Friday, March 13, 2015

Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Friday, March 13

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 soon...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 

 

  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....






Only a scare: Caused by recklessness

Imprudencia de marinero provoca estruendo en barco de pasajeros

Lanrry PARRA
Passengers aboard an Ultramar ferry that was about to depart for Gran Harbor were startled when they heard a loud bang under the boat. The crew secured the boat and the passengers disembarked onto the wooden pier.
     It was the 11:30 ferry, with over 100 passengers aboard, who were delayed about 20 minutes, and no one was injured. This was confirmed by the staff of the Port Authority. The passengers were transported on another Ultramar ferry. 
    According to an employee, the noise was caused when one of the seamen caused the Ultramar ferry's propeller to "empropelara" one of the ends of the stern, which generated a tremendous roar, frightening the passengers.
ISLA MUJERES, 12 de marzo.-


From the Municipal Facebook site.....  (you can join this FB page at this link)







Enjoy our beautiful beaches and the beautiful landscapes we have in Isla Mujeres.
Disfruta de nuestras bellas playas y nuestros hermosos paisajes que tenemos en Isla Mujeres.


This Friday at 11am at the dome in La Gloria, the Governor Roberto Borge Angulo and the Mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez will begin the Efficient Light bulb Exchange Program  with the Federal Electricity Commission. Beneficiaries are selected for this program according to their consumption, with more than 5500 beneficiaries in this municipality. 
     These people only need to present a light bulb in good condition of any type, and their official identification, to receive a kit with five efficient light bulbs. It is important to tell your friends and family who are not on the first list of beneficiaries because, the CFE may consider them for the next group.
Este viernes a las 11 de la mañana en el domo de la colonia La Gloria, el gobernador del estado Roberto Borge Ángulo y el presidente municipal Agapito Magaña Sanchez, darán inicio al Programa de Intercambio de Focos Ahorradores de la Comisión Federal de Electricidad.
Este programa consiste en que la CFE seleccionó, de acuerdo a su consumo, a más de 5 mil 500 beneficiarios en todo el municipio, estas personas podrán obtener gratuitamente, solo presentando un foco en buen estado de cualquier tipo y su identificación oficial, un Kit de 5 focos ahorradores.
Es importante que asistan tus familiares y amigos ya que quienes no aparezcan en este primer padrón de beneficiarios, podrán dar sus datos para que la CFE los considere en la próxima remesa.


On Thursday morning, the group Seniors & Friends of Isla donated wheelchairs & other medical mobility equipment for people of different capacities. This selfless and caring action for Isla Mujeres was led by Gary Van Lankvelk of the US, Andy St. Pierre of Canada, and Denis St Pierre of Canada, who are part of this group of individuals, that has been characterized by its good deeds and actions for the benefit of the island community.
    This donation consisted of brand new mobility equipment including: 4 wheelchairs, 3 walkers, 3 walkers with wheels, 4 canes, and 4 sets of crutches. The donation was accepted at the main entrance to City Hall by the City Treasurer, Alvaro Magana Galue, on behalf of the government and the people of Isla Mujeres, with gratitude for this kind gesture by the members of Seniors & Friends of Isla.
   The Treasurer said,  "We are deeply grateful for this donation which will assist us in providing special services to tourists with disabilities . On behalf of our mayor, Agapito Sanchez Magaña, I want to express his gratitude for this action of solidarity that demonstrates your goodwill and neighborliness".
    This equipment, which is made especially for people with physical disabilities, is immediately going into the inventory of the Department of Tourism, for use by visitors who arrive at this destination and require these types of special device. The Department of Tourism will provide personalized attention, requesting that the tourist present official identification, such as a passport, and fills out a form, to receive a loan of the equipment. This service is free for people of all ages and regardless of nationality; for tourists or visitors with disabilities who come on vacation to enjoy the island.
    Seniors & Friends of Isla is a nonprofit NGO (nongovernmental organization) whose actions are motivated by a spirit of solidarity, neighborly goodwill, and volunteerism. According to their Facebook page, they have made other donations in Isla Mujeres, including to the Red Cross, the Hospital, and the Municipal DIF social service agency. ( Their FB page is HERE
  
The people and government of Isla Mujeres thank the Seniors and Friends of Isla, for their valuable donation.



