: "EXTRAORDINARY INCIDENT"
Officially it is not being declared a miracle but what happened in the church of
San Giuseppe in the Rione Italia Parish in Nuoro is somewhat extraordinary.
A fire, which was caused by a short-circuit in the electrical board, suddenly
burned itself out without causing any harm to the technicians and without
burning the inflammable material which was nearby. Ten people witnessed
the incident. The Bishop, Pietro Meloni spoke of a "Grace from God".
THEY CAME FROM BOLOGNA TO KILL: LIFE SENTENCE TO THE TWO PIRAS BROTHERS
A life sentence has been confirmed for the two brothers from Siurgus Donigala,
Gianni and Antonio Piras. On the night of 26 May 1998, they killed their
fellow town resident with eight gunshots. The Cagliari Court of Assizes on
Appeal issued a sentence, which confirms the original judgement of Murder in the
First Degree in its entirety.
"SU CURREU DE S'UNESCO". THE SARDINIAN LANGUAGE PRESENTS ITSELF
TO THE WORLD
The elegant monthly magazine published by the United Nations organisation is
produced in 32 different languages, the latest version of which is in the
Sardinian "limba".
"CASAR" IN DIRE STRAITS ASKS REGIONAL GOVERNMENT FOR ASSISTANCE
CASA could re-evaluate its decision to stop processing tomatoes. The
General Manager has given a glimmer of hope but has indicated that the final
decision depends on some kind of intervention by the Regional Government.
In the meantime, the farmers are becoming more and more concerned.
MARCELLO FOIS IN THE CATALAN LANGUAGE
Marcello Fois' book, "Sempre Caro" has been translated into Catalan
and was launched last week in Barcelona during a cultural exhibition.
SPORT
The Cagliari team doesn't know how to win any more. In a home game with
the Sampdoria team it drew 1-1 and now finds itself in eleventh place.
However, enthusiasm surrounds the Torres team, which wins 2-1 away from home
against the Viterbo team. During the D Series games, we continue to see
scuffles in the dressing rooms between the teams from Campania and Sardinia.
This week the incidents occurred in Tempio Pausania (SS).
CAGLIARI NO LONGER LOVES ITS TEAM
During the current season, the red and blue team is beating all the negative
records as far as attendances at the stadium are concerned. Until now, the
average number of spectators at each match has been 3,891, to which 5,333
subscribers must be added. This means that an average of 9,224 spectators
are present at each match in the Sant'Elia Stadium.
9th april
BLUE TONGUE - HOTBEDS ALSO
FOUND IN THE CAGLIARI AREA
Alarm all over the Island. The Regional Government decides today regarding
the introduction of an extensive inoculation program. Two million, four h
undred thousand doses are already available. These drugs will enable the
sheep to be inoculated all over the Island before the Blue Tongue epidemic
breaks out again with the arrival of warmer temperatures and with greater
virulence compared to last autumn.
THE DESERT IS PUSHING FORWARD IN THE CAMPIDANO AREA
There is little rain, the woods catch fire and thus, more than half of the
Island could become a desert. The Regional Agency for Development
and Technical Assistance in Agriculture (ERSAT) and the Regional
Agrimeteorological Service (SAR) have given the alarm. Researchers have
discovered that 60% of Sardinia runs a potential medium-high risk of
desertification. The Campidano and Nurra areas and the Ozieri
Plain are on top of the list. That is without the inclusion of that three
percent of land (the coastal areas and the Carloforte and Sant' Antioco Islands
as well as the Teulada Peninsula) where the risk factor is in fact very, very
high. It appears that it would only need the smallest of variations in
order to compromise the equilibrium of these areas completely.
THE LITTLE CHURCH IN DECIMOPUTZU DEVASTATED
Vandals broke into the little country Church of San Basilio in Decimoputzu,
devastating it. After a few hours, they felt remorse and abandoned a
statue of the Madonna, some pieces of bas-relief and unconsecrated hosts in
front of a church in Serramanna.
TWO WINS OF TEN BILLION LIRE IN SARDINIA
The two fa
bulous coupons in the "Superenalotto" were bought in Monserrato and
Sassari.
TWO FRENCH FERRIES ON THE CAGLIARI-CIVITAVECCHIA ROUTE
Two fast ferries belonging to the French shipping company "Sardinia Ferries"
will be operational from June 9 on the Cagliari-Civitavecchia route. For
Tirrenia it means the end of a monopoly which has lasted nearly fifty years.
SOCCER-THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE INVESTIGATES TEMPIO TEAM
The Tempio Public Prosecutor's Office is also about to open an investigation.
The ex-President of the Baracca Lugo team has alleged that one of the players on
the team from the Romagna Region purposely committed a penalty foul in order to
advantage the Tempio team. This allegedly occurred in the qualification
play-offs two years ago and the ex-President claims it was done in order to
force him to sell the Club.
SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED - BOMB
She threw a Molotov bomb at a rival family's apartment at Sant'Elia.
The young girl has been charged for having caused a catastrophe. Her
relatives injured one of the Police Officers in charge of the arrest.
AIAS - EX-CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT DEPUTY CONVICTED
The AIAS (Italian Association for Assistance to Spastics) scan
dal concluded with four convictions for misappropriation. The Tribunal in
Cagliari yesterday convicted Bruno Randazzo (ex-DC Deputy and current President
of the Sardinian Christian Democrat Party). According to the charges,
there were forty billion Lire invested in suspect activities.
SPORT
Cagliari is left far behind and Sassari is high on a pedestal, both in Soccer
and Basketball. In Volleyball, however, it is doing well. The team
is making its way to the play-offs for the A1 Series. Cagliari also lost
in Pistoia even though they played with eight men and had to put up with
scandalous refereeing. The Torres team beats the Palermo team 3-0.
Palermo is on top of the winners list so the win has caused the Torres fans to
dream of a promotion to the B Series championship, something which has never
been achieved by the Club from Sassari. Just for a change and for the
umpteenth time, one of the D Series teams from the Campania Region was involved
in an act of violence and incivility yet again this week.
17th april
THE MOGORO MYSTERY
Giorgio Serra, a young man from Mogoro, disappeared from his home. After a
few days of searching, a disconcerting truth emerges. The young man is
dead. His body was cut into pieces and taken to the consortium garbage
dump in Oristano. The motives for his death are not yet known but Bernardino
Atzeni has been arrested and charged for having concealed the corpse.
Investigations continue in order to establish the truth.
SANTA MARGHERITA - THE STOWAWAYS DISEMBARK
Thirty-four Tunisians abandoned on the beach at Perd'e sali by two motorboat
operators who have ended up in the prison at Buoncammino.
However, the motorboat operators had not taken the strong Scirocco wind into
account. Consequently, 36 North African stowaways, mostly Tunisians,
disembarked at 5 o'clock yesterday morning on the coast of Santa Margherita di
Pula.
CARBONIA - SENTENCE OF 19 YEARS REQUESTED FOR EX-MAYOR ACCUSED OF BRIBERY
Hefty sentences have been requested for the seven prominent defendants involved
in the "Tangentopoli" case in Carbonia. The Public Prosecutor
has requested a 19-year sentence for ex-Mayor, Ugo Piano, and lesser sentences
for Italo Cannas (Dc), ex-Town Councillor; Salvatore Ortu, ex-Council Inspector;
the lawyer, Licinio Mastino; ex-Council Inspector, Gianni Murgioni; ex-Area
Secretary of Cisl (Italian Confederation of Workers' Unions) Antonello Dessì
and ex-Socialist Senator, Paolo Fogu.
POLITICS
You will have noticed that we are not including many items of news regarding the
episodes of power play, which have transpired over the last few months and
concern the forthcoming elections on May 13. It is a theatre of the absurd,
which we find difficult to comprehend and you probably find yourself in the same
situation. Therefore, we are purposely omitting any reference to these
news items.
DESULO - FUGITIVE EXCAPES FROM CARABINIERI GUNFIRE
He escaped capture under fire from the elite Carabinieri group, the
"Cacciatori di Sardegna". It appears that the fugitive is 32
year old, Marco Antonio Deiana from Desulo who is under investigation for his
involvement in the bloody hold-up two years ago at the piazza Garibaldi branch
of the Banca di Sassari in Cagliari.
CROSS-COUNTRY GRAND PRIX FIDAL 2001 - ALÀ DEI SARDI
- KENYAN, KOSGEI - THREE TIME WINNER
Kenyan, Paul Kosgei has won at Alà dei Sardi for the third consecutive year.
The international meet has now become one of the most important events on the
cross-country calendar.
SPORT
The Cagliari team has achieved two consecutive victories. At home with 2-0
against the Ravenna team which at the moment, is last on the list and yesterday,
in Cosenza they won 3-1 against the strong local team. Brilliant
performances but already too late to aspire for a promotion to the next level.
The Torres team joined the other teams in the C Series championship in a rest
day yesterday but will be playing an important match against the Savoia team
tonight. Both the Sardinian B1 Series basketball teams were beaten.
CAGLIARI - WORK HAS BEGUN ON THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE GRANITE PAVEMENT IN VIA
ROMA
The section of Via Roma, the main street in the centre of Cagliari, which runs
along the port area, will be disrupted for at least eight months from May 7.
