| Vol.18 No. 504 | Published Friday, May 4, 2018 |
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| One in four Ticos see buying a house as
something unaffordable |
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 By AM Costa Rica staff
Even with the
existence of state financed aid, housing
vouchers, or even scholarships to study and
improve life conditions, citizens consider
that buying a house is very complex and that
they end up paying for procedures that are
supposed to be free.
In fact, three out of four people, 75 percent. consider it difficult to obtain housing assistance. The information comes from the National Survey of Public Services Perception, published April 5 by the Comptroller's General Office. It shows the opinion of citizens on the issue of efficiency in nine different services public: health; basic services (water, electricity and fuel); education; housing, municipal public transportation; public security; judicial and climate change. One of the findings that caused the greatest concern in the Comptroller's General Office is that four out of 10 people interviewed about their knowledge on how to access aid from the public sector for housing purposes, said they have had to pay for the paperwork (41 percent), although the study did not ask if the payment went to public officials or third parties. The survey determined that a large majority (86 percent) of citizens believe that requesting state aid for housing requires too much paperwork. "In conclusion, there is state aid that is not in the reach of the users requiring it," said Marta Acosta, comptroller general of the Republic. Acosta said that the Comptroller's Office will begin an audit to analyze the way in which the granting of housing bonds is regulated. In addition, the controlling entity coordinated with the internal audit of the Ministry of Housing how a portfolio should be compiled. |
A.M. Costa
Rica wire services
photo
Many ignore the places and
procedures available to help them get the aid
needed in order to afford a house.The
Comptroller's General Office collected the
information for the survey report between Feb.
12 and 23 last year. The interviews were made by
telephone and three types of phones were
sampled: residential telephones, postpaid cell
phones and prepaid cell phones.
The survey has a confidence level of 95 percent with a margin of error of 3 percentage points, according to the report. |
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Food |
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 A.M. Costa Rica wire
services photo
Central and South
America share a common gastronomy based on corn.Prepare for the National Museum birthday activities and the next tamal festival |
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By A.M. Costa Rica staff
The Museum of Costa Rican Art celebrates its 40th anniversary and has scheduled a series of free activities open to the general public. The museum was created by Law No. 6091 on Oct. 7, 1977, and was opened in early May of the following year. It was established as an institution attached to the Ministry of Culture and Youth. Within the activities planned for this celebration week, the opening ceremony will include the sample "New Acquisitions," a selection of 36 works that have recently integrated into the collection through purchases and donations. This Saturday the museum will have a day full of activities for the whole family. From 1 p.m. and until 5 p.m., the the Italo-Costa Rican artist Álvaro Bracci will offer guided tours and artistic workshops in the framework of his exhibition, "Dulcis in fundo." This exhibition, a tribute to the 50 years of the artist's career, presents a selection of 70 pieces by Bracci and includes a variety of techniques, characteristics of his creative material, which includes mixed media, oil and acrylic, silk screen printing, digital reproductions, collage, photolithography and ceramics. |
From 7 p.m. and
until 9 p.m. also on Saturday in the esplanade of
the Museum, the Lubín Barahona International
Orchestra and its Knights of the Rhythm will play
free of charge and in the open air.
This big band orchestra began in the 1940s in the canton of Grecia, Alajuela, and is one of the three oldest in Latin America, together with the Orquesta Aragón in Cuba and the Billo's Caracas Boys in Venezuela, all with 75 years of activity. The orchestra is made up of four saxophones, three trumpets, two trombones, piano, bass, percussion and rhythms. The International Tamal Festival will also take place Saturday. It is an annual international event with participating countries from Central and South American. It includes exhibition and commercial stands, business meetings, conferences and workshops. The event focuses on rescuing and strengthening of the culinary and gastronomic tradition of the corn culture in Central and South America. It will take place at the Paseo de los Estudiantes also known as Barrio Chino Boulevard. |
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On World Press Freedom Day, groups highlight U.S. media threats |
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By A.M. Costa Rica
news services
Thursday, World
Press Freedom Day, a group of press organizations
called attention to challenges faced by
journalists in the United States.
