This week in The Cozumel Sun News Update on FPMC Credentials, US Consulate Presentation March 3, 2020, The STEP Program, VV Neighborhood Watch Groups, Community Workshops, Catholic Churches take Precautions against Corona, and More!
Cozumel News: FPMC Credentials
A FPMC Cozumel Parks and Museum Discount card credential will enable you to receive an incredible discount on the entry fee to Museo de La Isla de Cozumel (Museum of the island of Cozumel), Parque Natural de Chankanaab (Chankanaab Nature Park), Zona Arqueologico San Gervasio (San Gervasio Archeological Site), and Parque Ecological Punta Sur (Punta Sur Eco Beach Park).
The FPMC office is Located at:
They are located on 30th (Pedro Joaquin Coldwell) between 1 South and Benito Juarez. There is plenty of parking in front of the building. It also has a wheelchair ramp in front of the small office. Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Their number is 987 987 00 93.
The FPMC Process is fast & Easy
It is fast and easy to apply. They will take your copies ask you to have a seat while they input your information into their computer. Someone will then come out with a little camera and take your picture. In a few minutes you will be handed your picture Id. credential
Reservations: 01 987 872 0100
Email buccanos@yahoo.com
What to bring to the FPMC Office:
Non-Mexican Residents Adults need a copy of your Immigration Credentials (Permanent or Temporary Resident Cards) and copy of proof of address (Electricity, water bill etc.).
Adults
Mexican Adult Citizens need Copy of IFE and copy of proof of address (Electricity, water bill etc.).
The Proof of address must be current, not older than three months.
Minors
Minors must also have credentials to qualify for the discount. You must have a copy of all the Mom or Dad´s IFE or Immigration Permanent or Temporary, a copy of the child´s birth certificate, and again, a copy of proof of address (Electricity, water bill etc.).
Cost:
There is a fee of $100 pesos for adults and $50 pesos for minors. The credentials are good for Two Years!
Here is your community on-line Resource! Can’t find an answer? Contact The Cozumel Sun News and we will assist you!
US Consulate Agency Presentation
Part One of Two
There were consulate agents from Cozumel and Playa plus their supervisor that oversaw Consulate Agents in the states of Merida, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.
Cozumel has no Office
Pardon lack of names, they were mentioned in the presentation, but none appeared on the business cards handed out. When asked, Terry, the Cozumel consulate agent basically stated that she oversees mostly emergencies such as deaths, arrests, and medical emergencies on the island. She is at the Playa office weekly, but mainly worksout of home 24/7.
Contact the Playa Consulate Office
She further explained that she is often contacted with questions that should be directed to Facebook and answered by others there as she is too busy. Should we absolutely need her, leave a message in Playa del Carmen Office and she will get back to you. The Playa del Carmen Consulate agent and their supervisor were extremely helpful and informative.
Helpfull Reminders
- Make appointments for all services in Playa in advance.
- Passports can be renewed in person at their office.
- The new Passports can be mailed directly to you in Cozumel.
- The only legal Notary of US documents is the US Consulate. Their cost for Notary Services is $50 u.s.
- Very Important: The US Election is around the corner; you can take your voting ballot in a stamped envelope to the Playa Consulate Office. They will courier it to the US with their correspondence, avoiding the slow turn around time of Mexican Postal Services.
- Reminder: The US Consulate cannot bail you out of jail, pay for lawyer, doctor, etc. They are there to advice you of your rights, direct you to resources, and moral support.
- Sign up for the Step Program if you have not already done so.
Albatros Charters
Fishing Snorkeling & Cruising Cozumel
U.S. (630) 938-7603 (Vonage)
Cozumel: (987) 872-7904
Email: info@cozumel-fishing.com
http://albatroscharters.com/
The Cozumel Sun News is your community on-line Resource in English! Businesses and individuals are encouraged to submit relevant articles!
The STEP Program
What is STEP?
