A Brand New Rig Pays Only ¢44,702 in Marchamo. Not Fake. For Real.

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27 November 2018

Several units of the Bomberos (Fire Department) and Cruz Roja (Red Cross) raced to locate a small plane reported fallen in the area of Tamarindo, Guanacaste, this Tuesday afternoon.

Apparently, the 9-1-1 service received a call of a small aircraft falling quickly from the sky.

Authorities followed up on the report and ruled the incident, a kilometer from the Santa Rosa intersection, diagonal to the Educarte Center, as a false alarm.

Source: Guananoticias

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US$1.6 Million Dollars Seized At Nicaragua Border

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27 November 2018

The Policia Control de Drogas (PCD) confirmed the seizure of US$1,617,259 dollars hidden in the trailer from Honduras at the Peñas Blancas border crossing with Nicaragua.

The PCD reports stopping at the border crossing and after a close inspection found the hidden cash. The driver had intended to enter Costa Rica with packages of snacks.

The vehicle was driven by a 66-year-old Costa Rican man identified by his last name Salazar Ramírez, who had no criminal history.

The PCD reported that the vehicle is owned by a Costa Rican named Valverde, while the trailer registers in the name of the now-detained man.

Officials also found and seized ¢101,000 Costa Rican Colones, 4,019 Honduran Lempira (US$165), 1,200 Nicaraguan Córdoba (US$37) and 650 Guatemalan Quetzal (US$85).

The Liberia Criminal Court (Juzgado Penal de Liberia) ordered Salazar to three months preventive detention (remand).

The cash was hidden in a secret compartment placed in the cooling system of the trailer. The money confiscated also tested positive with drug traces, after the inspection carried out by the Canine Unit.

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Nicaragua Strips Costa Rican Woman Of Nationality and Deports Her For Activism

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27 November 2018

2ab83aecf25511e890d80eb04a1bba78 — The Ana Quirós presented herself yesterday to immigration where she was stripped of her Nicaraguan nationality before being expelled to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s vice president and Foreign Minister, Epsy Campbell, on Monday night confirmed in her twitter account that the social and feminist activist Ana Quirós, director of the Center for Information and Health Advisory Services (CISA), and a Costa Rican naturalized in Nicaragua, had been deported, handed over to Costa Rican authorities at the Peñas Blancas border.

The Costa Rican born and naturalized in Nicaragua, Ana Quirós presented herself yesterday to immigration where she was stripped of her Nicaraguan nationality before being expelled to Costa Rica.

“The Consul General of Costa Rica in Nicaragua, Óscar Camacho, reports that the state of health of the Costa Rican-Nicaraguan citizen is optimal,” adds Campbell in her message.

Earlier in the day, Campbell had posted on Twitter the morning detention and subsequent expulsion of the Costa Rican-Nicaraguan citizen.

La defensora Ana Quirós ha sido entregada a las autoridades costarricenses de @MigracionCR. Informa el Cónsul General de Costa Rica en Nicaragua, Óscar Camacho, que el estado de salud de la ciudadana costarricense-nicaragüense es óptimo.

— Epsy Campbell (@epsycampbell) November 27, 2018

On Saturday, Quiros was notified to appear at the Dirección de Migración y Extranjería in Managua. The notice did not give a reason, just be there at 10 am.

Before going immigration, Quiros, who has lived in Nicaragua since “when the rubble of the earthquake was still smoldering” tried to file an appeal before the Tribunal de Apelaciones de Managua (TAM) – Court of Appeals of Managua, but could not get past the main gate.

So, prior to the 10 am meeting, accompanied by other activists and lawyers from the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (Cenidh), Quiros denounced the summons at a press conference.

“It is not a piece of paper that gives one nationality, nor will that will take it away from me, if that were the case. I have always been committed to Nicaragua since the first time I came, when I was 15 years old, when the rubble of the earthquake was still smoldering. Since then I feel committed to Nicaragua, its people and its laws,” said the Costa Rican-Nicaraguan citizen.

Following the press conference, at immigration, she was surrounded by a strong police presence.

According to the legal director of the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (Cenidh), Gonzalo Carrión, Cendih lawyer, Wendy Flores, was not permitted to accompany Quiros at the interview with immigration officials and “that the immigration authorities asked her to leave the offices after waiting for hours”.

Ana Quirós, lideresa feminista y de la diversidad, se encuentra retenida hace más de una hora, luego de que se presentara a una citación migratoria. La #CIDH recuerda al Estado de #Nicaragua que cualquier privación de libertad debe ajustarse estrictamente a causas legales. pic.twitter.com/LqkEz07HAn

— CIDH (@CIDH) November 26, 2018

Later Monday, Quirós, of Mexican parents and born in Costa Rica, found herself at the border with Costa Rica, stripped of her Nicaraguan nationality obtained 21 years ago, being handed over to Costa Rica authorities in the deportation process.

Quiros had lived in Nicaragua from the time of the Sandinista Revolution (1979-1990). There, she served as director of the Centro de Información y Servicios de Asesoría en Salud (Cisas) -Information and Health Advisory Services Center.

Others warned

The General Directorate of Migration and Immigration of Nicaragua also warned three other defenders of the Colectivo de Mujeres de Matagalpa (Collective of Women of Matagalpa), to refrain from participating in political activities due to their status as foreign residents.

Beatrice Uber, a citizen of Switzerland and the sisters Ana María and Ana de Jesús Ara Soberriba, of Spain, are the activists cited to immigration warning.

The government withdrew the residence cards of the Matagalpa activists and had them sign a document in which they pledge not to participate more in political activities. They are also to appear at immigration every 15 days, while they process a new residency application.

“They made us sign a document, something that we already knew we should not do, in which we committed ourselves not to participate in political activities. They took our residence card and we have to start again as if applying the first time. We, in the last 33 years of living here, have only had to renew “, explained Ana María Ara Sobarriba, after leaving immigration.

Source: Today Nicaragua, in Spanish here.

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From Nicaraguan refugee to US Soldier

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Q24N

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27 November 2018

Article originally appeared on Today Nicaragua and is republished here with permission.

FORT BLISS, Texas — Those who consider the military always have a reason for joining. Whether to continue a family tradition of service, or to see the world, the decision is life changing.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Orlando Alvarez, attached to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), poses for a portrait on Fort Bliss, Texas, Nov. 19, 2018. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Michael Parnell)

“I remember growing up and seeing Nicaraguans killed, or jailed for protesting against the government. At that time it wasn’t a safe place to be,” said Staff Sgt. Orlando Alvarez, a parachute rigger assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). “Deciding to leave was the toughest decision I’ve had to make in my life.”

“I also knew what I was leaving behind, in the end, it would be so I could have something more in the end. The U.S. military provided me the opportunity my country could not. If I had to do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat,” said Alvarez.

“When I left Nicaragua and inquired about joining the military, people said it would be hard and near impossible,” said Alvarez. “But, I didn’t give up.”

In 2013, while speaking very little English, Alvarez moved with his wife, Lucila, to the United States, and joined the Army.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Orlando Alvarez, right, a parachute rigger assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), receives an award from Lt. Col. Daniel A. Lancaster, left, Group Support Battalion commander, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (Photo Credit: Courtesy photo)

His main reason for joining was to eventually be in a position to give back to the country that took him in as a refugee, while affording him freedoms that he enjoys today.

After five years of service in the U.S. Army and since being assigned to 7th SFG(A), Alvarez was promoted several times and attended a variety of military schools, to include the Special Operations Combative Program.

Although he joined later in life, his goal is to serve 20 years in the military and retire.

