From the Publisher's Desk February 2004

From the Publisher's Desk

Recognition Overdue

In this month´s Pacific Pearl we have included a long overdue recognition of foreign resident volunteers who make a difference in Mazatlán, whether it be within the English speaking community or the community at large. Those of us who live part or fulltime in Mazatlán know that away from the glitter of the Zona Dorada and Malecón exist impoverished colonias where a little help goes a long way. The diverse foreign resident community not only addresses this need locally, but encourages service groups from the States and Canada to assist. For example, within the next couple of months volunteers from Frontier Airlines and the Lions Club of Detroit Lakes will arrive in Mazatlán to paint, clean, repair and donate goods to charities in the city.

We are an interesting breed, we members of the foreign community. We have come from different parts of the States and Canada to live in Mazatlán for many reasons. Some of us are economic refugees who have left our homelands seeking a reasonable standard of living on a minimal income. Some are political or social refugees, looking for a cultural climate more suited to their beliefs. Some come searching for adventure. Some are running away. Some come for the chance to reinvent themselves, or start over. Some come for a visit, unexpectedly fall in love with the people and the city, and stay. Some have a winter home here. But what we all have in common is the primal need to be a part of a society for the basic reasons of security and comfort.

This need manifests itself worldwide. One family leaves their homeland for a new country and opportunities. Once established, more families emigrate to join them, often settling within blocks of each other. A new community is formed within the larger established society. It will often take two generations before the societies merge, and often they don´t, or only partially. A concerted political will and the understanding that change can be beneficial makes the difference between a community united or one divided.

The small Mazatlán foreign community (guestimates put it at around 4,000 people) is unique in that it actively reaches out into the larger surrounding society. It endeavors to learn the culture and the language, to find acceptance among the 450,000 citizens of Mazatlán. We invite Mexico into our homes and are delighted when, or if, it is reciprocated. One of the ways in which we show our enthusiasm for our adopted home is by helping where there is a need. Unlike the States or Canada, foreign residents are not afforded the legal opportunity of becoming citizens of their adopted home. Yet, this does not deter our will to help and be involved in the community at large. We are proud of the out-reach commitment shown year after year by volunteers in our small community, and we salute you.

Michael J. Veselik

Publisher