Mexican Injustce - 1996

 This story took place in July 1996 when Sue and I were returning from a second honeymoon in Cancun. The place was now a tourist trap, a far sight from what it had been 10 years previously. At that time it was still under construction after a devastating earthquake had ravaged the economy. 10 years later it was a tourist's Mecca. After 10 days, when we were on our way home, we got a taste of Mexican "injustice."

For some unknown reason I had misplaced, or discarded my Visa. By this time we were at the airport and without the Visa I would not be allowed to board the plane, which was only 40 minutes from its scheduled departure time. To acquire a new Visa would require a Police report in person at the Police station, which was about 20 mintes away. Adding the time it would take to file the report and the 20 minutes it would take to get back to the airport, it was clear I would not be making the flight.

Sue, naturally, was not willing to leave without me. I explained to her that staying would only leave both of us in Cancun, with me, possibly under arrest. It would be best if she were at home to advocate for my release, should that become a necessity

I had already been turned over to the airport's Security Office, where I was told that there was no way to avoid missing my flight. Again I explained to Sue that this was my problem and that under no circumstance was she to stay in Mexico with me. This is where the story really begins.

I now had about 20 minutes in which to resolve the issue of my lost Visa. I went back to Security and asked the officer to issue me a new Visa. He refused stating that without a Police report it was not within his power to do so.

At this point a long legged, stunning Canadian blonde came in and reported that she  had lost her Visa. Smiling, and with the utmost courtesy, the Officer opened his desk drawer, revealing a full pad of blank Visas. He immediately wrote her a new one and leeringly presented it to her.

Now, I did not posess the long, tanned legs of the Canadian woman, but I was determined that I, too, would have my Visa. I gave the Officer $20 to issue me one. No longer able to say it was not possible he pocketed the $20, which I had covertly initialed, and he gave me my Visa. The next step, since I now possessed the coveted document, was revenge.

Then, with only 20 minutes to go before departure I asked to see the Chief of Airport Security. I was directed to his office where I quickly ran through the events, stressing the Canadian woman's success at obtaining her Visa, and my $20 bribe to secure the same result. The Security Chief, bedecked with gold braids and epaulets, was furious. "We do not take bribes, Senor", he said with indignation. He then summoned the officer in question while I watched the clock on the wall nervously.

The officer initially denied having taken any money from me. I informed the Chief that it was in his breast pocket and bore my initials. The Chief had the officer empty his pocket. When the $20 bill was revealed the officer denied that the bill was mine and the Chief threatened me with arrest for making a false accusation. I quickly pointed out my initials on the $20.

The Chief asked me if the officer had demanded the money from me. If so, then the Officer would be charged and I would be held over for his trial for having accepted, or demanded, a bribe. At this point my Tactical Situational Awareness kicked in.

Diplomatically I explained that there may have been a misunderstanding. As the officer did not speak perfect English, and my Spanish was not exactly fluent, I said that I may have misinterpreted him and thought it was a fee. I was released, the officer was neutralized, I got an apology from the Chief, and then ran from the office to the Gate, joining Sue on the boarding line. Case closed.