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March 11, 2011 ..the heartbeat of the Riviera Nayarit

The Sol, the English Language source of News for the Riviera Nayarit Mexico, including La Penita de Jaltemba, Rincon de Guayabitos, Lo de Marcos. Los Ayala, Lo de Marcos, and San Pancho

Become a Friend on the Riviera Nayarit Click Here

We Are THIS CLOSE

WOW! The generous folks in our community, both the two legged, and in this case, four legged contributors, have ensured that there is enough money in the coffers for two spay and Neuter clinics this April.

We ask that everyone reach deep into their coin jar and help top off the thermometer. We all know what a difference the clinics have made to our communities. Now is the time to show your appreciation!

Click to our campaign page and to donate

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Friday & Saturday at 6:30 pm
Area artists will be showing their paintings at Latitude 21. Many of the artists have been featured on the Los Amigos T shirts and sales are in support of community and recycling projects.

A New Circus has arrived in San Pancho!!

This Saturday, March 12^th more than 40 children will present a circus style theater show at the Entreamigos community education center in San Pancho. The “Circo de los Ninos,” is the result of a generous contribution of creative energy and support by Gilles Ste-Croix, one of the founders and the current Creative Guide for Cirque du Soleil.

The children selected to participate in the show all live in San Pancho. For the past two weeks these 40 kids have spent 3 hours every day in workshops that teach skills as diverse and fun as unicycle riding, stilt walking, acrobatics, juggling, aereal dance, trapeze and more. Workshops are being led by Cirrus Cirkus from Canada with assistance by local artists from the Collectivo San Pancho.

The show, titled “Cuando aun no existia los suenos” is modeled after a story book found at the Entreamigos library and talks about two worlds, one with dreams and one without. The imagination of how to represent those worlds will be carried through all aspects of the set design, lighting display and costume creation and is being overseen by Josee Belanger, Monique Voyer and Dolores Leonard as Director. More than 35 other children have participated in the fabrication of the set and creation of costumes.

The evening will take place at Entreamigos community education center which for the evening will be transformed in a carnival style with food, games, animation and activities in a “fun”raising atmosphere. This evening has been made possible by the assistance and donations by more than 50 entreamigos volunteers with the support of the Govt. of Nayarit, Riviera Nayarit and many businesses and sponsors.

Entreamigos is a 501(c)3 non-profit community education center that operates out of an impressive sustainably designed 16,000sq foot facility in San Pancho. The organization works to build bridges between cultures and community by creating educational opportunities for children and families. The center operates a library and computer center, supports 50 children in a scholarship program and works to create diverse and interesting educational opportunities for everyone. This Saturday’s show is a fundraiser benefit for the organization.

Tickets for the show are currently sold out. Entreamigos is receiving names on a waiting list for people interested in attending and will be sending out a notification by email if more seats become available. To ask to be notified, please contact Entreamigos at info@entreamigos.org.mx or call 311 258 4377.

This Week

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'US allowed gun smuggling into Mexico'

Mexico has called for an explanation from the US on a law enforcement operation that allegedly allowed guns being smuggled across the border. Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded "detailed information on this case," codenamed Fast and Furious, according to state-run BBC. …go to original article

Staff: US agents in Mexico need help to slow gun

U.S. authorities in Mexico charged with stemming the flow of U.S. weapons to drug cartels have been hampered by shortfalls in staffing, agents with limited Spanish skills and the difficulty of recruiting new agents to the dangerous posting because they may not officially carry weapons, current and former staff members say…go to original article

Marisol Valles Garcia, police chief of Mexico border town, fired for leaving post

A 20-year-old woman who made international headlines when she accepted the job as police chief in a violent Mexican border town was fired Monday for apparently abandoning her post after receiving death threats. …go to original article

Good Question: Is Mexico Safe?

Last year 200,000 Minnesotans left this frigid, snowy land for the sun and the beaches of Mexico. But with a U.S. State Department travel warning still in effect, is Mexico safe?

