Thursday, September 11, 2014

In Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Thursday, September 11 The Afternoon Edition

The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to benefit Isla charities will be published soon, 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. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published & turned over to the charities in September...some have already been donated.
Update...The content & layout are finished, and awaiting publication, while I am creating & posting the new ads. It is going slowly because I am busy with other things, your patience is appreciated.     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! 


This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte 

 

   Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....





Dialogues and agreements

 In City Council sessions: Highlights from Agapito's upcoming annual report

Diálogo y acuerdos

En sesiones de Cabildo, resalta Agapito en antesala de su informe

Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 10 de septiembre.-

It is a few days before the first anniversary of the  start of the government of the municipal president, mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez. The City Council has had 25 regular sessions, and six special sessions, and five formal (solemn) sessions.  (The formal sessions recognize and honor special visitors or special events). This article lists some of the initiative, guidelines, and reforms that have been adopted during this administration. They include:  issues concerning the City Archives; the Guidelines for Procurement, Leasing, and Services associated with items for the Municipality; Transparency & efficiency for the City Budget to optimize public resources of the city; Rates & Guidelines for Basic Expenses of the public administration in 2014; and amendments to the Traffic Regulations and Rules of Procedure for the Department of Public Safety as well as providing them with current tools associated with the new national criteria. "In this administration, we know clearly that the Council sessions are an exercise in which representatives from all sectors of the community participate and address issues together in a manner that is plural, open, transparent, and responsible, on matters that are of concern to the community." (quote not attributed.)

Armada de México refuerza vigilancia

En playas del Centro

Mexican Navy patrolling the downtown beaches

 

A Naval patrol with their dog was giving surveillance to the beach areas of downtown, in areas that are used by families, and fishermen, to assure that no illicit activities are taking place. Several days ago in this area of the Federal Zone, a person was arrested for possession of drugs, and it is believed he has been released and seen in this area again, according to neighbors, and complaints may have been made to authorities about possible suspicious activities.
Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 10 de septiembre.-

Cheating tourists

More fraudulent sales by jewelry stores

Estafan a turistas

Joyerías regresan al “ojo del huracán” por más ventas fraudulentas

Lanrry PARRA
ISLA MUJERES, 10 de septiembre.-
American tourists who purchased what they thought was a set of diamond earrings from the jewelry store "Silver Mine" realized the stones were false when they returned home, and contacted the municipal Department of Tourism. They were trying to contact the owner of the business in Isla Mujeres, but have gotten no response to their telephone calls. They contacted their bank to cancel the credit card payment, but that was unsuccessful since the payment has already been cashed. It appears this case will be brought to the attention of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO), joining others that have previously been reported. These deceptions are bad for the reputation of this tourist destination.
  Another tourist purchased silver anklet chains at the jewelry store "Black Gold" for $600, and found their value was much less, and went to the municipal Department of Tourism. The tourist threatened to stand in front of the jewelry store with a sign, and the two parties came to an agreement, and a cash refund was made by the owner of the jewelry store. These incidents are detrimental to the image of this vacation destination.




 Tvisla Mujeres









Noticias de  Quequi......


Hotel occupancy declines

Decae la ocupación hotelera

0 11 de septiembre de 2014
Por Carlos Gasca > Quequi.-
      Román Maldonado Euán, head of the CROC union in Isla Mujeres said the drastic decline in hotel occupancy, which is typical in off season, is reflected in the lack of work available for many union members. He said currently the situation is very critical and affects at least 20% of the 800 workers.
      Companies implement strategies such as 'solidarity days' when workers take extra days off of unpaid leave. Two companies are now seeking to increase this to three days, which is serious for their workers. The strategy of solidarity days is not regulated by Federal Labor Laws, but was adopted as a safety valve to avoid layoffs among workers.
      In some cases, companies decide to take a break, and close for the off season and to reopen in the second half of November. During this time some have maintenance work done and others take a personal holiday.
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Noticias de Diario Respuesta...


Stores close due to reduced retail sales

Cerrarán artesanías por ventas a la baja

  • Written by Diario Respuesta   Jesus Molina
  • Category: Isla Mujeres
.The off season is affecting stores that sell handicrafts and beach items. Some report that sales are down ~20%, and some stores finish the day without any sales. They say a few tourists are window shopping, but most are not buying.  Owners report that there are fewer tourists as the low season progresses, and some owners are thinking of closing, while others are holding on and waiting for better times, despite having days when there are zero sales. The reporter visited the street of Hidalgo, saying it looks almost deserted, with only a few pedestrians.
Read more: Cerrarán artesanías por ventas a la baja
 
Concern over controversial wall falling down 
In response to a complaint from a citizen who lives along Juarez avenue, and who requested anonymity, the reporter went to look at the retaining wall along the Caribbean Sea. The winds and waves have been causing damage to the wall, and the reporter noted that it has crumbled in several places.  When residents saw him taking photos, they used the opportunity to request that more attention should be paid to this area, which has a lack of street lighting, and this causes young people to use the area to drink alcohol and to get high.  

