Cozumel News April 4th, 2014: Environmentalist reports Ventanas al Mar to be in Violation, I Want Red Cross Because I get It Free, Cozumel Cruz Roja Bazaar, North Hotel Zone Construction to Move Forward, and Motor Vehicle Extends Time Period.
Environmentalist: Ventanas al Mar in Violation
Hotel ‘Ventanas al Mar’ situated at about Km 44, in the southwest part of the island received a citation on March 29th for destroying a sand dune to build a pool. The large amount of sand that had been removed from the coastal dune is a very serious matter because of the sea turtles that are due to arrive in that very area. The hotel is located in the Protected Natural Area, as an Area of Flora and Fauna.
The citation stated that upon the arrival of the inspectors, they found the project of building the pool almost completed, in spite of the fact that the hotel did not have the proper permissions by SEMARNAT, to remove the sand of that coastal dune, nor to carry out the construction of a swimming pool. It is assumed that the sand was moved to a hotel or beach club in the north or south of the island. The article did not state exactly what action was going to be taken against the hotel, nor did it mention fines or specific legal action.
I want the Red Cross because I get it free
Right after my article on Emergency procedures, and a great exchange in Facebook about the necessity to demand that ambulance drivers take you to the hospital of your choice, a video surfaced in the networks and Medias displaying an outraged Cozumel restaurateur demanding a different ambulance.
The accident occurred on March 29th, and although reported, for the purpose of this article, I am not naming names. The social media was outraged by the handling of the situation by police and public security present on the scene. The video, almost five minutes in length showed the restaurateur attempting to interfere with the care of the injured party pending the arrival of a Red Cross ambulance, making demands on the telephone, and giving orders, more or less “running the show.” Outraged citizens on the side of the injured party called the radio stations and commented on the internet.
In the video, the restaurateur admitted the blame for the accident, but stated a few times that there was nothing wrong with the injured man laying on the ground, even though the motorcycle was visibly damaged, gas was all over the ground, and his own vehicle showed damage created by the impact. In later articles, no mention was made of the condition of the injured party, only that all the damages had been paid by the restaurateur.
Outraged citizens accused the police of giving preferential treatment, normally; the party at fault is immediately arrested until he or she pays for all of the damages and signs an agreement to that effect with the injured party or their representative.
I want to take this opportunity to dwell deeper into the problem previously discussed about the ambulance services. The man on the video was right to a point; the Cruz Roja ambulance provides services for free, the other ambulances with hospital affiliations charge. So if money is an issue, it is which ambulance to call as well as what hospital or clinic to be taken to.
Then there is the issue of having an accident in a car or truck with a motorcycle. I have yet to hear of a case where they ruled for the vehicle, even in cases when the motorcycle ran into the car. My first advice is to be covered by insurance. If you do not have coverage, you must pay for the damage to the motorcycle, hospital and ambulance expenses, and missed wages due to injury.
Warning, while not rule of thumb, I have seen it happen that the private hospital ambulance takes the motorcyclist to the private hospital and tests of all sorts are performed on the cyclist that might or might not be injured. You will pay this bill in full before they are released from the hospital. In comparison, If a person has minor scrapes and bruises and just needs to be checked, general hospital would charge you under thirty dollars, while a private hospital will run you several hundred dollars.
You and your vehicle are detained until you either pay all the damages and/or sign an agreement to pay all the damages. This is the hospital bill that includes the ambulance ride, repair of their motorcycle, AND their anticipated loss of wages. There are no check stubs available to dispute the wages that are demanded.
All the above is also applicable for an accident with another car. However, at least with another car you have a fighting chance of proving your innocence if you are not at fault.
While this has happened to foreigners either living here or visiting here, it is the way the system here works. Locals face this same dilemma daily! If it is a matter of life and death, I believe the first ambulance there should take the injured party to the nearest qualified hospital, irregardless of the cost.
Cozumel Cruz Roja Bazaar
The Cruz Roja has scheduled their next gigantic bazaar for May 16 and 17th starting at 10 AM each day. Meanwhile, your donations of gently used clothing and shoes (no tears or rips), small appliances in working condition, bedding, towels, kitchen items, decorator items, furniture, tools, etc. will be greatly appreciated.
Please take your donations to Eli or Rosy at the Cruz Roja Clinic on Avenida 65 and Calle 25 Sur, anytime during the week between 8 AM to 2 PM or 5 PM to 8 PM. Kindly bag or box your donations and tape them closed. If you need your items picked up please call Martha at 871-9199.
North Hotel Zone Construction to Move Forward
On January 24, 2014 the company MD Architecture and Engineering, SA de CV initiated proceedings before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to get environmental permits to build the “Cabin Island Master Plan” with investment of 51 million dollars. The project consists of a building with 15 floors and 156 rooms. It is to be built on the grounds that was formerly known as “Cabañas Isla Cozumel”
The International hotel firm will build the Starwood Westin Cozumel Hotel, scheduled to open in the summer of 2016. This will be the first hotel built in Cozumel since 2007 when the Hotel Windham opened with 238 rooms (Now Secrets Aura).
More Hotels: More flights
The president of the Hotel Association of Cozumel, Tarriba Beatriz Tinajero said she was aware of the project and thinks that this investment will increase the diversity and variety of hotels on the island, making Cozumel more marketable to airlines who will in turn increase their number of flights to the island.
South Hotels Mentioned
In today’s news, in addition to a recap of the Westin Chain Hotel on the north hotel zone, mention was made of a possible Sheraton or Hilton hotel in the development complex Turquoise Bay. This is the one that is expected to have a residential area with some 90 condominiums.
Motor Vehicle Extends Period
In a very confusing article is Por Esto, it was reported that the Cozumeleño Community continues to take advantage of the discount on payment of motor vehicle taxes, title changes, and plate renewals after an extension by the Ministry of Finance of Quintana Roo.
March 31st was suppose to be “the last day marked by law for taxpayers to undertake the payments”, the date has been changed “to the end of the month”, as just over 50 percent of motorists had made payments.
Reports of crowds standing in long lines in the heat for hours have flooded the internet and media. Many complained that after waiting up to 3 hours they had been turned away because it was nearing closing time. The article did not make it clear if after the discount ends, penalties are imposed or the rates just go up to the normal amount. I wonder this because of the last minute madness as the 31st of March approached.
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