PA coed fourth in world
free dive competition
Mexico’s record holder improves
performance on world stage
By Staff
Camila Jaber Lara of Puerto Aventuras upped her performance in the world free dive championship competition held in May on Long Island, the Bahamas.
The international challenge, known as “Vertical Blue 2016”, brought together 56 athletes representing 21 countries spanning every continent, all working to claim the title of the “world’s deepest man and woman.” It was the largest turnout ever in that sport.
Miss Jaber came in fourth in the women’s division with 218.88 points preceded in first place by Sofia Gomez of Colombia, 274.50 points; Sayuri Kinoshita of Japan, 260.04 points and Kate Middleton of New Zealand, 235.65 points.
Of the 18 female competitors, two were from Mexico, Jaber and Estrella Navarro Holm, who, ironically, came in fifth with 218.83 points.
In the men’s division, William Trubridge of New Zealand set a new world record free inmersion of 124 meters.
Miss Jaber, daughter of Felix Jaber and Georgina Lara and a student in environmental engineering at the Technical College of Monterrey, achieved two personal goals in the competition, accomplishing all valid dives in the nearly two-week competition, and a personal best in the no-fins discipline, piling up points to earn fourth place among all the best free divers in the world.
Videos of her dives are at:
https://www.facebook.com/CamilaJaberFreediver/videos/1578960832434134/
War in Akumal…
Battle over public vs. private
beach access turns intense
By Staff
It was inevitable that the long-running battle between private versus public beach access in Akumal would reach a more aggressive intensity.
It did just that last weekend when what began as another mostly peaceful demonstration turned into clashes between police, four of whom were injured, and the use of Molotov cocktails that set one palapa stand ablaze along the road that links the beach to the pueblo. There were attempts by a crowd to remove a wire fence topped with what appears to be razor wire blocks traditional free access..
The land in question is part of considerable acreage purchased in the 1950s by the late Mexico-city born adventurer Pablo Jose Bush Romero and now controlled by his descendants.
The base issue spurring the turmoil is and has been the ambiguous law that both gives and takes away traditional rights of a given community’s residents access to the federal zone beach across private property.
In one version of the community’s history, it is noted the law forbids the denial of free resident access to the federal zone through private property BUT, it has a disclaimer that allows private property owners and developments to select where that access will be.
Bush’s daughter, Laura Bush Wolfe, is a principal of her father’s estate and as such has been the mentor of Akumal’s phased tourism development over the years while owning a popular restaurant there and patron of an ecological center to protect turtles from a growing onslaught of snorkelers believed to be endangering the bay’s sea life. Some turtles are growing never-before-seen tumors. This is attributed by some ecologists to overuse by tourists and independent, uncontrolled marine service providers.
Aggrieved residents turned to peaceful demonstrations and blockades over several years in attempts to gain federal and/or state intervention that would guarantee traditional access. While several agencies have responded and have studied the situation, solutions have yet to be worked out.
Puerto Aventuras fishing boats
place well in iconic tournament
Puerto Aventuras sport fishing boats took five of the top 10 places in the 38th annual “Prof. Augusto R. Sosa Centeno” tournament out of Playa del Carmen last weekend including the top prize captured by the PA-based “Sea Phantom” captained by Pedro Noh of the Capt. Rick’s fleet , who garnered 19084.60 points. The “Sea Phantom” was the first-day contender for first prize after landing a 219.6 pound blue marlin.
Sixty-six boats, from Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen participated . Other Puerto Aventuras boats finishing in the top ten were the “Sea Queen”, coming in third; “Puffin” fifth; “Diego” sixth and “O’Hara,” seventh. The “Puffin” , another Capt. Rick’s boat, landed the largest Wahoo while the vessel “Wild Goat” reeled in the biggest Dorado.
This annual event is the second largest sport fishing tourney on the Mexican Caribbean. Fishing committee chairman Martin Arguelles said some 2000 fans attended the traditional “fish fry” after the two-day event and that the tourney has helped the Riviera Maya become one of the most important destinations for the sport fisherman.
Fiddler on the Roof, the play, will be presented by the Puerto Aventuras Colegio students on Friday, June 3, in Playa del Carmen’s new “Teatro de le Ciudad” – City Theater – adding a modern venue to the talents of the students for a pleasant and enjoyable evening. Tickets are on sale at the Colegio from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Trivial pursuits Sunday, June 8, at 4 p.m. at Latitude 20 Restaurant and Lounge with Shannon Rachynski. Proceeds go to the needy. Happy hour 4 to 6 p.m.. Menu available during play.
Riviera Film Festival will be held June 24-30 in Playa del Carmen and at thus far unannounced July dates in Puerto Morelos…
Monthly recycling will take place Friday at the skate park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Annual reminders to prepare
for this year’s hurricane season
Analysts say area due for a major storm
By Staff
Mother Nature has opened the door to the 2016 hurricane season from June to November, spurring area officials and Solidaridad’s hotel association into action to prevent or minimize damages and assure public safety, precautions that are recommended also for individual homeowners and condo complexes.
