Yes, that’s right, I am starting the week with a rant. If you would like some lighter reading, head over to Canadian Budget Binder, I talk about grocery shopping in Guatemala, and how divine the food is!
As I was on my way to Guatemala City last week, BF called me and told me ”Lea is dead, she was shot”. Lea was a classmate of his who had become a prominent lawyer and usually dealt with some pretty important cases. They were in charge of each other’s legal affairs. She always took pride in fighting fair, never paying corrupted officials to win her ways. When she left her office last Thursday, a motorcycle shoot her over 15 times, killing her on the spot and her driver shortly after.
Her husband said she had been receiving threats and condemns a high official for the murder. Unfortunately, Lea is not the only one. While I was waiting for the bus, I overheard the comments about her death (she made front page in the national paper). People said ”one more”, ”now it just seems normal”, they consider reading about murder in the news normal!
And Lea’s husband is probably right about the murderers being sent from someone close to the government or some corrupt official.
I hate that about Guatemala. You can hire a killer for under $500. You can literally put a price on life. And it is not much.
I also hate that some people are so desperate they would do anything for money. I hate watching behind my back every five steps I take when I am in the worst parts of Guatemala City. I hate that I have been mugged twice and this has affected my love for this country. I hate that I have to remove my necklace, earrings and hide my money in five different places when I go to the capital city.
I hate that together with El Salvador and Honduras, Guatemala has one of the highest murder rates in the whole world.
I hate that drug traffic is artificially maintaining the currency level and making life expensive for everyone. The Mexican peso or Brazilian Real are constantly devaluing against the dollar while the Guatemalan Quetzal has held the same value for 10 years. Drug lords create jobs to launder the drug money and are protected by the police and ”public servants” as well as the people, who see no other option than work for them.
I hate that instead of chasing them for money laundering, they are onto me for bringing my savings to buy a property. I had to wait for two hours at the bank just to transfer money from my Guatemalan account into BF’s account with the same bank.
I hate seeing the families crying at the bus station as their eldest son ships clandestinely to the US in hope of a better future he will probably never get. He will either die at the border, be sent back without his family’s life savings or start a life of slavery, bunking with other 12 illegal migrants in a one bed apartment in order to send half of his salary home. They know that and they still want to go, they see no other choice here.
I hate that people are not educated enough to realize that if they put the same effort into starting a small business here, they would be better off than as illegal migrants. And that they are kept that way because most of the education and development budget is used to pay for corruption at every level. A friend involved in government projects estimated about 50% of the budget is lost in baksheesh and ”gift giving” to public servants.
I hate the hypocrisy of the rich, living in gated condominiums and pretending nothing is happening.
I hate that some don’t even dare see the light of day, going straight from their basement parking into their office parking, and claim they care deeply for their country, when they have never been to my region and only holiday in Miami.
And I hate that the rest of the country, so amazingly beautiful and peaceful, suffers from the bad reputation from Guatemala City. It affects tourism, the economy, the right everyone should have to grow up safely and have access to food, housing, healthcare and education.
As I write this from the bus station, I can’t wait to go back home to my little peaceful house. This city is getting worse all the time. The president just celebrated a year of mandate and has been visually polluting the streets with banners about all his ”accomplishments”. Put lightly, he has done nothing. His banners acclaim the reduction of child hunger, the raise of education, yet not one gives a number. Has he fed 100 child with a $1,000,000 budget? Something like that, probably.
Guatemala is a country so rich I lack words to express how everything grows so easily, how perfect the soil is, how many minerals there are… and yet everything is taken away by greedy characters. One example is a gold mine that foreigners want to exploit. Guatemala would provide the land, they would provide the machinery. What would be a fair trade? 50/50? They are considering giving 10% to Guatemala. I don’t know if this is a late attempt at colonizing or they mean well but are just being asked to pay so much to corruption they can’t afford to share more.
Once in a while a non profit shows up and digs a dwell or builds a school. After all the money that has been taken, other countries clean their conscience. And leave. The state stops paying teachers, the school closes. The gas runs out to operate the dwell, or the source dries. People are so used to others robbing them, when something comes their way they try to get their share and you can’t blame them, but this is not how a country can move forward.
