From the Publisher's Desk
A Community of Guests
We were recently pointedly reminded by a prominent Mazatlecan businessman that as extranjeros (foreigners) we are guests in Mexico. This is, indeed, true. According to immigration regulations, a guest cannot become a non-guest (Mexican citizen) until he or she has first held an FM3 for five years, followed by an FM2 for five years (each renewed annually for a fee), and finally obtained inmigrado status. At this point, after 10 years, an extranjero may apply for Mexican citizenship.
To our knowledge, few Americans and Canadians have applied for citizenship. Therefore, we are essentially a community of guests.
 
As guests, we have proved to the department of Immigration that we have sufficient funds to live in Mexico without being a burden to our hosts. We have purchased property and paid the taxes. We have opened businesses, hired local employees and paid our taxes. We avidly support local Mexican businesses and cultural events. We have refrained from commenting on political issues and abided by the laws of our host country.
 
But we are much more. We strive to be good neighbors. And as you read this issue of the Pacific Pearl, you will find a dynamic community comprised of professionals, philanthropists, world travelers, sportsmen, administrators, retirees, young families, entrepreneurs, clergymen, artists, musicians and writers. From this pool of expertise have emerged organizations such as Friends of Mexico, Hands Across the Borders, Amigos de los Animales, Tres Islas Orphanage Fund, and the American Legion, all dedicated to improving the quality of life for both Mexicans and foreigners in Mazatlán. Not to mention the army of quiet, non-affiliated volunteers who give their time and money where they see a need.
 
Our entrepreneurs have opened businesses, paid local employees fair wages, paid their health insurance, thrown Christmas posadas, and paid their vacation time. Our writers have written articles on the charms of Mazatlán in foreign newspapers and magazines and voluntarily translated major cultural press releases, all with the goal of putting Mazatlán on the tourist map.
Last year, the Sinaloa Department of Development requested a meeting with English speaking residents of Mazatlán to exchange ideas on how to attract foreigners to our State. The Secretary of Tourism has installed one employee to attract foreign investment, and another specifically to liaise with English speaking tourists and residents.
 
Through the outreach efforts of the Vineyard Church, a school was built beside the municipal dump and thousands of poorer people are fed regularly and given free access to medical and dental exams. Soon, through co-operation between Mexican and American professionals, Mazatlán will have its first Hospice for terminally ill patients.
 
We may be a community of guests but we have earned our keep and, hopefully, some respect.
Michael J. Veselik
Publisher