“My boyfriend’s mom had some concerns, a lot of my friends’ parents were worried,” said Amanda Benarroch, a University of Minnesota student preparing to go to Cancun for Spring Break….go to original article

Giant sharks swarm in waters off Mexico

They want to know why whale sharks, the largest shark species, gather each year by the hundreds in the teal-blue waters off this Yucatan Peninsula barrier island. …go to original article

Mexico lawyer for French woman files final appeal

The lawyer for a French woman serving a 60-year sentence on kidnapping charges in Mexico said Monday that he has filed a final appeal arguing her rights under Mexico's constitution were violated. Mexico's Supreme Court can still hear appeals on constitutional grounds in the Florence Cassez case, which has drawn public attention in France and strained relations between the two nations. Her normal appeals have been exhausted and the court cannot re-examine evidence in the case… go to original article

Soaring Commodity Prices a Mixed Bag for Mexico
While Mexico is earning more revenue from oil exports, the cost of food imports has risen to the point where food security is threatened. The 2011 budget is based on a price of 65 dollars per barrel of crude. But the social uprisings in Arab countries, particularly Libya, have driven the price of Mexican oil to over 100 dollars per barrel in the first week of March….go to original article

Carnival cancels cruise-ship visits to Mazatlan

Carnival has become the latest cruise ship operator to suspend stops in Mazatlan, citing violent incidents in the Pacific coast resort city. Carnival Cruise Lines called the decision a precautionary measure, noting that "there have been no incidents involving cruise passengers."…go to original article

Mexico's peso weakens sharply as oil rise weighs

Mexico's peso weakened sharply on Monday as rising world oil prices pushed investors to worry about the economic impact of higher crude and sell risky assets such as stocks and emerging market currencies…go to original article

World's smelliest holiday spots are in Mexico, Italy, France

A survey has revealed the world's smelliest holiday spots and they fall in Mexico, Italy, France, Country Durham, and New Zealand. The survey was conducted by travel website Skyscanner.com and it came up with the world's foulest-smelling locations, the Courier Mail reported…go to original article

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Last Week

Concerns Raised Over Young Police Chief in Mexico

Marisol Valles García, the young mother who took the job of police chief in her violence-ravaged town when nobody else would, has not been to work in three days. On Friday, it appeared she might not be planning to come back soon. A human rights official in Chihuahua State said that Ms. Valles might have been threatened and crossed into Texas. But her bosses said she asked for a few days of leave to attend to her baby son, who had been ill. …go to original article

Mexico suffers as its citizens leave for U.S.

Drug violence causes shift in migrant demographics.

The mass migration of Mexicans to the U.S. is not good for that country, said Agustín Escobar of Mexico's Center for Investigation and Higher Study in Social Anthropology Friday at the University of Texas at San Antonio....go to original article

U.S., Mexico settle truck dispute

Mexico and the United States have agreed in principle to open U.S. highways to Mexican long-haul trucks, ending a lingering safety dispute that prompted Mexico to impose more than $2 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exporters….go to original article

Mexico: Soldiers Held in Trafficking

The Mexican Army has ordered three junior officers and 10 soldiers to stand trial on drug trafficking and organized crime charges after they were reportedly caught with more than a ton of methamphetamine and 66 pounds of cocaine. The military announced earlier that several soldiers were arrested last week with drugs at a military checkpoint south of Tijuana, across the border from San Diego. …go to original article

Mexico City records 700 gay weddings in first year

Seven hundred gay and lesbian couples have married in Mexico City since the capital enacted the first law in Latin America explicitly allowing same-sex marriages a year ago.The city government says there have been 367 marriages between men and 333 between women since March 4, 2010….go to original article

Mexican peso, stocks fall Friday

Mexico holds key rate at 4.5%, but talks inflation risks

Mexico’s peso closed modestly lower against the U.S. dollar on Friday after the central bank held the benchmark interest rate steady, but noted risks of higher inflation….go to original article

Agent: I Was Ordered To Let U.S. Guns Into Mexico

ATF agent says "Fast and Furious" program let guns "walk" into hands of Mexican drug cartels with aim of tracking and breaking a big case. Federal agent John Dodson says what he was asked to do was beyond belief. He was intentionally letting guns go to Mexico?"Yes ma'am," Dodson told CBS News. "The agency was."…go to original article

