Oaxaca seeks emergency declaration to get help fighting 14 fires

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April 23, 2019

Fires are devouring the Chimalapas jungle of Oaxaca.

As 14 forest fires burn out of control in Oaxaca — one has burned through 1,000 hectares of pine forest in the Chimalapas jungle — Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat has called on the federal government to declare an emergency.

In a press conference on Monday, Murat said the state government has reached the limit of its ability to fight the fires and asked the federal government for additional equipment and resources to limit the damage being caused.

He said Oaxaca has seen 172 forest fires destroy 9,196 hectares so far this year. Last year, the state was ravaged by 129 fires that burned 19,600 hectares.

State Forestry Commission director Aarón Juárez said the fires are being fought along five major fronts at Cerro La Fortuna, Cerro Azul, Monte Ricos, San Miguel Chimalapa near the Oaxaca-Chiapas border and near El Mirador.

Serious fires have also been reported near San Pedro El Alto, Zimatlán, La Carbonera, San Pedro Tezocoalco, San Pedro Tenango, San Pedro Quiatoni and San Pedro Teituila. The director added that the areas that have been most affected are the Mixteca region, the central valleys and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Juárez said 100 state and federal firefighters are working to control the 14 wildfires, but the intensity of the fires, bolstered by hot weather, have made it hard for such a small force to be effective. As well, high winds have limited the state’s ability to use helicopters against the fires.

Source: Milenio (sp), La Jornada (sp)

Technology at the fore for 30,000 who attend Jalisco Talent Land

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MND Staff

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April 23, 2019

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A previous edition of Talent Land, which is on this week in Guadalajara.

More than 30,000 people are expected to attend a wide range of activities at this year’s edition of technology expo Talent Land, which started yesterday in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Pablo Antón, cofounder of Jalisco Talent Network, said Talent Land offers something of interest for all tech lovers and that technology companies will be on the lookout for young talent to join their ranks.

More than 2,000 links between companies and potential employees were established at the 2018 event and the goal this year is to exceed that number, Antón said.

As in past editions, there are seven sections: Agro Land, Business Land, Blockchain Land, Creative Land, Developer Land, Gamer Land and Iron Land.

Agro Land, a joint initiative between event organizers and the Jalisco government, makes its debut at Talent Land 2019. Its goal is to educate attendees about the current use and potential of technology in agriculture.

In other sections, there is ample opportunity for attendees to not only watch, listen and learn about a broad range of technology topics but also participate in a variety of competitions.

Robot-sumo fights, drone competitions, video game tournaments and a massive hackathon are among the hands-on activities on offer. An attempt will also be made to break the record for the world’s largest mathematics class.

The roster of speakers includes Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media; chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov; Mexican scientist and astronaut Rodolfo Neri Vela; inventor Manuel Gutiérrez Novelo; eccentric television scientist Beakman; and the science and mathematics educator known as Julioprofe.

There is also a stage called Talent Woman where female tech leaders will share their stories about working in the industry and offer advice to the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Talent Land is one of Mexico’s premier technology events while host city Guadalajara is often described as the country’s Silicon Valley because of its large number of high-tech companies.

The event is being held at Expo Guadalajara, a huge convention center west of the Jalisco capital’s downtown. The five-day event concludes Friday.

Source: El Economista (sp)

Trans-isthmus railway plan a ‘pipe dream,’ says shipping agents group

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MND Staff

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April 22, 2019

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The trans-isthmus corridor. — The development of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec could be significant for Mexico's growth. (Archive)

The notion that a rail project across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec between Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, and Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, can compete with the Panama Canal is a “pipe dream,” according to the president of the Mexican Shipping Agents Association (AMANAC).

Cristian Bennett Lira said that at least 200 trains a day would have to run between the two port cities in order for it to be able to compete with the 105-year-old United States-built feat of engineering that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans across the Isthmus of Panama.

“. . . The idea of using a trans-isthmus service to compete with the Panama Canal, as has been mentioned on multiple occasions during the past 40 years, is a pipe dream,” he said.

Establishing a trade corridor that spans the shortest distance between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico is a priority for the federal government, and 1.1 billion pesos (US $58.4 million) was allocated in the 2019 budget to the modernization of the rail line between the two ports.

“We’re going to reactivate the multimodal interoceanic corridor that has been on hold since the opening of the Panama Canal. In the times of [former president] Porfirio Díaz, there was a lot of activity crossing goods but since the opening of the canal, [the route] lost importance and it was left to one side,” said Rafael Marín Mollinedo, government chief of the trade corridor project.

He added that the government of Singapore has signed a contract to collaborate on the project and that more details will be announced in the coming days.

