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99,000 dropped out of the Open English course within 4 months of its implementation

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RICO’s Q — The numbers should raise alarm bells. According to the released information, 99,000 Costa Ricans dropped out of free English learning courses offered through the Hello Brete program, a partnership between the government, the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA), and Open English.

That is a dropout rate of around 48% of the 204,000 slots that have been enabled since it was launched on April 16, 2026. Almost one out of every two!

The courses are part of the Hello Brete project, which aims to train 2 million people in English over the next four years, opening slots on demand. Each license costs the country US$80 annually, and if a user is inactive for 15 days, they lose their slot, which can then be given to someone else.

Experts had warned of the risk of dropout

Academics had warned about the risk of dropout and the difficulties that a self-directed learning model like Hello Brete could face since it began operating.

Allen Quesada, director of the School of Modern Languages ​​at the University of Costa Rica (UCR), pointed out that online education tends to have higher dropout rates than in-person education.

Susana Jiménez Sánchez, an education and educational technology specialist at the National University (UNA), warned that self-learning platforms may be ineffective for students with low levels of education or little experience in independent learning processes.

INA Did Not Evaluate Retention Before Contracting

As CRHoy.com revealed in April, the INA did not conduct a technical study to determine the effectiveness of platforms like Open English for teaching English before awarding the contract. The public institution had also not evaluated student retention rates in courses offered under this modality.

The pre-contract analysis focused on the need to expand English language instruction beyond the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and meet existing demand.

During 2025, the INA offered 19,800 places to study English through its training programs and scholarships, compared to at least 71,000 interested individuals identified in an institutional survey.

Regarding the dropouts registered since April, the INA indicated that it reassigned the 99,100 freed-up slots so that other students could use them.

And here’s where things get worrying:

  • A pilot program was reportedly not conducted before enrollment.
  • The level of English the student is expected to reach is not clearly defined.
  • A deadline for reaching that level was not established.
  • There is reportedly insufficient evaluation of the economic impact of such a high dropout rate.
  • The mechanisms used to measure the quality and effectiveness of the program are being questioned.

And we’re talking about a lot of money. If 500,000 licenses, the original goal of the program, were activated, at US$80 per license, that is US$40 million dollars.

Last week, lawyer José Eduardo Vargas filed an addendum to his complaint of August 10 against Rodrigo Chaves and the former head of the INA, Christian Rucavado, regarding the Open English contract, adding the 99,000 dropouts the program experienced in its first four months.

The complainant requests an investigation into how the beneficiaries were selected and whether the populations requiring priority attention from the INA were served.

The article “La estafa de Open English y demás ocurrencias del gobierno saliente” from Delfino.cr in May 2026 critiques the outgoing Costa Rican government’s handling of the Open English program, which is described as a costly and deceptive scheme.

The authors, Mónica Zúñiga Rivera and Monserrat Ramírez Castro, highlight how the program, branded as an English language learning initiative, ended up being an expensive burden on the public, with many Costa Ricans ultimately footing the bill for what is framed as a scam.

The article urges vigilance towards similar government “products” and points to broader issues of mismanagement and questionable decisions in the final actions of the outgoing Chaves administration, an administration in which current president Laura Fernández held the position of Minister of the Presidency.

It paints a picture of a government leaving behind costly, poorly thought-out initiatives that undermine public trust and fiscal responsibility.

This critique serves as a call to hold authorities accountable for these kinds of expensive failures and to be wary of such schemes in the future.

Learning English is indeed an excellent investment. Wasting millions due to a lack of controls, if that’s happening, is NOT.

Costa Ricans deserve results, transparency, and clear accountability.

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Comic Con Costa Rica returns with international guests and more family activities

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Comic Con Costa Rica will return on October 24 and 25 with a family-friendly event that will expand its free activities and interactive spaces.

The 2026 edition will bring together international guests associated with franchises such as One Piece, Sonic, Arcane, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Among the guests will be Jeff Ward, Jennifer English, Ryan Drummond, and Reed Shannon, as well as cosplayers and graphic artists.

“Families share a love for video games, movies, and pop culture, so they want to experience it all together as a family,” commented Manu Quirós, the event’s producer.

The convention will also feature gaming zones, interactive activities, and spaces to meet figures and purchase collectibles.

Quirós explained that the organization also reduced the number of commercial booths to expand circulation spaces and offer greater visibility.

“We have also limited the number of commercial booths we will have,” Quirós commented.

The event will be held at the Costa Rica Convention Center and will have options for general admission tickets, promotional packages, and a VIP experience.

Tickets and prices:

  • 1-day ticket: ¢14,999 general presale | ¢12,999 Banco Popular cardholders.
  • 2-day ticket: ¢17,999 general presale | ¢14,999 Banco Popular cardholders.
  • Banco Popular 4×3 Package: ¢38,997 for one day | ¢44,997 for two days.
  • Neon Club VIP: Access both days, priority lines, and official collector’s kit.
  • Banco Popular Promotion: The first 500 people who purchase a one-day ticket with Banco Popular cards will receive two days at no additional cost.

 

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Costa Rican lawmakers exclude plublic sector from 12-hour workday reform

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Q COSTA RICA — Public sector employees in Costa Rica would be excluded from the so-called “4×3 work” schedule, which would allow employees to work up to 12 hours a day for four days a week in exchange for three consecutive days off.

If the reform is ultimately passed into law,

Lawmakers approved a substantive motion that expressly excludes public employees from the initiative to reform the Labor Code, meaning this type of exceptional work schedule, the 12-hour workday, would only apply to certain activities in the private sector.

The decision received support from legislators of the ruling party, Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), Frente Amplio (FA), Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) and Coalición Agenda Ciudadana (CAC).

The change comes amid a prolonged legislative debate surrounding a bill that seeks to make work schedules more flexible in companies that maintain continuous production cycles 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Its proponents argue that the reform would allow the country to adapt to economic sectors that require continuous production, improve its competitiveness, and attract foreign investment.

On the other hand, its detractors have particularly questioned the extension of workdays to 12 hours and its potential effects on rest, family life, and working conditions.

How would the 4×3 schedule work?

The proposal seeks to enable exceptional schedules in which a worker can work 12 hours a day for four days, followed by three days off.

The goal set by its proponents is for this work schedule to be used by private companies whose production processes need to remain constantly active.

According to legislator Juan Manuel Quesada, the intention of the reform is to offer better conditions for business sectors that operate on continuous cycles, encourage investment, and generate new job opportunities.

“While some continue to look for excuses to stop a law that Costa Rica has been waiting for for more than 20 years, we continue to move forward, establishing clear rules and protecting workers. The 4×3 schedule is meant to attract investment and generate employment,” he stated.

During its legislative process, the initiative has generated widespread debate between those who advocate for greater flexibility in work schedules and sectors that question the consequences that 12-hour workdays could have on working conditions.

The recent amendment makes it clear, at least in the text still under discussion, that state employees would not be subject to this system.

Despite the progress achieved with the motion, the initiative still faces a long legislative process before reaching a final vote.

Prior to the decision regarding the public sector, the legislative plenary rejected 131 requests aimed at reopening the discussion of different sections of the bill.

However, 2,071 similar requests remain pending, which must be reviewed before the bill can be ready for a possible final vote.

Current Standard Work Shifts & Hours

Under the Costa Rican Labor Code (Código de Trabajo), the standard workweek typically spans 48 hours, divided into six days with an eight-hour shift each day.

The country’s labor laws set the maximum daily work hours at eight, with a mandatory rest period of at least 30 minutes. Overtime is permitted but strictly regulated, usually paid at a higher rate.

The typical workday often starts around 7 or 8 a.m. and ends by mid-afternoon, reflecting the local culture’s preference for an extended midday break.

While some industries may offer flexible schedules, these standard hours form the backbone of employment norms across Costa Rica.

The exact daily and weekly limits depend heavily on the type of shift worked:

  • Day Shift (5:00 AM – 7:00 PM): Maximum 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. (Commonly distributed as 8 hours Monday to Saturday, or 9 to 10 hours Monday to Friday to cumulative shifts that give Saturdays off).
  • Night Shift (7:00 PM – 5:00 AM): Maximum 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week.
  • Mixed Shift (Combines Day and Night): Maximum 7 hours per day and 42 hours per week. If the shift includes more than 3.5 hours of nighttime work, it is legally treated entirely as a night shift.
  • Meal Break: Employees working a full shift are legally entitled to a minimum of a 30-minute paid rest/meal break.
  • Overtime Cap: Any hours worked past the regular daily shift limit are considered overtime, which is capped at a maximum of 4 hours of overtime per day.
  • Overtime Pay: Standard overtime is paid at 1.5 times (150%) the regular hourly rate. Working on standard rest days (like Sundays) or mandatory national holidays requires double pay (200%).
  • Exceptions. Trusted positions such as managers, administrators, and employees in roles without immediate supervision are exempt from the standard hourly caps, but their workday cannot exceed 12 hours, with a mandatory 1.5-hour break during that period.

 

 

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Costa Rica marks a medical milestone by implanting a 3D-printed cranial prosthesis for the first time

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rica’s public health system, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) or “Caja”, implanted, for the first time in Costa Rica, a personalized cranial prosthesis designed and manufactured by the institution itself using 3D printing technology.

This innovation opens new possibilities for treating patients who need highly specialized medical devices.

The procedure consisted of a cranioplasty, a surgery designed to repair a defect or opening in the skull that can occur as a result of trauma, infections, tumors, or previous surgical interventions.

Unlike a standard prosthesis, the device used was specifically made according to the patient’s anatomical characteristics, using medical images to digitally reconstruct the shape of the skull and manufacture a piece that fits the bone defect.

The executive president of the Caja, Mónica Taylor Hernández, described the procedure as a concrete application of the technological capabilities that the institution has developed in research and innovation.

“This advancement is most valuable in what it represents for the patient. We are using innovation and institutional knowledge to develop a personalized solution, specifically designed to respond to a health need,” Taylor stated.

