World Health Organization, Influenza A(H1N1)

Listen to today's audio of the Influenza A(H1N1) World Health Organization press briefing. [mp3 50 Mb] with Dr Keiji Fukuda, Assistant Director-General ai, Health Security and Environment.

For the most current and updated information please visit the WHO website at www.who.int/en/

One Journalist’s View of Mexico

One Journalist’s View of Mexico

By Linda Ellerbee

Sometimes I’ve been called a maverick because I don’t always agree with my colleagues, but then, only dead fish swim with the stream all the time. The stream here is Mexico.

You would have to be living on another planet to avoid hearing how dangerous Mexico has become, and, yes, it’s true drug wars have escalated violence in Mexico, causing collateral damage, a phrase I hate. Collateral damage is a cheap way of saying that innocent people, some of them tourists, have been robbed, hurt or killed. But that’s not the whole story. Neither is this. This is my story.

I’m a journalist who lives in New York City, but has spent considerable time in Mexico, specifically Puerto Vallarta, for the last four years. I’m in Vallarta now. And despite what I’m getting from the U.S. media, the 24-hour news networks in particular, I feel as safe here as I do at home in New York, possibly safer. I walk the streets of my Vallarta neighborhood alone day or night. And I don’t live in a gated community, or any other All-Gringo neighborhood. I live in Mexico. Among Mexicans. I go where I want (which does not happen to include bars where prostitution and drugs are the basic products), and take no more precautions than I would at home in New
York; which is to say I don’t wave money around, I don’t act the Ugly American, I do keep my eyes open, I’m aware of my surroundings, and I try not to behave like a fool.

I’ve not always been successful at that last one. One evening a friend left the house I was renting in Vallarta at that time, and, unbeknownst to me, did not slam the automatically-locking door on her way out. Sure enough, less than an hour later a stranger did come into my house. A burglar? Robber? Kidnapper? Killer? Drug lord?

No, it was a local police officer, the “beat cop” for our neighborhood, who, on seeing my unlatched door, entered to make sure everything (including me) was okay. He insisted on walking with me around the house, opening closets, looking behind doors and, yes, even under beds, to be certain no one else had wandered in, and that nothing was missing. He was polite, smart and kind, but before he left, he lectured me on having not checked to see that my friend had locked the door behind her. In other words, he told me to use my common sense.

Do bad things happen here? Of course they do. Bad things happen everywhere, but the murder rate here is much lower than, say, New Orleans, and if there are bars on many of the ground floor windows of houses here, well, the same is true where I live, in Greenwich Village, which is considered a swell neighborhood — house prices start at about $4 million (including the bars on the ground floor windows)..

There are good reasons thousands of people from the United States are moving to Mexico every month, and it’s not just the lower cost of living, a hefty tax break and less snow to shovel. Mexico is a beautiful country, a Special place. The climate varies, but is plentifully mild, the culture is ancient and revered, the young are loved unconditionally, the old are respected, and I have yet to hear anyone mention Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, or Madonna’s attempt to adopt a second African child, even though, with such a late start, she cannot possibly begin to keep up with Angelina Jolie.

And then there are the people. Generalization is risky, but— in general — Mexicans are warm, friendly, generous and welcoming. If you smile at them, they smile back. If you greet a passing stranger on the street, they greet you back. If you try to speak even a little Spanish, they tend to treat you as though you were fluent. Or at least not an idiot. I have had taxi drivers track me down after leaving my wallet or cell phone in their cab. I have had someone run out of a store to catch me because I have overpaid by twenty cents. I have been introduced to and come to love a people who celebrate a day dedicated to the dead as a recognition of the cycles of birth and death and birth — and the 15th birthday of a girl, an important rite in becoming a woman — with the same joy.

Too much of the noise you’re hearing about how dangerous it is to come to Mexico is just that — noise. But the media love noise, and too many journalists currently making it don’t live here. Some have never even been here. They just like to be photographed at night, standing near a spotlighted border crossing, pointing across the line to some imaginary country from hell. It looks good on TV.

