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Showing posts from June, 2025

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel for both tourists and residents. This innovative leap forward comes as a result of a landmark partnership between Eve Air Mobility, Aerosolutions, and Bluenest by Globalvia. The agreement, announced in June, includes the potential sale of up to 50 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Eve Air Mobility. These futuristic vehicles are designed for short, efficient trips and will be supported by Eve’s TechCare services, which provide comprehensive support for operations, maintenance, and customer experience. The partnership aims to create an advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem in Costa Rica, focusing initially on the Pacific coast—particularly the province of Guanacaste, known for its beaches, eco-lodges, and popularity with international tourists. The planned routes will connect airpor...

Life After MS-13 in El Salvador as Residents Seek a Fragile Peace

Esperanza Martinez lost three relatives who were murdered and saw numerous bodies left in the streets of her neighborhood, a former stronghold of the notorious MS-13 street gang in El Salvador. While she has lived more peacefully lately, she remains on alert: gang members are “hidden, but still there,” she whispered. The 10 de Octubre neighborhood of San Marcos near the Salvadoran capital has been transformed in the three years since President Nayib Bukele launched a “war” on gangs that had made the Central American nation one of the most violent in the world. Today, at lunchtime, buyers bustle in front of market stalls, a motorcyclist makes food deliveries, and a woman sits in the back of a dilapidated pickup truck selling slushies. It is a scene that was unthinkable just a few years ago, when no intruders were tolerated in the vast areas of El Salvador controlled by Mara Salvatrucha — commonly known as MS-13 — and rival gang Barrio 18. “Many people entered here and never left. I s...

Costa Rica Pushes USA to the Brink but Falls in Penalty Heartbreak

If you just caught the end of the USA vs. Costa Rica Gold Cup quarterfinal, you probably feel like you need another cup of coffee—and maybe a moment to catch your breath. The match, which wrapped up just about half an hour ago, ended in a dramatic penalty shootout after a wild 2-2 draw in regulation. The United States came out on top, 4-3 on penalties, and now moves on to the semifinals. The game started with Costa Rica looking sharp. In the 12th minute, Francisco Calvo put them ahead from the penalty spot, coolly slotting home after a foul in the box. The early goal set the tone for a tense first half, but the USA gradually found their rhythm. Just before halftime, Diego Luna scored his first international goal to level the match, sending the teams into the break at 1-1. The second half kicked off with the USA taking the lead almost immediately. Max Arfsten, another young American, made it 2-1 with his first goal for the national team in the 47th minute. For a while, it looked like ...

Fishing, Wildlife, and History in Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado is a magical and charming town. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems, best known for its world-class sport fishing, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural roots. Once a thriving village built on the backs of the fishing, timber, and banana industries, Barra has now shifted to eco-tourism and sport fishing. Barra’s Rich Cultural History For longtime residents like Don Francisco and Don Guillermo, the memories of an emerging bustling community, are vivid. “This place worked 24 hours a day for 15 years straight,” they recalled. At its peak, the village had multiple sawmills and a steady flow of boats shipping timber and bananas to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the United States. The area first became populated in the mid-20th century by Nicaraguan and Colombian migrants, many of whom stayed after failed canal projects or maritime misfortunes. The economic decline began after the Cuban Revolution, when Cuban businessmen pulled out and left unfinished ventures b...

Utrecht University in Netherlands invites applications for vacant (24) PhD and Postdoctoral Scholarships

Utrecht University in Netherlands invites application for vacant PhD and Postdoctoral Scholarships, a university in Utrecht, one of

Hondurans March to Mark 2009 Coup as Election Battle Heats Up

Thousands of government supporters marched Saturday in the capital of Honduras to commemorate the anniversary of the 2009 coup that ousted then-leftist President Manuel Zelaya, the husband of current President Xiomara Castro. The gathering also served as a political rally for former Defense Minister Rixi Moncada, the presidential candidate for the left-wing Libertad y Refundación (Libre) party in the upcoming November 30 election. Zelaya, who had taken office in 2006, was ousted by a civic-military alliance that accused him of seeking re-election outside the bounds of the Constitution to implement Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s “21st Century Socialism.” Chávez died in 2013 . “I came because we’re commemorating the coup that set our country back,” said Juan Carlos Izcoa, a 54-year-old construction worker, during the march to the Presidential Palace. He added that the march represents “popular resistance to prevent future coups.” In January, three retired generals were arrested fo...