Taylor maintained that having their own capabilities allows them to expand the available alternatives for specialized care and directly leverage technology for the benefit of patients.

“We want research and innovation to have a very clear purpose: to improve care. This first case demonstrates that the institution can develop specialized solutions that place the patient’s specific needs at the center of the process,” she added.

The development of these devices is led by the Logistics Management, through the Orthotics and Prosthetics Laboratory of the CCSS Industrial Production Directorate.

Logistics Manager Esteban Vega de la O explained that the procedure combines medical imaging, digital design, institutional manufacturing, and technical validation processes.

To produce the prosthesis, studies such as CT scans or MRIs are used, from which a model can be developed that reproduces the patient’s specific anatomical characteristics.

In the case of the first patient, a Computed Tomography (CT) scan was performed. The images were incorporated into a computer program responsible for segmenting the skull.

Subsequently, this information was transferred to another software program specialized in prosthesis fabrication. Once the bone defect was identified, the mirror image of the healthy part of the skull was used as a reference to design the prosthesis and reproduce its shape and symmetry.

Before producing the final version, the prosthesis is inspected to ensure it fits the edges of the defect and has no surfaces that could cause discomfort to the patient. The design is also reviewed by the surgeon to make any necessary adjustments.

After printing, the piece goes through stages of sanding, polishing and cleaning, then it is packaged, transported to the hospital, checked again by the specialist, and finally sterilized before implantation.

PEEK: The Material Used to Manufacture the Prosthesis

One of the keys to this innovation is the material used to produce the prosthesis: PEEK, a high-performance thermoplastic polymer that offers mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance.

Among its advantages is that, unlike metal prostheses, it is radiolucent, so it does not cause alterations in diagnostic studies such as CT scans or MRIs. It is also characterized by its low weight, rigidity, low density, and dimensional stability.

The process to achieve this first implant began approximately two years ago and included staff training, construction of a cleanroom, acquisition of specialized equipment, and the completion of tests and procedures with health authorities.

“We have been promoting additive manufacturing technologies to institutionally produce cranial prostheses using 3D printing with biocompatible materials, with the goal of providing highly specialized, high-quality devices to the patients who need them,” Vega stated.

Up to 64% Less in Costs and Only Seven Days of Manufacturing

The Caja says it invested about ¢115 million colones (US$252,000) in a technology package for in-house 3D printing of cranial prostheses, including printers, curing equipment, software, and materials for two years.

Producing a size S cranial prosthesis internally costs roughly US$2,554, which cuts expenses by up to 64% compared to outsourcing. The entire process, from imaging to manufacturing, takes about seven days.

By mid-2026, 52 patients across three hospitals are expected to benefit.

Personalized prostheses improve aesthetics, reduce symptoms like headaches, and protect the brain where bone is missing. Candidates typically have skull defects from trauma or tumors.

“In this particular case, since these are personalized prostheses, the bone contour is improved, and therefore, so is the user’s quality of life,” stated the medical director of San Juan de Dios Hospital, María Eugenia Villalta Bonilla.

3D printing within the Caja is not limited to this procedure. The institution has also used this technology to develop surgical planning guides, anatomical models for patient education, pill organizers, tablet extractors, umbilical cord clamps, and spare parts for industrial equipment.

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Costa Rica prepares to celebrate its 205th anniversary of independence

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — In two weeks, on September 15, Costa Rica prepares to celebrate its 205th anniversary of independence, which includes receiving the “La Antorcha de la Independencia” (Independece Torch) at Peñas Blancas and carrying approximately 378 kilometers to Cartago, the original capital city of Costa Rica.

The massive operation brings together around 3,000 police officers, over 100 Red Cross volunteers, and numerous municipal officials. Alongside these teams, first responders take turns escorting roughly 22,000 students as they carry the torch in relays, traveling all the way from the Nicaraguan border to the heart of the country.

The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) presented the inter-institutional plan that will be implemented during the September celebrations under the slogan “Costa Rica: 205 años libres, en paz y sembrando futuro” (Costa Rica: 205 Years Free, in Peace, and Sowing the Future).

The operation aims to ensure that civic events, the Torch of Independence relay, lantern parades, and September 15th celebrations take place safely and in an orderly manner in various communities throughout the country.

“We appreciate the ongoing commitment of the institutions to the safety and well-being of the educational community and the general public,” stated Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Education.

378 Kilometers to Carry the Flame of Independence

One of the main components of the celebrations will once again be the transfer of the Torch of Independence, which will travel approximately 378 kilometers from Peñas Blancas, on the border with Nicaragua, to the province of Cartago.

The logistics include eight primary routes, in addition to other secondary routes that will allow the Torch to reach numerous communities.

The culmination will be the arrival at the Ruins of Cartago, scheduled for September 14 at 8:00 p.m.

This moment is traditionally one of the central events of the national celebrations, preceding the official commemoration of Independence Day, on September 15.

The Torch’s journey can be followed live on September 13 and 14 through the MEP’s Antorcha Virtual tool that allowed tracking the torch’s route in real time using satellite technology on your phone, tablet, or computer.

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Dengue outbreak in Costa Rica: 385 new cases in seven days

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rica is facing a sustained surge in dengue cases, with 385 new infections reported in just seven days, according to the latest Epidemiological Bulletin published by the Ministry of Health.

The official report recorded 3,437 cumulative cases of dengue in 2026, registering a sharp increase of 1,032 cases compared to the exact same period in 2025.

Furthermore, the epidemiological bulletin highlights that this upward trend necessitates continued active surveillance and the reinforcement of preventive measures throughout the country.

Similarly, the report, prepared by the Health Surveillance Directorate, specifies that the North Central region leads the list with 1,050 reported cases, while the Central Pacific region has the highest rate, with 240.2 infections per 100,000 inhabitants.

Other regions such as Chorotega and Huetar Caribe also show high numbers, exceeding 80 cases. The cantons of Alajuela, Orotina, and Grecia remain among the most affected, with 435, 398, and 339 cases, respectively.

According to the Ministry of Health, 58 of the reported cases meet the criteria for dengue with warning signs. The San Rafael Hospital in Alajuela and the Víctor Manuel Sanabria Hospital report five people hospitalized as of August 24, indicating the presence of moderate to severe clinical cases in at least part of the affected population.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Its initial symptoms include:

  • Sudden high fever
  • Intense muscle and joint pain
  • Headache
  • General malaise
  • Nausea and sometimes skin rashes.

The health authority warns that certain signs may indicate a serious case of dengue, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or nosebleeds, drowsiness or irritability, and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear, the official recommendation is to go to a health center immediately.

Prevention: Keys to Avoiding Infection

The Epidemiological Bulletin details that, during week 31, Vector Control personnel visited more than 13,000 homes, identified 676 homes with mosquito breeding sites, and treated more than 43,000 water containers.

In addition, more than 16,000 potential breeding sites were eliminated, and nearly 38,000 homes were fumigated. Year-to-date, these actions have resulted in over half a million homes fumigated, reflecting the institutional effort to contain the outbreak.

The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of public cooperation by:

  • Eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around homes.
  • Covering tanks and containers where water is stored.
  • Changing the water in flower vases and pet water bowls at least twice a week.
  • Keep gutters, drains, and roofs clean to prevent waterlogging.
  • Apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Install screens on doors and windows.

According to the Ministry of Health, vector control efforts and community participation are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with special attention to the cantons with the highest incidence and the most vulnerable population groups.

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Measures reinforced at Poás Volcano after ‘green alert’ for seismic activity

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE), or National Emergency Commission, announced a green alert for Poás Volcano National Park after registering increased seismic activity, eruptions, and gas emissions.

According to the CNE, the measure aims to reinforce safety protocols for visitors, in coordination with the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). The decision, formalized on  Friday, August 28, includes restrictions and new regulations for access to the protected area.

According to the CNE, Poás Volcano National Park will remain open to the public, although under strict regulations that seek to minimize risks given the recent increase in volcanic activity. The authority announced that only the main trail to the viewpoint and the trail known as Sombrilla de Pobre will remain open, both requiring the use of safety helmets for all visitors.

In addition, the maximum capacity of the crater viewpoint was reduced to 56 people per shift, and the total number of daily visitors was limited to half of the usual capacity. The president of the CNE, Alejandro Picado, explained that the new measures are part of the alert protocol for active volcanic areas.

Among the main recommendations, the CNE asks the public and tourists not to enter the park illegally and to respect all instructions from park rangers. Access via unauthorized routes represents a high risk due to the possibility of sudden eruptive events or exposure to toxic gases.

Official map showing the area under green alert in Poás Volcano National Park, following the recent increase in seismic and volcanic activity, in effect since August 27, 2026.

Poás Volcano National Park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country, renowned for its main crater, considered one of the largest in the world, and for the frequency of its volcanic activity.

According to CNE data, the site receives thousands of visitors each month, so the reduced capacity and the requirement to wear helmets directly impact the tourist experience.

Recent background of the volcano and continuous monitoring

During the last decade, Poás Volcano has shown varied volcanic activity, marked by different phases. Between 2006 and 2016, a series of phreatic eruptions predominated, with notable episodes in 2012 and 2014 that produced fumaroles and released sulfur dioxide, generating concern in nearby communities.

The year 2017 marked a turning point when the volcano experienced a major magmatic phase. In April of that year, a phreatomagmatic explosion almost completely destroyed the historic crater dome, ejecting ash and incandescent material several kilometers away and causing the acidic lake to evaporate, forcing the park’s prolonged closure for over a year.

After a period of relative calm between 2018 and 2023, the lake was temporarily restored, advanced monitoring systems and protective structures were installed, and the park was reopened under strict regulations.

Since 2024, the volcano has experienced reactivation, with frequent ash plumes, strong degassing, and the ejection of rock blocks, while the crater lake has been drying up. This situation has caused ashfall and a sulfur odor in nearby communities such as Alajuela and Poasito, as well as in parts of the Central Valley.

