In Isla Mujeres Daily News Wednesday, May 14 The Afternoon Edition

  The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to benefit Isla charities will be published in May!, featuring  a variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it! 
Check out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses & visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity, for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. Ad for the remainder of year is a $30 donation. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published & turned over to the charities in May.   

Feel free to copy & share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine & sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks! 

  Here's a link to the Magazine

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte

   Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

Cutting of mangroves continues near Playa Tiburon:  Want federal authorities to intervene

Continúa tala de mangle

Martes, 13 de Mayo de 2014 20:56

En las cercanías de Playa Tiburón: Urge actuar de autoridades federales

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 13 de mayo.- 

Leer más...

About a week ago, a 20 square meter patch of mangrove was devastated in Sac Bajo, and no action has been taken by authorities. Since then, there does not appear to have been more cutting, but the area appears to have been cleaned up, and neighbors indicate people have been seen working on the site. It is alleged that this space is being prepared for use by members of the fishing cooperative "Laguna Makax", and noted that areas within the Makax Lagoon are coveted by boat owners because it represents an important refuge in hurricanes. 

  Sea turtle nesting season has begun

350 eggs collected 

Inicia desove de tortugas marinas

Martes, 13 de Mayo de 2014 20:41

Aseguran 350 huevos

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 13 de mayo.- .

Leer más...

Although the season for the protection of sea turtles officially begins on May 15th,  eggs from three turtle nests have already been gathered and taken to the Tortugranja. The facility's director Raciel Rivero Coba said this is an excellent omen. On May 1st, 115 eggs were collected from a hawksbill turtle nest, and on May 8th a loggerhead laid 125 eggs, and on May 12th another loggerhead left 107 eggs. All 350 eggs are being protected at the Tortugranja.
    There are eight staff members of the Tortugranja and ten volunteers prepared to cover the nine beaches of Isla Mujeres where turtles arrive to lay their eggs. In the meantime, one person is making these tours to take care of any eggs that are left behind. During the season, staff  from the Navy, the Police, and Civil Protection will be available to be involved in monitoring.
   Last season the Tortugranja protected 1,335 nests of green turtles, 64 loggerhead nests, and six hawksbill nests. Ninety-three percent of the eggs incubated at the facility produced hatchinlings, and a total of 155,000 hatchlings were released.

 Tvisla Mujeres

Noticias de  Quequi......

Whale shark licensees await permits

• 
  

   

  Economía

  Pendientes permisos para el tiburón ballena

  0 13 de mayo de 2014

    Seamen of Isla Mujeres are concerned because there are only a few days before the official start of whale shark season and the permits have not been issued by the Wildlife Agency. The Harbor Master, Ismael Gonzalez Gil, said the official position has not changed and he must first receive authorization from the Wildlife agency, and then he can perform the last step in issuing the permits. He acknowledged that things have come to a standstill, at this time.

     It has been noted by the media that over 80 vessels could be left out this season, unable to take even one trip. This will represent economic losses for Isla Mujeres, whose seamen have had the most permits, and they expected to have the most shares of the 300 permits that were expected to be issued this year.

    The licensees say that because of this situation, several of them have had to travel to Mexico City to discuss the issue directly with Wildlife officials. There are concerns that in the end, the season may not start until June 1st, rather than on May 15th, as expected.

  ---

  Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi .- Podría aplazarse hasta junio la autorización de Vida Silvestre.
  0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia 
• 
  

    Complaint of alleged fraud

  Delito

  Denuncian a presunta defraudadora

  0 13 de mayo de 2014 

  A complaint of alleged fraud has been filed against Fátima Heredia González, regarding a home improvement program, which may involve at least 10 people who say they are victims. It is alleged they are owed about a million pesos, because they contributed money and were promised their investment would be doubled (matched) through the delivery of building materials, and even cash. Sra Heredia Gonzalez acknowledged that she was ill and unable to meet the obligations. The prosecutor explained that she acknowledged that she has not done what was promised, and says she will cover the liabilities owed to each person. So far, the legal situation has not been determined. 

  ---

  Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi .- Prometía mejoramiento de viviendas con una pequeña inversión.
  0 comentarios Leer toda la noticia

Noticias de Diario Respuesta...