 
 por esto

Schools apply regulation to prevent obesity 

Aplicarán norma para prevenir obesidad en colegios[+] Ver mas
Last spring a Public Health Law was amended to prevent and combat obesity, being overweight, and eating disorders. These regulations include restrictions against selling junk food within 100 meters of the gates and fences of public schools, and the avoidance of selling low nutrient foods at the school stores. Despite these efforts to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables, many children still reject these natural foods, out of habit. The new regulations prohibit "el refill" (the filling of beverages like soft drinks), unless they are beverages other than those with high calories.
   This issue has become a serious public health problem in Mexico, with obesity rates climbing rapidly and statistics that are among the highest in the world. Between 1988 and 2012, in women between 20 and 49 years of age, being overweight increased from 25% to 35% and obesity increased from 10% to 35%. In this country there are ~5.6 million infants who are overweight or obese, and 35% of adolescents are overweight or obese. Of the ~6.3 million young people between the ages of 12 and 19, a little over one in ten is overweight and one in ten is obese.

Creating toys from plastic bottles
Convierten en juguetes botes de plásticos [+] Ver mas

The third grade students of the primary school "Cesar Mendoza" had a workshop developed by the NGO (non governmental organization) Patrulla Verde. They learned about recycling by creating toys from trash, and were also taught that their collaboration is needed to protect endangered species such as iguanas and the blue & red crabs.
     The girls made 'adornos' (ornaments/knick-nacks) and the boys made little cars, among other items. They used paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard, and a great deal of creativity, imagination, and motivation. The next workshop will take place at the grade schools Andrés Quintana Roo & Julio Sauri.
    It is noted that the true messengers of conservation are the children, and this happened two decades ago when the campaigns for the care and protection of sea turtles were developed, creating a new generation that is more protective of the hatchlings than their parents, according to a recent study.

Electricity ensured by new transformer
Garantizan luz con nuevo transformador [+] Ver mas
After recent blackouts, the CRE moved a device to the downtown substation that will redeitribute the energy received from the underwater cable from Punta Sam. The new three phase transformer of 7500KVA will cover the needs in the immediate future, and ensure that there is sufficient energy to supply electricity to the new hotels on the island.
     Last week they worked on adapting the unit to replace an old unit that had completed its lifetime and was leaking a great deal of oil. The new unit weighs 5 tons and required a crane for installation. Although this unit has the same function as the other three at that substation, it will increase the capacity.
      The new transformer will guarantee service even if the other two present problems, because this unit has three phases (A, B, & C), but always works with the first two (A & B) and uses the third (C) only in the case of failure.  cuando alguno de los dos anteriores presentó problemas, el primer equipo tiene tres fases (A, B y C), pero siempre funcionan las dos (A y B), sólo en caso de falla entra en operación la C para subsanar el problema.


Yesterday....

Urban transport resumes
Reanudan el transporte urbano[+] Ver mas
Bus service resumed after two weeks without it, and the bus that Turicun is using was brought from Cancun and still displays information about its original route around Cancun, to the amusement of islanders. Its route was from  Las Palmas to the Plaza de las Américas, passing by El Crucero, and islanders are commenting "Take me to el Crucero" "Let's go to Plaza de las Americas" and "For five pesos, we can go to Cancun!"
     Although citizens mock the company and complain about its record of poor service, the city has never reprimanded them for violating the terms of their concession. Rafael Medina Canche, who receives a 'ridiculous pension of 1200 pesos'  noted, "Now is when we especially need efficient public transport, and not just one bus that works intermittently. Taxi rates have increased so that if you are only one or two people it costs 15 pesos, but if you are three it costs 20 pesos, and if you occupy the whole taxi, you have to pay 30 pesos, while the bus is cheaper. Hotel maid, Rosalba Rodriguez, said she takes two taxis daily to and from work, in addition to using them other times, and commented "Sometimes I pay 75 pesos a day so I can get around, but if there were a more efficient means of transport, those trips would only cost me a total of 25 pesos, and I think that is a huge difference."


Decreased hotel occupancy due to a lack of promotion
Pobre ocupación hotelera por falta de promoción[+] Ver mas
In the first nine days of September, overall hotel occupancy has been ~34%, while it is at 60% in Cancun, where the number of hotel rooms is ~30,000. The Isla Mujeres Hotel association HIM, has had an average occupancy of 25%, while other hotels are at about 38%. It is noted that this does not mean the smaller hotels are doing bettter, since most only have three or four rooms occupied. The hotels with more occupancy in both high and low season are  Privilege Aluxes, MIA, Ixchel & Palace, who are not members of HIM.
     Many of the entrepreneurs in retail and the restaurant industry are less optimistic, and complain that Isla Mujeres remains a destination for day trippers. They blame lack of overnight tourism on poor promotion of the island by OVC, the Convention & Visitors bureau in Cancun, who they say treat the island like their backyard. They say there are hotels that can maintain thanks to recurring tourism, who come to the island year after year, and would not change this for anything. But usually in the off season there are mostly people who come for a few hours, in the Cancun catamarans on an all inclusive package, so they do not rent carts or buy snorkel tours, said Mark Velazquez Chi, who provides tourism services.
    Another broker, who preferred anonymity, said "There are many people who stay in Cancun or the Riviera Maya who come to visit the island, and they say they did not know about all that is here or otherwise they would have stayed here. I think this is closely related to the disappearance of the Fideicomiso de Promoción Turística (the former Department for Tourism Promotion in Isla Mujeres), and how little work is being done by the OVC, who obviously do not care. All they wanted was to have a bigger budget, but the investment of the portion of the budget that should affect us, is not noticeable, no matter what the authorities say."



