Riots Lead to Police Standoff Due to Population's Electric Power Being Cutoff

March has been a rough month in Malacatan for the town which has had electric power cut off by The monopolized company of Energuat. Ongoing issues regarding with townspeople and the company have scrambled into a huge boycott which has led to riots throughout the city of angry families.

The first week of March 2014 Energuat sent out several employees to cut the power of entire towns which resulted roads being blocked off to prevent traffic from continuing. Once police were sent to clear the way  rocks and stones were thrown at police while they launched teargas at the rioters. Several injuries resulted from the incidents which included children and entire families.

Today March 13 2014 the mayor and Energuat have come to an agreement where a percentage of the ongoing debt will be paid off in an effort to restore electricity. Details will be released later this month.

Prisoners escape in San Marcos Guatemala due to Earthquake destruction

In San Marcos, Guatemala the prison has collapsed due to the earthquake on November 7th 2012 during the morning hours. The message has been broadcasted on television and radio in order to warn the population of the escaped prisoners.

They have been described as being dangerous and possibly armed, the police chief has warned to keep all doors and windows locked and secured to avoid unwanted entrees by the inmates. A helicopter has been dispatched to search for the escapees unaccounted for. Those who did not escape or who have been found are being transfered to the Quetzaltenango jail.

Earthquake felt in San Marcos, October 14, 2012

Earthquake felt early this morning in San Marcos, Guatemala, Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 10:41:24 UTC (roughly 5:41 A.M. in San Marcos)

The earthquake apparently was focused from Chiapas, Mexico and had a 51 mile depth and a 5.4 magnitude. According to the USGS NEIC.

Not an extremely dangerous strength but still scary for anyone who feels it and does not know how strong or weak it is. It was strong enough to wake me of my sleep. For additional information about this earthquake :
 http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb000d5nl.php#details

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.......

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.

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.

The Mall in Malacatan "La Trinidad"

The mall of Malacatan, San Marcos is located right at the town entrance/exit. You can find the largest supermarket in Malacatan along with a food court with many fast food spots. Banks, several stores to shop at and even an arcade. For a list and description,

 See The Mall La Trinidad.