The Cozumel Sun News January 5, 2018

Happy New Year’s everyone! So much to report since I have been out of commission for two weeks! Cozumel Carnaval 2018 News, Prepayment Discounts continue in Cozumel for Property Taxes and Trash Services,  many things in Cozumel News  and in Aurita’s Cozumel Corner.

Cozumel Carnaval 2018

Celebrate the 144th edition of the island of Cozumel’s Carnival! Cozumel “Carnaval” is recognized as one of the most important carnivals in Mexico and the Caribbean.  Cozumel Carnaval 2018 invites you to enjoy music, dance and fun in one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Dates:

Cozumel Pre-Carnaval 2018 January 13 to February 6.

Cozumel Carnaval 2018 February 7 TO February 13.

Cozumel Carnaval has released their schedule as detailed here. I will translate to English by next week. The parade days are Saturday, Sunday, and the big one on Tuesday (February 10, 11, and 13).

If you wish to own your very own Carnaval 2018 poster, they are available at Cozumel’s tourism office located on the second floor of the Plaza del Sol Building. That is the big yellow building in Benito Juarez Park, (Town Square across from the passenger Pier). Tables are now on sales for all the events.

Cozumel 2018 Early Payment Tax Discounts

2018 Predial Taxes (Property Taxes)

15% Discount if paid January 2nd – January 31st

10% Discount if Paid February 1st through the 28th

Contributors (owners) that are disabled, retired, pensioned, or hold INSEN or INAPAM credentials (Senior Card) a qualify for a 50% discount. Some restrictions and limits apply.

City of Cozumel 2018 Basura (Trash) Fees

The Discount for residential and commercial trash pickup charges for 2018 is 10% if paid between December 2017 and February 28, 2018.

Allocate your Business Taxes to a Cozumel Youth Athlete! The donation is tax deductible for businesses! If you have a business, you may deduct 100% of the donation from your city of Cozumel taxes. Here is a description of Cozumel’s Adopt a Champion Program. For more information on City of Cozumel Volunteer Opportunities:  https://www.thecozumelsun.com/volunteer-.

 Cozumel News Briefs and Updates

Cozumel acquired finger printing equipment last week. This was not replacement equipment; it was the first finger printing equipment ever.  I had no idea Cozumel Law Enforcement did not have access to this equipment in the past. Serious crime such as murder is rare on the island specially in comparison to other cities.

On January 3 vessel, named “Arrecifes II Dus”, sank in the waters of Cozumel in front of Playa Corona. The boat is owned by Cozumel Scape Corporation SA de CV,
The eight tourist and two crew members were rescued; no injuries were reported. So far the causes of the accident is unknown, and an investigation into the incident is pending.

The owner of the sailboat “Lady Arisha” has renounced his rights and has left the country, washing his hands of the task of removing the sail boat without further damage to the reef. One article stated that an individual has volunteered to take on the task of removing the sailboat from the reef and that the owner transferred the rights of the sailboat to this individual to cover the operating expenses, fines and other requirements before the federal port authority.

On December 9, this 52-ton vessel ran aground in front of the pier due to weather conditions. The cost involved in removing the boat will be very expensive. The port authority confirmed that there is a risk that the boat has damaged the reef, but ruled out that fuel and oil are a problem. because they have already been controlled.

The upside is that locals and visitors  have taken advantage of the scenery to take photographs and videos that they share on social networks as one of the attractions of the island of Cozumel

 

There were two tragic drowning deaths in Playa San Martin last week. We lost two tourists last week with a third party injured.  A tourist did not heed the red flag and entered the water to swim, a young man lost his life trying to save her and a third person was injured. Do not enter the water when a red flag is exhibited.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of heeding  the warning flags placed on beaches on the other side of the island. The most experienced and strong swimmers in the world cannot compete with the strong currents. Cozumel has lifeguards on duty, however, the lifeguards do not have the motorized equipment that is needed to reach a swimmer caught in a strong current in time.

Swimming on the “Other Side” of Cozumel

When swimming anywhere on the island it is important that you observe the rules and stay inside the designated swim zones. There is a lot of boat traffic from cruise ships, ferries, fishing, snorkeling, and other waters ports. It is always a good practice to swim with a buddy or in an area that is patrolled by a lifeguard. When on the other side, you have to contend with Rip Current and strong waves.

