Family of Mexico beating victim defends husband

The brother of a former Lower Sackville woman who was viciously beaten in a Mazatlan hotel is defending the woman's husband, saying he's concerned that a statement from Mexican officials could be misinterpreted.

In an email statement Wednesday, Paul Giles described Sheila and Andrew Nabb as a "loving couple," and stated that Andrew Nabb is "innocent of any form of abuse."

Giles said he felt compelled to say something about Andrew Nabb because Mexican authorities had earlier issued a statement in Spanish that could be translated to suggest the attack on Sheila Nabb was the result of "domestic violence."

Giles says a press release from the Sinaloa state government actually refers to "internal violence," meaning the attack happened inside Mexico.

"Andrew was initially questioned by authorities immediately after this tragic event and was soon after released when it became apparent that he was innocent of any form of abuse," Giles said in the email.

"Anyone who has ever met Andrew will immediately disregard any and all accusations against him. They are the most loving couple that I know, and anyone that knows them would agree."

The 37-year-old woman, who now lives in Calgary, was on vacation with her husband at the Riu Hotel in Mazatlan when the attack happened. She was found badly beaten and bleeding inside an elevator early Saturday morning.

On Monday, her family said she had emerged from a medically induced coma and recognized her husband at her bedside.

Robert Prosser, Sheila Nabb's uncle said earlier this week that she will require extensive surgery in the coming days to repair severe facial injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery.

The attack has prompted animated debate over the safety of Mexico as a winter getaway destination, but one tourism expert says it hasn't translated to a drop in ticket sales.

"The travelling public are just continuing with their plans, in most part, not 100 per cent," tourism consultant Bob Sime told the Rick Howe Show Wednesday.

Sime says several other popular resort destinations have higher crime rates per capita than Mexico, and suggested the numerous incidents involving Canadians in Mexico are isolated incidents.

"In 2004, there were zero direct seats available by charter to Mexico, which is Cancun," he said. "And this year, there'll be about 9000 available seats in charters to Mexico, which is about 25 per cent than what there was last year. And I guarantee the tour operators will fill them."

Sime also points out that Mexican tourism has grown by double digits in the last five years,

"I'd like to compare that in terms of Nova Scotia, that's been declining, and we're perceived to be safe, friendly, and environmentally right," he said.

However, the Mexico Vacation Awareness Organization is telling Canadians categorically to stay away.
 
"We're talking about a country where 50,000 have been murdered since the president of Mexico declared a drug war in December 2006," president Maureen Webster told the talk show. "Until they can turn things around and learn how they should be treating and respecting their tourists, then they don't deserve our business."

Webster says her son drowned while staying at a Cancun resort, was dismissed as being drunk by the hotel medical staff and then left to die by the side of the pool.

She says the country is plagued by a corrupt health care and justice system and notes tourists should know the hotel does not conduct routine background checks on its staff.