the taxi protest is a big thing!
by Linda from Canada 
, Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 13:46 (4303 days ago)
With Rob's blessing, I am posting this report of an incident that occurred on Friday.
There are some people (a party of 4) that I know who are visiting here from Canada. (These are different friends from the ones I wrote about the other day, who were in my vehicle) I introduced these folks to a Mexican couple who are very good friends of ours. They really hit it off, and the wife of the Mexican couple invited them to visit at their home. The husband picked them up at Intrawest where they are staying, to take them to his home in Los Achotes. After he pulled away from Intrawest he noticed that there were 2 taxis behind him. As he continued to drive, he became aware of a 3rd taxi behind him. The next thing he knew, he was surrounded by 7 taxis and they completely blocked him, making it impossible to keep driving. My Canadian friends got out of the taxi and ran across the street to Comercial. They walked back to Intrawest, not wanting to have anything to do with a taxi. The taxis detained the husband for another 20 minutes, saying that he was "providing a service" and that he "can't do that". He explained that these were friends that he was taking to his home. The drivers kept repeating about "providing a service". This was a very ugly situation. At the least, we now have 4 visitors to Zihua who will never come back, would not take taxis while they were here, were terrified, and who no doubt told everyone where they live, and here during the rest of their visit, about their terrible experience. I just learned yesterday that they in fact left Zihua- a week earlier than planned.
This morning another couple that we know came to visit Paul and me. During our visit they told us that they, while waiting for a bus to take them to centro, here on the La Ropa road, were harassed by a taxi driver who didn't want them to take the bus. He said they should get in and he would take them to centro for 10 pesos per person. He was very annoyed when they refused and said they would wait for the bus.
We are prepared to file a complaint. Now we just need to know where to go to do this. How do we stop this? As if tourism doesn't have enough challenges! I personally would sure like to know what to do if I am stopped again while driving with friends. It's fine to take down the number of the taxi, and even take photos- but that doesn't get you on your way. The taxis totally block the car-front, rear & both sides. They demand passengers leave the vehicle. I guess I need to be prepared to sit there and chat with my friends for a long time! I sure am not going to leave them on the side of the road. It seems now our vehicle is now "known". Yesterday we were followed from centro to our condo...by a taxi.
Anyone else out there having similar issues? Suggestions? Helpful comments?
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
the taxi protest is a big thing!
by JeffMN 
, Minneapolis MN USA, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 14:57 (4303 days ago) @ Linda from Canada
Absolutely unconscionable! I'm so sorry for you, your friends and all the hard-working Zihuatanejenses who are hurt by this kind of brutish, criminal behavior.
Do you know if the incidents you've reported involved just one of the taxi unions? (I know a couple years back, it was UTAAZ pulling this crap.)
the taxi protest is a big thing!
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 15:23 (4303 days ago) @ JeffMN
I think it is just UTAAZ- I can't even see any other taxis on the streets- looked for them yesterday and was going to ask a driver if they are also protesting.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Why am I leery of visiting Z?
by Gringo Viejo , Kansas/Zihuatanejo, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 16:00 (4303 days ago) @ Linda from Canada
Let me count the ways:
1. Taxis blokade private cars claiming they are "providing service".
2. Credit cards at rental agencies are hacked.
3. Taxi overcharge or claim no change.
4. Public water system is "broke".
5. Puclic sewer system is "broke".
6. Dog owners on beaches harassed.
7. "Students" block highways, demand contributions, hi-jack buses, etc.
8. There is a known criminal element (Cartels).
9. It is difficult to exchange dollars for pesos at banks.
10. Corrupt government officials--heck of a way to run a railroad.
And the beat goes on=and on-and on. Flying into MOrelia and visiting Patzcuaro (or Morelia or Uruapan or ??? is looing better all the time.
The economic future of Z does not bode well, IMHO.
Why am I leery of visiting Z?
by Helene , Zih, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 16:03 (4303 days ago) @ Gringo Viejo
Yes these are all legitimate concerns. Still would rather be here then any other place on earth. And if you wanted to go somewhere where there are no problems, please tell us where you would find such a place.
Why am I leery of visiting Z?
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 16:33 (4303 days ago) @ Helene
Ablsolutely agree Helene. I am sure I could make a comparable list for almost anywhere else.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Why am I leery of visiting Z?
by JeffMN , Minneapolis MN USA, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 16:28 (4303 days ago) @ Gringo Viejo
Yeah, GV, but where else is there such a loyal, imaginative and indomitable following to think of clever ways of dealing with the outrages? 
