Scofield

Puebla's prison health care system to be privatized Puebla de los Ángeles, July 28, 20XX Written by Clarise Sosa The Puebla Metropolitan District Council voted 8-2 to privatize its prison health care system in its namesake District. After negiotiations, Metropolitan Press Secretary Antonio Juarez announced that corrections service provider Corizon will officially assume responsibility of administering and maintaining the district's penal health care system after August 1st. He stated that a majority of penal health care employees in the District would be out of work when the transit takes place, and suggested that they apply for employment with Corizon (although it would not be guaranteed). However, there have been concerns regarding Corizon's long history of mistreating prison inmates. Several years ago, Corizon had been mired in a scandal in which three inmates died due to negligance in the state of Zacatecas, and six employees resigned from the company in revulsion in Oaxaca City last year. Recently, several states (particularly Chihuahua) forbade Corizon from operating within their territories after several investigations unearthed evidence of inhumane treatment of prison inmates. Press Secretary Juarez was aware of these concerns, assuring that the District would ensure that Corizon comply with a myriad of regulations.

OOC: The link in Triyun's post isn't working.

Mexico recognizes Great Britain.

Internal: Among the unique developments in the United Mexican States in the two months following its restoration were the establishment of metropolitan districts (distritos metropolitanos). Seemingly inspired by the neighboring Distopyian Republic of California, and sanctioned by Article 115 of the Constitution, eight Districts would be established in eight major cities through largely local initiative: Guadalajara Metropolitan District Puebla Metropolitan District Tijuana Metropolitan District Juarez Metropolitan District Queretaro Metropolitan District Veracruz Metropolitan District Aguascalientes Metropolitan District Tampico Metropolitan District The establishment of the distritos metropolitanos added a fourth level of government (federal, state, municipal, and now districts), although the distribution of power between the districts and the other systems of government were different. Each district were to be administered directly (at least, in theory) by the Metropolitan Commission, an independent federal government institution. This was similiar to power arrangements in the Federal District, although the capital was administered directly by the National Assembly instead of the Commission. The distritos metropolitanos also prompted the transfer of state capitals in some cases (for instance, the state capital of Jalisco was transferred from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta, although the state of Aguascalientes shared its capital with the namesake District). Each District is to be administered by a 10-member metropolitan council (consejo metropolitano). Each council would consist of deputies directly elected from ten council regions (región de consejo) that comprise each District, and would elect a District Councilor to head it. At any time, two-thirds (5 out of 8) of the Councilors may assemble in Mexico City to form an ad hoc Grand Council, of which they would discuss and vote on matters of specific concern. Every four years, the Grand Council would assemble to elect the Prime Minister with a two-thirds vote. The distritos metropolitanos reflected growing positive public sentiments toward the concept of decentralization, as well the ongoing shift toward increased federalism. For too long, the Mexican people had been ruled by highly-centralized governments, especially Bourbon New Spain and Calzadist Mexico, and delegates at the constitution convention had indicated their strong desires for a highly federalized system, and the ensuing Constitution reflected such views. Indeed, it was the highly-influential Distopyian bloc of delegates that drafted, and successfully kept in place, Article 115. And it was pro-legislative deputies that also pushed for the implementation of an unique three-tiered legislative system in the overall National Assembly: the Chamber of Deputies (which voted for legislative bills without discussing them), the Senate (which drafted bills without discussing them), and the Tribunate (which debated on bills without voting on them). Although the federal government was theoratically endowed with considerable powers by the Constitution, it was actually the state, local, and now district governments that possessed the power of initiative.

Official Embassy Request: Nation Name: Mexico. Assigned Representative(s): Mr. Juan de Ventura. Desired Location: Dar es Salaam. Special Requests: None.