DO NOT GET IN THE WATER if there is a no swimming (RED FLAG) advisory. Always swim within eye sight of a lifeguard incase of an unexpected current or medical emergency.

RIP CURRENT

The simplest thing is to observe  for just 2 minutes  before entering the water. These two minutes can save your life.

It you see an  ocean wave void (like in picture ) do not attempt to go into the sea. This is call Rip current. It is very strong and will pull you further into the sea (ocean).

Please share to warn your family and friends!

 

Aurita’s Cozumel Corner

 

I want to thank each and every one of you that donated clothing and other articles to our garage sale, that donated to our PayPal account, that made cash donations, that advertised in The Cozumel Sun. All of you together made it possible to accomplish so much in 2017 and make a difference to so many. It would not have been possible without ALL of you! Thank You one and all!

 

 

Update on Brandon’s Eye Surgery:

Brandon has had follow-up appointments in Playa and with your help is now wearing glasses and his eye has improved drastically. His eye no longer turns completely in his head. His mom promises to come by soon so may show off his new glasses. Members of the Service in English at Ebenezer Church graciously signed the family up for their monthly food bank.

 

 

Christmas Toy and food Drive:

Nine children of five families received Christmas and Three Kings Day Gifts. We took a group to the movies, and fed over 25 at Christmas.

Fireman’s Family:  Our neighbor, a Cozumel Fireman was left widowed when his wife died of complications from diabetes in December. The girls were included in the toy drive (ages 4 years and 12). Another neighbor purchased the girls’ clothing. Members of the Service in English at Ebenezer Church also graciously signed this family up for their monthly food bank.

Fincas Family:  We once again provided the annual Food Basket for the Family of Four and six months’ worth of dog food, cat food, and bird feed for their chickens and turkeys.  Both children are included in my Toy Drive. Mom works for us  three hours per day Monday through Friday to ensure there a steady income for food. Dad is an albañil (cement worker) and has gaps in between assignments. We did not have enough money to help them with materials that he needs to complete a bedroom and a kitchen area that he is working on. The four of them live in one room with a bath.

 

We were able to spread your generosity throughout the year with meals, housing, groceries, school supplies, school fees, as people reached out to us. We donated to the earthquake victims, and a few medical emergencies. Our family once again visited the Senior Home at Christmas and delivered adult diapers and a sweet treat for the nuns and residents. We scaled back this year on the donation to the senior home, they are doing wonderful with the support group that is caring for them.

Update on my son Bartolo Martinez Martinez: His wrist is mending well; the rods will be in place at least another month. Unfortunately, we are having trouble with his elbow. We think when we went to Cruz Roja for low cost x-rays the technician pulled the elbow out of socket. He has been in serious pain since then, and attempts to get it back in without surgery (and more expenses that we cannot afford) have failed. The Doctor that has been attending him at San Miguel will be trying again tomorrow but at General Hospital.  They will be administering anesthesia, repositioning the elbow and placing another cast on him.

Update on My Operation: I was to have surgery on the 26th of December,. I fasted and arrived at the hospital prepared to face the music. IMSS hospital had an emergency and have rescheduled my surgery for January 18th. Sorry for the delay in getting this issue out, my brain was still in recovery!

Sun Garage Sale: Now collecting for after the Holidays Distribution and Sales: Please keep donating the items you do not need, drop it off anytime day or night, or call and we will pick up!

Our Neighborhood Store: Need Office Supplies, copies, printing, laminating, internet access? Give Papeleria Mama Lilly your business!  Store proceeds go towards helping a local family become self-sufficient.  Located with The Cozumel Sun Offices in my home at 35 Avenida Sur Entre Calles 17 & 15 Bis Colonia Independencia.

Again, our home houses The Cozumel Sun Office, Papeleria Mama Lilly Store, our Collection Center and Garage Sales. We are located at #1081 35 Avenida Sur between Calles 17 and 15 Bis. Colonia Independencia.  Anyone outside of the island can donate to any of our projects through The Cozumel Sun via PayPal.

 

My thanks to all of you once again for a successful and productive 2017. May you and yours prosper in good health, happiness, love and blessings from above in 2018!