In fact, work will begin on the refurbishment of the large slabs of granite
right after the May 1 Festival. In the meantime, the refurbishment of the little
ancient piazza in the Marina district has just been completed and other work is
being carried out on the pavements in the district.
GREAT SPANISH ART ON SHOW IN VILLANOVAFORRU
Villanovaforru is attempting to repeat Marmilla's achievement last year when
200,000 people visited their dinosaur exhibition in the space of a few months.
The town, which is 40 kilometres from Cagliari, will exhibit etchings,
engravings, lithographs and sculptures created by Picasso, Mirò, Dali and Goya
until September.
"STING" IN CAGLIARI - WILL THE AMPHITHEATRE BE BIG ENOUGH?
The concert is scheduled for July 19. Perplexity regarding the small
number of seats available.
The ex-singer from Police returns to Sardinia after seven years. In
September 1994 he performed in front of 20,000 fans at the Acquedotto in
Sassari.
IN LOVE WITH SHARON STONE
Carloforte resident Agostino Pomata has been arrested by the Los Angeles Police
in front of Sharon Stone's home. He told the Officers that he wanted to
marry the Hollywood star. He has been admitted as a patient in a clinic.
AT 92 YEARS OF AGE HE USES A COMPUTER AND WRITES POETRY
Antonio Corongiu of Nuragus is now 92 years old. At 90 years of age he
felt the need to use the computer to write more than one hundred poems in the
Sardinian "limba".
22nd april
CAGLIARI - THE CANAL PORT A
DUTY FREE ZONE FOR GOODS DESTINED FOR NON-EEC COUNTRIES
The Minister for Regional Affairs, Agazio Loiero's signature finally put an end
to a wait, which has lasted many years - the Duty Free Zone for Cagliari.
The decree, which deals with the canal port, will have advantageous spin-offs
for container traffic. The ships arriving from non-EEC countries will be
able to call at the island capital without going through Customs. However,
there is one condition. The goods transhipped via the dock at Macchiareddu
must not be destined for countries belonging to the EEC.
CAGLIARI - LAND OFFICE HEIST SCORES 7 BILLION LIRE
Thieves carry out sensational heist at the Land Office in the Financial Centre
in via Vesalio. Three hundred thousand Revenue Stamps collected for
cadastral registrations to the value of seven billion Lire were stolen.
All the Stamps have supposedly been rendered null and void with the Tax Agency's
stamp but evidently, there is someone who knows how to bring those stamps back
to life.
STILL NO VOTE IN TROUBLED TOWNS
On the Island there is a triangle where democracy has disappeared. The
State has withdrawn its presence in Lula, Oniferi and Onanì. Here the
people don't vote and the concept of freedom is being threatened. The
polling booths in Lula are deserted for the eighteenth time in nine long years.
For Oniferi and Onanì it's the second time that the seats remain closed.
Consensus is not being organised and neither lists nor candidates are being
presented. It is where stonewalling is a common tactic and where a
silencer is placed on dissent, first with threatening letters and then with
rounds of gunfire.
PLANET-INTERKOM PURCHASED BY TISCALI FOR 150 BILLION LIRE
New acquisition by Tiscali. The company, headed up by Renato Soru, has
bought the German Internet provider, Planet-Interkom for a total exchange value
of 150 billion Lire.
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND TOURISTS IN THE RAIN BUT EASTER IS SUNNY
Throngs of people arrive in Sardinia regardless of the inclement weather in the
period leading up to Easter.
The tourists arrived on the Island in aeroplanes and ferries, activating the
entire hospitality industry.
Everything on the Emerald Coast is booked out and Alghero was also crowded for
the Holy Week rites. The German tourists chose the South, whilst in the
Nuoro area there was snow.
SPORT
Cagliari continues to do well in the B Series, winning at home against Venezia,
which is now on top of the winners list.
The Torres team remains in the top placings even though it only drew (2-2) in
the home game against the Nocera team.
The Volley Cagliari team scored an important win in the match against the Latina
team. The win is valid for the promotion to the A1 Series. Now they
will have to face the challenge of the play-off away from home.
DRUGS VALUED AT TWO BILLION LIRE - COUPLE ARRESTED AT DISEMBARCATION
The Carabinieri stationed at Quartu stopped them whilst still in their car which
was loaded with cocaine. They were driving off the ferry, which had just
come in from Civitavecchia.
The drugs were found during a search of the vehicle. The couple was then
handcuffed. Value of the drugs: two billion Lire.
2nd May
AIRLINES - DISCOUNT
FARES ON FLIGHTS TO THE ISLAND AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO MONTHS
The tender documents containing the offers for discounted fares have been opened.
These fares will apply to Sardinians who fly from Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia to
Rome and Milan. Airlines included on the list of tenderers are Alitalia,
Meridiana, Volare and Air One. The Commission now has two months to
decide. If no appeals are lodged by the middle of June, the winners of the
tender will be announced at the beginning of the summer season and the new
regime of discounted fares will be put in place. The winners of the
individual sectors will have to guarantee fares, which vary from £65,800 to £82,400
(one way).
OLBIA - "ALEX THE RUSSIAN" CAUGHT
Alexander Zhucov, was arrested at Olbia Airport as he was heading for his villa
on the Emerald Coast on Easter Saturday. The petroleum industry
"boss" is accused of being involved in an illegal activity, which
involves the colossal international traffic of weapons destined for the Balkans.
Part of the arsenal, which included 30,000 Kalashnikov rifles and was seized in
1999 in the Otranto Canal, is apparently stored in custody in a military
ammunition depot in La Maddalena.
TOURISM - GO-AHEAD TO SPEND 22 BILLION IN THREE YEARS
22 billion have been allocated for the re-launch of tourism activity to the
Island.
A plan, developed by the Tourism Council, allocates 13 billion Lire to the
provincial tourism bodies, and 9 billion major events, i.e., Sant'Efisio,
Sartiglia and Redentore Festivals, and £500,000 for the computerisation of the
local tourism bodies, which will have a further billion for the following two
years.
MAYOR QUENCHES TOWN'S THIRST BUT IS CONVICTED FOR UNAUTHORISED CONSTRUCTION
The Mayor of Montresta, a small town in the Marghine mountains, found himself
being jailed for ten days for having ordered the construction of some "illegal"
wells which were an essential element in the provision of water to the town.
The town's leading citizen, Giovanni Cadeddu, declares himself a victim of the
bureaucracy of incompetence.
FOSSILS OF A DEER WHICH LIVED ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND YEARS AGO FOUND ON THE BEACH
The fossil remains of a deer, which lived one hundred thousand years ago, were
found on a beach off the coast of Gonnesa. They were discovered by
palaeontologist, Gian Luigi Pillola and are waiting to be examined
scientifically. Years ago, the bones of a "dwarf elephant" were
found in the same area.
SCIOLA'S TERRACOTTAS - EXHIBITION IN PAVIA
Pinuccio Sciola's famous terracotta figurines will be on exhibit until May 6 in
Pavia. The exhibition called "Genti de bidda mia" (People
from my town) will be held in the ancient Sala dell'Annunziata.
ITALY-ENGLAND EXHIBITION IN CAGLIARI
Female photographers, painters and engraving artists. Two years ago, they
left Sardinia and landed in England where they were immediately defined as
"The Mutants". In 1999, Rosanna D'Alessandro, Caterina Lai, Anna
Marceddu, Anna Maria Pillosu, Anna Saba, Maria Spissu Nilson e Gabriella Viana,
prepared an exhibition which, with only a few images, could illustrate social
research findings surrounding the theme of cultural, economic, linguistic
mutation.
The exhibition entitled, "Ritorno al presente" (Return to the Present)
will be open to the public from now until May 6 at the "Cittadella dei
Musei" in Cagliari.
Entry is free and exhibition times are from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 5.00
p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
7th May
SASSARI - FIRE IN ILLEGALLY
OCCUPIED SCHOOL
Tragedy nearly struck in a school illegally occupied by about fifty people in
the Rizzeddu District. It is believed that the fire was caused by a short
circuit in the building's electrical system. The operators from the Fire
Department saved twenty homeless families.
CAGLIARI - DISCOVERY OF AREA OF THE BRAIN AFFECTED BY COCAINE
The researchers at the Centro Nazionale Ricerche (National Research Centre)
Centre for Neuropharmacology in Cagliari have made a discovery destined to
revolutionise research in general. They have identified that part of the
brain, called the shell of the nucleus accumbens, affected by drugs like cocaine
and ecstasy. The announcement was made by Professor Gaetano Di Chiara, Dean of
the Faculty of Pharmacy and leader of the research team at the Centro Nazionale
Ricerche.
OGLIASTRA - SIX POLICEMEN AMBUSHED
Six policemen from the police station in Lanusei escaped an ambush whilst
retrieving two stolen cars in the Elini countryside. The bandits blocked
the policemen's road. The policemen quickly jumped out of their cars and
began shooting in order to take cover. The outlaws decided to vanish
without responding to the policemen's fire.
"SA DIE" RETURNS TO SARDINIA - THEATRE AND CONCERT IN CAGLIARI
"Sa Die de sa Sardigna" was also celebrated on May1, together with the
"Festival of Saint Efisio". Celebrations were also held in
Cagliari, Sassari, Nuoro, Oristano, Sanluri, Santa Teresa and Bono. Events
in the regional capital included a theatrical performance in piazza Indipendenza
and a concert at the Bastione.
