Athlete on Crutches Wins Hearts at Costa Rica’s Sol y Arena Race

At the Sol y Arena race, an athlete on crutches, Iván Rodríguez, from Curridabat, won the hearts of the fans. The athlete lost his left leg in malpractice. He practices athletics because it got him out of depression a year and a half ago.

The strenuous activity is 9.8km. He finished in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Rodríguez was surprised to hear the applause of the public at all times. They cheered him on as he fought the loose sand and rising waves hitting his crutches.

“El Nica,” Freddy Medina, was by his side hydrating, motivating and advising him. Rodriguez proved that his determination is stronger than his disability as he crossed the finish line and took his medal.

He now dreams of doing a half marathon in the United States. He has been a guest at races in Panama and Nicaragua. He shares how he wasn’t social before but now he enjoys meeting people and seeing new places.

Colleges in Costa Rica Dropping Careers with No Job Opportunities

Conape is to stop financing the university careers that will put graduates at high risk for unemployment. There are 36 overpopulated careers that will no longer be funded, including Medicine, Nursing, Journalism, History, and Psychology.

Some of the most affected areas are social sciences and health sciences, with ten and eight careers affected, respectively. Conape will now prioritize funding for careers with better employment rates.

The decision was made based on a report that studied the working conditions of graduated individuals from 2011-2013 that was published by the Labor Occupational Observatory.

Between public and private universities in Costa Rica, between 700 and 800 people per year graduate as general practitioners of medicine. At this rate, in just 10 years, half of the graduates will be unemployed.

In addition to funding more promising careers, Conape will prioritize loans to those from poor families, who make between ¢190,377 and ¢1,306,892. Loan applications will be received beginning April 4.

Costa Rica’s ‘Scuba-Diving’ Lizard

A Costa-Rican lizard species may have evolved scuba-diving qualities allowing it to stay underwater for 16 minutes, according to faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

Like humans, it has grasped the knack of scuba-diving, but it has no need for regulators or air tanks. All it requires is a little bubble of air attached to its snout.

Reporting her findings in the Natural History Notes of Herpetological Review, Lindsey Swierk of Binghamton University stumbled upon the scuba-ready reptiles by chance. While walking along mountain streams in Costa Rica, she noticed that certain lizards, known as water anoles (Anolis aquaticus), were spending impressively long periods of time submerged underwater.

“Finding evidence suggesting that water anoles ‘breathe’ underwater was serendipitous, and not part of my original research plan,” Swierk said in a statement. “I was impressed and pretty confused about the length of the dive, which gave me an itch to take a closer look with an underwater camera in the next couple of years.”

Humans can only manage about three minutes, although very accomplished free-divers can hold their breath for about 20.

So how do the lizards do it?

The water anole is able to breathe underwater for long periods of time to escape from predators. It appears that the species may have formed an underwater respiration system consisting of a recycled air bubble that clings to the anole’s head.

“Diving underwater and remaining there for a long time is an anti-predator strategy for water anoles,” said Swierk. “These lizards aren’t particularly speedy, and taking to the water is a very effective option. (Take it from a biologist who sometimes struggles to capture her study organism because they’re so good at diving.) It’s easy to ‘disappear’ to a predator’s eye once you hide under water for a few minutes. I think that any underwater breathing adaptations in water anoles would have arisen to extend the amount of time they can stay in their underwater refuge.”

The unique behavior was documented for the first time by Swierk in a video that shows the anole breathing out and re-inhaling an air pocket under water. Swierk first noticed this species when she was walking along the mountain streams in Costa Rica and observed the lizards dive underwater and stay submerged for a long period of time. Further analysis of the lizards’ stomachs uncovered that they eat some insects that are mainly found under water, hinting that the species may dive under water for reasons other than just avoiding predators.

“Finding evidence suggesting that water anoles ‘breathe’ underwater was serendipitous, and not part of my original research plan,” said Swierk. “I was impressed and pretty confused about the length of the dive, which gave me an itch to take a closer look with an underwater camera in the next couple of years. That’s when I saw that the anoles appeared to be rebreathing a bubble of air that covered their heads.”

Swierk said she believes the lizard might be extracting oxygen from these bubbles.

“I think it’s possible that some additional air pockets are being trapped around the anole’s head and throat, and that the inhalation and exhalation of the air bubble allow for some trading of fresh air among these air pockets, allowing the anole to swap air in its current air bubble with ‘new’ air,” said Swierk. “It’s additionally possible that the air bubble plays a role in allowing an anole to get rid of carbon dioxide. I suspect that there might be morphological adaptations, namely the shape of the top of the anole’s head, which allows a large bubble of air to cling to it easily.”

Swierk’s lab plans to conduct several types of follow-up research on the “bubble-breathing” observation, hoping to tackle questions related to the antipredator function of the air bubble breathing in the field, how anole head shape influences bubble formation and the physiology underlying this potential adaptation.

“If future investigation reveals that this rebreathing behavior is adaptive, then I would imagine that it is a trait that evolved over time to allow water anoles, and perhaps similar anole species, to thrive in their aquatic habitats,” said Swierk.

Source: IFLScience.com

Black Shimmering

Rightful Authority Is Never Authoritarian

Fines for Hitting Trains in Costa Rica

Boom barriers were installed in 74 of the 91 railroad crossings from Heredia to Cartago. These are meant to block vehicles and pedestrians from crossing the train tracks as a train approaches. In less than three months since going into operation, drivers and vandals have damaged 56 of the 74 devices.

Deputies have approved in the first debate reform to the Traffic Law several fines. Drivers who disrespect the stop sign at the train line or injure the barriers would be fined up to ¢215,000. They will also have up to six points added to their licenses.

There are sanctions for anyone who ignores the stop signs, crashes, obstructs the right of way or damages the warning and prevention systems. The initiative seeks to both ease transportation and create a culture of coexistence with the train as we prepare for electric trains.

The Shrink that Helped Costa Rica Teachers Vacation During the Strike

The Ministry of Public Education has denounced a psychiatrist before the Medical Association for justifying trips teachers took during the strike. The doctor wrote recommendations for four educators to leave the country.

The notes were all written after the teachers returned to the country. Some even stated recommended dates to travel. The doctor wrote that he recommended leisure activities such as travel “due to stress or due to a family situation that the teacher is living.”

Three of the teachers were dismissed immediately because they were interim. The other has a permanent position but the process of dismissal has been started. 556 teachers took advantage of the strike to go on vacation to another country. 26 have been dismissed and there is a recommendation for dismissal for 12 others.

The dismissed teachers justify their trips saying that they had permission in advance, thought they could vacation during the strike, or had to get medical treatment outside the country.

The Costa Rica Witch Scam

A sorcerer was arrested by the OIJ on Tuesday in Los Angeles, Liberia. This self proclaimed wizard had set up a mystical center in his home where he offered services such as tarot card readings, occultism, astrology, healing and fortune telling.

The 47-year-old subject is accused of fraud and sexual abuse of his clients. It is said that he told the visitors he was going to cure them and that they should take off their clothes to take photographs.

During a raid of his house, the officers seized altars, dollars and colones in cash, potions, photographs of people, amulets, cell phones, computers, diaries, and other evidence that will be used in the case.

The subject is under the orders of the Public Ministry. There may be more cases, so the OIJ urged anyone affected to submit complaints.

What New Apple Products Are Coming to Costa Rica?

Apple announced the renewal of iMacs, iPads and AirPods. The very next week, at an Apple Event, this Monday, the company made another announcement. There will be many new services offered.

