Moroccan Charity Trip Turns To Tragedy

According to a report in a British newspaper, a 17-year-old schoolboy died on a school trip to Morocco after passing out in the extreme heat.

Sam Boon was on the second day of a five-day trek with ten friends to help build a school for Moroccan children after he and his fellow pupils spent months raising £12,000.

After Sam, who attended the Business Academy in Bexley, Kent, collapsed, there were failed attempts to revive him and he was pronounced dead after being taken to a medical centre.

The results of a post-mortem examination have not been released yet but it is said that Sam may have suffered heat exhaustion after temperatures in Morocco reached 49C in the past week.

Sam's parents Karen and Kenneth have flown out to Morocco to bring his body home.

His uncle, Dave Boon said: 'He was a lovely child, and he never caused an ounce of a problem for anyone.

'He was just very intelligent and unfailingly polite. He was never in any sort of trouble, and worked hard at everything he put his mind to. He was so excited about the Morocco trip.'

The tragedy, which took place on Tuesday, cut short the school trip and the group flew back to England on Thursday.

An anonymous friend of Sam's said: 'Everyone is really shocked at school. Nobody really knows how it happened. He was a big guy, but he didn't seem unhealthy. It has just knocked everyone for six.'

World Challenge, which provided educational trips in the developing world, organised the expedition and has flown a team to Morocco to help the family.

temperatures in Morocco have soared over the last two weeks

The trip started with a five-day trek for pupils and students in the N'fis valley in the Amizmiz region, 55km south of Marrakech.

A spokesman said: 'He collapsed on the trek and they tried to resuscitate him. He was immediately transferred to a local medical centre where he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.'

Sam was studying A-levels including physics and maths, and was to turn 18 in three weeks.

Visitors to Morocco are advised to avoid over-exposure to the sun during the hotter months of the year and to always carry plenty of water.


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Alcohol in Cola Drinks - a Problem for Muslims

It is time that Coke, Pepsi and manufacturers of other colas came clean about their ingredients; sugars, sweeteners, additives, alcohol, caffeine ...  

Maybe the only surprise in that list is alcohol and if it is true then cola drinks are a problem for Muslims. Last month, Patricia and Thomas Chairopoulos Laurenceau, writing for the major French Consumer magazine "60 Million Consumers" published for the first time, a list of compounds detected in twenty classical or light colas. The research had been conducted by the National Institute of Consumption (INC) in Paris

Claiming that the ingredients are a trade secret the two market leaders, Coca-Cola and Pepsi, are still refusing to disclose the list of plant extracts they use in the manufacture of their products. After a thorough investigation, supported by laboratory analysis of nineteen brands of colas, the National Institute of Consumption research reveals that the drinks are potential sources of allergens and carcinogens.

Different plants and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and citrus, are used in these drinks. The analysis of aromatic compounds also showed the presence of certain elements, such as terpenes, which are known allergens. While food allergies and obesity are steadily increasing, consumers have a right to know what is in these drinks.

The National Institute of Consumption also detected the presence of controversial additives such as phosphoric acid or coloring E150d (Sulphite ammonia caramel). A few months ago, the State of California put this last additive on the list of ingredients dangerous to health. Coca-Cola and Pepsi responded by changing the recipe of their drinks marketed in the United States. But do not envisage any change to those sold in Morocco or Europe.

Coca-Cola remained the leading player in soft drinks in Morocco due to the company’s dominance in carbonates. The company benefits from strong distribution and marketing support, including the use of branded refrigeration appliances and storefront advertising in independent small grocers. However, domestic players have been increasing their share of the market, with Les Eaux Minérales d'Oulmès, Sotherma and Moroccan Food Processing benefiting from strong growth in bottled water and fruit/vegetable juice.

Some traces of alcohol and far too much sugar

To put an end to the persistent rumor about the presence of alcohol in colas, engineers have made 60 million doses of their own. Result? Almost half of tested colas contain alcohol - however at very low doses (less than 10 mg of ethanol per liter, or about 0.001%).

