Since the tragic death of Robin Wood on January 3, 2012, as Member of
Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, a riding which includes Salt Spring Island, I have been in touch with
constituents in the Melaque area to offer assistance, if there was anything
their MP could do. Clearly, Robin Wood’s death has been an
emotional body-blow to friends and acquaintances inMexico and on Salt Spring Island. It has also been very concerning to
local Mexican residents of the area.
One of my constituents sent me the following update with a request that
this statement be shared:
On January 5th, at a
meeting attended by approximately 300 people from the local and foreign
community of Melaque, the community expressed how very shocked, saddened, and
appalled they are about the robbery-related murder that took place on January
3rd. This has never happened before in Melaque and its citizens are
extremely concerned about the safety and security of everyone in the community,
both foreigners and locals. The Mexicans in attendance also expressed
their deep sorrow and remorse over this incident.In response, Mexicans
in Melaque are going house to house to collect signatures to petition the
municipal government. On January 9th a large delegation will be meeting
with this government, based in nearby Cihuatlan, to ask for increased security
and to bring justice to this crime. They want everyone to feel safe in
Melaque and will be demanding an increased police force and also the resumption
of the tourist police force, who speak English and can readily assist
English-speaking visitors and residents. The delegation will also be
requesting an accounting of the actions and progress on this by the local
government.
I
know all Canadians wish these local efforts well and will appreciate any
efforts by Mexican government(s) to respond positively to this local request
for greater security.