 Welcome to Iquitos and to the Plaza de Armas. Here you will find the crime rate has dropped thanks to a wonderful new program the Mayor of Maynas has implemented just 5 months ago. After months of discussion they finally kicked off a brand new Neighborhood Security Patrol Program. Jose Ambrosio Paredes Gonzales, 30 yrs, and his partner Carlos Augusto Iglesias Rios, 46, are the new kids on the block patrolling the Plaza de Armas in their wheelchairs.  That's right, the Mayor, Juan Carlos del Aguila Cárdenas, has inaugurated a special new program that gives handicapped persons an opportunity to help out in the fight against crime. Although confined to their wheelchairs, they have been very effective in reducing the crime in and around the Plaza de Armas. Working in conjunction with valid street vendors and neighbors in and around the Plaza de Armas, Carlos and Jose have been the eyes that identify criminals and produce arrested results. And if things get a bit hairy they have their patrol radios and can call for back ups immediately!  Their tour begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. and prostitution, petty larceny and dishonest vendors have been wiped out from the Plaza. Many thought that this type of program would have no effect whatsoever, but lo and behold! results proved them wrong. Their function is to provide security, their presence alone is a deterrent, information and guidance for the tourist and to keep the homeless from destroying the beautiful Plaza de Armas' plants and trees. As of 5 months ago the fountain was the bathing place for the homeless and some would take the water out to clean their motorcycles. Not anymore! Litter, once a problem, also has been curbed. One person from Chile was so impressed with the program he has said he will try and implement a similiar program in his country. Indeed, Lima also has handicapped persons patrolling their plaza. This will also serve as a model program for other districts in Loreto. The Plaza de Armas is now a safe location. With the help of this program the reputation of the Plaza de Armas will indeed change. It's even now a more pleasant and family atmosphere. The program has gotten rave reviews by local TV channels 2, 5 and 21 and have been interviewed by El Popular, Pro y Contra and La Region. The employees get regular pay just as the other patrolmen. Aspirants should apply at the Municipal of Maynas. Special thanks to Mayor Juan Carlos del Aguila Cárdenas for his sensitivity to the handicapped population here in Iquitos and for allowing this program to take off. By Lalo Calderon |