Morocco World News reports that in a statement issued by the Moroccan branch of Coca Cola , the company denied any presence of alcohol in its products and beverages. “Our beverages are non-alcoholic drinks and we do not add any alcohol as an ingredient to any of our products,” the statement says.

The company added that all their products in Morocco are compatible with the regulations of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture in Morocco. It also added that the production and sale of its Coca Cola beverages have been approved by the competent authority in all Muslim Countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey and Morocco.

The conflicting evidence from the new research will cause concern among Muslim consumers of non-alcoholic drinks who want to make sure that what they eat and drink is halal and in accordance with their religious teachings.

Even more worrying from a health point of view is the sugar content;  Carrefour Cola Classic contains the equivalent of 19 pieces of sugar per litre, Coca-Cola contains 18 and  Pepsi 17.

These drinks are extremely popular in Morocco and it is time parents got the message that every time their child drinks a can of coke they are consuming the equivalent of six sugar cubes!

As for sweeteners present in the so called "cola lite" versions, safety is still an issue - which is hardly reassuring for products widely consumed by children and adolescents. Maybe it is time for health warnings on cans and a public education campaign.

Is it time for health warnings?

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Massive Marches Expected in Morocco

Moroccan political bodies have called for citizens to take part in the largest march in the Morocco's history - "The March to Jerusalem".  The march will take place this coming Sunday with activities on Friday as well. The recent mass marches in Rabat have been seen as the prelude to the Jerusalem march events. Plans for the event include a joint forum with students from Jordan and a declaration of a fast day in efforts to show solidarity with Jerusalem.

On Friday, a number of marches will be held simultaneously, leaving from Casablanca, Fes and Meknes. Two days later pro-Palestinian organizations will launch a mass rally in Casablanca expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people.

The Moroccan Islamist group Al Adl Wa Al Ihssan (Justice and Charity) called in a statement all the Moroccan people to make Friday March 30 “a day of solidarity and protest in support of Palestine and Jerusalem” by organizing protest marches in all the Moroccan cities.

Last Sunday's pro-Palestinian march in Rabat

The Islamic group had organized a massive march for Jerusalem in Rabat last Sunday (25/3) but no political bodies which support the Palestinian issue participated in the march.

Next Sunday's march (1/4) was called for by several political bodies and parties, left-wing and right-wing, in addition to Justice and Development Party, and its ideological wing the Unification and Reform Movement, in order to organize “the largest march in Morocco history to support Jerusalem and the Palestinian cause,” according to Lakom Kam newspaper on Wednesday (28/3). The organisers have picked Casablanca as a starting point due to its huge participation. The march comes as a response to “justice and charity” march which surprised the observers in terms of participants’ numbers and the movement’s ability to organise.

The newspaper stated that the observers are waiting for the government’s reaction and media in dealing with the next march. The government has allowed the Justice and Charity group to organize a huge march for the first time, though it is not licensed to operate yet as a political party, but the official media had totally ignored the march that surprised the observers, the newspaper added.

The march will be in solidarity with other marches around the Arab world. In Lebanon, participants will convene for a prayer session on the Beaufort, which overlooks the border with Israel. Public figures are expected to deliver a speech at the site, with organizers looking forward to welcoming tens of thousands of participants.

According to Lebanese reports, security forces held a Turkish vessel carrying activists from Iran, Turkey and other Asian states for long hours. Hezbollah representatives reportedly mediated in efforts to resolve the crisis.

Jordan has set the gathering point at the site where it is believed that Jesus was baptized, a location overlooking Jerusalem. According to plans, this rally will also include speeches and masses of protestors.

Jordanian coordinator of the march, Ribhi Halloum, said: "We feel the immense interest in the event expressed through donations from private individuals and the Islamic Movement."

