Don Jíbaro's Newsletter - July 17, 2010
Dear Jíbaros,
Glad to be alive... yes, sir!

In a spirit of resilience and determination the 21st Central American and Caribbean Games will STILL take place in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, but from Sunday, July 18 to August 1, 2010.

Earlier today bad weather on the region caused a waterspout (tromba marina) with 75 mph winds to form and cause damage on the Estadio Centro Americano de Mayagüez . It was determined to move the opening ceremony to the next day, Sunday, July 18.

There was major damage to the stadium facility and at least three (3) injuries as one of the heavy rafters fell on a parked car with people inside. The heavy winds also lifted a metal plank that injured one of the park workers with cuts in his hand.

Part of the metal frames of the lights of the main structure of the park were tossed up and down like matchsticks by the incredibly strong winds on Road 102

Police warned the attendees to stay out of the area as more possible storms may come to the area. Other structures are in danger of collapse in the $484 million infrastructures and installations. The Puerto Rican Institute of Culture has planned dozens of cultural activities for the citizens and athletes that will deflect the attention of the terrible accident and restore the Spirit of the Games

“Lo peor ya pasó” (the worst is over) said Heriberto Saurí, director of the State Agency for the Handling of Emergencies (AEMED. He also mentioned that other parts of the island is suffering similar minor disasters and that electrical power is being restored throughout the area.

Like a house of cards... or aluminum pipes!

Things were flying up in the air and landing in every which way!

Mayagüez 2010 marked the third (3) time Puerto Rico hosts the Central American and Caribbean Games, the other being San Juan in 1966, and Ponce in 1993. The city of Mayagüez had been selected previously to hold the games in 1982, but economic problems forced the city to quit the organization, and the games were held in La Habana, Cuba. A total of 4,965 athletes will be participating in 39 sports to be held all across Puerto Rico, Colombia, Guatemala, and Guyana.

Mayi and Magüe were selected as the mascots for the Games. They are a modern illustration of the Central American flame as a girl and a boy. The colors grant harmony and consistence with Mayagüez 2010's logo. Merchandise including shirts, stuffed animal, stickers and other merchandise has been created with the mascots.

This is....Puerto Rico!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/This-isPuerto-Rico/83842626144. JOIN as a fan and suggest it to your friends.

On the Other Hand...
I received a few concerns about my last newsletter and the topic of depression. Thanks a plenty for the kind remarks and encouragement. Believe me, it's just marvelous to know that there's many of you out there that love me and care! Gracias!

About the monster itself... major depressive disorder (also known as recurrent depressive disorder or unipolar disorder) is a mental disorder characterized by low mood, low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. I want to make it VERY clear that I do NOT suffer this today.

My bout came about (pun intended) two or some years ago when I had a car accident (READ article here: http://www.jibaros.com/accident.htm). The thought of coming close to death and/or permanent disability can be a major ya-ya that can haunt you for a long while! It can be very disturbing and oppressing, and can rob you of every little instance of happiness and fulfillment. WHO WANTS THAT?

Now, with ALL that out of the way, today I enjoy a victorious life, and the major ya-yas are history. At my age, now 62, I feel very grateful for the life I've had, with all the goodies and lack of many dark clouds. WHEW!

ALSO: Fiestalegre's 1st Annual Festival Puertoriqueño