Costa Rica Green Hotels Lead Global Sustainable Tourism

Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism grows stronger every year, with our green hotels setting a high bar for eco-conscious hospitality worldwide. With over a quarter of our country protected and alot of our energy coming from renewables, it has woven environmental care into our vitally important tourism industry. With this in mind, hotels across Costa Rica are stepping up, blending luxury with practices that cut carbon footprints, protect ecosystems, and lifting local communities. From rainforest lodges to beachfront retreats, these properties show how tourism can support conservation and social good. Take Nayara Resorts in Arenal, where sustainability shapes every detail. Jonathan Rojas, the resort’s Client Relations & Marketing Manager, says they’ve planted 3,000 trees, including Guarumo, a favorite of Costa Rica’s iconic sloths. “We’re building a sanctuary for wildlife while supporting local growth,” Rojas said. The resort aids reforestation in Arenal Nat...

Bergen University in Norway invites application for vacant (17) PhD and Postdoctoral Positions

Bergen University in Norway invites application for vacant PhD and Postdoctoral Positions, a public university located in Bergen,

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest region bordering Guatemala. Security Minister Gustavo Sánchez announced the haul, which came from a joint operation by the Armed Forces, National Police, and prosecutors targeting Mexican and Colombian cartels that use Honduras as a cocaine highway from South America to the U.S. The operation netted 10 war rifles of various calibers, four pistols—two decked out in gold—two telescopic sights, 19 rifle magazines, four pistol magazines, and heaps of ammunition. Videos shared showed stacks of cash and the glitzy weapons, symbols of cartel wealth. Sánchez said two people were arrested, though he kept their names under wraps. The seizure took place in Copán’s drug trafficking corridor, a hotspot for moving cocaine and, since 2017, growing coca to produce paste locally, cutting cartel costs. Honduras has long grappled with violence fueled...

A Costa Rica Love Story: From Rustic Cabina to Separate Dreams

My Tica wife and I have been together for over a quarter century. When we met, I was living a simple life here. Three days a week I baked breads , cookies and pizza rolls and three days a week I sold them. I was my own boss, and as this was pre-electronic factura, every colón I made was mine. My sales were mostly at the beach and I typically finished my selling around noon on Saturday, which gave me a nice mini-vacation on the beautiful Costa Rican coastline until it was time to return to the oven on Monday. I was never going to get rich but was enjoying my life at my pace in a place that was still a few years away from entering the mass tourism phase. My wife came from an old Costa Rica background—big family, big farm in a remote area of the Osa Peninsula, kids sleeping three to a bed. The house was uninsulated and very hot during the long, steamy days. Her parents worked the farm and her father was a classic hunter-gatherer, the jungles and rivers his workplace from where he brought...

Sacred Heart University in Luxembourg invites applications for vacant (55) Academic Positions

Sacred Heart University in Luxembourg invites applications for vacant Academic Positions, The Luxembourg branch of the College of

Costa Rica Joins U.S. Global Entry, Easing Travel for Tourists

Costa Rica took a big step forward, by officially joining the U.S. Global Entry program, a move set to make travel smoother for Costa Ricans and Americans alike. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sealed the deal during a visit to San José’s Presidential House, signing an agreement alongside Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves. The program, known since 2023 as the Trusted Traveler Program, lets pre-approved, low-risk travelers breeze through immigration at 53 U.S. airports and select international checkpoints. Noem didn’t hold back on what this means for Costa Rica, where tourism drives 6.3% of the economy. “We signed the Global Entry agreement today,” she said at a press conference. “Your economy leans heavily on tourism, with tons of Americans coming to kick back. This will speed up their entry, making travel easier.” With 2.75 million tourists in 2023—half the country’s population—the agreement is a game-changer for Costa Rica, especially for U.S. visitors who flock to i...