The Al-Dustour newspaper reported that Jordanian Prime Minister Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh expressed his readiness to provide the Jordanian government's sponsorship to the march which he said would be non-violent.


While there is no public safety threat, tourists in Morocco are advised to avoid the areas where the marches are taking place.

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Tourist Warning ~ Beware the Man on the Train !

From time to time The View from Fez receives warnings about scams on Moroccan trains. Although we have published a story on this before, we have been asked by a group of businessmen in Fez to repeat the warning as they believe the situation has not improved. It may well have become worse, with American and Australian visitors being targeted.

The Train Scam

If you have just arrived in Morocco by air and are about to take the train from Casablanca to Fez, you may be approached by a very "friendly" man. After chatting for a while, he will ask you where you are staying in Fez. It is often the case that he will suggest you change as the place you have booked "is not very good".

This friendly individual will also "kindly" offer to provide you with a guide and a car and driver.

Once in Fez, he hands over to the guide who will take you to "the best carpet shop in the Fez Medina".

In the carpet shop you will be encouraged to buy carpets at inflated prices.

In amidst the confusion, culture shock and exchange rate bewilderment, you may find you have spent a great deal more money than you intended. In a recent case, an American couple were devastated to discover they had spent almost US$100,000 on six carpets worth a fraction of that amount. An Australian mother and son had a similar experience to the tune of US$26,000 USD. They also found themselves paying for a car and driver they did not use, as they were holidaying in the Fez Medina.

According to our informants from the Fez business community, there are up to ten individuals who board trains at Casablanca, Rabat or Meknes on the lookout for newly arrived visitors. While we would encourage you to be friendly and courteous, do not let anyone persuade you to change your existing plans, or to hire a guide or car and driver. If you need a car and driver, the reputable riads and guest houses will be happy to offer the services of people they trust and have worked with before. They will also book a guide for you who is government registered.

This warning aside, Moroccan people can be warm and generous to a fault. On a recent trip, a Moroccan on a train befriended some acquaintances who were going to Tangier and on to Spain. He not only paid for the taxi from the train station to the ferry, but then assisted them in buying tickets. He left them in Spain after making sure they had found the bus company for their onward travel. It would be a pity if a small minority of crooks should jeopardise Morocco's otherwise friendly reputation.


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Moroccan airports: Ash update 12 May

Ten airports in Morocco, among them Casablanca, Rabat-Sale, Tangier, Tetouan, Fez, Al Hoceima, Nador, Agadir, Tan Tan and Essaouira — mostly major tourist stops — were being closed until at least 07h00 today, Wednesday 12 May.

A Transport Ministry statement carried by Maghreb Arab Press news agency said it wants "to guarantee a maximum level of security for passengers" as the ash cloud passes over the kingdom on the Atlantic Coast.

"These decisions will be updated according to the evolution of the situation and the information from the National Weather department and the Eurocontrol Agency," the Ministry said.

The Ministry called on passengers to check on their flights before going to airports with their airlines or at the call center of the National Airports Authority 0810 000 224.

Emissions from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano already forced the closure of several airports in Southern Europe over the weekend and further disruption is expected in coming days.

Morocco on alert for Swine Flu

Morocco's Health Ministry has assured that there is no case of swine flu in the country, even as the disease is confirmed to have spread from Mexico to other parts of the world.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday, the ministry said it had put in place a series of measures to activate the national bird flu control commission, that was set up in 2005, to tackle the swine flu.

It said the measures were also aimed at strengthening health control operations in the main entry points (airports, ports and frontiers) and operating the flu detection materials at international airports.

Over 152 people have died in Mexico alone since the swine flu outbreak was reported, while the US has also recorded its first death.

The UN's World Health Organization has raised the alert over swine flu to level five - indicating human-to-human transmission in at least two countries. It is a "strong signal that a pandemic is imminent", the WHO says. After Mexico, the US has recorded the next highest number of confirmed cases, with 91.