UNABLE TO FIND VIRGINS FOR THE FESTIVAL OF SAN GIOVANNI
Virginity remains a fundamental requirement for aspiring "traccheras"
in the Festival of San Giovanni. The organising committee of the Festival
held in July in Quartu has for the last few years, been forced to recruit little
girls. They are the only ones who can give a guarantee of virginity.
The Festival, which dates back centuries, will be held again on July 28 in the
little church of Sant'Andrea.
AGREEMENT - SARDINIA-CORSICA
An agreement has been signed between the Universities of Sardinia and Malta.
The agreement refers to a joint project, which will tackle the fire problem.
The joint project entails a scientific research study on the causes of the fires,
wind patterns, the characteristics of the terrain where underbrush occurs and
meteorological problems.
CAGLIARI - SALGADO EXHIBITION
Salgado is to exhibit two hundred photos where he shows his humanist vision of
reality. The exhibition entitled, "La Mano dell'Uomo" will be
held in the Ghetto di Cagliari (via Santa Croce) Workers and opens today.
Not the machines but whomever controls them, whether they are computers or
simple mixers of sand and cement. With his photography, he plays with
facial expressions, muscles, poverty and lives in many cases much unhappier than
ours but less neurotic. The exhibition is not to be missed by those who
would like an intelligent outing in the historic centre of Cagliari. Until
June 30, from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
SPORT
In the C Series, the Torres team beat the Vis Pesaro all'Acquedotto (3-1),
maintaining their hopes alive for a chance to be contenders for promotion to the
B Series. In the B Series, Cagliari was beaten in a home game by Empoli
(2-3), disappointing the team's fans yet again.
14th May
SANT'EFISIO ENTERS THE THIRD
MILLENNIUM
On May 1, faith and folklore combined in the streets of Cagliari to present a
show, which is unique in the world. Everything was done according to
tradition. Attending the golden coach holding the "Holy Martyr"
were the oxen. The "miliziani" (militia) provided an armed guard
and an emotional "Alter Nos" (delegate of the Mayor) acted out the
ancient script to perfection. The following day, at Nora, there was the
procession on the sea.
NUORO - CIPE PASSES RESPONSIBILITY FOR NEWSPRINT MANUFACTURER "ARBATAX"
TO "NEBIOLO" GROUP BASED IN PIEMONTE
The "Nuova Cartiera di Arbatax" has been resurrected. Yesterday
in Rome, the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), assigned the
financing of a special project contract to the value of over 40 billion Lire out
of the 75 billion Lire envisaged by the finance provider. The contract was
granted to Nebiolo Printech, a company based in Piemonte, which is to regenerate
the factory and re-employing the majority of its former employees. The
news was welcomed with enthusiasm both by the labour unions and in political
circles.
DISCOUNTED FLIGHTS
The committee charged with the responsibility of analysing and evaluating offers
received in the international tender for the provision of discounted airline
services has met for the first time. However, the envelopes will be opened
on May 14. According to indiscretions, it is believed that Air One has
offered a discount of 25% on the contribution that the Government will assign to
the winner of the tender. At the same time, it is believed
that Meridiana has offered 16% and Alitalia and Volare 4%.
DISCOUNTS MAY MEAN LESS DESTINATIONS
Discounted fares and relevant destinations will be in place by June.
However, Sardinians may also get a nasty surprise. The airlines are ready
to abandon (or reduce) services to and from the Island which were not included
in the international tender for the provision of air transport in the area.
Services mainly at risk are those to and from Verona, Turin, Bologna and Pisa.
72 YEAR OLD GRANDMOTHER - OPERATES SUPERMARKET FOR DRUGS
Assunta Ghisu, a seemingly homely, 72 year-old pensioner, was arrested yesterday
in Giba for possession and trafficking in drugs. She had transformed her
house into a drug emporium.
THE "MONUMENTS WEEK-END" IS A SUCCESS
The re-opening of the "Castle of San Michele" to the public saw
thousands of people from Cagliari participating in a weekend of culture and
history amongst the city's monuments. The visitors appreciated the
exhibitions held at the "Lazzaretto" and the "Ghetto degli Ebrei
but young people were interested in the "Torri Pisane".
CRIME IN IGLESIAS - CARS IN FLAMES - ONE OF THE VICTIMS KILLS HIM
He was killed for having set fire to a car. It is believed that this is
the machination to a crime committed very close to Iglesias, in the dam at Punta
Gennarta. 49 year-old Antonello Grassi from Iglesias is in jail under
suspicion of having murdered 23 year-old, Silvano Deias. On December 21
last year, the young man had set fire to Grassi's car, which he had parked in
front of his house.
CAGLIARI - MASSIMINO IS THE FIRST KING OF THE "PALIO DI SANT'EFISIO"
Massimo Coghe, the jockey from Norbello who won the Palio in Siena three times,
is the first King of the "Palio di Sant'Efisio". He ran the
winning sprint at the Hippodrome in Cagliari in front of a crowd of ten thousand
people. The event was a great success.
SPORT
The Torres team lost a game in Ascoli, which it would have deserved to win.
With this defeat, it must say a definite good-bye to any dreams it may have had
for a promotion to the B Series championship.
The Dinamo basketball team suffered two crushing defeats against the Cefalù
team, which was deemed to be the favourite on paper. The Dinamo team will
now be downgraded out of the B1 Series championship.
20th May
ELECTIONS IN SARDINIA
Elections were also held in Sardinia for the renewal of the National Parliament
and a certain number of mayoral positions. In the national elections,
Sardinia confirmed the advancement of the parties of the centre-right to the
detriment of the centre-left. In the first round, the mayoral positions
were won by the candidates of the centre-right in Cagliari and Quartu S'Elena
and the candidate from the centre-left won in Monserrato whilst in Olbia (not
yet confirmed), Carbonia, Porto Torres, Capoterra and Assemini, they will go to
a second ballot.
FLAMINGOS FLEE FROM MOLENTARGIUS
An ecological disaster has occurred in the Molentargius marshes, one of the few
wetlands in Europe where flamingos go to nest. Hundreds of birds have
abandoned the marshes and the nests because of attacks from a pack of stray dogs.
The strays were subsequently caught but by then the damage had been done.
Many of the flamingos, which had left the Molentargius marshes, found refuge in
another one of Cagliari's marshes, at Santa Gilla.
MEMBERS OF THE INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT UNLOAD RUBBISH AT MONTECITORIO
A group of Sardinian militants for independence unloaded a van full of rubbish
in the piazza at Montecitorio in Rome. The men, members of "Sardigna
Natzione", tried to take some large boxes marked with the symbol for
radioactivity into the Chamber of Deputies but were stopped by the Police and
Carabinieri. According to the explanation provided to the Officers and
curious passers-by, the reason for the demonstration was to protest against the
importation of waste-products into Sardinia, which had been produced elsewhere
and were, in many cases, toxic and dangerous.
ANOTHER YEAR AND THE PAPER MILL WILL RE-COMMENCE PRODUCTION
Having received the go-ahead from CIPE (Centre for International Private
Enterprise), the paper mill in Arbatax is ready to turn on its machinery again.
At the end of summer, technicians and other employees will begin work on the
re-activation of the production process, which has been stationary for the last
nine years.
GESTURI - WOMAN TIED TO THE BED WITH WIRE AND MURDERED
A brutal homicide in an armed hold-up has occurred in Gesturi. 83 year-old
pensioner, Vittoria Cau was attacked and killed with a blow to the head.
Before being murdered the woman had been tied to the bed with some wire.
SOCCER - SASSARI WOMENS' TEAM - ITALIAN CHAMPIONS
Celebrations in Sassari for the girls of the Torres team, which won the 'A'
Series trophy two days before the end of the championship. It is the third
trophy in the history of the red and blue team and their second consecutive one
after their win last year.
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE IN SARDINIAN VIA THE INTERNET
Christians in Sardinia are invited to translate the Bible into their own
language. The project is featured on the Web at http://tiscalinet.it/sufueddu
(or www.sufueddu.org). The venture began
six months ago in the weekly Oristano Diocesan magazine "Vita Nostra".
It is now being extended to the hundreds of passionate devotees of "Sa
Limba" who have been pressing for some time now for the Church to become an
active protagonist in the project.
30th May
ELECTIONS IN SARDINIA - 16
SEATS TO THE CENTRE-RIGHT ("POLO") AND 11 TO THE CENTRE-LEFT
("ULIVO")
Sardinia has elected 27 parliamentarians: 16 seats to the "Polo" Party
and 11 to the "Ulivo" Party. Another two Sardinians, Oliviero
Diliberto of the Italian Communists' Party (PDCI) and Gabriella Pinto of the
"Forza Italia" Party (FI), who ran for election in the Emilia Romagna
and Lombardy Regions respectively, will have a seat in Montecitorio.
THE SARDINIAN SEA CONTINUES TO BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN ITALY
Italian environmentalist association, "Legambiente", has compiled the
annual classification of the most beautiful coastlines of Italy. All the
first-class beaches have been published in their new "Guida Blu".
As always, Sardinia holds the record. The Mediterranean island gained full
marks for the unique characteristics of its coast and was crowned "Queen".
The Touring Club defined 483 municipalities as "Seaside Resorts".
Of these, 205 were selected by Legambiente and its local representative bodies
because they combine the benefits of quality tourism with a marine and coastal
environment, the conservation of which is maintained at an optimum level.
