Bishop Urges Crime Crackdown in Quintana Roo

Chetumal, Mexico — The Bishop of the Diocese of Cancún-Chetumal, Pedro Pablo Elizondo, has issued a call to state and municipal authorities to reinforce security strategies and counteract criminal activity, which has seen an increase in recent months.

"There are many funerals. We in the church receive the deceased, and it is sad to see families and society dismayed by what is happening in Quintana Roo," stated Bishop Elizondo.

He referenced official reports that present a positive picture, contrasting them with the on-the-ground reality. "We hear the reports and they tell us that everything is beautiful, everything is spectacular, but in some things, it is not as they told us. It is true that the governor, Mara Lezama, and the municipal presidents work hard, but there are things that, if not taken care of, will affect tourism, and they said nothing about that," he expressed.

The prelate emphasized that security should be a government priority, especially in tourist destinations like Quintana Roo. "In these complex times, people get scared when the United States issues a travel alert to its nationals. It's not wrong, but it alarms people, and we must redouble our efforts because the state does not live on anything else."

Bishop Elizondo stated that all levels of government must coordinate to leverage resources for intelligence, economic investment, training, and salary improvements to maintain a peaceful and stable paradise.

"We have a paradise of sand, sea, and jungle, but we also want a social and human paradise where people feel comfortable," he maintained.

He pointed to Mérida, ranked as the safest city in the country, as the model to follow. Furthermore, he lamented the sadness of the relatives who attend the funerals of victims of crime.

"The case of Mario Machuca was the most recent, but like that one, there are many more. I do not know if they are doing something, but they must redouble their efforts and allocate resources to that area," he underscored.

Finally, Elizondo highlighted that poverty also affects the population, as many people come to the church seeking medicine or to civil associations looking for food.

"These are people who come and are not doing well or something happens to them and they become marginalized. We must find ways to support them, but above all, they need employment and increased wages," he concluded.