“You cannot be afraid to follow your dreams,” said Alvarez. “If I had let what people said discourage me from joining the military and coming to America, I don’t know where I would be today. I don’t even know if I would be alive. But, I am thankful for what the Army has afforded me, and I will continue to serve my country proudly.”

Alvarez’s journey from Nicaraguan refugee to U.S. Soldier is his American dream. He plans to continue his life of service while setting an example for his children.

“This country has provided my family with many opportunities,” said Alvarez. “I am grateful for that, and I am willing to fight and protect it. One day, I hope my children will do the same.”

Source: US Army

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‘There Were Children,’ says Migrant Mother Tear-gassed at US Border

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Q24N

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27 November 2018

E1C7ECCA-635C-4AB2-9E05-2C8F282D1892_w1597_n_r1_s — Maria Lila Meza, a 39-year-old migrant woman from Honduras, part of a caravan of thousands from Central America trying to reach the U.S., sits with her five-year-old twin daughters Cheili Nalleli Mejia Meza and Saira Nalleli Mejia Meza inside their tent

TIJUANA, MEXICO (VOANews) A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the U.S.-Mexico border said she never expected the U.S. Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families.

Maria Lila Meza, a 39-year-old migrant woman from Honduras, part of a caravan of thousands from Central America trying to reach the U.S., sits with her five-year-old twin daughters Cheili Nalleli Mejia Meza and Saira Nalleli Mejia Meza inside their tent

After traveling north from Honduras and spending a week in the Mexican border town of Tijuana, Maria Meza, 35, set out on Sunday with her five children to claim asylum at the U.S. border crossing.

She and hundreds of other Central American migrants were blocked by Mexican police and staged a protest in front of the border, some rushing the U.S fence.

Three tear gas canisters shot from the U.S. side landed around Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter.

“The first thing I did was grab my children,” said Meza. A photo of her clutching the hands of twin five-year-old daughters Saira and Cheili, as her 13-year-old daughter Jamie runs alongside, has gone viral and sparked angry reactions from some lawmakers and charities.

“I was scared, and I thought I was going to die with them because of the gas,” said Meza.

Maria Lila Meza Castro (C), a 39-year-old migrant woman from Honduras, runs away from tear gas with her five-year-old twin daughters Saira Nalleli Mejia Meza (L) and Cheili Nalleli Mejia Meza (R) in front of the border wall between the U.S and Mexico, in Tijuana, Nov. 25, 2018.

Her young son James nearly fainted when a canister landed near him. Meza fell and struggled to get up amidst the gas. A young man gave her his hand and pulled her to her feet.

“We never thought they were going to fire these bombs where there were children, because there were lots of children,” said Meza, sitting in view of the rusted-steel U.S. border fence.

“It wasn’t right, they know we are human beings, the same as them,” said Meza.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were struck by projectiles thrown by the migrants.

Migrants sleep on a street near the Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, Nov. 23, 2018.

Around 5,200 people who traveled in a caravan across Mexico are packed into the shelter in a stadium in Tijuana, living in makeshift tents.

President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance against the migrants, who have made their way north from violent and impoverished Central American countries. On Monday, he said Mexico should send them back to their home countries.

The U.S. Border Patrol said most of those assembled at the border were economic migrants who would not qualify for asylum.

“I came here for one reason, and that’s because there is a lot of violence in Honduras,” said Meza, as her children played with empty tear gas canisters shot by the Border Patrol.

The United States shut the crossing for several hours on Sunday and Trump has threatened to close the border entirely.

“If they close the border I ask God that here in Tijuana, or in another country they open doors to us, to allow me to survive with my children,” said Meza.

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Venezuela holds on to Citgo refineries amid legal battle

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Q24N

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27 November 2018

Article originally appeared on Today Venezuela and is republished here with permission.

(AP) Venezuela will hold on to its Citgo refineries in the United States, settling a long-standing dispute that threw ownership of the crisis-wracked country’s prized assets into peril as its massive debt mounts.

Venezuela on Friday began paying off US$1.4 billion that an arbitration panel said was owed to the Canadian mining firm Crystallex, following a disputed takeover of the company nearly a decade ago by the late-President Hugo Ch·vez. The initial payment of US$425 million enables it to hold on to the refineries.

Russ Dallen, a broker at Miami-based Caracas Capital Markets, said on Monday that the payment shows Venezuela’s changing tactics – from fighting creditors to striking deals.

But it’s unclear whether Venezuela can continue making good on the debt owed to Crystallex and a long list of others who are now lining up to collect.

“There’s not enough oil and money to pay everybody they need to pay now,” Dallen said. “They’re like hamsters on a treadmill.”

Inflation in Venezuela could top one million per cent by year’s end as the country’s historic crisis deepens. In recent years, its oil production has also plummeted to its lowest level in seven decades.

SETTLEMENT PAYMENTS

Among many others who are awaiting cash, Venezuela has a pending US$1.3 billion settlement agreement with Rusoro Mining to pay off and another agreement with oil giant ConocoPhillips worth US$2 billion. Last year, Venezuela stopped paying down the US$65 billion owed to bond holders, and other creditors still await settlement deals.

Ch·vez, in early 2009 announced Venezuela’s takeover of the Crystallex mining operations in BolÌvar state, a mineral-rich region that holds one of South America’s largest gold deposits. He accused mining companies of damaging the environment and violating workers’ rights and expropriated the Canadian company as part of a socialist revolution that’s left the country now under the rule of President Nicolas Maduro.

To recoup its losses, Crystallex targeted Houston-based Citgo, potentially forcing Venezuela to sell off its most valuable foreign asset valued at US$8 billion. Citgo is part of the state-run oil company PDVSA and has three refineries in Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois, in addition to a network of pipelines.

Papers filed in a Canadian court Friday say that Venezuela made the initial payment to Crystallex and agreed to make good on the rest by 2021.

“You can duck and hide, but if a court says you own the money, you owe the money,” Dallen said. “Like any creditor you don’t pay, they’re going to hunt you down.”

Citgo did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

AP

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And so the Americanization of Costa Rica continues

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26 November 2018

self-serve-mas-menos-santana — The self-checkout at the Masxmenos in Santa Ana

Rico’s TICO BULL – The Americanization of Costa Rica started a decade ago. Perhaps more. Intensified in the last five years, as the country goes America First more and more every day.

The self-checkout at the Masxmenos in Santa Ana. BTW, you pay the same price for your purchases for the privilege or scanning and bagging your own groceries.

I remember the day when Hypermas came on the scene. Then it was Pricesmart. Can’t remember who came first, but the big box store trend had arrived. The former had everything under one roof, the latter, smaller selection, membership cost, and wholesale shopping. For Costa Rica.

With the arrival of Walmart, the trend to Americanization continued.

Take a look at Lindora, for example, a less than a kilometer strip that resembles a little bit of Florida. Then came along Avenida Escazu. Multiplaza took on the look of your typical North American mall.

I can continue. It’s all around us. Too many to list. For this article I will focus on the latest in the supermarkets of Costa Rica, at least the Maxemenos and Automercados.

That Americanization trend was more evident in supermarkets these last couple of months. At both the Masxmenos and followed by Automercado, the cashier no longer handled the credit/debit card. And with purchases under ¢15,000 colones (¢50.000 at Pricesmart), a chip card no longer required a signature. At Masxmenos and Walmart any required signature (on amounts over the 15K) is handled digitally.

What shook me was the recent addition at my local Masxmenos store: the self-checkout area.

Yup, no need to make like at the cashier, here customers get the privilege of scanning and bagging their own items.

The reasoning is that no more making lines (unless there are many customers using the self-checkout), streamlining the shopping experience.