One of them is Apple TV+. This will likely cost about $10, like Netflix, but it is much more extensive. It is meant to replace traditional cable in a wireless way that is customizable. It will be a subscription service for series, movies, documentaries and originals, with the potential to add channels like HBO, SHOWTIME, Starz and various sports channels and rental content. Steven Spielberg is the image of Apple TV+ and it will include a science fiction series called Amazing Stories which is linked to him. Oprah Winfrey, Steve Carell, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston are associated with the shows. “The Morning Show” with Carell is one of the shows we’re looking forward to. There will also be a teen drama and an exclusive Sesame Street program for kids. There will not be ads. It will be available in May on iOS, tvOS and Samsung smart TV.

Another of the services is Apple Arcade. This will give access to over 100 original games from large and independent studios, which will all be free of advertising and in-app purchases. They will be available, including offline, on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

What You May Not Know About Vaping

Test for Foreign Doctors to Practice Medicine in Costa Rica

Foreign physicians must pass a test on general medicine, to be offered twice annually, in order to be allowed to practice in the country. It’s known as an equalization exam and is offered by the School of Medicine of the UCR. It is for foreigners as well as Costa Ricans who have graduated abroad.

The country is in need of foreign doctors to help shorten waiting lists for various specialties but they must be doctors who can prove their knowledge so as not to negatively affect the quality offered in public hospitals. Doctors must pass the 100-question test with at least 70%. Then they can join the College of Physicians and practice in Costa Rica.

The test used to be offered just once a year but last year many failed it and left the country. This is why there will be a second opportunity. This agreement was the result of joint work between the College of Physicians, the Ministry of Health, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund  and the UCR.

The Minister of Health asked for the temporary work permits of seven specialists to be extended until they are able to retake the test. This helps lower waiting lists where there have been shortages of specialists. The permits will be extended for two anesthesiologists, two pediatricians, two gynecologists and an orthopedist. In August, 44 specialists will graduate and be distributed in hospitals throughout the country.

Chinese Company Looking for Costa Rica Road Workers

200 workers are needed by the Chinese company in charge of the expansion of route 32. The projects term was set for 34 months, but almost halfway through that time less than 10% of the work has been done. Not sure that hiring Tico workers will speed this up at all though.

The bright side is that the company doubling its workforce to expedite the work will help the region struggling with unemployment. The construction company requires truck drivers, excavators, compactors, bulldozers, mixers, welders, heavy equipment mechanics, masons, carpenters, and human resources assistants and bilingual drivers with a C2 license.

Some of the available positions need technical qualifications from INA or technical colleges but some require only sixth grade of primary school and others just on-job experience.

To apply, present your resume, crime scheet, copy of ID and any titles and certifications, a sheet certifying you have an active Banco Nacional account, two letters of recommendation and one passport size photo.

Scams of the 19th Century in Costa Rica

Although many of us know the the scams being run from Costa Rica in the 20th century – Sweepstakes, real estate, crypto currency, investing….the list goes on and on….there were actually a lot done during the 19th century as well. Most likely if you are getting a call saying you won the lottery and that you just need to send money to insure the package……that call is coming from some douche-bag in Costa Rica.

We often think of earlier times as pleasant, perfect even, however, those who lived in Costa Rica’s central valley in the late 1800s were not free from scams.

Costa Rica underwent a modernization that brought with it fraudulent practices in various commercial matters. The written press published cases of individuals and schemes benefiting illegally. Here are some of the scams dealt with in the late nineteenth century.

The lottery was created to raise funds to create a building to receive and treat the mentally ill. It became a target and some sold tickets that were already expired while others falsified the numbers to appear winners.

Local beer production was growing and fraudsters both stole and copied labels. The public was warned to buyIrazú beer only from the factory or agency directly as labels were stolen and beers composed of drugs and harmful substances were being sold with them.

Counterfeit paper money was confiscated. Checks were forged. In one case, someone from an honorable and rich family exchanged a check for 3,000 pesos and took the railroad to Limon. The amount of the check generated suspicion and it was found that the signature was false. The Governor of Limón was alerted and the scammer captured when he arrived in the Caribbean.

Costa Rica Ranks As 3rd Worst in the Americas for Roads

Costa Rica has terrible roads, both in connectivity and quality. In the Americas, Costa Rica has the second worst roads, beating only Guatemala. In quality we are third from worst, behind Guatemala and Paraguay.

This information comes from the firm Deloitte, based on the Global Competitiveness Index that measures the characteristics of 140 economies. Out of the 140 countries evaluated, Costa Rica is 111th for connectivity and 124th in quality. The connectivity part measures how long the drives are from one place to another.

Projects like the Circunvalación Norte do not even come close to catching us up to the rest of the world. While recent work has been promising, major projects have decades of lag. There has been a long history of lack of planning, preparation, and follow-through. The State must radically improve its capacity to execute roadworks.

Another aspect of the problem is that Costa Rica invests very little, just 1% of the GDP, or $600 million, in infrastructure. This should be about three times higher to get to a level of competitiveness. Foreign investment could help but this must go hand in hand with better execution of projects.

Can Activists Get an Inner Life?

Costa Ricans to Be Allowed Two Guns Per Person

The discussion about how many weapons each person should be allowed to have started years ago and is on its final stretch in the plenary of the Congress. Pablo Abarca, PUSC, put forth a motion that is winning support of deputies.

Initially, bill 20,509 proposed reducing the number of weapons each Costa Rican can have from three to one. The newest idea to reform the Weapons and Explosives Law is to set the amount to two gun possession permits per person.

It is believed that the majority will vote in favor of this since it is a middle point and especially because it makes an allowance for those on farms to have a third dedicated to agricultural activities, which was one of the objections.

It seems like finally this issue is coming to an end. The wording on the controls has been made clearer as has the permit renewal process. There are more specifics about security companies as well.

Encountering Giants

Former Diplomat of the European Union Recovers Land in Costa Rica

José Luis Martinez Prada has recovered a plot of land he owns in Sixaola, Talamanca. The man, from Spain, is a former diplomat of the European Union in Costa Rica. The matter was settled via an out-of-court conciliatory settlement.

The agreement was signed by the ex-diplomat’s in country legal representative, Mario Salazar Marín, and by Davis Hansell, a resident of Manzanillo, Limón who allegedly usurped the property.

The agreement must be officialized by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The document states that Davis recognizes Martinez Prada as the sole owner of the 3,746 square meter property. Davis agrees to not disturb this right as well as to manage the de-registration of the plan registered in his name before the National Registry. In the agreement, Davis acknowledges that his plans overlap the documents from 1993 from previous owners who sold the land to Martínez Prada in 1999. The agreement eliminates the damage caused by ideological falsehood. Davis withdrew from the land. Still, there has been a lack of legal management.

Costa Rican Motorcyclists Handed 2 Year Ban After Mid-Race Fist Fight

Two Costa Rican motorcyclists have been handed two-year bans, after they started a fight midway through a national championship race last month.

The fight took place at Costa Rica’s national motorbike championship in February, but the bans have only taken place this week.

Jorge Martinez and Marion Calvo were battling for position when their bikes became tangled, as Martinez’s bike disappeared off towards the wall, he bizarrely ended up hanging onto the back of Calvo’s bike, Nine News reported.

When Calvo came to a stop he turned to discover Martinez on the back of his bike and pushed his opponent away.

Martinez then delivered a right hook and sent Calvo crashing to the ground.

Calvo continued the fight and chased after Martinez to push him in the in the back. Commonsense eventually prevailed and approaching bikes separated the pair.