The Director of Public Works, Miguel Caballer said the road work on Prolongation Rueda Medina will be concluded before Semana Santa.
  The Mayor has given instructions on this issue, in order to cause fewer problems for people who drive down this street daily and he has said that it is important for this work be conducted efficiently to meet the commitments of the Mayor to the residents.
     In terms of traffic, prolongaction Juarez is very important because it unites the colonias with the historic downtown area. The work is being carried out on the ~600 meters from the monument to Benito Juarez to the building and tower at the airport, and will consist of removal of pavement, pot hole repairs, and resurfacing.
   It is important to note that this important connection has not received maintenance, and now has serious deficiencies caused by deterioration at several points that could pose problems for public safety, transport, and civil protection.
   The materials being used are in compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Transport and Communication (SCT) and the materials used for the foundations of the banking meet the quality specifications of the regulations.
    Finally, on behalf of the Mayor, the Director of Public Works asked for a little patience from the residents, because this is work that benefits the entire island, both residents and tourists, and is for the safety of everyone.




From Tvisla Mujeres (You can join this fb page at this link)













Harbor Master says owners have 15 days to remove their boats from Recinto Portuario
Tendrán 15 días para retirar sus embarcaciones del Recinto Portuario: Capitanía de Puerto http://t.co/kgIYzkmElk
Following an inspection of the total area of the port enclosure (toda la zona del recinto portuaria),  Harbor Master Ismael Gonzalez Gils said there are 46 boats anchored, of which 14 are in the Federal Zone. He said not all are on the beach; that others occupy the "espejo de agua" and for this reason they need to have permits to occupy the area.
    Yesterday personnel of the Harbor Master's office conducted an inventory of the boats in the area and today they will begin giving notifications to begin removing them. This follows a meeting between the municipal authorities and the Port Authority of Quintana Roo (APIQRoo). It was reported that there were activities and work in the area that was unauthorized, and therefore they will proceed to conduct a clean up campaign in the area, which will involve removal of all the vessels.
    In the area that is under the authority of the APIQRoo, there were 46 vessels found, which have already been properly identified. After conducting a survey and documenting the registration of vessels moored in place, they will proceed to notify the owners so they can voluntarily remove their vessels, otherwise there will be sanctions, and the boats will be removed and impounded. People who keep their boats in this areas will have a maximum of 15 days to remove them before administrative procedures begin.

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Noti Isla Mujeres (you can join this page on FB at this link)

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From  por esto


Not meeting contract: 14 years of bus service
Incumplió 14 años de servicio de transporte[+] Ver mas
Eleven months from completing 15 years of the term of the contract for the bus service concession given to Isla Turicun, they have not fulfilled the terms, and the government has not enforced the contract.
   Por Esto has a copy of document signed on Feb. 16, 2001, permit authorization number 23000224, folio 354, validated by a public notary Yolanda Solís Olveres, which establishes a series of commitments that have not been fulfilled, leaving workers without service.
    The company has one old vehicle in circulation, sporadically, with a capacity of 30 passengers, while the fourth section of the contract requires buses to be replaced every eight years. The municipal Directors of Public Services and Traffic have not been conducting an annual review of the vehicle fleet, which should include at least three units, in perfect condition, for the purpose of providing service on two routes around the island. Therefore there is no guarantee of  adequate service to the residents with these old vehicles, and paradoxically, the population has doubled from 10,000 to 20,000, and they are left 'hanging'. 
   In the tenth clause, it says the company must provide service from 6am to midnight, and according to the low income workers, the company has come nowhere near to meeting that obligation. It is recalled that within a year of initiating the service, the company reduced the frequency of the service, arguing that there was a misrepresentation of the amount of business opportunity on the island. The government has been oddly tolerant, however on the mainland it is urgent to increase the service, which has already been cornered by the taxi union.

Rising exchange rate benefits tourists
Encarecimiento de dólar beneficia a turistas[+] Ver mas
With the exchange rate reaching 15.73 on Thursday, the leader of CANIRAC, Baltazar Maldonado, said this is very favorable for generating more visitors to arrive, but does not affect merchants negatively. On the contrary, it gives Americans more to spend, as the Mexican peso continues to decline against the dollar. Waiter are getting more tips and merchants agreed this is favorable, and they expect the exchange rate to reach 16 pesos to the dollar in upcoming weeks.
     Mexicans have a daily maximum of $300 dollars that they are allowed to exchange, and must provide an ID, as part of the requirements of Banxico.