Furthermore, ten locations have been classified as "Queen of Summer"
with a maximum ranking of 5 "Sails". Included in this group are
Villasimius and Orosei in Sardinia. Legambiente and the Touring Club have
classified 25 beaches as being near to perfection with a ranking of 4 "Sails".
Amongst these are Maddalena, Alghero and Bosa.
Sardinia is the region
with the greatest number of beaches ranked at 4 and 5 "Sails".
From the 35 beaches selected, 9 are in Sardinia.
RED BRIBES IN CARBONIA - THREE CONVICTIONS
This is the outcome of the trial held in the case of the "Tangentopoli
Rossa", i.e., illegal contributions to the ex-Communist Party in Carbonia,
which ended yesterday.
Both ex-Mayor, Ugo Piano of the Democratic Party of the Left (PDS) and ex-Deputy
Mayor, Giovanni Murgioni, of the Italian Socialist Party (PSI) were sentenced to
four years in prison and ex-Town Councillor, Salvatore Ortu of the Italian
Socialist Party (PSI) to five years and six months.
FONNI AND MAMOIADA - HUNT FOR THE FUGITIVES
A massive Police operation has been carried out in the Nuoro area in the search
for dangerous fugitives. They are previous offenders implicated in a
series of homicides and robberies. Nearly one hundred Police officers
combed the countryside surrounding the two towns in the Barbagia area inch by
inch. In any event, the investigators are maintaining a very strict
silence regarding the results of the operation.
NUORO - MORANDI'S LIGHTS - THIRTY SAMPLES OF HIS WORK ON SHOW
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Nuoro is hosting an exhibition called "A
crystalline Purity" which includes thirty of Giorgio Morandi's works.
The exhibition will continue until July 1.
THE "VESPA" - A PIECE OF ITALIAN HISTORY ON SHOW
The "Emmezeta" Shopping Mall in San Sperate is holding a large and
impressive exhibition dedicated to the "Vespa" and its legend.
The show includes many vintage scale models, a large number of photographs and a
few "life-sized Vespa" scooters. These are all a reminder of how
we used to drive in the "Fifties". The exhibition is being held
until the end of May.
3 giugno
ELECTIONS - THE FINAL ACT
A second ballot was held in those Comunes where no one candidate had achieved a
majority in the elections two weeks ago. The centre-right prevailed in
Olbia and Porto Torres whilst Carbonia, Assemini and Capoterra will have a Mayor
from the centre-left.
G8 RISKS ISOLATING SARDINIA
The fear of upheaval during the "G8 Summit", which will be held in
Genoa at the end of July, also risks having a negative impact on Sardinia during
one of the busiest periods of the tourist season. In order to protect
members of the G8 from the protests of the so-called "People of
Seattle", the main city in the Liguria region will in fact be completely
isolated from July 18 to 23. As far as Sardinia is concerned, the
consequences will be that the entire transport system will be disrupted.
Alternative solutions are being examined, like the transfer of the berthing
arrangements for the ferries to the commercial area or other ports like Savona
or La Spezia.
OPEN WINERIES - SPRINGTIME IN A GLASS
Coming from Tempio and Serdiana and passing through Cabras and Jerzu, last
Sunday thousands of people participated in the "Wineries Open Day
Festival". It was an event for oenophilists, simple connoisseurs and
those who believe they can link the taste of a well-balanced red wine to the
image of an ancient basilica. Wine tastings were held in Canonau and
Vermentino, Carignano, Nuragus and Vernaccia.
NUORO - COURT HEARING IN THE STREET
A hearing involving an elderly man had to be organised in the street in front of
the courthouse in Nuoro because of a faulty elevator. Realising that the
pensioner could not face the steep stairs which separated him from the courtroom,
the judge, the prosecutor and the man's lawyer made their way over to the open
area in front of the building. They then interrogated the man whilst he
sat in a car which belonged to one of his daughters.
TWO MEN FROM ORGOSOLO MASTERMINDED KIDNAPPING
The Public Prosecutor began his closing statement in the trial for the
kidnapping of Silvia Melis. In a surprise move and in front the judges in
the Courts at Lanusei, he proceeded to accuse Antonio Maria Marini and
Pasqualino Rubanu from Orgosolo of having organised the abduction of the young
woman from Tortoli. It has also been alleged that "Zia Gra"
alias Grazia Marine played a "fundamental" role in the crime.
TWENTY-YEAR-OLD MODEL - DRUG COURIER
Maria Elena Caria, a twenty-year-old model from Cagliari, was arrested at Olbia
Airport by the Carabinieri from the Operations Division in Cagliari. She
had just arrived from Milan and was carrying twenty kilos of hashish in her
suitcase.
WELSHMAN, JOE CALZAGHE, GIVES HIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BELT TO HIS GRANDFATHER
FROM BANCALI
There is a man in Bancali, a suburb on the outskirts of Sassari, who received a
surprise gift last Sunday. It is the World Boxing Championship Belt in the
WBO Super Middleweight Category. It was brought to him from Wales by his
grandson, Joe Calzaghe.
TABLE TENNIS - CAGLIARI DERBY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD
The derby match between the Marcozzi team from Cagliari and the Cagliari team
will be the decider in the 2001 Table Tennis Championship. The challenge
tournament will begin on June 2. The return match is scheduled for June 9
and if necessary, a play off will be held on June 16. The great favourite
is the Marcozzi team, which is the outgoing champion, and has already won three
Italian titles (1990, 1992 and 2000).
17th June
THREE CONVICTIONS FOR THE
KIDNAPPING OF SILVIA MELIS
After a trial, which lasted a year and six hours of deliberation, the Judges in
the Court in Lanusei issued their verdict against the four accused of the
kidnapping of Silvia Melis. There were three convictions and one acquittal.
The most serious conviction was that of Antonio Maria Marini who was sentenced
to thirty years in jail. Pasqualino Rubano was sentenced to twenty-six
years and Grazia Marine to twenty-five years and six months.
FAKE INVALIDS - 58 ARE BEING INVESTIGATED
The maxi-investigation of fake invalids is finally reaching the halls of justice.
Nine years after the commencement of the investigation, the Public Prosecutor's
Office has in fact requested that the 58 people under investigation be committed
for trial. Amongst those committed there are doctors, recipients of the
pensions and the brains of the operation, who having received bribes, organised
for pensions to be paid to people who were not entitled to them.
THIRTY MILLION ITALIAN HOLIDAYMAKERS - SARDINIA IS ALWAYS AMONGST THE MOST
SOUGHT-AFTER DESTINATIONS
More than 30 million Italians, five million more than last year, are intending
to go on vacation this Summer. Most of them (67.5%) will choose Italy,
where the most sought-after destinations are in the Emilia Romagna and Sardinia
regions. These statistics are highlighted in the 2001 report prepared and
presented yesterday in Rome by Unioncamere-ISNART (Italian Institute of Tourism
Research) and international market research company, ACNielsen C.R.A.
Other sought-after regions in Italy also include Tuscany, Lazio and Sicily.
DOMUSNOVAS - IN FIVE HUNDRED AGAINST THE BOMBS
Five hundred people participated in a protest march, organised by the various
"No to Bombs" co-ordinating committees in Domusnovas, demanding jobs,
peace and solidarity. At the same time, they were protesting against a
project that will see the allocation of public funds to SEI Esplosivi
Industriali Spa of Brescia for the manufacture of aeronautical bombs. The
manufacture of these bombs is due to commence shortly in the Sulcis area.
SUBMARINE WHICH SANK IN THE GULF OF CAGLIARI FILMED
The wreck of the Italian submarine "Malachite", which sank in 1943
after being hit by an enemy torpedo, has been discovered in the Gulf of Cagliari
at a depth of 120 metres. Some deep-sea divers from Cagliari made the
exceptional find, which has also been documented on film.
SPORT
The Series B Championship concluded last Sunday with yet another Cagliari defeat,
this time against Genoa. This last Championship was without doubt one of
the most disappointing ever. The red and blue team had been at the top
positions on the list only for the first few days of play. It then
produced mediocre performances only to find itself in mediocre positions on the
list. Some satisfaction, however, was gained from the so-called
"minor" sports. In table tennis, the Marcozzi team from Cagliari
won the tricolour shield when it beat another team from Cagliari. In
women's soccer, the Torres team, first won the shield and then scored the
Italian Cup. In water polo, the Rari Nantes Cagliari team is topping the
list in the A2 Championship.
A MILLION MICE IN CAGLIARI
The alarm has sounded. There are mice in Cagliari. The historical
parts of Cagliari (Castello, Marina and Stampace) to the residential districts
(Monte Urpinu and San Benedetto) are literally being "invaded".
There are supposedly one million mice in the city. In order to keep the
problem under control; a national average of four mice per inhabitant is
considered the norm. However, in Cagliari, the average is nearly double.
The blame has been placed on the sewerage and the road works but also on the
lack of preventative measures. The areas worst hit are Marina and Stampace.
CAGLIARI - BRAWL IN PIAZZA YENNE
Last Friday, a violent brawl broke out in Piazza Yenne in Cagliari. The
Piazza is highly patronised all year round but during these hot Summer evenings
in particular. What appeared to be an outright duel was fought out between
two groups, with broken chairs, kicking, punching and the breaking of bottles on
the adversaries' heads.
