Costa Rica is paradise when compared to Mexico as a possible retirement haven.

A couple of months ago I wrote a short article about why not to retire in Mexico. I became became very upset after reading an article in a popular international retirement publication entitled, “Mexico, the world’s best retirement haven.” Nothing could be farther from the truth.

In my article I pointed that you virtually can’t drink tap water anyplace in Mexico unlike in Costa Rica where it is safe to drink tap. I went on to talk about the kidnappings and robberies what are rampant in Mexico. However, the most pressing problem the Mexico government is facing is the on-going war with the drug cartels. These blood thirsty are responsible for murdering thousands of people over the last couple of years and are capable of anything to achieve their goals.

Things have become so bad there that a report by the Joint Forces of the United States stated, “Mexico and Pakistan are both running the risk of becoming completely un governable.” Furthermore Dennis Blair, the new director of national intelligence, stated that at this time the corruption and violence of the drug cartels is keeping the Mexican government from being able to control part of its territory.

Most people who retiree in Mexico won’t be affected directly by all of this, but nevertheless have to exercise extreme caution in their daily lives because of the country’s growing violence.

Although not 100% crime free Costa Rica is paradise when compared to Mexico as a possible retirement haven. So, for those who plan on retiring south of the border to live for less and enjoy the same quality of life as at home, Costa Rica is a no-brainer.

If you are considering Mexico for retirement you should read this article. It is just one of many we have published warning potential retirees about the dangers of living in Mexico.

Crime-ravaged México considers reinstating death penalty

Violent murders linked to organized crime are soaring in México with nearly 6,000 people killed last year, double the number for 2007. As a result, Mexico’s tiny Green Party has decided to campaign for the reintroduction of the death penalty.

Violent murders linked to organized crime are soaring in México with nearly 6,000 people killed last year.

The Green Party is pressing for the death penalty for kidnappers who torture, mutilate or murder their victims. If this measure is adopted by the country’s legislators, it would reverse a 2005 decision to formally scrap capital punishment. It has been almost 50 years since anyone was executed in México.

More than 5,600 people were killed by drug traffickers in México last year and analysts say Mexico is now the most dangerous country in the world for kidnapping. But 97 percent of the country’s kidnapping cases go unsolved by police, one of the reasons many critics of the death penalty question its effectiveness in deterring crime.

But public anger is fueling the debate. A poll conducted last year found that more than 70 percent of those asked supported the death penalty.

The Green Party has launched a hot line to inform the public on the issue. It has received thousands of calls supporting the death penalty for kidnappers who brutalize their victims.

Green Party leader Jorge Emilio Gonzalez says voters are demanding a fitting deterrent to counteract these vicious crimes.

“It is not the answer,” said Jorge Emilio González. “But it is part of the answer. It is a message that we are going strong. They are going to think twice. They know that if they get caught — in six, eight months — one year, they are going to get the death penalty.”

Diego Cobo, Green Party vice coordinator, explained the legislative proposal is specifically designed to protect the kidnapping victims.

“The purpose of our proposal is not to kill criminals,” said Cobo. “The first purpose of our proposal is to protect the victim, to tell the criminal that if he kills his victim, he is going to be killed also. So the first effect of our proposal is the protection of the victim. The life of the victim.”

Lorenzo Meyer, a College of Mexico International Studies Department professor, is a specialist in the history of Mexico’s political development. He said Mexico’s police forces are too corrupt, and its legal system way too fragile, to consider using the death penalty.

“In Mexico, the only people that are in jail  . . . well not only, but basically 95 percent, are poor,” said Meyer. “And nobody, really nobody trusts the judicial system. So introduce the death penalty here, and you would have a lot of executions that are unfair. In the case of México, it could be really criminal to introduce the death penalty with this sort of judicial system.”

Lawyer Alonso Aguilar Zinser agrees with Meyer. He said the death penalty is not the way for Mexico’s legal system to progress.

“Criminals are a product of the society,” said Aguilar Zinser. “And something is failing in society if you have criminals. You do not have the right to have a revenge, if you have problems in society. You have to resolve the problems. Not revenge, because an eye for an eye is not the position of a modern state.”

Outrage over kidnapping in México surged last year after the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Fernando Martí. After his wealthy family paid a substantial ransom, the boy was murdered. Those subsequently arrested included the commander of a police detective unit based at Mexico’s international airport.

In the aftermath of the crime, the murdered boy’s father demanded politicians do more to curb kidnapping or quit their well-paid jobs.

