After so much misinformation and multiple attacks on various board members, a decision was made to put forth an informational email for the members of our community. We are aware of the multiple rumors circulating in Akumal and will state only facts.

Background 

Before the HMB barrier was installed Vecinos of Akumal Norte formed a Sargasso Committee where all options were explored and discussed and many barrier projects in the area were visited. Experts told the committee that because of the formation of the bay, the currents, and the reef, a barrier here would not be successful. Members of the HMB barrier committee were present at this meeting and were informed of the expert's opinions, but they decided that as private citizens they would go forward with the barrier.

Vecino’s board at this time decided to remain neutral because of concerns that it would not work and the cost would bankrupt Vecinos already small annual budget. 

After barrier installation

At the beginning of the turtle nesting season volunteers of the Turtle program noticed the lack of turtle nests compared to other bays in the area and divers reported damage being done to the reef. (See attached videos) HMB reef chains.MP4  HMB reef chains2.MP4

Concerned citizens who live in Akumal could see problems with the barrier. Sargasso was being deflected to other areas, coming over the barrier, and worse yet was also being trapped inside of the barrier, sinking and rotting on the bottom of the sea. When these owners asked the HMB committee to see their environmental impact studies and permits they received no answer. To compound matters, the barrier committee decided to extend the barrier to the South knowing that the majority of homeowners on the rocky shoreline were not in agreement with this extension. 

Concerned owners who live in Akumal Norte filed a citizens complaint to Profepa to ask for proper documentation, after Profepa could not provide any information regarding this project a lawyer was hired to get the information on the permits and environmental impact as these were not available to the public.

Since there was evidence of damage to the reef, the lawyer being an officer of the court was required to report it to the proper authorities. Only governmental agencies can file criminal charges. If evidence is found, concerned citizens cannot file any criminal charges, if there were any, these would have been filed against governmental agencies authorizing the barrier, not individuals (once again, private individuals cannot file criminal charges). In the meantime, members of the barrier committee continuously and publicly harassed members in restaurants and at social events. 

The barrier project was clausurado. 

Although Profepa issued a statement saying that there was no damage to the reef……. the truth is that the chains were removed immediately before the inspector came.

The barrier was reinstalled and then received major damage from a storm that was in the forecast for several days, and not classified as a tropical storm or a hurricane. The damaged remains of the barrier were removed after this storm.

After this, the barrier committee continued their misleading and false attack on concerned citizens and demanded Vecino’s board members to pay US$2000 each and to forward it to EPA for beach cleaning. This attack continues to this day to try and influence the election of board members.

Ask yourself…. Would you want HMB committee members who cannot even manage ONE barrier project to be tasked to manage YOUR money for security, roads, sewage products, sidewalks, and meetings with government officials? There is only one correct answer

It’s time for the division in our community to be put to rest so we can work together in a positive way. On Thursday Feb 20th there’s a very important decision to make, let’s elect people that have proven records of unity, environmental protection, and honesty.

This letter has been written in response to repeated, unfounded, and direct attacks on current board members Beryl Van Lierop, Ricardo Mangione and George Pritchard and the views are shared by multiple concerned Akumal homeowners.