It has worked, I think, up north. Personally, when I visit Toronto, I refuse to use the self-checkout. Tried once, didn’t see the benefit. Don’t see the benefit here either. Or the need.

Generally, supermarkets in Costa Rica are a fraction of the stores up north. And with that smaller lines at the cash. But that is my opinion.

But before you herald the modern cashless, cashier-less, people-less concept in Costa Rica, the system is a little different.

Like up north you do get to scan and bag your own items. And like up north, the machine adds up your total. But that is where the similarities end.

In Costa Rica, at the Masxmenos Santa Ana store, for example, you still need to interact with a human. You see, once you’ve scanned, bagged and the machine has tallied, you need to take the print out to a cashier for the final step, payment. And the possible revision of your purchase.

In my experience of scanning and bagging, I was not subjected to a review of my purchase. On that day there was no one else using the machine – I waited about 10 minutes for it happen, it did not. So I couldn’t compare my experience with others.

Was it maybe that I am a foreigner? An honest face? Or just that if I took the time to scan and bag I was likely to cheat the store.

I will never know.

Will I use the self-checkout again? Highly unlikely. One of the good parts of shopping in Costa Rica, at least at my local supermarkets, is the interaction with the people.

Working online from a home office, for hours on end, sometimes days without leaving the house, the trip to the supermarket is my highlight of the week.

What has been your experience with the trend to Americanize Costa Rica? Have your used the self-checkout? Post your comments below or to the Q’s official Facebook page.

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Father and Son Perish In Home Garage Fire

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26 November 2018

It took some time for the Bomberos (Fire Department) to control a fire started in a home garage in Coronado, where a father and son working on their vehicle died when a gas tank exploded.

The incident took place Sunday afternoon in Dulce Nombre de Jesus, near the town plaza.

The Bomberos confirmed that 120 square meter house was totally consumed by the flames and two neighboring homes suffering partial damages.

Residents tried to put out the fire, but the heat was so intense, their efforts failed. All they could do is pull out the victims and watch the flames devoured the home.

The Cruz Roja reporting that the 23-year-old Luis Salas suffered second and third degree burns all over his body, transferred to the Calderon Guardia hospital in critical condition.

His father, identified as 53-year-old Ramón Salas Monge, a traffic official, was taken to the same hospital. Paramedics said he suffered burns to 90% of this body.

Both died shortly after arrival at the medical center.

Apparently, the father and son were repairing one of the vehicles, possibly with a soldering machine after they had removed the gasoline tank which later, for reasons that authorities can only speculate, exploded.

The emergency was a multiple alarm, with fire units coming from Coronado, San Jose Central, Guadalupe and Pavas.

With the deaths Luis and Ramon, the tally for this year is 26, the highest figure in the last 12 years, according to the data of the Bomberos de Costa Rica.

“We are really alarmed since the figure almost doubled the total number of people who lost their lives in 2017 (when there were 14) as a result of fires,” said Hector Chaves, head of the Bomberos.

“Once again we insist that people take into account each of the recommendations we provide through different communication channels, especially for the season,” concluded Chaves.

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Marchamo, Cash or Zero Interest Financing, What Is The Best?

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26 November 2018

For some the 2019 Marchamo is a small amount, less than ¢100,000 colones, whiel for others it top ¢500,000, ¢1,000,000 or a lot more. Yes, the amount is relative, yet the decision to finance or use cash can be the same.

The Marchamo is due by every December 31 for vehicles to circulate in the coming year

Every year, by not later than December 31, the owners of vehicles in Costa Rica need to pay the Marchamo – the annual circulation permit for the coming year.

Failure to do so, owners are exposed to a ¢52,000 colones fine and/or seizure of the license plate and/or the vehicle itself, which then incurs even larger sums to recover it from the clutches of the Cosevi, the national roads safety council – through the work of the Polica de Transito (Traffic Police).

What makes the amount of the Marchamo expensive, ‘a millionaire sum’ for some, is the property tax on vehicles which represents 70% of the total cost. The tax is based on a percentage of the ‘fiscal value’ determined by the Ministerio de Hacienda (Ministry of Finance), that takes in the model, make and year of the vehicle and depreciation.

What is better, financed or cash?

For many, it has to do how well they hand money and if they have the cash on hand, it may the best to pay it in cash, this because they don’t have to worry about this anymore, not until next November.

On the other hand, there is the option to pay with “zero interest rate”. For those who can handle money well, the option can serve to not run out of caah for the year-end and the outlays in January to get the children back to school.

A third option is to finance it (with interest charges) by way of an affiliatation with a solidarity association (union), with interest rates below market. This option allows one to invest the cash at rates higher than the interest paid.

For those who don’t have the money, financing by means of a personal loan, is the only option. Interest rates and terms on the loan are based on personal financial history. The monthly payment has to take into account the personal or family budget.

What is the answer?

Cash. If you have the money and used to paying it in this way, it is the best; You can forget about the Marchamo until next year.

Zero Interest. Imaging yourself facing a ¢1 million plus Marchamo. If you are in this position it means you have a luxury vehicle and with that a above average monthly income. If that is the case and you can manage your money well, this may be your better option.

Financing. Of course, you don’t have the money, financing (with interest) is your only option. Not paying the Marchamo on time, waiting for things to improve financially, waiting on a big lump sum coming in, will add interest and late charges by the Cosevi which can and most likely will be much, much higher than the financing cost offered by the banks and financial institution. And if and when you get that money coming in, just pay off your debt.

What’s included the overall cost the Marchamo?

Seguro Obligatorio Automotor – SOA (Mandatory Automonile Insurance)
Aporte al Consejo de Seguridad Vial (Contribution to the Road Safety Council)
Impuesto de Ventas sobre el SOA (13% Sales tax on the SOA)
Impuesto a la Propiedad de Vehículos (Vehicle Property Ta)
Infracciones a la Ley de Tránsito (Outstanding traffic tickets)
Estacionómetros (Outstanding municipal parking fines)
Impuesto a favor de las municipalidades (Tax in favor of the municipalities)
Contribuitions to the Aresep (buses y taxis) and CTP (buses y taxis)
Timbre Fauna y Timbre Scout (Wildlife and Scout stamps)

To know the amount you have to pay for the 2019 Marchamo, you can consult:

Free by calling 800-MARCHAMO (800-6272-4266)
Online at www.ins-cr.com
Text message (from a Costa Rica phone) to 1467 with the word marchamo, followed by the plate number

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Roger Waters gave a toast to the resistance

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26 November 2018

Rico’s TICO BULL – I did not attend the Rogers Waters concert. Though I wanted to, it is not my thing. The last time I attended a concert was way back in 2005, when Carlos Santana was in Chepe, and then a last minute decision, with seats (well concrete slab), in the nosebleed section of the Saprissa stadium. Hey, this was Santana, I grew up with his music.

Roger Waters (Rogelio Aguas in Spanish) performing live in Costa Rica, at the Estadio Nacional (National Stadium) in San Jose, Saturday, November 24, 2018. Waters, 75, co-founded the progressive rock band Pink Floyd.

The concert before that was Sade, back when “Your Love is King” was still just a prince, though I have taken in (listened) to live concerts by Madonna, Lady Gaga (my wife’s favorite) and others while living in Rohrmoser, a few blocks from the stadium.

Back to Rogelio, sorry Roger. From the few I personally know who did attend the concert, there was a mixed reaction, from great to so-so.

To get a better picture the multisensorial concert in Costa Rica, I am relying on the words of Arturo Pardo, music critic for La Nacion.

In his article on Sunday, Pardo wrote, the “British musician gave a toast to the resistance. A multisensory and political show separates this ‘show’ from the canons of a usual concert.”