The report cites a number of threats to the work of journalists, including a rise in whistleblower prosecutions, government restrictions on public information, stigmatization by politicians, physical attacks and arbitrary arrests. "The alarming rise in threats to press freedom in the U.S. over recent years must be challenged," said Thomas Hughes, executive director of Article 19. "Not only do these threats impact on freedom of expression in the U.S., but they have repercussions around the world." Article 19 joined with the Committee to Protect Journalists, International Freedom of Expression Exchange, International Press Institute, Index on Censorship and Reporters without Borders to interview U.S. journalists. Their report said that, despite current threats, protections in the U.S. Constitution make media in the United States among the most free in the world. President Donald Trump's statements, most notably his rejection of what he calls fake news is being echoed by leaders in other countries, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "The pressures that journalists are facing in the U.S. are reflective of the toxic atmosphere toward journalism being stoked by global leaders," said Jodie Ginsberg, chief executive officer of Index on Censorship. "Animosity towards the press is undermining the public's right to information." The report notes that the rise in whistleblower prosecutions began under former President Barack Obama, and expresses concerns about the Trump administration's positions on reporters' abilities to protect their sources. It also faults Trump for verbal attacks on the media, saying those have helped embolden other politicians to do the same. "By openly and aggressively targeting journalists and media outlets, the current U.S. administration risks undermining media freedom and creates a culture where journalists find themselves unprotected," the report says. Reporters without Borders cited those concerns in its own annual press freedom rankings last week as it dropped the United States down two spots. The White House rejected criticisms, with Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders telling reporters she thinks the Trump administration is one of the most accessible in recent memory. "We support a free press, but we also support a fair press," Sanders said. "And I think that those things should go hand in hand, and there's a certain responsibility for the press to report accurate information." In a statement commemorating the day, new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. "values freedom of press as a key component of democratic governance, fostering a free press, citizens are more informed, active and engaged in political decision-making and can better hold their governments accountable." |
 A.M. Costa Rica wire
services photo
During the recent
protests in Latin America, media outlets have been
shut down as a censorship measure.
He continued that the U.S. honors "the many journalists and media actors who have dedicated their lives, often at great risk, to promote transparency and accountability throughout the world." The United Nations
launched World Press Freedom Day in 1993 as a way to
encourage the development of further freedom of the
press, and to highlight the ways in which media
organizations are censored, fined, suspended and
closed down, while journalists face harassment,
attacks, detentions and murder.
Reporters without Borders reports that so far in 2018, 23 journalists have been killed and 176 imprisoned across the world. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Thursday urged countries to adopt and implement laws that protect independent journalism, freedom of expression and the right to information. "Journalists and media workers shine a light on local and global challenges and tell the stories that need to be told," he told a U.N. gathering via video message. "Their service to the public is invaluable." But a side-event about the fake news phenomenon organized by the nonprofit News Literacy Project and the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations was abruptly canceled. The Alliance of Civilizations said it was due to scheduling conflict, but the News Literacy Project said it was because their organization refused the alliance's request to remove references to several countries in which press freedom is limited. According to the News Literacy Project's website, the organization planned to discuss severe restrictions on press freedom in Turkey, Mexico and Egypt and comments by Russian and Pakistani journalists describing the challenges they face. This article was first published in the Voice of America news service. |
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People affected by pineapple businesses organized a countrywide meeting |
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By A.M. Costa Rica staff Representatives
of rural communities and environmentalists,
along with students from the School of
Political Sciences of the University of
Costa Rica, shared their experiences
regarding the socio-environmental problems
that are experienced in different regions of
the country as a result of the pineapple
production.
The attendees presented a review of the struggle of the communities whose citizens want to address the problems involved in pineapple production in the most rural regions of the country. In addition, the current government's refusal to approve a moratorium on pineapple expansion was discussed. "Each year pineapple production increases approximately 7 percent, which represents 4,000 new hectares dedicated to pineapple plantations, out of which 25 percent are in protected areas,” said Henry Picado, of the Biodiversity Coordination Network. Neighbors from the canton of Siquirres, grouped in the organization COCOA, expressed their interest in denouncing the contamination of water in Milano de Siquirres, allegedly due to the pineapple plantations that in the area. Contamination has allegedly been occurring since 2010. A similar meeting and exchange will take place August 16 and 17 in San José. |
 A.M. Costa Rica
wire services photo
Environmentalist
are strong opponents of pineapple production.
However some leaders have admitted its positive
impact in job generation.