Bennett acknowledged that the trade corridor will stimulate regional development but added “from my point of view, it’s not a priority project.”

He pointed out that trucks can already cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in three hours, adding that the necessity of unloading cargo from a ship at one port and putting it on to a different ship at another port will drive up costs for shipping companies and make the project less competitive.

Rafael Mercado, an assistant vice-president at the Kansas City Southern Railway Company, also said it was unlikely that the trans-isthmus project could compete with the Panama Canal, pointing out that in order to attract ships to Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos, billions of dollars worth of improvements will be needed at both ports.

The federal government has said the project will be completed in two years’ time and President López Obrador has argued that the project will be a trigger for economic and social development in the Isthmus region.

Source: Milenio (sp)

After slamming conservatives AMLO criticized for being divisive

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MND Staff

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April 22, 2019

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amlo and romero — AMLO, left: 'conservatives are hypocrites;' Romero: 'enough division.

President López Obrador has lashed out at those who questioned the constitutionality of his instructions to suspend the education reforms, triggering a backlash from opposition lawmakers, past presidents and others.

“They [opposition lawmakers] kept as quiet as mummies when they looted [the public purse] and trampled on human rights and now they shout like town criers that it’s unconstitutional to deliver justice and banish corruption,” the president wrote on social media on Saturday.

“There is no doubt that the only doctrine of conservatives is hypocrisy. Sorry but you are like whitewashed tombs,” he added.

Juan Carlos Romero Hicks, leader of the National Action Party (PAN) in the lower house of Congress and an outspoken critic of a memorandum López Obrador sent last week directing three secretariats to ignore the education reforms, called on the president to stop dividing the nation.

“President López Obrador, I invite you to a reconciliation with all Mexicans. Enough dividing already! The country deserves to move towards a rule of law in order to attend to the times of violence and impunity we’re living through. Let’s build together,” he wrote on Twitter.

Other lawmakers as well as two past presidents, a security analyst and a prominent journalist criticized the president for playing politics during the Easter break, and just hours after 14 people were killed at a bar in Minatitlán, Veracruz.

“These days [are] for retreat and reflection, love and peace, Mr. President,” PAN Deputy Laura Rojas said.

Citizens’ Movement deputy Martha Tagle described López Obrador’s words as a “self-portrait of authoritarianism,” stating that “while the country is shaken by the massacre at Minatitlán, he is lashing out at his critics.”

Former President Vicente Fox took aim at López Obrador in a series of Twitter posts while his successor Felipe Calderón also took a stand against the president.

“What a disgrace that you even use tragedies as a springboard for aggression. Not everything is about you AMLO. Speaking about the people is not governing, attending [to their needs] is,” Fox wrote on Twitter.

Calderón retweeted several posts that were critical of López Obrador including one written by journalist León Krauze, which said: “24 hours haven’t passed since the Minatitlán tragedy and the president of Mexico picks up his phone to write a message against his . . . political adversaries . . . Regrettable.”

Security analyst Alejandro Hope responded to López Obrador’s post by writing, “Mr. President, with all respect, today is not a good day to attack your adversaries or to speak of tombs.”

Source: El Universal (sp), Milenio (sp)

Ex-teachers’ union boss gets her property back; AMLO denies pact

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MND Staff

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April 22, 2019

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President López Obrador has denied that a decision to return assets seized from former teachers’ union boss Elba Esther Gordillo is the result of a “shady deal” between her and the government as claimed by opposition parties.

The newspaper Reforma revealed yesterday that the federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) had returned three properties, three cars, books and art to the former SNTE union chief.

Gordillo’s access to seven bank accounts that were frozen when she was arrested on corruption charges in 2013 was also reinstated.

The ex-union leader commonly known as “La Maestra” (The Teacher) spent almost five years in custody awaiting trial but was released from house arrest in August last year when a federal court absolved her of corruption charges, stating that there weren’t sufficient grounds to proceed with the case.

Two weeks ago, Gordillo – who was charged with embezzling US $200 million from the union she headed – announced that she would seek to regain the presidency of the SNTE, a post she held for 24 years until her arrest.

In response to the news that Gordillo had got her assets back, political figures claimed that the president had entered into a politically convenient pact with the former union boss and that he is not as committed to combatting corruption as he claims to be.

“With this decision, it is confirmed that there is a political pact between Elba Esther and López Obrador. The [president’s] supposed fight against corruption . . . in reality, is not true,” said Fernando Rodríguez Doval, a secretary on the national executive committee of the National Action Party (PAN).

He suggested that the “alliance” was related to Gordillo’s “project” to form a new political party “linked to the López Obrador movement.”

