Cameras are being installed on the streets due to the higher crime rate lately, including homicides, robberies, carjacking, and purse or jewelery snatching. They will be aimed towards the central park of Malacatan and surrounding areas.
This is a commonly crowded area where events are usually held and take place during the day and throughout the night. Concerts, rallies, daily market stalls, are a few of the things which are held here regularly. For the future, plans to expand security cameras throughout the rest of the town are being discussed.
2012/08/22
Police presence requested for recent murders
Recent homicides taking place in town have residents worried and demanding a higher police presence.
Usually there is one or two patrol vehicles for the whole town. Within the last week there have been 3 murders believed to be robberies, since then several more patrol cars have been in the area, as well as some military on foot.
Funeral ceremonies are being held throughout the week. It involves closest of kin carrying the casket through the town streets all the way to the cemetery. At the same time, someone on a loudspeaker mentions the person and who they were. Anyone who knows them may attend the ceremony and show their respects.
Usually there is one or two patrol vehicles for the whole town. Within the last week there have been 3 murders believed to be robberies, since then several more patrol cars have been in the area, as well as some military on foot.
Funeral ceremonies are being held throughout the week. It involves closest of kin carrying the casket through the town streets all the way to the cemetery. At the same time, someone on a loudspeaker mentions the person and who they were. Anyone who knows them may attend the ceremony and show their respects.
2012/08/17
Importing vehicles into guatemala
Importing guidelines for cars and trucks into Guatemala have gotten stricter over the past several years.
After an attempt this month for bringing in a 1996 Honda Civic from the United States, I was told it would not be allowed into the country. The reason being that it was more than ten years old. This means I would need to find at least a 2002 model of a vehicle if I wanted to bring it in.
After talking with some locals they have told me it has been that way for a while, but has not been enforced until recently. So my car is being shipped back into the United States and I have no idea what happens then. For right now it's just a waiting game until I can reach the customs offices about it, I think it will remain here in the Guatemala port for a time period of 15 - 20 days before action is taken.
After an attempt this month for bringing in a 1996 Honda Civic from the United States, I was told it would not be allowed into the country. The reason being that it was more than ten years old. This means I would need to find at least a 2002 model of a vehicle if I wanted to bring it in.
After talking with some locals they have told me it has been that way for a while, but has not been enforced until recently. So my car is being shipped back into the United States and I have no idea what happens then. For right now it's just a waiting game until I can reach the customs offices about it, I think it will remain here in the Guatemala port for a time period of 15 - 20 days before action is taken.
2012/08/16
Borders being patrolled for contraband
Several checkpoints near the border have been setup in an effort to prevent contraband from entering Guatemala from the Mexican side. Police have seized over Q10,000 ($1400) worth of miscellaneous goods this morning so far. Some of the products include cooking oil, detergent, and packaged junk foods like chips and cookies.
Fines are being given in amounts of up to Q5,000 on a case by case basis. The majority of smugglers are bringing in the contraband because of it's low prices on the Mexican side of the border. Since the Mexican currency of Pesos have lost value versus the Guatemalan currency of Quetzal, there is even more money to be made during this time.
Fines are being given in amounts of up to Q5,000 on a case by case basis. The majority of smugglers are bringing in the contraband because of it's low prices on the Mexican side of the border. Since the Mexican currency of Pesos have lost value versus the Guatemalan currency of Quetzal, there is even more money to be made during this time.
2012/08/12
Fighting for Electricity
The population of Malacatan San Marcos and other neighboring towns of San Marcos are fighting for their electricity. Locals have recently put together a rally in the front area of the DEOCSA electricity provider offices of San Marcos arguing the right to have electricity, without having to pay.
With less than 20% of the population actually paying the bills for what they use on a regular basis the electric provider is fed up. Mainly being businesses and corporations who pay their way, other small villages with debt of up to several years, have been cut off. Since they don't have a separate power supply per individual home, and they are all setup to the same source, one cannot be removed without all of them being left in the dark.
That is where the problem lies, 1 in 5 homes on average are actually paying , but they are punished along with the others. There have been rumors of a plan that a one time monthly fee will allow families to use unlimited electricity. However, no action has taken place. Apparently there are not enough funds to cover costs of setting up an individual supply of power for separate homes.
The last time DEOCSA attempted a removal of electric power to the population, several of it's employees became victims of aggressive violence and some were showing up dead throughout the country, this may be why they have thought long and hard before doing it again. We'll see what happens this time.......
With less than 20% of the population actually paying the bills for what they use on a regular basis the electric provider is fed up. Mainly being businesses and corporations who pay their way, other small villages with debt of up to several years, have been cut off. Since they don't have a separate power supply per individual home, and they are all setup to the same source, one cannot be removed without all of them being left in the dark.
That is where the problem lies, 1 in 5 homes on average are actually paying , but they are punished along with the others. There have been rumors of a plan that a one time monthly fee will allow families to use unlimited electricity. However, no action has taken place. Apparently there are not enough funds to cover costs of setting up an individual supply of power for separate homes.
The last time DEOCSA attempted a removal of electric power to the population, several of it's employees became victims of aggressive violence and some were showing up dead throughout the country, this may be why they have thought long and hard before doing it again. We'll see what happens this time.......
Deadly viruses from mosquitoes spreading more than usual
The Dengue Virus is showing up way more than it should this summer in Guatemala. Several dozen cases have been reported throughout the country, along with a few deaths as well. It has been shown as breaking news for the past few days, with officials warning residents to exercise caution outdoors, especially close to still waters, where they may thrive and breed.
The virus is one of the deadliest mosquito spread viruses which cause high fevers, disorientation, nausea , dehydration, diarrhea, and excruciating pains in the bones and muscles, to name a few.
Mosquito spread viruses have also been on the rise in Dallas county Texas of the United States this year, with over 200 cases so far, and 9 deaths as of 8-11-2012. Except it was West Nile virus there, but it is still very dangerous and deadly. I wonder if this is going to be happening worldwide..?
The virus is one of the deadliest mosquito spread viruses which cause high fevers, disorientation, nausea , dehydration, diarrhea, and excruciating pains in the bones and muscles, to name a few.
Mosquito spread viruses have also been on the rise in Dallas county Texas of the United States this year, with over 200 cases so far, and 9 deaths as of 8-11-2012. Except it was West Nile virus there, but it is still very dangerous and deadly. I wonder if this is going to be happening worldwide..?
2012/08/11
Feeling hurricane Ernesto
Although hurricane Ernesto is passing by the northeast area of Guatemala but we are feeling it in the South West side of Guatemala's Pacific coast. It is bringing more rain and winds than many locals claim to have seen for a few years. I admit it is a nice change to the hot weather felt regularly.
Farmers are also welcoming the rains with open arms, since crops will thrive with the extra help. Farming, being one of the leading industries of the country, should see a decent increase in profits on the southern coasts as long as the weather continues and is not too strong it does damage.
Farmers are also welcoming the rains with open arms, since crops will thrive with the extra help. Farming, being one of the leading industries of the country, should see a decent increase in profits on the southern coasts as long as the weather continues and is not too strong it does damage.
2012/08/02
Town Market
Find yourself many different Guatemalan gifts for yourself and souvenirs to take home with you at the town market. Sort of like a huge flea market, you can find anything in there. In Spanish it is called "El Mercado".
See the Town Market.
See the Town Market.
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