Sorry, it is not all rainbows and unicorns here, and once in a while, it is time for a rant. A 1,000 words rant, when every week I write a 1,000+ words post on how fantastic life is around here and how beautiful the country is. I am still in love with it, and hope my hate list will shrink over time.
It is interesting how corrupt some countries are. Don’t think the larger more established ones are any less corrupt though, they are just better at hiding it.
I was thinking of doing a similar post on Australia soon as my wife and I are pretty fed up with this apparently lucky country of ours.
I think like you, that bigger countries hide it well, or that if the corruption is taken off the normal tag price. If you equip the whole ministry of education with $500 computers, you still sell them at $500 and give a cut to everyone. In Guatemala they would sell the computers for $1000, even though the computer company would get $300 per machine.
Wow, so sorry to read about your boyfriends classmate. It is always odd to see how some countries or even cities are so corrupt, especially when you see gated communities where they generally don’t care about what is going on. You’d think that they’d want things better as they live there, but we both know that does not happen. I am not going to get started on politicians, but they’d be better served to actually work on a problem as opposed to tout their “accomplishments”, but then again I guess that would not get them re-elected.
Guatemala has a very strict one mandate per president law. On the last election, two ex presidents threw their wives to campaign. Since the law said it couldn’t be a family member either, they got divorced on the spot! Thankfully, the ex wives didn’t win… That law also apply to good presidents unfortunately.
Very hard-hitting and certainly eye-opening. I am also sorry to hear about the BFs classmate – at least she was doing something to change the corruption – a fight against the evil. I think it will take a LONG time to fix your country 🙁
That is what I like about royalty, at least they are born rich so shouldn’t be interested in stealing too much!
Sorry to hear about the loss…that’s terrible!
I’m with the rest in that I think there are tons of corrupt people and countries. Greed, money, and power rule the day. We can try to live in our sheltered worlds but there are serious problems out there and they’ll never go away…frankly, they’ll always get worse.
Corruption is one thing, crime is another. A country like Cuba is very safe even though the corruption is terrible. I don’t really care about letting guys high on power decide how they want to share the world as long as normal people can live in peace. There was one good president in Guatemala over the past 20 years, just one, it gave everyone hope and then it was time for another thief.
So sorry to hear about your friend. It’s such a shame when crime is normalized in that manner. A radio show that I listen to called “This American Life” aired the first part of a two-part series this weekend on a school in Chicago where ~30 kids have been shot over the last year. And none of it made the news because that’s the norm for that community.
That is crazy! Crime turning into normal, resilient communities, it can only get worse.
It’s really too bad to see countries that could really benefit from tourism get a black eye from crime and corruption. Mexico is a popular destination for a lot of US tourists but I am so-so about going there just because there is so much crime that is pouring over into even the most touristy of places.
Mexico has the big advantage to have a strong middle class compared to Guatemala, where you are either very rich or very poor. Security is much better especially in tourist zone and the police is not so corrupted. The feds earn a lot of money and play fair and square, local police is still not impeccable. You can worry about pickpockets in tourist zones (like you would in Europe) but not much more really.
I have a coworker who is originally from Guatemala. Her father was a high profile lawyer who also received death threats and decided to move his family out of the country. It can definitely be a scary place!
It is slowly getting better, before rich kids could be kidnapped any time, now with GPS and tracking systems it is harder. So petty crime has risen, to make up for the ransom money.
I think it’s good you showcased the “other side” of what it’s like to live there. It’s sad when cities or countries are so corrupt like that. 🙁
It is probably only a bit worse than Europe or the US, politicians are not as good as hiding it! But at least Europe had bases, infrastructure, health system… before people started getting really greedy, here they are stealing before there is any development.
I’m sorry that it’s not always beach paradise. I’m sure there are things like that that happen everywhere, but that is really sad that you can’t count on police to do the right thing. If your President were doing something, he would educate people so that they might have other options than being in dire poverty or taking bribes to make a living. Be careful that you don’t get on the radar as a trouble maker.