Why am I leery of visiting Z?
You have a list of real concerns...
BUT, as a tourist (or resident extranjero) you have more power in all
these that you think of. Specially if you guys living and frequently
visit Zihuatanejo get together and write some letters/emails/etc.
Expose your concerns to the Tourism people in the city/state/federation
and see if something happens.
If a Mexican citizen like me do this, they will just ignore me,
but you guys have a lot of power, because you are visitors, because you
are foreigners, because you bring dollars to the country but must
importantly because you are the word of mouth publicity, good or bad, that
Mexico wants/doesn't want.
Use your powers !!
Why am I leery of visiting Z?
by Atlanta Dave , Sunday, November 16, 2014, 16:53 (4303 days ago) @ Charliez
Why am I leery of visiting Z?
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 16:54 (4303 days ago) @ Charliez
Can you please direct us to where we should go to make our complaint?
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Here we go
And I just got a call from friends, a group of 6 who were joining us during our last week there. Seems they have become spooked and before I had a chance to try and change their mind, they contacted their Apple Vacations rep who helped them cancel their reservations there and re-booked them into a package in the Dominican. Personally, I'll us a bus every chance I get and would suggest everyone else do the same.
Here we go
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 09:08 (4302 days ago) @ Dabuilder
Oh gee... so sorry. May I use your post in my letter to all the authorities that Rob provided to me? (list in his post below)
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Here we go
Linda, feel free to do so. I just hope this does not cause more visitors to do the same. I really disappointed because one of those couples had been there before and we have been asking the other 2 couples to join us for several years. I just hope this situation is resolved sooner rather than later. We have extended family there in addition to a number of local friends and this hurts all of them.
Here we go
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 10:16 (4302 days ago) @ Dabuilder
Thanks. I will include it in my letter.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Where & Whom to Write
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 17:41 (4303 days ago) @ Linda from Canada
REPRINTING FROM A PREVIOUS POST
Besides writing your complaints and comments right here on the Message Board where our "responsible authorities" can plainly see them, here are some people and places to contact where your voices should matter.
The Presidente Municipal is Lic. Eric Fernández Ballesteros. His e-mail is ericpresidencia2012@hotmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/EricFernandezBallesteros
https://www.facebook.com/GobiernoDeZihuatanejoDeAzueta
The Director de Turismo is Francisco Rivera Camacho and his e-mail is turismozihixt@hotmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/turismomunicipalixtapazihuatanejo
The Directora de Ecología is Lizette Tapia Castro and her e-mail is ecologia_azueta@yahoo.com.mx
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/imedsza.dezihuatanejodeazueta
Secretaría de Fomento Turístico de Guerrero (SEFOTUR)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SEFOTURGuerrero
Secretaría de Turismo (SECTUR)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SECTUR.MX
There is also a COMPLAINT FORM on the municipal government's website at http://zihuatanejodeazueta.gob.mx/inicio/2014/01/quejas-o-sugerencias/
Feel free to write to these people in English for clarity if you prefer. They should all speak English, but if they don't they have people who can translate for them.
(Remember we use both our paternal and maternal last names, so to address someone Anglo style you would use the first of the two last names: Eric Fernández, Francisco Rivera, Lizette Tapia, etc.)
Where & Whom to Write
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 17:48 (4303 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
Muchos gracias amigo. Excellent contact info Rob. I will do this.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Where & Whom to Write
by Fran , Evanston, IL, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 20:29 (4303 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
Linda's friends were staying at Interwest. Personally, I would start with Interwest. Local managers and corporate headquarters.
I am sure Interwest has a big interest in having visitors satisfied with their properties.
Where & Whom to Write
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 21:27 (4303 days ago) @ Fran
Thanks Fran, but I don't think Intrawest is in any way involved nor responsible for what happens when their guests leave their property. They were picked up outside the gate on the public street. This was arranged so the car would not have to go "into" the property since there isn't a lot of turn around room in there.
Thanks to everyone for suggestions. I will be sending my letter to everyone on Rob's list.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Where & Whom to Write
by Quadra Paul , British Columbia, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 21:37 (4303 days ago) @ Linda from Canada
It probably wouldn't hurt to go to the information centre and register a complaint there as well. A few years ago, my wife mentioned to them that some of the lights on the walkway between Centro and Playa Madera had been broken. The VERY next day, a crew was there fixing them!