Thousands of people dressed in white marched through Mexico City last year as they had during the previous administration of President Vicente Fox, but the rampant level of kidnappings has not decreased. The death penalty issue is due to be debated in Mexico’s congress.

In the September 2008 issue of International Living’s Magazine they rate Mexico as”the worlds top retirement haven.” Obviously they must be smoking some of that strong Mexican marijuana and be hallucinating. If you read part of the U.S. Sate Departments warning  below you will agree.

Travel Alert

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico.  It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border.  However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places.  In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico.  Many of these cases remain unresolved.  U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which generally are more secure.  Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only.  When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors.  When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place.  U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.  Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks.  Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Violence Along the U.S. – Mexico Border

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades.

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict – both among themselves and with Mexican security services – for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border.  In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country.  U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades.  Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez.  During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.  The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico.  This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states.  The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime.  Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California.  Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues.  Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern.  Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008.  Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008.  U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports.  A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas.  Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region.  Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.  While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.  U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful.  However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly.  Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006.  In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack.  During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.  Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests.  The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.  U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities.  As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

As I mention in a previous article the Costa Rican government did not have money invested on Wall Street. Furthermore the country doesn’t huge companies on the verge of bankruptcy like General Motors or Ford. We just don’t have manufacturing of that size. Also, sub-prime loans don’t exist here. Make no mistake about it there will be some trickle down effect here.

Lets’s look at what another expert says about the outlook in Latin America. Latin America will face serious challenges in 2009 – especially tighter credit and cost-cutting – but the region is now in bettershape than it has been during previous crisis and still offers good opportunities, according to Latin America division heads of leading U.S. and European multinationals surveyed by Latin Business Chronicle. “No country anywhere can completely escape the effects of the economic slowdown, even if that country possesses abundant natural resources or enjoys internal prosperity,” says John Slater, vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean for U.S.-based Continental Airlines.

However, several executives also argue that Latin America is in better shape than ever to face the crisis. “Latin America is an “expert” when dealing with crises and moving forward,” says Fernando Garcia, vice president for Latin America for U.S.-based American Power Conversion (APC). “Compared with previous crises originated internally, this time it is a crisis provoked by the international contagion and not by inherent problems in Latin America. In general, Latin American economies are quite healthy and that can speed up a recovery.”

Better prepared

There are two key elements that will help the economies of countries in Latin America face the current economic downturn, argues Hernán Rincón, Latin America president for U.S.-based Microsoft, the world’s largest software producer. The first is that countries in the region have, and are maintaining, sufficient foreign reserves to endure current conditions. Secondly, inflation in the majority of the countries has been stable and under control. “The current economic situation is definitely impacting all industries in the region and throughout the world,” he says. “Nevertheless, Latin America has maintained in recent years good macroeconomic conditions that will allow for a faster recovery from this current environment, compared to previous crisis that have impacted Latin America.”

While there clearly are several challenges that will face companies operating in Latin America in 2009, tighter credit tops the list, according to our survey. “The biggest challenge facing many companies in Latin America will be access to credit,” says Leo Rodriguez, president of Latin America for U.S. based Emerson and Emerson Process Management.

The intention of this info. below is to inform potential retirees of the risk of living in possible risks of living in Panama or Mexico. Mush has been written about the increase in crime in Costa Rica but this article should open your eyes about other countries in the region.

Panama

This is one retirees experiences there.

“One of the reasons I want to move from Panama is that my wife is afraid to leave the house because of the rapidly rising crime rates, especially the murders and killings that saturate the television stations every night.  It has been said that the largest number of assassinations never make it to the news room because the government is covering up in order to protect the image of Panama as a retirement paradise.  Another is the incredible deterioration in the quality of life in the capital city in the last five years.  I have neighbors who are extremely inconsiderate of their co-owners and insist on making life difficult for others in their pursuit of self satisfaction, “the world be damned, I want mine” attitude.  You can call it “juega vivo” to the extreme. It gets tiring after a while to have to be fighting the service providers such as the banks, cable companies, phone companies to keep them from abusing their customers with incompetent service.  It is almost as if it were a national obligation to stick it to the other guy lest you be considered…..what is the term?  You are not fighting tooth and nail to exercise one upmanship on all with whom you come in contact throughout the day to day dealings that are required. This is especially true when you see the maniacs driving on the roadways of the capital. They could care less who gets hurt because of their negligence.”