I don’t think so, they usually leave foreigners alone… which is another unfair thing. Favor your owns I understand, but when I get preferential treatment here that is just weird.
I can understand your frustration with Guatemala. My father lived in El Salvador in the 60s/70s, and had his own restaurant/cafe, until the civil war tore it all away. I know that if it had`nt been for the war he would never had come back home to Norway. I think he still misses his life in El Salvador.
I am sure he does. Those are really beautiful and endearing countries, too bad the safety situation spoils it all.
Brutal. Corrupt authority figures and politicians may have the control but the Guatemalans have the power. If only the people could rally together to disband this corrupt system! I am so sorry about your boyfriend’s classmate. It infuriates me to see such a beautiful land being raped of her resources by a greedy small percentage.
people are resilient, it is the story of their lives from colonization, slavery, abuse from the powerful minority, the political conscience is very rare here.
Corruption is rampant in each and every country around the world. It is more obvious in some (Guatemala) and it makes life more difficult. It is sad that such a beautiful country is torn apart by the greedy.
This is the one argument I can find in favor of royalty, at least when you are born into so much opulence (yes, that your ancestors amassed from the people), you should be less greedy than a regular person catapulted to power overnight.
Ugh, that’s disappointing. Sometimes we forget about things we take for granted in less corrupt societies and wealthier societies.
Here’s hoping that it gets better over time. You ranting also does good, as more and more people are aware of the issues.
I am not sure the level of corruption is less in North America or Europe, but there is a minimum that was already there. If you steal today, there are still roads, schools, hospitals. Here there wasn’t much of an industrial revolution, and suddenly the field workers appear with cellphones and drink Pepsi while they can’t afford to send their kids to school.
That is when I realize how lucky we are to grow in safe environments. Don’t know if our politicians are much better though!
An Olympian from Guatemala was discussing the high crime rate during the coverage of the games. I found that disappointing. When Cheryl and the kids went, there were times they told her to not leave the compound they were in. That’s a sad state when you are in a place that beautiful and can’t go out to see some of it.
Guatemala has more to offer in terms of natural wonders and cultural sites than Costa Rica, but CR is safe… Guatemala could benefit so much from the same levels of tourism.
Sorry for the loss of your friend, in such a tragic way. Make sure you’re safe!!
Thank you Catherine. My little corner is pretty safe thankfully. The capital city is the worst but the rest of the country is peaceful.
So sorry about your friend! Its terrible!
Guatemala city sounds like any big cities in India. Corruption in the Government is what makes India not move as fast as it can. It really is a shame that countries with so many hard working citizens and blessed with great natural beauty go waste in the hands of a few corrupt politicians.
It is painful to see so many resources go to waste! Like getting a late start due to colonization was not enough.
That’s really sad Pauline, I really didn’t know Guatemala was that bad! I suppose when corruption is so rife at the top it filters down into the rest of society. Hope the benefits you gain by living there outweigh the negatives. Great post over @ Mr.CBB’s today by the way!
thanks! yes the benefits surely outweigh all that, it is an amazing country, and I am very happy here. Some aspects are just unnerving sometimes.
Sorry for the loss of your boyfriend’s friend. That is very tragic! I’m not sure I could be as strong as you are to get through that (and deal with everything you have written about) and still pursue living there. Stay safe! 🙂
Living outside the capital city is actually very pleasant, and I really love it here. I have been mugged in Paris too so it does happen everywhere, sure here more than Europe but I don’t want to let that drive me away.
Wow. Small town politics tends to see people accusing each other of corruption but it seems they really have no concept of what corruption really looks like.
If I were a small town mayor I would give contracts to my friends if they were competitive, and they would probably help me back with something like a good diner or tickets to a game. I wish it was like that down here!
That sounds pretty darn dangerous, Pauline. I can see why you would be..let’s say…disappointed to say the least. Be careful over there..I know you are a bad ass, but you have us worried now!!
I’m fine! I live 300 miles away from all that crazy crap. Like downtown Flint Michigan and a nice cottage by Lake Michigan. I just hate that the bad reputation of the city spreads over the whole country, otherwise magnificent.