American company intends to assist in promotion of Isla

Abre Isla puertas a producción externa

• Tuesday, 13 May 2014 06:50
• Written by Diario Respuesta  Jesus Molina
• Category: Isla Mujeres 

Read more: Abre Isla puertas a producción externa

The company "Connectors International" of Florida has made agreements for  promotion of Isla Mujeres, after actively participating in the international fishing tournament "Cosme Alberto Martinez Magana". Juan Diego Henao explained that their company has two brands, with protectors for mobile devices, and a brand associated with navigational instruments & fishing. He said they are very excited to be involved because their brands are found in Latin America, as well as the United States. They are committed to participate in future events, and to help promote this tourist destination.


 
 por esto



Pensacola: Sister City

Pensacola, otra ciudad hermana[+] Ver mas

Isla Mujeres and Pensacola were declared sister cities during the formal welcome by the City Council, for the participants of the Regata al Sol XXVIII, who were designated at Distinguished Guests. This year 17 boats participated, belonging to 12 yacht clubs in Florida. (They are named in the article.) During the last three years the number of participants has significantly decreased, which is attributed to the complicated procedures that were being required by Customs. Since mid-April, the permit required for provisional admission can be made via email from the place of origin of the sailors.
    The regatta turns fifty this year, after being organized with the yacht clubs by the naval base at Pensecola, who provided the two boats for the first competition. That first race took place in 1965 between "La Cola del Viento" (Tail Wind) and a boat flying the Mexican flag, representing Isla Mujeres, which won the race. This year the Naval base in Pensacola celebrates 100 years since its foundation.

Public Services performance questioned
Deficiente desempeño en Servicios Públicos[+] Ver mas

 Por Esto interviewed a man named Jose who says tourists are getting a bad impression of the island because there is trash that needs to be cleaned up in the area between the ferry and the beach, where visitors stroll and pass by in golf carts. (They are referring to the vehicular ferry, which arrives south of the Naval base). The area in question contains mangroves.
     The worker named Jose explained that the city has organized beach cleaning campaigns, and that it is too bad they aren't getting the trash out of the mangroves more often. He said they don't clean that area daily, just two or three times a week, but unfortunately unconscientious people pass by walking and in golf carts, and thoughtlessly throw their litter on the beach. He added that perhaps this could be avoided if there were more trash cans in this area. He said he spoke to a member of the Navy about the problem a few days ago, who said this area is the responsibility of the municipality, which includes the City Council, Zofemat, and Public Services. Jose said he also spoke to a group of service providers who told hem that during the Easter holidays the trash was being cleaned away, but since then no one has returned to clean the area.




Unhappiness about settlements
Descontentos por liquidaciones [+] Ver mas

The taxi drivers are 'awaiting with sharpened teeth' (Esperan con los dientes afilados)  for the  two pesos rate increased to be accompanied by an automatic increase in the amount they pay to work a double shift. They anticipate this fee will jump from 440 pesos to 500 pesos, which would be the last straw for many of the drivers. For this reason, most drivers are opposed to the increase in taxi rates, because it implies an likely increase in the amount they pay per shift, which is currently 220 pesos, although some owners demand more.
   A group of taxistas spoke anonymously, saying they can hardly afford to support their families, noting that they can get by in high season if they are lucky enough to get rides to hotels, parks or residential areas, and the occasional tour.
       "But the rest of the year, it is very hard to get ahead. For example, the official rate for a double shift is 440 pesos, and first you must fill the gas tank, which is 350 to 400 pesos for the day, or about 180-200 pesos for a medium shift. After we pay all that, then what is left over is for us, and sometimes we bring home money, sometimes we owe money, and sometimes we break even," explained on of the drivers who opposes the increases. He added, "When the rate goes up two pesos for the riders, they will automatically raise our fee to 500 pesos, which added to the 400 pesos of gas (not counting substantial monthly increases), totals to the considerable amount of 900 pesos just to cover costs of two shifts."
     Another driver added,  "We also have to pay 10 pesos to work during the day and another five at night, which supposedly goes toward the purchase of medications for the union pharmacy, but they never have them." A third driver commented, "One of the reasons there is less demand for the taxis is because of the proliferation of golf cart concessions," which he said was a failure by the leader of the taxi union.

More protection for whale sharks
Más protección para el tiburón ballena[+] Ver mas

The Harbor Master explained that whale shark licensees must first obtain permission from the Wildlife Agency, and it is his understanding that these have not yet been delivered. He said that the Harbor Master is the final regulatory body of maritime trade, and authorizes the areas where a service is provided, but when it comes to a Protected Natural Area, a permit from the competent authority is required.
   Regarding the controversy with the whale shark licensees, in response to the Wildlife agency seeking to reduce the number of permits, the Harbor Master said that it is his understanding that they want to regulate the activities, so that the captains and crews are fully qualified to perform the activities, without affecting the whale sharks or their environment. (The regulations changed so that one person will only be allowed to have one permit, whereas previously individual licensees held as many as 10 or 14 permits, according to the news reports.)
  "Until now, if the guide or master of the vessel were caught committing irregularities, the responsibility fell upon the owner. It is the intention of the Wildlife agency to punish the owner, the guide, and the sailors when there is a violation," explained the Harbor Master, Miguel Gonzalez Gil. (They left off his first name, Ismael.)