ART SHOW AT THE "CENTRO PIRANDELLO" IN CAGLIARI, UNESCO EXHIBITION AT
TEULADA
"Specchio Delle Mie Brame" [Mirror of my Desires] is the name of the
series of self-portraits by Josephine Sassu. A selection of her works will
be on exhibit until June 22 at the "Centro Pirandello" in Cagliari.
The UNESCO Club of Cagliari in conjunction with "Progetto Sardegna -
L'Isola dei Sardi" have organised a craft show which features fine lined of
the sea and traditional embroidery from Teulada. Hosted by Litos at Tuerra
(at Km 71 of the coast road for Chia) at Teulada.
28 June
USE OF MOBILE PHONES AND
INTERNET ON THE INCREASE IN ITALY
There is a strong growth in access to the Internet in homes and a considerable
increase in the use of mobile phones. This is the snapshot of the Italian
family and its use of means of communication presented by ISTAT (Italian
National Statistical Institute) in its Annual Report. The report
highlights how the number of families with one or more mobile phones has
increased from 27% to 65% in the last three years. ISTAT adds that the
number of families with two mobile phones has grown from 17% to 31% whilst those
with three has gone from 2% to 8%. The same applies to the Internet.
Whilst 2% of families were connected to the Net in 1997, by 2000 the numbers
reached 15%.
PISANU - MINISTER IN NEW GOVERNMENT
Giuseppe Pisanu is the only Sardinian Minister in the Government. He has
been assigned the new portfolio called the "Department for the
Implementation of the Government's Programme". Since he had been a
very faithful Berlusconi follower for many years, the newly-elected Council
President felt he couldn't exclude him from a Ministerial appointment and thus
he created a Government Department especially for him.
FURTEI, GOLD MINE BOMBED
A bomb exploded on one of the windowsills of the Town Hall in Furtei, causing
minimal damage. Responsibility for the terrorist attack was later claimed
via a fax, which contained the following message, "Furtei does not want the
mines, no to gold mining in Sardinia".
LITTLE BOY SUFFERS FROM LARON SYNDROME - FATHER'S APPEAL
Giuseppe Marongiu is a five-year-old boy from Lanusei. He suffers from a
very rare illness called Laron Syndrome, which doesn't allow the growth hormone
to carry out its natural function. The pharmaceutical company that has
been experimenting with the only drug capable of helping the boy to grow has
stopped manufacturing it because it's not profitable. The boy's parents
have launched an appeal to the drug manufacturer, asking them not to stop.
CORAL DIVER HELPS HIS FRIEND AND IS STRUCK DOWN BY EMBOLISM
Sixty-six-year-old coral worker from Alassio lost his life struck down by an
embolism yesterday in the Saint Antioch Sea just outside Capo Sperone. His
shipmates attempted to rescue him but it was useless. By the time the
patrol boat from the Harbour Master's Office arrived it was too late, the man
was dead.
AUCTION - EX-TOWN HALL MAIN ENTRANCE DOOR RIDDLED WITH BULLET HOLES
The bullet holes are the object of a cult following. Thus the main
entrance door of the ex-Town Hall at Orgosolo is much sought-after by buyers.
"There will not be an auction," says the Mayor. "If a good
offer is made, then we will see."
3rd July
A HOTEL IN TEULADA KNOCKED
DOWN BY SCRAPERS
The "Baia delle Ginestre" Hotel, built in violation of urban planning
regulations, has been knocked down by the scrapers. Tourists are up in
arms, having already booked their holidays and so are the employees of the
hotel who have lost their jobs. The World Wildlife Fund and the Italian
environmental organisation, Legambiente are referring to the incident as "tourists
and employees being used as hostages to property".
NEW FERRY IN OPERATION
Shipping company, "Tirrenia" has also lost its monopoly on the
Cagliari-Civitavecchia route. The thrice weekly, Sardinia Ferries service
was launched yesterday. Sardinia Ferries' General Manager, Euan Lonmon has
announced discounts and special fares on the ferry, "Sardinia Nova"
during the Summer season.
NUORO - HOSPITALS AND HOMES THREATENED BY FIRE
The inferno reaches the city. Hectares of forest on the Biscollai hillside
in Nuoro (common target for fire-bugs every Summer) have gone up in smoke. The
flames had managed to reach the "San Francesco" and "Zonchello"
hospitals, the "Satta" technical school and nearby homes.
LITTLE BOY FALLS FROM A YACHT AND DROWNS
Tragedy hits a family from the Piedmont region whilst on an outing. A
little boy, barely three-years-old and momentarily away from his parents' care,
fell from a yacht and drowned. The accident occurred late yesterday
morning in the Maddalena Arcipelago.
BINGO TO TAKE OFF IN SARDINIA TOO
Gambling fever has also arrived in Sardinia. It is anticipated that Bingo
will commence within the year with four halls in Cagliari and one hall each in
Assemini, Oristano, Nuoro, Sassari, Alghero and Olbia. It is anticipated
that the game of "Tombola" (as it is called in Italy) will also be
very successful in Italy just as it has proven to be in other European countries,
involving not only avid gamblers but also entire families.
15th July
A SHOT IS FIRED - TRAGEDY AT
THE ELMAS BASE
Emanuele Lutzu, an aviator from Aggius, was killed during a discharge of bullets
fired accidentally by one of his fellow soldiers, 20 year-old Fabio Casula from
Villamar. The tragedy occurred in one of the rooms in the guards' quarters
at the Military Airport of the 30th Squadron. The young men, who were due
to be discharged from National Service at the end of the month, were in the
process of taking a souvenir "good-bye" photo. One of them
inserted the cartridge and the gun went off.
THIS IS THE NEW MASTER PLAN
The Managers of the "Starwood Hotel Group" have presented the second
version of the Master Plan to the Arzachena and Olbia town planning
administrators and have obtained near to unanimous approval. The Plan
consists of an overall investment of over two billion Lire for the construction
of hotels, serviced holiday apartments and a new golf course. It will take
twenty years to complete the project and will create 15,000 jobs. The
proposal will be presented to the Regional Government by the end of the month.
DRINKS DIESEL FUEL AND IS POISONED TO DEATH
Matteo Manconi, barely two years old, from Nurallao, died in hospital after four
days of agony. He had swallowed what was in fact a small quantity of fuel.
The accident occurred in a matter of seconds whilst the little boy was playing.
After four days of intense medical care, the child died.
A FIRE CUTS THE "CARLO FELICE" IN TWO - TRAFFIC STOPS - CARS LINED UP
FOR KILOMETRES
A violent fire cut the Carlo Felice highway and the railway line at Bornova in
two. The flames burned nearly 400 hectares of land, requiring the
intervention of seven aircraft and hundreds of people on the ground. A
Fire Brigade helicopter was forced to land on the highway in order to assist a
patient in an ambulance blocked by the traffic.
OROSEI - MAN DROWNS WHILE TRYING TO SAVE TWO YOUNG BROTHERS
24-year-old Vittorio Greco from Rome and holidaying at Cala Gonone lost his life
in the sea at Osala near Orosei. He had braved the waves in order to save
two young brothers (12 and 15-years-old) from Galtellì. The victim did
not hesitate to dive into the sea, together with some other bathers and the
boys' father but he did not manage to return to shore.
30 july
TWO ROUTES EACH FOR ALITALIA
AND MERIDIANA
Two routes go to Alitalia, two go to Meridiana, one goes to Volare, one is not
allocated and no routes have been allocated to Airone. First of all,
Alitalia has managed to score the most sought after route, which is the
lucrative Cagliari-Rome route and it will also service the Alghero- Rome sector.
Meridiana will have the exclusive rights to services from Olbia Airport to Rome
and also to Milan.
Volare will have to relinquish the Cagliari-Rome route but will have exclusive
rights to the Cagliari-Milan sector.
SARDINIA CONTINUES TO BURN
Every Summer and this Summer is no different, forest fires in Sardinia are have
become common and therefore a terrible daily occurrence. We won't be
telling you about all the fires in our Isola Sarda Newsletter but we will report
the most serious ones. This week, the Pinus Village, which is ten
kilometres from Pula, was evacuated by the Fire Department because the flames
were threatening it. Also, three hotels (two at the Lotzorai Marina and
one a few kilometres from Villagrande) were evacuated by the Carabinieri as a
precautionary measure. The worst fire flared up on the South Coast on the
road to Chia, just a few metres from the Domusdemaria turnoff. There was
panic in Nuoro. Scores of brushfires in the countryside surrounding Nuoro
made up a single front from Orani to Ottana, from Oniferi to Orotelli and to
Orune.
"FORESTA" - THE SARDINIAN TEST TUBE JENNET
There are only three hundred specimens of the grey donkey left in Sardinia.
However, the species will not become extinct. The birth of a grey jennet
called "Foresta" last May via the "rent-a-uterus" technique
will ensure its survival. It's the first case of assisted reproduction
carried out successfully at the "Istituto di Incremento Ippico" [the
Institute for Equine Development] in Ozieri.
SARDINIAN SEAS PASS THE TEST
"Legambiente's Goletta" [the Italian environmental body's green
schooner] has concluded its circumnavigation of the Sardinian coastline where it
carried out an examination of the quality of its waters. Apart from some
sporadic cases where a slight presence of coli bacillus was found at Foce del
Tirso and the Lido di Capoterra, they found Sardinian seas to be in perfect
health.
