Paying His Way

Or maybe I should'a titled this one "Buying His Way." Oh well . . . I'm sure you'll get the point . . . .

The subject here is the investor "Robi and how he's attempting to go from idea (Marina San Cosme) to fruition (selling lots of lots to lots of investors and makin' loads and loads of loot).

I think Robi is a great believer in money being the all-around best mover and problem solver in Mexico. And, pretty much, I easily can agree with an outlook like this. But not completely. Sometimes there's other better, more satisfying ways ta get things done.

Not only has Robi's largess gone on high to those there generally on the take. He's also aimed much low, down to bottom of totem, individual ejido members. A number of times already word has reached me that "Robi is handing out money to the people." "How much?" I've replied, the figure usually coming back at between $2,000. and $4,000. pesos. When I've asked as to whom he's being so generous, "ejido members," has always been the answer. "Not to other people in Agua Verde?" I've questioned, but I've been told "No! just to ejido people." Tongue and cheek I've asked why he'd do that, and what I've gotten was a chuckle and statement that he's trying to buy the people. A big laugh that made the rounds was that he'd even greased Chayo's brother Candido, who'd sold his ejido rights like two years back, Robi just assuming he was a player because of that Telamontes name. Especially Candido got a big kick outta this.

Pretty much, I know these ejido people he's been enriching. They're poor, almost without exception. And they may not be educated or appear to be very smart. But they've got enough cunning and cleverness to scratch out an existence where things don't lend that easily. And they're sure as hell in tune enough to understand what Robi's all about. Sure! They'll take his money — you bet! Sure. They'll act just as buddy buddy as is possible, especially if they think there's chance to keep the flow coming. But if Robi thinks he's purchasing their loyalty, he's got a big surprise comin'.

The dysfunctional tenure of Robi's buddy, ejido chief Gutierrez, is quickly drawing to a close. Robi would dearly love to be an influence in his successor, someone who he needs in his pocket. I'm bettin' right now, though, that that ain't gonna happen.

Suffice it said that those in the ejido who understand well the dynamics, don't give Robi's choice a ghost of a chance. There's great built-up enmity amongst the rank and file with respect to all of Robi's unmet promises: That gas station at the junction with Baja Rt. 1, the paved road, the hospital for the people, the modern trailer park at San Fernando for ejido people, jobs, the marina itself, etc.

There's also the force, that at the time of crucial ejido vote that turned Robi loose to rack ecohavac in the San Cosme area, that just missed stopping him.

This force, which has been bidding its time, essentially knowing and predicting that Robi couldn't come through, now has swelled to a solid majority, them having a long string of "We told you sos," to carry the day.

Unfortunately, the ejido doesn't have a very deep pool of replacement talent. Chayo's oldest brother Crecencio, who's been ejido chief in the past, is illegible now to run again. To say the least, we've had our differences. But he won't be putty in Robi's hands. And anybody would be better than this present chief is.

Lots of luck — Robi!

Email: david@dondavidonbaja.com