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Former treasurer of Banco Nacional sentenced to 30 years in prison for embezzlement

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — For the principal reason for lottery tickets, the former treasurer of the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR) will spend the next 30 years behind bars for his role in the case known as “Gallo Tapado” (Hidden Rooster), the embezzlement of approximately ¢3.2 billion colones (about US$7.2 million).

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the Criminal Court of the Second Judicial Circuit of San José found Ricardo Olivas Valle guilty of 33 counts of embezzlement and initially imposed a cumulative sentence of 330 years in prison. However, due to the application of the rules of concurrent sentencing, the sentence was reduced to 30 years in prison

In addition, the judges ordered that Olivas remain in pretrial detention for eight months while the sentence becomes final.

The ruling comes weeks after the Fiscalía Adjunta de Probidad, Transparencia y Anticorrupción (Fapta) — Deputy Prosecutor’s Office for Probity, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption — requested an even harsher sentence: 396 years in prison.

33 withdrawals between 2021 and 2023

The Public Prosecutor’s Office alleged that Olivas Valle made 33 cash withdrawals, not the from the bank’s ATM’s, but rather from the bank’s vaults, between 2021 and 2023, taking advantage of his position within the Banco Nacional and his access to the vaults at the bank’s headquarters in San José.

The now-convicted Ricardo Olivas Valle was able to continue making withdrawals undetected for an extended period due to the bank’s lax security measures

According to the prosecution, the cash withdrawals occurred primarily during the final minutes of the workday, between 4:16 p.m. and 5:29 p.m., when the number of people inside the bank decreased, and reduced vigilance to withdraw significant amounts of cash, using yellow manila envolpes stuffed with bundles of banknotes and passing through security on leaving the bank.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the former official bought large quantities of lottery tickets. When any of these numbers won, the money paid out by the national lottery, the Junta de Protección Social (JPS), was subsequently deposited into bank accounts.

During the raids carried out at Olivas’s home, authorities located approximately 3,000 lottery tickets.

The accused himself admitted during the court proceedings that he had had a gambling problem. “I was addicted to gambling at one point, specifically the lottery,” he declared in court.

Failures in Internal Controls

The trial also scrutinized the control mechanisms in place at the Banco Nacional during the years in which the thefts occurred.

According to the prosecution, thorough physical audits of the vaults had not been conducted since 2019, a circumstance that allegedly allowed the withdrawals to continue undetected for an extended period.

In addition to Olivas, other individuals were included in separate investigations for potential liability related to omissions, dereliction of duty, or cover-up. These included supervisors, accountants, security personnel, and former officials linked to the institution’s legal departments.

The Attorney General’s Office and the Banco Nacional itself also participated in the proceedings as prosecuting parties. The bank is seeking to recover the stolen funds.

 

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When Promises Shatter

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RICO’s Q — Think about this for a moment. When a country’s president feels the need to go on international media to insist they’re not trying to create a dictatorship, it’s a clear warning sign.

Every leader who’s made that kind of claim has ended up turning their nation into exactly what they said they wouldn’t.

This wouldn’t even be a topic if democracy wasn’t on the line.

In the exclusive interview with El País, Laura Fernández denies any authoritarian tendencies under her administration and defends her close relationship with former president Rodrigo Chaves, her political mentor and most powerful minister. See the video here.

But with what this government is doing, the rest of the world is seeing clearly what Chaves’s followers refuse to acknowledge—blinded as they are by their own loyalties.

These leaders often start with grand speeches about liberty and checks on power, yet their actions tell a different story, turning nations into cautionary tales about power’s corrupting grip.

Fidel Castro promised Cuba a new dawn free from the dictatorship of Batista. Yet, Castro’s revolution quickly replaced one dictatorship with another, one that stifled free speech, banned opposition, and controlled every aspect of Cuban life for decades.

Hugo Chávez of Venezuela came in promising to empower the poor and deepen democracy. But Chávez’s tenure saw the erosion of independent institutions, media censorship, and a concentration of power that effectively sidelined opposition voices. His successor, Nicolás Maduro, continued down this path, turning Venezuela into a country grappling with authoritarian rule and economic turmoil.

What drives this pattern? Some say that once leaders get a taste of power, the urge to cling to it—whether by setting up a puppet government or having your personal lawyer and legislator openly talk about running for president in 2030, even though the rules say you have to sit out for eight years—can easily overshadow their original principles.

Others note that the pressures of governing, especially in fragile states, push leaders toward centralized control as a misguided solution to chaos.

Whatever the rationale, the result is often the same: a nation that loses its democratic promise.

These stories serve as stark reminders that the line between leadership and dictatorship can blur faster than many expect.

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Lawyers defending narcos will not be allowed to collect their fees entirely in cash

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Q COSTA RICA — To prevent drug traffickers from using illicit funds to hire legal defense lawyers, Frente Amplio (FA) party legislator Antonio Trejos Mazariegos introduced a bill requiring proof that the funds used to cover legal fees are legal.

In addition, cash payments could only be used to partially cover legal fees. The proposal allows for cash payments of up to ten base salaries. The base salary for 2026 is ¢462,200, so the proposed limit for cash payments would be ¢4,622,000, equivalent to US$10,100 at the current dollar exchange rate.

From that amount onward, when fees exceed that amount, or when several installments cumulatively reach that limit, subsequent payments must be made by check, electronic transfer, or other means processed by supervised financial institutions that allow for the identification of the payer, the beneficiary, the amount, and the date of the transaction.

Furthermore, the person under investigation, accused, or convicted who makes the payment, or the third party who pays on their behalf, must, when applicable, prove the lawful origin of those funds.

“To seriously combat drug trafficking, it is not enough to seize drugs; we also have to follow the money. Everyone has the right to a defense and to freely choose their lawyer, but that right cannot turn the payment of millions of colones into an area of ​​untraceability for the State,” the legislator stated.

“With this proposal, we are going to cut the tentacles of organized crime in the courts,” the legislator concluded.

The proposal states that the measure would not prevent a person from freely choosing their lawyer, nor would it establish limits on the amount of professional fees. The restriction would only apply to the method of payment once the established limit for cash payments has been reached.

The explanatory memorandum cites as a reference the recommendations of the Grupo de Acción Financiera Internacional (GAFI) — Financial Action Task Force, on non-financial activities and professions considered vulnerable to money laundering, as well as restrictions on the use of cash existing in countries such as Spain, France, Greece and Uruguay.

Additionally, the initiative stipulates that defense attorneys will be required to retain electronic invoices proving services rendered for five years. This period would begin from the date of the last payment related to the professional relationship.

The initiative was presented with the backing of 13 legislators, including all members of the Frente Amplio; four from the ruling PPSO party, including José Miguel Villalobos, a well-known defense attorney for drug traffickers who recently chose to temporarily suspend his law license;  and Claudia Dobles, a former presidential candidate, among others.

The bill (file 25.744) must now be assigned to a legislative committee to begin its corresponding process.

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ICE to demolish the historic La Sabana building to construct a new 21-story one

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — After several months of analysis, the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) — State power and telecom utility — decided to demolish the iconic Jorge Manuel Dengo Obregón building, located in La Sabana Norte.

In its place, a new, more modern 21-story building will be constructed on the same site, with a capacity for 1,100 people and a maximum area of ​​approximately 40,000 square meters. The new building is expected to cost US$100 million dollars.

Design of the new building that ICE plans to construct in Sabana Norte, after demolishing the historic Jorge Manuel Dengo building. (ICE)

The current facilities will be demolished, repurposed, and reused, ICE stated, without providing further details other than sharing a couple of images of what the new building might look like.

Among the options under consideration is the construction of a building of up to 21 floors, with approximately 40,000 square meters

The estimated cost of the renovated building was not disclosed.

“ICE deserves a modern building, with sustainable and cutting-edge technology, security appropriate to Costa Rican standards, and that meets all the needs of our staff. This is a strategic decision that will benefit employees, customers, and the country,” explained Marco Acuña, president of Grupo ICE.

ICE’s decision is due to the fact that the current building presents structural hazards to workers.

“This building has serious problems. The day of the earthquake, not long ago, I thanked God I wasn’t on the 15th or 13th floor. I know there are people who still want to be there. I invite them to be there; but I don’t recommend it; I certainly don’t. And the reason we’re here is because this is like a farewell to that building, because that building won’t be there anymore, because for the future, just as we all have to renew ourselves …  I want to show you a future for the ICE building in the next 50 years,” Acuña said.

 

The current building, inaugurated in 1973 (53 years ago) will be demolished, repurposed, and reused.

Acuña clarified that the characteristics of the project are not yet defined, as the details must be established in a project that will later be submitted for approval.

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Monday, August 31st, will be a holiday in Costa Rica

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Monday, August 31, is a holiday in Costa Rica, celebrating “Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocostarricense” (Black People’s Day and Afro-Costa Rican Culture).

The holiday is non-obligatory, so every worker has the right to take the day off, no matter what job they have.

That is, no one has to work on August 31st unless they want to. If they choose not to, they can’t be punished for it. If they do, salary payment will depend on the payment method used by the company.

Companies that pay weekly in non-commercial activities and only recognize days actually worked should not include the holiday in the salary if the employee does not work that day. If you work on August 31st, you must be paid the corresponding day’s wages. If you also work overtime, it must be paid at time and a half.

On the other hand, those who receive a monthly or bi-weekly salary, as well as workers in commercial establishments who are paid weekly, have the holiday included in their regular pay. In these cases, if the person works on August 31st, the company must add a day’s regular pay, so that the holiday is paid at double time. If you also work overtime during the holiday, it must be paid at time and a half on top of the double pay, which is equivalent to triple pay for those hours.

The Ministry of Labor clarified that these provisions apply regardless of whether the company is national, transnational, or international, as long as it has employees working in Costa Rica.

The holiday is also not transferable; that is, the holiday can’t be transferred to another day—it’s fixed specifically on Monday, August 31.