Calderon: WikiLeaks caused severe damage to U.S.-Mexico relations

Mexican President Felipe Calderon said Thursday that the release of State Department cables criticizing Mexico's anti-drug fight had caused "severe damage" to its relationship with the United States and suggested that tensions had risen so dramatically that he could no longer work with the American ambassador in his country…go to original article

La Casa de los Niños in Lo de Marcos a fundraising success thank you to all their sponsors

The founders of La Casa de los Niños in Lo de Marcos, Jim & Dulce Heinrich, and Dave & Patti Martinez would like to thank the community for their support at the recent 3rd Annual La Casa de los Niños Golf Tournament held at El Campo de Ensueño in Monteon. There were 105 golfers registered for the two day tournament held on February 25th and 26th. After golf on Friday, entertainment was provided by Jeff Stiffler singer/guitarist, Tim Ward Comedian, and The Lo de Marcos Folklorico Ballet Dance Troupe. On Saturday, JuanTed & The Rhythm Roosters wrapped up the event with Blues and R&B dance music. La Casa de los Niños’ proceeds totaled: $90,715 Pesos   (up 15% from last year)
A very special GRACIAS to: Werner & Diane Rohde, Bill Dickson/Auctioneer, Gary Stackhouse, Jerry & Donna Werner, Julia Rosenthal and Evan O’Malley

Supporters and Sponsors included, Gerardo & Alejandra Cervantes of El Campo de Ensueño for providing the field of our dreams, great food and entertainment venue; Bill & Dot Bell of Jaltemba Sol who provided community advertising; and, the many businesses and individual donors in the communities of Lo de Marcos, La Peñita, Rincon de Guayabitos, Bahia Banderas, US and Canada listed below:

La Parrilla de Humo    Latitude 21    Hinde & Jaime’s    Crazy Nellies
Tequila Willies    Petra’s Deli   Teriyaki Time          Las Brisas La Peñita    Vista Guayabitos         Soley’s        Restaurante Kenia Caracol RV Park
Restaurante Olivia   Don Pedros          La Cabaña de Maru    Rocio Estetica
Peñita de Occidente Café    Beach Dog Boarding    Hidden Paradise Realty     Comex
Xaltemba Restaurant    Ferreteria Muro      Mateja’s     Hamacas Maya
Farmacia Nayari   Clarita’s Breakfast     Flamingos Golf Course    Bold Developments    Abarrotes Palomera    El Tinoco Abarrotes Bernal
   LDM Materiales       Estetica Yanett        Eliceo Miranda Auto Repair
   Armando’s Joyeria     Mauricio’s Sea Tour   Tacos Oscar     Pollos Mago
Molly Lannon Kenny    Los Faroles Restaurante         Tacos las Glorias      Restaurant Tlaquepaque     Diane Rohde    Lenny’s Horseback Riding      Tacos Joel     Marisos Laras     Arcelia’s Sugar & Spice Restaurant Roys Surf Shop     Source Bodyworks     Mini super La Plaza    Fruteria Mayora      Abarrotes Yadira
    Vinos y Liquores Lo de Marcos    Jaltemba Sports         Manzano Embroidery   Jaltemba Sol
Doug & Maryann Leach     Ron & Bonnie Hunter    Gary “Sergio” Harr    Sharon & Ricardo Hartwig     Kevin Stackhouse    Lonnie & Stacy Ford    David & Jacque Graff      Dan Penner    Jeff Stiffler   Jack and Daphne Bergeron Willie Swanson      Dulce Heinrich    Jim Heinrich Rancho Las Palmas            Birding San Pancho   Hertzie Aslankhani     Glenda Cataldo   Box Sexton    Peggy Kramer
   KPM Enterprises/Jim Donovan(ball markers) and Gus Andrade(golf balls)


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soccer ball 2

baseball-01

Boccee Ball Tourney

Lots of friends, fun and good times. Boccee Ball Tourney last Wednesday at Mateja's..