Thompson Rivers University in Canada invites applications for vacant (149) Research and Academic Positions

Thompson Rivers University in Canada invites applications for vacant Postdoc and Faculty Positions, a public teaching and research

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 Closing Event Bans Minors, Sparks Outrage

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 closing event, set for June 29 at San José’s Plaza de la Democracia, was thrown into controversy when the government banned anyone under 18 from attending. Just days before the celebration, the Ministry of Justice and Peace’s Commission for the Control and Qualification of Public Spectacles reclassified the event—previously approved for all ages—as 18-only, citing “inappropriate attire” and “sexualized expressions.” The decision has sparked outrage among organizers and activists, who call it a direct attack on LGBTIQ+ rights. Pride Costa Rica, the group behind the event, held a press conference to slam the move. “The government stripped the ‘family event’ label from our closing show, effectively blocking minors from joining,” they said. They labeled the ban as censorship that undermines the visibility and dignity of diverse youth. The event, featuring national artists, was meant to cap the annual Pride March , a protest and celebration of human rights that draw...

Costa Rica’s President Chaves Accused of Illicit Campaign Financing

On Monday, Costa Rica’s Prosecutor’s Office formally accused President Rodrigo Chaves along with six high-ranking officials and pro-government legislators of allegedly engaging in illicit financing during the 2022 electoral campaign, according to an official statement. The accusation centers on claims that Chaves and his circle used “two parallel structures” to finance the campaign of the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD). This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the branches of government. President Chaves has accused the Prosecutor’s Office, the Supreme Court, and the Legislative Assembly of blocking his reform efforts. Meanwhile, leaders of those institutions accuse Chaves of authoritarian tendencies. The Prosecutor’s Office submitted the charges to the Supreme Court, including a request to lift the constitutional immunity (fuero) of the seven officials and initiate a criminal trial for their alleged involvement in illegal political financing. Among those named ...

Assassinated in Exile: Roberto Samcam Laid to Rest in Costa Rica

To the cry of “justice,” the remains of retired Nicaraguan Army Major Roberto Samcam, a staunch critic of the Daniel Ortega government who was assassinated Thursday in Costa Rica, were buried Sunday in a cemetery in the capital, San José. Samcam, 66, was killed by eight gunshots fired by hitmen who broke into his home in Moravia, in the northeastern part of San José, where he had been exiled since 2018. His coffin, taken to a cemetery in San José, was draped with the flags of Nicaragua and Spain, the latter having granted him nationality in 2023 after the Ortega government stripped him of his Nicaraguan citizenship, as it did with hundreds of other dissidents. “We are deeply grateful to the Costa Rican authorities and the U.S. State Department for their swift condemnation of our father’s murder and their willingness to assist Costa Rican authorities in achieving justice,” said Gabriel Samcam, one of the former officer’s sons. He called for identifying both the “material” and “intell...

Mexican Influencer “El Arturito” Falls for Costa Rican Cuisine at Silvestre

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Arturo Lemmen, a Mexican food critic known as “ El Arturito ” to his social media fans, used to think Costa Rican cuisine was nothing to write home about. That all changed during a recent trip to San José’s Silvestre restaurant, where a “secret” tasting menu left him raving about the country’s flavors. At Silvestre , in the historic Barrio Amón, Lemmen dove into a culinary journey guided by an illustrated map of Costa Rica that came alive with each dish, tying flavors to the nation’s landscapes and culture. The meal kicked off with pejibaye chips and mayonnaise, paired with a crisp Pilsen beer—his pick over the popular Imperial. A Tico maule, a house cocktail with Cacique, followed, which he called “super tasty.” The first dish, a yucca croquette with plantain jelly and ayote, blew him away. “It’s like a painting,” he said, noting its nod to a Costa Rican artist and its sunrise-like flavors. Lemmen’s enthusiasm grew with every course. A sardine croquette and a tostada crafted from fi...

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden invites applications for vacant (45) PhD, Research and Faculty Positions

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden invites application for vacant PhD, Postdocs and Faculty Positions, a workplace

Ryerson University in Canada invites applications for vacant (26) Research and Academic Positions

Ryerson University in Canada invites application for vacant Research and Academic Positions, a public research university in Toronto,

Internet Cut in Panama Near Costa Rica Border Amid Bocas del Toro Unrest

Panamanian authorities suspended internet and mobile phone services on Saturday in the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro, following President José Raúl Mulino’s declaration of a state of emergency after nearly two months of protests against his government , according to official sources. On Friday, Mulino suspended the rights to assembly and free movement in the region, where protest groups caused damage to the airport, several businesses, and government offices, and continued blocking roads. The National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) announced on social media platform X that, based on the emergency decree, “a temporary suspension of mobile and residential internet service in the province of Bocas del Toro has been coordinated until June 25.” ASEP clarified that internet access remains available for health services, businesses, and government entities. The demonstrations, which began almost two months ago and turned violent on Thursday, have resulted in one death, more than...