Holidays in Costa Rica

Costa Rica recognizes 12 official national holidays under Article 148 of its Labor Code, of which nine are Mandatory Pay Holidays (Feriados de Pago Obligatorio) and three Non-Mandatory Pay Holidays (Feriados de Pago No Obligatorio), which dictate how employees are legally compensated.

Mandatory Pay Holidays

For these days, employees receive a regular paid day off. If they agree to work, employers must legally pay them double pay.

  • January 1: New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
  • March/April (Variable): Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo)
  • March/April (Variable): Good Friday (Viernes Santo)
  • April 11: Juan Santamaría Day (Día de Juan Santamaría)
  • May 1: Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)
  • July 25: Annexation of Nicoya/Guanacaste Day (Anexión del Partido de Nicoya)
  • August 15: Mother’s Day & Assumption of Mary (Día de la Madre)
  • September 15: Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)
  • December 25: Christmas Day (Navidad)

Non-Mandatory Pay Holidays

On these days, all workers are entitled to a day off, but compensation depends strictly on the payroll structure.

  • August 2: Virgin of Los Ángeles Day (Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles)
  • August 31: Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture
  • December 1: Army Abolition Day (Día de la Abolición del Ejército)

 

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“I am woken to gunfire at least two nights a week”: Laura Fernández orders increased security in Cartago

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rican President Laura Fernández ordered a reinforcement of the police deployment in Cartago in response to the escalating violence plaguing the province, which has recorded 51 homicides.

She also reiterated her strong criticism of the judiciary for cases in which suspects or individuals with criminal records have been released.

The president even brought the security problem to a personal level, stating that gunshots are frequently heard from where she lives.

“At least two nights a week, I’m woken up by gunfire that can be heard from where I live, in the surrounding neighborhoods of San Blas, Taras, and El Carmen,” Fernández stated during a speech in which she called for increased efforts to restore peace to the province. President of the Supreme Court of Costa Rica will not seek re-election

The president said residents of Cartago have expressed fear about resuming activities that were once part of their daily lives. “Ms. Laura, we can no longer send the children to train at the Cartago sports complex (…) because it terrifies us,” Fernández quoted as one of the messages she claims to have received.

She also cited testimonies from people who have stopped going out for coffee in the afternoons for fear of being caught in a shootout, and even workers afraid to go to their workplaces.

“Cartago doesn’t deserve this,” the president stated.

51 homicides and 39 victims with police reports

Fernández did not mince words in expressing her frustration and concern. She criticized the judicial system for releasing individuals who allegedly contribute to the violence, which has resulted in 51 homicides in the area recently. The president emphasized that the people of Costa Rica did not elect her to hide problems but to confront them head-on.

In response to this surge in violence, Fernández has ordered a significant reinforcement of security operations in Cartago. She has called for intensified police presence and increased efforts to restore peace in the community.

The situation is grave enough that Fernández even hinted at the possibility of temporarily suspending some individual rights if the security crisis worsens, signaling a readiness to take tough measures to protect citizens.

Fernández, however, skirted the fact that the rise in violence in the country is attributed by many to the first government of Rodrigo Chaves (2022-2026), an administration that she served as a high-ranking cabinet member from 2022 to 2025.

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International trafficking groups outsource local operations in Costa Rica

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Drug trafficking groups in Costa Rica provide logistical services to major Mexican and Colombian cartels without any apparent loyalty, explained Michael Soto, interim director of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ).

Soto explained that these individuals do not necessarily belong directly or hierarchically to any cartels, but rather operate by offering transportation, security, and fuel to move the drugs.

“What they do is sell an outsourcing service; it doesn’t matter if it’s to Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation, or one of the clans in Colombia, like the Gulf Clan. That’s secondary. What matters to them is who can sell them the service to guarantee that the shipment leaving South America reaches North America or Europe,” Soto explained.

The lack of affiliation or “exclusive loyalty” works in two directions: neither do Costa Rican gangs “marry” themselves to a specific international group, nor do these cartels have members in the country who work exclusively for them.

International Fragmentation

These changes, which lead local organizations to offer outsourcing services to the highest bidder, also reflect an internal dynamic within international cartels.

In Colombia, the large, hierarchical, and centralized power structures have ceased to exist and have transformed into clans—smaller, less visible groups. Having a group or brand with such transnational exposure makes them a target not only for authorities in their country of origin but also for those in other countries.

The downfall of major Latin American drug lords, such as Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, and Nemesio Oseguera “El Mencho,” has also contributed to this fragmentation in Mexico, the other pole of drug trafficking in the region.

For example, the Sinaloa Cartel split into Los Chapitos, led by “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons, Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo; La Mayiza, loyal to Zambada and his son, “El Mayito Flaco,” along with Los Dámaso and the faction of “El Lic.”

This significant fragmentation doesn’t mean that organized crime or drug trafficking will stop. On the contrary, smaller groups are emerging, taking over routes and seeking to remain more inconspicuous.

The same is happening with European mafias, such as the Albanian one, which has gained considerable strength in this hemisphere, as well as the ‘Ndrangheta, considered the most powerful and wealthiest criminal organization in Italy, which has already extended its reach into Costa Rica.

When a leader falls, like the recently extradited Costa Ricans (Celso Gambos, Edwin Lopez, known as “Pecho de Rata”, and Gilbert Bell Fernández, known as “Macho Coca”), who covered part of that route, they immediately look for another to guarantee that coverage.

This fragmentation means that, internationally, the names of such large cartels are no longer heard, as they will be replaced by smaller ones—a phenomenon that could also occur within Costa Rica.

“When you have contact with our colleagues in Mexico or the United States, they talk about factions, not so much about clans anymore. I think that’s somewhat what we’ve been seeing in Costa Rica. Now they’re smaller groups carrying out specific functions and being less visible to the criminal structures.

“In fact, the homicides make them so conspicuous that they try to avoid these conflicts so that all those deaths don’t generate so much information for the police,” explained the director of the OIJ.

How the Outsourcing Model Works

  • Local networks, often comprised of local fishermen, meet Colombian semi-submersibles or speedboats along the Pacific coast to offload drug shipments.
  • Costa Rican operators provide critical maritime services, such as delivering fuel and provisions to smuggling vessels offshore.
  • Local transport syndicates move the contraband overland from remote Pacific landing zones to the Central Valley or the Caribbean coast.
  • Subcontracted groups construct and guard hidden airstrips, warehouses, and safe houses in areas like Guanacaste.
  • Local operators disguise drugs within legitimate agricultural exports10—primarily bananas and pineapples—shipped out of major hubs like the Moín Port in Limón.
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Why did the US pause immigration visa appointments?

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — The U.S. State Department said Wednesday it was temporarily suspending all immigration visa appointments to conduct further training for embassy and consulate staff. The suspension does not apply to visas issued for tourism, study, business travel, or temporary work.

Existing appointments for immigration visas, which typically involve an interview with a consular officer, will be rescheduled to accommodate the training, a State Department spokesperson told AFP.

“Whenever there are changes to visa interview appointments, embassies and consulates communicate any modifications directly to visa applicants,” the spokesperson said.

Tourist and business visa appointments are completely unaffected. If you have an interview scheduled for a B1/B2 tourist visa, student visa, or work visa in San José, your appointment remains valid, and you should attend.

The U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, confirmed that only applicants with immigrant (Permanent Residency) visa interviews are affected.

This is important because the news reaching Costa Rica this week made things seem much worse than they really are.

No specific date was provided for when immigrant visa (green card) appointments of individuals seeking to obtain visas that would allow them to live permanently in the United States.

Officials cite a combination of operational challenges and shifting priorities as reasons behind the suspension. While the department has not provided a specific timeline for when appointments will resume, it emphasizes that the measure is temporary and necessary to manage resources amid ongoing global demands.

The suspension of appointments is the latest move by the Trump administration to curb the arrival of foreigners. But some of Trump’s measures have been blocked by the U.S. courts. Last Friday, for example, a federal judge in New York struck down the government’s policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. In Latin America, the countries impacted include Brazil and Colombia.

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Corruption without limits and without censorship. They’re doing it surreptitiously!

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Rico
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RICO’s Q — Amid the conflicts and insults that unfold every Wednesday in the spectacle known as the weekly press conference, staged by Rodrigo Chaves and Laura, they’re hiding several draft bills.

The head of the Chavista deputies, Nogui Acosta, is quietly pushing these bills through.

The first one would allow the government to purchase airline tickets for its high-ranking officials, but outside the General Law of Public Procurement.

In other words:

  • without public bidding
  • without market research
  • without price comparisons
  • without registration in SICOP

That is, Nogui wants the officials to buy airline tickets for their trips directly, through favoritism, and completely outside of any public bidding system.

The second bill would allow school boards and development associations to ALSO contract outside the General Law of Public Procurement, the law that focuses on fair competition, clear planning, and open bidding.

In other words, also:

  • without public bidding
  • without market research
  • without price comparisons
  • without registration in the SICOP (Integrated Public Procurement System)

This is simply legalizing corruption and giving certain individuals carte blanche to do everything by favoritism with their family and political cronies, who will be the ones awarded the contracts for the goods and services purchased.

This is a return to the Costa Rican politics of the early years of the last century.

It is a return to a Costa Rica where the Comptroller General and the Public Procurement Law did NOT exist; where the ruler spent public money as if it were the estate of someone who had just died, all to secure votes.

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Chaves’s everything law: the power that didn’t change hands

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — The article “La ley omnibus de Chaves: el poder que no cambió de manos” published by Radio Zurquí examines the omnibus law initiative promoted during Rodrigo Chaves’s first government, identified as bill 24.719.

This law reforms dozens of regulations and notably involves the transfer of the National Printing Office (Imprenta Nacional) to the ministry currently led by Chaves himself.

The piece highlights concerns about the consolidation of power, suggesting that despite changes in leadership or government, the control and influence remain centralized rather than dispersed or democratized.

The article implies this law serves as an example of how political power structures can persist and adapt without substantial shifts in actual power distribution.