Cacaxtla History

Story by Wikipedia

Photographs by Bill and Dot Bell

Cacaxtla, to those who love ancient cultures and archeology sites, is extraordinary as many of the original murals can be viewed close up and personal. Despite the modern day protective roof built above this site, visitors feel an almost Indiana Jones experience walking through an actual archeological dig.

Cacaxtla was the capital of region inhabited by the Olmeca-Xicalanca people. The origins of the Olmeca-Xicalanca are not known with certainty, but they are assumed to come from the Gulf coast region, and were perhaps Maya settlers who arrived in this part of central Mexico around 400 CE.

Click here to see the entire story

Locals Frank and Donna Percival on visit to Africa

Live English Theatre Returns to Jaltemba Bay

The Penita Players present an evening of comedy theatre for three performances.

March 9, Pina Colada Restaurant in Guayabitos, on the highway west lateral just south of the second entrance. Dinner is at 6:00pm followed by the show at about 7:30pm. Latecomers will be seated at the first appropriate opportunity. Cover charge/donation 25 pesos for show, proceeds to Rotary Club's kindergarden construction project

March 10, Restaurant Xaltemba Galeria in La Penita, just off the northwest corner of the main plaza. Doors open for dinner at 5:00pm; last sitting is at 7:30pm; the show will start at 8:30pm. Cover charge/donation 25 pesos for show, proceeds to Los Amigos de la Penita Education committee.

March 11, La Penita RV Park in La Penita, about 1 km north of the Avenida on the highway. Pizza dinner (by reservation for non-park residents) at 6:00pm, Show starts at 7:00pm, 25 peso cover charge/donation goes to Jaltemba Foundation.

This hour-long comedy show will fill your already well-filled bellies with laughter. Our six performers have prepared nine scenes on topics running the gamut of real-life experiences, ranging from dating disasters to technical difficulties.

The Penita Players began entertaining in Jaltemba in 2004 at Kathy's Restaurant, then in 2009 at Backstreet Restaurant, and are tickled to re-emerge with our largest and zaniest ensemble ever. Join us for a fun-filled evening of entertainment. Don't delay; phone your restaurant to book your seats now!

19th Annual Banderas Bay Regatta - March 8-12, 2011

Richard Williams - BanderasBayRegatta.com

Over 50 boats have signed up for the 2011 version of the Banderas Bay Regatta. The Regatta, now in its 19th year, will start on Tuesday March 8 and run through Saturday March 12.

Over 50 boats have signed up for the 2011 version of the Banderas Bay Regatta. The Regatta, now in its 19th year, is unique in that it is designed specifically for the cruising sailor who is carrying extra sails, spare parts, a solar cell panel or two, and lots of provisions.

This year's Regatta will start on Tuesday March 8 and run through Saturday March 12. The welcome reception on Tuesday afternoon will feature the music of local band Mariachi Estrella and the dancers of Ballet Mexicanisimo who will be performing native dances of the Aztecs.

On Friday night, racers and the general public are invited to join in at one of Vallarta Yacht Club's famous Friday night Fish Fry's and after dinner be treated to a performance of Azucar Latina. If you like salsa, mambo, meringue, cha-cha, and cumbia you will enjoy listening and dancing to the music of this lively group of great musicians. They have also been known to throw in a bit of pop, rock and funk during their performances. In other words they do it all and do it well.

The concert is a free event (cash bar). The Fish Fry Buffet is just $150 pesos. Happy hour starts at 5:00 pm, dinner at 6:00 and the music at 8:00.

Saturday is the last day of racing and the culmination of the ever will be an Awards Banquet which will be held at the Paradise Village Resort and Spa with entertainment provided by the ever popular music group from La Cruz, Philo and the Mexican Shuffle Band.

Although the Welcome Party and the Awards Dinner and Beach Party are not open to the general public, visitors are welcome to join in on the nightly festivities at the Vallarta Yacht Club which is located near the Paradise Plaza Shopping Center in Nuevo Vallarta.

