Cozumel Boat Capsizes on Saturday, The construction of the Chapel Santa Cruz de Cuzamil – 2018, Cozumel Passenger Ferry Terminal to be remodeled, and State Police Vehicle damages Cozumel Swallows Monument. A Contributed Article: Hero of children’s book series visits Cozumel! In Aurita’s Corner, more City Government updates, The 22 Species of Parrots in Mexico, and MORE!
Cozumel Boat Capsizes on Saturday
Strong winds caught a fishing boat by surprise last Saturday. Five local men that had entered the sea at Che Rio encountered unexpected high winds and waves.
They dodged the first wave about 300 meters away from the coast only to be capsized by another. Subsequent high waves hampered their ability to get to shore, it was a miracle they survived.
One of the men, a shaken Carlos Humberto Pech, was interviewed by local media soon after the incident. Carlos has worked as a dive fisherman for two years. He Is 25 and married with two children. Along with four companions, the sea is their daily workplace, fishing is how they support their families.
Carlos stated he struggled to come to the surface after the boat capsized. Shaking, he narrated that the wave came from nowhere without warning and left him for several seconds under the surface some 300 meters from the coast. Reaching the shore seemed impossible due to the raging sea.
All five of the men surfaced as their weights, fins, oxygen tanks and respirators sank to the bottom of the sea. One by one they miraculously made it to the rocky beach while other anglers on the site came to support them. Municipal police, civil protection and an ambulance with paramedics arrived at the scene to give them first aid.
Ship mate, Gerardo Tec a 35-year veteran of working as a Dive Fisherman said this is the second time that something has happened. The “fear is always there, but you have to put up with it, ” says Gerardo who minutes later was embraced by his partner who arrived at the accident site with tears in her eyes.
The approximately 30-foot-long boat was dragged to the shore with the help of other fishermen. According to the testimony of both fishermen, they are worried about paying to replace their lost equipment. An Oxygen tank has a cost of five thousand pesos and they lost 11 tanks.
Questioned, the fishing cooperative responded that it does not have a fund to support its members in such situations, and the men must pay for what was lost.
None of the five fishermen divers had serious injuries nor needed to be hospitalized.
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The construction of the Chapel Santa Cruz de Cuzamil – 2018
The first stage of the construction of the Chapel Santa Cruz de Cuzamil should be completed by the year 2018, in time to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first Mass celebrated in Mexico, revealed the Bishop of Quintana Roo Pedro Pablo Elizondo Cardenas.
The Prelate noted that Cozumel is important in the evangelization of the country and added that the conquistador Hernan Cortez was in Cozumel at the time on his way to conquer the Aztec empire.
The bishop stated that the terrain where the church is to be built is owned by the nation but the Catholic Church has possession in bailment.
“We have to finish by May 6, 2018, the event should be celebrated big, with all the enthusiasm and solemnity it deserves,” stressed the head of the Catholic Church in Quintana Roo. The first stone of the chapel was placed at the end of August 2009 near the Monument to Mestizaje, site where it is believed that the first Mass on Mexican soil took place on May 6, 1518.
Campeche and Isla de Mujeres, dispute that they had the first Mass. However, according to Historian Velio Vivas Valdés, the island of Cozumel is the only one with a written and documented record by historians of the time officiated by the Chaplain Juan Diaz Nunez. It is narrated in the “Itinerario de la Real Armada de su Majestad Católica a la isla de Yucatán en 1518”. (Itinerary of the Royal Navy of their Catholic to the island of Yucatan in 1518 Majesty).
The priest arrived with Juan de Grijalva y Cuéllar who discovered the island of Cozume. Hel then set sail on May 1, 1518 to Cabo San Antón (Cuba) with three caravels and a brig.
A year later Hernan Cortes and Pizarro, conqueror of Mexico, arrived at the island. He reviewed and championed the troops on their way to Tenochtitlan. He ordered a wooden cross to be placed on the site.
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Cozumel Passenger Ferry Terminal to be remodeled
On Friday, October 28th, the General Director of the Quintana Roo Port Authority (APIQROO), Alicia Ricalde Magaña announced that the San Miguel passenger Pier will undergo rehabilitation with an investment of five million, five hundred thousand pesos as part of the investment master plan. At the same time, she announced changes in the APIQROO internal organization.