The law’s broad scope and the reforms embedded within it suggest a centralization rather than a redistribution of power.

Critics argue that rather than shifting authority or creating new checks and balances, the omnibus law effectively ensured that control remained firmly in the hands of those already governing.

Questions have also been raised about potential conflicts of interest and influence peddling related to the law’s passage.

Allegations surfaced regarding the possible use of connections by Chaves to benefit associates, highlighting concerns about transparency and governance ethics.

This legislation has become a focal point in discussions about political power in Costa Rica, symbolizing a moment where power structures were maintained rather than reformed, despite promises of change and renewal.

The implications of this law continue to reverberate as the country navigates governance challenges and public demands for accountability.

For more detailed insights and ongoing coverage by Erick Sojo Marín, “Este Paisano”,  the founder and director of Radio Zurqui, visit Radio Zurquí’s full report on the omnibus law and its impact on Costa Rican politics.

 

 

 

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The U.S.Dollar Falls to 2018 Levels in Colombia

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Q24N
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Q24N — The U.S. dollar keeps slipping against the Colombian peso, hitting lows on Monday not seen since October 2018. Early trading saw the dollar drop to 3,028 Colombian pesos, underscoring the peso’s strong rise and hinting that the dollar might soon fall below the 3,000 mark.

The official market rate (TRM) settled at 3,048.12 pesos on Monday.

This drop is a relief for consumers and businesses that rely on imports—whether it’s products, raw materials, or equipment. But for those tied to exports, it’s sparking concern. Exporters receive fewer pesos for their dollar earnings, which could hurt their competitiveness, production, and jobs in Colombia.

The dollar’s slide has been ongoing for weeks, pushing the Colombian peso among the top-performing emerging-market currencies. On Monday, it started around 3,039 pesos before dipping to 3,028—the lowest since October 5, 2018.

Several global factors are at play. The dollar is weak across the board, and uncertainty over U.S. monetary policy is adding fuel. Market watchers are keeping a close eye on U.S. Treasury yields and interest rate trends.

Commodity prices also matter here. Oil, a major Colombian export, took a slight hit Monday after rallying the previous week. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and potential U.S. sanctions on Iran keep investors on edge.

All these elements combined are pushing the dollar down in Colombia, while the peso gains strength fast. The current TRM of 3,048.12 pesos marks nearly a 24% drop compared to the same day last year, according to exchange rate data.

This trend is ringing alarm bells in the business community. Bruce Mac Master, president of Colombia’s National Business Association (ANDI), says the peso’s sharp rise is squeezing exporters’ competitiveness.

The issue is simple: exporters earn dollars but get fewer pesos when they convert those earnings. That shrinks profit margins and makes competing with companies in countries where the currency hasn’t risen as much much tougher.

Mac Master also warned that a weak dollar hurts jobs and producers who depend on global markets. “Every product priced in pesos becomes more expensive in dollars,” he said.

“That’s a huge hit to competitiveness,” he added. “If this strong peso trend continues, exporters will face very tough times ahead.”

ANDI is urging economic authorities to step in, suggesting that cutting interest rates could help ease the pressure on the exchange rate.

Mac Master, supporting the central bank’s recent dollar-buying moves, called for a rate cut for the first time in two years. He emphasized the need to lower interest rates to discourage the massive inflow of international capital into the country, which is contributing to the peso’s surge.

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Thousands of immigrants who have no criminal records and ties to Costa Rica will be granted legal status

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Starting September 1, Costa Rica’s immigration authority, the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), will roll out the Categoría Especial Temporal Complementaria (CETC) — Special Temporary Complementary Category, a program designed to help thousands of foreign nationals with established connections to Costa Rica regularize their immigration status.

The goal is to offer a clear path to legal residency and work permits for those who qualify under the criteria set by the authorities.

This category targets nationals from Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and Colombia who applied for refugee status between June 1, 2014, and May 7, 2026, whose application is still pending, was declared unfounded, or was definitively denied.

Applicants must have lived continuously in Costa Rica since filing their application and must not hold another approved or pending immigration status.

Key requirements include proving ties to Costa Rica through documents that confirm residency, such as enrollment in educational programs, school registration for children, evidence of healthcare coverage from the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), or other official papers from public institutions.

Applicants also need to provide a birth certificate and a criminal record certificate from their home country—or any country where they’ve lived in the past three years—properly apostilled or legalized. Additionally, an identity document and proof of fingerprinting must be submitted.

Before approving any application, the DGME will conduct national and international background checks. Anyone posing a security risk or with disqualifying criminal records will be denied.

The application form is free and downloadable from the official website.

Those granted the CETC will be allowed to live and work legally in Costa Rica, either as employees or self-employed. The permit lasts two years and can be renewed for additional two-year periods, as long as the holder continues to meet the requirements, including maintaining active social security coverage with the Caja.

Once approved, applicants must complete all required paperwork within the deadline set by the DGME and pay the fees associated with their immigration document, as well as any other charges mandated by current rules.

Applications will be accepted by appointment only from September 1, 2026, through September 1, 2027.

With this initiative, Costa Rican authorities aim to provide a long-awaited path to legal status for many who have faced years of immigration uncertainty, while also easing the backlog in the country’s refugee system.

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Ivanka Trump returned to Costa Rica: the destination she’s made one of her favorite surfing and vacation spots

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Ivanka Trump once again chose Costa Rica for one of her family getaways, and surfing was among the main activities of her stay. The businesswoman and former White House advisor was photographed on Sunday, August 23, 2026, surfing on a Costa Rican beach, confirming a connection with the country that has been ongoing for the past few years.

The images were initially released by the American media outlet TMZ, which described the trip as a “family getaway.” In the photographs, Trump appears wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and black swimwear while attempting to ride the waves on a surfboard. On several occasions, she managed to stay upright and even performed the traditional “shaka” gesture associated with surf culture, although he also ended up in the water during some attempts.

The international magazine ¡HOLA! USA also covered the visit and noted that Trump, 44, used a longboard during the session. According to the publication, the photographs show an improvement in his skills: he managed to get up, maintain his balance, and continue trying to surf after several falls.

This is not, however, a recent hobby nor an isolated visit.


For several years, Costa Rica has become one of Ivanka Trump and her family’s frequent destinations, especially for the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula and the opportunities they offer for surfing, nature, and outdoor activities.

A relationship with Costa Rica that began years ago. Immigration records document at least four visits by Trump: February 2022, February 2023, March-April 2024, and April 2025, before last weekend’s appearance, which reinforced a trend that had already caught the attention of the Costa Rican tourism sector.

In 2025, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) included Ivanka Trump among more than 40 international figures who had visited Costa Rica between 2024 and the first months of 2025. Among the favorite destinations of this group were Tamarindo, Nosara, and Papagayo in Guanacaste; Santa Teresa in Puntarenas; La Fortuna in Alajuela; and Puerto Viejo in Limón.

The ICT highlighted at the time that celebrity posts and their subsequent reproduction in international media amplify the country’s exposure as a destination associated with nature, privacy, wellness, and outdoor activities.

Having stepped away from a formal White House position after serving as an advisor to her father between 2017 and 2021, Ivanka has maintained a relatively more private profile in recent years, focusing on her family. Costa Rica, meanwhile, appears time and again among her vacation destinations.

Now, four years after her trips to the country began to be regularly documented, Ivanka Trump returned to the same setting that has featured prominently in much of her Costa Rican vacation: the ocean, a surfboard, and the Pacific beaches.

 

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Proposed “express seizures” could face legal challenges

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Rico
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Créditos: Luis Madrigal/Delfino.cr (CC BY-SA)

Q COSTA RICA — The tax seizure landscape in Costa Rica is undergoing a major shift. If Laura Fernández’s government wants to carry out seizures in a matter of weeks, rather than years, and without a judge’s intervention, it must first amend the bill it submitted to the Legislative Assembly weeks ago.

Otherwise, the initiative risks infringing on constitutional guarantees, according to several tax experts consulted.

The experts have already identified several points in the bill that should be reviewed by the legislators, including the deadlines for appeals, the non-suspensive nature of certain objections, joint and several liability, and the rules for the auction and adjudication of assets.

“In the current bill, the initial request is not subject to appeal, even though it constitutes the act that initiates the execution process and announces the immediate seizure after fifteen days. That must change; likewise, the general appeal period is three days, which could prove insufficient in complex cases or when third parties and corporate structures are affected,” explained Fabio Salas, partner in Tax and Legal Services at Deloitte Costa Rica.

Another point that must be corrected to avoid unconstitutionality is related to joint and several liability. According to Salas, the bill would allow for this condition to be declared without a prior hearing, although with a subsequent three-day appeal period.

“This joint and several liability will be decreed by the body in charge of the enforcement proceedings through a reasoned resolution, which will be notified to the interested parties without the need for a prior hearing,” explained Salas, who considers it inappropriate that the people or companies involved cannot defend themselves in a timely manner.

In essence, the new law proposed by the government must guarantee that taxpayers have the right to defend themselves in a timely manner, according to Salas.

Assets Subject to Seizure

The bill proposed by Laura Fernández’s government would transfer the collection of tax debts to the administrative process, eliminating the need for a judge’s order to execute seizures.

The aim is to combat tax evasion, and the measure allows for action against a wide range of assets and property rights.

  • Cash and funds in financial institution accounts.
  • Salaries, wages, and pensions, within legal limits.
  • Loans, securities, and rights immediately or in the short term.
  • Amounts owed to the taxpayer by third parties, including outstanding payments to credit or debit card companies.
  • Revenue from public performances.
  • Other movable and semi-movable property.
  • Real estate.
  • Commercial or industrial establishments.
  • Loans, rights, and securities with long-term realizable value. Assets will be seized in the following order:
    – Cash or funds in accounts held at financial institutions.
    – Salaries, wages, and pensions.
    – Loans, negotiable instruments, securities, and rights realizable immediately or in the short term.
    – Sums of money owed to the taxpayer by third parties, including payments made with credit or debit cards.
  • The seizure would cover the principal and accrued interest, plus an additional 50% for future interest and costs. The bill requires seeking the assets that are easiest to sell and least burdensome for the debtor, and allows for a change in the order of seizure if the offered asset guarantees collection with equal effectiveness.
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In Latin America, Pegasus has been used to spy on journalists, activists, and politicians

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — The Pegasus software, created by Israeli government intelligence for espionage, has been used in Latin America to monitor journalists, activists, human rights defenders, and politicians. Among the countries where cases have been documented are Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, and Ecuador.