OIJ Warns: Costa Rica Now a Key Warehouse for Drug Lords

Costa Rica’s recent drug busts, with tons of cocaine and marijuana seized across the country, shine a harsh light on its deepening role in global drug trafficking. What was once a quiet transit point has morphed into a key warehouse for international cartels, fueled by the country’s geography and strained police resources. The Judicial Investigation Agency ( OIJ ) and Public Security Ministry warn that these massive seizures are only scratching the surface of a much larger problem. Michael Soto, OIJ’s deputy director, says this isn’t a new issue. “Costa Rica’s location, smack between South American cocaine producers and big markets like the U.S. and Europe, makes us a natural hub for distribution,” he said. The country sits in the heart of a trafficking corridor, with cartels exploiting its position to store and move drugs. But geography isn’t the only factor. Soto points to a lack of resources across police forces, leaving borders and coasts vulnerable. “We struggle to protect our te...

Ontario University in Canada invites applications for vacant (14) Academic Positions

Ontario University in Canada invites application for vacant Academic Positions, Ontario Tech University is the brand name used

Costa Rica’s Film Festival Kicks Off with a New Vision

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San José is lighting up for the 13th Costa Rica International Film Festival (CRFIC), running June 19–29, 2025, with filmmaker Patricia Velásquez Guzmán taking the reins for the first time. A festival veteran who’s been involved since its early days in the 2010s, Guzmán is shaking things up while keeping the focus on bold, independent cinema. “I know this festival inside out, so I see where we can do better,” Guzmán said. She’s prioritizing younger audiences without skimping on quality, programming 64 films across 87 screenings in 12 venues. Expect festival hits like Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” and the quirky “Lesbian Space Princess,” alongside strands like Generation Alpha, diving into youth experiences, and Year 13, showcasing genre flicks like “Bitter Gold.” Regional Reach and Women’s Voices Guzmán’s big push is making CRFIC a hub for Central America and the Caribbean. “Forming alliances makes us stronger,” she said. The festival’s feature and short film competitions...

Panama Vows Constitutional Action Amid Worsening Bocas del Toro Unrest

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino announced Thursday that he will take “constitutional measures” to stop the wave of protests and road blockades affecting the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro for more than a month. The measures—unspecified for now—will be announced after a Cabinet meeting on Friday at 2:00 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT), according to a brief message from the president on his X account. The protests have resulted in one death, more than 50 arrests, and at least 30 injuries, including several police officers, according to official figures. “We’ve been dealing with this for almost 60 days,” said Deputy Security Minister Luis Felipe Icaza during a press conference earlier in the day, stressing the need to clear the blockades in Bocas del Toro. Mulino’s announcement follows renewed clashes between protesters and police in the province, where around 1,300 officers have been trying since Saturday to reopen several roads blocked by demonstrators. Protesters have erected ...

Nicaraguan Critic Roberto Samcam Assassinated in Costa Rica

A retired Nicaraguan army officer and outspoken critic of the Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo government was shot dead Thursday in Costa Rica, where he was living in exile. Major Roberto Samcam, 66, was gunned down by unknown assailants Thursday morning in the condominium where he lived in a suburb of San José. Nicaraguan exile activists hold the Ortega-Murillo regime responsible for the killing. “This news hit me hard, we never expected this,” said his daughter Samantha Jirón, who lives in Madrid. “Roberto was a powerful voice,” said his wife, Claudia Vargas, through tears. She said he “never did anything wrong” and worked to expose “human rights violations in Nicaragua and denounce what was happening in the country.” Costa Rica’s Red Cross dispatched an advanced life support unit to Samcam’s residence in Moravia but confirmed he showed no vital signs. The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) later identified him and confirmed his identity. “We strongly condemn the cold-blooded mur...