Calling for the repair of large potholes
Llamado a tapar enormes hoyancos[+] Ver mas
There is a large pothole at the downtown mercado market "Javier Rojo Gómez" and tenants want authorities to have it repaired. It was recently announced by the City through their department of Social Communication, that public works would be carried out to improve the main roads, and it has been noted that whole areas of sidewalk are being improved and constructed. Tenants of the mercado recalled this area of pavement has had problems over the past two years, and they have added fill. They note that there is a kindergarten next to the mercado, so this could pose a danger to those pedestrians, as well as others. Tenants say it may also discourage tourists, and there is already a lack of tourists visiting the market.

 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 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
Karen Rosenberg's 
NEED DIABETES SUPPLIES FOR OCTOBER DIABETES CLINIC: We have been doing Diabetes Clinics on Isla Mujeres for five years, with more local residents participating annually. This is a joint project of bilingual social workers, nurses, and other health care professionals originally from the USA, working with Isleno community partners. Diabetes is now the primary cause of death in Mexico.
We are in great need of donations of glucometers and strips, specifically these brands: Contour, Contour Next and OneTouch. Many doctor's offices, clinics and hospitals discard strips that are almost expired. Strips are actually still effective for at least a year after expiration dates so often those are the ones that are most often donated. If you have any contact with medical professionals or pharmaceutical reps, you can often get current supplies. We can also use lancets, lancet devices, alcohol pads, and syringes.
The next clinic will be in October 2014. Contact Karen Rosenberg at kfrlisw@gmail.com or Kathy Ennis at kathy@kathyandkeith.mx or FB either of us. We accept monetary donations too and will buy strips to bring down.
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Music 

 John Cain's schedule   
Tuesday, Cafe Del Mar, solo, 8 to 10 pm
Thurs, Marina Paraiso 7-9 pm 

Sunday  Comono at El Patio, The Sol Rockers  6:30-8:30

Comono 
 Ryan Rickman Friday - Tuesday at 8 - 11 pm (Fridays 9 pm - 12)
 Fabio Thursdays and Sundays 6:30 - 8 pm ...
 John Cain 6:30-8:30 Fridays 
Wednesdays & Thursdays live music with a band that rotates starting at 8:30-11 pm.
(This schedule may be altered for low season)

Javier Martinez Cen La Banda Sin Nombre has played for 12 years at Faynes, we needed some days off, so less than a year a go, we let the band Radios play for us (at the same stage same time), they are great! LBSN play Weds/Saturday from 10:30 till 12, Fridays and Saturdays we also play next door, at Adelitas, just salsa music, from 12:39 till 2:00 
  
Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun


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!! 
Fenix 
 Sat ~2p Frequencia (maybe)
       Sun ~2p  Salsa 
Weekday's ~2p.. Various artists including
Chucho (Jesus Campezino) Tues & Thurs, Cuban & Caribbean & Latin music Wed, Fri Discontinued for low season
You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or  Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.

Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant


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 On August 31, about 500 athletes, both Mexican and international, are expected to participate in an open water swimming competition, Competencia de Nado de Aguas Abiertas, at Playa Norte/North Beach. The swimmers will travel distances between 250 meters and five kilometers, with the course being defined by a rectangle of buoys off Playa Norte. Dozens of foreigners are expected to participate, especially from the United States.

September Events

Turtle Release...date & time TBA.
Sunrise ~6:30am
Sunset ~7pm at start of month and ~6:30 at end of month

Sept 4  Art Fair Town Square 5:30-9:30pm
Sept 6 8a Procession to Isla Contoy of Virgin of Caridad de Cobre from pier of the Lancheros (north of Magana ferry pier)
Sept 15 Midnight at town square: Grito de Dolores
Sept 16  Independence day
Sept 23  Equinox

Moonrise over the Caribbean (Sunset ~7p)
Sept 8    6:41pm   
Sept 9    7:28 pm
Sept 10  8:14 pm
Sept 11   9:01pm
Sept 12  9:48 pm
Sept 13 10:37pm
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SUMMER-FALL

Whale Shark Season ...ends Sept 15
It is Sea Turtle Mating & Nesting season
Red & Blue crabs are migrating to the sea for spawning during full moons

 Turtle release dates TBA, usually only a day or two in advance
 Caribbean-Mayan Cultural Festival  TBA Nov?

Artist Fairs on the Square, usually first Thursday, have been cancelled for October & November.  Next Fair: Dec. 4

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