It’s sad that the drug lords have so much power in a lot of central and south american countries. It’s such a beautiful part of the world that is becoming increasingly dangerous. I’ve been reading a lot about the drug wars going on in Mexico and its just insane how intense and widespread they are becoming.
it is crazy. but they have talked about legalizing in Guatemala (to avoid gang fights and murders) and the US weren’t on board… yet they are the reason why drug traffic comes through.
I’m so sorry Pauline. I can’t imagine the push and pull of place you so clearly love and yet has so many things going against it. Living in the States, we do get spoiled. Our government is far from perfect and certainly corruption exists, but we are very sheltered too. Be safe.
I have been sheltered most of my life too but it is like being in a safe routine and being madly in love, there will be ups and downs, yet you want to bet on love.
Terrible shock to you both – our deepest condolances. As others have said, bigger countries are better at hiding the corruption so that murder is not so general. After all, why get your hands dirty if you run the banks and the capital markets.
You have to look at some places in Europe, particularly parts of the ex-Soviet empire where the Russian and Ukrainian mobs have moved in. Or even to Corsica which has Europe’s highest murder rate, often in broad daylight.
Sad but at least for the rest of the time you are idylically happy! 🙂
I am very happy overall, I just hate when something comes troubling my peace. Yes, corruption is everywhere, but I can’t think of a good economic model with no flaws. I’d rather have my little paradise and keep to myself, then can fight for the rest.
I’m sorry to hear about your BF’s friend. It’s a shame when corruption rules a government.
I can relate with having to look over your shoulder in a dangerous city. I live in a suburb outside of Detroit. While the entire city isn’t a slum, the city council is corrupt and running the city further into the ground. The news around here always centers around murders in the city ect…
that is crazy when it becomes common news… I have read about Detroit and other sensible areas in the US, it seems weird that it still happens in the ”modern” world. And yet it doesn’t seem to impact so much the international image or the economy of the country. Guatemala is too small for that kind of press.
I am really sorry about your BF. I always try to reach financial independence but college debt is too much fro me and family. I am working part time to gather more money but it seems like is a never ending debt.
I’m really sorry to hear about your BF’s friend. I’m appalled to hear about what’s happening down there!
thanks, it is really sad, although there are many horrible things closer to home as well that don’t always make the news. Guatemala City deserves its bad reputation for street crime, but I know places around Paris where I wouldn’t venture at night too.
You know the more I get to know you the more I am intrigued about your lifestyle in Guatemala. Last night after enjoying the beauty in the photos of your guest post as well as what you taught us about your shopping habits I read this post. It’s sad to hear but it’s reality and we can’t mask it. It prompted me to learn a bit more, I wanted to see more so I went online to look up Guatemala. Like I mentioned to you at CBB… I was sad to see most piccies but happy to see the beauty in areas surrounding you. In life I’ve learned that when one says they have it all, I’m betting that’s not true. We can’t but what we can do is make the best of what we’ve got, make the world a better place and treat others as we would want to be treated. Thanks for sharing this Pauline. Cheers mate.
It is a crazy beautiful country, with drawbacks like any. There are ghettos in big US cities that are probably just as bad with gang fights and drug traffic. Where I live it is quiet and peaceful. Only the capital city has a high crime rate. It doesn’t show daily, it’s not like living in a war zone, but once in a while, sad things happen. In our countries kids disappear, crazy husbands kill their wives, and other horrible episodes. Guatemala has a few idiots who like to scare people and rob with guns. Like you say you can’t have it all and I try to focus on the positive. I refuse to change my life because of those idiots. I used to live in Guatemala City and cycled to work, walked around at night, everyone said I was crazy but you can’t let the bad guys win, you have to live normally.
Wow Pauline…I can see why you’d need to vent you frustration and anger. Corruption, inequality, contempt for life, it paints a bleak picture of a place you clearly love. I’m sorry to hear about the tragic killing, I can imagine your rage. I hope you’re managing to keep your spirits up with all that’s going on there.
thank you for your kind words Gareth. Yes, I am fine and happy here 99% of the time, my little corner is very peaceful. I only worry about it when I go to the capital city, since I got mugged last year, I don’t see it with the same eyes unfortunately.
