The Cozumel Sun News October The 18th, 2014: This week’s second edition offers The Ebola Cruise Ship Update, Stolen Sand in Cozumel, Cozumel Patrol Vehicles broken down, Cozumel Motorcycle Theft, Cozumel Hard Rock Café to reopen and my editorial in Aurita’s Corner, Small Crime in Cozumel.
Ebola Cruise Ship
On October 17th, the same cruise ship that was turned down to dock in Belize, apparently tried to dock in Cozumel. The Cozumel Port health authorities consulted with International Health, and ultimately did not allow Carnival Magic Cruise ship to dock in Cozumel. It is suspected that on board there are three passengers that possibly had direct contact with an Ebola patient or their bedding. The patient they refer to was the first to be diagnosed with the Ebola Virus in the United States that recently died. This information was released by the Director of the Port Authority of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo).
Thank heavens this was highly publicized in Belize, whether or not there is actually Ebola on board, it would not have made a difference had passengers been allowed to disembark in Cozumel. The threat alone would have been enough to cancel cruise ship arrivals to Cozumel for months to come. This would have been the final nail in the coffin to the Cozumel economy.
Update: United States news report that only one health care worker was quarantined on the ship, along with her husband. It was done so voluntarily, no symptoms were reported. It also stated that other passengers were allowed to disembark while in Belize.
Stolen Sand
For days, the big headline was stolen sand! It appears that 30-40 cubic meters of sand stolen from the dune by Punta Morena, and authorities have no clue who stole it and where it is. Sources do not understand how two dump trucks traveling from the eastern cost would not have been noticed by security at Mezcalitos, the caretakers of the Turtles camps and the caretakers of the Punta Moreno Restaurant. The investigation will continue by PROFECO until the culprits are found.
Patrol Vehicles Down
Six vans and Public Safety patrol cars are out of service. Two of them are in a garage with ‘blown¨ engines, others have been waiting for oil pumps for a few months. The article went on about unavailable parts and ages of the vehicles. I believe it was about a year ago, there were hardly any patrol cars functioning because of the City’s lack of budget for repairs.
Just recently, I reported that the Municipality received a number of new vehicles and motorcycles from the State of Quintana Roo; this should enable the patrols to continue to operate their normal schedules.
Cozumel Motorcycle thefts
This past Monday, elements of Judicial Police implemented an operation to search motorcycle repair shops looking for stolen vehicle. Last Sunday alone, four bikes were stolen in the city. It is suspected that parts from the stolen motorcycles are resold from some of these garages. As far as I could tell, a few motorcycles were confiscated but not one person was arrested.
Later in the week, authorities followed a lead to the Revolution Sports Complex, located at 95 Avenue between 6 and 14 (four linear blocks) in the Emiliano Zapata Colony. Arriving officers were introduced to a mountain out back where they found a Honda motorcycle brand Biz type without plastics, mount, engine, or wheels that had been trashed. They also found a bike of the same make and model without plate, and wheels. It apparently still had the engine. The witness said he knew the thief responsible for leaving them and provided the data to the Judicial Police. They are investigating his whereabouts to interview him about these two thefts and to find out if he is involved in others.
There are a high number of motorcycle thefts on the island. I could not understand how a thief could disappear with a motorcycle in an island so small. It never occurred to me they were stripping them for parts and possibly rebuilding another motorcycle with stolen parts. Police sources indicated that on an average four to five motorcycles are stolen daily but according to the Judicial Police is only an average of “three¨. No comment!
Cozumel Hard Rock Café to Reopen
Following the closure of the establishments branded ´´Hard Rock Café¨ in Cancun and Cozumel this year, Hard Rock International announced that the operator “DB Mexico” illegally managed businesses of this brand in Cancun, Cozumel, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas.
On Tuesday credible sources unveiled that a Hard Rock Café will be opening its doors in the Royal Village Square opposite the pier SSA Mexico, and that, the operation has nothing to do with the previous management. Now, the work on the new location is 70 percent complete, so it is estimated that they will be able to open their doors by mid-December. Their property abuts the Planetarium that is being built by the State Government.