Cabinet appointed Ciudad de Mexico, July 22, 20XX Written by Albert Hernandez President Luis Alvaro Bourbon has finished making appointments for positions in the Cabinet of Mexico, with the exception of the Attorney General, which will need to be ratified by the National Assembly, and the Executive Branch Press Secretary announced it as such in a televised press conference in the capital. The Cabinet will serve for the duration of President Bourbon's term, save for resignation, incapacitation, or death. The Cabinet goes as below: Secretary of the Interior (Secretario de Gobernación): Miguel Angel Osorio Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores): José Antonio Meade Secretary of Public Safety (Secretaria de Seguridad Pública): Hector Molina Nova Secretary of Finance (Secretario de Hacienda): Luis Videgaray Caso Secretary of Defense (Secretario de Defensa): Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda Secretary of Navy (Secretario de Marina): Roberto Soberon Secretary of Economy (Secretario de Economía): Ildefonso Guajardo Secretary of Public Relations (Secretario de Relaciones Públicas): George Lopez Secretary of Communications and Transportation (Secretario de Comunicaciones y Transportes): Gerardo Ruiz Esparanza Secretary of Labor (Secretario del Trabajo): Alfonso Navarrete Secretary of Social Security (Secretario del Previsión Social): Miguel Prida Secretary of Agriculture (Secretario de Agricultura): Enrique Martinez Secretary of Education (Secretario de Educación): Emilio Orozco Secretary of Tourism (Secretaria de Turismo): Claudia Ruiz Massieu Secretary of Agarian Development and Urban Planning (Secretario de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano): Jorge Carlos Ramirez Other Cabinet-level administrative positions were appointed as well. Although not part of the Cabinet itself, these positions are nevertheless considered part of the federal government. They go as follows: Chief of Staff (Jefe de la Presidencia): Aurelio Nuno Mayer Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Jefe del Estado Mayor Presidencial): Robert Trejo Machete President of the National Council for Culture and Arts (Presidente del Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las artes): Rafael Tovar Director of National System for Integral Family Development (Director del Desarrollo Integral de la Familia): Theresa Zavala President of National Institute for Women (Presidente del Instituto Nacional para las Mujeres): Maria Rocco Garcia Commissioner for the Development of Indigenous Peoples (Comisionado para el desarrollo de pueblos indigenas): Luis Alvarez President of the National Sports Commission (Presidente del Comisión de Deportes Nacional): Bernardo de la Garza

Formation of the Mexican Armed Forces Ciudad de Mexico, July 20, 20XX Written by Pedro Rafael In one of the first meetings with President Luis Alvaro Bourbon, newly-appointed Secretary of National Defense (Secretarío de la Defensa Nacional, SEDENA) Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda presented the President a plan for the establishment of the Mexican Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas de Mexico, FAM). The plan called for the establishment of a centralized national headquarters and territorial command center system, formation of a professional non-commissioned officers (NCO) corps, establishment of military academies and colleges, and stipulated the recruitment of 70,000 troops and personnel in the next few years. Recruitment offices were to be established in Mexican cities and towns to enlist citizens aged 18 through 22 into the FAM to serve for three years; the Army was to consist of infantry brigades, independent regiments, and auxiliary battalions. In turn, military officers and personnel were to receive training from Hudson Bay military personnel, and military procurement boards would be formed to procure weaponry and equipment from the Hudson Bay Armed Forces. There were no plans to establish a sizeable Air Force or Navy; for the time being, Mexico would maintain a brown-water navy to police its coasts utilizing gunboats and patrol boats armed with anti-ship missiles, and a small air force consisting of trainer, reconnaissance, and transport aircrafts. The border guard would be separate from the FAM, to be placed under the aegis of the Secretariat of the Interior (Secretaría de Gobernación, SEGOB). The expansion of the Army were to be roughly proportional to the downsizing of Hudson Bay forces within their withdrawal period. This meant that, for instance, when a certain amount of Hudson Bay troops withdrew, the same number of Mexican troops would take their place. This was designed to ensure a smooth transition of power throughout Mexico. After President Bourbon approved of the plan, a bill would be introduced in the newly-convened National Assembly. After deliberations, the deputies voted by a comfortable majority to pass the bill, where it was signed into law by the President, formally establishing the FAM. A related bill was also voted upon and passed into law as well, authorizing funding for the Secretariat of National Defense and the FAM.

"We thank you all for your recognition and regards. We will dispatch Ambassadors to all of you promptly, in accordance to your diplomatic protocol. As we have stated earlier, we are currently in the process of establishing government, so pardon us for any delays that may result in the embassy establishment process." To Faraway Realm: "We have adopted a republican system of government. To elaborate, Mexico is a federal presidential constitutional republic."

OOC: Make a separate thread. IC: "We thank California for its recognition and warm regards."

"We thank the Borno-Sumat Federation and the Federal Republic of Zambia for their kind greetings. An Embassy will be established for both nations in Mexico City. Do note though, we are currently in the process of establishing government, so pardon us for any delays that may result in the embassy construction process. Likewise, we will establish an Embassy in both your capitals." - Jose Antonio Meade, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Return Havana to the Hudson Bay Federation, and mark Mexico as independent. Tanis can confirm.

