By showing a strong force of numbers at this conference, members of the foreign community in Mazatlán and neighboring towns have sent a clear message to the government that we care and would like to be active participants in the bright future of the State of Sinaloa and the City of Mazatlán.
Please read the attached address which was delivered to the Authorities on our Community's behalf . Two notebooks containing this address as well as the Position Paper we shared with you on previous occasions and all the E-mails we received with your questions, concerns and ideas, were handed to Governor Malova and President Higuera. CLICK HERE to view the Governor's Forum Address!
The response by the Governor was no less than SPECTACULAR as substantiated by the extensive positive feedback we received after the Forum.
We invite you to read in the attachment, a transcript of the Governor's remarks translated into English. We are also attaching a copy of his remarks in Spanish as a courtesy to our Mexican friends who have registered in theTangerina's database. CLICK HERE to view the Governor's Forum Transcript!
We would like to highlight 5 Key Commitments made by the Governor:
1 - In the Position Paper presented to the Governor, we wrote:
"A key challenge is, however, how to create an ongoing means of communicating, sharing, implementing ideas and providing assistance to the Foreign Community. One idea would be to create a “Foreigners Assistance & Communications Office” [FACO] to act as the “Ombudsman” of Foreigners in the region requiring help from other organizations like Profeco, Police, PGR, District Attorney, etc..FACO could be a conduit to provide updates on the Major Issues presented at the Forum through E-mails, Web Page etc.. "
In his speech, the Governor instructed that such an office should be instituted under the umbrella of the Secretariat of Tourism in Mazatlan, and stated in his speech:
"...Also I want you to have a space, a desk, a telephone in the office of the Secretariat of Tourism where you can have direct contact with the state government and your fellow citizens. The Secretariat of Tourism has moved to Mazatlan, and I want you all to feel at home there."
STATUS: We have been advised today that Ivan Pico is the Director of this Office, and is able and ready to serve the needs of our community.
Soon, he will be informing all of us how he plans to structure his office for Assistance to and Communications with all the Foreigners.
If you wish, Ivan can be reached at:
Office: 981-8883 to 87
Fax: (669) 981-8890
Cell: 669-101-0320
Emai: ivan.pico@sinaloa.gob.mx
2 - A second commitment by the Governor is described below:
"I would like to make some quick proposals today. I would like to offer you a space, a chair for the foreign residents in Sinaloa, on my Advisory Council, so that you can have a voice.
Is there someone who can recommend a person of experience who can be part of this new government?"
All your inputs should be directed to Ivan Pico, BUT, before you do so, we are asking Ivan to share a profile and some of the qualifications required of the person who may be able to fill this important position.
3 - In his speech, the Governor committed to creating a working committee of State and Municipal Government Officials to follow through on the challenges at hand:
"I want to form a council with the objective of addressing all the actions and goals defined in “the Notebook" [which was handed to me] and respond to the foreign community's needs."
Ivan Pico will be monitoring those actions and communicating the progress to all of us on an ad hoc basis.
4 - In the Position Paper presented to the Governor, we stressed:
"Please note that the fraudulent land and condominium sales in Mazatlan is a real problem and needs to be addressed urgently."
This message was amplified by Charlie Mouland at the Forum and in one Email which was integrated in the notebook we have to Governor Malova and President Higuera.
The Governor's response at the Forum was quite decisive:
"I would like to have a list of those who have been robbed by phony developers and their fraudulent real estate deals. We will soon meet with the State Attorney General to see that all those shysters pay for their illegal activities. "
Charlie has volunteered to champion this cause and is working closely with Ivan Pico to collect data and assure the Governor's Assistance Office pursues the resolution of these cases with the State Attornety Generl.
If you have been defrauded or know about someone who may have, and are willing to be included in this effort, please Email Ivan Pico as soon as possible.
5 - Finally, not withstanding the fact that the Special Office of Tourism under Ivan Pico will be updating us regularly on the progress being made on these key issues, the Governor is commited to meet and report to all of us on a yearly basis:
"Henri, I would like to make a public commitment here today.
I would like to have an open forum like this every year during my term, one at least or more as you see fit, a total of 6 altogether. And I am willing to take on the task of coming here to report on our progress regarding each one of the concerns or suggestions that have been made."
After the Forum, Emails were received with some constructive ideas about the next Mazatlan, Governor's Forum. We are integrating those ideas in our recommendations to the authorities:
- The Coordinating Committee is requesting that a date be set soon for the 2012 Governor's Forum.
- We are also recommending an Agenda requesting the Presenters to be, those people in the Government Organizations (State and Municipal) who are actively addressing the issues, plus the President and Governor themselves, give us an update on the 5 major issues, specifically:
* Safety and Security
* Real Estate and Consumer Protection
* Dealing with the police and Enforcing the Law
* Environmental concerns and Health Considerations
* Infrastructure deficiencies
- The Governor in his speech suggested the creation of an Award to recognize outstanding charitable endeavors in our Community. We are suggesting that the Recognition Award be integrated in the Annual Forum Agenda.
- Finally, if the authorities decide to pursue "open questions" from the floor, we are suggesting that those questions are submitted in writing on the day of the Forum to the Organizing Team , to be screened for redundancy or relevancy.
We know that several people may still doubt that "any actions" will be taken by the Government. We beg to differ. What we are witnessing here is a Convergence of two Unique Leaders..very much alike. Two Men recognized for their "CAN DO ' attitude . Two passionate men of action determined to assist their constituents sincerely with energy and compassion.
The Proof is in the Pudding....But, let's keep the faith and assist them in what we can!....We are encouraged that some actions have already been taken!...
PLEASE PASS ALONG THIS UPDATE TO YOUR E-MAILS LISTS
and please encourage them to register at
We hope many of you will get involved and be part of the next Governor's Forum Coordinating Committee in 2012 which will be organized by the new Representative of the Mazatlan, Mexico Foreign Community and Ivan Paco.
SUBMITTED BY: Henri Jarrat of behalf of the 2011 Governor's Forum Coordinating Committee.