"As members of the community, we are in this meeting due to the contamination with agrochemicals of one of the five water sources that supply the community. Fifteen years ago it was shown that this water source was contaminated by the change in the use of soil when growing pineapple and agrochemicals as heavy as bromacil were used in the production of pineapple," said an unidentified member of the group. |
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Costa Rica is the second country in the world where people work more hours every year |
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By A.M. Costa Rica staff According to the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
workers in Costa Rica are second only to those in
Mexico for the number
of hours worked each year.
According to the research, Mexico leads the list with an average of 2,225 hours of work per person, annually, while in Costa Rica the average is 2, 212 hours. In the third place South Korea shows up, with 2,069 hours on average. There are economic sectors in the country where employees work more hours for the same salary. The legal work week in Costa Rica can be up to 48 hours, though in the labor market, white collar jobs require 40 hours work week. The work week in Costa Rica has not been updated since 1943. In the past, the private sector has asked for more flexible schedules where workers could work up to 12 hours a day in exchange for up to three days off. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation study also points out how people in low and middle income countries tend to work longer hours than people in wealthy countries. |
 A.M. Costa Rica
wire services photo
Blue collar workers are often the
ones who have a work week of 48. |
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Puerto Carrillo residents will be trained in first aid and emergency management |
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By A.M. Costa Rica staff Residents of Puerto
Carrillo, in Hojancha, Guanacaste, will begin a
training process in first aid this month so that they
can create a community emergency aid group. Training
will include talks at education centers in the area
and medical evaluations by the Costa Rican Red Cross.
The training and equipment are possible thanks to a donation of $25,000 made by the Intel Foundation and managed by Intel Costa Rica, with the collaboration Costa Rican Red Cross. The community will receive a complete emergency kit that includes: first aid package, long back splint, cervical collar, limb splints, head bras, spider belt and other items that will be of great help to 400 residents in town. The Red Cross Auxiliary Committee closest to that area is located 45 minutes away, so all these actions supported by the Red Cross and Intel are aimed at letting the community know how to act in response to emergencies and be more resilient, but it also seeks neighbors to be more educated and be more aware awareness about self-care and healthy lifestyles. Health assessments will also be made to vulnerable populations, such as senior citizens, people with disabilities and pregnant women, among others, in order to determine their current health status. "This project is a rewarding experience. We are working with a community that was affected by the storm Nate. This is a great opportunity for neighbors to be trained and able to act in an emergency while waiting for specialized help,” said Javier Calderón, representative of the Costa Rican Red Cross in charge of the project. "The Red Cross is a strategic partner, not only for Intel Costa Rica, but for the whole country, so we decided to support them in this project so that the community of Puerto Carrillo has the necessary tools to give a first aid response in case of an emergency situations," said Timothy Scott, manager of government affairs and public relations of Intel Costa Rica. |
 A.M. Costa Rica
wire services photo
The training and equipment will help
keep the population aware and ready to act in
situations such as Tropical Storm Nate.Another
contribution delivered by the Intel Foundation
will be an automatic external defibrillator, an
instrument that provides a calibrated electric
shock to the heart and contributes to increase the
probability of success in attempts to resuscitate
a person who is suffering a cardiac arrest. The
residents of Puerto Carrillo de Hojancha will be
properly trained to use this equipment.
The machine will be located in a specialized cabinet, which is part of the donation, and will be equipped with a sound alarm, which will notify people of an emergency situation at the time the device is taken away. The project will also distribute water purifiers in the town of Pita de Hojancha. They are pills to be dropped into the water to make it drinkable within 30 minutes. |
| Real Estate For Sale (paid category) |
Beautiful Balinese
Style House
Price $299,000  Beautiful villa of 120m2 with pool
overlooking the sea and the valley of 5400m2. Magnificent
house with charm in wood and refined marquetry, furnished,
very beautiful Balinese style. With its two very spacious
bedrooms and bathrooms, plus a mezzanine also very
spacious that can accommodate another room and / or an
office. A living-dining room with its American kitchen and
its large wooden terrace of 70 m2, overlooking the pool
and the green and tropical valley of 180 degrees, which
ends with a view of the sea. To these is added a beautiful
garden of 5400 m2 of tropical trees and decorated with
Indonesian imported stone elements. Ideally located in
terms of calm and serenity of the place. Finally, being in
this heavenly environment, the property is less than 15
minutes from beaches and shops.