The Banderas Bay Regatta would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors including: Vallarta Yacht Club, Grupo Lloyd, Paradise Village Beach Resort and Spa, Vallarta Lifestyles Publishing Group, Mariners General Insurance Group, State of Nayarit / Rivera Nayarit, Philo's Bar and Restaurant, PV Sailing, Vallarta Yachts, Vallarta Adventures, O & A Investment Funds, Marina Rivera Nayarit, Artist Federico Leon de La Vega and Chevron.

For more information and a full schedule of events visit the BBR website at BanderasBayRegatta.com.

More Money

for Cancer de Mama

"Doc Wade & Bubis Bar" have donated $2740 pesos to Cancer de Mama. This is the second time Wade and Bubis have given their "music propina" to this deserving organization.

Wade plays country music at Bubis (just above Cricos grocery at the 4 way stop in Guayabitos) and gives his tips to Cancer de Mama.

Wade and his wife Gloria - BIG SUPPORTERS OF CANCER DE MAMA.

Cancer the Mama prize draw winners. Thanks to all who bought tickets and supported this worthy cause.

ICF Findings on the Greening of Mexican Coastal Communities

Denisse Newell - icfdn.org

For more information, visit icfdn.org.

The International Community Foundation released the report entitled The Greening of U.S. Retirement Destinations in Mexico: Emerging Issues and Trends in Coastal Communities analyzing environmentally-specific consumer perceptions and preferences among U.S. retirees and second home buyers in Mexican coastal communities, including recycling, reducing consumption, and green building.

The report highlights how U.S. retirees are addressing the environment independently in Mexico and how developers can capitalize on growing consumer interest in “greener” living. The report also provides recommendations to Mexican decision makers on development practices, sustainable tourism criteria, and creating healthier communities.

This report is one of the first to analyze U.S. retiree consumer preferences and priorities when it comes to the environment in Mexican coastal communities. According to Richard Kiy, study co-author and President of the International Community Foundation, “Mexico’s coastline is known for its beaches and warm blue water, but its marine biodiversity is equally spectacular, attracting tourist investments to its natural abundance. Yet, as the tourist infrastructure grows, the marine biodiversity and fragile coastal area are the first victims, threatening the very substance of Mexico’s coastal tourism offerings.”

Accordingly, Felipe Calderon, President of Mexico announced on February 28, 2011 a new National Accord for Tourism, to position Mexico in the top five global tourist destinations by 2018. This accord also aims to generate forty billion dollars for the local Mexican economy, create four million direct jobs and twelve million indirect jobs.

In this respect, it is important to point out that these objectives should not focus on excessive urban development, but instead on quality sustainable tourism that generates economic resources and conserves the environment, since Mexican natural resources, its biodiversity and many UNESCO World Heritage sites constitute the essence of local tourism.

The recent declarations of President Calderon and the Minister of Tourism, Gloria Guevara attributing a reduction in tourist visits to Mexico to current conditions, do not coincide with results of the International Community Foundation’s reports, which show that trends in rising violence and pollution can motivate tourists and US retirees to leave the country.

The International Community Foundation conducted a comprehensive study of 840 U.S. retirees in Mexican coastal communities between July and November 2009, including questions related to their behavior regarding environmental issues, as well as the opportunities to improve their “adopted” community’s quality of life as it relates to the local environment. The target populations surveyed were those aged 50 years or older who are either retired full-time in Mexico or residing there on a part-time basis.

The Foundation’s survey found that U.S. retirees over 50 years of age living in coastal Mexico are equally environmentally-minded in their passions, their purchases, and their actions:

• More U.S. retirees in Mexican coastal communities enjoyed bird watching - 15.1 percent - than played golf-14.1 percent.

• 63.4 percent of respondents indicated that issues of environmental sustainability were “somewhat important” or “very important” to them when they selected and purchased their home. Only 7 percent said that these issues were “not important.”

• In searching for a home in Mexico, 56.4 percent of respondents indicated that they did not feel that they had any “green” or environmentally friendly options.

• The overwhelming majority of respondents (78.7 percent) have actively considered their environmental impact on their adopted new community in Mexico. They drive less (63.3 percent), consume less electricity (53.1 percent), and use less water (41.4 percent).