Was the Rogelio Aguas, sorry Roger Waters concert the best to land in Ticolandia? Difficult at best, the answer to that is based on personal tastes and inevitably subjective appreciations, thus it would be impossible to arrive at a single answer.

A floating pig floated the National Stadium during the Roger Waters concert. Photo: Víctor Fernández.

But, if we talk about the use of sound, visual and state resources, according to Pardo, it is difficult to put on another show that we have seen in the country at the level presented by Roger Waters with his Us + Them tour, at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Pardo says that “On a personal level, I find it hard even to place it on the list shows in Costa Rica such as starred here Metallica (2010) and Paul McCartney (2014). Waters’ is more of a multisensory show, almost cinematic in 4DX. This makes any other presentation look like a plain and simple recital … The comparison may even be unfair.

“From those shows, one could review the setlists and remember the songs on which the most boisterous and emotional choirs were raised. In the case of this (Waters) presentation, other qualifications and attributes come into play.

“The quadraphonic sound, or surround, is responsible for offering an immersive experience with unrepeatable sound surprises. Added gadgets such as the giant inflatable pig, the laser-illuminated prism on the audience and the four steaming chimneys that rise imposing at the beginning of the second part, at a peak moment of the show.

“Witnessing this turns the viewer into a happy witness who also enjoys the execution in “flesh and blood” of historical works as pieces of the iconic albums The Dark Side of The Moon (1973) and The Wall (1979).
”
The clarity of the sonic definition contributed to not losing the musical detail. In this way, one could easily enjoy the penetrating bass of Waters, the superb keyboard or the beautiful vocal harmonies of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig (members of the indie group Lucius).

“On the giant screen, the musicians on stage appeared sporadically. I needed to see them more often, as we are used to at other shows. I also resented the presence of two columns of speakers in front of the screen, which prevented reading the texts in their entirety, taking into account that there was much to read.

“Due to its critical and rebellious nature, the musical presentation of Roger Waters is, at the same time, a proclamation of protest. This is evident in moments such as the toast that the musicians play on stage, while behind the legend is read (in English): The pigs command the world, fuck the pigs.

“Because of his capacity to summon attentive masses to his songs, the Englishman, without pretending it, in a certain way becomes a political actor, uncomfortable because of his poignant lyrics.”

In his closing, Pardo writes: “Waters slaps the political class while offering a treat to the audience. Experiences and speeches like these hardly enter through one ear and out through another.”

From those who were at the concert, I would love to hear your take. Use the comments section below or post the Q’s official Facebook page.

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Education Minister Gives Striking Principals Ultimatum: Return To Classes Or Will Be Replaced

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26 November 2018

Education Minister Edgar Mora gets tough on public school principals, urging them to return to work on Monday (Nov. 16) or be replaced.

Public school principals may find themselves replaced if they do not return to work today, Monday, November 16, the day the Ministerio de Educacion Publica (MEP) – Ministry of Public Education – begins to organize the 2019 school year.

The Minister of Education, Edgar Mora, gave the principals of schools and collected an ultimatum, saying they will be replaced by “emergent interims” and disciplaniry actions will be initiated.

Mora told the media these officials are ona strike that “is not valid, They are officials of the employer and must fulfill the functions assigned by the minister, unlike of the subordinate personnel”.

The MEP needs these officials to organize the coming school year that starts in February. The current school year, that officially ends at the beginning of December, is pretty well shot given the thousands of MEP employees still on the national strike that began on September 10.

The strike is against the Plan Fiscal (Tax Reform) that is currently makings its way through the legislative process.

“The MEP has to organize the new school year as of November 26, and we cannot wait for anyone. Failing it deprives the children and adolescents (…),” said Mora.

The Minister affirmed that the directors have an accumulation of precise instructions to fulfill as of the 26 of November, if they do not arrive, it would also put in risk the program for next year.

“If that day they do not begin to comply with these provisions, I will withdraw their delegated power to direct the educational center, in its place I will appoint an emergent interim and a disciplinary procedure will be initiated. The Government will guarantee the continuity of the public education service and we will do so with responsible directors, those who abandoned their position and do not return on the 26 will be replaced so that the schools and colleges are available and properly organized to start the next school year on February 6,” said the Minister.

Last Wednesday, the unions gave school principals permission to go back to work to process the payment of bonuses and surcharges for next year, and that doing so “does not put at risk the strike”.

The decision of the unions was made after the MEP informed that the payment of bonuses for surcharges for 2019 was in danger for 16,000 teachers because, due to the strike, the directors of the educational centers have fallen behind in the submission of the proposals.

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Constitutional Court Gives The Green Light To The Tax Reform Bill

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24 November 2018

The Constitutional Court (Sala Constitucional, also known as “Sala IV”), on Friday endorsed the process of the tax reform (plan fiscal) promoted by the government of Carlos Alvarado, in its task to put in order the country’s finances and avoid an economic crisis.

Fernando Castillo, chief justice of the Sala Constitucional. Photo Rafael Murillo

The tax reform bill was approved in the first debate and sent to the Constitutional Court for a consultation before it would make it back to the legislative floor for second (and final) reading, discussion and voting and subsequently, if approved, passed to the president’s signature.

Unanimously, the Constitutional Court declared that it found no procedural flaws in the bill. See the full text of the statement to the press.

The Sala IV decision also eliminated the 38 vote rule to be ratified, as the judges concluded that this will not affect the functioning of the Judiciary, unlike what the Corte Plena (Full Court) had said, which alleged that it affected it by imposing measures of containment of spending of public salaries.

The aim of the plan fiscal is to reform taxes and introduce measures to contain spending. It will transform the sales tax into a value-added tax (VAT), which will tax items such as professional fees, gym memberships, even Netflix, for example, among others that today are exempt.

In addition, it will increase the income tax on the highest salaries and pensions by up to 25%.

At the same time, it will put a brake on the exponential growth of public sector salary bonuses (perks) while freezing all public sector above ¢4 million monthly for two years.

The tax reform bill was approved by legislators, in the first debate, on October 5, with 35 votes in favor and 22 against. Support for the bill came from ten legislators from the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC), 15 from the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), nine from the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC), one from the Partido Republicano Social Cristiano (PRSC) and the independent Erick Rodríguez.

The votes against came from the 14 legislators of the Partido Restauración Nacional (PRN), today they are divided into six of the PRN and eight of the block of independents who will be forming a new political party.

The others against, one from the Frente Amplio, three of the Partido Integración Nacional (PIN), one of the PUSC, two of the PLN and one of the PRSC.

Following are some of the measures in the tax reform:

The change from the 13% sales tax on goods to a 13% value added tax (VAT or IVA in Spanish) on goods and services. Items like legal fees, Uber and Netflix, among others, will be taxed.
A reduction of 4% on private medical bills is paid in plastic, in addition to the 2% on medications.
Public universities will pay the VAT (with conditions), while private education is exempt.
Public transport will also be exempt of the VAT.
Housing rents under 1.5 monthly bases salaries (currently ¢648,000 colones) are exempt of the VAT.
The 13% tax will apply to electrical services over 280 kW hours consumer per month and water use over 30 cubic meters.
Income tax over ¢817,000 colones monthly will be taxed up to 25% (from the current 15%). Salaries below ¢817,000 colones monthly will not pay income tax.
The introduction of a “global income”, a mechanism that would require paying more income tax by people with larged incomes by applying a single rate to all income sources that is currently taxed individually.
A new 15% tax on capital gains on real estate, stocks, software or licenses, among others. The tax is applicable to a personal residential property, inheritance or lottery winnings.
The income tax on interest income will increase from the current 8% to 15%.
The income tax year will change to January 1 to December 31, from the current October 1 to September 30.

