Cozumel News July 26th, 2014

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The Cozumel Sun News July 26^th, 2014: Increase in water sports activities, Caleseros sales down, Downtown Restaurants report decrease in revenues, Downtown handicrafts sales hampered by monopoly, Taxis shown favoritism by traffic officials, Harbor Master also accused of favoritism, and “Mi Corazón Es Tuyo’ finishes filming in Cozumel. Today’s addition to The Volunteer and Donate Section is Cozumel CAM School for Disabled Children.

Check out new pages in New in The Cozumel Sun this month: In the Volunteer and Donate Section of The Cozumel Sun: Rancho Universo Horse Sanctuary and Horse Therapy Center, the Cozumel Cam School, The Humane Society of Cozumel and The Cozumel Sea Turtle Rescue Program. NEW Under Sponsors, Chilson & Associates International, New Listings for Oceanfront Condominiums and Two Cozumel homes for Sale!

Note: If you are headed to Cozumel on vacation, or are returning to Cozumel from vacationing in the United States, check out the wish lists of the various non-profit organizations. Many of the items are not available in Cozumel and almost always, the items that are available are extremely expensive here due to the high cost of transporting goods to the island.

Not surprisingly, an up to 80% increase was reported in water sports activities for the month of July. Service providers of snorkeling, snuba, diving, glass bottom boat rides, and other activities at sea were all happy with the increase in clients, a mixture of both foreign and Mexican Nationality.

Dariel Alvarez, manager of San Dollar Sport, said that various companies keep up an occupancy rate of 80 percent in snorkeling and Snuba because it is like diving but with more freedom by not having to carry heavy scuba tanks. I imagine not having to pay for the PADI training and certification has a lot to do with it also.

Our Cover Photo!

28 wonderful Students from the United States

visiting Cozumel with Cindy Trautwein

to Volunteer their services in the Community!

Thank you to all of you, you make us Proud!

The Caleseros are having an economic crisis, because of the heat; they are at the most selling one to two rickshaw rides per day to tourists. It is impossible to provide for their families at this rate. I am assuming this is good news to those against this type of tourist attraction in defense of the care of the horses (or I should say lack of proper care of the horses).

Meanwhile local restaurants report a decrease in income from last year. It seems that due to the Mexican economy, the National Tourist and not eating out as much as this time last year. They point out that the cruise lines are still harming downtown business by hauling the foreigners to already contracted places. This leaves a very low influx to patronize restaurants in the city center, and only domestic tourists as the large-scale consumers this holiday.

The same argument was raised in another article about the decrease in sales of handicrafts at the Plaza Del Sol stores that are actually cheaper. They blamed the lack of sales on the monopolies at the cruise line piers, the same hauling of the tourists to previously contracted places (and more expensive), and taxis naturally wanting to take their passengers farther away.

There were two editorials written, the first a complaint against the Taxi’s union ability to station their taxis anywhere down town without consequences. The red paint on the curves that would result in a parking fine or a tow for the average civilian does not even warrant a warning for the taxis. Apparently when question, they claim to have a “Special arrangement” with the authorities.

Along the same lines, the Harbor Authorities where accused of favoritism or special arrangements also with certain vessels that pick up customers “offshore”. In addition to not having to pay fees to pick up and deliver customers in the safety of a dock, concern was expressed for the safety of the passengers that would lead to bad publicity for the island should one sustain serious injury. They showed a picture of a senior citizen having a hard time boarding.

Another Film Recorded in Cozumel! Actors Jorge Salinas and Mayrín Villanueva, her husband Eduardo Santamarina and their children, Romina, Sebastian and Julia, where in town last week filming “Mi Corazón es Tuyo”.. Juan Osorio, Producer of the television drama said that he chose Cozumel because he wanted a place for an amorous encounter between the characters and that this island is an ideal place for honeymooners. Scenes recorded throughout the day and evening of the sunsets, the nature on the golf course and the sea will serve to promote all the island has to offer. Both actors and producer said they would recommend this paradise, and wanted to return in the future to vacation.

Cozumel CAM School for Disabled Children

The CAM (Centro de Atencion Multiple) School is a special facility dedicated to providing education and related services for children with mental, physical and/or behavioral disabilities. CAM provides a holistic approach to learning by helping children and their parents set realistic goals for their learning capabilities, providing physical therapy, a social worker and psychologist to work with the children and their parents.

CAM Laboral is an innovative, alternative learning program for 30+ young adults ages 14-22. The workshops extend the students’ education beyond the traditional classroom to learn basic hands-on and life skills.

The goals are to develop their self confidence; learn responsibilities required for a job such as being on time, listening to directions, cleaning up, getting along in a group; as well as one or more basic technical skills or crafts.

CAM helps these young people become contributing members of their family and society. Some of the higher functioning students are able to obtain employment as helpers or apprentices as a result of their CAM experience.

CAM provides a more traditional classroom setting for 80+ young children with various disabilities ages 3 months – 13 years old and offers physical therapy sessions. Some classrooms are specialized for students who are learning to communicate via sign language while other classrooms are organized by age/grade levels with a mix of students who may be visually impaired, have physical limitations or behavioral problems.

CAM relies solely on donations for equipment, teaching/learning resources and supplies. Carrie’s Heart supports CAM by providing classroom school supplies and sponsoring a Christmas celebration with a gift specially selected for each child. SAIL has donated children’s walkers, woodworking tools, craft supplies, sports equipment, white canes and special balls for visually impaired students. Friends of Cozumel supporters have provided wood, craft materials and supplies for teachers.