• 31 percent of respondents recycle already and 46.0 percent of respondents would recycle if they could, as no recycling programs are available in their communities.

• 42 percent are concerned or very concerned about climate change.

• When asked what key factors would lead U.S. retirees to leave Mexico, the number one reason noted by 57.6 percent of respondents would be a noticeable increase in crime targeted towards U.S. retirees or tourists, followed by 44.5 percent who identified declining environmental quality of their adopted community due to increased sewage runoff, litter, and water pollution.

The report is available electronically in both English and Spanish at: icfdn.org. The report is the fifth report in the Foundation’s “U.S. Retirement in Mexico” research series, which also included reports on trends in volunteerism, philanthropy, and civic engagement; health care access; lifestyles and demographics; and housing and real estate of the American retiree expatriates in Mexican coastal communities.

About the International Community Foundation:

The International Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1990 with a mission to expand the level of charitable giving internationally by U.S. donors with an emphasis on Mexico and Central America. For more information regarding the International Community Foundation, visit icfdn.org.

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Letters to the Editor

This is an FYI for all those people, who like us, travel with their tennis rackets in the carry-on luggage. We were very surprised when we arrived at the PV airport that they will not allow tennis rackets (or ceramics or glass items) in a piece of carry-on luggage. This meant we had to quickly re-pack ours and hope that it arrived in tact. This was a first for us as we have traveled with our tennis rackets in carry-on for as long as we can remember and this rule only seems to apply when departing from Mexico. Thought this may be worth a mention in Jaltemba Sol.

As an aside, be very thankful to be in the warmth of RdeG - us Vancouver Islanders were hammered the other day with 10 - 15 inches of snow and today we have a temperature of minus 9 Celsius with the wind chill (a term not normally used in this part of the country).

Enjoy

Mel Reid

Warm climate gardening tips

A favorite warm climate native, the banana tree, adds a festive touch to any home by providing beautiful large leaves that provide a soothing rustling sound in the ocean breezes as well as bearing delicious fruit. It can be grown in a container –dressing up a balcony or patio- or planted directly in the ground. Wild forms of the banana plant come originally from the Indo-Malaysian area but are now cultivated all over the tropical and sub-tropical continents, including Mexico. The attractive banana plants can grow up to 45 feet (15 m) tall but most varieties vary from 9 to 25 feet (3 to 9 m) high. The blue-ish green, graceful large leaves can grow to 12 feet (3 m) long, making it a great source of shade in a sunny yard. This rapid growing plant can reach full size in just a few weeks, making it a desirable addition for obtaining a tropical look around a pool or patio areas....go to page 4 Home, Living & Real Estate

Gift of Mosaic Glass

Eva created this beautiful mosaic glass tabletop for her daughter Petra.

EVA GRAEBER has been attending Jo's creative stain glass workshops for quite some time and recommends them wholeheartedly;

Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue

Advocating humane and healthy practices for animals in the Jaltemba area by promoting health, education, sterilization, adoptions, foster care and positive relationships with animals and their owners.

December 2006 to February 2011: During this time, there were 9 clinics and more than 1,816 animals spayed or neutered in the Jaltemba Bay Area!

Learn Spanish Online

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If Facts Don’t Lie, is Mexico Safer than the US?

Patrick Osio - HispanicVista.com
Marc 4, 2011

Here comes Easter break again and high school and college kids will travel to distant places for a bit of fun. But will they be coming to Vallarta this year? (PromoVision)

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Here comes Easter break again and young people will be young people – high school and college kids will travel to distant places where the drinking age is either less than it is in the U.S. or where authorities don’t care to enforce minor’s drinking laws.
For several decades Mexico has been one such place of choice where the legal drinking age is 18. Mazatlan, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun were the fly to favorite places and Rosarito Beach and Ensenada the favorite drive to places from Southern California. – But not this year, or for that matter neither was it last year.

The U.S. government and the media have convinced most Americans that Mexico is not a safe place to visit as drug traffickers are fighting it out to see which gang will have the right to sell their illicit drugs to the very group that will not be visiting Mexico. They will have to wait until they return from Easter break to get their Mexican smuggled drugs at home.