"ANTI-GLOBAL" GROUPS PROTEST AT PORTO TORRES WHARVES
There were at least a thousand people. They had come from all over
Sardinia to send a message to Genoa. They had come to ask the Government
not to take away their right to give voice to their dissent. They had come
to ask permission to enter the "Forbidden City" in which the
manipulators of planetary power will meet to decide the major strategies that
will condition everyone's lives. In Genoa to propose a possible "New
World". There were no incidents or any tense moments. The
Sardinian "no-globals" marched slowly from the Piazza at the old
"Mercato Civico" to the Port area, reasserting their identity as a
civilised and non-violent movement.
A "LEPPA" WORTHY OF A "GUINESS" RECORD
Messrs. Tedde and Decandia from Oschiri have made the biggest jack-knife in the
world. It is 5.5 metres long. The huge "resolza" [local
style of knife] is on show at the Marina di Portisco in the Costa Smeralda.
23-HOUR ODYSSEY ON THE SHIP BOUND FOR CAGLIARI
It was an odyssey for the 620 passengers who boarded the Tirrenia vessel at
Civitavecchia bound for Cagliari at 6.00 p.m. on Thursday. Because of the
bad weather, the ship sailed at 10.30 p.m. and arrived at its destination at
5.00 p.m. the following day.
IDEA - THE THERMAL BATHS AT MOLENTARGIUS
The labour unions would like to launch thermal spa resort in the Cagliari
saltpans. The proposal originates from discussions held at a conference
organised by CGIL, CISL and UIL [Italian Federation of Trade Unions].
Enhancing the value of the lagoon area as a tourism destination would provide an
excellent opportunity to create employment.
PUNIC CITADEL DISCOVERED AT ARCHEOLOGICAL DIGS
The first part of a Punic settlement dating back to the 5th Century BC has been
found a short distance from the historical centre of Olbia. For the
archaeologists involved in the digs in the Gallurian city, it is the most
important discovery to date.
SEX, CHAT AND SARDINIA
The word "Sardegna" is fourth on the list of most "clicked"
words by Italians on the Altavista search engine. The words
"sex", "porno" and "chat" are more popular but
they are practically unbeatable. Altavista's Internet Observer function
that monitors the "keywords" most used by Italian Web "surfers"
each month researched the data for the list.
CULTURE - THE SARDINIAN LANGUAGE SURVIVES THANKS TO ITS GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Did you know that currently there are six thousand languages? It would
seem an enormous number but in reality, the phenomenon is purely a virtual one.
Since it is true that there are six thousand languages in the world it is
likewise true that fifteen of these (fifteen out of six thousand) are spoken by
50% of people on the planet.
OLBIA - CATTLE FARMERS' RAGE EXPLODES
A few hundred farmers, coming from all parts of Sardinia, held a demonstration
in the port area at Olbia, causing disruption and delays in freighter operations.
The demonstration already announced last week, stems from the grave crisis
gripping the beef market. The marketing of this commodity has been
hindered for some months due to severe public health restrictions adopted
against the "Blue Tongue Virus" and BSE (Mad Cow Disease).
SEVERE SENTENCES TO ARMED ROBBERS ALSO SUSPECTED OF SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES
Judges in the Tempio courts have passed heavy sentences for the failed jewellery
heist in Luras last February. The head of the band of thieves, Michele De
Roma, was condemned to seven years and four months in prison. At the same
time, the other three leaders, Giovanni Nurra, Salvatore Pais and Riccardo
Sotgia, were given prison sentences of five years and four months. All
four were found to be guilty of armed hold-up and the unlawful possession of war
arms. Investigations into their suspected subversive activities are still
under way.
"GOLETTA VERDE" IN SARDINIA
The Italian Environmental Association's [Legambiente] "Goletta Verde"
[Green Schooner] is making its way towards the South of Sardinia and as usual,
controversy follows. After its initial presentation at Alghero, where it
was reported that the general condition of Sardinian waters is good,
Legambiente's schooner arrived in Bosa. Today, the officials on the schooner
took a stand against the delays in the effective functioning of the Island
reserves. Cited in particular was their disapproval of an application made
by the Commune of Cabras that a "moratorium" be placed on restrictions
that exist in the protected areas of the Sinis Peninsula and the Mal di Ventre
Island.
RELEASE OF ONE BILLION LIRE OF "C.I.P.E." FUNDS
One billion Lire have been allocated for investments in tourism, agriculture and
infrastructure. Fifteen projects are to be funded, creating 4,000 new jobs.
The C.I.P.E. [Center for International Private Enterprise] has given the
go-ahead to the planned projects proposed in advance by the Regional Government.
LAUNCH OF NEW FERRY FOR PORTO TORRES
The name of the first of the twin-sister ships is "Bithia" (the other's
name will be "Janas"). At normal speed they will enable a
passenger to travel the Genoa-Porto Torres route in 7.5 hours, compared to the 9
hours it takes at present. The "Bithia", which was built in the
Fincantieri shipyard at Castellammare di Stabia, was handed over officially
yesterday to Tirrenia Navigazione's top management. After the "Janas"
is delivered in February next year and will subsequently go into service, the
"Bithia" will be able to make the crossing from Liguria to Sardinia
with maximum speeds of over 31 knots. The "Bithia", which is 214
metres long and over 26 metres wide, is capable of transporting a maximum of
2,800 passengers and crew, as well as 900 cars. On board there are 320
cabins, which sleep up to 1,200 people, together with seating accommodation for
more than 1,000. To complete the package, there are two restaurants (one
of which is self-service), a party lounge with dance floor, a bar, shops and a
cinema.
IRISH COUPLE DIE WHILST ON HOLIDAY
An Irish tourist couple's holiday in Alghero has ended in tragedy. Barbara
Mary Revees and her husband, Shane Gerard O'Brien, 25 and 32-years-old drowned
yesterday afternoon. Inexplicably, the incident occurred in the Hotel
Oasis pool in front of about ten people who were sunbathing in the area
surrounding it. Because of the mysterious nature of the deaths, an
investigation is being carried out to determine whether it was suicide or
through natural causes.
DISCOVERED IN A SHEEP PEN - HAMMER USED IN EUTHANASIA
Euthanasia was practiced in Sardinia until the second half of the 19th Century.
It was accepted, approved of and in fact, requested as a matter of course.
The custom has once again come to light in Gallura with the discovery of one of
the instruments of death, all evidence of the existence of which had been lost.
Pier Giacomo Pala, the creator and curator of the Ethnographic Museum in Luras
found the hammer in a sheep pen.
SORU COMPANY FOREGOES UMTS
Tiscali S.p.A. has foregone its involvement with UMTS [Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System]. The announcement was made in conjunction with
Hutchison Wampoa. The Cagliari-based provider is not intending to exercise
its option to bring its investment up to 25% ownership of Hi3g (formerly Andala),
making it one of the four consortiums to obtain licences in Italy.
5th August
Check Isola Sarda's home
page http://www.isolasarda.com/home.htm
this week and you will find the "Indynetwork" logo. Click on the
icon to activate this new service. Indynetwork is a well thought-out index
of the free services promoted by liberal, independent and non-profit entities,
which are committed on the "Globalisation" front. Indynetwork
indexes the main resources available on the Internet without duplicating what
thousands of other people are already doing. However, it enables you to
access these resources from various access points and are targeted towards
specific services or different points of view, always and in any case
free-thinking, independent and not for profit.
We always receive many messages of thanks for the work we are doing with our
Isola Sarda Newsletter. The English language version is particularly
appreciated because for many people who don't speak Italian, it represents one
of the few, if not the only means of remaining in contact with the land they
love. Once again, I would like to thank Helen and Adriana who have enabled
us to provide this important service.
We also think about the many people who are not aware of the Newsletter's
existence and are not able to take advantage of this facility. Therefore,
we would kindly ask you to forward this to all the people on your mailing list
who you feel might be interested and recommend that they become subscribers.
Giorgio Plazzotta
Responsible Officer, Isola Sarda
*** PRESS REVIEW ***
SWALLOWED BY A WELL FULL OF SLUDGE
Two factory workers from Porto Torres have died. The fumes emitted from
meat-slaughter waste killed them. The tragedy occurred in an animal feed
mill in the industrial area of the city. The Technical Manager of the
processing plant, who had intervened in an effort to rescue the men, has been
admitted to hospital and his condition is critical.
FOREST FIRES - UP-DATE
In the final report drawn up by the Corpo Forestale [State Forest Ranger Corps]
regarding the damages caused by forest fires since January, Sardinia is at the
top of the list of "red-hot" Regions. No less than 6,371
hectares of land went up in smoke in Sardinia in the period from 1 January to 22
July. Calabria (3,252 hectares) and Sicily (3,100 hectares) follow.
Compared to the same period in 2000, the number of forest fires in Italy has
decreased by 21%, whilst the overall area affected by fires has decreased by
50%.
MONTE ARCOSU - ALSO AFFECTED BY FIRE
UTA - The arsonists are not relinquishing their hold and carry on with their
terrorist acts. Last week in Guttureddu, within the World Wildlife Fund's
Oasis Nature Reserve at Monte Arcosu, no less than ten hectares of Mediterranean
scrub made up of, above all, juniper and arbutus trees, went up in smoke.
