Latest Mexico News Highlights on 16 March 2023

Updates on current events in three different regions of Mexico: National, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta. In National, various issues are highlighted, including the Dos Bocas refinery project, drug-related violence, and the government's efforts to combat forced child marriages.

In Cancun, concerns over tax evasion and low wages are raised, while infrastructure projects and tourism development offer potential for economic growth.

Finally, in Puerto Vallarta, the city's commerce, tourism, environment, and security are discussed, with updates on business aid, municipal tourism, and incidents of assault.

National

The Mexican government has announced that the first train of the Dos Bocas refinery will start up in July. The project has faced significant criticism due to concerns about its environmental impact.

Alejandro Encinas, the Mexican Undersecretary of Human Rights, acknowledged that five young men were executed by the army. The government has launched an investigation into the incident.

Norma Lizbeth, a young girl who was killed by bullying from a classmate, has been laid to rest. Her death has sparked outrage and calls for action to address bullying in schools.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador plans to ban medical uses for fentanyl to combat drug abuse. Meanwhile, drug-related violence continues to plague parts of the country, including new armed groups emerging in the indigenous municipality of Pantelho in Chiapas.

In other news, the Mayor's Office performed an operation in Desierto de los Leones to stop people from distributing drugs and charging entry fees. The government has also launched a program to defend Mexican nationals facing criminal proceedings in the United States.

The Senate has approved a reform that punishes those who arrange forced child marriages, and a director of an addiction center has been sentenced for the rape of a teenager in Oaxaca.

Finally, there have been reports of power outages in several neighborhoods of the CDMX, a house, and six cars were buried after a landslide in Tijuana, and the state of Guanajuato has requested the first credential for a non-binary person.

Cancun News

The state of Quintana Roo is facing several concerns and issues in various areas, with the local accountants expressing worry about widespread tax evasion and money laundering. The situation is causing alarm among the accounting community, who are calling for greater action to tackle the problem.

Another issue that has been highlighted recently is the fact that wages in Quintana Roo are below the national average, as recognized by the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS). This news has sparked concerns about the ability of workers in the state to support themselves and their families and has led to calls for better pay and working conditions.

In Cancun, there was a recent incident at Hospiten where a short circuit caused smoke to be emitted. Fortunately, the situation was quickly brought under control, but it highlights the need for proper safety measures and infrastructure maintenance to prevent more serious incidents from occurring.

Meanwhile, in the municipality of Benito Juarez (BJ), there has been an increase in both job vacancies and job seekers. This indicates a growing demand for employment in the area, which could provide a boost to the local economy and help to address some of the issues related to low wages.

One major infrastructure project that is currently underway in Cancun is the construction of a new airport bridge. The project is set to be completed by October 2023 and is expected to improve transportation in and around the city, as well as facilitate tourism and business growth.

However, despite the potential benefits of increased tourism, some concerns have been raised about the lack of registration among tourist companies in Quintana Roo. This is seen as a risk to both the safety of visitors and the reputation of the state as a tourist destination.

These issues highlight the challenges faced by Quintana Roo as it seeks to balance economic growth with social and environmental sustainability. It is clear that there is much work to be done to address these concerns, and that effective collaboration between different stakeholders will be essential in finding solutions that benefit everyone.

Puerto Vallarta News

In recent news from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, there are various developments concerning the city's commerce, tourism, environment, and security. Business owners in the city may now sell their products in convenience stores, increasing their market potential. Additionally, they will not have to pay licensing fees for the year, giving them some financial relief. Congress has also approved payment remission for tenants at the Cuale River market, providing aid to those struggling to keep their businesses afloat.

On the tourism front, Christian Preciado has been named the new Director of Municipal Tourism, with hopes of promoting and expanding the city's tourism industry. However, some residents are not doing their part in keeping the city clean. Garbage and armchairs have been spotted on the corner of La Vena, prompting officials to call out those who throw trash at ungodly hours in the area.

Despite these challenges, the city's natural beauty continues to amaze visitors. The high swell has put on a show for tourists, with the sea providing a breathtaking spectacle on Vallarta's shores. However, not all is well in the city, as students of the technical high school number 3, known as ETI 3, have become victims of assault by an armed subject. The Municipal Police have increased their presence in the area to prevent further incidents.

Puerto Vallarta remains a city with diverse opportunities and challenges. Its business owners, residents, and officials must work together to address the issues facing the city, while also celebrating its beauty and potential.