Where & Whom to Write
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 21:59 (4303 days ago) @ Quadra Paul
What information centre are you suggesting?
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Where & Whom to Write
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Monday, November 17, 2014, 08:25 (4302 days ago) @ Linda from Canada
I believe he means that Intrawest has a vested economic and ethical interest in the safety, security and happiness of their guests, and it behooves them to also get involved in protesting the treatment of their guests by the taxi drivers even though it was no fault of Intrawest's.
Where & Whom to Write
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 08:36 (4302 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
aha! I get it. Thanks for the explanation.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Where & Whom to Write
by Fran , Evanston, IL, Monday, November 17, 2014, 10:14 (4302 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
Thanks, Rob. That was what I was trying to suggest. This is definitely not what businesses want. L Interwest is a big operation. I think having them apply pressure is not a bad idea. Money and influence has a loud voice.
Where & Whom to Write
by Quadra Paul , British Columbia, Monday, November 17, 2014, 11:48 (4302 days ago) @ Linda from Canada
Actually I was referring to the info centre next to the public Pier, across the plaza from the Naval Station!
Where & Whom to Write
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Monday, November 17, 2014, 13:01 (4302 days ago) @ Quadra Paul
Actually I was referring to the info centre next to the public Pier, across the plaza from the Naval Station!
I believe that building ceased functioning as an "Information Center" quite a few years ago. It's currently housing some of the temporary offices of our city hall while the teachers unions have our city hall closed down in protest.
Where & Whom to Write
This changes things, doesn't it? Not condoning the taxi actions at all but it is certainly easier to see their perspective given this information; Mexican plated vehicle, driven by a local, picks up 4 tourists on a street thick with taxis and walking tourists. Not quite the same as following a vehicle leaving a hotel.
Again, not condoning the actions, but have to imagine a pick-up directly at the hotel lobby entrance would have had a different outcome. Probably a lesson in there somewhere.
ps: my guess is Uber will probably not be coming to Zihua any time soon
Where & Whom to Write
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 22:08 (4303 days ago) @ CalBear
But isn't the point that tourists and everyone else have the right to choose their transportation? And that bullying and intimidation, and actual detention is not an acceptable way to express displeasure with said peoples' choices?
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Where & Whom to Write
But isn't the point that tourists and everyone else have the right to choose their transportation? And that bullying and intimidation, and actual detention is not an acceptable way to express displeasure with said peoples' choices?
Noble sentiments but when Canadian sensibilities meet Guerrero realities sometimes a little discretion is in order. Don't see that a hotel pick-up is that big a burden if it avoids a confrontation. Again, not condoning the actions, just being realistic.
Where & Whom to Write
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Sunday, November 16, 2014, 22:20 (4303 days ago) @ CalBear
I understand your point. I don't think this particular friend will be doing any "picking up" in the near future.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Taxi Terrorists
The events described in this, and your previous post, are extremely upsetting to us.
I assume that the car owned by the Mexican couple from Los Achotes had Guerrero, or at least Mexican plates?
We drive a vehicle with Canadian license plates: in that sense, we stick out like a sore thumb. We often take friends to La Ropa, Playas Larga and Blanca, Barra or Troncones. Our daughter and her girlfriend hope to come to Zihua in February/March - their first trip ever to Mexico.
We haven't yet been victims of this kind of terrorizing and extortion by the taxistas, but obviously, we should now expect to be, sometime during our 5+ months here.
There's no script on how to handle such an occurrence, but we would appreciate any suggestions.
Do we simply avoid any problems by informing our friends - and, I suppose, our daughter too - that, unfortunately, we are unable to pick them up or deliver them to the airport, and are unable to give them a lift to any of the local beaches, or to Troncones, due to the taxi terrorists? That clearly would play into the hands of these criminals - and that's exactly how they want us to act.
Or do we confront them?
Should we simply sit in our vehicle when surrounded, close the windows, turn on the A/C, turn up the volume on a good CD and wait them out? After all, time is money for taxi drivers.
(We don't use a cellphone, so calling the police is not an option. And "calling the police" is unlikely to result in the same response one would expect in a more law-abiding society. The very fact that these taxi terrorists can operate with impunity is a clear indication of the futility of expecting police protection.)
But that tactic invites vandalism to my vehicle. I park on the street overnight. If I anger these terrorists, word will undoubtedly go out to be on the watch for my vehicle, and I have no doubt that my vehicle would be vandalized sooner or later.