The U.S. media tend to lump all of Mexico into one big bad bowl. Talking about drug violence in Mexico without naming a state or city where this is taking place is rather like looking at the horror of Katrina and saying, “Damn. Did you know the U.S. is under water?” or reporting on the shootings at Columbine or the Bombing of the Federal building in Oklahoma City by saying that kids all over the U.S. are shooting their classmates and all the grownups are blowing up buildings. The recent rise in violence in Mexico has mostly occurred in a few states, and especially along the border. It is real, but it does not describe an entire country.

It would be nice if we could put what’s going on in Mexico in perspective, geographically and emotionally. It would be nice if we could remember that, as has been noted more than once, these drug wars wouldn’t be going on if people in the United States didn’t want the drugs, or if other people in the United States weren’t selling Mexican drug lords the guns. Most of all, it would be nice if more people in the United States actually came to this part of America (Mexico is also America, you will recall) to see for themselves what a fine place Mexico really is, and how good a vacation (or a life) here can be.

So come on down and get to know your southern neighbors. I think you’ll like it here. Especially the people.

Swine Flu Watch

In light of recent health concerns related to travel to Mexico, Akumal Direct remains focused on what is - and always has been - of primary importance to us: the safety, comfort and security of our guests, staff and the residents of Akumal.

Clients arriving prior to May 15, 2009 have been given the option to reschedule their reservation without penalty.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not “swine flu”; any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. At this time the Mexican Secretariat of Health urges people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons may decrease the risk of exposure. In addition, the following prevention tips are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

As of today (according to Yucatan government officials) there have been zero cases of swine flu in Yucatan state.

For the latest information on the Swine Flu outbreak, please consult the State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov, the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the WHO website at www.who.int.
The U.S.-based call center for U.S. citizens can be reached from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: www.usembassy-mexico.gov.

Akumal Direct cannot predict what will happen next in this constantly evolving situation; however, we are committed to acting quickly and decisively to enhance client safety and take necessary steps to support customers through this uncertainty.

Please be sure to let us know if you have any questions or concerns and thank you for choosing Akumal Direct Reservations!

The Akumal Direct Staff
www.AkumalDirect.com
Toll Free at 877-489-6600

Book Now and Akumal Direct will provide the Travel Insurance!

We want you to be excited about your visit to our little paradise. No worry, no hassle! For that reason, Akumal Direct is now offering free travel insurance to all new reservations confirmed by May 15, 2009. Some black out dates do apply. Email us today for more information!

Protect your vacation! Choose travel insurance! www.csatravelprotection.com.

A note from Lucy's Kitchen

Many of you know Lucy’s Kitchen, best known for homemade ice cream and shrimp tacos! We have been in Akumal Playa for over seven years now. We’ve grown up and out of that location, and have moved to a bigger place in Akumal Pueblo!

"Lucy’s Too" is now open in the old ‘Restaurant Hafet y Jamed’. It is located halfway up the hill on the main street, on the right side (the old roasted chicken place!). The bridge should be open very shortly so getting there will be a short and easy jaunt from the old location.

We offer the same menu as we had at Lucy’s Kitchen, but will be adding charcoal grilled items, soups, salads, bringing back the popular Pad Thai, and more. Of course Lucy’s famous homemade ice cream will be available for dessert!

No more trips next door for beer! We have a full selection of icy cold beers, as well as wine and some fabulous tropical cocktails!

Our low season hours are 11 to 5 from Monday to Saturday.

We are excited to be offering a new refreshing option for dining in Akumal - look for dinner at Lucy’s Too this coming summer high season!!!

Please remember – we are STILL open for homemade ice cream at Lucy’s Kitchen in Plaza Ukana in Akumal Playa (opposite the crafts/fruit & veggie palapa)! Hours are currently 9:30 to 5 for ice cream. We have a good selection of flavors by the quart for you to take home.

THANK YOU for your support and encouragement over these past years – your word of mouth recommendations, your positive reviews…and your donations for animal rescue.