Rodríguez also contended that the decision to return Gordillo’s assets is evidence that the FGR is under the president’s control, adding that “the fact that the Attorney General’s Office has decided not to continue with the investigations tells us that there is no commitment to the fight against corruption contrary to what he [López Obrador] has been saying.”

Ángel Ávila Romero, national president of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), said that “we’re once again seeing the political use of law enforcement institutions,” charging that the return of assets to Gordillo is evidence that the Morena party and the president “are obliged to their political and electoral allies.”

He added: “Elba Esther’s assets don’t correspond to her salary as a teacher or national [union] leader . . . This return of assets is an affront to citizens who are asking for corruption, impunity and the looting of public coffers to be punished.”

Ávila also claimed that a memorandum issued by López Obrador last week directing three secretariats to ignore the education reforms implemented by the past federal government was motivated by the former union leader’s criticism of the laws.

“. . . Elba Esther Gordillo made a complaint about the education reform and two days later López Obrador released a memorandum to wind back the education reform. It’s clear to me that the relationship between López Obrador and Elba is of the very highest order and that it extends across the union sphere, the legislative sphere – that’s the extent of the conspiracy between them,” he said.

Speaking at his daily press conference this morning, the president rejected the claims, telling reporters in Veracruz that his government acts transparently and ethically.

“We act on principles, we have ideals, we have moral authority because we know in that way we can have political authority. We’re not like the conservatives and their spokespeople, we’re different. We don’t do deals in the dark, we didn’t lend ourselves to any shady deal, we’re not at the service of any vested interest group,” López Obrador said.

“This is a new government that arose from the people and whose purpose is to put an end to corruption, impunity, influence and all the scourges of politics . . .”

Source: SDP Noticias (sp), Reforma (sp)

Tlapiani, the first telescope to be designed and built in Mexico

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Madison Koen

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April 22, 2019

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For the first time in history, a telescope that is 100% Mexican in terms of design and construction will be used in major scientific studies and the observation of asteroids.

The construction of “Tlapiani,” which means guardian in Náhuatl, has been overseen by scientists at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) in collaboration with researchers and students at the university, along with various businesses in the state.

Tlapiani is 90% complete, and scientists hope to finish the remaining work on the telescope by August in order to move it from the university to the Cerro el Picacho in Iturbide with the help of experts from the National Astronomical Observatory in Ensenada, Baja California.

Astrophysics and space science coordinator Eduardo Pérez Tijerina said scientists from several Russian universities will work closely with UANL scientists to monitor space debris, including asteroids, comets and meteoroids; 14,000 tonnes of space debris is estimated to enter Earth’s atmosphere every year.

The program coordinator said the telescope could also be used to observe other space objects, such as extrasolar planets. He added that researchers from Chinese academic institutions had also expressed interest in using Cerro el Picacho for space observation; the telescope’s new home is located 400 meters above sea level and is considered one of the best locations for the observation of extraplanetary objects due to the area’s climate and dependably clear nights.

Pérez Tijerina stressed that the new telescope is the first to be completely designed and built from start to finish in Mexico by Mexicans. Another important telescope in Mexico is the Alfonso Serrano Large Millimeter Telescope in Puebla, which is a binational collaboration between Mexico and the United States.

Upon completion, Tlapiani will join the ranks of other important space research and observation projects in Mexico, such as the San Pedro Martir Observatory in Baja California, the Guillermo Haro Astrophysical Observatory in Sonora and the Puebla telescope.

Source: La Jornada (sp)

Petroleum theft cartel leader arrested in Comonfort, Guanajuato

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César Hernández

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April 22, 2019

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A suspected leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel was arrested yesterday in Guanajuato by state and federal forces.

The state government said a search of two properties in Neutla, Comonfort, led to the arrest of Eliseo N., known also as “El Titi,” a 23-year-old believed to be a right-hand man to cartel boss José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, and two accomplices.

Police also found at least four bodies, along with 16 firearms, ammunition, a kilogram of marijuana, two packages of what is suspected to be cocaine, bulletproof vests, balaclavas, vehicles and a personal watercraft,

The arrest didn’t go without incident.

A gunfight ensued after several of the gangster’s accomplices attempted a rescue, but police repealed the attack, killing two of the aggressors and arresting a third.

El Titi is believed to have led cartel hitmen operating in Villagrán, Celaya, Salvatierra and Comonfort.

He is also thought to have led an attack on a Celaya police station a few days prior his arrest, in which a gangster was freed from custody.

The Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel is believed to be behind much of the violence in Guanajuato.

Source: Milenio (sp), am (sp)

Canadian man stabbed to death in Progreso, Yucatán

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MND Staff

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April 22, 2019

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Part-time Progreso resident Bruce Allen, who was murdered on Friday.

A Canadian man was stabbed to death in Progreso, Yucatán, on Friday in what police have called a “crime of passion.”