But what really struck me was that the preferred country to visit this Easter break in lieu of Mexico is the Dominican Republic. It struck me because Dominica is rated as the number one country with the highest propensity for crime in the world.

According to facts gathered by NationalMaster.com, their total crime per 1,000 residents (per capita) is 113.822 –Compared to the U.S. that is 8th in the world in total crimes at 80.0645 per 1000 residents, making chances of being a victim of a crime in Dominica better than 10%, and slightly less than an 8% chance of being a victim in the U.S.

But here is the real clunker – Mexico, the country our government tells us not to visit and the media has a field day reporting any crime, be it significant or not, to further put the fear of God into staying away from there – well, it ranks 39th in total crime in the world with a per capita of slightly less than 13 crimes per 1000 residents that is a 1.3% chance of being a victim of crime in Mexico.

So Mexico is out, Dominica is in, yet the chances of being a crime victim there is greater than in the U.S. and the chances of being a crime victim in the U.S. is greater than in Mexico. But, for our own safety we need to stay out of Mexico.

Have you ever felt like you’re being duped but you can’t quite put your finger on why – what’s the motive? Is it to keep us from facing some bitter truths? We keep reading how crime is down, how safe we are compared to most other parts of the world. But is it true?

So here are some multiple choice questions for you:

1. Which country has a higher crime rate per 1,000 residents?

a. Mexico
b. Germany
c. Canada
d. U.S.

2. Which country has the highest number of murders with firearms?

a. Mexico
b. El Salvador
c. U.S.

3. Of the following countries, which has the least number of drug offenses?

a. Germany
b. United Kingdom
c. Canada
d. Switzerland
e. Mexico

4. Which country has the most prisoners?

a. United States
b. China
c. Russia
d. India
e. Mexico

Answers:

1. d. U.S.
2. c. U.S.
3. e. Mexico
4. a. U.S.

Source: NationalMaster.com.

In one of the only bright spots due to its recent gang related murders, Mexico, on a per capita, ranks as more dangerous than the U.S. occupying #24 and Mexico #6 in the world, but in total number of murders the U.S. is #5 and Mexico #6.

In fact, much of the crime data per capita 1000 population suggests that in many respects Mexico is safer than the US: in Asssaults, the U.S. ranks #6, Mexico #20; Burglaries - the U.S. #17, Mexico #34; car thefts - U.S. #9, Mexico #22; fraud U.S. #18, Mexico #29; Rape (Canada #5), U.S. #9, Mexico #17.

No doubt that, at the expense of Mexico, we are being duped. Is it to hide our insatiable appetite for illicit drugs and cheap labor, and so by pointing the finger of guilt to the biggest supplier of both we exculpate our actions or at minimum pacify our own guilt?

Maybe it’s time for “the home of the free, and land of the brave” to take note.

Patrick Osio is the Editor of HispanicVista.com. Contact at POsioJr(at)aol.com and co-founder of TransBorder Communications, Inc. dedicated to binational economic development.

Mariachi by Bill Bell

An Expansion of the Los Amigos Recycling Program

The Recycling Committee of Los Amigos is pleased to announce that we have now started to collect cardboard for recycling. The driver (Tavo) picks up at various business, bungalows and hotels and will now collect cardboard if left beside the existing baskets on the streets. The route is Mondays for Guayabitos and Los Ayala and Wednesdays for La Peñita and La Colonia. Please put out the cardboard only on delivery days and break down boxes if at all possible.

Thank You

Jaltemba Bay from Jaime's Hill Photograph by Bill Bell

Classified

Have a Truck? Cut Costs Northbound!

North Bound Trailer Towing Required

Require a 24ft 5^th Wheel Trailer to be towed out of Mexico or as far North as you are going. Final destination is Alberta Canada. Can be towed using ½ ton truck or larger. Leaving after march 31 and before April 15^th.Cost to be negotiated.

robergca@yahoo.com

Phone 322 168 1192

For Sale see Matejas for details

La Penita by Bill Bell

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