Cruz Roja Mexicana Delegacion Cozumel: History & Principles
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History
After Mexico received its independence from Spain, the army was responsible for
the emergency medical care of citizens. By 1907, however, the service was in
chaos due to insufficient funds, inefficiencies, and dissatisfaction of the
responsible officers. In 1910, by Presidential decree, the Red Cross was
recognized as an auxiliary of the army and the sole provider of day-to-day
emergency care in the Republic. In 1923, the Mexican Red Cross received its
charter as a Society of the International Red Cross Movement, severed ties with
the army and began operations as an independent, charity organization.
Under the charter, the Red Cross mission was expanded to address both
immediate and long-term needs. In addition to community-based health care, its
activities include emergency shelter, food and medicine; water and sanitation;
restoring family contact for disaster victims; disaster preparedness; first-aid
training and activities; control and prevention of diseases; blood-donor recruitment,
collection and supply; and youth and volunteer activities.
Cozumel remained sparsely populated before Jacques Cousteau's historic visit in
1959. During the 1960's and 70's, the island built its infrastructure and reputation
as a mecca for divers and tourists. By 1983, the population had grown to 20,000
yet there was no emergency medical service. That year, a small group of
concerned volunteers banded together to found a Red Cross chapter and provide
an ambulance for Cozumel.
Luis Pavia Mendoza, Director of Grupo Sol Comunicaciones (Sol radio), convinced
the Municipio to donate an old truck to the cause. Miguel Borge Martin, who later
became the Governor of Quintana Roo (1987-1993), donated the building at Ave.
20 and Rosada Salas. Lourdes Castilla de Gonzales took charge of the Volunteer
Ladies who held weekly dances and other social events to raise money for
operations and growth. Eventually, they bought and provisioned three van-style
ambulances similar to those in use today.
According to the latest census, taken in 2005 before Hurricane Wilma, Cozumel
had over 73,000 people living in communities in all parts of the island. As first
responder and provider of humanitarian aid, the Red Cross works closely with city
agencies and the military to maintain health and safety in every neighborhood. At
the end of 2009, the Delegation moved from its downtown retail-zone location to a
new facility with ample parking on Ave. 65 South, which is much more convenient
for most of its clients. The building was dedicated in February, 2010, and the street
it faces was named in memory of the wonderful Lourdes Castilla de Gonzales who
passed away during the fall of 2009.
After Mexico received its independence from Spain, the army was responsible for
the emergency medical care of citizens. By 1907, however, the service was in
chaos due to insufficient funds, inefficiencies, and dissatisfaction of the
responsible officers. In 1910, by Presidential decree, the Red Cross was
recognized as an auxiliary of the army and the sole provider of day-to-day
emergency care in the Republic. In 1923, the Mexican Red Cross received its
charter as a Society of the International Red Cross Movement, severed ties with
the army and began operations as an independent, charity organization.
Under the charter, the Red Cross mission was expanded to address both
immediate and long-term needs. In addition to community-based health care, its
activities include emergency shelter, food and medicine; water and sanitation;
restoring family contact for disaster victims; disaster preparedness; first-aid
training and activities; control and prevention of diseases; blood-donor recruitment,
collection and supply; and youth and volunteer activities.
Cozumel remained sparsely populated before Jacques Cousteau's historic visit in
1959. During the 1960's and 70's, the island built its infrastructure and reputation
as a mecca for divers and tourists. By 1983, the population had grown to 20,000
yet there was no emergency medical service. That year, a small group of
concerned volunteers banded together to found a Red Cross chapter and provide
an ambulance for Cozumel.
Luis Pavia Mendoza, Director of Grupo Sol Comunicaciones (Sol radio), convinced
the Municipio to donate an old truck to the cause. Miguel Borge Martin, who later
became the Governor of Quintana Roo (1987-1993), donated the building at Ave.
20 and Rosada Salas. Lourdes Castilla de Gonzales took charge of the Volunteer
Ladies who held weekly dances and other social events to raise money for
operations and growth. Eventually, they bought and provisioned three van-style
ambulances similar to those in use today.
According to the latest census, taken in 2005 before Hurricane Wilma, Cozumel
had over 73,000 people living in communities in all parts of the island. As first
responder and provider of humanitarian aid, the Red Cross works closely with city
agencies and the military to maintain health and safety in every neighborhood. At
the end of 2009, the Delegation moved from its downtown retail-zone location to a
new facility with ample parking on Ave. 65 South, which is much more convenient
for most of its clients. The building was dedicated in February, 2010, and the street
it faces was named in memory of the wonderful Lourdes Castilla de Gonzales who
passed away during the fall of 2009.
| Principles The Cozumel Red Cross subscribes to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement. It provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The Principles are: HUMANITY: To assist without discrimination. To prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. To protect life and health and ensure respect for the human being. To promote mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. IMPARTIALITY: To make no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. To relieve suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. NEUTRALITY: To enjoy the confidence of all, to not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. INDEPENDENCE: While auxiliaries in humanitarian services of government and subject to the laws of our country, to always maintain our autonomy to act in accordance with these principles at all times. VOLUNTARY SERVICE: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by a desire for gain. UNITY: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. UNIVERSALITY: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide. |
Cruz Roja Cozumel is indebted to the following volunteers for their leadership:
 | Luis Pavia Mendoza, 1983 - 1985 | |
| Lourdes Castilla de Gonzales, 1985 - 2000 | |
| Martha Sempere, 2000-2005 | |
| Jose de la Fuente Sagaon, 2005-2010 | |
| Daniel Cortes Gomez, 2010- | |