There was a considerable deployment of men and vehicles from the Forest Ranger
Corps, the Government Forestry body, the "Compagnia Barracellare" [Sardinia's
unique Municipal Guards] and the Civil Protection unit.
TAX EVASION - BLITZ BY THE "GUARDIA DI FINANZA"
A campaign has been launched by the Guardia di Finanza [Italy's financial police]
to counteract the illegal "black payment" of rents phenomenon.
It concerns investment properties situated in the principal seaside locations on
the coast of the Province of Oristano. It has also been confirmed that
numerous owners of investment properties have fallen into the net. These
people had rented out the properties but subsequently did not proceed to
register the contracts with the Ufficio Entrate [Revenue Office] of the
Ministero delle Finanze [Ministry of Finance].
CAGLIARI STANDS AS CANDIDATE TO HOST THE MEDITERRANEAN GAMES
Cagliari has officially presented its candidature for the 2009 Mediterranean
Games to the CONI [Italian National Olympic Committee]. All the
preliminary research must be ready by October. The objective is the Games
and the world spotlight is on the city. Cagliari will have to beat its
fellow contenders: Palermo, Catania, Genoa, Grosseto, Latina, Naples, Pescara,
Rimini, Trieste and Venice.
EASTERN-BLOCK BEAUTIES FORCED TO PROSTITUTE THEMSELVES IN NIGHT-CLUBS
Following a raid by the Police in the North of Sardinia, fourteen nightclubs
were "sealed off" and 18 managers were arrested. Sexual favours
were being offered for Lit.150,000 and a bottle of champagne.
FIUME SANTO GOES TO THE SPANISH
Endesa, the main electricity provider in Spain, has won the tender for
Elettrogen, the first ENEL "genco" [power generating company] to make
its debut on the market. The Spanish will pay pretty much "through
the nose" for their entry ticket into the Italian market. It will
cost them Lit.7,150 billion for the 5,500 MW produced by the eight power plants
in Fiume Santo, Monfalcone, Ostiglia, Tavazzano and Trapani, together with the
hydro-electric plants at Terni, Crotone, and Catanzaro. All in all, the
Fiume Santo plant guarantees an output of 880 MW.
WITH BLACK ARM BANDS AS A SIGN OF MOURNING
There were at least 250 people in front of the Prefettura [Prefecture] in Piazza
d'Italia in Cagliari. They had congregated spontaneously to express their
dissent against the recent incidents in Genoa. They were also there to
remember 23 year-old Carlo Giuliani who died on the first day of violent clashes
between demonstrators and law enforcement officers. Relaxed, calm and
nearly silent, they congregated to say no to any kind of violence and repression
and to reiterate their dissent against poverty in the world.
GALTELLI' - A PLAQUE IN THE PIAZZA IN MEMORY OF VITTORIO GRECO
His heroic gesture two weeks ago had touched everyone. On July 7 last, 24
year-old Vittorio Greco from Rome did not hesitate one second when he dived into
the sea at Osalla, attempting to save the life of two young boys from Galtelli'
and he lost his life in the process. The Galtelli' Town Council decided
unanimously to dedicate a moment of silence and prayer to the young victim.
Furthermore, it was also decided that a plaque in memory of the young man will
be put up in the town's main Piazza.
"OUR CHILDREN WILL NOT SPEAK LOGUDORESE!"
The group of experts commissioned by the Regional Government has concluded its
project and has produced a report, which would align the Sardinian language to
its Lugodorese variant. However, Limba enthusiasts living in the Campidano
area do not like the idea. The issue re-emerged during the crowded launch
of the book "Limba, Lingua e Language" written by Sardinia's most
authoritative experts in the field.
S.O.S. FROM SAHARIAN BOY FOUND AT PORTO PINO
The Western Saharian boy's message had been attached to a coloured balloon,
which eventually deflated and landed on the beach at Porto Pino. That cry
for help launched to the wind was picked up by one of his contemporaries,
Federico Gessa of Sant'Anna Arresi whilst he was playing on the beach.
Inside the balloon there was a small, rolled-up piece of paper with a message
written in Spanish. The author of the message had released it to the wind
whilst in Catalogna, Spain on a short vacation with a few friends. Those
carefree days did not however stop him from thinking about his predicament.
He lives in a refugee camp, hoping to one day be able to live freely in his
homeland, Western Sahara that has been occupied by the «Marruecos» (Moroccans)
for more than twenty-six years.
«THE "CARABINIERI" ARE S..T» - SINGER CHARGED
He thought he could involve the crowd. However, the young people left
indignantly when he announced from the stage that "it was those s
t Carabinieri who killed people during the G8 in Genoa". Amongst the
spectators who did not appreciate the Kenze Neke's band artist's statement,
there was also the Maresciallo dei Carabinieri [senior Officer in the Corps] who
joined him up on the stage, took his particulars and charged him for
"vilipendio" [disrespect for a public institution].
HOSPITAL IN A TUB FOR TURTLES IN BAD SHAPE
CABRAS - Due to the increasing number of turtles from the sea off the Sinis
Peninsula that need to be cared for by a veterinarian, it would now seem a real
necessity to provide them with a specialised care centre. These splendid
specimens are not necessarily in need of medical assistance because they have
been injured or badly treated but more so because they are found to be in a very
poor state of health.
Management of the marine reserve "Penisola del Sinis-Isola di Mal di
Ventre" has submitted a number of projects to the Ministry for the
Environment. Amongst these projects is a proposal for the construction of
a Care Centre for the sea turtles.
15th august
UNIFICATION AND
STANDARDISATION OF "SA LIMBA"
The committee of experts nominated by the Sardinian regional government has
prepared a set of proposals called "Limba Sarda Unificada (LSU)".
The package summarises the basic set of rules for the standardisation of the
Sardinian language, i.e., spelling, phonetics, morphology and lexicon. The
Office of the Department of Public Education publication is a 50-page document.
The LSU is a language of reference, the model of a language, based on the
analysis of local variants of the Sardinian language and on the classification
of its fundamental exceptions. Finally, it is also based on the selection,
case by case, of a model that is, overall, amply representative of and
compatible with local versions.
SARDINIA «OCCUPIED» BY HOLIDAYMAKERS
Olbia has set records. More than 120,000 people arrived at the Isola
Bianca Terminal wharves and the Costa Smeralda airport during the first week-end
in August. It's impossible to find even one vacancy, at least until
Ferragosto [15 August]. At the same time, it's "all sold out"
departing from the Gallura ports where the traffic is normal in any case.
It's a sheer boom for the tourism industry on the South-Eastern coast of
Sardinia - from Villasimius to Muravera - where, for the last few days, a 100%
occupancy rate has been registered in hotels, camping grounds, farm house
accommodation and investment properties.
BEACH RESORTS BOOM ON THE ISLAND - VISITORS INCREASE BY 200%
Compared to 2000, the first two Summer months have shown a definitive increase
in the number of visitors to Sardinia's beaches. The number of arrivals on
Sardinia's coastline has shown particular growth (more than 20%).
Following behind are Emilia Romagna and Campania where they have increased by
more than 15%. A net downturn, however, has been noted for Sicily where
the result is minus 15%.
NULVI (SS) - WOODEN CROSS AND FOUR 18TH CENTURY CANDELABRAS STOLEN
Sacrilegious thieves at work in the parish of the Assunta [Madonna of the
Assumption]. Some precious candelabras and an antique wooden Christ from a
crucifix, all of which date back to the 18th century, mysteriously disappeared
recently. The items were part of the rich artistic heritage of the
Church, which is dedicated to the holy patron of Nulvi. The figure of
Christ was literally extracted from its cross, which stood on the pulpit of the
main altar.
GO-AHEAD GIVEN TO LAW: BIRTH OF SARDINIAN CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
The Regional Government has approved the proposal for a constitutional law. The
law will enable the Region to set up the Sardinian Constituent Assembly, which
will be responsible for the drafting of the new Statute. The law will now
go to Parliament.
ORISTANO: LONELINESS BECOMES A TRAGEDY FOR A PENSIONER
He had been dead for three months but no one was aware of it. Carlo Pinna,
73-year-old pensioner, was found dead in his home at Oristano. He had died
in the silence of his loneliness.
SENSORS IN THE GROTTOES IN SEARCH OF THE MONK SEAL
It seemed like it had disappeared from Italian waters but last September a Monk
Seal was sighted in the protected marine area at Capo Carbonara. Since
then the area is under strict surveillance by ICRAM [Central Institute for
Scientific and Technological Research Applied to the Sea attached to the
Ministry for the Environment]. A few weeks ago, ICRAM undertook a project, which
will hopefully single out all the grottoes that could house specimens of this
rare animal. Inside the grottoes they will place Infra Red sensors that
will signal the animal's
presence.
TISCALI GOES SHOPPING IN EUROPE
Tiscali will purchase Spanish Internet Service Provider, "Inicia
Comunicaciones" from the "Grupo PRISA" publishing group for a sum
of 8.2 million Euro in cash. The Cagliari company has also purchased
"Yukom Sa", one of the leading ISPs and portals in Belgium from
British Communication PIC (BT) and the Banque Bruxelles Lambert (BBL) and
another ISP from British company, Tiny.