There are also changes in the way the government distributes income and places measures on public spending, including the awarding of bonuses and incentives of public sector employees. An example is the severance pay, capped at 8 years instead of the current 12 and in some public sector institutions can be up to 10 years.

The plan fiscal would also impose a cap on the salaries of the President of the Republic, heads of public institutions and boards of directors, ie ICE, INS, AyA, Recope.

The text of the Plan Fiscal…

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Minister OF Health Resigns

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24 November 2018

JMWMHWZV5VC7ZCE4SGAA4CN3ZY — Giselle Amador, ministra de Salud. Fotos: Mayela López

The Minister of Health, Giselle Amador, has called it quits, tendering her resignation on Friday to President Carlos Alvarado. Amador cited health reasons for her departure effective on Monday.

Giselle Amador, on Friday, stepped down as Health Minister. Fotos: Mayela López

This is the first minister to abandon the Alvarado administration that began on May 8, 2018.

According to the statement by Casa Presidencial released at 11:30 pm Friday, it said, “the Presidency thanks you for the management carried out, vocation of service and commitment shown with the administration and with the public health of the country during the time that he served in the high office”.

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2019 Marchamo On Sale Starting Today!

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24 November 2018

Updated (3:35 pm) the link to the Marchamo consulting page.

Owners of more than 2.5 million vehicles can, starting today, at 7:00 am, check the amount owed on the 2019 Marchamo and make payment.

The Marchamo can be paid at 2,314 INS offices across the country, online at Ins-cr.com and at most banks and financial institutions. The 2019 Marchamo is due by December 31.

The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) – State insurer – made the announcement on Friday.

The 2019 Marchamo was to have started on November 1. But a difference of opinion between the INS and the Superintendencia General de Seguros (Sugese), the insurance regulator, stalled the process.

Basically, INS wanted to keep the insurance portion of the Marchamo (representing 20% of the overall cost) at the same rate as 2018, actually 8% lower for passenger vehicles. However, the Sugese did not see it economically viable and thus did not authorize the rates for 2019. A court action by INS against the Sugese stalled the process even further until last week when the INS decided to cave, withdrew its court filing and raised the rates, leading to the Sugese approving an increase of 12.5% overall (over 2018) for the Seguro Obligatorio de Automóviles (SOA) – mandatory insurance portion – of the 2019 Marchamo.

For 2019, the SOA for passenger vehicles will be ¢22,192 colones, an increase of ¢812 (+3.8%) over last year. This amount is applied to all passenger vehicles irrespective of their type and value. The owner of a 1975 Landcruiser (me) will pay the same as the owner of a 2018 Landcruiser valued at over US$75,000 dollars.

Owners of motorcycles and scooters will pay ¢86,609 colones, an increase of ¢16,194 (+23%) over last year. Motorcycles and scooters represent the since largest increase and costs to the INS.

Elian Villegas, president of the INS, said that all INS offices and authorized agents will be open at 8 am this Saturday morning, closing at 3 pm, to accept payment. The INS has 2,314 points of sale across the country.

An important component of the Marchamo, for the government, is the property tax on vehicles that represents 70% of the total. The remaining 10% is made of special taxes and municipal contributions.

Any outstanding traffic fines are also added to the Marchamo collection.

Payment of the 2019 Marchamo can also be made online and at most banks and financial institutions across the country.

The 2019 Marchamo is payable by December 31.

Beginning on January 1, the traffic police will be vigilant of any delinquencies and ready to issue fines. The fine is ¢52,227 colones for each occurrence.

Check your 2019 Marchamo cost here (after 7 am, November 24).

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Orotina Airport On Hold

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24 November 2018

A year and a half ago, former President Luis Guillermo Solís signed a decree in which he declared 370 properties – a total of 1,950 hectares – of public interest in the communities of Mastate, Coyolar and La Ceiba in Orotina, Alajuela.

The Government’s plan was to “shield from speculation” those properties and subsequently initiate expropriation proceedings for the construction of the future metropolitan international airport in Orotina.

The announced goal was that the air terminal would open in 2027, in the most optimistic of the scenarios. The cost was estimated at US$2 billion dollars.

The announcement had dozens of families worried, some having lived their entire lives on the lands, passed on from generations and now would have to move, uproot to make way for the new airport.

But the announced plans didn’t move forward. The plan for the new international airport stopped being among the priorities of the new Government and the airport project seemed to have stalled on takeoff.

“The country has a series of works in which it requires attention, not everything can be done at the same time so that we will do the master plan in such a way that it clearly indicates when it (the Orotina airport) would be necessary,”said the Minister of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), Rodolfo Méndez Mata.

The look of the new international aiport to be built in Orotina promoted by the previous administration, that is now official on hold by current government

Méndez also serves as president of the Technical Council of Civil Aviation (CTAC) and representative of Costa Rica before the Central American Corporation of Air Navigation Services (Cocesna).

For Méndez, the previous government “generated an expectation” about the project, however, he doesn’t see it necessary yet when considering the expansions underway at the Juan Santamaria (SJO), that includes the construction of four additional boarding gates, contact bridges, an extension of the runway, construction of runways, VIP areas, expansion of parking ramps, luggage carousels, and additional passenger check-in area, among others.

The Juan Santamaria is currently undergoing a US$100 million dollar upgrade and for the minister, it has plenty of life to go.

“The Santamaría master plan contemplates extensions and improvements that must be completed in two years,” said Méndez.

Infograph by La Nacion based on the previous government’s announced plan for an international airport in Orotina

The Orotina lands

The only process for the project that has been executed during this administration was the publication, in August, of the tender to carry out the environmental impact study. For this, Cocesna allocated ¢650 million colones.

However, the tender was declared void, therefore, the plan remains on hold.

According to the mayor of Orotina, Margoth Montero, they have not heard about the progress in the expropriation processes ordered by the decree.

“The residents of the lands have not been formally notified by Civil Aviation of any intent to expropriate,” said Montero.

“One of the decrees talks about the creation of a technical commission to follow up on all the activities and, as of today, it has not been created,” added the mayor.

“This City does not welcome such disregard and even disrespect for families within the area of expropriation. The only thing the residents need is a guarantee from the government that the project continues and respects the roadmap already known,” said Montero.

The mayor said that for some of the resident, they felt they have been robbed of their peace of mind, were made to believe they would have to move immediately, sending many into despair.

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Polivisitas Navideñas Part Of Year-end National Security Operation

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23 November 2018

bestiA — La Bestia, the tactical police unit

Hundreds of Fuerza Publica (National Police) officers lined up in the heart of San Jose on Thursday, on the esplanade of La Soledad church, in a special activity for the launch of the year-end security.

President Carlos Alvardo on Thursday shaking the hands of the police officers tasked for keeping the public safe during the holiday season

President Carlos Alvarado was on hand personally to make the announcement and to shake the hands of the officers who will be on the streets of San Jose and across the country, to protect the citizenry from ‘maliantes’ (bad guys) who take advantage of the holiday shopping season.

The Public Security Minister, Michael Soto, explained that the strategy includes actions in two ways: one, aimed at counteracting and preventing crime with the ” megaoperativos navideños” (Christmas mega-operatives) and the other, in preventive activities with the so-called “Polivisitas Navideñas (Christmas Polivisitas).

The head of the Fuerza Publica, Daniel Calderón Rodríguez, explained that as of this Thursday there will be 579 more officers on the streets.

Calderón explained that the Christmas Polivisitas includes some 120 preventive activities that will take place throughout the country, from December 1 to 21, such as: “La mejenga”, “Cine en mi barrio”, Christmas concerts, Christmas carols, and parties, among others.