Unfortunately, I'm a bit of a "hothead" when I get angry. And I know that if we get carjacked by taxi terrorists, I'm at a real risk of losing my cool. I expect that would/could get me, my wife and passengers, and/or my vehicle into REAL trouble - the kind of hurt you don't want.
This Board is primarily a source of information for tourists. For that reason, discussion of Zihua's, Guerrero's and Mexico's "underbelly" has been discouraged, and usually for good reason: since the nastier side of life here seldom affects or involves tourists during their stay, why dwell on them, when the only result is to discourage others from coming, and to harm those honest, legitimate businesses that need tourists to survive?
I am interested in knowing as much as I can about the area where we've spent almost half our lives for the past 9 years, so it has taken me awhile to accept that the Board isn't the place to discuss many of Zihua's problems.....except those which impact us as tourists and foreign "semi-residents".
However, this threat from the taxi terrorists, plus an incident a week ago across from Comercial Mexicana, where we came upon a drive-by assassination only 4 or 5 minutes after the fact - (and could very well have been directly in the line of fire loading groceries into the trunk of our car, had we been there only those 4 or 5 minutes earlier) has us very rattled.
I will send an email about the taxi terrorists to those officials responsible for tourism issues - for all the good it will do.
Anyone have any ideas how carjacking victims should respond to these threats?
(And please - no "shite happens everywhere" or "do you know how many murders there were last weekend in Peoria" nonsense.)
Taxi Terrorists
I understand your concerns, and I have some of them myself. I take my Godsons to school quite often and of course pick up friends all the time to go to the beach. It will not be pretty if they try this crap with me. I also, can be a hothead. Maybe we should try it together one day Holymole.
Taxi Terrorists
Oh boy!!
Taxi Terrorists
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 07:30 (4302 days ago) @ Sun Seeker
Well Holy Mole those are exactly my questions also, and will be asking them when I send my letter (almost ready to go) to all the contacts that Rob supplied.
I, like you, have always felt and told people that while the issues are real, they seldom impact people living their little quiet lives here, nor tourists. Evidently I just turned the page on a new chapter. I always was very happy that I had never had an uncomfortable moment, nor personally known anyone who had a problem. I didn't think the situation that would change that would come from taxi drivers!
Yes, my Mexican friend's car has plates from here. So does mine. We always had Canadian plates, until a year ago when we bought a car here. Since we are now permanente residentes we can no longer have a foreign vehicle here.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Taxi Terrorists
If it comes to pass, I hope that you are wearing a "GoPro" video camera.
Taxi Terrorists
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 08:14 (4302 days ago) @ Lee@98223
Nope. Don't have one of those.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Taxi Terrorists
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Monday, November 17, 2014, 08:33 (4302 days ago) @ HolyMole
This Board is primarily a source of information for tourists. For that reason, discussion of Zihua's, Guerrero's and Mexico's "underbelly" has been discouraged, and usually for good reason: since the nastier side of life here seldom affects or involves tourists during their stay, why dwell on them, when the only result is to discourage others from coming, and to harm those honest, legitimate businesses that need tourists to survive?
I am interested in knowing as much as I can about the area where we've spent almost half our lives for the past 9 years, so it has taken me awhile to accept that the Board isn't the place to discuss many of Zihua's problems.....except those which impact us as tourists and foreign "semi-residents".
Sorry you feel that way. Did I "discourage" you from discussing something?
Taxi Terrorists
Sorry you feel that way. Did I "discourage" you from discussing something?
You know very well what I meant, but does this indicate a sea-change in the unofficial Board policy of generally avoiding discussion of the nastier bits of life in the Zihua area....or at least of those events perceived to have no effect on tourists?
When I wrote last year of the refusal of some Zihua taxistas to take passengers to Troncones, a story that was confirmed to me by some knowledgeable locals before I posted it, and which certainly did affect those who were refused rides, I was dumped-on by at least one vested-interest Board regular who first denied the story, then accused me of always being "negative".
On a number of occasions you have stated that "The Powers That Be" read the Board regularly. If all they read are those posts praising Zihua as heaven-on-earth, the Powers must figure they're doing a pretty fine job.