EPIDEMIC RESURFACES BETWEEN SINISCOLA AND POSADA
SINISCOLA. At least eight cases of «Blue tongue» have been reported at
Siniscola, one of which was recorded at Posada. The alarm was given after
a number of tests were made amongst the goat-farms in the area. Farmers
immediately raised voices of complaint about the situation. In fact, it
seems that the hotbeds of the epidemic have originated from farms located in
swamplands. Furthermore, three of the reported cases are said to be a
repetition of episodes in locations already recorded last year. Therefore,
the 2000 disinfestation was a waste of time.
MOLOTOV BOMBS - A FACTORY ON FIRE
A few nights ago there was a serious bomb attack on the buildings that belong to
the Azienda Italiana Depuratori in Quartucciu. The company's General
Manager, Maria Grazia Massimino is also the leading Sardinian businesswoman.
Persons unknown hurled some incendiary bombs into the company's factory building
and in three hours machinery and vehicles were destroyed.
MAMOIADA - FORTY COUPLES COMPETE IN THE REGIONAL "MORRA" TOURNAMENT
Forty couples participated in the Regional Morra Tournament of the Madonna del
Carmine of Mamoiada recently. They competed in teams of four in
elimination games for sixteen to the finals, which were held that same morning
over the two hours that were available.
First prize, which consisted of the trophy and one million Lire went to Cottu
and Mazzette, the couple from Ollolai.
2nd September
INFANTRYMEN FROM THE
"BRIGATA SASSARY" DEPART FROM ALGHERO
The first 70 infantrymen from the "Brigata Sassari" departed from
Alghero Airport headed for Macedonia as part of the NATO "Essential Harvest"
Mission.
The "Sassari" contingent will be made up of a total of nearly 500
soldiers out of the 700 men Italy has placed at NATO's disposal. Amongst
the departing volunteers, more than 80% have already had experience in the
Balkans.
NUORO - THREE THOUSAND COSTUMES FOR THE "SAGRA DEL REDENTORE"
[Festival of Christ the Redeemer] CELEBRATING THE FESTIVAL'S CENTENARY.
As a celebration of its Centenary this year and under the auspices of the
Regional Government, a vast program of events has been arranged. It
consists of cultural, musical and folkloric shows, comprehensive
socio-productive and sporting displays which from July to late September, will
include about a hundred different activities and big shows. In any event,
29 August remains the highlight of the Festival. This year we will return
to "su connottu" [the old ways]. In fact, the Mass will be
celebrated on the stone altar at the foot of the statue and the Archbishop of
Cagliari, Ottorino Alberti will officiate. Furthermore, Cardinal Mario
Francesco Pompedda will celebrate the Pontifical Mass together with the
Sardinian Bishops at 6.00 p.m. in the Municipal Amphitheatre.
The Euro-Mediterranean Festival of Street Theatre is scheduled for 3-6 September.
Groups of performers from Switzerland, Germany, France and Norway as well as
from the Continent will participate. A Piano Competition will be held from
15-19 September in the Auditorium of the "Museo Regionale del Costume e
Delle Tradizioni Popolari" [Museum of Local Costumes and Traditions], which
promises to be of huge interest due to the participation of prestigious artists
from all of Italy.
PALAU - THE FLAMES SURROUND THE ENTIRE TOWN
There was fear for the worst for three hours amongst the stately homes at
"Stazzo Pulcheddu". Crazy with fear, many tourists hurriedly abandoned
the village in their cars.
CARBONIA-CORONEL - TWO CITIES EVOLVED FROM THE MINES GAIN SISTER-CITY STATUS
After nine months, the battle of the 486 unemployed interim workers
["lavoratori socialmente utili"] from the "Parco Geominerario"
[Geo-mining Park] continues and so does the occupation of the Villamarina Tunnel
and the Pozzo Sella. The activities continue with a schedule of cultural
events, which includes amongst other, the participation of Chilean band, "Inti-Illimani"
and the inauguration of a Sister-City program between Carbonia and the Chilean
city of Coronel where the local miners have been occupying a coal mine for the
last three months.
TOURISTS REPORTED TO THE POLICE - NATURAL ARCH BECOMES SOUVENIR
BAUNEI - Now it's becoming a bad habit, a lousy way of ending a vacation with a
souvenir from Sardinia. Here we go again: yet another tourist - actually,
this time there were five, including a woman and two children - here to
vandalise the Island's natural assets. Since the foray against the famous
Cala Girgolu turtle, the plunder of sand at Budelli, the chipped red rocks at
Arbatax there have been various other acts of vandalism. This time the
"arch" [natural rock formation], classified as a national monument, on
the sea at Cala Goloritze' in the Baunei area, has been carved up. The men
from the Harbour Office have reported the predator-tourists from Como to the
Police. A search of the tourists' rubber dinghy berthed in the Port at
Cala Gonone revealed quartzite crystals and other minerals eradicated from the
famous arch-shaped rock, which is a symbol, pretty much an icon of Ogliastra
tourism.
THE TOWERS OF STINTINO IN DANGER
In the past they even resisted attacks from the Saracens but today, the Towers
of Stintino, amongst which the Pelosa Tower, are at risk of collapsing under
attacks from a new type of pirate. It is both Italians and foreigners who
take it in turn to ransack the ancient guard posts as if it was a beach holiday
pastime. They climb up the towers to reach the top and forage in the
inside halls, searching for those fragments of history, the destruction of which
they are inadvertently (one would hope) contributing. The effects of this
game are devastating. The masses of stone are not bearing up to the
constant battering and the walls are developing cracks ever-increasing in size.
The town's Mayor is helpless. In fact, the monument, which is symbolic of
the small area, stands on State property. So at this point, another game
begins. Whose responsibility is to rectify the problem?
CAGLIARI - ARMED HOLD-UP WITH FIVE HOSTAGES
Two masked armed-bandits broke into the vault of the via Torino branch of the
Banco di Sardegna and completely "cleaned out" the safe after having
immobilised the Manageress, a clerk and three customers. They stole forty
million Lire.
S'ISTRUMPA - MEMORIES AND PASSION
The 13th National Championship of "S'Istrumpa", the ancient art of
wrestling amongst shepherds, was held yesterday at Ollolai. It was
officially declared a sport some years ago.
DRY SPELL NOW KILLING OFF MOUFLONS
NUORO - The prolonged dry spell that has hit the central areas of Sardinia and
Ogliastra in particular, is endangering the lives of the mouflons.
According to reports from the Gennargentu Branch of the World Wildlife Fund,
about ten animals have been found dead to date but these numbers are destined to
grow. The environmental association has appealed for help from the Army
and Fire Fighters, asking them to utilise their helicopters for the carriage of
water to the mouflons.
DOLPHINS MUTILATED BY FISHERMEN GO TO DIE ON THE BEACHES
Four dolphins in four days beached themselves to die after having been severely
mutilated along the South-East coast of the "Golfo degli Angeli", in
the Cagliari area. Upon examination, the technicians and experts from the
"Centro Studi Cetacei" [Centre for Cetacean Studies] found that all
the animals (of the "Stenella" [striped dolphin] species) had the same
mutilations to their fins and abdomen. It is believed that the mammals
could have fallen into fishermen's nets and that the fishermen deliberately
caused the mutilations in order to free themselves of the cetaceans. The
tactic is often used to distance these groups of dolphins away from the nets as
they could jeopardise a fishing expedition.
RIOT ON THE BEACH AGAINST A TOURIST
SANT'ANTIOCO: Evolution of the species - first the butcher of the rock turtle
and now a poor turtle gets kidnapped on arrival, injured and exhausted at the
beach at Turri. The perpetrator was slinking away nonchalantly with the
animal wrapped in a towel but he was stopped by scandalised sunbathers.
The young specimen of a "caretta caretta" [Loggerhead Sea Turtle] had
a mutilated fin with obvious traces of scarring from an old injury but was then
able to go back into the sea.
9th September
"BRIGATA SASSARI"
READY FOR THE HARVEST
"Camp Italy" is just about fully occupied. There are now 550
young men from the Brigata Sassari mustered at the Italian base in the former
military airport at Petrovec, which is about 20 kilometres from the capital,
Skopje. 150 Turkish soldiers have joined them. Together and under
the Italian contingent's command, they will participate in "Operation
Essential Harvest", the collection of arms from the Albanian guerrillas
that NATO is carrying out in Macedonia.
AIR TRANSPORT - MORE TIME WASTED BEFORE FINAL IMPLEMENTATION OF DISCOUNTED
FLIGHTS
It seems we will have to wait another six weeks before the Lazio "TAR"
[Regional Administrative Tribunal] releases its decision. The meeting,
which will involve comparisons between the airlines interested in the operation
of flights to Sardinia, has been set for 11 October. The administrative
judges have summoned Alitalia, Meridiana, Volare and Air One, the airline
excluded from the tender, to participate in the debate. The Tribunal has
also decided to re-examine the request for the allocation of the Alghero-Milan
route, which is currently allocated to Volare but for which no offer had been
made by any of the airlines.
CAR SINKS INTO VILLASMUS HARBOUR
25-year-old Andrea Tola from Monserrato lost control of his car in the Port area
at Villasmus. The car flew into the harbour and the driver drowned.
According to an initial reconstruction made by the Carabinieri, the young man
had made an error of judgement whilst driving. His four friends, who were
passengers in the car, managed to escape through the car doors. Andrea
Tola, however, plunged into the harbour, trapped inside the driver's compartment.
TRAGEDY