LUCY’S TOO , Akumal Pueblo 984 137 9713
LUCY’S KITCHEN, Plaza Ukana I, Akumal Playa 984 127 6791

Thank you!
Lucy James

Happy Earth Day from Akumal Direct

Make Earth Day Matter!

Dive Festival added to Akumal 50th Anniversary Celebration

Divers plunge into the festivities on May 30th as part of a three-day celebration to commemorate 50 years since Pablo Bush Romero first arrived in Akumal, Mexico, on an expedition to the Matanceros shipwreck.

Divers on Akumal’s reefs find schools of fish like they have never seen before!

Among those reefs and fish, divers can search for treasures during the Pablo Bush Romero Dive Festival! The Akumal Dive Shop has already donated a Technisub compact pro mask ($175.00 value), Aqua lung new sling shot fins ($225.00) and Aqua lung titan regulator ($500.00), as well as a complimentary hat and t-shirt for every participating diver. Those are treasurers worth the hunt! And we'll be getting more prizes before the divers hit the water.

For a deco stop, a featured speaker will share diving trips that most divers can only hope to experience.

In the evening, divers and friends will gather at the Lol Ha beach bar to claim their treasurers, carry their buddy for 100 feet for more treasures, show their C-cards to find the oldest among them, and engage in other antics.

This will be a dive festival like Akumal has never seen before! Book your flight, and reserve your dive times with the host dive shops -- Akumal Dive Center and Akumal Dive Shop. Check the dive festival details! And be sure to get to Akumal on May 30th!

Ed Blume
CEA volunteer and Communications/Outreach

Celebrating Akumal's 50th Anniversary

As many of you know, we are celebrating Akumal 50th anniversary on the weekend of May 29-31, 2009. In order to make this celebration successful for the Akumal Community and its visitors, we’ve organized a group to coordinate this special event and our goal is to attract more visitors to Akumal in this low month May and June.

We would like to share with you all the fun stuff we are planning (please see list below). However, to be able to realize all these activities we need funds to cover the expenses. Therefore we very much depend on your collaboration. One of our coordinator will be visiting you at your business to respond any questions you might have on the details of this event. If you prefer to send your donation you are welcome to drop it off at TSA with Mariana. Thank you!

May 29th – Friday

1.- Fun for kids Theater and Puppets
Location: Akumal Stage
Sponsered by: Akumal community, funds needed

2.- Akumal Through the Years “Hace Medio Siglo”
Digital Photographic displays from guests, residents, and
friends
Location: CEA info center Presentation of audio visual
Sponsered by: Lol-ha

3.- Akumal Party and Bazaar
DJ Hix Opening of the night with Music and screen display announcing all the business sponsors of this event.
Salsa Music Band and Salsa Dance performance
Rock Band
Drinks and food by local restaurants.
Bazaar from the local boutiques and stores.
Location: Plaza Ukana Stage
Sponsored by: Akumal community, funds needed

May 30th - Saturday

1.- Diving – Treasure hunting
Location: Akumal Dive Shop and Akumal Dive Center
Sponsored by: Akumal Dive Shop and Akumal Dive Center

2.- Pirate Games for Children, treasure hunting, Learn the History of Akumal and the Ecology.

3.- “Matanceros Expedition“ night
Sale of “Under the Waters of Mexico” book by Pablo Bush Romero
Sale of limited edition replica of the Matanceros Cross.
Beach BBQ with live music – tickets include picnic style dinner
on the beach with beer, margaritas, or wine.
Concert to follow at the Lol-Ha snack bar–Cash bar.
Location: Lolha Beach and Snack Bar Happy Hour at Lolha and presentation of the PBR museum Artifacts in game room.
Sponsored by: Lol-Ha

May 31st - Sunday
1.- Sunday Fishing tournament with beach activities and live music, Sand Sculpture contest and Volleyball tournament.
Location: Akumal Bay
Sponsored by: Akumal Dive Center and CEA-POBAK

The above are the schedule of the events. Time to be announced!

The following are the different ways that your company or you yourself can help to participate in Akumal 50th Anniversary Event. We ask and need your support to help make this a very positive and successful event for the whole Akumal Community.