I believe in Zihua (he said, sounding like Bonasera in the opening lines of The Godfather). Otherwise, we wouldn't have spent half our lives here over the past 9 years, following our first visit 19 years ago. But our fear of being pursued, threatened, harassed and blocked by half a dozen taxi terrorists is palpable. Witnessing the murder that occurred a maximum of 4 or 5 minutes before we pulled into La Comer a week ago hasn't helped either.
Taxi Terrorists
First of all Don. If you don't have a phone carry a camera. Secondly, why are you getting so upset about something that hasn't even happened to you? So, far it has only been Linda from Canada, and her friends who have had these experiences. At least on this board she has been the only one to post about harassment from the taxistas. Does that mean it is going to happen to you too? Do you live your life in anxiety that if something bad has happened to somebody it is a foregone conclusion that it will happen to you too? Just wondering.
I realize this is a serious issue, but I don't think it justifies the "fear" it is generating on this board.
Taxi Terrorists
Taxi Terrorists
If everyone is so afraid all the time, how do you have time to go to the beach or have fun? I'm with you Ita. Live your life andstand up if you have to.
Taxi Terrorists
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Monday, November 17, 2014, 12:58 (4302 days ago) @ HolyMole
Sorry you feel that way. Did I "discourage" you from discussing something?
You know very well what I meant, but does this indicate a sea-change in the unofficial Board policy of generally avoiding discussion of the nastier bits of life in the Zihua area....or at least of those events perceived to have no effect on tourists?
When I wrote last year of the refusal of some Zihua taxistas to take passengers to Troncones, a story that was confirmed to me by some knowledgeable locals before I posted it, and which certainly did affect those who were refused rides, I was dumped-on by at least one vested-interest Board regular who first denied the story, then accused me of always being "negative".
On a number of occasions you have stated that "The Powers That Be" read the Board regularly. If all they read are those posts praising Zihua as heaven-on-earth, the Powers must figure they're doing a pretty fine job.
I believe in Zihua (he said, sounding like Bonasera in the opening lines of The Godfather). Otherwise, we wouldn't have spent half our lives here over the past 9 years, following our first visit 19 years ago. But our fear of being pursued, threatened, harassed and blocked by half a dozen taxi terrorists is palpable. Witnessing the murder that occurred a maximum of 4 or 5 minutes before we pulled into La Comer a week ago hasn't helped either.
If you want to talk about the dirty side, then be prepared to get some dirt on you.
Last year's problems getting to Troncones had to do with organized criminals protecting their "turf" and the inability of local police to deal with the problem. Not sure what's changed, but that problem appears to be over.
We have organized criminals here just like most everywhere in the world. I don't believe that is any surprise to anyone. Ours are mostly empowered by Prohibition 2.0. But it appears that when I discuss the subject the sensitive and mostly conservative folks don't like my comments even though they are founded on decades of first-hand experience and easily verified facts. A great deal of Mexico's most serious problems are not because of some inherent defect with Mexican society or its government, but because of with whom we're neighbors, but then by just mentioning that FACT I get labeled as a traitor and US Basher by the softer heads and things generally deteriorate from there.
If you speak Spanish and are involved in the local Facebook community you will see this referenced and discussed quite often. We see a few US states willing to make the changes to end a long-failed policy, but not the US federal government, which continues to condition aid and cooperation with other countries on their participation in the US proxy "War On Drugs", while US arms dealers unashamedly arm both the good guys and the bad guys, raking in huge profits.
However, I believe this is all better left for discussion at another time and place.
Taxi Terrorists
Taxi Terrorists-getting a little carried away
by Semma4 , Zihuatanejo, Monday, November 17, 2014, 10:29 (4302 days ago) @ HolyMole
I have lived here for 3 years and drive a Guerrero plated SUV. Many times I have taken visiting friends and acquaintances to the airport, centro and other places around Zihua. I have often picked them up outside La Ropa hotels and restaurants, close to taxi ranks. I have never experienced the situations described in the previous posts - but am aware of this piracy happening. I feel that the string is getting a little carried away with the scope of this problem, and people are getting overly anxious about it.
Car Jacking is quite common in many countries and is far more serious than blockading - but we need to stop this practice as soon as possible.