The race was then red-flagged and the two scrapping riders were thrown out.

The Latin American Motorcycle Association has now suspended both riders for two years.

Is Costa Rica’s Irazú Volcano Dangerous?

The Irazú Volcano is now considered to have dangerous potential, following the discovery of new evidence about the seemingly sleeping volcano. Recently, a bubbling lagoon formed in its crater, pointing to a higher level of activity.

There are now fumaroles, springs of hot water, volcanic material and frequent seismicity so experts are on alert for action from the volcano which is still active but in a state of rest since 1965.

Scientists from the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (Ovsicori) visited to document changes in the beginning of March. A volcanologist descended to the lagoon of rain water with a depth of 10 meters. Even with strong winds, bubbling points were visible to the naked eye. This is from an underwater crack. Sophisticated techniques will be used to sample gases in the future.

Over the last century, the volcano went into activity seven times. The last period of strong eruptions was between 1962 and 1965. There are no immediate problems from the changes observed but they could be a sign of reactivation.

National Geographic to Showcase Costa Rica

National Geographic is showing a series starting tonight that highlights beautiful places in Costa Rica. There will be a total of 6 episodes. Sights features will include the Corcovado National Park, the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, the Santa Rosa National Park and Coco Island, among others.

The nature, flora and fauna of Costa Rica is something that has long impressed visitors and locals alike. Wild Costa Rica was developed by wildlife photographer and filmmaker Felipe DeAndrade. He shows off the cultural beauty as well as the natural beauty found in landscapes and reserves.

The series shows the struggle of the baby sea turtle to survive, the impact that Olive Ridley sea turtles have on the behavior of the Jaguar, the mating of tree frogs, hunting of reef sharks and the fight for survival of hummingbirds.

It will give a glimpse into what one can see on a vacation to Costa Rica and portrays the country as a sustainable ecotourism destination. The episodes will be on Sundays at 5pm.

Costa Rica Quarantines U.S. Anti-Vaxx Missionary Family Who Brought Measles

A family of anti-vaxxer Christian missionaries from the United States is under a well-deserved quarantine after they brought measles to Costa Rica.

The 11-member family, including two parents and nine children, was placed under strict isolation orders after two of the kids tested positive for measles. Two others are still awaiting their test results, according to local reports.

In a press conference from the Presidential House the head of Health, Daniel Salas reported that the Costa Rican Institute for Research and Education in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA) had confirmed that two children under 7 and 9 years old members of that family tested positive in measles, after receiving a few days ago the visit of another US citizen who showed symptoms of the disease.

The authorities confirmed that the 11 people of the family nucleus (father, mother and nine children) were unvaccinated, despite the fact that their home in Cóbano de Puntarenas was visited on three different occasions by Technical Assistants of Primary Health Care (ATAPS). In those visits no one was located inside the house and it was also confirmed that children between 1 and 17 years of age were not included in the Costa Rican Educational System, so they did not receive the vaccine during the periodic visit they made…

Minister Salas confirmed that the family has been living in Costa Rica for two years, they are missionaries and do not have social security. During the contagion period, they visited different locations in the Nicoya peninsula as well as in the province of Limón, forcing the authorities to expand the investigation to determine possible infections to other people without vaccination.

The best part is that Costa Rica is actually standing up against this anti-vaxx mentality, declaring that they won’t let outsiders endanger their own population.

The Health Ministry believes the virus was imported to Costa Rica by a United States citizen who left the country March 12.

“There will not be an epidemic of measles in our country,” said Daniel Salas Peraza, the Minister of Health, citing the country’s vaccination initiatives. “But obviously, we don’t want any child to suffer from measles or face the complications measles can cause.”

Fortunately, Costa Rican authorities haven’t found any locals who came down with measles as a result of this family… yet. The country hasn’t had a domestic case of measles since 2006, and hadn’t had a case of imported measles since 2014 until last month when an unvaccinated French boy brought the disease.

This is part of a larger global trend when it comes to measles cases. Earlier this month, I reported that Iceland was facing its biggest measles outbreak in decades thanks to an unvaccinated visitor. And in January, anti-vaxx beliefs were labeled a top 10 health threat by the World Health Organization.

This is getting out of hand, and it’s all because vaccines are so effective that people are forgetting how terrible these diseases actually are. Well, now they’re getting a reminder.

Yours in Reason,

David Gee, From Patheos.com

Life Is Not a Smorgasbord

Gun Control in Costa Rica

Deputies are working on toughening up the sentences for illegal possession of weapons. Congress has approved one of the proposed amendments to the Weapons Law in the first debate.

Project 20508 is a reform that creates penalties for those who fail to report the theft or loss of a weapon.

The legal reform in question also eliminates community service as punishment for those who own or carry a weapon without having registered it. It replaces this with a mandatory prison sentence.

Those who carry a normally legal weapon without permission will spend 2 to 4 years in prison. The minimum sentence for a weapon that is not legal will be set at 4 years. Currently it is 2.

Semiautomatic weapons of any caliber and those of military origin are only allowed to be used by police and private security companies.

The Triathlon Expansion in Costa Rica

Triathlon has been expanding in Costa Rica, both in participants and events. While the majority of competitions happen in the Pacific, other locations are taken into consideration. There have been events in the Caribbean and Golfito.

The newest location is San Carlos. The newest race will be in Florencia, San Carlos, on August 18. It will be a total distance of 80.4 km which is broken down into 1.4 swimming, 65 cycling and 14 km of running. It’s between the levels of Olympian and half Ironman.

The area was chosen for its safe roads, little traffic, and proximity to Lake Aguilar, where the swimming will take place. Usually the swimming portion is done in an ocean but it can be in a lake or pool too, according to the United Triathlon Federation (Feutri).

The BMW Tri Challenge in San Carlos will have a positive effect on the area. 80% of the people hired for the event will be locals. Additionally, the participants will use local hotels and restaurants.

Registration is open with a cost of $110.

Immigration Asked To Consider Vaccination When Approving Residency Of Foreigners In Costa Rica

The Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) says it is in talks with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjeria (DGME) – immigration service for the latter to consider requesting compliance with the national vaccination program when granting residency to a foreigner.

The director of Health Surveillance, Rodrigo Marín Rodríguez, confirmed that they have already raised the need with the DGME.

The request is made following the confirmation of more measles patients in the country.

So far, the Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (Inciensa) – Costa Rican Institute for Research and Education in Nutrition and Health – has confirmed two cases, the two boys aged 7 and 9, of an American missionary couple who have been living in the country, in Cabuya de Cóbano, Puntarenas, for the past two years.

Two other children in this family are classified as highly suspected of having the virus, but they are waiting for laboratory results, which should be available today (Friday).

This American couple has nine children between one and 17 years of age and none are vaccinated, neither do they attend school, public nor private.

None of the other five children have shown any indication of being infected, however, the entire family will remain isolated in their house, guarded by personnel from the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) – Costa Rican Social Security Fund and the Ministry of Health. They will be under isolation until April 4.

The children infected (and suspected of being infected), apparently, contracted the measles from a missionary woman from Oregon, United States, who was in Costa Rica visiting the family for 15 days, and moving through several communities of the Nicoya Peninsula and Limón, in the Caribbean coast.

Law requires vaccination of minors

Director Marín said that those who reside in the country must comply with national legislation, which, among other things, requires the vaccination of minors.

Costa Rica cannot demand the vaccination, in this case of measles, as a requirement for tourists, said Health Minister Daniel Salas Peraza. However, those who want to be temporary or permanent residents in the country should comply with the national legislation on this matter.

