Chiquilá, Q.R. — Area residents of Chiquilá are threatening to block Holbox island access in protest of the abandonment by the current municipal administration. Angry area residents say the current administration has abandoned them, leaving them without a functioning ambulance.
While the two sides have experienced tension for months, this latest grievance came after the recent death of a tourist. Last week, a woman who was diving off the island of Holbox died due to decompression sickness.
The female tourist, who was from Chile, died in Chiquilá while waiting for an ambulance transfer to the Kantunilkín Integral Hospital. An ambulance did eventually show up, but according to local authorities, it was in poor condition.
Area residents say they do not have a proper ambulance since the only one available was taken to a mechanic shop in Kantunilkín months ago and never returned.
The residents have a long list of ongoing grievances with the current municipal administration. In early March, authorities made a formal request with state congress to form the Municipality of Chiquilá.