In Costa Rica, interest in this technology arose after government legislator Kattia Calvo stated in the plenary session that “Operation Pegasus has nothing to do with that,” when legislator Sigrid Segura questioned the government decree that declares all security-related actions, including public procurement, a state secret.

President Laura Fernández denied that the purchase of this software is being processed.

Mexico

Mexico is one of the countries in the region where the most cases related to Pegasus have been documented; at least 15,000 people were affected, according to Forbidden News.

According to an investigation by Citizen Lab and the Mexican digital rights organization Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales (R3D), new attacks against journalists, human rights defenders, and politicians were identified between 2019 and 2022.

Among those affected was journalist and writer Ricardo Raphael, who was targeted with Pegasus at least three times: in October and December 2019, and again in December 2020.

A journalist from Animal Político, whose identity was not revealed, was also attacked in June 2021.

Human rights defender Raymundo Ramos was the victim of at least three attacks between August and September 2020. Similarly, Agustín Basave, then an opposition congressman, was attacked between September 5 and 11, 2021.

These cases occurred after then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador assured the public that his government would not use Pegasus, given its history.

In 2017, Citizen Lab and other organizations published eight reports on Pegasus attacks in Mexico. Victims included investigative journalists, members of anti-corruption organizations, lawyers, legislators, and researchers. The partner of a journalist murdered in what was believed to be a cartel-related settling of accounts was also targeted.

Although the investigations could not conclusively determine who was behind the attacks, Citizen Lab noted that several of the victims were considered to be of interest to Mexican government agencies and organized crime groups.

El Salvador

In El Salvador, Citizen Lab and Access Now documented 35 cases of journalists and activists affected by Pegasus between July 2020 and November 2021.

Among those affected were journalists from media outlets such as El Faro, Gato Encerrado, La Prensa Gráfica, Revista Digital, Disruptiva, Diario El Mundo, and El Diario de Hoy, as well as freelance journalists. Members of organizations such as Fundación DTJ and Cristosal were also affected.

In one case, a device was reinfected with Pegasus more than 40 times.

Investigations did not determine who was behind the attacks. However, these occurred within a context of questioning regarding allegations of censorship, harassment, and attacks against journalists and civil society organizations during the administration of President Nayib Bukele.

Those affected were investigating and publishing information on matters sensitive to the administration, including an alleged pact between the government and a gang.

The attacks included sending text messages with links that, when opened by the victim, could allow the installation of the software. In some cases, victims were alerted by Apple through notifications directed to iPhone users.

Ecuador

In August of this year, media outlets reported two possible cases related to Pegasus in Ecuador.

One of them involved activist Gabriela Panchana, who reported receiving an alert on her iPhone warning her that she might be the victim of a spyware attack.

Fernando Cornejo, former president of Segura EP, received a similar alert. The former official reported via his X account that Apple notified him he had been targeted by an attack exhibiting characteristics associated with Pegasus.

Furthermore, in 2024, an investigation was launched in Ecuador to determine whether the government of President Daniel Noboa acquired the Israeli software Pegasus to spy on political opponents, journalists, and activists.

Colombia

At the beginning of this year, the then Minister of Justice, Andrés Idágarra, reported that his phone had been tapped with this software and pointed to the Ministry of Defense as responsible for the surveillance.

What is Pegasus?

Pegasus is software developed by the Israeli company NSO Group and marketed as a cyber intelligence tool for government agencies.

Pegasus can grant access to messages, photos, and location data, as well as activate a cell phone’s microphone and camera without the affected person having to open a link. The software can exploit security vulnerabilities to infiltrate the device without any user interaction.

In their investigations, these organizations have indicated that the use of Pegasus is part of a recurring pattern of using advanced technologies to obstruct or interfere with the work of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations.

They also warned that, in some cases, the attacks occur within a broader context of pressure against journalists and organizations investigating matters of public interest.

They point out that the concern lies in the fact that a free and independent press can serve as a counterweight to governments and powerful actors, and therefore the use of surveillance tools against journalists and opposition figures can have consequences for press freedom and the functioning of democratic societies.

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CARICATURE: A ¢9.5 billion budget cut helps organized crime and leaves the OIJ without money for major operations

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Rico
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0

Q COSTA RICA — The caricature published today by CRHoy.com perfectly captures how our former President and current Minister of Finance and Chief of Staff, Rodrigo Chaves, operates.

Rodrigo Chaves played it safe with the judicial budget while in the presidential chair, choosing not to cut funds because he worried it might damage his popularity.

Now that President Laura Fernández is in charge of those decisions, he doesn’t have to stress about losing voter support.

 

 

 

 

 

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IKEA will soon open its doors in Costa Rica, but don’t count on seeing those iconic giant stores

By
Rico
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0

Q COSTA RICA — IKEA hasn’t started operations in Costa Rica yet, despite some surprise on social media after the company announced its first three planned locations in Costa Rica.

But don’t count on seeing those iconic giant stores.

The first will be located within the Lindora Business Park in Santa Ana. This location will combine logistics services to support online and telephone sales with a planning and ordering area. Customers who purchase online will be able to pick up their products there.

At this location, customers will also be able to receive advice from Ikea on designing and organizing spaces in their homes.

Subsequently, the Swedish company plans to open two more locations: a compact store in Curridabat and a medium-sized store in Escazú. The latter will be developed in conjunction with a larger distribution center.

The implementation is part of a phased process. Online sales will be the first point of contact for customers.

The company said it will develop the large, iconic warehouse-type stores gradually.  However, did not provide any projected timelines.

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Signs of An Unhappy Expat In Costa Rica

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Rico
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RICO’s Q — This is a post from the Costa Rica Pura Vida Lifestyle Facebook page about Americans living in Costa Rica, titled “How to Spot an Expat Who’s Not Happy Being Here.”

“You can usually spot them. They’re the expat walking around Costa Rica looking like somebody stole their Wi-Fi, their air conditioning, and their last good pair of socks.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Costa Rica isn’t paradise every single day. There are traffic jams, bureaucracy, rainy afternoons, barking dogs, power outages, and the occasional encounter with a government office that makes you question every decision you’ve ever made.

But there’s a difference between adjusting to Costa Rica and being absolutely miserable about Costa Rica.

First, they complain about the weather. It’s too hot. It’s too rainy. It’s too humid. The sun is too bright. You’re standing in Costa Rica. What exactly were you expecting?

Second, they compare everything to “back home.” “Back home, they do it this way.” “Back home, the roads are better.” “Back home, the coffee is…” Stop right there. You moved. Costa Rica isn’t supposed to be back home. That was kind of the point.

Third, they have a serious relationship with their clock. Everything must happen at precisely 9:03. Costa Rica gently suggests, “Pura Vida.” They respond, “No. 9:03.” That relationship usually doesn’t end well.

Fourth, they get personally offended by bureaucracy. They walk into an office expecting logic, efficiency, and immediate results. Five hours later, they’re staring at a form they don’t understand, holding a number they don’t remember taking. Welcome to Costa Rica. Take a deep breath.

Fifth, they refuse to learn Spanish. They’ve been here six years. They know “hola,” “gracias,” and “cerveza.” Then they complain that nobody understands them. That’s not a Costa Rica problem. That’s a commitment problem.

Sixth, they only hang out with other unhappy expats. This one is dangerous. They sit around complaining about Costa Rica with other people who complain about Costa Rica. Soon they’re convinced the entire country is falling apart. Meanwhile, the Tico at the next table is laughing with his family over a plate of casado.

Seventh, they never slow down. They brought the American rat race with them. They work constantly. Rush constantly. Check their phones constantly. They moved thousands of miles to Costa Rica…and somehow brought their hamster wheel in their suitcase.

Eighth, they don’t make friends with Ticos. They know every American at the local sports bar but couldn’t tell you their neighbor’s name. One of the greatest gifts Costa Rica offers is its people. Miss that, and you’re missing a gigantic part of the experience.

Ninth, they are always waiting for Costa Rica to become something else. Better roads. Faster service. More American restaurants. More familiar systems. More of everything they left behind. At some point you have to ask yourself: If you wanted everything to be exactly like home…why did you leave home?

And tenth, they forgot why they came. This may be the biggest one. They came for the mountains. The ocean. The coffee. The monkeys screaming from the trees. The warm smiles. The afternoon rain. The little soda around the corner. The freedom to sit outside and watch the world go by. They came looking for a different way to live. And somewhere along the way, they started measuring Costa Rica against the life they were trying to escape.

Maybe that’s the real secret to being happy here. You don’t come to Costa Rica and demand that Costa Rica change for you. You change a little bit for Costa Rica. You learn to slow down. You learn to laugh at the things you can’t control. You learn that not everything needs to happen today. You learn that sometimes the best part of the day is sitting with a cup of coffee and having absolutely nowhere you need to be.

And eventually, something strange happens. You stop saying, “This isn’t how we did it back home.” And you start saying, “You know what? This is pretty damn good.” That’s when Costa Rica starts getting inside you. That’s when Pura Vida stops being something you say…and starts becoming something you feel.

Iris, who just celebrated her 74th birthday, sent this in to the Americans in Costa Rica Facebook page. She lives in La Fortuna de Carlos area and always has a smile on her face!

My story in brief

Next year marks three decades since I made Costa Rica my home. In just a few days, I’ll hit 70 and still feel strong. Judging by what I hear from friends still in Toronto—where I spent 33 years after my family moved there from Italy—I probably wouldn’t be in this good shape (healthwise) if I’d stayed there.

