Cozumel News August 18th, 2014

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Cozumel News August 18^th, 2014: The origin of the feast of San Miguel Arcángel, an important event in Cozumel coming up next month, The discovery of Cozumel, The History of  the Church of San Miguel Arcángel, Cozumel’s 3D Planetarium Update, and National Geographic  Filming in Cozumel. Last, and very important, it was brought to my attention that there is a different interpretation of the New Mexican Real Estate Tax Laws than those I reported published by “Yucalandia” on August 1^st, 2014. I only see a better explanation, in either case, here is the article by Gisela Rodriguez ON 8/12/2004 entitled MEXICAN GOVERNMENT WANTS MORE CONTROL ON TAX PAYERS IN ORDER TO INCREASE TAX COLLECTION: HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET?

Some Cozumel History

I have read and written about Cozumel History for the local tourist magazines and newspapers for the past eight years. Today, I read an article in Por Esto and realized I have not written about Cozumel history in The Cozumel Sun. This article covers the origin of the feast of San Miguel Arcángel, an important event in Cozumel coming up next month, the discovery of Cozumel, and the history behind the Church of San Miguel Arcángel, located in the heart of Cozumel. Enjoy!

According to the history and overview of Velio Vivas Valdés, a lifelong chronicler of the city, the Spaniards arrived to the island of Cozumel in 1518. Captain Don Juan de Grijalva sighted a new land, the island of Cozumel on May 3, 1518. For three days they scouted the coast line seeking a bay where they could land. On the Thursday morning, May 6, 1518 they landed and Grijalva ordered 100 men to accompany him to land. According to the descriptions, the landing point was the Mayan village of Xaman-Ha, now part of the city of Cozumel. He jumped from his boat, and once on the beach, knelt and made ​​a short prayer. He then walked to a tower of stone that could be seen from the sea. Such “tower” was located in the vicinity of the coast, probably in the area of the current housing unit of the Air Force, where there were many pre-Hispanic buildings, which were destroyed when the airport was built in 1943.

They founded the first Catholic Church in the town of El Cedral, where the first Mass in Mexico was officiated. This first liturgy was celebrated by on May 6, (the day of the Holy Cross). The chronicler recounted the story details that after the landing they had contact with Indians who as they watched that day held a dedicated idols ritual, and they in turn, officiated a Mass when they landed. There is no record or chronicle of that era that conclusively establishes that a Mass was held anywhere else in Mexico prior to Cozumel’s on May 6, 1518.  Hence, Cozumel, the Island of Swallow’s ceremony held the first Mass in Mexico and thus is also credited with the introduction of Christianity. One of the greatest icons of the Island of the Swallows is The Church of San Miguel Arcángel, located in the heart of the city, at the intersection of Benito Juarez Avenue and Tenth Avenue, a few meters from the pier San Miguel. The Church has been a faithful witness of the development of Cozumel for almost 70 years.

According to the historian, the building was located in the vicinity of the main square, along with the Government House, the headquarters of the army and the school. The building, used as a stable for horses, was destroyed by troops under the command of Isaías Zamarripa. Later on May 15, 1943 the first stone was laid by the hands of Fernando Solórzano, the Archbishop of Yucatán. Thanks to the hard work  ​​by the Maryknoll Missionaries, we have The Church of San Miguel Arcángel today. The blessing of the church was held on May 26, 1946 by Padre Jorge Hogán who also officiated over the first Mass in the church, on February 14, 1947.  The church was consecrated in honor of San Miguel Arcángel by the Archbishop of Mexico Luis María Martínez and since then has been open to the public. The church is visited daily by hundreds tourists on the island.

Undoubtedly, the main church of Cozumel, San Miguel Arcángel, continues to be a central meeting point for the predominantly Catholic population. History notes that 100 years ago, some farmers working in the field found a beautiful ebony statue of San Miguel the Arcángel holding a sword and a golden crown. The statue was believed to have been a gift from .Captain Don Juan de Grijalva, who landed in Cozumel in 1518.  The statue was found on September 29 and since then the inhabitants of the island have considered finding San Miguel as a divine sign. That is the reason that they baptized the church San Miguel Arcángel and the town with the name of “San Miguel de Cozumel.” The statue is located at the altar of the church.

The church building is simple and its entrance faces north. It is designed to allow perfect daytime lighting, because of the large windows.  At the entrance is a marble plaque on which the caption reads: “On this island of Cozumel, at a location a few meters from this temple, the first mass was held in National Territory (Mexico), celebrated by  Padre Juan Díaz, Capellán , member of the expedition headed by Captain Don Juan de Grijalva, on May 6, 1518.  To commemorate this important event, as significant for the nation of Mexico, on the initiative of the Assembly of the Fourth Degree of Knights of Columbus Francisco de Montejo and the Knights of Columbus Council Number 2109 of the same name, this stone was laid on May 6, 1951. ”

There is a tribute to this Catholic Saint every year, which begins several days before September 29th. It ends on that date with the procession of the image of the Patron Saint of Cozumel down Rafael E. Melgar Avenue and a traditional boat trip by the island roads. Pilgrimages involve approximately 400 devotees of different ages who carry banners.  Older participants take part in the processions to promote and entrench traditions for future generations.

Cozumel 3 D Planetarium Update

The planetarium that will be built in Cozumel will be the first three dimensional planetarium in Latin America. It will feature audio-visual rooms, a small museum, auditorium, and a water museum, among other features, said Victor Manuel Alcérreca Sanchez, General Director of Quintana Roo Council for Science and Technology.