Bruce Ivan Allen, 70, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, was killed Friday morning inside his rented apartment in the Gulf coast port city.

He received multiple stab wounds to his chest and neck, according to social media posts by friends of the victim.

A Mexican man known by the nickname “El Pelón” (Baldy) was arrested in connection with the murder.

Police said nothing was stolen from Allen’s apartment and that he was found naked on a bed.

Herman Savoie, Allen’s partner of 38 years, found the body and alerted police.

The suspected murderer allegedly stayed with the deceased man the night before the attack, which is believed to have followed a heated argument.

According to media reports, Allen and Savoie had spent the winter in Progreso for several years and were well known in the community, especially in a restaurant district popular with foreigners.

A woman who said that she was the lawyer of the deceased denied the police version of events in a social media post on Saturday.

“Our friends [Allen and Savoie] were the victims of a thwarted robbery by a man who decided to take the life of another. This is the correct version [of events] and not the versions that are circulating on social networks. I am Bruce’s lawyer, rest in peace . . . Herman, I assure you that the bastard who committed this despicable crime will pay for what he did,” she wrote.

The online newspaper Progreso Hoy said it has received emails from Canadian residents of Progreso stating they have been victims of a range of crimes including assaults, robbery and fraud and that municipal and state authorities provide little assistance or security to the city’s large foreign community.

But another said in a Facebook post that Progreso was “very safe.”

Canadian Reg Deneau said, “. . . this type of occurrence is highly unusual in the local community.”

Source: Progreso Hoy (sp), ChronicleHerald (en)

Vehicles left stranded on Sonora beach after surprise high tide

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Madison Koen

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April 22, 2019

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Saturday's sudden high tide in Puerto Peñasco.

Dozens of vacationers were surprised on Saturday afternoon by a rare high tide that quickly left at least 20 vehicles in the water — some more than half submerged — at La Cholla beach in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.

The vehicles had been parked on the beach several meters away from the water but were suddenly flooded by the incoming tide.

Beachgoers were left scrambling to rescue their vehicles, along with beach paraphernalia and other belongings.

Hours later the tide finally went out and several motorists were able to successfully drive their vehicles up and away from the beach, while others had to be towed.

A video of the incident on social media drew comments from residents that sudden high tides occur frequently and without warning in the area, often rising dramatically in less than an hour.

Marea viva en playa de Sonora

Watch this video on YouTube

Civil Protection officials said the sudden high tide was caused by strong seasonal winds.

Source: El Imparcial (sp), Sin Embargo (sp)

First quarter sets new homicide record; numbers are up 10% over last year

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MND Staff

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April 22, 2019

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Mexico has recorded its most violent first quarter in recent history: there were 7,242 homicide cases reported between January and March, an increase of almost 10% compared to the same period last year.

The National Public Security System (SNSP) said there were 8,493 victims, up 9.6% over last year.

In March, 2,410 new homicide cases were reported, a figure that equates to 77 cases a day or more than three per hour. There were 2,455 murder cases in January and 2,377 in February.

The figures for the first three months of the year represent increases of 13%, 15% and 1.9% respectively compared to January, February and March of 2018.

The SNSP data contradicts claims by President López Obrador that his government has “controlled” violence since taking office last December.

crime increases in mexico — Figures in blue are percent increases over last year for (starting from top) kidnapping, extortion, street robbery, femicide, drug trafficking and intentional homicide. milenio

Guanajuato – where the Santa Rosa de Lima fuel theft cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are involved in a vicious turf war – continues to be the most violent state in the country, with 947 murders reported in the first quarter of 2019.

México state was next, with 769 homicides, followed by Jalisco, Baja California, Chihuahua, Guerrero and Michoacán.

Colima recorded the highest per-capita murder rate, with 7.5 homicides per 100,000 residents followed by Guanajuato, Chihuahua and Baja California, all of which registered a rate of 5.2.

The number of femicide cases reported increased by 15% to 227, while kidnappings and extortion surged by 59% and 51% respectively.

At his morning press conference today, López Obrador predicted that insecurity will decrease in six months because by then the government will have implemented all of its proposed social programs and created the National Guard.

“I believe that all of the programs will be operating in six months, that’s the most important thing. The other action, don’t forget, is that the National Guard will be established . . .” he said.

Speaking in the port city of Veracruz, the president said he deeply regretted the deaths of 14 people who were shot dead in Minatitlán on Friday night and pledged that his government will “guarantee peace” in the state.

López Obrador will today chair a meeting to discuss and coordinate security strategies in the Gulf coast state, which has seen an increase in cartel violence since Governor Cuitláhuac García took office on December 1.

Source: Milenio (sp), ADN Político (sp)