Trash accumulation makes poor impression
Acumulación de basura da mala imagen [+] Ver mas
The leader of CANARAC (National Group of the Restaurant & Condiment Industry), Baltazar Maldonado, said the authorities should give special attention to the removal of the accumulated garbage at the Trash Transfer Facility. He said he received a note from a tourist who spends winters with his family on the southern part of the island, complaining that he cannot rest well when the wind changes direction, because of the odors.
     There were 6 million pesos collected from businesses in trash collection fees in 2014, and entrepreneurs seek assurances that it has been spent for this purpose. In 2015, they were given a 50% discount this year for prepayment of their annual fees. The discount offer end March 31st, and was 50% off in January, 30% in February, and a 15% discount in March. However, for members of KANAK and CANIRAC, who negotiated the discount, the discount remained at 50 percent.


Thursday....
 
Demand for workers
Urgen trabajadores[+] Ver mas
Employment opportunities have been increased this winter, compared to last year, and the CROC union has had to bring in people from Cancun to meet the demands. Part of the labor agreements require that the businesses pay the travel expenses of crossing on the ferry, or some other type of support.
      CROC has contractual agreements with 20 companies locally, and the job opportunities are mostly for waiters, cooks, bartenders, receptionists, maids, gardeners, and security personnel. These season has brought good occupancy and good sales at the restaurants, causing extensions of temporary contracts, or plans to convert them to contracts with full protections of the law.
      Regularly, half a dozen companies are seeking five or six employees. Often they require workers with experience; however, in some instances they will hire people without experience and train them to take jobs such as gardeners, maintenance assistants, security personnel, and dishwashers, among others.

To remove sunken sailboat
A quitar velero despedazado [+] Ver mas
The removal has not been scheduled of the sailboat "Chiron" that wrecked on November 28th during a storm, south of Isla Contoy. It is expected to be removed before hurricane season begins, to prevent possible damage to nearby corals.
    The boat is under sand and broken into three pieces, according to director of the reserve, Francisco Remolina. It is a total loss from the crack on the hull, fore and aft, and with the strong ocean currents it was dragged about 50 meters from the original point were it wrecked, pieces and parts were distributed along the route, according to a video that was taken.
       Misael Fernández Estermann, a professional diver who has participated in rescues of several ships in the area was hired for the inspection and rescue, by  Greg Claden and Ricardo López, owner and captain of the boat. He took the video two days after the wreck, with the permission and presence of staff from PROFEPA and the marine park.




Renovation work nearly ready
Obra de renovación casi lista [+] Ver mas
This has the same information as in the article above about plans to have the renovation of the first ~600m of prolongacion Juarez completed before the Easter holiday season, noting additionally that this work will cost 3.5 million pesos, and that everything indicates the same company, Aguila Constructores, will do the work for the second stage of the project. Heavy machinery was in the road on Wednesday, and on Tuesday afternoon thru traffic was no longer allowed.



Wednesday & Tuesday.........
 Port closed for second day
Segundo día con el puerto cerrado [+] Ver mas
This closure affected boats under 40 feet in length, and was due to winds reaching over 30kph with gusts up to 60kph. Activities were restricted starting on Monday at  7am, due to the winds which were predominantly from the east and southeast.Tourism service providers were allowed to take tours in the lagoon area and to el Farito, but demand was weak on Tuesday. Crossings by these smaller boats to Puerto Juarez was forbidden, as were their snorkeling tours to Manchones, fishing, diving, trips to Contoy, because the waves exceeded two meters in height. 



Worrisome erosion at North Beach
Preocupante erosión en Playa Norte+] Ver mas

This is similar to the previous article about the CFE, Federal Electricity Commission planning to initiate proceedings with SEMARNAT, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, to participate in the rehabilitation of North beach, particularly at the point where the underwater power line enters, due to erosion in the area. The erosion on the western part of North Beach has worsened following damage to the six 'whales' or geotubes that have been providing protection to the beaches in the area.

 
  This blog is brought to you by....
View from the rooms.

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.   
 Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)
Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.
A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.
Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

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

Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me.

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, Bufalo, Bahama Mama, Compadres Barbacoa or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are 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.

