Yucatan Living

Yucatan News: Yachts and Crocodiles

2 August 2016 News 1

New Marina in Telchac Puerto

The new yacht club in Telchac that is part of the Kinuh development held its grand opening on July 25. Long-time expats marvel as places that were once “way out there” that are now just down the road or just across a new, modern bridge. It is not lost on anyone that this new marina is barely more than 130 miles from Cuba, so it will be a great location for sailors and other ocean-going folk who want to enjoy both the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. The marina, which is built to hold up to fifty large yachts, is targeting its marketing to high net worth individuals and promoting itself as the nautical entry for those people to the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula. They hope to promote a Kinuh Route, which will include the archaeological zones of Xcambo and Dzibilchaltun, as well as Telchac, Sisal, Progreso, Merida and of course, Chichen Itza. We predict you will be hearing a lot more about Kinuh and the new marina at Telchac in the near future.

U.S. Consulate Presents Global Entry Program in Merida

U.S. Consul David Mico has presented the Global Entry Program, which will allow local entrepreneurs faster entry into the United States for the purpose of conducting business. The commercial ties between Mexico and the United States remain strong and active in spite of the less than diplomatic political movement that seems to have (at least temporarily) developed during this U.S. election cycle. It seems that good business relationships that are in the best interests of both nations will continue to be strong no matter the outcome of the upcoming elections, especially here in Yucatan.

Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?

At this writing, there are two storms that have recently come off of the coast of Africa and headed across the Atlantic. One is not expected to survive the crossing to the New World and probably will not matter to the Yucatan Peninsula, but scientists say the other one will slow down, then pick up speed again when it hits the Caribbean. This is the first time this year we have heard the words “potential hurricane,” so do get your hurricane plans in place – just in case. Read more about hurricanes in the Yucatan here and here.

34 Homicides Per Year in Yucatan

In one day, this past weekend, there were 39 homicides in nine states in Mexico. The worst incidents were linked to organized crime in Michoacan and Guerrero. A visit to the Gun Violence Archive for the United States, shows that there are approximately 88 deaths per day associated with guns in that country. With only 34 homicides per year, Yucatan seems a tad on the tame side, don't you think? All of us did our homework before choosing Yucatan as a destination, and the fact that it is the safest place we know of is a tremendous factor in our decisions to make Yucatan our adopted home.

Profepa Came Calling in Chelem

Someone tried to build several villas in Chelem without turning in an environmental impact statement. Then, to make matters worse, they cleared the property (yes – coastal dunes) of all of their vegetation and burned it. That activity warranted a visit from Profepa, the organization in Mexico that watches for businesses and individuals who are breaking the laws in business transactions. Profepa shut down the development, with little hope of things starting up again. We cannot stress enough the need to have trustworthy advisors when building or buying real estate in a foreign country, including Mexico. When starting any sort of business in Mexico, an expat should work with real estate agents and legal professionals who have built outstanding reputations over time. How to find those people? You can work with advertisers on websites like this one, because we know the people who advertise. Or ask the other expats you meet or see online.

Escuela de Verano en el Parque Verde Plants 400 Trees

Amazing things happen in Merida. First, children and adolescents are attending a summer school in the Green Park where they are learning more about caring for the environment. Second, government, civil and religious associations and organizations have come together to help the students at this special summer school plant 400 trees in this seven kilometer long public park. What a great start for these kids, and a great program by Merida's government. If only these kinds of organizations could work together peacefully around the world, perhaps the future of the planet would no longer be in jeopardy.

And Still They Come

Annually, up to 3,000 homes are sold in Merida to middle class and upper income families from other states in Mexico. They come because they no longer feel safe in their home states. They come because the companies they work for are moving to Yucatan. And they come because they can find affordable housing in Merida, along with good education for their children and a cost of living that improves the economic situation of the family. Some worry about the impact this will have on the culture and economy of Yucatan. That remains to be seen. Historically, however, Merida has always been able to assimilate new groups of immigrants and there is no reason to think that it will not be long before all of these new folks will be proud Yucatecos.

Registered Private Assistance Institutions in Yucatan

This past week, when six new civil organizations received their designation as registered Private Assistance Institutions, it brought the number of groups working on projects with significant social impact to 85. These 85 organizations now are making a difference in the lives of 50,000 people in Yucatan. These registered Private Assistance Institutions are not the only groups working to improve the lives of vulnerable populations in Yucatan. In fact, there are more than 800 organized groups working with vulnerable sectors, with 200 approved and these 85 having received the designation of Private Assistance Institutions. The government is currently helping more groups organize their associations so that they can also be registered and, thus, have greater access to resources that will allow them to help even more of Yucatan’s population.

Quebec International Offers Skilled Jobs in Canada

Quebec International is offering jobs, in Canada, to skilled workers throughout Latin America. Skilled workers are needed in manufacturing, industrial machinery, computer and telecommunication technology. Applications can be filled out and profiles built online through August 7 at www.quebecenlacabeza.com . The selection process will be held from August 29 through September 2. This will be an ongoing process that should eventually provide about 150 Canadian jobs for skilled Yucateco workers. If you know a Yucatecan looking for work in Canada, be sure to tell them!

Ecotourism May Not Always Be Safe

The state and federal governments have invested huge sums of money in ecotourism in Yucatan, and nowhere more so than in the Lizard House in Rio Lagartos. Currently, they are entertaining a new proposal that might need to be reconsidered. Those who are managing the crocodile population say that the 25 females there are laying around 700 eggs per year and 90% of the babies are surviving. They have floated the idea that they could try a type of lease program, in which the ecotourist pays $1,200 to $1,500 pesos for a baby crocodile. When the baby gets big enough to be dangerous, the owner can bring it back to the management area and exchange it for another baby, provided the one they have is in good condition. What do you think of this idea. Safe? Or a recipe for disaster?