“The law is clear: everyone who resides in Costa Rica has to comply with the law. And the Ley General de Salud (Health Law) says that whoever resides here has to have the complete vaccination. That is a reality, ” said Marín.

No alarm

A month ago, a family of three French tourists who visited Santa Teresa de Cóbano, brought to Costa Rica the measles virus after five years without the country registering an imported case.

It is worth mentioning that there is no epidemiological relationship between these four new cases and the French family.

Minister Salas stressed that there is no alarm, the cases will not cause a measles epidemic in the country, because of the high vaccination coverage that exceeds 90%.

The Ministry of Health, reported in conjunction with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, continues with the surveillance protocol that is implemented in this type of case, making field investigations to investigate possible contacts in the family’s residence, reviewing vaccination schemes and applying the vaccine when required.

So far 54 contacts have been vaccinated, among relatives and health personnel who have been in contact with the missionary family.

“We would like to reiterate to the population the need for caregivers to ensure the health and well-being of their children, making sure they have their complete immunization,” said Minister Salas, who pointed out that measles was the fifth disease to be eliminated from the Americas, following smallpox (1971), polio (1994), and rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (2015). In all five cases, the Region was the first in the world to achieve elimination.

Highly Contagious

Measles is a highly contagious disease that has reemerged strongly throughout the world. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when he or she travels internationally.

Costa Rica does not present autochthonous cases of measles since 2006.

The Ministry of Health began last December 12 a national vaccination campaign, investing US$1 million to protect 770,000 children between 15 months and 10 years of age, against Measles. The program was in two phases, the first was concluded on February 8, while the second phase began at the start of the school year on February 11 and will end on March 31, 2019.

From QCostaRica

The Castle In Outer Space

Why Are Taxes Going Up on Some Basic Foods in Costa Rica?

The changes being made this year to the “canasta basica,” or basic basket, have sparked some discussion and debate. Why are some nutritional foods being taken off of this list and some with little nutritional value being added?

President Carlos Alvarado spoke out about his opinion on the matter. He suggests that we must educate the general public about the consumption of more nutritious foods.

The list will contain the 188 products that the population with the lowest incomes typically eat. These items will be subject to just 1% tax instead of 13%. It’s a means to protect the families with fewer resources.

The list is based on consumption statistics by socioeconomic sectors, surveys of what the population normally eats, not on any nutritional information. This means that some healthy foods were taken off the list because those who buy them are among the richest and the poorest don’t buy them. Some foods have also been added because of the survey results. These include green banana, chiverre, yucca, horchata and goat’s milk.

Surf Photos & Costa Rica Weekend Surf Report- March 22nd & 23rd

Foo Fighters & Weezer Coming in Concert to Costa Rica

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce approved a concert of the Foo Fighters and Weezer. They will perform together at the National Stadium on October 4. They had a similar show in Mexico.

Start saving up to get tickets to this much anticipated show. They will surely sell out quickly. Prices range from ¢32,480 to ¢67.280, which includes taxes and service charge. They are not on sale yet but will be soon at Eticket.cr.

The Foo Fighters are on their Concrete and Gold tour since last year. Both the Foo Fighters and Weezer will be part of the Rock in Rio festival on September 28 in Brazil before heading to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Represented by Brenda Castro at Miss Grand International

Brenda Castro is going to represent Costa Rica in Miss Grand International. She won another elite competition, Miss Costa Rica, in 2015. She also participated in Miss Universe. Miss Grand International will take place in Venezuela.

The co-director of the competition praised Brenda as one of the prominent participants. He said that she has the experience and ability to gain international recognition and possibly take the crown.

Costa Rica has had good luck in this competition, taking top 20 and top 10 spaces in the last six editions. Twice, Costa Ricans took the title of best figure.

This year, there will be a reality show by Telenova, The Finalists, that shows, on a national level, the selection process for representatives of the country. The competitions start in April for castings for Miss Grand International, Top Model of the World and Miss International.

Top Cars at Costa Rica’s Expomovil

Expomóvil 2019 brings us five top-of-the-range vehicles with the latest technology, security accessories, and amenities.

The Maserati Levante Trophy is a sports utility vehicle with a 3.8-cubic-centimeter V8 engine. It’s the second fastest SUV in the world and it reaches zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. It has ventilated seats and a panoramic roof. It costs $260,000.

The BMW X7 was seen in the country for the first time at Expomóvil. The third row features two full-sized seats with armrests, cup holders and USB ports. The vehicle has ambient lighting and three engine options, starting at a price of $130,000.

The Mercedes Benz G 500 is perhaps the best 4×4 in the world. It has a lane change detector and multibeam LED lights. There’s an 8.4 inch screen for navigation, audio, video and internet. It’s priced at $220,000.

The Lexus LX 570 fits eight passengers. It has leather upholstery with wood details. The front passenger and driver can adjust the temperature separately. There are front, side and rear cameras and a way to set the chairs, steering wheel and mirrors automatically for three different drivers. $168,300 is the cost.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Station Wagon is known as the “Toyotona.” It’s an all-terrain vehicle with double permanent traction. It has air conditioning in four areas, a multi-format screen, an internal cooler, and 14 airbags. The price is $146,100.

Trump’s ‘Flashpoint of Violence’?

Luis Miguel Concert in Costa Rica

Luis Miguel will have a concert in Costa Rica in the National Stadium on the 21st at 7pm. He’s been on tour singing 35 songs at many locations. Around 80 people work behind the scenes of this spectacular.

The performer has made specific requests for his dressing room. He wants vanilla scented candles, Fiji water, coconut water, fruits, ginger tea and coffee. He also requested 12 dozen long-stemmed, spineless white roses. He’ll probably give these out to the audience.

The stage is being set up and should be ready by Wednesday. It’s a 36 meter by 22 meter stage with 160 sets of lights and the latest sound technology with 65,000 watts so he can be heard throughout the whole stadium. There will also be 800 LED modules forming a giant screen so everyone can see him. There are a total of 40 tons of equipment.

The day of the show, the doors will open at 3:30 pm. There is a list of things that are not allowed, including firearms, sharp objects, large bags, coins, food and drinks, drugs, professional cameras, selfie sticks, and umbrellas.

No More Gender on Costa Rica IDs

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s decision to eliminate sex from ID cards has been endorsed by the magistrates of Sala IV. This issue came to light following an advisory opinion from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Taking the sex off ID cards is meant as a way to recognize the rights of people of all sexes and sexual orientations. The constitutional court ruled by declaring a writ of amparo that was filed by lawyer Allan Arburola Valverde who argued that showing one’s biological sex on the ID card harms one’s fundamental right to identity. One’s sex is an essential part of identity and is not something that must be broadcast on an ID.

The provision to suppress the data is backed by article 93 of the Organic Law of the TSE and Civil Registry which states that the ID card will contain the necessary information to identify the bearer. It is not necessary to identify the bearer by sex. The ID cards have advanced secure techniques for personal identification.

Additionally, as of last year, people can change their name before the State and on the ID card according to self-perceived gender.

Haunted Home Near Sutter’s Fort

Costa Rica’s Andrés ‘Fofo’ Madrigal

Andrés ‘Fofo’ Madrigal is best known as the saxophonist for Los Ajenos but he is so much more. He is a singer, husband, and animal lover. He lives with his wife of 6 years in La Guácima with nine animals, including horses.

Few people know that he was a singer before he was a saxophonist. He chose to graduate in saxophone but earlier was a singer with the Philharmonic of Costa Rica. He also likes playing guitar and keyboard, arranging, and producing.

