Posted by Doris on June 16, 2008, 9:32 am
189.182.89.15

Dear everyone, We understand that many of you are concerned and wish to know and help; however, in order to maintain JaQui’s dignity and respect, and in order to adhere to the lawyers’ requests, there will be no public discussion of this matter. The situation with JaQui is personal and private and is being dealt with as it should. But to clarify, JaQui has NOT been convicted of anything and any rumors you might hear are not necessarily accurate. In order to assist her and to work within the system, those involved are not allowed to speak of her situation nor would anyone who really cares about her wish to contribute to ongoing discussions about her, whether good or bad. This will not only harm JaQui; it will also harm those who have made the accusations, and everyone deserves the same respect. Please remember that here, one is considered by the legal system to be guilty until proven innocent and that this situation could happen to any one of us should someone choose to make any accusations, whether true or false. We need to ensure that no one is judged and convicted by the community and that we allow the legal process to take place in the manner that it does. We know that many of you have been very respectful and you need to know that JaQui greatly appreciates your concern and your respect. She is filled with gratitude for what you have done to help. Although we do know that your concerns and your compassion are very real and that it is difficult to not know the details of the situation, we respectfully request that you trust that those more closely involved are monitoring daily and ensuring that JaQui’s health, rights, and dignity are first and foremost. You also must understand that none of us know the details either - that is up to the lawyers and the system. We only know that a human being and fellow community member needs help and we are doing our best to do what we can. As many of you know, JaQui’s health is a serious concern but is being closely monitored. Physically and financially, she is under duress. Donations are being solicited to assist with the legal process as bail and legal fees are very costly. Many generous and caring people have already donated and it is all so sincerely appreciated. These donations will all be acknowledged privately as soon as there is time, but we can’t thank you enough for your help. Due to your generosity we all hope that she will be released soon so that her health can get back on track. She requires a special diet, specific exercise and several medications. The good news is that she has been treated as the “Abuelita” of the group and easily gained the respect and consideration of her fellow inmates. Even though the place she is currently in is not at all what one would find north of the border; (she has only been provided with a cement slab to sleep on, they do not provide food other than rice and beans, and the building is very sparse), it is clean and the people (guards, inmates and their families) are overwhelmingly friendly, kind and helpful, but that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who knows Mexican culture. We have brought her things to make her a little more comfortable, and we bring her special diet. Other than that, all she wants is to see something besides the 4 walls, a tree, a field, a street, a flower…. Right now, JaQui needs whatever help you can provide! She has been a generous community member for many years and has provided many free concerts for various fundraising events in the Jaltemba Bay area. She is a kind, generous and trusting person who now happens to be ill, in a terrible predicament and in need of assistance. If you wish to make a donation, please email either Sarah at walkersj_03@hotmail.com for donations from Mexico and the US or Lenor at coombermx@hotmail.com for donations from Canada. They will provide you with deposit or drop off/pickup instructions. More is needed. We all appreciate your caring and concern and ask that you try to be patient as this situation gets resolved in the manner that will hopefully be of benefit to all concerned. Thanking you from the bottom of our hearts in advance for your anticipated cooperation and ongoing generosity. Doris, ….. the current messenger for the small group working on JaQui’s release. (No part of this message can be copied or reprinted without permission of the author/group)