A senior health official in Europe says it is not a question of whether people in Europe will die, but how many - perhaps hundreds or thousands. Meanwhile in Mexico, President Felipe Calderon has announced the partial suspension of non-essential work and services from 1 to 5 May. The efforts of the government were concentrated on containing the virus, Mr Calderon said, urging people to stay at home with their families during the shutdown.

CONFIRMED CASES

Mexico: 168 suspected deaths - eight confirmed
US: one death, at least 91 confirmed cases
New Zealand: 13 confirmed cases
Canada: 19 confirmed cases
UK: 5 confirmed cases
Spain: 10 confirmed cases
Germany: 3 confirmed cases
Israel: 2 confirmed cases
Switzerland: 1 confirmed case
Austria: 1 confirmed case

Moroccan airports power up for detection

A few African countries have already announced precautionary measures. Here in Morocco, close to Spain, where the first European case of the disease has been reported, the Ministry of Health has stated that provisions against the introduction of A/H1N1 viruses on its territory have been made.



A device already in place since 2005 has been reactivated. An earlier plan to combat an outbreak of the avian flu is still pertinent in the fight against the swine flu, according to the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco. The main measures concerned, basically, involve the strengthening of health checks at land borders, ports and airports. Fever detecting cameras have also been installed at airports. Epidemiological surveillance, both clinical and biological, of the common flu and acute respiratory infections has also been strengthened.

The View from Fez reported on the response to Avian Flu in this report BIRD FLU and it is believed the same thermal imaging devices are now again in action at Morocco's airports.

The disease and symptoms

The disease, which appeared in Mexico April 24 and has already caused an estimated 150 deaths among thousands of cases, is spreading like wild fire the world over. Known or suspected cases have been detected in the United States, Canada, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, China to name a few of the countries. The disease, type A flu virus H1N1 is transmitted from person to person via the respiratory route. Last Sunday the WHO described the new virus as subtype A/H1N1 that has never been previously detected in pigs or humans.


The symptoms of the swine influenza are similar to those of ordinary seasonal flus. They are characterized by fevers, headaches, aching muscles... According to the World health organization, the virus responsible for recent human cases of swine influenza responds to oselatmivir molecules (marketed as Tamiflu) and zanamivir (whose trade name is Relenza). To be effective, Tamiflu must be taken no later than 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, indicated the manufacturing laboratory, Roche.

Morocco has stocks of Tamiflu for 1 million people and hopes to negotiate price reductions on further supplies, enough for 15-20 percent of the 34 million population. Is issuing gloves, surgical boots and masks to health and airport workers.

Face masks have become a hot sale item around the world

Several other laboratories indicate that the first doses of a vaccine will only be available in 4 months. But this time limit remains to be confirmed in relation to the characteristics of the virus. In the meantime, health professionals strongly recommend that basic hygiene rules (washing of hands, avoiding physical contact ...) be strictly adhered to.


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Beware the men on trains

Once again, a Fez guesthouse reports that its guests were the target of scam-artists who board the train at Meknes.

Usually one or two men get on the train and scour the carriages for tourists. Then they explain that they are official guides (not true) and that the guesthouse they've chosen is a den of iniquity/a brothel/burned down/a bad place to stay (also not true). Much better for the tourists is the place they know (where of course, they'll get a commission). And they usually offer their services as a guide to the city (illegal, as they're not official guides).

In this particular case, the guests arrived very unhappy and left quickly the next morning before breakfast. The guesthouse owner later saw them, with guide in tow, in the medina.

Fez Riads reports that although there is information on train travel on its website, people often don't read it or ignore it. Gullible tourists in Morocco, perhaps for the first time, are susceptible to these men. If you want a guide, use one recommended by the guesthouse you're staying in, or engage one of the men who wait at Bab Boujloud. You can see if they're official: they wear a name badge with their qualifications and a photograph.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!



Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Medina motorbikes - an accident waiting to happen

If you've been out walking in the medina recently, you can't help but have noticed that the number of motorbikes whizzing about has increased.

And this week an accident did happen. An Australian tourist, Patricia, was out with her guide when an out-of-control bike came careering towards them. They jumped into a shop doorway to escape, but the bike kept coming and rammed into them. The driver was unlicensed and inexperienced. The guide was burnt by exhaust, his recently-done skin graft on his leg was torn, and he was cut; he was rushed to hospital. Patricia suffered from shock.

It's time for the authorities to clamp down on motorbikes in the medina. The streets are far too narrow and thronged with people. It's seriously dangerous. The accident described above is probably not the first and certainly won't be the last. The View from Fez calls on the authorities to stop bikes in the medina before it's too late.

Comments welcome on this topic.


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Dicey practices?

The two Irish sisters were a bit nervous about coming to Fez. But enticed by the Festival they decided to brave it, especially as they'd like to bring their choir to perform one year. And besides, they found an agency who booked them into a nice riad guesthouse close to all the Festival venues. The paid 140 Euros for the agency's service, but that's when things started to go wrong ...

When they arrived in Fez, the sisters were delighted with their guesthouse, but to their consternation, management there had no record at all of their reservation. They could stay there for one night, but after that the house was completely booked out for the duration of the Festival. So just what are two women supposed to do with
nowhere to stay and Fez chocabloc full with festinos?

Fortunately Fez Riads came to the rescue and managed to find the women a room in a very good riad guesthouse nearby, at the same price as they expected to pay. But what kind of agency is it that has such shoddy practices? Beware ... it's called Odicy and you can find it at www.odicy.com. They advertise 'Marocco Hotels and Riads Booking'. The Irish sisters have now dubbed it O'Dicey.

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

The death toll on Moroccan roads - a huge problem

Last year the death toll on Moroccan roads was particularly bad and sadly this year may be worse. The government are clearly worried by the social and financial impact and are bringing in new laws to try and get the accident rate under control. At present, more than 3,800 lives that are lost every year due to traffic accidents and and far greater number of people survive but with medical problems that will remain with them all their lives. The impact on families can be devastating. The financial burden on the country is now above 1.2 billion USD which is 2.5% of the country’s GDP

One option that is being discussed in parliament is huge fines and even prison sentences for those who do not respect the road code. But clearly driver education and policing will also have to be drastically improved.

2007 has not got off to a good start. Yesterday five people killed and twenty injured in Marrakech when a coach collided with a semi-trailer transporting sand. The victims and the injured were taken to the city's main hospital.

On Wednesday, four people were killed and six injured in another road accident that took place when a truck collided head-on with a car on the road between Tangiers and Oujda. On January 8, nine people were killed and 24 others were injured, including 11 seriously, after a coach overturned near Taza in the north east. Two days earlier, another accident near the central town of Sidi Kacem claimed the lives of seven people, including three children and a woman.


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

The deadly cold of Amesgou

Amesgou lies in the north of Morocco in the district of Tounfite. It is not a place that normally makes the headlines and yet this quiet region has reached the national Moroccan newspapers for macabre reasons as temperatures have reached polar levels - dropping to 16°C below zero.

As a result of such extreme conditions, 12 people, including two women and 10 children under the age of one, have perished due to acute pneumopathy.

Last Thursday the authorities acted and a state of emergency was declared and a medical team has been sent to Amesgou in order to hand out treatments to those in need. More than 250 inhabitants have already been provided with medical assistance. Special care is dedicated to the babies and older persons who are more vulnerable.

This situation points out to the poor conditions of the various isolated cities in Morocco and the necessity of building adequate facilities and infrastructure. Indeed, Amesgou closest healthcare centre is more than 30 kilometres away and almost unreachable because of the snow and the bad condition of the roads.