Madrigal and his wife have a business called Producciones Musicales Costa Rica. He is also in charge of the commercial side of Kendall Waston. Even with all of these responsibilities he always makes time for his wife and parents. He is a great listener. They support his newest endeavor as a solo artist.

Getting Rid of the Wastewater in San Jose, Costa Rica

38 tons of waste from homes and businesses in San José empty into riverbeds daily. The Environmental Improvement Project of the Metropolitan Area seeks to fix this problem.

The project, which costs $388 million, is 69% done and will be completed in 2021. The project was started in 2007. In total, it will prevent wastewater from 11 cantons from going into rivers.

The next part to be worked on is one of the main streets of Hatillo. It will be closed for five weeks, starting today, to install sewage systems. The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers has to close the road, to the south side of the Hatillo Shopping Center, completely.

The complete project includes 361 kilometers of pipes, repairing collector and sewage networks, and moving a tunnel to the treatment plant. Also in consideration is constructing two detours at the height of rivers to send black waters towards the treatment plant.

Denying Evil’s Collective Nature and Intentionality

Drinking & Driving in Costa Rica

Just a single day after receiving his license, a young man was involved in an accident that took the life of a motorcyclist. He now faces charges of culpable homicide because his breathalyzer test result was .29 mg of alcohol, above the .25 limit for young drivers.

Causing additional chaos, the collision led to incredible traffic jams that prevented the prosecutor in charge from getting to the scene in a timely fashion. Eventually, traffic police opened the way for the prosecutor to carry out the necessary procedures.

The accident happened early Friday at the entrance to El Pilar, La Union de Cartago, on the Florencio del Castillo highway. The driver was in a 4×4. He says the breaks failed. The case moves to criminal court when there is over .25 mg of alcohol reported.

In the first five hours of Friday there were three fatal accidents. This year, by March 12, there were 82 deaths from road injuries recorded. 52% of these were persons traveling by motorcycle.

Dole Workers Want to Help Costa Rica Shipping

In record time, former Dole workers, who were dismissed a month and a half ago, came together to form a self-management cooperative which got them employment performing repairs and maintenance for the new Moín Container Terminal.

They have joined together and unanimously elected representatives. These 123 workers have started something that has possibilities to grow and generate even more employment in Limón.

Along with signing to form the cooperative, the workers agreed to stop a protest movement that they had going following their dismissal. 240 workers were dismissed for closure of their work center.

The workers in the cooperative will work from a workshop that Dole loaned to the government for one year. They will primarily repair and maintain refrigerated containers but will also offer welding and repairs at the docks and be trained in skills to be able to work in the development of the electric train. Their skills will also allow them to potentially provide services to the Costa Rican Petroleum Refinery.

Food Items About To Get More Expensive in Costa Rica

29 products that used to be tax free will now have a 13% sales tax added. This is because they were taken out of the “canasta basica.” Some are concerned with this because they are healthy foods that will now be out of reach for the poorest families.

This list of basic foods consumed by the poorest households are the foods that become tax exempt. 29 items have been taken off the list and 14 have been added to lasts year’s list.

There are 189 goods on the list. It no longer includes avocados, strawberries, lemons, lard, pâté, or tuna. Some of the additions include goat’s milk, green bananas and “flor de itabo.”

This list is meant to represent the foods that the economically lowest 20% of the population consumes regularly. It’s based on 129 reports from the National Survey of Income and Expenses. It is not based on nutritional value.

Costa Rica Transitarte 2019 this Weekend

Transitarte 2019 is happening this weekend. It starts today and goes through Sunday the 17th. This festival is a great way to enjoy the summer sun and cool nights. With so many free activities throughout the center of San José, there’s no reason to sit at home.

There will be events and sales in all of the most popular parks. Special platforms have been set up for concerts. The opening act is today at 7:30 pm in the National Park. Manuel Obregón brings his show Piano Malango.

Visual art exhibits, a gastronomy tour, cosplay exhibition, playstation stands, board games, sculpture and literature workshops, ballroom dance sessions, dance, theater and music shows, circus clowns, storytellers, poets, and puppet shows will delight the public of all ages and walks of life.

The full agenda is available at transitarte.cr. There you can filter results by date and discipline to find the activities best suited to your interests.

Ghost Charm

Costa Rica Outlines Decarbonization Plans Through 2050

Costa Rica, already on its way to going carbon neutral by 2021, recently introduced its long-term decarbonization plans. Announced a few weeks ago, the National Decarbonization Plan organizes itself into three periods: beginning (2018-2022), inflection (2023-2030) and massive deployment (2031-2050).

The National Decarbonization Plan outlines a variety of steps it hopes to accomplish over the next 31 years. Divided by when the government hopes to achieve them, these goals include:

By 2022

• Release public data on its cargo fleet’s carbon emissions and release a preliminary plan to increase its efficiency.
• Outline a plan to lower organic waste methane

By 2030

• Finish transitioning the power grid to 100 percent renewable energy
• All new buildings will be designed to use green technologies
• Culture will move towards lower waste generation with businesses shifting to a circular economy
• Increase the country’s forest cover by 60 percent and reverse damage to natural ecosystems

By 2035

• Seventy percent of buses and taxis will release zero emissions and shift the passenger train system to using 100 percent electric power.
• Twenty-five percent of private and institutional vehicles will be electric

By 2050

• The public transport system (buses, taxis, passenger train) will replace the private car as the public’s main mode of transportation
• One hundred percent of buses and taxis will be zero emissions
• Increase non-motorized transport by at least 10 percent within main urban areas
• Sixty percent of private and institutional vehicles will be zero emissions
• All sold private and institutional vehicles will be zero emissions
• Half of cargo transport will be highly efficient, with a 20 percent reduction in emissions compared to 2018
• Electric energy will become the main power source for transport, residential, commercial and industrial sectors
• All commercial, residential and institutional buildings will hold to low emission standards
• Industries will have switched their energy sources so that their growth does not rely on emissions
• Have a solution for the collection, separation, reuse and disposal of waste
• The agriculture and livestock industry will use the latest technologies to become as sustainable, competitive, low-carbon and resilient as possible
• Grow available green areas within urban areas and improve transportation to protected areas

For more details, the plan is available online here.

by Chuck Dobrosielski, Travel Agent Central

Help Find the Stolen Wheelchair in Costa Rica

Seriously who steals a wheelchair? That being said hopefully someone can help with finding it location.

Eight-year-old Jefry needs our help. The boy’s wheelchair was stolen from his home in Ciudad Quesada Wednesday night.

He has cerebral palsy and needs the specialized type of chair for his basic well being and to go to school.

Anyone with information about the stolen wheelchair or who would like to donate funds or one of these wheelchairs to the family should contact 83680570 or 87833257.

Paradise Lake Is Still Holy

Costa Rica Suspending Boeing 737 Max Aircraft

The world at large, over 40 countries, is suspending Boeing 737 Max aircraft following two crashes that may be related. The entire European Union, China, and much of America, including the U.S. and Costa Rica, have grounded the type of plane because of an Aeronautical Information Circular that was adopted.

Last October, a 737 Max went down in Indonesia, taking the lives of 189 people. Investigations showed there was an error in the MCAS flight stabilization system that caused the plane to irreversibly automatically descend. Boeing is developing updates to add additional sensors to this system which is intended to prevent a plane crash when it’s detected that the nose is too steep and speed too low.

On Sunday, an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max crash took the lives of 157 people.