Sorry to hear about your friend. I know exactly what you are saying. I was robbed at gunpoint on my first trip to Honduras and safety is a concern. Many of the people are decent, but there are some that just ruin it for everyone. Stay safe.
I am glad it didn’t deter you from going back again. 99% of the country/people are wonderful.
Yes, for all the things I dislike about my country, I am grateful for many more things, especially having met people from South America and a friend who recently visited two SA countries on a church mission. NZ really is a paradise in comparison.
NZ IS a paradise! I visited after 5 months in South America and was shocked when I got there. So peaceful, so beautiful, people so nice. And some where talking about higher crime rates, things not being like the old days… I thought they were really blessed that they considered such low levels of crime ”high”.
Although I couldn’t agree more with you that my country is in dire straits, many of the problems we have are related to drug trafficking. The drugs that passes through Guatemal to the US, the biggest consumer of drugs in the world.
In the US you also have a different type of problem regarding safety: I’d hate the US if my relatives were shot at Aurora Theater by a guy named James Holmes, or if my kids were shot at a Kindergarten shoothings in Connecticut, thankfully those were not the doing of an illegal immigrant.
And if someone is to blame for Guatemala’s condition, guess who it is?
‘%C3%A9tat
I’m not saying that nowadays people want everything for free. It’s a bad trait Guatemalas have, I must agree.
I am Guatemalan, i love the country, i certainly hate the people.
Isabel, que ridiculo tu comentario. ¿Odias a los Guatemalatecos?
Ciertamente eso es lo que dijo y que le interesa a usted? es mi opinion, si a usted no le apetece ese no es problema mio.
lo que dije**
Isabel, no sea bruta quiere? No demuestre que los “Guatemalatecos” somos gente sin educacion ni sentido comun.
En pocas palabras Isabel, una naca que se cree mucho y es tan Guatemalteca como los demas, ha de ser una gorda fea acomplejada que no ha logrado mucho en la vida.
If we got all together, we can change Guatemala… THAT IS FOR SURE… But, you know what is the big deal in here???… 1.- Some of us will say: YES, I AM WITH YOU IN THIS (and when the day is in, they won’t be there). 2.- Some of us will say: NO, I WON’T GO… WHY AM I GOING TO RISK MYSELF???, IT IS NOW WORTH IT (because it is always going to be a few people threathening against the lives of the people to want to move/wake up/do it from once all, or simply these people are associated with crime). Or there is going to be people saying— 3.- BRING IT IN!!! (In our country we can find #3 type of people almost everywhere, but you will sure find them in ZACAPA, CHIQUIMULA, JUTIAPA, just to name a few… And I love them because they make justice by their own because nowdays JUSTICE is what ALL OF US WANT but NOBODY GETS… Nowdays the charge of PRESIDENT is seen like a competiton, everybody wants to get there, FOR WHAT???: JUST TO STEAL PEOPLE’S BELONGS not like a REAL/IMPORTANT job. GOD BLESS YOU GIRL 4 LOVING THIS COUNTRY STILL!!!
No dates on the comments (the trend now with blogs to push them up the list:-) Now they have new Pres. so maybe thing will get better ….but the USA funding a 36 year civil war didn’t help
Guatemala sounds awful, sorry. All I know about Guatemala is that St. Ex and Prevot almost lost their lives there in ’37. I’ll stick with Europe and Iceland (my favorite)
It is the Spanish culture. They are crooks. All of them. The Spanish race is all around BAD!
I hate Guatemala. Because I feel in love with a girl from there here in the states she went home and her mother is the worst controlling and brainwashed her. She finally went against her mother and came and we got married. But went back to finish a few things. But her mother got even more controlling and telling my wife everything would be super bad. To the point she won’t come now. It is such a weird culture of people in their late 30s and 40s still living at home and doing what mom and dad want. Please stay safe. It is good to rant