The local health authorities are worried about the current situation of Amesgou and even though it is not the first time that the winter is fatal for people in this area, nobody has forgotten the deadly winter of 1980 when 80 people died because of a temperature drop. Hence, the worst might be yet to come…

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Holiday road toll in Morocco reaches 18

Drink driving is becoming an increasing problem on Moroccan roads. Maybe it is time for an education campaign to stress the dangers of combining alcohol and motor vehicles.

Eighteen people were killed and 1,065 others injured, including 54 seriously in the 855 road accidents that occurred between Xmas and New Year (December 25-31) in Morocco's urban areas.

A communiqué of the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) blamed the accidents on excessive speed, careless pedestrians, ignoring of road rules and drink-driving. The death toll decreased by 5.75% and injuries by 11% in 2005. Annually road accidents claim more than 3,800 people and cost the state USD 1.3 billion, i.e. 2.5% of the GDP.


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Moroccan cold snap kills twelve

According to local authorities, twelve people were killed during December by a cold snap that has gripped the commune of Amesgou, 210km from Khénifra.

"The victims, 2 women and 10 children, aged 3 to 13 months, died of acute pneumopathy due to extreme cold," the same source reported, noting that local authorities have combined efforts to provide medical and alimentary assistance to the stricken-commune inhabitants.

Temperature dropped dramatically in the area to reach -10 to -16 Celsius degrees, explained a medical source.

In 1980, some 80 people froze to death in winter because of a sudden drop in temperature.

Since the cold in December, the weather, particularly in Fez, has been superb with bright sunny days and top temperatures touching twenty-three degrees Celsius. Nights, however have been cool - down to just two degrees.


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Fez Medina - Be aware of personal safety

Usually the Medina of Fez is a safe place to be, especially for tourists. Certainly by comparison with Western cities, crime is a very small problem. However, a spate of robberies over the last three weeks has led to calls for an increased awareness of personal safety in the Fez Medina and a stronger response from police.

In the past three weeks four foreigners have been robbed at knife point in and around the Medina. The most serious of these attacks took place on Tuesday, when a female ex-patriot was injured, when her arm was slashed by a knife during a robbery which took place at 8pm off the Tala'a Kbira. Her bag, containing money, credit cards and mobile phone was stolen.

One long term foreign resident says that in the past problems like this happened in the middle of the night, but it was disturbing that they were now occurring from the late afternoon.

Several members of the ex-patriot community expressed concern at the increase in crime rates in the normally safe Medina and called for people to make themselves less of a target by not carrying valuables. They emphasised that resisting someone holding a knife could lead to bodily harm. Women should be particularly careful if they are coming home late at night and ask someone to accompany them.

Local Moroccans have not been immune from attacks, either. The previous week in the late afternoon a carpenter was set upon by three youths, who threatened him with knives and beat him over the head. His bag containing a mobile phone, money and tools was stolen.

Hopefully the police will be quick to take action. It has been suggested that to minimise these sorts of crimes, more local district guardians are needed.

If you live in the Medina, get to know your neighbours and your local guardian. Your greatest protection is your community.

Tags: Morocco Fes, Maghreb news

Atlas and Rif mountains blocked by snow

For the past two days snow has blocked several roads in the Rif and Atlas mountains, in north and central Morocco. A communiqué from the Transports Ministry said that between 15 to 40 cm fell in these regions on January 16 and 17.

The snow fell on more than 1,710 km of roads, including 347 km of main routes, the communiqué said adding notably that the roads linking Chefchaouen and Al Hoceima, (North) Marrakech and Ouarzazate, (South) Imouzer and Ifrane, El Hajeb and Midelt (Center) were closed to traffic.

The Ministry said the 13 territorial relevant services in these regions are clearing the snow to return road traffic to normal and advising drivers and people to be cautious when traveling.

The services have maintained traffic flow on the main routes and organized convoys to prevent cars being stranded in other roads, the Ministry said.

Tags: Morocco, Fès, Atlas, news