Chacala Medical Clinic Dedication

Over three years ago a Rotary Club from North Carolina made it their mission to build a medical clinic for the town of Chacala, approximately 13 miles north of La Penita. Chacala is a quaint Mexican beach town with a beautiful beach and marina nestled in a cove with many foreign and national tourists through out the year.

New clinic in the back ground.

Just a few days before the dedication an American tourist died after suffering a heart attack and was transported to the closest hospital in Las Varas, only 15 minutes away. Unfortunately, this person waited for over four hours for treatment and did not survive. This incident just reinforced the need for closer medical services in this small community.

The dedication ceremony was attended by several Rotarians from North Carolina, Compostella (the county seat), Tepic, and the newly formed club in La Penita. Special guests of honor were Governer Ney and the President of Compostella, Hector Santiago.

Crowd waiting for the arrival of the Governor of Nayarit and President of Compostella.

The morning was steaming hot and humid and the guests of honor were well over one hour late. Finally the grand arrival was via a helicopter and an entourage surrounding the men while walking to the clinic site. Not unlike politicians north of the border the two men were busy shaking hands as they made their way to the stage.

President of Compostella (county seat) and Governor of Nayarit

Governer Ney

President of Compostella

Even though this was a dedication ceremony politics still made it into this event. A very dramatic moment occurred when the opening speaker made a comment stating that had the President and Governor arrived in cars instead of the helicopter they would realize how bad the condition of the street/roads are. At this point the Governor just walked off the stage toward the helicopter. There was a big gasp and the non-Spanish speaking gringos asked "what did he say?".

Finally, and I suppose after making his point, the Governor returned and the celebration event went on as planned.

This was a great celebration for the North Carolina Rotarians and people of Chacala. Of course, the politicians made this day even more memorable with their drama.