At first, it wasn’t easy. But I never regretted it for a second. Along the way, I was lucky to cross paths with some amazing people—even Americans—and I’m still close with some of those who are still standing.

Costa Rica is not for everyone

Living here can come with challenges that catch many off guard. The pace of life moves slower, which some find refreshing but others frustrating. Infrastructure can be hit or miss—though the old days of common power outages and patchy internet, especially outside the main cities, are gone, the traffic nightmare continues. Healthcare, while decent, varies in quality and often requires travel to larger towns for specialized treatment.

The cost of living has also crept up, driven by demand from foreigners, which we like to blame, making it less affordable than many expect. Add to that the bureaucratic hurdles for legal residency or business permits, and the dream can quickly turn complicated.

For those who can make it, Costa Rica offers incredible beauty and a unique lifestyle, but it demands patience, flexibility, and a readiness to embrace imperfection. It’s a place to love for some, and a place to move on from for others.

Pura Vida, Mae!

 

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5.3 Earthquake woke up the country

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Q COSTA RICA — A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck at 1:37 a.m. this Monday, August 24, according to a preliminary report from the Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN) — National Seismological Network.

Two minutes later, at 1:39 a.m., the second tremor occurred. This one reached a magnitude of 4.8 and had a depth of 10 kilometers.

The quake strongly shook Costa Rica’s Central Valley. On social media, users report that the tremor was prolonged in San José (Pavas, San Pedro, San Sebastián, Desamparados, Escazú, Santa Ana), Alajuela, Heredia, Guadalupe, and Sabanilla de Montes de Oca, Cartago, as well as in Turrialbla and Buenos Aires de Puntarenas

The epicenter was located 11 km north of Cascajal de Vázquez de Coronado, at a depth of 7 kilometres.

A total of 23 significant aftershocks have occurred between 1:37 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., confirmed by Lepolt Linkimer, the coordinating researcher of the RSN, in statements to Telenoticias.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) and local responders confirmed minor infrastructure impact

No injuries or casualties have been reported from the event.

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The internet no longer writes itself: artificial intelligence is behind 1 in 3 new texts

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Rico
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Q TECH — We still read the internet with an assumption inherited from another era: that behind every page there is a person who wrote it. That assumption has just been refuted by a measurement.

The Pew Research Center, the leading research center for digital trends, analyzed 490,000 English-language web pages from the last five years, taken from the Common Crawl archive, and ran them through Open Pangram, a tool for detecting automated writing.

The result: in the sample from July 2026, 9.6% of all pages show strong signs of having been written or extensively edited by AI.

The figure seems modest until you read the fine print. The internet has accumulated decades of material that no machine could have written. When Pew filters pages prior to November 2022, the month OpenAI launched ChatGPT, the number shifts dramatically: 35% of pages published since then show AI authorship or editing.

More than a third of the new web no longer comes from human hands, or not entirely.

The question was never whether AI would write the internet, but when we would stop noticing it. Pew’s data says that moment has already passed.

Artificial text is not evenly distributed. In the “.com” domains, the commercial ones, 9.4% of pages show signs of AI. In “.org” domains, half that figure is 4.6%. In academic (.edu) and government (.gov) domains, it’s barely 1% and 0.8%, respectively. When ChatGPT appeared, the four domains were at almost identical levels, all below 1.1%.

This gap is the most revealing finding of the study. Where there is an economic incentive to produce cheap volume, the machine writes. Where institutional reputation is at stake, the human resists. The adoption of AI in writing did not follow the technology: it followed the business model.

The machine has already changed how the internet sounds

The structure of online prose is undergoing a technical transformation: the increasing use of the em dash, the Oxford comma, and terms favored by models confirms that algorithmic style is becoming the dominant trend.

Pew also measured the linguistic footprint. Compared to 2023, the use of the em dash almost doubled: it went from 5.79 to 11.19 occurrences per 10,000 words.

The Oxford comma, the one that precedes the final conjunction in a list, increased by 63%. Models’ favorite words, like “delve” and “testament,” more than doubled their presence. And the “it’s not just X, it’s Y” structure nearly tripled.

The internet doesn’t just have more typed text: it sounds increasingly like a machine. Models’ style, honed on journalistic and academic prose, has become the dominant accent of the new web.

Artificial text abounds, but it doesn’t govern what we read

A previous study by the web positioning consultancy Graphite, confirmed by Axios, estimated that AI-generated articles would surpass 50% of new publications by the end of 2024. The same study provides a counterpoint: 86% of the articles appearing in Google search results are still human-authored, and chatbots cite human sources in 82% of cases.

The web is undergoing a constant rewriting process where the volume of machine-generated text already exceeds a third of new publications since the appearance of chatbots.

Volume is not visibility. The tide of synthetic text exists, but the systems that organize the web still filter it out. Pew rightly warns that no detector is infallible on individual documents: the value of these figures lies in the aggregate, not in judging a single text.

The key takeaway is this: half of American adults already use chatbots, and 24% use them daily.

Each of these uses leaves a residue on the web. Human-generated text published online has begun to behave like a scarce asset: increasingly rare, increasingly valuable to search engines, to readers, and to the very machines that need fresh human prose to train themselves.

The web isn’t dying. It’s rewriting itself, and those who still write by hand have, for the first time in two decades, a measurable advantage.

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From Venezuela to Peru: Why is South America experiencing so many earthquakes?

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Rico
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Q REPORTS — Peru once again looked to the ground with unease on Thursday when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook the Ayacucho region, reigniting a question that resonates throughout South America: why are large earthquakes such a recurring part of its recent history?

In less than two months, Venezuela—first—and Colombia—later—also experienced significant seismic activity.

The new earthquake was centered 35 kilometers north of Coracora, in the province of Parinacochas, and reached a depth of 108 kilometers, according to reports from the Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)—Geophysical Institute of Peru. In the first few hours, no fatalities or serious structural damage were reported, although there were reports of landslides in nearby areas.

The tremor occurred at 1:00 p.m. and was felt in several regions of southern Peru. According to official data from the IGP and the Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia Nacional (COEN)—National Emergency Operations Center, the earthquake was felt in Ayacucho, Arequipa, Cusco, Apurímac, Ica, and also in Lima, where the movement was felt most clearly in tall buildings.

The first images circulating on social media showed dust and landslides on slopes near rural communities, while authorities continued assessing vulnerable areas.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Ayacucho, reigniting concerns about large earthquakes in Peru

Why Peru is exposed to frequent and large earthquakes

The underlying explanation lies beneath the surface. Peru is located on one of the most active areas on the planet, the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast band that encircles the Pacific Ocean and concentrates most of the world’s seismic and volcanic activity.

This region accounts for 90% of the world’s earthquakes and more than half of the planet’s active volcanoes.

This geological condition does not mean that every tremor will result in a catastrophe, but it does explain the repetition of episodes of varying intensity throughout the year.

In the case of Peru, the main cause is the Nazca Plate pushing under the South American Plate.

Simply put, a portion of the ocean floor is sliding beneath the continent. This friction accumulates energy over years, and when it is suddenly released, it produces an earthquake.

This dynamic has a technical name: subduction. In everyday language, it is the process by which one tectonic plate descends beneath another. This mechanism explains why the western coast of South America is among the areas with the highest seismic risk on the planet.

The Pacific Ring of Fire concentrates the greatest seismic energy on the planet

Geologist Andrés Folguera, a professor at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and a researcher at CONICET, stated that “90% of the Earth’s earthquakes” occur in the Pacific Ring of Fire, in areas where the Pacific Ocean floor subducts beneath the continent.

Illustration of the Ring of Fire encircling the Pacific Ocean and running along the western coast of Latin America

Folguera explained that, in the case of South America, the Cocos, a geologically young oceanic tectonic plate located beneath the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of Central America and Mexico, Nazca, and Antarctic plates participate in this process along different sections of the Pacific margin. Put more simply, the continent’s coast faces a system of constantly moving plates. This friction is invisible, but it defines the risk map.

Scientist Jorge Rabassa, a geologist with a doctorate in Natural Sciences, reinforced this idea: “All the energy of earthquakes and volcanism is located there. Earthquakes and volcanoes have the same origin: the movement and rupture of geological structures.” This statement summarizes why the problem goes beyond a single event and is part of a structural condition of the region.

The Pacific Ring of Fire is not only notable for its seismic activity but also for harboring the largest number of volcanoes and supervolcanoes on the planet. According to the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, this region contains 687 volcanoes that registered activity during the Holocene, representing approximately 57% of the world’s active volcanoes.

The intense tectonic and volcanic activity of the region is also reflected in the monitoring and prevention systems developed by the most exposed countries, such as Japan, Chile, Mexico, and the United States, which have implemented evacuation protocols and strict building codes to reduce risks from extreme events.

The Ring of Fire encircles the Pacific Ocean and runs along the western coast of Latin America, from Chile to Canada, passing through countries such as Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States.

The key to the high seismic and volcanic activity of the Ring of Fire lies in the interaction of numerous tectonic plates. Among the main ones are the Pacific, Nazca, Cocos, Caribbean, North American, South American, Philippine, and Juan de Fuca plates.

In each region, these plates can collide, separate, or slide past each other, generating enormous amounts of stored energy. When the accumulated stress exceeds the resistance of the rocks, it is released suddenly, giving rise to earthquakes and, sometimes, tsunamis if the seismic movement vertically displaces the seabed.

Most of the world’s earthquakes occur near tectonic plate boundaries. The Pacific Ring of Fire is the main stage for this dynamic, as it is where subduction zones, faults, and divergent and convergent plate boundaries are concentrated.

What happened in Ayacucho and what Peruvian authorities said

Thursday’s earthquake reached an intensity of level III-IV in Coracora, according to the IGP (Geophysical Institute of Peru). This scale does not measure the energy released, but rather how the movement is perceived on the surface and what effects it can have on people, homes, and infrastructure. In this case, initial reports described a strong, prolonged event that was felt across a wide area of ​​the country, although damage was limited in the first few hours.