Of 17 tropical storms predicted for the season by the University of Colorado, a number considered about average, five are expected to be hurricanes and several of those predicted to be intense and possibly make landfall, calling the attention of all hands to follow the Boy Scout motto of “be prepared.”
To that end, Capt. Rick’s Sportfishing passed on the following preparatory information as a heads up to local residents: Herewith a summary:
BEFORE: Plan what actions you will take in the event of an emergency and a list of who to call should you need or your property need immediate help. Plan and get what you may need to dig in for several or more days, such as tinned foodstuffs, plenty of potable water, radio with batteries, lanterns and/or candles, matches; safely store important documents, money and expensive personal items; keep an eye out for elderly or disabled neighbors too; immediately evacuate if so recommended by state authorities and know where your nearest emergency shelter is located.
DURING: Every three hours the location and intensity of the storm will be broadcast on radio. Disconnect light switches and propane; move away from the sea if possible and practical; otherwise, don’t leave the house until it is recommended by authorities; don’t be fooled by the calmness within the eye of the storm and venture out during that time since it will be followed by powerful reverse wind direction.
AFTER: Wait for authorities to clear your neighborhood before returning; Do not touch fallen wires or allow children and pets near them; do not attempt to move seriously injured people but contact authorities for help; take note of the safety condition of buildings before entering since they could be in danger of collapse. The local emergency numbers are 066 and (065 for Red Cross ambulance); Solidaridad’s Civil Protection number is 01-984-877-3053. (Note that the pending change to the more familiar 911 emergency number is now in use as well as the 066 number. The government will phase out the 066 number following a period of transitional publicity. For now, use either number. Don’t forget also that PA Security has an emergency number for English-speaking residents. It is 984-214-7589 and is functional during daytime and evening hours but not at night.
Analysts in Mexico say the Caribbean coast averages a strong cyclone about every 10 to 13 years, noting that “we are in that timeline from Hurricane Wilma to date. It warrants giving attention to preparedness and prevention this year,” they suggest.
The Roundup…
New places – We get word a full-time produce retail store will be opening soon in the marina area next to the Pub restaurant. More later. Also, former Latitude 20 owner Peter Metrick has opened a luncheon eatery at the Grand Marina plaza open from noon to 5 p.m. and featuring Jamaican BBQ… Meanwhile the Europea/Go Mart convenience and wine retail market has opened its doors by the main gate, an event attracting shoppers and the just plain curious…
Murder update – The state attorney has filed a murder charge against Hugo Vergara Rangel following initial investigation into April’s dismemberment death of Lori Archambault, 36, native of Canada who recently relocated to the Maya Riviera. Vergara was reportedly her boyfriend. Early reports said the pair recently moved to the Tulum municipality from Los Cabos. Ms. Archambault’s remains were found in two abandoned suitcases at a Playa del Carmen van stop…
Project begins – Work has begun on the first phase of the Puerto Aventuras main gate improvement project and is expected to last for about four months. The project, approved by voters at the April 16 special assembly, involves landscaping, roadwork and site preparation for Phase 2, which will involve some reconstruction of the building and addition of lanes. Funds for the second phase will be sought at the annual assembly. The current work will require some rerouting of access lanes so motorists are asked to use caution in the gate area during construction.
Security Upgrade – The PA Colonos will deactivate all existing security cards, including resident gate cards and employee passes on June 30. To pre-empt deactivation, visit the Colonos office and fill out the required security form. Absent snowbirds can fill out the form online at www.colonos.com to avoid inconvenience upon return for the high season. Send the completed form to atencion@colonos.org .Have your auto plate number handy when you fill out the form.
A drunk driver who steered himself into a bad accident that tipped his car over in front of the Barcelo Hotel on 307 in the early morning of May 24 had been drinking at a bar in Puerto Aventuras, said the police who had to extricate him from the car in which he was trapped. He and a passenger were taken to a hospital in Playa for treatment of injuries…
The new aerodrome that was supposed to take off by now to replace the one in Playa seems to have lost the air beneath its wings. Apparently, the project has run into disagreements with land owners in or on or around the airport who complain of encroachment on their land west of 307…
Aerial surveillance of waterfront activities using a drone began in February along the Playa del Carmen waterfront and is being extended by the municipality to Paamul and Puerto Aventuras. The drone collects data on the operation of nautical tourism services…
A brilliant light on May 22 that was seen streaking across the night sky by residents of the State of Puebla and two other states is believed to have been a meteor entering the atmosphere and burning out with a very loud and frightening bang…
The General Hospital Staff in Playa del Carmen held a protest in May over unfair working conditions and other irregularities at the hospital including an abrupt power failure half way through a medical procedure. The protest involved an estimated 50 doctors and nursing staff who have threatened a strike unless efforts are made to address their grievances.