There are external reports pointing out similarities between the crashes but the FAA is just beginning the investigation.

Salaries of Public Sector Jobs in Costa Rica

There is a public employment reform in the works that would give a higher base wage and reduce the dependence on incentives. Currently, salaries in the public sector are much lower than in the private sector. This changes, however, when we look at incentives which can be ¢2 for every ¢1 of base salary.

Authorities are evaluating paying a significantly higher base salary. This will not necessarily take out the idea of bonuses. The government is analyzing the possibility of using both a stronger base wage and productivity incentives. The idea is that the base salary will be the highest component of the paycheck received so that salaries are as equitable as possible between institutions.

The salary must be competitive because it will be the salary for the next 30 years. This new regime should not be any more expensive for the State, it’s just distributing the money under different terms. The changes would be for new employees and current employees would have the choice of which way to be paid.

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Costa Rican Activist Detained in Israel

A Costa Rican activist has been detained in Israel. Tatiana Gamboa Freer has been leading pro-defense movements for the rights of Palestinians since 2014 in Costa Rica. She stayed outside the Presidential House for 22 days in order to deliver the President a request for the Government to take a stand against “Israel’s attacks on Palestine.”

She entered Israel on a tourist visa that expired in April of last year. For her irregular migration status, she was arrested in Palestinian territories. She is in the Givhon Ramle detention center.

The Tica was warned by Costa Rican authorities to avoid conflict zones. Gamboa insists her detention is illegal. She says she hasn’t been given legal representation and is only spoken to in Hebrew.

The Costa Rican ambassador to Israel and the Minister Counselor and Consul General have been in touch with her as well as with Israeli authorities and humanitarian organizations. Gamboa refused to sign a voluntary deportation.

Foreign Banks to Enter Costa Rica?

The Government of Costa Rica has presented a legal reform to authorize foreign banks to open branches in the country. Foreign banks currently operate here through financial intermediaries as separate entities but not as branches of the parent company.

The reform to the Organic Law of the National Banking System, presented on March 8, would change this. This is part of a larger effort to integrate with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Costa Rica is currently admitted to 12 of 22 technical committees of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. It’s working on various reforms, such as with bank branches, to join the rest.

The proposal includes guidelines for regulation of the foreign banks’ local branches. It would allow the banks to choose whether to operate as branches or through intermediaries and explains how they will be regulated and supervised.

Microsoft & Costa Rica

President Carlos Alvarado has asked Microsoft to develop technology in Costa Rica and the company agreed to provide artificial intelligence to support the country in its digital transformation.

The company has been here for 25 years but focused on regional level customer service and corporate sales. The hope is that is will install technology development operations and Costa Rica will become home to its technological and scientific production. This would benefit Microsoft as well, as the country offers great human talent.

The president held a meeting with senior executives of Microsoft to speak about the conditions offered by Costa Rica. Microsoft is committed to supporting the country by implementing the Bicentennial Plan of digital transformation.

Microsoft will be installed in the Universal Tower in Sabana Sur, under construction as part of the San Jose Technological City complex. The President hopes this will create jobs including virtual employment to all regions of the country.

Costa Rica Authorities Raid Catholic Church Offices

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Judicial police in Costa Rica’s capital raided Roman Catholic church offices Thursday, searching for information about two priests accused of sexual abuse.

The raids on offices of the metropolitan curia and the national bishop’s conference were broadcast live on television, which showed officers from the judiciary’s investigation bureau taking documents and computers from two buildings in the center of San Jose.

The prosecutor’s office said the police were seeking information about priests Mauricio Viquez and Manuel Guevara and looking for clues to any possible cover-up of sexual abuse cases by San Jose Archbishop Jose Rafael Quiros.

An international arrest warrant has been issued against Viquez, who is accused of abusing two teenagers in 2003 and was expelled from the priesthood two weeks ago.

Viquez took a leave of absence from teaching at a local university last month and immigration records indicate he left the country on Jan. 7.

Guevara served at a parish just north of the capital. He has been detained and released, but must report periodically with authorities.

By Associated Press

Tree Carnage at a Nature Center

Haunted River of Skulls

Why to Report Missing Persons Right Away in Costa Rica

There is a myth that one must wait 24 hours to report a missing person. Authorities state the importance of those first 24 hours and urge the public not to wait. If someone goes missing, alert the police at once.

While not considered a crime until after 24 hours, information collected in those crucial hours is vital. Authorities inspect the environment the missing person was normally surrounded by, the places and people, as well as psychological, medical and family history.

Last year, there were 2,104 reports of missing persons. Those reporting the missing person will be asked for a recent photograph and characteristics of the clothes the person was wearing. The photo may be put on social media. Many organizations are involved in the search. Immigration alerts can be put out in cases where one parent might try to take the child to another country.

It’s also good to know that missing persons cases never get closed until the person is found. Investigators exhaust all leads and then it becomes a passive case but in any moment that new information comes up it is followed. The case can be reactivated and due diligence must be proven, meaning the authorities must prove they looked into the new information. There is the case of the disappearance of Francisco Javier Sánchez Postome still open after 18 years, for example.

X Knights Return to Costa Rica’s National Stadium in La Sabana

Luc Akermann took first place in the 13th edition of the X Knights in the National Stadium in La Sabana. The 21-year-old German impressed 34,000 spectators and quickly became the crowd favorite.

He pulled off the Superman and a front flip with ease. He then did a couple double backflips. He is one of the most promising freestyle motorcyclists. His stunts go the extra mile.

It was his first time in Costa Rica and he plans to come back in 2020 to defend the title. He was thankful for the support of the public. “The atmosphere is extraordinary,” he stated.

He took the win with 98 points followed by Melero with 93 and than Higashina with 90. Moore, who won in 2016 and 2017, had a bad landing in the semifinals. Pages suffered a fall. Torres, with five titles, took 75 points.

Costa Rica’s ICE & Its Improper Business Practices

ICE has the right to conceal certain information related to its telecommunications business because there is competition, however, it concealed public information from the electricity sector and Sala IV condemned this as an improper use of power.

Former congressman Jorge Arguedas Mora asked the Institute for information related to a public tender for the purchase of hydroelectric power blocks from private generators. ICE delivered the information but held back 12 pages saying that according to the Law on Strengthening and Modernization of Public Entities of the Telecommunications Sector it was not possible to share that confidential information.

The high judges decided that ICE should not have hid this information because it is not obtained from its users and customers nor in the presence of an industrial, commercial or economic secret. Additionally, since the project uses public funds, the information should be classified as public.

Guilt Is Conscience Suppressed

Reviving Costa Rica’s Coral Reefs

A campaign started yesterday with the premiere of a documentary at the Magaly Cinema and presentation of a new book, “Colares Mágicos.” Both are about coral reefs. Various experts came together to launch the campaign which aims to cultivate 1,000 corals.

Just as we reforest by planting trees, we should do similar projects with corals because of their importance. They are needed to break natural waves and stabilize the terrain of the coasts by producing sands and preventing erosion. The documentary shows the deterioration suffered by coral reefs. With higher temperatures, the corals force out the algae they need nutrients from. They then lose their color and become calcium skeletons.

The initiative seeks to raise funds to cultivate 1,000 corals in a nursery and then plant them in the damaged reefs found in Golfito. $35,000 is the goal set. Companies and individuals can donate at https://www.raisingcoral.org/donate.

The documentary will be brought to movie theaters and schools in different areas of the country to educate about the biological function of corals and coral reefs as well as the threats the face.

What Beautiful Costa Rican Woman Will Be Crowned the Next Miss Costa Rica?