The state official was interviewed on the sidewalk of the entrance the passenger pier before boarding a ship that would take her to the mainland. On this, her first official visit to Cozumel, she said that she was on the island to revive the Operations Committee of the Apiroo in the municipality and do the same in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and finally in Isla Mujeres.
They approved the remodeling to the pier described as the gateway to the city where millions of tourists arrive annually.
There was no talk of a start date. The plans are for the repair and maintenance of the steel structure terminal, the bathroom area, installation of new transformers, lighting, surveillance cameras; all this to improve services to the users and provide greater security.
Sergio’s Silver from Taxco
Mon- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Ranked # in Trip Advisors
Juárez Ave. #117 x 5th Ave.
Phone 01 987 872 7632
Email sergiosilver@live.com.mx
Website http://www.sergiosilver.com
Website http://www.sergiosilver.com.mx
Sergio’s Silver from Taxco is a fourth generation, family-owned and operated silver jewelry business that began in Taxco, a town in the state of Guerrero known worldwide as the “Silver Capital of Mexico”. You are guaranteed personal attention from the Hernandez family members, who have over forty years of experience in the business. “Our goal is to earn the trust and loyalty of our customer. We strive to provide outstanding customer service so your shopping experience will be enjoyable and you will look forward to visiting us again soon”
State Police Vehicle damages Cozumel Swallows Monument
Thursday, October 27, 2016: State Police damaged the monument to Cozumel swallows , the emblematic figure of the Island, located at the entrance of the passenger pier. The driver of the patrol car was parked in the square of the entrance area that is not intended for vehicles.
A citizen photographed the incident with his cell phone on Tuesday afternoon showing patrol number 1372 improperly parked on the platform dock entrance. In the maneuver, the canvas covering the truck bed was jammed into one of the three swallows that make up the monument that simulate the birds flying around a column.
This figure is iconic for the destination as it is a point at which domestic and foreign visitors shoot souvenir photos. The driver of the patrol, vehicle whose name was not specified, reached the maritime passenger terminal to let off one of his companions and choked into the monument when he went into reverse.
In the picture, you can see the patrol parked on the slab of the esplanade, a site that is only intended for pedestrian. At the time of the article that I read, no further information was available.
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Contributed Article: Hero of children’s book series visits Cozumel!
If you have young children in your family, you may already be familiar with the Sir Pigglesworth series of adventures. The brainchild of JoAnn Wagner, who lives in Mesquite, Texas, Sir Pigglesworth is, as the name suggests, a small pig, who, so the story goes was knighted by Queen Alexandra for acts of bravery. He was then commissioned to travel around the world, spreading cheer and goodwill among the children he meets. He’s tasked with learning about the culture and history of each place he visits, and with sharing this knowledge with the children of the world.
Books one to five in the series see Sir Pigglesworth in London, Vancouver, New York City, Pigonia (“where it all began”), and Bermuda. Book six brings him to Mexico, and the beautiful island of Cozumel, where he learns about the local folklore, explores ancient ruins, and flirts with pretty señoritas. Arriving on the island onboard the cruise ship Carnival Breeze, Sir Pigglesworth and his friend Princess Serena visit ruins and take a submarine ride, causing madness and mayhem everywhere they go.
“The story is fast-paced, seat-of-the-pants fun yet steeped in real-world culture and history that will empower any young child to expand their horizons,” explains JoAnn. “My little piglet hero is inherently curious about everyone and everything he comes across; the perfect cocktail for an adventure that can sometimes requires him to wriggle out of trouble! In fact, this latest volume was inspired by my own actual experiences in Mexico as well as onboard the Carnival Breeze.”
The great thing about the Sir Pigglesworth series is that the books are educational while being incredibly fun, teaching kids new vocabulary and introducing them to new places. The books are designed for ages 6 – 10, and feature full cover illustrations on each double page spread, offering extra discussion opportunities when reading the books with young children.
The books are available directly from JoAnn’s website www.sirpigglesworth.com at a reduced price, as well as via www.amazon.com. In addition to print copies, book one is now available in e-book format, with the others to follow soon. They will also soon be available in Spanish, making them an ideal gift for the children of Mexican friends. Book seven will be published soon, which will see Sir Pigglesworth visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Christmas is coming soon; why not give the gift of educational fun to some of the 6 – 10 year olds in your life by getting them one or more of the Sir Pigglesworth books?