 

  This blog is brought to you by....
MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of  Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   
Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.   Downtown is  ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop on the bus. We also have room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll  sleep to the sounds of the sea..  $275/$325/$425 wk   $40/50/$65nt  Monthly Discounts

View from rooms

Small room

Large room

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe or Monchi's,shop at Chedraui or visit restaurants, bars, & beach clubs; minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a pharmacy and variety of other stores and small local restaurants

 Charity Info
See tab at top of page!

Donation Drop offs:
Red Cross:  Social Justicia Restaurant (south of ferry terminal, north of car ferry)

 Books for Grade School Reading Program, Items for Isla Animals, Diabetes Supplies, Shoes for the Kids, Items for Little Yellow School House...Barlitos @ Marina Paraiso


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Music

Miguel's high season schedule:

Thursday at 6pm Marina Paraiso Isla Mujeres with Seblues Hernandez Miranda - blues variety
Wednesday - Saturday at 10:30 Fayne's BarandGrill with La Banda Sin Nombre - Rock, blues & pop
Friday - Saturday at 12:00 mn Tequileria La Adelita with La Banda Sin Nombre - Salsa & Mexican
Sunday at 7:00 Bahia Tortuga with The Sol Rockers - Rock & blues  .

 John Cain's schedule   

Tuesday, Cafe Del Mar, solo, 8 to 10 pm

Saturday, The Sunset Grill, solo, 630 to 830 pm

Sunday, Bahia Tortuga, The Sol Rockers, 630 to 900 pm 
 

Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun


 
Fenix Sat ~1p Reggae/Cuban  

       Sun ~1p  Salsa 
(Start times posted on menu board by entrance)

Fenix Lounge   Domingo Salsa en Vivo con ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! :: Sunday Live Salsa with ¡¡Puro Sabor - Salsa Cubana !! + Gratis/FREE Chilpachole Pa' la Cruda! + Tragos/Drinks + SUP & Kayak :: See You There!! / No Falten!!

You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or  Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Jeff Current's Schedule
5:30 - 7:30 Wednesday Bahia Tortuga
7-9 Fridays Marina Paraiso  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Events



Texas Holdem Every Monday and Thursday
 at 6:00pm   El Patio Caribbean Grill



MAY

May 1 Thursday 4p-9p Artists Fair on Town Square
May 1 Formal welcome to Regatta Sol al Sol XLVI
 May 1 Labor Day in Mexico
May 1  May Day
May 2 Regatta Amigos XLV 12:30 Isla Children sail around isle
May 2 Regatta Sol al Sol Awards dinner 
May 3 Regatta Sol al Sol departure
May 3 Day of the Holy Cross (festival for mason/constrct wkrs /Dia de Santa Cruz, also called El Día del Albañil. (Essay..maybe May 4th 2012)
May 5 Battle of Puebla 2012 "Cinco de Mayo" 


May 8 Thursday  Town Square: "First Municipal Artist's Fair" 

May 8 Thursday Regata Al Sol XXVIII Departs for Isla Mujeres

 May  9-11 Cosme Magana Fishing Tournament


May 10 Saturday Mother's Day  in Mexico
~May 13-20  Festival of Lady of Fatima at Rancho Vieho ~30+ yr tradition Continental IM
May 13 7p Official welcome of Regatta as Distinguished Guests

May 14 7:25pm Full Moon Rise of Caribbean Sea
 Rises an hour later each night
(Sunset ~7p)

May 15 Regatta Awards Event
May 15 Thursday Teachers Day
May 29 Thursday Ascension Day

May 31 9:30am  Pink Wig Breakfast at D'Lily's to benefit Breast Cancer organization Por Siempre Viva

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SUMMER-FALL

May 15- Sept. 15- Whale Shark Season
Early May -  Nov.  Sea Turtle Mating & Nesting


Whale Shark Festival TBA  ~ late June-early July?

6th Annual Alicia Ricalde Magana Women's Fishing Tournament  TBA August?

Turtle releases August-Sept dates TBA, usually only announced a day or two in advance

Caribbean-Mayan Cultural Festival  TBA Nov?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~