John's Musings: ELECTIONS IN GUATEMALA

John's Musings, Food For Thought

Food For Thought

John's Musings: ELECTIONS IN GUATEMALA

ELECTIONS IN GUATEMALA

When it rains it pours. I received another E-mail from the American Embassy in Guatemala City regarding their upcoming presidential elections. Guatemala is a beautiful but tumultuous country in many ways. See Rio Dulce Dichotomy in my soon to be offered e-book on this site titled TILLER TALES for much more on this subject. I spent some months in La Bacadilla a small community on this sweet river. Dulce means sweet in Spanish. Not fifteen feet from NEREIS under an elaborate boathouse rested the yacht of one of the ex-presidents of Guatemala. Much is said about him and the folks who looked after his large Bay Liner in that chapter. There are also pictures of both boats taken from my perspective at George Morgan's gringo enclave across the bay from the private airport where many los ricos (the rich) landed in their various aircraft. There were always about a dozen extra body guards in place when el ex-presedente was in residence, weapons prominently displayed.

Personal remembrances aside, below is the message from the American Embassy speaking to dangers which might affect American Citizens and their website designation that should be accessed by anyone in residence there or those contemplating visiting. Hey the place is a dichotomy.

              Embassy of the United States of America

                         Guatemala City, Guatemala

                                September 6, 2007

Dear American Citizen:

The following Warden Message concerns the upcoming elections in Guatemala. Please contact the American Citizen Services section via e-mail (amcitsguatemala@state.gov), fax (2326-4655), or telephone (2326-4405) if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your support and assistance.

WARDEN MESSAGE

September 6, 2007

Guatemala will hold a general election on Sunday, September 9, 2007. U.S. citizens are advised that demonstrations and sporadic acts of violence are possible in the days leading up to the election, during the election, and after the election. While most demonstrations in Guatemala have been peaceful, and have not been directed at tourists or foreigners, Americans are reminded that even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little or no warning. U.S. citizens should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. The use of roadblocks and/or blocking of public facilities, including the international airports, has occurred in the past, and demonstrators may prevent tourists caught behind the blockades from leaving.

U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Guatemala should monitor local media reports and consult hotel personnel and tour guides to see if there is protest activity that justifies suspension of travel. U.S. citizens may also consult with the Consular section of the U.S. Embassy for updated security information.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City can be reached at (502) 2326-4405.

I remember elections in Guatemala and Mexico where the threat of violence was frequently evident. Roadblocks were a common occurrence and angry sometimes tragic demonstrations. I don't want to discourage anyone from visiting but we here at HURRICANE CENTRAL need to warn of all sorts of danger, not just those served up by nature.



   ORCHIDS IN A LOS RICO'S YARD ON THE RIO