The University of Buffalo in the United States invites application for vacant (30) Postdoctoral Positions

The University of Buffalo in the United States invites application for vacant Postdoctoral Positions, a public research university

The University of Buffalo in the United States invites application for vacant (185) Postdoc and Academic Positions

The University of Buffalo in the United States invites application for vacant Postdoc and Academic Positions, a public

Costa Rica Defeats Dominican Republic 2–1 in Gold Cup Thriller

Costa Rica battled hard but came out on top with a 2–1 victory over the Dominican Republic in their second Group A match of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, played Wednesday in Arlington, Texas. The win brings them closer to the quarterfinals. Dominican player Joao Urbáez opened the scoring in the 16th minute, while Manfred Ugalde, one of Costa Rica’s rising stars, equalized from the penalty spot in the 44th minute. Josimar Alcócer sealed the 2–1 result for the Central Americans with a goal in the 85th minute at AT&T Stadium, putting Los Ticos atop the group with a perfect record after two matches. Urbáez’s goal came from a rebound in the six-yard box after former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas blocked but failed to control a shot. The equalizer came when Jimmy Kaparos fouled Alonso Martínez inside the box, and Ugalde calmly converted the penalty. Later, Alcócer fired a powerful right-footed shot from inside the area, assisted by Ugalde, setting off celebrations among Costa Rica...

Volaris Launches New Costa Rica Flights to Miami, Orlando, and Tulum

Volaris Airlines just rolled out three new direct routes from San José, Costa Rica, to Miami and Orlando, Florida, and Tulum, Mexico. These flights, kicking off in July, aim to make travel cheaper and easier, using one of Latin America’s newest fleets. New Routes, Low Fares The flights start July 1 with daily service to Orlando, July 2 with four weekly flights to Tulum (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays), and July 4 with four weekly flights to Miami (Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays). Volaris is offering one-way tickets to Miami and Tulum from $79 plus taxes , and Orlando from $89 plus taxes. These fares make it a steal for travelers eyeing these popular spots. Volaris is the only ultra-low-cost airline flying direct from San José to Miami and Orlando, going up against bigger players like American Airlines and Avianca for Miami, and JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit for Orlando. The Tulum route is a first, connecting Costa Rica directly to this popular Mexican destination. ...

Bahía Papagayo Project Clears Hurdle as Court Rejects Environmental Appeal

A $925 million tourism development in Guanacaste is pushing forward after Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court dismissed an appeal challenging its environmental approval. The Bahía Papagayo project, set to bring hotels and jobs to Playa Panamá, has sparked debate over balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Court Rejects Appeal Activist Gad Amit Kaufman, representing the Asociación Confraternidad Guanacasteca, filed the appeal to halt the project, arguing that the National Environmental Technical Secretariat ( Setena ) failed to properly consult the public. Kaufman cited a developer’s survey showing 88% of locals were unaware of the project, claiming it broke environmental rules. On May 31, 2025, the Constitutional Court (Sala IV) rejected the appeal under resolution 2025-016284. The justices found that Setena followed the law by publishing the Environmental Impact Assessment in a national newspaper, with no public objections or requests for a hearing. They ruled that...

The Università della Svizzera italiana in Switzerland invites applications for vacant (19) PhD, Postdoctoral and Academic Positions

The Università della Svizzera italiana in Switzerland invites application for vacant PhD, Postdoc and Academic Positions, a public

Cornell University in United States invites applications for vacant (50) Postdoctoral and Academic Positions

Cornell University in United States invites application for vacant Postdoctoral and Academic Positions, a private and statutory Ivy

How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Healthcare in Costa Rica

Artificial intelligence is changing the game for healthcare in Costa Rica. It’s helping doctors predict illnesses, make better decisions, and use resources more effectively. This is especially important in a country where the healthcare system often struggles with long wait times and limited access to care. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), which runs the public healthcare system, is under a lot of strain. Years of mismanagement have left it stretched thin, with patients sometimes waiting months for appointments or surgeries. Massimo Manzi, head of the Costa Rican Chamber of Health, sees AI as a way to rethink how care is delivered. “It’s about using technology to predict diseases, speed up diagnoses, and manage resources better,” he said. One standout example is the Clorito Picado Clinic, where AI tools are being used to keep tabs on patients with diabetes. These tools analyze data to spot potential issues early, helping doctors step in before things get worse. Private c...