Your participation is greatly appreciated.

EVENT SPONSOR $500

CORPORATE SPONSORS
Akumal Gold US$800
Akumal Silver US$700
Akumal Bronze US$600

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
Benefactors $400
Patrons US$300
Friends US$200
Donors US$100

Through out the community there will be banners and flyers listing all sponsors of this event.

Sponsors:
Akumal Dive Center
Akumal Dive Shop
TSA
Lol-Ha
CEA
Corona

Contributor, Akumal Businesses:

Locogringo
La Buena Vida / Vista del Mar
La Cueva del Pescador
Que Onda
La Lunita Restaurant
Condominios Playa Caribe
Akumal Real Estate
Super El Pueblito
Turtle Bay Bakery
Ixchel Boutique
La Galeria
La Calaca
Akumal Villas
Akumal Direct
Akumal Rentals
Galeria La Manai
Lucy’s kitchen
Imelda’s good food
Mexico Maya
CaribeCondo
Bill & Tulsa
Caribbean Fantasy
Heartz Car Rental
Las Casitas Akumal
Las Villas Akumal
Hacienda de la Tortuga

Looking forward to hear from all of you!

Sincerely,

Akumal 50th Anniversary Coordinators

Ingrid Datica, Laura Bush, Ed Blume, Juan Antonio Huerta,
Miguel Angel Maldonado, Gerardo Orozco, Monica Estrada,
Claudia Flores, Jimkrid Chirinos, Mariana Galindo , Isela Pech, Jesus Perez, Marcy Essy, y Sandy Bartosh

Tel. 984 875 9030 – 31 -32 -33
Email: Ingrid@akumaltravel.com
Email: Laura@hotelakumalcaribe.com

Water World Day 2009

As part of our celebration to commemorate World Water Day, The CEA, in coordination with CAPA (Comision de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado) and the children of Akumal, painted a mural on the new pumping station on 19 March. The painting depicts the hydrological cycle of water.

Over the last three years, CEA’s Water Quality Program carried out an evaluation of the sewage treatment in Akumal to understand the kind of treatment being used in the area, for both the coastal and town sections of Akumal. We found that 49% of the treatment being used in North Akumal is done using artificial wetlands, 27% with just septic tanks and 5% using treatment plants. We did not have access to the rest of the houses. In Akumal Pueblo, we found that in Phase 1, people have sewage, but not all of the houses are connected to the system, and in Phase 2 the people do not have sewage lines. This year, we want to extend the area of research to South Akumal, and conduct a census from Akumal Beach Resort to Bahia Principe, to determine how wastewater is being treated.

With the results of the diagnosis we will be able to determine the activities that we need to promote with the community and the government in order to ensure that all of the sewage is being treated, thus not reaching the underground rivers and eventually the reef.

Now, CEA and CAPA (the state water commission) are doing a census in Akumal Pueblo to find out which houses are not connected to the existing system and we are looking for money to help these people pay for connecting their house. We are working with the Friends of Yal Ku Lagoon and the Yucatan Environmental Foundation to set up a trust fund that will offer micro-credits to low-income households. These funds will be matched by the Mexican state and federal government water agencies. The local program has been named "Hook a House."

NY Times Op-Ed Re: "Violence in Mexico"

Op-Ed Contributor: The Mexican Evolution
By ENRIQUE KRAUZE
While we bear responsibility for our problems, the caricature of Mexico being propagated in the United States only increases the despair on both sides of the Rio Grande.

It's a boy! It's a boy!

Travel warnings in the media for Mexico.

In light of recent travel warnings and media coverage on travel to Mexico, we want to give you a clear idea on exactly what’s happening and which areas of the country this is affecting. The following is a letter written by the president of CEO Mexico in response to this issue and how it affects tourism to the Mayan Riviera which runs along Mexico’s Caribbean coast:
I am writing you this email to address any concerns you may have about the safety of your groups, clients or family traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.