The event took place in the esplanade of the La Soledad church in downtown San Jose

“We will reinforce efforts in prevention to create spaces for healthy coexistence in communities, so that families, children, and young people can enjoy activities away from violence and drugs. Our officers will be in the streets as allies of the communities,” said the Deputy Minister of Public Security, Eduardo Solano.

According to Soto, the police prevention will not be just on the ground and in downtown San Jose but will include officers of the different units including maritime and air surveillance.

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After almost 29 years on leave, Albino Vargas releases his position at Justicia

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23 November 2018

Rico’s TICO BULL – After almost 29 years being on leave from his clerk job at the Ministerio de Justicia, the union leader at the front national strike that began on September 10, Albino Vargas, is out of work.

Vargas, who for almost 29 years has not shown up for work, being on a leave without pay, has officially resigned his “plaza” (position).

To give you a glimpse of the machinations of Costa Rica’s bureaucracy and perhaps the reason, or at least a contributing factor to the country’s financial mess, according to the rules of the labor, he could return to his job at any time. Meanwhile, the Ministerio de Justicia would had to hire an interim employee to keep Vargas’ desk job warm.

Ok, perhaps a little unusual that employee would be allowed to be on leave for such a long long time, but here is the kicker, Vargas, all the while being a public sector employee, has led one of the most, if not the most, powerful public sector unions in the country, the Asociación Nacional de Empleados Públicos (ANEP).

It is the ANEP that is that the front of the current national strike against the Government and the Plan Fiscal by public sector employees that began on September 10 and still with no end in sight.

And while he was not drawing a salary during the last 29 years, he was, in fact, being paid for his union job, which, according to records, is now ¢2,200,000 colones monthly.

If you are still with me, hold on, there is more.

Prior to the national strike, on August 1, Vargas elected to take retirement from his government job. But he did not official resign, at least not according to the rules of the Labor Code.

This forced the Ministerio de Justicia to send a notice to Vargas’ union, a union if you have been with me so far, he leads from time immemorial, for an official clarification of the situation.

The email was sent on October 1.

The communications office of the Ministerio de Justicia confirmed it wasn’t until November 13 when Vargas responded to the notice and presented his formal resignation.

Count them. One, two, three, almost four months to resign.

But here is the kicker.

Although Vargas has not been at his desk for almost 29 years, at a job with a monthly salary of ¢23,710 colones. The dollar exchange at the time (August 1989) was ¢83.65 colones to one US dollar.

His resignation in 2018 triggers a severance/pension clause that allows him to collect pay 13 monthly salaries of ¢1,210,808 (12 months from August 1 to the end of July, plus the Aguinaldo).

“The procedure has already been presented before the Civil Service. As he was with leave without pay until July 2019, an interim person in filled the job; now the position is vacant,” the Ministerio reported.

Where do I sign up?

As I have stated publicly on various occasions, if you know to work the system, in Costa Rica a job with the government is much better than winning the lottery.

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Mercado Borbón Now Online With Fresh Products And At Great Prices

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23 November 2018

When was the last time you visited the Mercado Borbón, the city market located in one downtown San Jose’s less desirable areas? And perhaps just for that, you probably haven’t visited. And may not any time soon.

But don’t despair, you can now purchase online the quality Mercado Borbón fresh products and at great prices and have them delivered to your home.

For almost six decades the historic Mercado Borbón has opened its doors to Costa Rican families to provide quality products daily.

The launch of the new strategy, Mercado Borbón Virtual, involves Coopeborbón associates allied with “Digital Solidarity”. From fresh onions, garlic, repollo (cabbage), platano, carrots, eggplant, aguacate, carrots, tomatoes, pineapple and much, much more, online customs can make their purchases from their computers or smartphones, at a good price, have it delivered to their home or office.

Martha Estrada, manager of the Cooperative, said that the idea is for the market to reinvent itself to attract new consumers who for different reasons do not visit.

Visit the Mercado Borbón online here.

The cost of delivery is ¢3,000 colones. That express deliver cost or rules of delivery are not spelled out, you only learn of it prior to check out.

For the purposes of this article we selected fresh imported garlic for a cost of ¢1,680 colones for 1/2 kg, with delivery in San Jose area (we used a Santa Ana and Heredia address). Total cost ¢4,680.

If you want more information, you can contact the Mercado Borbón Virtual through their Facebook page of the Borbón Market, by phone ay 7138 0495 or by email: ventas@mercadoborbon.com.

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Tico Sentenced To 4 Years in U.S. Prison In Sweepstakes Scam

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23 November 2018

The Costa Rican, Rodolfo Orozco Aguilar, 44, was sentenced to four years in a U.S. federal prison in a sweepstakes scam netting more than US$3.5 million, according to court documents and officials.

Orozco Aguilar and co-defendant Daniel Sibaja, 28, of Buford, Georgia pleaded guilty to commit mail fraud. Their co-defendants — Elpelice Figueroa Rosales, 62, and Silvia Sanchez Valverde, 47, also of Buford, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, but sentencing has not yet taken place. A fifth co-defendant yet to be sentenced, Priscilla Sibaja, 21, of Buford, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, the Gainesville Times reported.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, between February 2016 and September 2017, dozens of victims were called and told they had won a sweepstakes or lottery.

“The victims were told that they could receive their sweepstakes winnings after they paid various expenses, such as taxes and fees. The victims were directed to pay the expenses to various companies controlled by the defendants, such as J.G. Services, RF Financial Services, and Master Builders. The victims would then mail payments via personal and cashier’s checks to addresses that were linked to mailboxes rented by the defendants,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote in a previous news release.

“More than US$3.5 million was deposited into bank accounts before transferring the majority of the funds to Costa Rican bank accounts. These defendants stole the life savings of dozens of elderly victims and received more than $3.5 million,” said U.S. Attorney’s Office.

U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak added, “These schemes, unfortunately, are all too common and citizens should be wary of contests that require upfront payments to receive a prize.”

After release, Aguilar must be turned over to immigration officials for removal proceedings. He will be on supervised release for one year.

Neither Aguilar nor the other co-defendants are allowed to “incur new credit charges or open additional lines of credit without the approval of the probation officer.”

A restitution hearing has been set for January 28, 2019. In addition, the forfeiture provision upon conviction would apply to “all property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of said violations,” which would include money in various bank accounts, smartphones, and laptop computers.

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All Inclusive Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica Offers Web Exclusive Black Friday Savings

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23 November 2018

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lights, camera, ACTION! Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica has announced a limited-time Web Exclusive offer this Black Friday and Cyber Monday for vacationers seeking to experience the glamorous and exclusive Peninsula Papagayo in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica.

This unbelievable web exclusive offer of 65% savings is only available from Midnight on Wednesday, November 21 to Midnight on Monday, November 26.

Living up to the hype, all-inclusive Planet Hollywood Costa Rica invites guests to Vacation Like A Star(TM) in one of the most extraordinary coastal landscapes on the planet. The fashionable all-inclusive resort features classic Hollywood memorabilia, 294 luxury suites, six bars, seven globally-infused restaurants with vegan friendly options, state of the art PUMPED Fitness Center, PH Spa, two serene swimming pools and splash zone.

A curated list of excursions, PH Experiences allows guests to discover the wonders of the famed Papagayo Gulf, from zip lining through the tree tops to sailing and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean’s clear blue waters. Stars Kids Club brings imagination to life with fun and educational experiences such as Planet Hollywood TV, Walk of Fame Scavenger Hunt, Starlets Hall of Fame Party and more.

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica’s Web Exclusive Black offer gives the gift of savings on an unforgettable vacation this holiday season www.planethollywoodhotels.com.