Havana, Havana... "How did this come to this?" A wry voice rang out across the slightly darkened office. "Time changes, so as it seems," Another voice spoke in response. "A bit too quickly in this case." "Well yeah, but can it be helped that public opinion can be so...finicky?" "Finicky or not, the people have voiced their desire, and their voice shall be respected. Make an announcement of my resignation, and inform the Hudson Bay government of the return of Havana's sovereignty to them." "On it, sir." Shortly afterwards, a public announcement would be broadcast to the world about the dissolution of the Sovereign Republic of Havana. Mexico City, Mexico... Mexico has had a long and colorful history, dating back to when it was a colony of Spain (known as the Viceroyalty of New Spain) all the way to its current status as a multinational American protectorate. Twice in recent history it had experienced growth, expansion, and glory, as the Kingdom of New Spain and the United Mexican States. Both nations encompassed a considerable portion of North America and Central America and wielded power and influence in this part of the world that were challenged by a few. No doubt a large percent of the population longed for such, and to make Mexico a great power once again. Consequently, petitions were held in many cities and towns of the region, garnering thousands of signatures. Lobbying organizations and political parties began petitioning the Hudson Bay government to grant Mexico independence as a sovereign nation. Negiotations were held with Hudson Bay protectorate officials over the course of several months, while a region-wide independence referendum indicated that a considerable percent of the population (over 85 percent) desired independence. In Mexico City, officials would begin establishing the nucleus of a new government, conducting elections under the supervision of Hudson Bay officials and establishing a constitutional convention to draft a new constitution. At the same time, state and local governments would be established, with provisional Governors assuming power over their respective states. Former Mexico City mayor Luis Alvaro Bourbon (distant relation to New Spanish King Enrique Bourbon) would be elected President of Mexico. The newly-formed Secretariat of Foreign Relations would issue an official declaration proclaiming the reestablishment of Mexico as a sovereign nation and welcoming foreign nations to establish embassies/consulates in Mexico City. From Tijuana in the northwest to Salina Cruz in the southeast, the Mexican flag waved proudly in the air once again. Classified In the meanwhile, MediaCorp would quietly begin relocating its headquarters and assets from Havana to Mexico City.

The fact that one nation's words and actions can bring it to its downfall in such a short period of time.

Ain't it a shame.

"That would be appreciated." Castro said simply as he ignited the end of his cigar and sucked on it several times, exhaling out afterwards. "Havana is a beautiful place this time of the year, a summer paradise, to put it this way. You must visit sometimes." He politely greeted the Merinan and Zambian representatives along the way.

Castro smiled as he shook hands with Susilo. "I am Fidel Castro III, representative of the Havana Department of State. Apologies are not needed, sir." He said as he entered the limo and took a seat. He nodded appreciatively as he took the filled glass. "A bordeaux '59." He said as he took a sip and smacked his lips. "It's wonderful. I quite like it, they are hard to come by in Havana." He then reached into his jacket and took out a stainless steel cigar case and a lighter. Taking out a cigar, he offered one to Susilo. "Cigar?"

Representative Fidel Castro III will be dispatched to Sibu. "Greetings," he said as he arrived after a long flight.

Republican Guard established By Suzanne Malave Published: July 18, 2013 MNN, Havana - President Raul Hernandez signed a special executive order establishing the Republican Guard (RG). To consist of a thousand soldiers and personnel, the RG is tasked with protecting the President, his/her family and relatives, government officials, and designated individuals; safeguarding government and designated buildings in the Sovereign Republic; serve as a honor guard for visiting foreign leaders, dignitaries, and officials, and represent the Republic in international events; provide support to law enforcement under specific circumstances; and serve as the first line of defense in times of war. The RG will report to the Secretary of the Interior.

The Sovereign Republic of Havana recognizes the Borneo-Sumat Federation.

The Sovereign Republic of Havana recognizes Australia.

The Sovereign Republic of Havana recognizes Zambia.

Transportation revitalization bill passed By Alfonso Faria Published: July 7, 2013 MNN, Havana - The Sovereign Assembly voted to authorize over $500,000 over the next three years to revitalize Havana's public transportation system. Citing reports from a Council of Ministers meeting in the capital, the Public Transportation Improvement Law aims to bring Havana's roads, streets, railways, maglevs, and other venues to "high standards." The Act also seeks to encourage public use of bicycle as to increase "citizen mobility", nationalize inefficient transportation companies, incentivize other companies to further the system, crack down on fare payment evasion and theft, among others. Defense budget triples, army doubles in size By Suzanne Malave Published July 7, 2013 MNN, Havana - A defense spending bill was recently passed through the Sovereign Assembly, tripling the military budget for FY 2014. Proportionally, the size of the armed forces, Sovereign Army of Havana, is to increase from 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers and personnel, beginning in 2014. Provisions calling for the establishment of an air force and navy have been pruned from the finalized bill, much to the disappointment and even fury of several Assembly members; Havana will have to rely on its Hudson Bay neighbor for the time being.

