Los Mangos Library wrapped up its summer classes last week, the culmination of which was a play titled "Magic Lens" which was created from the ground up and performed by about 130 students on Friday. Now, the library has closed its doors for two weeks in order to do some maintenance, inventory, and statistics work. Los Mangos will re-open to the public on August 26th.
Mexicana Airlines Suspends New Flights
Mexicana Airlines has been involved in negotiations with its unionized employees such as pilots and flight attendants. The large airline announced last week that it was suspending the further sale of tickets in order to devote more time to the negotiations and to maintain consumer confidence. Mexicana went on to say that customers who have already purchased tickets will still be able to take their flights, and that new ticket sales will resume when an agreement has been reached with the employees' union. Mexicana covers mostly international flights; its two sister airlines, Mexicanalink and Mexicanaclick, will continue domestic operations as usual. If you have a Mexicana flight and have any questions, the company has set up a customer service line at 01-800-800-12010.
Same-Sex Marriages Validated
Last week, Mexico's Supreme Court of Justice validated marriages between same-sex couples, saying that the marriages don't violate the Constitution. This was in response to a law that was approved last December and went into effect in March allowing same-sex marriages and adoptions in Mexico City. That law sparked debate throughout the country, and led a number of states (including Jalisco) to not recognize the marriages. The Supreme Court also recently stated that all states will have to recognize the marriages. The Court will next turn its attention to the matter of adoption by same-sex couples.
Government Extends Health Care
The Mexican Ministry of Health announced Friday that it has extended health insurance coverage to about a million people a month every month so far this year. The Social Health Protection System was initiated in 2004 with a focus on creating coverage for low-income and rural families who weren't previously covered by other existing programs. The Ministry also said it has administered $5.1 billion pesos in funds from the System's "Catastrophic Spending Protection Fund" this year to subscribers, and that it has spent over $2.5 billion pesos fighting the H1N1 flu that slowed much of Vallarta's tourism last year. Speaking of the H1N1 flu, World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan recently announced that the pandemic is officially over.
Mexico's President Meets with U.S. Congressmen
President Felipe Calderon met this past weekend with a group of US Congressmen, led by Democrat Eliot Engel, the President of the Sub-Committee of the Western Hemisphere of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs. The agenda included discussions about the world economy, climate change, cooperation in migratory reform strategies, and the success and goals of the Mérida Initiative. That initiative, which was signed into law in June of 2008, is a cooperative plan between Mexico, the US, and Central American nations to fight threats of organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
PV Sailing Team Competes in the Mediterranean
Thirteen Puerto Vallarta women on the Dreadnought sailing team participated in the Copa del Rey Regatta held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain from July 31st through August 7th. Led by team captain Laura Legoretta, the Dreadnought was the only Mexican competitor of more than 90 teams from around the globe. Welcome home, ladies!
Plan How to Pay
PV Pulse would like to inform visitors that American Express Travelers Cheques are often difficult to use in Vallarta. After speaking with an American Express representative we were assured that they are accepted at the Airport and at various Banco Nacional de Mexico (Banamex) and Scotiabank locations, and when we called the airport office no one answered the phone. Many of the local American Express offices have closed in the past year, making it difficult for local merchants to accept the cheques as a form of currency. If you do plan to use Traveler's Cheques here, American Express advises calling ahead to be sure they'll be accepted, and if you cash them at a bank. We recommend sticking to using your ATM card, a credit card, or good old cash to make purchases around town. We previously reported on new restrictions involving exchanging US dollars here. Do you have any tips on the best way to spend a buck in paradise? Sound off on our Facebook page and you could be featured on PV Pulse as the Tip of the Week!
A Fresh Perspective on Murder Rates
According to an article published by the USA Today, statistics show the murder rate in Mexico in 2009 was actually lower than a decade prior. The numbers state that the majority of deadly violence so often mentioned in today's headlines happens primarily in nine of Mexico's 31 states, in places that are either close to the border or centers of drug production like marijuana and heroin. Murder rates per state show that the Yucatan has a rating comparable to Wyoming and Montana of only two per 100,000 people, while D.C.'s rate is nearly four times as much as Mexico City. While there are factors to consider other than than just the numbers, President Calderón has emphasized that the majority of violence in Mexico stems from drug-related incidents, and was recently quoted comparing the murder rates of tourist destinations in Mexico to that of many European countries. Click here to read the original article.