The price tag of the work is 60 million pesos, not counting the cost of the land which could not be developed just anywhere because of environmental issues. The work started just over a month on Claudio Canto Anduce Avenue. The Planetarium will be adjacent to the rear of the Plaza Royal Village which is located opposite the cruise ship pier SSA Mexico.

A  two-story building will be built in an area of 700 thousand square meters, which will have a 15 meter  inner dome that will hold a 12 meter screen, plus  technical lighting equipment and sound. The building will also house a telescope observatory with the capacity for 25 people. The Planetarium can attend up to 95 visitors at the same time. It is estimated that the Planetarium should be completed by late February or early March 2015.

In the mean time, they are filming an underwater video in three dimensions, and will try to make another video about cenotes, also in 3D, to show in the Planetarium upon completion.

The General Director commented that not many employees are required to operate the Planetarium, noting that the Cancun Planetarium only employs 16 people. Although he made ​​it clear they have to be carefully trained and master the Spanish and English languages, in anticipation of having visitors of both National Origin and Tourists from other nations.

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National Geographic Filming in Cozumel

A production team of National Geographic is on the island. The main reason for their arrival is to see the many ways that Lion-fish is prepared in Cozumel. Juan Gonzalez Castelán, Director of Municipal Tourism, explained that the Lion-fish has become, at least on the island, a delicacy that has been included in the wide range of seafood on the menus of most restaurants.

The  filming of the documentary, is not restricted to how  to cook  the different varieties of lion-fish dishes (fried, ceviche, breaded, among many others), but also in conjunction with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) will  take the opportunity for the team to dive in order to learn how it is captured.

This fish that causes extreme damage to reef specimen has been found in our waters since February 2009. The film is part of a series of new programs that the famous chain will broadcast (date yet to be determined.)  Even though they will be working on filming the underwater aspects of the island, the preparation of lion-fish is considered the most remarkable aspect of the program. Some Cozumel restaurants have been commercializing the Lion-fish meat since mid-2010.  The thorns must be removed from around the body of the Lion fish, (where the poisonous toxin is located); the meat can then be consumed without any problems and without risk to the consumer.

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MEXICAN GOVERNMENT WANTS MORE CONTROL ON TAX PAYERS IN ORDER TO INCREASE TAX COLLECTION: HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET?

Date: 08/12/2014

Author:  Gisela Rodriguez

Mexican Government wants more control on tax payers in order to increase tax collection; the measures taken in 2014 to reach that goal translate in complicated regulations that are affecting buyers and sellers on real estate transactions whether they are Mexican citizens, residents or foreign nationals. Rules are not simple and they are changing constantly which creates a lot of misinformation and confusion on the internet. Now more than ever in Mexico it is a MUST to be well informed and work with professionals before engaging on buying or selling real estate.

What you should know? For buyers: Foreign nationals are allowed to buy real estate in Mexico. They are not required to have a temporary or permanent resident status, neither a CURP number nor a tax ID (RFC) like some sites have posted incorrectly. Foreign Investment law allows foreigners to acquire assets and real estate, simple rule contained on a Federal Law. The regulation is on the “method of payment” to comply with Money Laundering law; Cash transactions on real estate above 40,000 USD are forbidden. This translates in control for the tax payers; sellers must declare the real price on the real estate transaction and should receive payment on a bank account…

Consequence? Increase of tax collection and a safe transaction for the buyer. In case of American Nationals, this rule will be in accordance to USA Patriots act of 2001. What is new? Sellers are obliged to issue a digital invoice for the sale to the buyers, these are called “…Comprobante fiscal digital por internet…” or by its initials CFDI. Also the Notary for the closing should issue one called “complemento” and all should be part of the contract and must be kept for future transactions regarding the property. It is relevant to the buyers because such CFDI for the sale will be indispensable whenever they want to sell the property and will be taking into count for capital gains tax calculation.

Article 29 A of the Federal Tax Code lists the requirements for the CFDI to be deductible. For sellers: By general rule, according to new tax regulations the sellers on a real estate transaction , must issue a CFDI to the buyers with the legal description of the property, price, method of payment, date of payment, etc. If the seller is not a tax payer in Mexico (individual or corporation) the Notary of the closing will be responsible to issue the CFDI on behalf of the seller. Article 93, Section IXI, subsection a) of the Income Tax Law (known in Spanish as Ley del ISR) provides the exemption by which owners of property in Mexico and residents will not pay capital gains for a single transaction over a 5-year period for the sale of their home.

I have listed this information on previous newsletter but I consider relevant to mention here as well. Article 9 of the Federal Tax Code describes who are considered residents in the Country. a) Affirm under oath to be a resident of Mexico, that over 50% of the income received generates in Mexico and that the primary business activities are in Mexico. b) Have a Tax ID Number or “cédula de identificación fiscal” (RFC). To obtain such a CURP number is needed. Temporary residents or permanent residents will obtain the CURP when receiving their immigration status. c) Prove that the business address is different than the property being sold.

In case of capital gains tax exemption, the taxpayer has the obligation to report the sale of the property in his/her annual tax return filed before the SAT and inform that he/she availed himself/herself of the tax exemption , otherwise shall be subject to a fine. The above statements are only required in case the seller qualifies for the tax exemption; like we said, all the measurements are with the purpose to reduce tax exemptions and increase the tax collection creating more control, avoiding money laundering and providing buyers better protection. Contact us for advice.

 Courtesy of: