Search results matching tag 'Announcements'

May 18th Trade Recyclable Materials for Native Plants

435836 — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:46:00 GMT

Solidaridad presents Kilo Verde Recycling Exchange Program!

Bring your recyclables and exchange them for indigenous plants! The program will be held Saturday, from 9:00am - 1:00pm in the Mision del Carmen neighborhood between Mision del Carmen and Mision Santa Fe Streets. For more information please visit the Solidaridad Environment page on Facebook.

Animal Welfare Reform Coming to Quintana Roo?

435836 — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Over the past few days, I have been helping to solicit online signatures for a campaign to reform the current animal welfare laws in Quintana Roo. As many of our readers are English speakers, we have had the document translated so that everyone can keep up to date with these initiatives and, hopefully, lend their support to this movement. The petition is somewhat lengthy but worth reading through in its entirety.

If you have not already signed the petition, I urge you to do so. The wheels of change here turn slowly. Yucatan State recently enacted new legislation for animal protection and see no reason why Quintana Roo should not follow their lead. Lend your name to this cause HERE.

Thank you to Lisa Love Juliot for translating this for me on such short notice.

______________________________________________________________

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF INITIATIVES IN QUINTANA ROO:

1. REFORM THE STATE ANIMAL WELFARE AND PROTECTION ACT

2. CRIMINAL CODE PENALTY FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY

The law for animal protection, as it is written now, for the State of Quintana Roo, is obsolete because it does not address the general concern for the many situations arising from interactions between humans and animals which our society calls for change, based on a legal framework consistent with reality. Thus, aware of the need for legislation to ensure and guarantee the fundamental rights of all living beings, we presented October 4, 2011 the proposed reform initiative to the law for Animal welfare and protection to Quintana Roo, which was recently analyzed by the body of the Congress of Quintana Roo and given permison be presentes as a draft opinion and may be voted on next month in May of 2013.

This initiative aims to:

-Have an ethical, inclusive and applicable law.

-To promote good Government practices that are efficient, responsible and congruent with the use of public resources.

-Involve the State's intervention in different levels of Government.

-Promote a participatory society among citizens.

-Count on budget allocations for the implementation of the law.

-Convert Quintana Roo into a destination at the forefront in the field of animal protection.

This reform includes among other proposals:

1. Elimination of the method of electrocution as a population control for dogs and cats and replace it with permanent, massive, extensive, systematic and free sterilization programs.

2. Incorporation of Animal welfare and protection content in the State educational system.

3. Prohibition of shows that promotie animal abuse.

4. Prohibition of the sale and exploitation of animals in public.

5. Regulation of the use of working animals.

6. Creation of a Fund as well as a Board of Trustees for Animal welfare and protection.

7. Regulations on the transfer, trade, alienation, capture and slaughter of animals.

The State of Quintana Roo requires legislation that is directed towards an improvement in animal protection and an initicative that will require its correct application and enforcement of all proceedings of municipal regulatory adjustments to infiltrate the daily conduct of all sectors.

Similarly we asked them to decide the "Iniciative of Animal abuse in the criminal code of Quintana Roo" because violence against animals is a tool of reliable prediction of interpersonal violence, animal cruelty is therefore a clear indicator of violence and abuse of people and an indicator of crimes that can be committed in the future against the society; proof of this is in the study presented in May of 2004 by the Secretary of Public Security for the Federal District Government, which pointed out that 87% of criminals, thieves and sexual predators, admitted to having burned, hanged or stabbed animals. Therefore, it is a fact that these acts of violence are not separate, but they are part of a cycle, proven by the FBI, which has a unit dedicated to studying this connection and to use as evidence for predictive purposes and research. These studies should serve to alert authorities, teachers, social leaders and parents, about the importance of animal cruelty as a potential indicator of dysfunctional family relationships and future antisocial and aggressive behavior against people.

In this way, we seek to go one step further in the administrative modernization of the State, by looking for the most suitable legal mechanisms to achieve the purposes that we have set for acting fairly according to the legal framework and with all measures within our reach, to satisfy the demands and needs of the population.
Therefore, we ask that both initiatives be decided next month, May 2013, and that you "vote in FAVOR" of them so that these inicitavies are not left behind by yet another administration and so that we can generate the long-awaited changes that our society demands.

SINCERELY

COMMUNITY OF QUINTANA ROO

To:
Manuel Jesus Aguilar Ortega, Delegate
Lark Maribell Herrera Pavón, Delegate
Luis Alfonso Torres Llanes, Delegate
Leysdi Soledad fleet Medina, Delegate
Marylin Rodriguez Marrufo, Delegate
Juan Carlos Pereyra Escudero, Delegate
Lourdes Bautista leydi Pech, Delegate
Jorge Enrique Elias Nahim Aguilar Cheluja
Leslie Berenice Baeza Soto, Delegate
Patricia Sanchez Carrillo, Delegate
Demetrio Celaya Cotero, Delegate
Mariana Anahi Aranda Arjona, Delegate
Cristobal Castillo Novelo, Delegate
Oscar Alfredo Velázquez pillar, Delegate
Linda Saray Cobos Castro, Delegate
ENA Miriam Gamboa, Delegate
Armando Palomo Miguel Gomez, Delegate
Telma Yolanda Cervera Villanueva, Delegate
Mauricio Morales Beiza, Delegate
Lucelly Marianela Roldán Carrillo, Delegate
Ramon Loy Enriquez, Delegate

Mr./Mrs. Delegate, on behalf of my family, I want to have an ethical, comprehensive, operable law and a consistent, efficient and accountable use of public resources by the Government to promote: the sterilization of dogs and cats, animal welfare education, responsibility and care of pets, the application of sanctions for animal abuse and neglect, as well as the participation of the State and society.

This initiative aims to:
-Have an ethical, inclusive and applicable law.
-To promote good Government practices that are efficient, responsible and congruent with the use of public resources.
-Involve the State's intervention in different levels of Government.
-Promote a participatory society among citizens.
-Count on budget allocations for the implementation of the law.
-Convert Quintana Roo into a destination at the forefront of the field of animal protection.

This reform includes among other proposals:

1. Elimination of the method of electrocution as a population control for dogs and cats and replace it with permanent, massive, extensive, systematic and free sterilization programs.
2. Incorporation of Animal welfare and protection content in the State educational system.
3. Prohibition of shows that promote animal abuse.
4. Prohibition of the sale and exploitation of animals in public.
5. Regulation of the use of working animals.
6. Creation of a Fund as well as a Board of Trustees for Animal welfare and protection.
7. Regulations on the transfer, trade, alienation, capture and slaughter of animals.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Explayarte Presents "Les Misérables" at Xcaret - April 17, 18 & 21

435836 — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:41:00 GMT

On April 17, 18 and 21, Explayarte is proud to present Les Misérables in the Foro Abierto at Xcaret! This full scale musical production, directed by Shane Southcott, will feature a live orchestra and a cast of over 80 of Playa del Carmen's most talented performers.

Les Misérables is an award-winning, critically acclaimed musical, based on the French historical novel of the same name by French poet and playwright Victor Hugo. It was first published in 1862 and is considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The story follows the plight of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread. Valjean's character is loosely based on the life of Eugène François Vidocq, an ex-convict who became a successful businessman widely noted for his social engagement and philanthropy.

Along the way, Valjean becomes a force for good in the world but, relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, cannot escape his criminal past. He and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists make their last stand at a street barricade.

Featuring the songs “I Dreamed A Dream”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More” and “On My Own” – Les Misérables is the show of all shows. Seen by more than 65 million people in 42 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, it is still breaking box-office records everywhere. It is now an Academy Award winning major motion picture with a star studded cast including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway.

Curtain time will be at 7:30pm sharp. Tickets are available at Explayarte (tel. 859-3201), Italianis Pizza (Centro Maya), The Italian Coffee Company (Plaza Las Américas) and El Gran Taco (across from Centro Maya). Until April 17th, tickets are available at the promotional price of 220 mn per ticket or 2 for 380 mn. Tickets will also be available at the Xcaret Box Office the evening of the performances. If you enjoyed the movie, don't miss this opportunity to see Les Miserables performed LIVE!

Please, support the arts in Playa del Carmen!

Have a Safe Spring Break on the Riviera Maya

435836 — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT

What Should I Know about Spring Break? - A Message from the US Consular Office in Playa del Carmen

Over 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas throughout Mexico for Spring Break each year. While most enjoy their vacation without incident, a small number are arrested, become victims of crime, or even die. Using common sense will help you avoid trouble.

Here are some of the basics:

You need a passport if you travel by air. When you enter Mexico the immigration agent will give you the bottom portion of the immigration form you filled out on the plane. This is your visa. Do not lose your passport or visa; you'll need both to leave Mexico.
Whether you travel to Mexico by land, air, or sea, you are entering a foreign country and are subject to the laws and regulations of Mexico.
Before you leave the United States be sure to activate international roaming for your cell phone so you are able to make and receive calls during your vacation here.
Excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican authorities. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring Break. Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities. The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction.
Leave your gun, bullets and knives at home. Mexican law imposes harsh penalties for bringing as few as one bullet across its borders.
Read through the Country Specific Information sheet for Mexico. There is a wealth of information about everything from water sport safety to renting a car to common scams.
Read "Spring Break in Mexico - Know Before You Go!"
Register with us at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Phone home periodically to let your family know where you are and that you're ok.
Crimes (to include rape) commonly but not exclusively occur at night or in the early morning hours, and often involve alcohol and the nightclub environment. It is important to travel in pairs or groups, be aware of surroundings, and take general precautions. To protect against property crimes, valuables should be left in a safe place or not brought at all. If you are detained, arrested, or become a victim of a crime, immediately notify the U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Cozumel or the U.S. Consulate General in Merida. Our contact information can be found at our U.S. Citizen Services.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable vacation!

For more information and to address specific issues contact:
Samantha Mason
US Consular Agent
Tels: [52] (984) 873-0303
Fax: [52] (984) 873-0481
Emergency Cellphone: [52] (984) 807-8355
E-mail: playausca@hotmail.com

"The Palapa"
Calle 1 Sur, entre Avenida 15 y Avenida 20
77710 Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo

Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Dates Set for 2013 Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

435836 — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 18:37:00 GMT

Organizers of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival have released the concert dates for 2013. This year's festival will be held November 28 - 30, 2013 at Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival brings together music lovers of all kinds and combines the best selection of famous jazz musicians worldwide with the breathtaking view, relaxed atmosphere and culture of Playa del Carmen. Three nights of great tunes under the moonlit sky, on the beach, for free... what more could you ask for!?

Stay tuned for more information....

February 16 Round Table Discussion for the Cultural Development of Solidaridad

435836 — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Make your voice heard at the discussion of the cultural development of Solidaridad County, Quintana Roo!

The group discussion will take place Saturday, February 16 at 9am at Cafe Andrade, located at 20th Avenue and 8th Street in the city center. Topics included will be the naming of the member leaders of the cause, planning the activities agenda, ad strategy planning for the first open forums that will begin on March 2 at 11am.

OHL Classic at Mayakoba Moved to November

435836 — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Mayakoba, together with officials of the PGA TOUR, announced today that Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event will move to November as the event joins the new fall portion of the PGA TOUR FedExCup schedule. The next edition of the tournament is slated for the week of Nov. 11 - 17, 2013.

For more information, visit www.ohlclassic.com.

As a result of the scheduling change, the event now boasts its own unencumbered date on the PGA TOUR calendar affording any PGA TOUR player, regardless of world ranking, the opportunity to compete in Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event should he meet qualifying criteria and wish to play. Previously the tournament had been held in February opposite the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, prohibiting the top 64 players in the world from enjoying the chance to compete at Mayakoba.

Additionally, officials announced an updated name for the event which will now be known as the OHL Classic at Mayakoba to reflect the commitment of tournament title sponsor and resort developer, OHL Developments.

"We are honored to continue as host of Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event and extremely pleased to now have our own week on the TOUR schedule," said Andres Pan de Soraluce, CEO of OHL Developments, owner and developer of the Mayakoba Resort. "In many ways a new era has been born for this tournament and we are excited about our new date and look forward to a bright future. We are confident the 2013 tournament will be a signature event for Mexico and for golf worldwide. As always, we are eager to share the beautiful Mayakoba resort as well as the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions with the best golfers in the world and an international television audience."

As part of the announcement, officials also unveiled an increase in the total purse to $6 million USD guaranteeing the winner will earn a check of more than $1 million USD. The OHL Classic at Mayakoba will continue to offer the largest amount of prize money of any golf tournament in Latin America, a distinction it has held since its inception in 2007.

With this new date, the tournament will continue to be a part of the season-long FedExCup competition and will now distribute a full allocation of FedExCup points. In addition to a winner's check of $1.08 million USD, the champion will also earn 500 FedExCup points. Previously, the event awarded 250 points to the first-place finisher.

"The OHL Classic at Mayakoba has been a favorite tournament of many PGA TOUR players the past six years," said Andy Pazder, Chief of Operations for the PGA TOUR. "In this new unencumbered date near the start of the season, all TOUR players will now have an opportunity to experience the world-class Mayakoba Resort and its challenging El Camaleón championship course. We are grateful for OHL's partnership and look forward to the continued growth in stature of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba."

The OHL Classic at Mayakoba made golf history when the tournament was first conducted in 2007, becoming Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event. A six-year contract extension was announced in November 2011 which will keep the tournament part of the PGA TOUR landscape through the 2018 season, representing a total commitment of 12 years by the PGA TOUR to Mexico.

In addition to the commitment of the PGA TOUR to Mexico through 2018, today's announcement also assures the continued worldwide television and media presence of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. As the only PGA TOUR event scheduled for the week of Nov. 11-17, 2013, the golf world will be focused on Mexico. The event boasts more than eight hours of television coverage and is broadcast to more than 200 countries around the globe, providing Mexico and its Riviera Maya and Cancún regions with unprecedented exposure to an affluent global audience.

OHL, a multi-billion dollar construction and development company based in Madrid, Spain, serves as the tournament's primary sponsor after developing the Mayakoba resort as a tourism complex. Included in the award-winning resort are three luxury hotels and the tournament venue, the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón Golf Club. Further development at Mayakoba will see the construction of two additional luxury hotels and the creation of a second phase of the property which will ultimately feature a second championship-caliber golf course and additional hotels and real estate properties.

 "We are proud that all the hard work the past six years has been recognized by the PGA TOUR, the players and the community as we start a new chapter for this tournament with our own date," said Joe Mazzeo, Tournament Director of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. "We look forward to a new era of PGA TOUR golf here at Mayakoba and making the 2013 tournament a truly special event."

Through its first six years, the OHL Classic at Mayakoba has donated nearly $1.5 million USD to local, national and international charities. In an effort to grow the game of golf in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions, the tournament created Golf PARa Todos, or Golf FORE Everyone. The one-day golf clinics are held throughout the year. The community event aims to create a fun-filled, diverse and educational program that teaches about the game of golf and its ideals.

In February 2012, PGA TOUR rookie John Huh outlasted Australian Robert Allenby in a thrilling and record-setting eight-hole, sudden-death playoff. With more than $2.6 million in 2012 earnings, defending champion Huh is a strong candidate for 2012 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year. 2007 saw PGA TOUR veteran and fan favorite Fred Funk win the inaugural OHL Classic at Mayakoba when he outlasted Argentina's Jose Coceres in a two-hole sudden-death playoff. Other champions of the event include Brian Gay (2008), Mark Wilson (2009), Cameron Beckman (2010) and Johnson Wagner (2011).

Through six years, Mayakoba has welcomed some of the biggest names and most accomplished players in professional golf. Among the event's past participants are: Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, K.J. Choi, John Daly, Jason Day, David Duval, Bill Haas, J.B. Holmes, Charles Howell III, Fredrik Jacobson, Lee Janzen, Jerry Kelly, Matt Kuchar, Tom Lehman, Graeme McDowell, Greg Norman, Jose Maria Olazabal, Rory Sabbatini, Brandt Snedeker, David Toms, Scott Verplank, Bubba Watson, Boo Weekley and more. Since its inception in 2007, 12 Mexicans have participated at Mayakoba. An 11th place finish by Esteban Toledo in 2008 marks the best performance by a Mexican player in the event's history.

For further information about the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, please visit www.OHLClassic.com.

Notes on Napkins - A New Website for Playa Foodies!

435836 — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Taking the time to enjoy local cuisine on your vacation gives you a greater understanding and appreciation for the culture of the country you're visiting. Food is one of the best ways for people to interact across cultural divides and discover a commonality. The Riviera Maya is unique to other destinations in Mexico in that its cuisine is a cacophony of flavors and ingredients brought in from all across Mexico and from around the globe. Here you can find everything from Yucatecan cochinita pibil to Oaxacan mole to Venezuelan arepas, Indian tika masala, Italian pizza, Spanish tapas, crepes, thai, sushi, and more!

How will you decide where to eat? How will you know what and where all the choices are? A new website will help you navigate through the culinary cornucopia that Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya has to offer. On Playa Food can search alphabetically, by price, cuisine and location. You can find the restaurant on a map and even leave a rating and a review to help future diners! Check it out at http://www.PlayaFood.com.

The "Copa Riviera Maya" Regatta in Puerto Aventuras

435836 — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:03:00 GMT

January 31 to February 3, the 2013 "Copa Riviera Maya" Regatta will take place, hosted by the Sailing Club of Puerto Aventuras.

Michelangelo Pani, President of the Mexican Windsurfing Association, reports that there will be 170 boats and 200 sailors from all over Mexico participating in this event. Child, Youth and Olympic sailors will compete in the categories of Optimist, Olympic Laser, Veleros 420 and Olympic Level Windsurfing. This will be the first event of the Circuito Nacional de Vela 2013. In these four categories, there will be qualifying heats for upcoming State, Regional and National competitions for 2013.

Young sailors from 8 to 11 years of age, or those weighing under 45 kilos, will be competing in the Optimist class, which is the formative level. The Optimist is the vessel traditionally used to teach the basics of sailing. Upon graduating from this class, either by age or by weight, youth sailors pass to the Olympic class of their choice, either in Windsurfing or the Laser class. Sailors can then continue their training, working to become elite athletes or as recreational sailors. Likewise, the 420 class, in boats for two helmsmen, is formative training for Olympic class vessels with a sailing crew of 2 or more.

To close the event, Natalie and the Foxes will be performing LIVE at the Puerto Aventuras Cultural Center starting at 7pm. Food and beverages will be available. Admission is 80 pesos. Tickets are available at the Colonos office or at the door.

This event has the official endorsement of the Mexican Sailing Federation, the Mexican Association of Optimist Sailors; Mexico Laser Association, National Association 420, Mexican Association of Wind Surfing and Cojudeq. Regatta sponsors include the PA Fideicomiso, Nissan Cars, the Colonos, the Playa del Carmen municipal council, City Club, Coca Cola and the PROA Sailing Association.

KKiS Needs Volunteer Readers! Can You Help?

435836 — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:01:00 GMT

For the past couple of weeks, KKiS (Keeping Kids in School) has fallen way short of the number of folks they need to help teach English to first, second and third graders at Pelopides School. Yesterday they had only eight people, roughly half of what's needed.

Would you please consider volunteering to help them out? It's only an hour, on Wednesday afternoons, and it's a fun an rewarding experience. The kids eagerly look forward to it, and it's a shame to see them disappointed.

Need more info? Need a ride? Contact Gayle (sgcollins@charter.net, Janet (jlowepots@gmail.com), or Trish (pyoungstrum@gmail.com).