I have seen some of the news reports coming out of the U.S. and they are really doing our destination a disservice. While there are problems in some parts of Mexico, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are as safe as they have ever been for tourists.
The violence that is being reported is very real, but it is primarily along the Mexican border with the U.S. The 5 major drug cartels in Mexico are at war with each other and with the federal authorities leading to more than 1,000 dead just in this year. Those being killed are drug dealers and traffickers of rival factions as well as authorities who are trying to bust up the cartels. It is a very dangerous place to be and I do not recommend anyone travel to these areas.
I do want to make you aware that there was a major military operation in Cancun several weeks ago. A retired high-ranking military general was contracted by the Major of Cancun to head a task force to curb the influence of the cartel in our area called Los Zetas. Soon after his arrival to Cancun, he, his bodyguard, and another companion were kidnapped and murdered. As the police were unable to solve the crime, and it seemed some crooked cops may have been involved, the military came in to clean house and oversee the investigation. They were successful in a very short time to capture 6 suspects believed to be the murderers along with millions of dollars and a cache of serious weaponry. Some of the weapons were police issue in fact leading to the detention of the Chief of Police who is now being interrogated in Mexico City for his role in enabling and protecting Los Zetas. Having achieved their mission and at the same time dealing a major blow to the cartel, the military presence in the area is reduced. Tourists during this period were only inconvenienced by strategic military roadblocks and extra patrols.
While I know it may be risky to reveal the dirty laundry of a resort destination, please keep in mind that Cancun has a population of 1,000,000 people and the Riviera Maya another 500,000 people and violence per capita is lower here than what you may find in Phoenix for example. Have you heard of any travel warnings to Phoenix? Thought not.
The U.S. media is guilty of painting Mexico with one broad brush. I was outraged yesterday morning watching Fox News interview two college-age spring breakers asking them how they dare to still go to Cancun with all the killing in Mexico. If there were major gang wars in Chicago would you not go to Florida because of it?
If you need more convincing that this destination is safe, my sister, brother-in-way and two nieces just left Saturday morning after a tremendous week-long vacation. Do you think I would let them come if it was in any way dangerous for them to do so? I will also be happy to connect you with any and all of my clients that have been here in 2009 if you need further assurance.
Friends and clients, please know you are welcome and safe in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Sincerely, John Nedeau
President
CEO Mexico
john@ceo-mexico.com

This is a map of where the main problem areas are in relation to the Riviera Maya.


As you can see the problem areas are almost on the opposite side of the country from the Riviera Maya. The affected areas are very dangerous indeed and we most certainly reiterate John Nedeau’s words in saying that it is absolutely not safe to visit these US/Mexico border towns at this time. The State Department also re-iterates these warnings about this area. You can read their comments of the US Department of State website http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html . Fortunately these areas are a long way away from us.
On a personal note, I live full time in the Akumal area and have been living here for 3.5 years now. Day to day we are seeing absolutely no effects of this drug cartel violence in the area. Everything continues as it always has with people on vacation enjoying the sun, warm Caribbean Sea, and the world class beaches. John Nedeau mentioned an incident around Christmas time. The only effects that we saw of this was a bit of a traffic jam heading into Playa del Carmen as the military were doing some checks. This is something that they do as standard anyway now and again so we didn’t know anything about it until we read about it afterwards. I feel very safe living in this area and of course living in such a beautiful place means my family and friends come and visit all the time. If I thought for a second that there was any risk to the safety of my family and friends I would certainly not let them visit, and to be honest if I thought that there was any risk to my own personal safety I wouldn’t stay there either. As with anywhere in the world, as long as you stay away from rough areas with drugs and prostitution you will be absolutely fine.
If you would like to talk to any of us about this in person, please don’t hesitate to call us here at Akumal Direct on our toll free number 877-489-6600.

More information can be found at:

Travel Industry Wire: http://www.travelindustrywire.com/article37650.html
Mexico Premier: http://www.mexicopremiere.com/?p=983
Mexico Tourism Board: http://www.visitmexico.com/wb/Visitmexico/Visi_Home
US State Department: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html