Añorve: Violence Has Not Changed Acapulco’s Economy

(Acapulco, JG 22 February) Acapulco mayor Manuel Añorve Baños held a press conference in his office yesterday, in which he affirmed that the recent acts of violence have not changed the economic and social life of the port city. “We are calm and in peace,” he said. The best evidence of the prevailing environment in Acapulco, he said, is the constant flow of new investment that comes here from both national and international companies. A goal of his administration is to maintain investor confidence. According to the mayor, since he assumed command of city hall in 2009, over $7.7 billion pesos have been invested in infrastructure, housing, new and remodeled hotels, and shopping areas.

Añorve cited as an example, the Mexican Open Tennis Tournament, now underway in Acapulco. “No one canceled. We are ready to receive thousands of visitors, and public service is at 100 percent.” He added, “the people of Acapulco are hard working.”

On matters of security, he has requested that federal forces sent to Acapulco during the time of the elections be permitted to remain. He said that violence has become a problem in the majority of the country’s municipalities, and Acapulco is no exception. “The best response,” said Añorve, “is to get to work.”