Akumal project denied – The environmental statement for a proposed Hotel Jade project involving construction of 12 villas and/or 401 rooms in three-story buildings in Akumal was rejected by the federal environmental agency…
Another death was recorded on the Puerto Aventuras-Paamul section of Federal Highway 307 0n May14 when a speeding VW Jetta driven by a non-resident struck a taxi from behind, then swerved off the roadway into a CFE cement abutment. Witnesses said the car was traveling at an estimated speed of 150 Km per hour. Meanwhile, a report out of Cancun notes that so far this year taxis have been involved in more than 1,003 accidents in that city, half of which, the report notes, was the fault of the taxi drivers…
New crime stopper? – A smart-phone app is being developed in Playa del Carmen that will put citizens in the law enforcement loop by simplifying real-time reporting of criminal activity by citizens witnessing events such as robberies, car accidents and other acts requiring police, fire or medical response. Area businesses are supporting the app’s development…Meanwhile, the press reports that Acapulco has been transformed by criminal violence and murder from a tourist mecca to a hit-man hangout where man-bags around the necks of local businessmen are now used to carry a handgun for protection…
A Tulum transvestite who left a local nightclub with a “stranger” at 3.a.m. May 15 was found stabbed to death a few hours later according to police. Two of the victim’s companions found the body in their shared apartment. The companions were interrogated as witnesses who may have been able to identify the “stranger”…
Legalize opium farming for medicine? State governments are leading a debate to legalize opium farming in Mexico to be used as medicine. The move is seen as depriving drug cartels of the product as a possible way of reducing cartel violence…
The peso’s volatility continued in May reaching an x-rate above 18-1. It is causing concern about inflation and the need to increase prices for products and services that can seriously harm the economies of families and local businesses…Nonetheless, the Caribbean coast continues to attract tourists and hotel investments, one of which is fostering objections from native residents to privatizing a traditional public beach in Playa del Carmen…
Well-known businesswoman here
attacked in home near main gate
A well-known former restaurant owner, writer and activist in Puerto Aventuras was the victim of a nighttime house break and physical attack by an intruder last month in an apartment just outside the resort’s main gate where resort Security has no jurisdiction despite the proximity.
As related by the victim and a friend who escorted her for hospital treatment of knife cuts and bruises, the intruder broke into the apartment at around 2 a.m. while the sleeping victim was awakened with the knife-wielding intruder’s hand around her throat. An ensuing struggle resulted in a knife cut on the victim’s nose.
When reporting the incident, the victim said she learned that it was the third such attack within two months in which the attacker tells the victim he was paid to kill them. One such attack was in Puerto Morelos two months previous and another in the PA Poblado 20 days prior to the latest attack, according to the Ministerio Publico.
The victim said her hands were tied behind her back while the intruder rummaged for money but untied her hands so she could retrieve it. The intruder fled after he was given money, a laptop computer and phone. He threatened the victim that he would be back.
Police investigators found footprints, broken screen and glass above a door through which the intruder gained access to the apartment. Inside, the police found a shirt and spoon believed used to do drugs left behind by the trespasser. The victim, who has recovered physically from the attack, explained the reporting process for the benefit of the foreign population unfamiliar with the local process.
She said she was brought by a friend to the police station in the Poblado to report the crime. “But they are like the beat cops on the street. They deal with active crime events in real time. They came to my house, checked it out and saw there was no crime going on in the moment and suggested that I go to the Ministerio Publico in the morning, which is what I did.”
In order for any crime to be investigated, she said, a person must make an official complaint at the Ministerio Publico in Playa del Carmen. “The case is then assigned to Judicial police and an investigator. The Judicial police and investigator followed me home to gather evidence which they photographed, bagged and took away to check for fingerprints etc.”
“If a victim doesn’t report a crime to the Ministerio Publico, crimes are never investigated,” she said. “The process is different here,” (compared to the US and Canada).
Families internally displaced
by crime estimated at 35,000
By Staff
When a lawyer resettled his family in Puerto Aventuras from Monterrey two years ago, he told the Pelican the move to safer ground was prompted by the consistent drug-related incidents of crime in the sprawling metropolitan city and suburbs just a several hour drive from the Texas border.
It wasn’t known at the time just how many Mexican nationals were being internally displaced by mostly drug-related crime until last month. That’s when the federal Human Rights Commission filed a report estimating that at least 35,000 families have moved from high-crime areas to other Mexican districts such as the Yucatan considered relatively free of organized mayhem.
While the commission was able to document 1,784 cases, it said in the report that the figure exceeds 35,000 according to municipal and state authorities. The commission said this is the first ever such report on internally displaced families and urged the government to conduct a census to arrive at exact figures and to design a plan to protect and assist displaced families.
The non government humanitarian group Norwegian Refugee Council estimated last year that 280,000 people have been internally displaced in Mexico.
Luis Raul Gonzalez, the human rights commission’s president, said on the report that “violence, insecurity, impunity, the weakness of our rule of law and lack of adequate conditions for development for people, have caused a considerable number of Mexicans to abandon their homes in various regions.”
PRODUCTION DEADLINES: The Pelican Free Press encourages and welcomes public announcements of events and activities. The deadline for publication during our monthly schedule beginning in May is the third week of the month for production at month’s end. Thank you.
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