Over 15 young ladies, between the ages of 18 and 28, showed up to audition for the Miss Costa Rica beauty pageant. Which one will take the crown from the current monarch Natalia Carvajal?

Each and every one showed up with seemingly perfect hair and makeup. They paraded first in bathing suits and later showed off their looks in dresses and heels. This took place at the Teletica facilities in La Sabana.

They came from San José, Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela, Guanacaste and Limón to participate in the preliminary stage of the contest.

They have various motivations for going for the crown. One, Dolly Sanabria, hopes to overcome her fears and body insecurities. Catalina Freer, comes to take her already promising modeling career to a new level. Paola Chacón hopes winning the contest will shed light on how a beauty queen is a complete package. She works on social welfare projects.

Angels Throughout the Ages

Why You Can’t Advertise Someone as a Prostitute in Costa Rica

The OIJ surprised a 27-year-old man at work and arrested him for violating personal data and offering online a lady as a sexual companion and then threatening her not to report it.

The arrest was made in Escazú. In a raid of his home, computers, phones, and storage devices were confiscated and they will undergo digital forensic analysis to find any related information.

The subject is accused of publishing classified ads with photos of a woman he had met in a previous job. This falls under a cyber crimes category in article 196 bis of the Criminal Code. He can face one to four years of imprisonment.

The suspect is under the order of the Public Ministry.

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Guide to Costa Rica Sports Groups & Teams

The guide to athletics teams in Costa Rica has a list of 60 options compiled. Whether you are looking to socialize and learn the basics of running technique or run marathons or mountain races, there’s sure to be an option for you.

Those looking for a team or guide or wanting to switch teams can consult the list to find one in their province and canton. It provides the address, training schedule, name of coach or manager, phone number, and email or Facebook. You can see the guide here:

https://www.nacion.com/blogs/corredores-anonimos/guia-de-equipos-de-atletismo-de-costa-rica-mas/PJ25KFEETBHK5N5OQWIQFWZAGQ/story/

Most teams offer monthly training plans to members. They are created by a professional. Some of the managers are professionals in physical education, human movement sciences, or athletics while others are experienced runners who want to help others.

The plans can be personalized by each member’s capacity and availability. Many of the teams carry out long distance runs on weekends to explore new parts of the country. Some teams also participate in functional training classes, yoga, and nutrition counseling. The monthly cost is typically between ¢12,000 and ¢60,100.

Working for the Lord in Costa Rica

Cool Winds Expected in Costa Rica For Next 3 Days

The next three days will bring a refreshing break from the heat we’ve been experiencing. Due to a cold front, we will experience strong winds. There will also be isolated rainfall in the Caribbean that will alleviate the drought.

A high pressure system is to blame, or thank, for the cool winds. The temperature will be especially cool in Heredia, Coronado, Goicoechea, Moravia, La Union, Curridabat and Cartago. You may even find yourself saying “I’m cold” if you live near the mountains.

The Central Valley should expect gusts of wind up to 70 km/hour. The North can expect gusts up to 50 km/h, the North Pacific 90 km/h, and the mountain ranges up to 100 km/h.

The intense winds can cause damage to roofs, electrical wiring, trees, and signs. The sea will also be affected. High waves are expected off the North Pacific and Gulf of Nicoya coasts. Boaters and bathers should not be in those areas and should always be careful of rip tides in any area.

7 Foreign Medical Specialists Suspended in Costa Rica

7 foreign medical specialists have had their permits to practice in Costa Rica suspended because they did not pass the test put forth by the College of Physicians which issues them.

This has left many regional hospitals without adequate staff. The Hospital of Puntarenas is left without a single neurosurgeon. Guapiles is without a gynecologist to cover emergencies after 4pm. The Tony Facio Hospital, in Limón, has to send all pregnant women in risk to deliver in San Jose.

Some of these specialists came to the country following a call from the Ministry of Health and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund which recognized a shortage of medical specialists. Because of that shortage the College of Physicians was called on to issue temporary permits.

These permits, however, cannot be extended without passing a test on knowledge of general medicine. Doing so would put the entity in a legal situation. If some malpractice happened they would have to answer as to why they gave the doctor the permit.

Costa Rica: What Happens to Sales Tax Exemptions Once the VAT Law is Enforced?

As of July 1, the value added tax will be enforced, and one of the big questions is whether the exemptions to the sales tax granted through different laws in favor of companies and State Offices, will remain alive.

The analysis must start from the rule established by article 63 of the Tax Code, which stipulates that tax benefits do not extend to taxes established after their creation.

Therefore, if it is considered that with the enforcement of the Law to Strengthen Public Finances, No. 9635, the sales tax has been repealed and a new value added tax arises, the tax benefits related to sales tax would loose effect.

Article 1 of Law No. 9635 remarks that its issuance responds to a “comprehensive reform” of the former Sales Tax Law. Therefore, it may be interpreted that a repealing of said tax has not taken place, but simply an update of its legal regime.

It would not be the first time that a similar situation happened. When the Property Tax Law No. 7509 was published back in 1995, the Judicial Court and the State Attorney considered at first, that it was the same Territorial Tax of 1939, whose legal status was modernized. Therefore, the limitation contained in article 63 of the Tax Code was not applicable.

In a similar way, in the sales tax and the value added tax, the essential elements of the tax such as the tariff (13%), and the creditor (State) remain the same, lengthening some others such as the taxpayer and the generating event, in order to adjust its legal regime to the national context. Such interpretation, would maintain alive the previously recognized exemptions

However, the analysis complicates when reading the Transitory Disposition XIV of Law No. 9635 which indicates that “Public institutions, which upon the entry into force of Title I of this law were exempt from sales tax, shall maintain said benefit during the current budgetary year and shall include within their budgets, for the immediately following fiscal year, the amounts for value added tax corresponding to the acquisition of goods and services under their charge “.

In this sense, although there is no legal disposition that repeals the sales tax, the transitory norm seems to suppose that an elimination of the exemptions associated to this tax granted in favor of public institutions has taken place, giving them a peremptory term of life.

The above mentioned, has an additional particularity. The Law to Strengthen Public Finances does not include a definition for public institution. Therefore, the scope of such transitory norm is not clear, will it include central government, decentralized entities, public non-state entities, public companies, administrative organs? All of these could, in one way or another fit into the concept used by the Law.

Taking into account what the rest of the Law states, the transitory norm will not be applicable to the Costa Rican Social Security System and the Municipal Corporations, since article 9 considers such entities not subjected to the added value tax in relation to the goods and services that sell, lend or acquire. Likewise, it would not be suitable to the entities of the Executive Branch covered by the Tax Immunity Principle, where a tax exemption technically does not operate, but an extinction of the tax duty in accordance to article 49 of the Tax Code.

In this sense it must be remembered that in a legal tax relationship, the State may not assume both the character of creditor and taxpayer. Therefore, the collection of the value added tax is not possible regarding the different institutions which comprise the Executive Branch.

The relevance of this issue extends to determine which of these transactions will give right to the tax credit. Article 21 of The Law to Strengthen Public Finances, as a general rule, states that only the tax paid on the acquisition of goods and services used in carrying out operations subject to and not exempt from taxation, gives the right to a tax credit

However, this norm also indicates that taxpayers who have carried out transactions with State Institutions, by virtue of tax immunity, or with public or private entities that by virtue of the provision in special laws enjoy exemption from value added tax will be entitled to the tax credit.

Based on the literality of the Law, transactions with the Costa Rican Social Security System and the Municipalities, in principle, will not generate a tax credit as they are considered not subjected to the tax, which technically is different from being exempt.