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Benefits of Enrolling in STEP
- Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
- Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
- Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
American Citizen Services
Tel: (52) (999) 942 5700
From Within Mexico: (01) 999 9316 7168
Toll Free from US: (1) 844 528 6611
E-mail: AskMeridaACS@state.gov
Website: mx.usembassy.gov
Facebook: ConsuladoEstadosUnidosMerida
Twitter: @ConsuladoUSAMer
Playa del Carmen
(An extension of the Consulate in Merida)
Plaza Progreso, Local 33
Carretera Federal Puerto Juarez-Chetumal, Mz. 293 Lt. 1.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710
From Mexico: 999-316-7168
The Cozumel Sun News promotes businesses for FREE in The Cozumel Sun Facebook Group !
Aurita’s Cozumel Corner
As promised, I am again now and about promoting The Cozumel Sun News and Information. We attended the Cozumel Town Hall Meeting for Americans on March 3rd. Much of the information was old news, but there were some important things reviewed, some worth repeating, and a few new things.
The Townhall Meeting
In the above articles are some of what we feel is worth repeating. In this Part One, we have the Consulate Information and the STEP Program.
In Part Two I will cover the Presentation by Social Security Administration, Medical Insurance, How to Vote Absentee while Abroad, and more.
FPMC Credentials
Our family of seven took a field trip on foot down 30th Avenue to right before the gas station. (Pedro Joaquin Coldwell) between 1 South and Benito Juarez to renew our FPMC Credentials.
The above article on the FPMC Credential in this issue reflects the most current information on applying for this discount card. I encourage everyone that qualifies to apply for this card to enjoy more of the benefits of living in Cozumel.
The Cozumel Sun News and Information
Cozumel Neighborhood Watch Groups
Things are finally going to start moving with the ¨Vive Seguro Vigilancia Vecinal Segura¨ (VV) program. Our VV Neighborhood Watch Group received an alarm this week plus four remote controls
The Alarm
The alarm has limited range and does not pick up the signal through concrete. Upon receiving them you are tasked with testing the strategic placement of the controls within your group. The holders of the controls will be tasked with sounding the alarm for members of the group that do not have a remote.
What the alarm will do:
Ultimately, the alarm system will be coordinated with law enforcement and our call for help will receive priority. The follow up call to 911 or 089 will identify the type of assistance needed.
Types of Emergency
The alarm may be activated for any type of emergency, medical, criminal, security, transit, etc.
Follow Up Call
You must follow up with a call to 911 for the authorities to determine who to send to your assistance. The 911 call will ask details of the person calling.
If you observe a crime and do not wish to be involved you may report it to 089, The 089 number is strictly confidential and will ask the details of what you observed, but will not ask for your name, etc.
Your Vehicles
Know what vehicles belong to your neighbors and assist in keeping them safe. This way you can identify a vehicle that does not belong there, an observation can help authorities to investigate any crimes on your block.
Know your Plate Number
If someone takes off with your vehicle and you call 911, know your plate number! Authorities have quickly caught the thieves on camera and apprehended them when the owner was able to report it stolen quickly with a plate number.
The time it takes for you to look up the plate number is crucial! By the time you find it your vehicle can have been dismantled for parts or off to parts unknown.
If your VV Group Needs Help
Anyone that needs assistance testing the alarm and coordinating the neighborhood watch group should contact Comandante Luis Pablo Garcia and he will set up a meeting with your group.
Community Education Workshops
The Vive Seguro Vigilancia Vecinal Segura program has a community education component. The presentations are followed by question and answer session. Unfortunately, they are in Spanish.
Promote Community Awareness
These workshops educate the community on common social problems and provide information on the resources available to combat them. I missed the workshop on Domestic Violence that was held a few weeks ago.
Coming Soon in English
However, last night I attended a presentation on Extortions. Wow, it was an eye opener on how the extortionists work, how they get your information, and more importantly, what to do if you are a victim. I have requested a copy of the entire PowerPoint presentation so that I may translate it for you and present it in the Cozumel Sun News soon.
Catholic churches to Take Precautions
It was announced last Sunday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church that precautions are being taken to guard against the spread of Corona Virus. Effective this week, there will be hand sanitizer in front of the church for everyone´s use before and after the service. During Communion, the host will be placed in your hands instead of in your mouth. This was a request of the Pope, so all Catholic Churches will be following suit.
Have a great Weekend!
Residencia Reef~ 8110
One-bedroom fabulous interior.
Ground floor, custom interior.
Patsy Chilson Realtor CIPS
Cozumel North Shore Properties
987-111-4685