More information here http://www.bienesyraices-costarica.com/ES/en-venta-en-costarica-detalles.awp?P1=122 Contact Us: Email: mariogendron93@yahoo.ca CR cellphone: 506 - 8360 - 6620 Visit Our Contact Page http://www.palmaspacifica.com/ Code:9258-041018 Colinas
Del Sol
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NALU Eco
Development
 14 titled lots from $21,999,
lot/house combos from
$68,720 Walk to the beach (800 meters), Gated with
onsite caretaker. Communal Organic
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rental potential, we can manage for you! Owner
Financing Available
!
More information click here http://www.richcoastrealty.com/1433playa-palma .. Contact: Brendan@RichCoastRealty.com USA Toll Free 1 866 833 4005 CR Cell 011-506-8718-9891 www.RichCoastRealty.com Code:9340-050318
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 Vista Verde Del Mar (Green View of the Sea) * 4.4 hectares / 10.91 acres. * All roads on property are complete on solid, original ground... no "fill" areas. * Four private 2+ acre parcels available within a ten acre property. * 12 minutes to the Quepos airport or Quepos Hospital. * 17 minutes to the new Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. * Unsurpassed 360 degree vistas of ocean and mountains. * All legal work to convey clean / clear / legal title is complete. * NO PRE-SALE glitches, ready to build on ! * Price to sell $299,000 Brokers Protected. Contact: Mike Michael email: mikemichael@bellsouth.net U.S.A. phone: 770-310-1351 More information Click Here Code: 9350-050419
 Brand new Casa
Palmera
Reduced from $389,000 to $349,000 This exquisite home is located within the EXCLUSIVE gated community. Casa Palmeras has 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, large BBQ area and a spectacular pool over 12m long. The gated community offers the perfect location for home buyers who are seeking true relaxation and peace, also offers 2 tennis courts, miles of hiking trails through primary and secondary rain forest, serenity and privacy! Casa Palmeras is a 5-minute drive from the town of Quepos and the new Marina and just short drive to Manuel Antonio Park and beach. More information here http://palmaspacifica.com/home-for-sale/by-owner-casa-pacifica-3br-2ba/ 7 Apartments for Sale Price reduced to $289,000 USD 7 Apt Building For Sale By Owner- * 2000 m2 of property with room for additional apartment construction in the future. * GREAT INCOME POTENTIAL $25K- 540K yearly income potential with live in caretaker! *7 furnished studio apartments with sunny and bright open sliding window doors. Minutes from Quepos and the new Marina and a short drive from Manuel Antonio National Park and beach. More information here http://palmaspacifica.com/home-for-sale/7-apt-building-for-sale-by-owner-299000 Casa Palmera II Price $299,000 Located within the EXCLUSIVE community , it has 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, situated on a 50,000 sq ft lot with large BBQ area, private pool and a huge backyard, ideal for pet owners. It is a 5- minute drive from the town of Quepos and the Marina and a short drive to Manuel Antonio Park and beach.The community offers 2 tennis courts , miles of hiking trails through primary and secondary rain-forest, serenity and privacy! More information here http://palmaspacifica.com/home-for-sale/by-owner-casa-pacifica-3br-2ba/ Contact Us: Local Office Phone (506) 2777-3339 Phone Rentals: 1-800-381 3770 Real Estate: 1-800-346 9724 Email: richard@manuelantonioestates.com Visit Our Contact Page http://www.palmaspacifica.com/ Code:9358-030718 Casa
Bella Vista
 Looking for a special property with amazing views? This is it! 2 Houses (main and guest), in ground pool, 3 acres (almost 100% usable) with Panoramic Ocean Views. 7 minutes off the coastal highway. 10 minutes from the beach (Playa Bejuco & Esterillos) 2 hours from San Jose. Furnished and turnkey. Must see to appreciate the view. Brokers Welcome $399,000 More information click here http://www.richcoastrealty.com/958-ocean-view Contact: Brendan@RichCoastRealty.com USA Toll Free 1 866 833 4005 CR Cell 011-506-8718-9891 www.RichCoastRealty.com Code:9340-050318
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Business For Sale
(paid category) |
For Sale Versatile 2 Floors
Building
in La Sabana  Completely remodeled building. 14 areas for residence and/or offices, call center, upscale storage. Transportation within 50 meters, commuter train, buses and taxis. In La Sabana, San Jose. School, park, gymnasium, tennis club and National soccer stadium walking distance. 24-hour security, many restaurants, clubs and social facilities nearby. Approximately 323 meter construction. Asking $295,000. Contact Jim Holley E-Mail: jimmy6902001@yahoo.com Local CR phone: (506) 8912-5651 Code:9333-072318