Costa Rica Debates Sustainable Redevelopment of Crucitas Region

The Frente Amplio party has introduced a bold new bill in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly aimed at transforming Crucitas, an area historically associated with illegal mining, state abandonment, and environmental degradation, into a model of sustainable development. The bill proposes the creation of a  Sustainable Development Pole  in the Northern Huetar Region. Its aim is to move away from extractive activities and promote a new vision based on low-impact industries, ecological restoration, education, and research. Supporters argue that the initiative offers a viable, long-term alternative for local communities that doesn’t rely on the destructive exploitation of natural resources. A central element of the proposal is the creation of the Crucitas International Environmental Geopark, which would protect forested areas around the Fortuna and Botija hills and house a  Natural and Historical Museum . The geopark would highlight the area’s ecological, geological, and ...

U.S. Warns Americans to Avoid Nicaragua Amid Authoritarian Risks

The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to skip travel to Nicaragua due to increasing authoritarianism that puts tourists at risk. The Level 3 travel advisory, active since December 2024, points to arbitrary law enforcement, possible wrongful detentions, and limited healthcare, making the country a dangerous destination despite its budget-friendly appeal compared to Costa Rica. Nicaragua’s low costs, unspoiled beaches, and draws like surfing and birdwatching have earned positive travel coverage, but U.S. officials held a briefing recently, to push back against the hype. They warned that the authoritarian regime creates serious hazards for travelers, including unpredictable legal actions and restricted freedoms. The advisory highlights harsh prison conditions, opaque judicial processes, and politically driven arrests, especially targeting those tied to nonprofits, religious groups, or journalism. Since 2018, over 5,300 civil society groups have been shut down, and U.S. citizen...

University of Phoenix in United States invites applications for vacant (12) Academic positions

University of Phoenix in United States invites application for vacant Faculty and Academic positions, University of Phoenix is

The Hidden Costs of Living in Costa Rica: Tariffs, Monopolies, and More

‘Tariffs’ is one of the buzzwords of 2025. Defined as taxes imposed by one country on goods imported from another country, tariffs are essentially trade barriers that raise prices and reduce available quantities of goods and services for businesses and consumers. They are also meant to create an economic burden on foreign exporters. This in theory will then encourage and stimulate production within the country applying the tariffs. Costa Rica is tariff-crazy. I am no economist, but there are interesting anomalies in product pricing within our country. For example: A six pack of Imperial is cheaper in Colorado than in the carry out down the street in my barrio. Conversely, a variety of off-brand (but good quality) beers from Spain and Denmark are available in my local supermarket at about half the price of the locally brewed beers. How is that possible? Monteverde cheese , produced and packaged in that same cloud forest area of Costa Rica, is cheaper across the board in Panama than he...

Former Nicaraguan President Violeta Chamorro Dies in San José at 95

Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, Nicaragua’s first female president and a key figure in ending her country’s civil war, passed away peacefully this morning in San José, Costa Rica, at the age of 95. Her family announced her death in a statement shared by her son, Carlos Fernando Chamorro, noting that she was surrounded by loved ones at her apartment. Chamorro’s death marks the end of a remarkable life that left a lasting impact on Central America, and her final years in Costa Rica highlight the deep ties between the two nations. Born on October 18, 1929, in Rivas, Nicaragua, near the Costa Rican border, Chamorro was thrust into politics after the 1978 assassination of her husband, Pedro Joaquín Chamorro, a journalist and editor of the anti-Somoza newspaper La Prensa . His death sparked the Sandinista Revolution, and Violeta took over the newspaper, becoming a voice for democracy. In 1990, she stunned the world by defeating Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua’s presidential elect...

Costa Rica Faces Growing Arms Trafficking Crisis

On Thursday, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) made headlines by seizing 56 weapons in La Guácima de Alajuela, marking the largest arms seizure in Costa Rica’s history. The haul, which included 37 assault rifles and 19 pistols, was found in a house alongside a significant amount of drugs, pointing to the growing reach of organized crime in the country. Michael Soto, deputy director of the Judicial Police, explained that these weapons, primarily R-15 rifles and nine-millimeter pistols, are designed for burst fire, posing a severe threat in potential confrontations with law enforcement. “Imagine these 56 weapons in a shootout against our forces,” Soto said. “We’d likely see casualties.” His words underline the urgency of addressing the rising tide of illegal firearms. The OIJ revealed that organized crime groups are assembling these weapons domestically. Parts are smuggled into Costa Rica through legal channels, often disguised as mechanical or cell phone components at the...