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IVF in Costa Rica

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23 November 2018

Costa Rica News – 40 couples have withdrawn lawsuits against the CCSS because their goal was not to get money rather to get the CCSS to start in vitro fertilization.

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Jennifer Lopez Turns Heads In A “Tangalón”

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23 November 2018

Jennifer Lopez wearing a bizarre sewn on underwear pant look as she arrives to shoot a video with DJ Khaled.

The style is called a “Tangalón”.

Will it catch on in Costa Rica? Visit Costa Rica Confidential for all the details.

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Roger Waters is already in Costa Rica! Gets A Tico Welcome By Fans.

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23 November 2018

46516418_2162726783751559_6697081988563599360_n — Photo from Facebook

Roger Waters is here! The co-founder of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, arrived at the Juan Santamaria international airport by private plane, was greeted by fans, who escorted him to his hotel in Escazu.

Helen Feigenblatt is one of the assiduous fans of Roger Waters and Pink Floyd who provided her group that make up the Pink Floyd Fan Club Costa Rica with information of his arrival, anxious to meet him in person.

The private flight was originally to arrive at 2:00 pm. But the delay did not matter.

“A friend who has contacts was the one who told us of the time that Roger Waters would arrive,” said Marco Monge, a fan of the British artist.

“It’s an honor that he is in the country. I managed to take a picture and my legs were shaking,” said three of the fans, who expressed their excitement after having seen their idol in person.

To welcome the 75-year-old British artist, the fans organized themselves days before. Some took the day off work. Stephanie Lopez says that she left running from work, Natalia Chavarría was waiting since 10 am when she finished classes, and Hellen waited at the airport, she finished work at 2 pm.

“The mae (man) came out and we could not do anything, I do not know how I managed to hold the poster I was carrying. Let’s say in history that we are the first fans of Pink Floyd who saw him arrive in Costa Rica,” said Martin Fallas, a vehement follower of Pink Floyd and Roger Waters.

The fans expected more. An autograph? A selfie?. Nothing. Mostly because, as Helen describes, they were in shock in seeing their idol, “we couldn’t even shout out a welcome”.

Helen and her group of friends camped out at the Escazu hotel waiting. But by 8:30 pm they gave up and went home. They plan to the at hotel again this Friday.

Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters will take the stage at the National Stadium in La Sabana on Saturday, November 24, at 7:00 pm.

Ticket prices range from ¢97.750 for a spot at “The Wall” to ¢28,750 for the telescope needed section. Click here for more on ticket information.

Pink Floyd achieved international success with the concept albums The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall. By the early 1980s, they had become one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful groups in popular music; by 2013, they had sold more than 250 million albums worldwide. Amid creative differences, Waters left in 1985 and began a legal dispute with the remaining members over their use of the band’s name and material. They settled out of court in 1987.

Waters’ solo work includes the studio albums The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking (1984), Radio K.A.O.S. (1987), Amused to Death (1992), and Is This the Life We Really Want? (2017). In 2005, he released Ça Ira, an opera translated from Étienne and Nadine Roda-Gils’ libretto about the French Revolution.

In 1990, Waters staged one of the largest rock concerts in history, The Wall – Live in Berlin, with an attendance of 450,000. As a member of Pink Floyd, he was inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

He has toured extensively as a solo act since 1999; he performed The Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety for his world tour of 2006–2008, and in 2010 began the Wall Live tour, the highest-grossing of all time by a solo artist.

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Hospital Mexico confirmed the death of Blanca Vega, the second heart transplant patient in Costa Rica

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23 November 2018

NY27Y6P6Y5BE3JWTDFMLM4SDDU — Blanca "Blanquita" Vega celebrating her 25th anniversay with a new heart

The Hospital Mexico announced Thursday night the death of Blanca Vega Brenes, who was the second heart transplant patient in the country. Her death occurred on November 9, at the age of 66, the medical center said on its Facebook profile.

Blanca “Blanquita” Vega celebrating her 25th anniversay of a new heart. Photo: Jefrey Zamora / La Nacion

Blanca, who was known as “Blanquita”, received a transplanted heart on July 4, 1991. She suffered from a coronary disease.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Longino Soto Pacheco, who died on October 13, 2010, at 87 years of age, due to leukemia.

Her surgery was the first of its kind in a Central American woman and the second in Costa Rica, after Juan Rueda, who had been operated on months before and died one year after.

On July 4 of each year “Blanquita” celebrated the anniversary of her new heart, in addition to October 14, her birthday.

On July 4, 2016, Vega told La Nacion, “since they operated on me, I do not feel pain and I like a life like any other person.”

La Nacion on July 6, 1991. Blanca Vega, then 38, was recovering satisfactorily from her operation.

“I like to get up early, eat well. I do not like fried food. I take the 18 medications that I need to every day. No one is going to take care of me if I do not take care of myself. I have problems, like everyone else, but I cannot get carried away by that,” explained Vega, from Milano de Pocora, in Limón, as her recipe for her good health.

More: CNN en Español video report of July 2016

“I have never been denied treatment, that is something very special and I am very happy to see what the doctors here have done and I thank the Caja (Costa Rican Social Security),” said Vega back in 2016.

Blanca’s case was a special case in all of Latin America. The life of “Blanquita” was a scientific success. The average resistance worldwide after surgery of this type is 15 years.

Juan José Pucci, a retired thoracic surgeon at the Hospital Mexico, said via telephone that the news of Vega’s death took him by surprise.

“She was the longest patient with a transplanted heart, the transplant changed her life, I can say that she was very happy, she lived in a simple house, she became a very special friend every time she came to the hospital. At least she could see his family grow up,” said Pucci.

Rodrigo Gutiérrez, one of the doctors who participated in Vega’s surgery, said in July 2016 that “she had problems with her heart and coronary arteries. It was not something that could be solved with another type of surgery. It represented a challenge.”

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4.2 Quake Jolts Central Valley Thursday Night

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22 November 2018

A 4.2 magnitude quake reported by the Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN) de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) shook most of the Central Valley this Thursday night.

The tremor that struck at 10:39 pm was centered one kilometer west of San Isidro de Vazquez de Coronado, at a depth of 8 km.

According to the RSN, it originated due to faulting in the crust of the Caribbean plate.

Meanwhile, the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (Ovsicori) indicated that the tremor had a magnitude of 3.9 degrees and a depth of 7 kilometers, located 3.3 kilometers southwest of San Isidro de Vázquez De Coronado.

In San Jose, Heredia, Santa Ana, Curridabat, Rio Segundo de Alajuela and El Carmen de Guadalupe it was felt the strongest, although of short duration, a second or two.

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Big Money Offered To Off Ziad Akl, Court Told

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22 November 2018

375847_debidoasus — Due to the background, Akl always had several custodians around.

A “large sum of money” was offered at La Reforma prison in Alajuela to poison Ziad Akl, the Lebanese-Canadian on trial for a series of extortions between 2016 and 2017.

Ziad Akl with his defence lawyer, Alejandra Araya, during trial this week in the Pavas Criminal Court. Due to his background, Akl was under heavy escort. Photo Diario Extra

The threat was reported by an official of the Centro de Atención Institucional (CAI), Jorge Arturo Montero, to the director of the Centro Nacional de Atención Específica, Maribel Mora, on September 14, 2018.

“Confidential information has been received … I am told that a large sum of money is being offered to cause some kind of injury with some type of substance (poison) that can cause injury and its effect until death,” the document said.

The poisoning attempt would have been to take advantage of Akl’s special diet due to his

religious restrictions. However, in the face of the threat, prison authorities suspended the special meals.