March Events

Sunset ~6:50

Moonrise over the Caribbean
March 5, Thurs.    7:01    Full Moon   
(a 'minimoon'...the most distant moon of 2015)

March 6, Fri.         7:50
March 7, Sat.        8:39
March 8, Sun.       9:28
March 9, Mon.      10:19
March 10, Tues    11:10

Sunrise ~7am
From Time & Date

March 5 , Thursday Town Square Artist Fair 4-9 & Taste of Isla 5-7
March 8 Daylight Savings Time begins in US. Isla is on EST year round, not observing DST.
March 8 International Women's Day
March 16, Monday: Day off for March 21, Birth of Benito Juarez. 
March 17, Tuesday: St. Patrick's Day  (Celebrated in some bars)
March 18 Oil Expropriation Day (an observance, no closures)
March 20 Equinox   Total Solar Eclipse
March 21 Benito Juarez's Birthday
March 26 Bus Booze Cruise benefit for Isla Seniors & Friends (Sold out)
March 29 Palm Sunday
Fri March 27 - Sun April 12: Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Mon & Thurs at El Patio 6p on Hidalgo..more info HERE.


 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, Items for Little Yellow School House, Moto Helmets for kids...Barlitos @ Marina Paraiso

For donations to Zapatos Para Los Ninos.. please contact Greg at bullridersnider@yahoo.com, or find them on Facebook at "Shoes For The Children."

Music (By band & location)

Miguel's high season schedule:
Sunday: The Sol Rockers @ El Patio 9p - 11p
Monday: Miguel solo @ El Patio 6:30p - 8:30p
Tuesday: La Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio 9:15p - 11:15p
Wednesday: The Sol Rockers@ El Patio 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Thursday: Miguel Solo @ el Patio 6p - 8p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Friday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a
Saturday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a


 John Cain's schedule  
Wednesday 7pm - 9pm   ElPatio Sol Rockers 
Thurs 9-11 El Patio 
Sats. El Patio 630-830 
Sunday at El Patio w Sol Rockers from 7 to 9 pm

 El Patio House of Music...(formerly Comono)

Sundays 7-9 - Sol Rockers
Mondays 630 to 830 Miguel / 830 to 1130 Ryan Rickman -

 Tuesdays  9-11 Banda Sin Nombre
Wednesdays 7 to 9 Sol Rockers /  DJ 9-12
Thursdays 6 to 8 Miguel / John Cain from 8 to 11
 Fridays 630 to 815 Fabio & Ryan / band 830 to 1130 
Saturdays 630-830 John Cain solo Country music / 830 to 1130 Ryan and Band..

Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo 
Mon - Tues 7pm - 9pm - Jazz with Norman and Darin 
Wed- Sat 8pm - 11pm - Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge


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  (I'm not sure if this is still current
  
Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun


Fenix  ~1p~4p   Live music at the beach in the afternoons including  Chucho (Jesus Campuzano) on Wednesdays, the Cuban musicians Thursdays, La Guerra & Pao & others on Fridays, someone on Saturday, Cuban musicians w Barbie playing Salsa on Sundays. Tuesday might be reggae.


Marina Paraiso has live music Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 7-9

Bahia Tortuga has live music at times...announced on their streetside signboard.

You may find live music at night on Hidalgo 
Fayne's: 10:30-12 (see above)
La Terraza: 9 or 10-12 
Morgan's:  7 or 8 - 9 or 11 (see above)
El Patio (see above)

And at Poc Na Hostel: 9:30-11

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


Here's Music by day of the week...with a thanks to Jean Lemke for rearranging it!

Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30
Jazz with Norman and Darin 7-9p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Tuesday -  Fenix live music 1-4
Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio house of music 9:15-11:15
Jazz with Norman and Darin 7-9p Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Wednesday - Fenix live music (Chucho?) 1-4
Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Thursday -Fenix  live music 1-4
Miguel @El Patio house of music 6-8/ Faynes 10:30 - 12
John Cain @ el Patio 9-11
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Friday - Fenix- 1-4 La Guera & band
Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
Miguel @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
Fabio @ El Patio house of music 6:30 - 8:15
Ryan and Band @ El Patio house of music 8:30 - 11:30
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Saturday - Cuban Music at El Veradaro's 3-5
Banda Sin Nombre - Chuuk Kay 3:30
Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre - Faynes 10:30 - 12:00
Banda Sin Nombre - Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
 John Cain 6:30-8:30 @ El Patio house of music Ryan and Band 8:30 - 11:30
Tips or Sex aka Alfedo & Jorge 8-11p  Morgan's Restaurant & Bar - on Hidalgo

Sunday - Fenix for Salsa 1-3
Banda Sin Nombre @Chuuk kay 3:30
Sol Rockers El Patio 7-9
Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30


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 Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p Dec~April.  










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