In April of this year, the Hard Rock Cafe in Cozumel closed its doors, leaving many employees without work. The closure was due to non-payment of several months to rent to a Cozumeleño employer and a judge ordered the eviction. People lost their job and saw the need to conduct strikes, sit-ins and finally a series of class action lawsuits against the company. To date the company has not met the demands.
Aurita’s Corner
Small Crimes in Cozumel
On the 16th, the DIF Cendi nursery located on Juarez Avenue and 40th Street South was burglarized. The official version states that only a recorder was taken, although unofficial sources reported that more office items stolen. The article in Por Esto centered on belief that the City is embarrassed by the number of actual burglaries in City property and are not giving a true account of the burglaries nor the losses it has incurred from theft. Since no one is suspect, and no witnesses are available of the break-ins, the rationale is why muddy up the City’s reputation without reason.
Petty crime increased on the Island back when there was a shortage of Patrols available and the Colonies were left to fend for themselves. The increased break-ins in the poor neighborhoods have devastated already struggling families. The Frustrated and angry locals have placed the blame on the police and some have even threatened to take matters into their own hands. A couple of months ago I read of a neighborhood group that did just that, the Police arrived in time to save the thief from an angry mob.
There have been bold daylight robberies at convenience stores, Ma and Pa small businesses and even senior citizens robbed, a sin unheard of in this culture. Is it the economy? Are the youth unemployed or unsupervised to blame? Is it alcoholism or drugs? Has the island gotten too crowded and trapped an unemployed population with no other recourse? I am no expert, I do know that Cozumel is still one of the safest places to live in Mexico, and definitely safer than many part of the United States. The tourists are well protected in their tourist’s hot spots, and none of us have been kidnapped and held for ransom.
I love listening to stories of Cozumel told by friends that are originally from here or that have lived here for years. In the old Cozumel, everyone left their doors unlocked at night, everyone knew each other and there was never any theft. Not everyone was allowed into Cozumel as now. Security at the Ferry was there to ask what your business was on the island, how long you were staying and the name of the relative you were visiting. You could not just move here.
If you think about it, every place in America had their good old days. Sad, but true, the world has changed and we must prepare to change with it. Common sense is my rule of thumb for avoiding being a victim. You should not do anything you do not do in your own country. If you get intoxicated are carrying a large amount of cash, expensive jewelry to flash around, roam around alone at night, chances are someone will eventually rob you. Your home should have window protectors, a security alarm or dogs. Your motorcycle should be paddle locked. If your home is not burglar proofed, someone will eventually rob you.
I moved to Cozumel because I fell in love with the people. I would be an absolute fool not to think that in this population of roughly 80,000 inhabitants there are no rapists, child molesters, murderers or people with potential for murder, alcoholics, drug users, and drug dealers. The majority of the people are honest, hard working, religious, and family orientated. However, get real, hide your valuables and do not make yourself a target of the few bad apples running around out there!
Great Night of Catrinas Carnavaleras October 30th 8 p.m. Margaritaville Entry $150 Pesos Costume Contest! Fundraiser for Cozumel CRIM & Institute of Quintanarroese Mujeres
DIA DE MUERTOS NOVEMBER 1 – 2ND
The history of the Day of the Dead dates back over 3,000 years ago. Life was seen as a dream and it was believed that only in dying was a human being truly awake and the soul set free. For the Day of the Dead, special altars are made with flowers, candles and food and are displayed in hotels, restaurants and other public places. The bakeries on island are filled with sweets shaped in the symbols of skulls, and flowers and memorials fill the cemetery. Particularly popular are marigolds, a sacred orange flower that represents death.
November 1, Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) is known as the day when the spirits of children are expected to return and Mexicans pay homage to the souls of the children who have passed on. Tradition states that the departed descend from the heavens on this day, so family members prepare for their arrival by leaving sugar skeletons, skulls and treats on altars specially made for the occasion. On November 2, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a celebration for all the adults that have passed away takes place. Families leave the favorite food and drink of the deceased on a special altar constructed in their home or on the tomb of the departed ancestor.
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