44 Lots For Sale In Gated Community Playa Avellana, Tamarindo,
Guanacaste
 Condominio Monte Donato II, is an unpretentious gated community, offering 44 lots at very accessible prices starting at only $19.995 and a monthly HOA fee of $28. Located near Playa Avellanas and Hacienda Pinilla, at 3 miles from the beach. The project is located in a very quiet rural area. You will only hear sounds of birds and monkeys. Playa Avellanas is one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica and a Surfer’s paradise. Common areas: Swimming pool, Rancho, shower, restroom, soccer field, play ground. Water: The project has its own well and a 13,200 Gallon storage tank. Security: Guard lives on the premises. Perimeter enclosure. Construction: No zoning plan. You can build when you want, what you want! Lot Sizes around 250m2 / 2700 sq. ft. For detailed information www.montedonato2.com/index Cell: +506-8479-2384 - US Toll-Free: 1-888-263-2631 -English spoken - Se habla español - On parle français - We spreken Nederlands |
Three
Cabins For Sale
 In La
Fortuna San Carlos. Price $145,000 USD
Three cabins for sale fully furnished with AC, hot
water, micro waves, refrigerators, flat screen TV.
three years old.Lot is 22 meters by 49
meters. fenced and gated with private
drive.Fish and shrimp pond on property with
several tropical plants as well as several fruit
trees.Room for more new construction house or
cabins. This property is in the country but close
to Fortuna central.Cabins advertised on
AirBnB. Good income property. Call Harry +(506)-8682-9219 Email: lagringo2003@yahoo.com Code:9344-081518
Sport Fishing Boat, Tours and Real
Estate Business For Sale
 Sport Fishing boat
and charters, Tours and a Real Estate Business
for sale. Retiring from 15+ yr old businesses in the
Flamingo / Potrero area in Guanacaste. I will
make it a great opportunity to the right party.
Las Brisas Fishing Charters and Capt. Tom's
Tours are on Tripadvisor. Also check www.casitaoasis.com.
$75k Call Capt. Tom USA phone: 1 800
360-9084 / CR phone: (506) 2654-7070
Email: capttom@casitaoasis.com
Code:
9328-04/15/18
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Taxi drivers renew protest over Uber |
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By
A.M. Costa Rica staff
“This is a fight for the livelihood of our families” Under this slogan, taxi drivers demonstrated in front of the Constitutional Chamber to ask that the Uber transport service be prohibited. Taxi drivers say they have seen their economy seriously affected because taxi services have been reduced by almost half since services such as Uber began operating. Guillermo Sanchez, one of the taxi drivers who participated in the demonstration, stated that he has not been able to pay for insurance since 2013 “because I'm up to my neck in debts.” He complained that Uber drivers do not pay the taxes that taxi drivers must pay. Similarly, Javier Cortés, one of the leaders of the movement indicated that there has been a strong impact on his pocket and his mood. "Psychologically, we arrived at the house when, after a day's work, we did not have the basic necessities for our families. We do not have to pay for electricity, rice or beans," he said. The taxi drivers held a peaceful demonstration in front of the Constitutional Court in Sabana Sur, waiting to be attended by the magistrates. |
 A.M.
Costa Rica wire services photo
Taxi drivers said
that Monday they will hold a
national work stoppage to continue
fighting for their rights.
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| Brand
new degree and seeking for a job? Stay in line for the next 13 months |
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| By A.M. Costa Rica staff On average, Costa Rican
graduates wait about 13 months to get a job related to
their university education.
That's the main conclusion of a study carried out by the Occupational Observatory of Professions of the National Council of Rectors, which involves graduates of both public and private universities. As explained by researcher, Karen Corrales, statistics include those who, when they attained their bachelor's degree, did not have a job or were working in a different field. Although statistics provide a general average, Corrales said that, if analyzed by gender, men usually get work faster than women when they get out of college. According to the researcher, there are a number of factors directly associated with this situation. The command of a second language, such as English or Portuguese, directly affects the time it takes for recent graduates to get a job in their fields of study. |
 A.M. Costa Rica wire
services photo
Long lines form at
the job fairs organized in the country every so often.
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U.S. Income
Tax Services 
