Yucatan News: A Blind Man and Marching Bands
Four Seasons a Day Continues in Yucatan
Those who are unfamiliar with Yucatan’s weather tend to assume it is always hot and humid because of its location. Such is not the case. The weather, in Yucatan, is usually thought of in terms of the dry season and the rainy season, but long-term expats tend to think more in terms of the weather they experience on a daily basis. This brings us to the often heard quip from expats that Yucatan most certainly does have four seasons (summer, fall, winter and spring) and they have all four seasons every single day! This is what is happening in Yucatan right now, with daytime temperatures hovering near the 100 degree mark and overnight lows dropping to around 70 degrees. If that sounds like paradise to potential expats, there is another lament among long-timers: “You just wait until your blood thins out.” Yes, you too will be cold at 70 degrees. There’s another norte coming, which has prompted headlines of a battle between the heat and the sea breezes. Neither ever wins for long, but one thing is certain… if one has to do battle with cold, Yucatan is certainly the place to do it.
Hurricane: Advanced Planning Underway
All of us have heard really good old sayings, such as: “Plan for the worst and everything else is a breeze.” When it comes to hurricanes, planning for the worst case scenario happens early in Yucatan. This past week, a whole range of government agencies from the federal to the municipal levels met and worked out their strategy for dealing with hurricanes, from early warnings to rescue and restoration. This comes a full month and a half before hurricane season even begins. So many times potential expats ask us “But what about hurricanes?” If we look surprised, as if hurricanes are not real high up on our worry list, it may be that we live in a state that takes its duty to civil protection seriously. Many thanks to Unidad Estatal de Protección Civil (Procivy) and del Organismo de Cuenca Península de Yucatán, de la Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua) for their attention to even the smallest detail when it comes to hurricane safety. We'd also like to add that there is a reason Merida is 30 miles inland. Being inland makes surviving hurricanes a whole lot easier!
Valladolid & Cozumel Now Sister Cities
On April 22, 2013, Valladolid and Cozumel became sister cities. The agreement stipulates a tourist route between the two that includes Tulum. This agreement is for the relationship to be more than just about tourism. The two cities also will participate in cultural exchanges in an effort to draw the two states, Yucatan and Quintana Roo, closer together. The two administrations were careful to point out that this is not a relationship designed to enrich either’s political coffers. Instead, the focus will be on a series of exchanges between the two cities, as well as building and maintaining goodwill between them. Yucatan Living congratulates both of these fine cities. We are certain this relationship will bring great things to the entire area.
400 Jobs at Uman Job Fair
The Jobs Day program is new and these events will be carried out across the state. The goal of Jobs Day is to bring employers and potential workers together to facilitate the job search process and to fill contract jobs. It is also to let workers know what kinds of training programs are available. This past week, a Jobs Day was held in Uman and it was revealed that 400 jobs were available in that area alone. These are good jobs that will allow workers to support their families. In addition, the Governor of Yucatan signed an agreement of cooperation between the state government, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of the State (STPS) and the Centers for Juvenile Integration (ICJ) for the purpose of encouraging and supporting self-employment. As we all know, it is these small owner operated businesses that form the backbone of the economy in Yucatan and their success is key to the health of the local economies throughout the state. Our congratulations to all of the employers and workers who participated in Uman’s very successful Jobs Day. We are certain that this program will continue to be a success across the state.
Successful Health Clinic in Progreso
This past week, a free screening health clinic was held in Progreso, specifically to serve the needs of two areas of the city but open to the general public as well. Organizers expected about 700 people and were surprised when over 1,000 showed up! Tests were conducted for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, HIV, cervical cancer and even malaria. Obesity information, as well as health education on many other topics, was given to the people as they begin their journey toward a healthier lifestyle. These free clinics are one of the best weapons against chronic illnesses and the people deeply appreciate the care and information they receive. With a new, statewide push toward preventing diseases of all kinds, this is a great beginning.
High Bail for Environmental Crimes
Tuesday of last week, three local men were arrested in Cozumel with three queen conch in their possession. Due to budget cuts, the area in which the conch were caught had not been marked as a protected area, nor had management of the area begun. Nevertheless, the three men were charged as poachers of a protected species. Their bail was $75,000 pesos each on a charge of environmental crimes. Please do let this be a warning to everyone. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Know the rules of the water for the area in which you are fishing and abide by them.
Proyecto Itzaes Needs Your Help
In 2012, Great NonProfits.Org rated Proyecto Itzaes as one of their Top Rated Non-Profits of the year. They would love to be able to earn that rating again and possibly a $20,000 award to continue and expand their programs. What they need is for all of us to take a few minutes to post a review of their work on Great NonProfits.Org Reviews. Proyecto Itzaes provides educational resources for villages in Yucatan by building sustainable community service programs that promote family-centered learning and respect for the Maya culture. Their featured programs include: Books Without Borders, Diabetes Prevention, Computer Literacy, Oral Histories Project, Biointensive Gardening, and College Scholarships. What we like best about Proyecto Itzaes is that its programs are not simply temporary bandages that cover a problem. Instead, they help people with real programs that have a real and immediate impact on their daily lives. Our congratulations to Proyecto Itzaes for winning this award in 2012 and we hope everyone will go to Great NonProfits.Org to give them a review for 2013.
War of the Marching Bands
As we get closer to the end of the school year (July 12 this year), there are going to be more and more contests between schools. One of these contests will be the Battle of the Bands. For those of our readers who are former band parents, or band members, we want you to know that school music programs are thriving in Yucatan. If you are here during May and June, please do watch the papers for news of concurso de bandas de guerra, please do go out and support these young people whenever you can. This contest has begun for 2013 and congratulations go to the marching band at escuela secundaria general Antonio Mediz Bolio for being on top at the intermediate point.
Back to Work for a Blind Man
Tizimin: Venancio Choc May is legally blind but still manages to earn a small income using his triciclo to sell bread. The elderly man was recently involved in an accident that was not his fault but the municipal police confiscated his triciclo just the same. This past week, Venancio received the support of relatives, neighbors and friends, each saying what a good man he is and what an asset he is to the community. It was particularly heart warming to hear the Police Commander, Federico Cuesy Adrián, comment that it would be inhuman not to return the elderly man’s only mode of transportation to ply his trade. This is yet another example of the work ethic of Yucatecos and the remarkable degree of encouragement given to those who are differently-abled in this culture.
Fundraiser Held for Sick Child in Ucu
This past Sunday, there was a cookout held in Ucu for the benefit of a three year old little boy who has a brain tumor. He and his mother will be traveling to Mexico City for treatment during the week of May 13 through 18. We often hear of very sick children being taken to La Raza, the IMSS hospital in Mexico City. We are used to hearing of the excellent care they receive there. What we did not know is that, while their transportation and care are paid for by IMSS, the daily expense stipend is woefully insufficient. This mother and son, for example, will receive only $65 pesos per day. Imagine trying just to feed two people per day, and one of them a sick child, in Mexico City for five days on $65 pesos per day! Whenever you hear of one of these fundraisers, do try to go out and support their efforts. In this case, all of our best wishes, thoughts and prayers go with little three year old Óscar Millán Sonda and his mother, Mariela Gisel Sonda Magaña, on their journey to La Raza, as well as to his father, Luis Millán Aké, and his 10 year old sister who will remain behind in Ucu.