Classified "You sure you want to allow this to happen, Mr. Hernandez?" The man in question nodded as he turned to Hector Alascoir, who had been recently appointed Secretary of Public Relations. "Yes, for the hundredth time, I'm sure. I have given this thought, and I have decided that I will allow this to go through." "But surely, you must think about the implications this could have for this country in the long run." Alascoir insisted. "And you don't think I have given this some thought?" Raul said with a sigh. Turning around to survey the landscape of Havana outside his office window in the executive building. The topic of their discussion pertained to the recent announcement made by several media companies such as Cubavision International, Mesa Redonda Internacional, Television Havana, CMQ, and Radio Progreso to merge into a single entity known as MediaCorp. It was a callback to the days of the Republic of York and later the Empire of Pravus Ingruo, where a powerful media corporation effectively exercised a powerful monopoly over the national media. "And it's not like I can do anything about that," Hernandez continued. "We're a democracy, not a dictatorship. As President, I cannot forbid these people from forming a new company." "But you can do something to ensure that this new corporation will not...become too powerful." Alascoir pointed out. "As you well know, I will not allow 'MediaCorp' to strangle our Republic's freedom of speech and expression." "Ah yes, freedom of speech and expression. We have loads of them in the world," Hernandez said sarcastically. "But I do understand your concern, Hector. There'll be laws and regulations to ensure that the aforementioned freedom of speech are upheld in Havana." "Action speaks louder than words, Mr. President." Alascoir said with a wry smirk. "I intend to do just that, if they try to do anything...uncouth, to put it." Hernandez said, referring to MediaCorp's founders. "For now, we wait and watch. "Very well." Shortly after, the Secretariat of Public Relations would issue a certificate of merger to MediaCorp's board of trustees, authorizing the new organization to conduct business in Havana. The organization would be subject to a myriad of regulations.

Mark Havana as independent.

Havana, Cuba... It was a hot summer day in Havana, the capital of the Hudson Bay state of Cuba. Hundreds of thousands of citizens, all of varying ages, color, and sizes, were amassed in front of the El Capitolio (National Capitol Building), sweating slightly as they waited for the speech to begin. In the months prior, there was great speculation (and rumors) across the city about the possibility of increased autonomy or even the outright independence of the city, along with secret negotiations with the Hudson Bay federal government in Winnipeg, based on the Cuban media's coverage on Havana's mayor, Raul Hernandez. At first, Mayor Hernandez's office refused to comment on the matter any further than evasive statements and vague explanations. Then one day, the Cuban governor announced that a referendum would be held to determine Havana's status (the city only, not the island that it governed), sanctioned by the Hudson government. This was further confirmed by the Mayor's office. Surprised by these announcements, Havana's citizens flocked to the polling place in droves, placing their votes in support for their city's independence. Soon, an overwhelmingly 96 percent of the population voted for Havana's independence, and these results were counted and verified by the federal and state electoral institutions. Havana was going to secede from Cuba, and the Hudson Bay Federation, and form its own state. Their waiting was over as a man dressed in a dark suit walked to the podium. It was Raul Hernandez. Smiling at the massed faces of his audience, Hernandez began his speech. "We are gathered here for this monumental event. For years, decades, and centuries, Havana has served as a guiding point for the Cuban people, both in the City and the Island -- although Cuba repeatedly oscillated between independence and rule by foreign nations. Today, the people of Havana has voiced their desire to exercise their right to self-governance, not as a regional capital of an autonomous entity but as the capital of a fully independent nation, seperate from the rest of Cuba. Due to the benevolence and generosity of the Hudson Bay government and the Cuban state government, we have been given the opportunity to govern ourselves as the Free and Sovereign Republic of Havana!" Thunderous applause broke out, shattering the silent summer air. Havana's flag began to unfurl behind Hernandez as the Cuban one began to be lowered. Occassionally interrupted by applauses and joyful shouts, Hernandez went on to declare that Havana's police forces will be rearranged to serve the newly independent republic, new institutions (such as the border patrol) would be established, and that its own armed forces will be formed shortly. The same went for the city's industry. Lastly but not least, he announced that the Havana Republic would "strive to establish bonds of friendship with nations around the globe," foreign ambassadors and diplomats were welcome to establish relations with the Republic, and diplomatic communications were to be directed to his office. Beaming with joy and pride at the sight of his celebrating audience, Hernandez left the podium. He had a lot to do.