By: NATASHA SMITH
TAKING THE reins of the largest consulate in the Algarve has been a challenge. It is, however, a challenge that British Consul Bill Henderson has relished.
As he nears the end of his two-year term, he talked candidly to The Resident about his reasons for leaving, the ups and downs, and life in the Algarve.
It is clear that Mr Henderson has enjoyed his role and this has partly been due to a dedicated and enthusiastic team. He feels that “there is a flavour of uncertainty” and “every day is different”.
However, the lure of spending time with their grandchildren is the main reason why he and his wife Carrie are returning to the UK but he said that they would return to the Algarve for holidays.
As British Consul, one of his toughest challenges has been dealing with relatives of the bereaved and dealing with British nationals who have been incarcerated in the Algarve.
Though there are very few, “we provide them with assistance and information about the legal system in Portugal and visit them regularly”, he said.
“We deal with many difficult and distressing cases here at the Consulate, but the circumstances of the Madeleine McCann case are the most tragic I have ever dealt with. We have provided consular support to the parents from the outset, and I think that the dignity, courage and resilience they have shown throughout their ordeal has been truly remarkable.”
Crime
With regards to criminal activity against the British community, he recalls the violent attacks which occurred in the eastern Algarve more than six months ago. He said: “That was dealt with very effectively by the police.” He believed that “it was not part of a wider trend” of criminal activity against British people.
British residents have highlighted problems with bureaucratic issues in the Algarve, such as importing private cars. Mr Henderson said: “The timeconsuming nature of the process” can be frustrating as can be gaining access to the health service. The consulate is in the process of putting a set of guidelines it produced, in conjunction with the regional health authority, about obtaining a Portuguese medical card, or Cartão de Utente, on its website.
Mr Henderson believes that tourism from Britain has become an “all year round phenomenon” and he feels the British Consulate is more than capable of dealing with the needs of British nationals in the Algarve.
His successor, Celia Edwards, was due to commence work on Thursday until he leaves office on July 31. They are expected to spend this time handing over work and he said he will introduce her to key players in local government and the police. He said: “I wish her well in her new job. I think it is a great job and I wish her every success.”
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