--
Graham Felipe'
Taxi Terrorists-getting a little carried away
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 10:36 (4302 days ago) @ Semma4
Your feelings about this might change if it becomes your turn to sit there while your friends/family are ordered out of the car and you are not allowed to drive away, with or without your passengers. How long would you be prepared to just sit there? Take a lunch? We need to know how to handle the situation and get going on our way- without terrifying our passengers.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Taxi Terrorists-getting a little carried away
by Johnny Briefcase , Monday, November 17, 2014, 11:53 (4302 days ago) @ Linda from Canada
Your feelings about this might change if it becomes your turn to sit there while your friends/family are ordered out of the car and you are not allowed to drive away, with or without your passengers. How long would you be prepared to just sit there? Take a lunch? We need to know how to handle the situation and get going on our way- without terrifying our passengers.
Over the past 6 years, we have had disputes / confrontations with taxi drivers; but nothing to the extent described here. I really do not know how I would respond if I faced a similar situation. I have to think that lashing out would only add fuel to the fire; but I do not know if I could trust myself to remain calm in the face of such intimidation. Ultimately,The only viable response is to document these occurrences as best we can and report each and every one of them as they happen. In any event, forewarned is forearmed - I'll keep my head up from now on. ....JB
Taxi Terrorists-getting a little carried away
by Atlanta Dave , Monday, November 17, 2014, 11:47 (4302 days ago) @ Semma4
This happened to us in 2005 when we were being picked up by our real estate agent from Villa Mexicana. Several taxi drivers attempted to block us, but our agent stood up to them and threatened to call the police. I think this is an issue that raises its head from time to time after the taxi drivers take too many stupid pills. Too bad it has come up again, with so many other issues on the table.
Taxi Terrorists-getting a little carried away
Call the police. Isn't that the answer? Why didn't Linda from Canada or her friends try that simple tactic? Why are they letting themselves be intimidated by the taxistas without taking action?
Taxi Terrorists-getting a little carried away
by Talley Ho , Playa la Ropa, Monday, November 17, 2014, 12:53 (4302 days ago) @ jr
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Monday, November 17, 2014, 13:09 (4302 days ago) @ jr
Call the police. Isn't that the answer? Why didn't Linda from Canada or her friends try that simple tactic? Why are they letting themselves be intimidated by the taxistas without taking action?
Unfortunately the municipal police are under instructions from our municipal government, whose mayor and many other functionaries are in campaign mode running for different offices for next year's elections, so the taxi union is receiving favorable treatment just like the lawbreaking land thieves are and for the same reason: they represent large voting blocs.
The government of the State of Guerrero caused this problem by issuing too many taxi permits to an already saturated market, so now the unions are becoming bolder and more assertive of the power they wield to consolidate their market and basically make up their own preferential rules and enforce them. This has gone on for far too many years, and unless people stand up for their rights then the bullies will continue having their way with the public. Entire conventions have been lost to our local tourism market because of these tactics by local taxi unions.
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by Atlanta Dave , Monday, November 17, 2014, 13:20 (4302 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
Politicians trying to win elections by appealing to special interests while sacrificing the greater good……hmmm……what other country does that remind me of?
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
So you are saying the police wouldn't come? I sincerely doubt that. Has it, in fact, happened that someone has called the police when being harassed by taxistas and the police have refused to come?
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 13:55 (4302 days ago) @ jr
As it was, on that day, my husband had our cell phone and was somewhere else. I won't be going without mine again, and should it happen again, I will call the police. First, let's see what sort of responses I get from my email to Rob's list of folks who should care.
For me, I have 2 goals: to have this behaviour stopped; and to have a plan about what to do to get on my way if blocked, without abandoning my friends on the side of the road, or scaring them half to death.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Monday, November 17, 2014, 14:10 (4302 days ago) @ jr
So you are saying the police wouldn't come? I sincerely doubt that. Has it, in fact, happened that someone has called the police when being harassed by taxistas and the police have refused to come?
Actually, the police come and defend the taxis. I guess I should've spoken more plainly. There was an example of this in the news just a couple of weeks ago.
The thing is, technically we are currently operating in a Twilight Zone as far as the police go. Several months ago the Mando Único was supposed to take control of local public security, but there aren't enough of them and most were sent to Iguala, Chilpancingo and Acapulco to help with the search for the missing students and to try to help restore order. Since they are NOT a locally controlled police force and they do not know the city or the region as well as local police it causes deficiencies in the level of their efficiency. So there are some municipal police operating but since their future is unsure their loyalties are going to be for whomever is paying their paychecks, in other words the municipal government, and noble concepts like "law and order" tend to get lost among the passions of the electoral cycle.