Akl denounced the threat during his trial on Wednesday, assuring the court that he has even found stones in his food and required stomach cleansings. He added that food brought to him by visitors is thrown away by prison officials.

“My partner brought me a pizza and an officer grabbed it and threw it away. He (the guard) said they had a new regulation but this was not the case,” said Akl.

Ziad Akl also asked the judges for a fair trial, saying that since his jailing for the past 18 months he has received unequal treatment, pointing to the five prison officials in court who he said they see him as a monster when in fact he has been respectful of the process.

The prosecution has asked for 35 years in prison for Akl. But his lawyer, Alejandra Araya, asked the court to closely analyze the evidence and impose the maximum of 6 years, for two counts of extortion.

More: Akl Trial Winding Down

On trial with Ziad Akl are also Jean Carlo Fernández Jiménez and Kelvin Augustus Pinnoch Campbell.

Ziad Akl was arrested at the San Jose airport trying to leave the country

The court panel made of three judges, Álvaro Abarca Picado, José Pablo Alvarado Cascante and Mauricio Jiménez Vargas, is expected to pronounce judgment on Friday.

Ziad Akl was arrested in May 2017 at the Juan Santamaria airport trying to leave the country in the afternoon, on the same day when his brother, Elias Akl, a well-known loanshark and leader of a criminal organization in the western sector of San José, was gunned down in Escazu..

During the pre-trial investigation, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) learned that Ziad Akl was involved in his brother’s business, mainly in high-interest loans to taxi drivers and threats if they did not pay.

Originally Ziad Akl had been sentenced to 23 years imprisonment in an abbreviated process (fast-track trial), but the Pavas Criminal Court did not accept the sentence and ordered Akl to full trial.

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Visa applicants for Canada must now provide biometrics

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22 November 2018

People who apply for a visa to Canada must now provide biometrics starting December 31, 2018, for applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific, and the Americas, at the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in San Jose.

The new set of requirements for applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa began on July 31, 2018.

“The Government of Canada will expand its biometric data collection because of its proven effectiveness in protecting the integrity of the immigration system and national security,” the Canadian embassy in Costa Rica said in a statement.

The CVAC office located in Rohrmoser (across from the house of former president Oscar Arias) will now accept applications and collections of biometrics under a new set of requirements and services. A Prior appointment is mandatory for Biometric Enrolment at the CVAC in Costa Rica.

The TT Services (the exclusive service provider for the Government of Canada, authorized to provide administrative support services to visa applicants in Costa Rica) website states: “A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.”

The visa application has a cost of CA$85 Canadian dollars per person – about US$65 dollars or about ¢39,000 colones. However, families who complete the process will pay a maximum of CA$175 Canadian dollars.

If the visa is approved, the biometrics is good for a 10 year period.

The biometric requirement does not apply to children 14 years of age and those 79 years or over.

Citizens of visa-free countries (who travel as tourists), accredited diplomats and official government officials are exempt.

Find out how to enroll your biometrics at a Canada Visa Application Centre. Click here for English, Français, Español

Canada Visa Application Centre contact telephone number: +(506) 4001 6867
Email: Info.cancostiom@vfshelpline.com
The TT Services website here.

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Parents of victims of a deadly rafting accident In Costa Rica to ask for explanations

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22 November 2018

More: ‘I Condem Costa Rican Authorities’, Says Mother of Rafting Accident Survivor

798424559_1140x520 — Ernesto Sierra and his wife Margarita Estrada (parents of Ernesto Sierra) and Javier Caso (father of Jose Caso)

The parents of the victims of the rafting accident in Quepos last month are (again) in Costa Rica, wanting explanations from the Government.

Ernesto Sierra and his wife Margarita Estrada (parents of Ernesto Sierra) and Javier Caso (father of Jose Caso) during an interview with Telenoticias. Photo Teletica.com. Click here to see the video interview.

Three of the parents, Ernesto Sierra and his wife Margarita Estrada (parents of Ernesto Sierra) and Javier Caso (father of Jose Caso) met on Wednesday with President Carlos Alvarado because they want to expose their situation.

They also visited the Fiscalía (Prosecutor’s Office), the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) – the Judicial Investigation Agency – and the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – Tourism Institute, to get answers about the death of their children.

However, none were to be had.

This was their third visit to Costa Rica since the accident. They affirm that the ICT and Tourism Minister, María Amalia Revelo, have been unable to give a reason for the absence of the regulations and controls that apply to adventure tourism.

In an interview with local television news, Telenoticias, Javier said his questions were met by “smiles” by some authorities, a situation very unusual and unnerving to him, he explained.

On October 20, Ernesto, Jose, Sergio Lorenzo, and Andrés Dennis were among a group of 18 friends and family in Costa Rica celebrating a bachelor party of Luis Beltrán, Lorenzo’s brother. The four lost their lives while rafting in the río Naranjito, near Quepos.

Their local tour guide, Kevin Thompson Reid, was the fifth victim.

More: Men from deadly Costa Rica rafting disaster speak out (Video)

Full of doubts

Ernesto Sierra insisted that they have not been able to get answers from the highest tourist authorities in the country. Sierra reiterated his disappointment so far and that they are respectful of the criminal investigations.

“It’s been one month and the pressure from us is aimed at finding answers and they have not even mobilized as a government to investigate administratively why adventure tourism fails and resulting in a crisis like this, with 5 people dead,” said Sierra.

“Something is happening. The government promoting that young people from all over the world come to Costa Rica, where there is really a security crisis in these activities. We must work to resolve this crisis and then continue promoting tourism,” said the father of the victim.

The three are emphatic that theirs is not an attack on the country as a destination for foreign tourists, rather a crusade for the country to take more forceful actions. “We ask that they regulate, control and prosecute an activity that puts people’s lives at risk,” Sierra added.

Javier Caso said that “it is not about imposing laws on a country or putting pressure on it. We have not found an answer. We see a vacuum of regulation, security measures, training in the guides and a lack of rescue plans.”

The victim’s father pointed to a lack of coordination between the ICT and the Ministry of Health on responsibilities to monitor the operation of adventure companies.

Since, Costa Rican authorities have raided the offices of the Quepos Expeditions company, but have been able to provide few details or comfort to the families.

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United States announces Feb. 2 friendly vs. Costa Rica in San Jose (California)

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22 November 2018

(AP) The United States will play Costa Rica in a friendly on Feb. 2 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.

The match, announced this week, is expected to be the second for the new American coach following a training camp that starts in early January in Carson, California.

Going back to the Bay Area!

The #USMNT will open 2019 at @AvayaStadium, where we will face ???????? on Feb. 2nd » https://t.co/XfGzWEUvwA pic.twitter.com/8Mdq2abaZo

— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) November 20, 2018

Dave Sarachan has been the interim coach since Bruce Arena quit in October 2017 following the failure to qualify for the World Cup.

New USMNT general manager Earnie Stewart has said a new coach will be hired by the end of the year.

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Costa Rica Defeats Peru 3-2 in Friendly

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22 November 2018

In their last game of the year, Costa Rica defeated Peru 3-2 in a friendly on Tuesday.

Jonathan McDonald, Allan Cruz and Joel Campbell led Costa Rica to victory, each with a goal.

Peru had opened the scoring when Edison Flores struck in a left-footed volley at the near post in the 19th minute, taking the game to a 2-2 tie with a goal by Jefferson Farfan at the 72 minute mark, but Joel Campbell gave Costa Rica the lead and win with a penalty goal.

Campbell who was a key part of the Costa Rica tema which reached the last eight of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well, currently plays plays for the Italian club, Frosinone.

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A Glimpse of Mars in Costa Rica?

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22 November 2018