By Stewart Mandy
Born in Europe, raised in the Middle East, and a long-time resident in the Americas, including the last 3 years in Merida, Stewart has worked worldwide in the travel, tourism and transportation industries for well over 20 years.
His local contacts and global knowledge provide him with unmatched access to the stories ‘behind the stories’ and he likes to take you to the places that others don’t or won’t go. From the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego, from Moscow to Melbourne, from Bergen to Buenos Aires, Stewart has been there. Chances are, wherever you are heading, he knows the score.
Coming Up Next!
Aurita’s Cozumel Corner
Please take the time to read “Volunteer Opportunities” in TCS website. If you do not already have a favorite charity, it will give you some fine options to read about. We are so blessed on this island with many wonderful people that give of themselves and their resources to benefit those less fortunate. (This includes our four-legged friends at the Cozumel Humane Society). If you are a planning to visit, there are many things that you can do to help. Trust me, it will truly give you an added feeling of fulfilment on your vacation that will carry over until your return to paradise! If you wish to volunteer or contribute, go directly to their website for further instructions. Christmas is around the corner and everyone needs a little extra help.
Consider giving an educational gift for Christmas. At our neighborhood store we have school, office and arts and crafts supplies. We also have some traditional Mexican dresses and other gifts very affordable, including some religious gifts that would be perfect for gifting a Catholic friend, employee or neighbor.
We also have in stock, walkers, wheel chairs, Canes, crutches, some for sale, some for loan. I have an over stock of insulin needles (extra Fine), and a few other Diabetes supplies.
We are hosting our On-Going Garage Sale again this weekend if it does not rain on Saturday. If it does, the following weekend. Thanks to friends, we have collected over $2,000 pesos towards our Christmas baskets this year so far. Remember, you can drop off your donations anytime or give us a call and we will happily come pick up your donations.
Everything is ran out of our home, the store, garage sale, and The Cozumel Sun, so you may reach us for anything 24/7!
Also in Cozumel City News, the newly appointed head of Public Safety (Chief of Police) resigned and left the island, causing more controversy and complaints of the new city administration.
The new City Council unanimously approved replacing the four lawyers that were the Civic Judges of the City of Cozumel. They named their replacements at the same time.
During the second session of ordinary town hall last Monday night the collegial body voted for the appointment of Gabriel Enrique Rivera Zavala, Lidia Isabel Dzip Ramirez, Raymundo Elizondo Gaona and Ligia Carolina Huerta Argaez, all law graduates to fill vacancies of Civil tribunals. .
The City is requiring a fee from all participants of sports activities in parks around the City. The move affects many children and adults that cannot afford the additional cost to participate in sports. The fee is considered to be illegal in the article that I read, I will inform readers what the end result will be after the smoke clears.
Papelería Mama Lilly
06:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
08:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday
08:00 a.m. – 09:30 a.m. Sunday
11:00 a.m. – 09:00 p.m. Sunday
We sell school and office supplies, make copies, print, laminate, and sell some gifts and novelty items. Use of Computer, Calls to Mexico, U.S, and Canada. We are licensed, provide Facturas, and deliver to your home, business, or office. AFTER HOURS SERVICE AVAILABLE!
Support a Neighborhood Business! https://www.facebook.com/papeleriamamalilly/ 35 Avenida Sur Entre Calles 17 y 15 Bis Colonia Independencia (Near Bicentennial Sports Center) Telephone: 987-120-5903 EMAIL: mapapeleria@outlook.com
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https://www.facebook.com/LiquidMotionAcademy
info@liquidmotionacademy.com
(+52) 987 878 9690
The 22 Species of Mexican Parrots
Do not Contribute to Illegal Trafficking
These beautiful birds can be seen by the hundreds, just breathtaking! On our recent trips to Vera Cruz and Pueblo, we passed many vendors selling parrots on the side of the road. It saddened me when I discovered that their wings had been clipped to prevent them from escaping captivity.
A reminder to readers that it is illegal to purchase these beautiful birds. A Law passed in 2008 to protect these beautiful creatures from extinction. You will not be able to transport them home and you will be fined and the bird will be confiscated. Please report illegal activities and help keep this beautiful species alive and out of the hands of their abusers.
Cozumel Tours by Cab
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