The country beginning with the government from the highest to lowest level is totally corrupt.  The business sector probably less so. That isn’t to say that there are no honest people, there are but they have no power to make changes.  It isn’t hard to imagine that if improvements are not made in reducing corruption, the consequences of political upheaval will make living here more unbearable.  Most Anglos do not follow the news because their Spanish is not good enough and are not aware of what is going on. I, fortunately, am fluent in the language, read it and therefore do notice the ongoing coverups. “

I hope this satisfies some of the curiosity as to why I would want to leave. I sincerely hope for the sake of the future Panamanians, that this can be turned around.

Mexico

Mexico is in bad shape

Indiscriminate kidnappings. Nearly daily beheadings. Gangs that mock and kill government agents.
This isn’t Iraq or Pakistan. It’s Mexico, which the U.S. government and a growing number of experts say is becoming one of the world’s biggest security risks.
The prospect that America’s southern neighbor could melt into lawlessness provides an unexpected challenge to Barack Obama’s new government. In its latest report anticipating possible global security risks, the U.S. Joint Forces Command lumps Mexico and Pakistan together as being at risk of a “rapid and sudden collapse.”
“The Mexican possibility may seem less likely, but the government, its politicians, police and judicial infrastructure are all under sustained assault and pressure by criminal gangs and drug cartels,” the command said in the report published Nov. 25.
“How that internal conflict turns out over the next several years will have a major impact on the stability of the Mexican state.”
Retiring CIA chief Michael Hayden told reporters on Friday that that Mexico could rank alongside Iran as a challenge for Obama — perhaps a greater problem than Iraq.
The U.S. Justice Department said last month that Mexican gangs are the “biggest organized crime threat to the United States.” National security adviser Stephen Hadley said last week that the worsening violence threatens Mexico’s very democracy.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff recently told The New York Times he ordered additional border security plans to be drawn up this summer as kidnappings and killings spilled into the U.S.
The alarm is spreading to the private sector as well. Mexico, Latin America’s second biggest economy and the United States’ third biggest oil supplier, is one of the top 10 global risks for 2009 identified by the Eurasia Group, a New York-based consulting firm.
Mexico is brushing aside the U.S. concerns, with Interior Secretary Fernando Gomez-Mont saying Wednesday: “It seems inappropriate to me that you would call Mexico a security risk. There are problems in Mexico that are being dealt with, that we can continue to deal with, and that’s what we are doing.”
Still, Obama faces a dramatic turnaround compared with the last time a new U.S. president moved into the White House. When George W. Bush was elected in 2000, the nation of 110 million had just chosen Vicente Fox as president in its fairest election ever, had ended 71 years of one-party rule and was looking forward to a stable, democratic future.
Fox signaled readiness to take on the drug cartels, but plunged them into a power vacuum by arresting their leaders, and gangs have been battling each other for territory ever since.
Felipe Calderon, who succeeded Fox in 2006, immediately sent troops across the country to try to regain control. But soldiers and police are outgunned and outnumbered, and cartels have responded with unprecedented violence.
Mob murders doubled from 2007, taking more than 5,300 lives last year. The border cities of Juarez and Tijuana wake up each morning to find streets littered with mutilated, often headless bodies. Some victims are dumped outside schools. Most are just wrapped in a cheap blanket and tossed into an empty lot.
Many bodies go unclaimed because relatives are too afraid to come forward. Most killings go unsolved.
Warring cartels still control vast sections of Mexico, despite Calderon’s two-year crackdown, and have spawned an all-pervasive culture of violence. No one is immune.
Businesses have closed because they can’t afford to pay monthly extortion fees to local thugs. The rich have fled to the U.S. to avoid one of the world’s highest kidnapping rates. Many won’t leave their homes at night.
The government has launched an intensive housecleaning effort after high-level security officials were accused of being on the take from the Sinaloa cartel. And several soldiers fighting the gangs were kidnapped, beheaded and dumped in southern Mexico last month with the warning: “For every one of mine that you kill, I will kill 10.”
But the U.S. government is extremely supportive of the Mexican president, recently handing over $400 million in anti-drug aid. Obama met briefly with Calderon in Washington last week and promised to fight the illegal flow south of U.S. weapons that arm the Mexican cartels.
While fewer Americans are willing to drive across the border for margaritas and handicrafts, visitors are still flocking to other parts of Mexico. And the economy seems harder hit by the global crisis than by the growing violence.
The grim assessments from north of the border got wide play in the Mexican media but came as no surprise to people here. Many said the solution lies in getting the U.S. to give more help and let in more migrant workers who might otherwise turn to the drug trade to make a living.
Otherwise the drug wars will spill ever more heavily into America, said Manuel Infante, an architect. “There is a wave of barbarity that is heading toward the U.S.,” he said. “We are an uncomfortable neighbor.”