Yucatan News: DNA and Ceremonies
Quintana Roo in New Time Zone (With Conditions)
At 2:00 AM on Sunday, February 1, 2015, clocks will change in Quintana Roo. At that time, the time in Quintana Roo will be the equivalent of Eastern Standard Time in the United States and Canada. However – this is a one-time-only shift forward in time. Quintana Roo is not going to use Daylight Saving Time. When everyone else turns their clocks back in the Fall, Quintana Roo will not be changing with them.
Yucatan Courting United States Business Investments
The State Government of Yucatan is putting together a plan to show American businessmen the advantages of investing in this state. These plans include guarantees, as well as information on attractions and public safety. There is an amazing array of areas of interest and all are now on the cutting edge of their fields. These include: education, science, technology, medicine, manufacturing, and import/exports. New railroad access, along with updated port facilities, bring Yucatan into the energy field, as well as do wind farms and renewed interest in solar energy production. Even agriculture, including horse and cattle ranching are growing industries in Yucatan. Overall, the future looks brighter than ever and everyone here believes that investments in Yucatan are some of the best in the world.
Tzucacab: Maya Ceremony May Disappear
Every sixteen years, a priest of the ancient Maya tradition officiates at a ceremony asking the gods to take care of the land, the animals, and the people who live in the area. This ceremony is called the “jetz lu’um.” The priests note that there are two reasons for a noticeable decline in the continuation of these ceremonies. First, the ceremonies are sixteen years apart and their story is not being passed down from one generation to the next. Second, the supplies for the ceremonies cost money that the rural poor cannot afford. When these situations are combined, we are lucky that there is renewed interest in all things Maya on university campuses. Modern research into the old ways may be what saves many of the customs of the ancient Maya, including the “jetz lu’um.” We certainly hope to be here for the next “jetz lu’um,” in January 2031.
Merida: Business Coalition Against Climate Change (CECC)
It is, indeed, a new millennium in Yucatan and the wonders we have seen in just the past few months are almost beyond belief. Legal representatives for companies in six industries have come together to form the Business Coalition Against Climate Change. In each of these industries, the companies that have signed as members of the CECC must already be doing business in an environmentally responsible manner, as well as being willing to contribute further to developing mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as contributing to public education on the topic of climate change. These industries include: pork, cement, salt, wheat, Bepensa (Coca Cola), and electrical services. The coalition will be collaborating with environmental specialists from Universidad Marista. This is the first coalition of its kind in all of Mexico and we are extremely proud that it began right here in Merida. Estado de Yucatan, in the 21st century, has already defined itself as socially and environmentally responsible. This will let new businesses know to stay away if they don’t share those values, or that the welcome mat is out to those who do.
DNA Advances
The Genetics Laboratory of the Attorney General of the State of Yucatan has almost completed the genetic profile of the population born in the state and throughout the peninsula. The project only seeks to identify populations, not individuals. In fact, no individual information was even asked for from the participating subjects. The end result will be invaluable in the justice system, as well as in the field of health care. Comparisons between Yucatan’s population and that of other countries can provide a wealth of information for all branches of science. Missing persons can be brought home and genetic diseases can be caught early enough for treatment. There are so many ethnicities on this peninsula and understanding their minute fractional DNA has far-reaching implications. Every step we take brings us closer to understanding who the people of Yucatan are and how they came to be. Of course, there are fun facts in DNA as well. When Jessica Alba, the American actress, had her DNA profile done, she discovered that she is descended from the Maya!
Yucatan: Disease Statics are In and Down!
It seems that Yucatan is winning the war on more than a few diseases, not in the least of which is dengue fever. In 2013, there were 2,835 cases of dengue fever in Yucatan. That number dropped to 1,059 in 2014. According to authorities, much of this drop can be attributed to the efforts of the people to keep clean their patios, walkways, and the insides of their houses. The climate itself is having an effect on more common respiratory diseases. Overall higher temperatures seem to have significantly reduced the number of colds. Authorities still recommend flu shots to keep that disease at bay. Chlorination at water treatment plants and wells have significantly reduced the number of cholera cases in the state as well. This year, Mexico is making the polio vaccine mandatory. This is one disease that has not appeared in Yucatan in many years, but it is welcome news that, with vaccination, it never will again. While diabetes and obesity are still a significant health problem in Yucatan, the overall health report is positive and getting better all the time.
Cancun: 3D Pet Protheses
There is a company in Cancun (Impresiones 3D Cancun) that manufactures 3D printers. The owner, Alejandro Martin Canul, says that the market for 3D pet prostheses is greater in Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City because they have more pets and more people who can afford the $400 peso price for producing these prostheses but, since they are so far away, this idea might catch on in Cancun. $400 pesos!? Is that all? Never underestimate the love that Yucatecos and expats have for their pets, or what they are willing to pay to improve the quality of life for a disabled pet. Be sure and ask your vet if he or she has looked into getting a 3D prosthesis for any of their patients who need one, and ask at the shelters and animal aid organizations too. You can find Alejandro Martin Canul on Facebook.
Fundraiser for Medical Bills of Bruce Pit Bull
As evidence of how well loved Yucatan’s pets really are, we are passing on the story of Bruce the pit bull. Bruce has a curable cancerous tumor, but his family needs help to pay for the five rounds of chemotherapy he will need. A local pit bull club (El club Ko'okMeyajYetel le Pitbull) has decided to host an event as a fundraiser. The following information details what will be going on:
Fundraiser: Chemotherapy Expenses for Bruce the Pit Bull January 25, 2015
Competitions: Confirmation, Pulling Weights (up and level), vertical jump, and stalking prey.
Location: Parque “Los Cantaritos,” Calle 59 por 42, Fraccionamiento Francisco de Montejo
Time: This will be an all day event
Admission: Free to the public, donations deeply appreciated. Fees to enter for pit bulls (per event entered): $50 pesos until the 22nd, $70 pesos from the 22nd through the 25th.
Exciting Week in Hunucma!
This past Sunday, 5,000 people filled the streets of Hunucma as the Virgin of Tetiz made her annual pilgrimage the few miles from her home in Tetiz. She will remain in Hunucma for two weeks before making her way the 8 km back to Tetiz. Just two days prior to the arrival of the Virgin, the Ministry of Rural Municipal Development arrived in Hunucma, where they went house to house until they had given out 6,000 vouchers for 10 baby chickens each. The chickens themselves were distributed on Tuesday. These chickens will add 60,000 sources of food to families in Hunucma, either as food or as a source of eggs. Either way, this visit of the Virgin of Tetiz is beginning on a high note and more good things are to come.