Authorities ruled out the possibility of a tsunami.

This clarification proved crucial because many earthquakes along the Pacific coast generate immediate alarm due to the risk of large waves. On this occasion, the depth of the event and its initial characteristics directed the official assessment toward landslides and localized damage to rural homes.

Hernando Tavera also indicated that Coracora had not reported any loss of life or severe structural damage at the time of the initial assessments. Even so, monitoring teams maintained vigilance in unstable and difficult-to-access areas, where ground movements often occur after the main tremor.

Seismic History in Peru and the Challenge of Living with Risk

Recent history shows that Peru lives with this threat recurrently. In July, the Junín region suffered a series of tremors up to magnitude 5.4 that left five dead, hundreds homeless, and dozens of homes destroyed. Before that, the most devastating earthquake in recent decades was the 2007 Ica earthquake, a magnitude 7.9 quake that caused around 500 deaths and extensive material losses.

This history explains why each new earthquake triggers not only emergency operations but also a public debate about prevention, building quality, and response capacity. Pacific Rim countries like Japan, Chile, Mexico, and Peru itself have developed monitoring systems, building codes, and evacuation protocols to reduce the impact of future events.

Monitoring continues in Ayacucho and the areas near the epicenter, where authorities are working to determine the true extent of the landslides reported this Thursday. Beneath this unstable surface, the interaction of tectonic plates remains active, keeping Peru within one of the geological zones with the highest seismic risk in the world.

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Laura Fernández suspends meeting with Supreme Powers after Supreme Court announces non-attendance

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Laura Fernández announced the cancellation of the meeting scheduled for this Friday with the heads of the Legislative Assembly and the Supreme Court, after the Chief Justice, Orlando Aguirre Gómez, on Thursday, publicly announced that he would not attend.

The meeting was to take place this Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Casa Presidencial and was also to be attended by the President of the Legislative Assembly, Yara Jiménez.

Among his arguments, Aguirre stated that the proposed mechanism for the meeting was “inconvenient” because the meeting should be a space for sharing common problems, information, and coordinating efforts, not for setting deadlines and evaluating the Judiciary.

“Given the refusal of the President of the Supreme Court of Justice to establish a channel of dialogue to resolve urgent security issues, the meeting of the heads of the Supreme Powers, originally scheduled for this Friday, is suspended,” reads the statement issued by the Presidency.

Security Roadmap

President Fernández had stated that the meeting was convened to define a roadmap for security matters. The president announced that the meeting would be broadcast live on social media as a way to “guarantee transparency.”

Aguirre had already stated that he considered it essential to resume dialogue between branches of government, but that this would take place under conditions of respect for jurisdiction, in good faith, and with clear rules.

Meanwhile, President Fernández had acknowledged that the meeting would be held amidst a “tense” situation.

The relationship between the judiciary and Fernández had been strained since the President took office in May, with the situation escalating when Fernández and her administration sharply accused four justices from the Constitutional Chamber (Sala Cuarta) of attempting a “coup d’etat”.

The conflict began when the court ruled to temporarily extend the terms of substitute justices to keep the judiciary running smoothly. The executive branch and the ruling Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) claimed this move sidestepped the Legislative Assembly’s sole authority to appoint magistrates, pushing political tensions to an unprecedented level.

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Costa Rica’s ruling Party refuses to condemn statements by official who said they had “identified” opposition

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — Costa Rica’s ruling party, Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), refused to issue a public condemnation from the Legislative Assembly of statements made by Justice and Peace Minister Gabriel Aguilar, in which he revealed that he has identified opposition members who criticize the “Zero Idleness” plan of Laura Fernández’s government.

Opposition members of parliament presented the motion for the legislature to condemn Aguilar’s statements, which they claim confirm the persecution of critical sectors. Furthermore, the legislators believe the minister’s statements confirm the use of personal data for intimidation and political persecution.

The opposition legislators’ initiative failed with 28 votes against it, 27 from the PPSO and one from the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), while the majority of the PLN supported the motion along with the Frente Amplio, the Coalición Agenda Ciudadana (CAC) and the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC).

In statements made by Aguilar at Casa Presidencial, the official stated that even the “closeted leftists” had already been identified for criticizing the “Cero Ocio” (Zero Idleness) plan and that they had already realized that they had met “one day.”

“For all these abolitionists who talked so much nonsense that this was just a passing fad. These leftists, some still in the closet, whom we’ve already identified and who met one of these days,” were Aguilar’s words.

Pueblo Soberano defends the statements

In defense of the minister, the legislative leader of the PPSO, Juan Manuel Quesada, said that Aguilar’s statements referred to the “communists” in the opposition who participated in the civic protest, the “plantón” in defense of Costa Rica’s Judiciary, thus discrediting the accusations of persecution.

However, the leader of the Frente Amplio party, José María Villalta, condemned Aguilar’s statements, considering them intimidating and confirming the persecution of political adversaries.

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Daniel Ortega regime will launch a platform to spy on Nicaraguans

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Rico
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Q24N  — Cameras, drones, and robot dogs are the key elements of China’s surveillance center in Nicaragua that the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo will inaugurate this Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Managua.

The surveillance and monitoring facility is located in Centro Momotombo and financed by China for more than US$42 million dollars, in a country where social control and the persecution of critical voices are already part of the exercise of power.

By 2025, Nicaragua had announced 11 loans from China totaling approximately US$1.5 billion, although the actual disbursements were much lower. This context makes the new center particularly relevant due to its cost and the opacity surrounding the agreements between Nicaragua and China.

The new center will be administered by the regime without independent oversight and with a history of political surveillance of journalists, opposition members, civil organizations, and citizens who express critical views.

The regime presented the surveillance center as a platform for disaster prevention and will incorporate surveillance cameras, drones, robotic dogs, seismic and volcanic stations, and emergency alert systems. The infrastructure will be able to collect and transmit information in real time.

According to official information cited by Centroamérica 360, the center will have 97 seismic measurement instruments, 25 volcano monitoring stations, 20 river monitoring points, and 172 smart speaker systems. It will also incorporate aerial and robotic technology.

The dictatorship maintains that the platform will serve to anticipate earthquakes, eruptions, hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies. The central question, according to the publication, is not limited to the available technology, but rather who manages it and under what controls it operates.

This technological expansion coincides with increased control over neighborhoods and communications.

In Nicaragua, there are no independent institutions capable of overseeing the regime. In 2025, Daniel Ortega called for strengthening “revolutionary surveillance” in neighborhoods to persecute those the regime considers opponents.

This political orientation was combined in 2024 with new telecommunications legislation that expanded state powers to control digital content and communications. In this context, the incorporation of technology capable of observing, recording, and transmitting data in real time takes on a dimension that extends beyond emergency management.

China’s Role in Technological Expansion

The relationship with China adds another layer of opacity. Since the reestablishment of diplomatic ties in December 2021, Nicaragua has made China a strategic partner in infrastructure, telecommunications, energy, and technology.

This rapprochement has progressed with little public information on contracts, costs, financial terms, and disbursements. Independent investigations, cited by the media outlet, detected discrepancies between the loans announced by the regime and those recorded in official statistics.

China has financed or committed to projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars, while much of the financial detail remains confidential. In this context, the Momotombo center appears as a new piece of an alliance in which access to infrastructure, technology, and credit coincides with the progressive closure of spaces for transparency and accountability in Nicaragua.

The lack of public information about the contracts, the exact capabilities of the system, and the guarantees to prevent uses other than emergency care leaves unanswered what independent mechanisms will prevent a technology presented to protect the population from expanding the surveillance capacity of a State that has already demonstrated its willingness to use it against its critics.

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Costa Rica signs alliance with Google to bring AI to education, health, and security

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Rico
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Q COSTA RICA — The government of Laura Fernández announced it signed a collaboration agreement with Google to incorporate technology and artificial intelligence (AI) tools in areas such as education, health, and security, as part of the digital transformation strategy promoted by the new administration.

The alliance was presented during the accountability report on the first 100 days of the administration, an event attended by Ana Recalde, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Google; Paula Bogantes, Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications; President Laura Fernández and the Second Vice President, Douglas Soto

The Executive Branch presented the agreement as one of its main alliances with the technology sector and stated that it seeks to put technology at the service of the population by strengthening collaboration between the Costa Rican government and one of the world’s leading technology companies.

“We are going to put technology and artificial intelligence at the service of the people of Costa Rica,” it was announced during the presentation of the agreement.

The initiative, as explained during the event, aims to facilitate the use of technological solutions in different sectors of the public sector.

Ana Recalde, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Google (left), stated that the company will collaborate with the country in its digital transformation process. Credit: Casa Presidencial

Google focuses on education and health

During her remarks, Ana Recalde highlighted the government’s focus on digital transformation and assured that the company will collaborate in various areas.

“Ms. Laura’s great vision regarding the entire digital transformation of the country. Through technology and with Google, we will be able to provide all these services in the different areas that Ms. Laura already mentioned, such as education and health,” Recalde stated.

Recalde also assured that Google’s participation will be aimed at supporting processes that can contribute to improving the quality of life of Costa Ricans.

“It’s a pleasure, and you can count on us for all this innovation and this transformation process,” she added.

The agreement comes at a time when various public administrations around the world have begun to incorporate artificial intelligence-based tools into administrative processes and services aimed at citizens.

In the case of Costa Rica, Fernández assured that her administration intends to accelerate this transformation and maintained that it is a commitment made during the election campaign.

Fernández: “Artificial intelligence is not the future, it is the present”

The president dedicated a subsequent speech to explaining the significance her government attaches to the alliance.

Fernández stated that since the beginning of his administration, a strategy has been in place to intensify the use of digital tools within the government.

“From day one, in fulfillment of my promise, as outlined in my government plan, I have made a firm commitment to digital transformation and the intensive use of artificial intelligence to improve the quality of public services that Costa Ricans receive,” she affirmed.

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