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in United States invites applications for vacant (13) Postdoctoral Positions

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in United States invites application for vacant Postdoctoral Positions, a cancer research institute

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in United States invites applications for vacant (125) Postdoctoral and Academic Positions

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in United States invites application for vacant Postdoctoral and Academic Positions, a cancer

Costa Rica Minister Faces Accusations Over Gandoca-Manzanillo Development

Costa Rica’s reputation as an environmental leader is under scrutiny. A formal complaint filed by environmental lawyer Marco Levy has called for a criminal investigation into Minister of Environment and Energy Franz Tattenbach. The accusations? Prevarication, corruption, and favoritism that could harm the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge , a protected Ramsar site in Talamanca, Limón. This biodiverse gem, home to mangroves, flooded forests, and the Sixaola aquifer, is at the heart of a heated debate over development versus conservation. Levy, representing the Association for the Development of Ecology, filed the complaint with the Attorney General, urging a probe into Tattenbach’s actions. The minister is accused of favoring the Puket real estate project, developed by Inversiones Puket S.A., within the refuge’s boundaries despite its protected status. The project’s history is troubling—back in 2011, the Environmental Administrative Tribunal flagged it for illegal logging, di...

The University of Florida in United States invites application for vacant (55) Faculty Positions

The University of Florida in United States invites application for vacant Faculty Positions, UNF Is Affordable and Student-Focused

The University of Florida in United States invites applications for vacant (246) Postdoctoral and Academic Positions

The University of Florida in United States invites application for vacant Postdoc and Academic Positions, UNF Is Affordable

The University of Florida in United States invites application for vacant (56) Postdoctoral Positions

The University of Florida in United States invites application for vacant Postdoctoral Positions, UNF Is Affordable and Student-Focused

Toronto University in Canada invites applications for vacant (325) Research and Academic jobs

Toronto University in Canada invites application for vacant Research and Academic jobs, a public research university in Toronto,

Costa Rica’s Massive Drug Raid Targets Cocaine Network to Europe

Costa Rican authorities struck a major blow against international drug trafficking dismantling a criminal network that smuggled over five tons of cocaine to Europe. The Drug Control Police (PCD) led the operation, named “Purge” internationally and the “Embassy Case” domestically, resulting in 12 arrests in Costa Rica and 25 more across Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium. The group operated from the Moín Container Terminal in Limón, concealing cocaine in at least 29 shipping containers. The drugs were hidden in tin cans labeled as pineapple pulp, cassava flour, scrap materials, and even inside refrigeration systems. PCD director Stephen Madden reported that European authorities seized 3,513 kilograms of cocaine, while 1,888 kilograms were confiscated in Costa Rica. “This network used legitimate export businesses to mask their operations,” said Attorney General Carlos Díaz during a press conference. Raids took place across four provinces—San José, Alajuela, Cartago, and Limón—target...

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Germany invites applications for vacant (28) PhD, Postdoc and Academic Positions

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases invites application for vacant PhD, Postdoc and Academic Positions, an interdisciplinary research

Costa Rica Expat’s Bus Journey to the Border: A Ride Like No Other

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I can’t say what compelled me to buy a ticket to the border on a collectivo bus . I got to the station too early. The time on the ticket was approximate as the bus was on its way from San Jose, a few dozen stops in between there and here. When the bus arrived, I boarded and saw a woman snoozing in my assigned seat, so I grabbed seat number 4, directly behind the driver. It is always an interesting place to sit. I like sitting behind the pilot on the Cessna flights over the mountains to San Jose, so I can keep my eye on the altimeter for that long couple minutes when the plane disappears completely in the clouds. As we pulled from the station and headed south, I kept one eye on the driver. Early on, I heard him answer his cell phone and converse over speakerphone with a woman who further conversation revealed to be the mother of his child. I leaned forward in my seat as if stretching; in truth I was checking to make sure he had both hands on the wheel. His phone was in a holder, whic...