The local government was also supposed to expel the squatters from the illegal settlement known as "Valle Grande" a couple of weeks ago. Had a judge's order and everything, but oops, the local authorities got "locked out" and had their building "taken away" by the "teachers", and everything else except for favorable photo ops and a Saturday radio talk show by the mayor seems to have been forgotten or postponed.
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 14:18 (4302 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
Oh great. So my cell probably won't help much at all.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by katherine , Monday, November 17, 2014, 18:36 (4302 days ago) @ ZihuaRob
We have always been told that calling the police here is a bad idea. A couple we know who came for six weeks st a time the last two years will not be coming back this year because of problems work taxi darevers over friends driving them to the airport. Something needs to change.
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by K&B , Monday, November 17, 2014, 19:39 (4302 days ago) @ katherine
This whole thread is disturbing to me. We are currently in Turk and caico and it couldn't be more peaceful. Albeit. Expensive. Having a reputable police force and local government is important if something was to go bad. What is it that the tourist and expats supposed to do if something went bad. Write somebody??? Or go someplace that is a little less "Wild West ".
NO- do not cancel your vacation in Zihua next week!
by Linda from Canada , Zihua and Grand Marais, Manitoba, Monday, November 17, 2014, 19:53 (4302 days ago) @ K&B
I have received several private emails today from people asking if I recommend they cancel their vacations here for next week, or next month, etc. No. That is not my recommendation at all. Please remember that this taxi protest stuff has happened here, and in other places, before. As tourists, you will not be driving anyone anywhere, so the taxi drivers will not be stopping you. As tourists, you probably don't know anyone here who has a car that would be driving you anywhere, so the taxi drivers will not be stopping you for that either. As tourists, you would be the paying customer in the taxi. Of course you are encouraged to take a bus if that is convenient for you. You are totally free to choose whatever transportation you wish. Those of us who live here, or stay for the winters, and drive cars, just want to know how to avoid issues with the taxi drivers when we drive our friends to go shopping together, etc. And of course we would like these drivers to treat ALL people with respect and find a way to express their complaints in a more peaceful and constructive manner.
Please come and enjoy your vacations here in paradise! That is my recommendation, for what it's worth.
--
Linda from Canada
check out my books at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com AND please have a look at www.cookingwithclaudiainzihuatanejo.blogspot.com as well as www.albertoinzihuatanejo.blogspot.com
NO- do not cancel your vacation in Zihua next week!
by ZihuaRob , Zihuatanejo, México, Monday, November 17, 2014, 20:52 (4302 days ago) @ Linda from Canada
I agree with Linda. The problem is really not with individual taxi drivers but with their union, for which reason unfortunately they probably will need to be collectively punished. But so many of our local drivers are really just normal folks trying hard to make a living in an increasingly expensive and competitive place to live. We've known a lot of these guys for years, and I really think the world of some of our taxi drivers. But we also have a lot of folks less educated than they probably should be and with a bit too much cut-throat instinct too willing to do the unscrupulous bidding of their union bosses. I appreciate their dilemma, but they have got to know how the rest of us feel about this matter.
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by Fran , Evanston, IL, Monday, November 17, 2014, 21:57 (4302 days ago) @ K&B
Perhaps you just don't know as much about Turks and Caicos and if you were getting the same level of information about Turks and Caicos, you would learn about their little troubles. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. If you have enjoyed Zihuatanejo in the past, no reason to presume the worst now.
Like any travel experience, if you encounter a problem, deal with it. Otherwise, don't borrow trouble. Just my opinion.
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
We loved T&C when we were there 2 years ago and wouldn't hesitate to go back. That's also the way we look at Zihua. What we were told by some locals in Provo is that there are many troubles there as well. There is corruption that spreads all through the system. The former prime minister was arrested in Brazil for real estate development corruption. The banking systems throughout the Caribbean are huge for money laundering. Petty crime is a rampant and violent assaults are common. Police are understaffed and with tourists leaving after their stay, there seems to be no rush in solving the crimes. I would feel much more at ease walking from La Ropa to Centro than walking down Grace Bay Road outside of the main town. There are problems everywhere in the world and are not restricted to Zihua. Now if we could just get the Taxi union to get their heads out of their behinds.
Taxi Terrorists - not at all
by dhunsber , ¡Dondequiera que voy, estoy aquí!, Wednesday, November 19, 2014, 16:02 (4300 days ago) @ zzztime
Well said!
As far as the taxistas having their heads up their asses, that's fine with me.
I just don't want them meddling in my doings.