In relation to the other public institutions, a case-by-case analysis of the transactions must necessarily be carried out to determine whether or not they are subject to an exemption regime or are covered by the Principle of Tax Immunity.

Consortium Legal – Anayansi Mora

Southwest Flies Bridesmaid’s Dress for Sister’s Wedding to Costa Rica After She Forgot it At Home

Bank Fraud & Costa Rica Prisons

Bank fraud happening from inside prisons are seemingly impossible. Blocking the cell signal in prisons was approved last year with law number 9597 but will likely not happen until next year. Solutions are being sought for how to block cellular phone service in prisons without affecting the surrounding communities.

The Judicial Police received 3,000 denunciations of this problem last year. Most of the scams happen from La Reforma. The fraudsters use prepaid cell phones to call bank clients. They have lots of personal information about the clients, that they get from various databases and internet sites, and accounts and they use names of people who actually work in the bank so the calls seem legitimate. They even call through an application that makes it look like the call is coming from the bank’s phone number.

The OIJ has some detainees who lent their bank accounts to deposit the money stolen in the fraud in exchange for a payment. 12 arrests have been made and the investigation continues.

Should you get a call from any bank, it is advised that you go to the bank in person to clear up the matter. You should not give out or confirm any information by phone.

Where is the Best Chifrijo in Costa Rica?

The best place to eat chifrijo depends on who you ask and what you look for in the national dish. Much has been said and written about the plate normally served in bars. Fancy restaurants have made versions of it too.

In Atenas, Chicharronera is made by Don Yayo. It’s one of the best with toasted meat and beans in just the right amount of liquid.

La Choza de Joel is the best in Ciudad Colón. The crispy skin stands out. The house chili gives it a nice touch too.

The Las Vegas Bar of Tejar de El Guarco, Cartago prepares its chifrijo with cubaces beans, giving it an earthy taste in a powerful broth. The meat is smooth and sauce sweet.

Hot Chalet Restaurant is popular for its Chifrijo in Montelimar. The portions of meat are the perfect size to mix with rice and beans. There’s a good amount of onion and extra cilantro.

The Itabos offers Chifrijo in San Rafael Abajo, Desamparados. It’s possibly the best Chifrijo in the country. The whole grain rice and beans that are smooth but not pured are characteristic of the dish prepared there.

Costa Ricans Head to Africa to Offer a Helping Hand

Ticos made a huge difference in so many lives when they traveled over 7,000 kilometers and volunteered their time to help kids with disabilities in Guinea Bissau, a country in Africa where disabled children are often killed or abandoned because the disability is seen as a curse.

The group of four Costa Rican physiotherapists helped a girl who in her four years of life had never walked. They left her walking with a huge smile. She was able to walk but no one had shown her how.

They also made plaster seats so the kids could sit in the right way for their condition. Many were bedridden before. Some kids who couldn’t move their eyes are now turning their heads.

Centers for abandoned kids with disabilities often have just one nurse and do not have therapies to improve the quality of life of the residents. Without a team of specialists, the disabilities often get worse over time.

All sorts of specialists are needed. If you want more information about volunteering, you can visit the page on Facebook Fisios in Guinea Bissau.

The Costa Rica Chirripo Challenge Race

30 years ago, a tradition started: the Chirripo Challenge race. Andrea Sanabria was the first indigenous person to participate and win the 34 kilometer competition up the country’s highest mountain.

This year’s race took place on February 23. The ending was filmed by a group of documentary filmmakers. Sanabria has been the champion of this extreme race an impressive nine times, including this year.

200 runners risked the uphill run. Many hurt their knees or ankles along the way. This high impact race is demanding. There are often falls as people walk the route nevermind run it.

Runners are disqualified if they don’t make it to the 12 kilometer point in three hours and fourteen minutes. The heat, 30 degrees Celsius, takes some out of the running. At the top there is a hostel. It’s 3,400 meters above sea level.

Sanabria comes from a small indigenous town, a four days walk from San Gerardo. She was given tennis shoes by neighbors. At home she trains in rubber boots with her husband. They have five children to care for. The prize money for the race is about what they would earn in a whole year picking coffee. This year, her niece also ran. They tied for first with a time of four hours and sixteen minutes.

A Haunting in Toronto, Canada

US Senator Confirms Maduro Minister Bought Costa Rica Property with Drug Money

The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury has been looking into Vladimir Padrino, Venezuelan vice president of Political, Security and Peace Sovereignty (Venezuelan Minister of Defense), and his role as a close key figure to Nicolás Maduro.

Padrino’s official role is focused on maintaining loyalty of the US armed forces but is accused of buying property in Costa Rica with money from drug trafficking. His name does not appear in any companies or real estate in Costa Rica but, according to the DIS, authorities are “corroborating names of possible relatives” to Padrino. It is possible he sent the money to his girlfriend or a relative and the property was bought with fake documents.

The investigation started even before he took office last August. They are being carried out with the help of the Ministry of Security and the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration and the Foreign Ministry.

“Vladimir Padrino, do not forget to include your girlfriend in Costa Rica and the ranch that you bought with the money you got from the drug traffickers,” US Senator Marco Rubio said.

Costa Rica Electric Vehicles & Green License Plates

Electric vehicles will be given green license plates that correspond to privileges in parking and driving. This is part of the Government’s strategy to promote the use of this type of vehicle.

Part of the new official National Plan of Electric Transportation is that cars with green licence plates will not be subject to vehicular restriction of circulation. They may use special parking spaces in public and private lots. Additionally, they can park at meters without paying.

The document also mentions that actions will be taken to regulate exonerations of spare parts of electric vehicles as well as manage financing agreements with preferential conditions for those buying electric vehicles.

Of the 2.5 million registered motor vehicles circulating, only 528 are zero emission vehicles. Owners of these electric vehicles can obtain the new green plates via a process of substitution before the National Registry.

From Symbolic Creatures To Insight Beings

Costa Rica’s Moín Mega Shipping Port Finally Opens

The Moín Mega Port is officially open as of Thursday afternoon. This is great news after 10 years of trouble surrounding the construction of this artificial island, the largest infrastructure project that has been developed in the country.

Controversy surrounded the project from the beginning. It was set to be operational by 2016 but delay after delay came up. Just 10 days after the award, the State was sued for publishing the tender without needed technical studies .

The project faced opposition from the National Banana Chamber, the Workers’ Union of Japdeva, and environmentalists. There were protests by workers and transporters too. Even once construction finally started there were troubles. The route built to access the Container Terminal of Moín was constructed on the wrong geographical coordinates. APM Terminals announced a further 13 month delay in July 2017.

The first berth became operational in October 2018 but what followed was controversy over what type of ships the port attends. The second berth is now in operation.

El Nino & the Costa Rica Drought

Many parts of Costa Rica are facing drought when rain was expected. This is due to an unusual climatic phenomenon. This same El Niño phenomenon will cause temperatures to rise up to three degrees in March.

The most affected areas are the Caribbean and the north. Agricultural zones suffer the most as this affects crops and livestock. Rain deficits near the Chirripó River are over 60% this year.

Almost every year, we see heavy rains between December and February and this was expected to accompany El Niño again this year. Instead of floods, however, we face drought, a very unusual El Niño.

The Ministry of Finance is expected to authorize the disbursement of ¢5,210 million to address the effects of this phenomenon. This will go to building irrigation canals and river diversion, serve the fishing and aquatic sector, and buy animal feed.

Legends of Owls