| ARCHIVE | Published
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - First news
page |
|
   ... |
|
|
||||||||||||
|
World Bank warns fiscal reform is
insufficient
|
|
 By A.M. Costa Rica staff The World Bank said it is pleased that the Costa Rican legislature has shown its support for tax reform, reflected on the recent approval of the new substitute text of the Bill for Strengthening Public Finances, but regretted the passage of motions that will reduce the income generated by the reform, which leaves the country without the ability to solve its fiscal problem. Achieving an agreement to approve tax reform is critical, and the longer it is postponed, the harder will be the impact on public finances, said the World Bank. The reform needed to stabilize the debt was 3.2 percent of the gross domestic product in 2015 but today measures that generate 4.5 percent are required, the World Bank said. "Costa Rica should not postpone taking measures to reduce the fiscal deficit, which has reached the highest level in the history of the country," said Oscar Avalle, representative for Costa Rica at the World Bank. "If the purpose is to ensure financial sustainability and the future of the important social achievements that the country has had in recent decades, this proposed reform is insufficient, but represents a step in the right direction." “We invite the parties to continue working to achieve the necessary agreements as soon as possible, in order to achieve a sufficient reform to control persistent deficits and inflation, place debt on a sustainable path, reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth.”
|
A.M. Costa Rica wire services
photo
Approving this reform
is imperative,
World Bank statement said. The level of the deficit between 2010 and 2016 was on average 5.2 percent of the gross domestic product. In 2017, it reached a more worrying level with 6.2 percent, the highest since the crisis of 1980, the World Bank estimated. These fiscal imbalances caused an explosive growth of public debt, which went from less than 25 percent of gross domestic product in 2008 to almost 50 percent in 2017.
|
| __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|||||||||||
Limón
celebrates Festival of Black Culture
|
|
By A.M. Costa Rica staff Every Aug. 31 the country celebrates Black people's day and the Afro-Costa Rican culture, which was established in response to the need to recognize the contributions of the Afro-Costa Rican sector in economic, social and cultural aspects. This celebration is held in Limón during the whole month of August, through the XX Festival of Black Culture Limón 2018, organized by the Civic, Black Ethnic Committee of Limón. The initiative aims to rescue, revalue and promote Afro-Costa Rican cultural identity, as well as its contribution to the history of Costa Rica. The 2018 edition of the Festival of Black Culture has been declared of cultural interest by the Ministry of Culture. The festival includes screening of documentaries, talks, conferences, food tastings, and, most awaited, the closing of the celebrations with the traditional grand parade. Marcelle Taylor, general coordinator of the XX Festival of Black Culture Limón 2018, said: “ Through these last 20 years, the goal has always been to go towards the rescue of culture and values. Hence, during these years, all the activities have had that component of going back to the roots, with activities for children, young people and adults, and in general with the Limón community." "The legacy left by our ancestors is very much linked to food, language, music, art and history, so through education, we can amalgamate this project-the festival-to give the results that we seek, that is, to go towards the rescue of culture. To that we add that values are a matter of every day, then that is where we try to embrace that range to be able to fulfill our objectives, " said Taylor.
|
Black Culture Festival
courtesy
photo
The parade will start from the Asis Esna
park.
Thursday at 9 a.m. there will be a
presentation and tasting based on the "Traditional
Limón Cooking Book" at the Thomas Benjamín Lynch Public
Library.
Then at 11 a.m., the Afro-Costa Rican Burrial Skeen population report will be released. In the afternoon, at 2:30, there will be a conference on entrepreneurship for women, with the presence of the U. S. Ambassador Sharon Day. Friday at noon, the main event, the grand parade, will take place with bands and in celebration of the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture. |
        |
War on roads: Deaths
from accidents increase
|
|
By A.M. Costa Rica staff Speeding, lane invasion, driving drunk, the imprudence of the pedestrian and the disrespect of road markings are some of the main reasons for a record of 293 deaths on the road. The figures for August and July exceed those recorded in August 2017 with four more deaths in August and seven more in July. "August has shown a worrying increase in the accident rate with fatal consequences,” said German Marín Sandí, general director of the Traffic Police. “We are not only talking about the number of deaths, but the circumstances in which these accidents have occurred, such as frontal crashes, which could be related to improper overtaking or people who go with the cell phone and lose sight of the road. We have the case of vehicles that go out of lane, which can infer speed abuse or alcohol at the wheel. Sometimes, the reason is as simple as inexperience, people who are not trained to drive. For example, as of July 31, we had 24,292 fines for driving without being accredited as drivers." The figures of August are incomplete because the month is not yet over. In June, there were 45 deaths or an average of 1.5 daily. It is feasible that August, with 40 deaths or an average of 1.4 deaths a day, could exceed the number of deaths in June. "If we take into account that in 2018 we only exceed 40 deaths on three occasions and August could be the fourth month exceeding that figure, it is clear that we would have an upward trend in this aspect, plus four months before the end of the year and with November and December ahead, two months of many parties and celebrations," said Marín. As of August 31, 2017, the number of deaths reached 300. The objective is not to exceed that number, the official said. Driving without using a seat belt, allowing passengers not to use it or riding a motorcycle without a helmet are situations that increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a road accident, he noted. Between January and July, 2,550 motorcyclists received a fine for driving without a helmet or wearing it badly, and 1,499 motorcyclists received a penalty for allowing the passenger on the motorcycle to wear the helmet badly or all or not.
|
 Traffic police courtesy
photo
August record 40 deaths or an average of 1.4 deaths a day. Similarly, 820 drivers received a fine for carrying children under 12 without the appropriate child restraint device. Another 2,303 drivers received a fine for not using the seatbelt and another 855 drivers for allowing a passenger to ride without a seatbelt. "People still do not understand that the traffic law does not make distinctions. Everyone must wear a seat belt. The case of motorcyclists is also alarming, we have punished slightly more than 4,000 motorcyclists for not wearing a helmet, while by July 31 116 motorcyclists had died . . . who are even more irresponsible who do not even wear the helmet. It is difficult to understand how more people do not die," said Marin. The perception of irresponsibility is reinforced by the report of 104 drivers sanctioned for traveling at more than 120 km per hour. Marín called attention to those who drive while using a cell phone, considering it almost an epidemic. Simply checking the phone to see who is calling or sending a message creates a dangerous level of distraction, he said. To put it into perspective, recording an audio with the cell phone while driving at 40 km/h, takes 15 seconds, representing 160 meters of travel when the driver was not concentrating on the road. |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
President Alvarado to reopen Poas
Volcano Park
|
|
By A.M. Costa Rica staff
The Technical Advisory Committee of Volcanology and Seismology of the National Emergency Commission has given its approval for the reopening of the Poás Volcano National Park after 16 months of closure. President Carlos Alvarado will be at the park today to wave a banner that will allow the park to reopen for tourists. The first tourists will be welcomed into the park Friday under a new risk management model. The Emergency Commission confirmed that it was possible to comply with the safety requirements raised by the group of experts in volcanology. The provisions included the construction of five shelters, the purchase of real-time gas sensors, helmets and masks, security signage and training for park rangers, tour guides and residents of surrounding communities. Alexander Solís stated: "We have verified that the necessary security measures have been implemented to authorize the reopening of the volcano park according to the criteria of the specialists." He is president of the National Emergency Commission. "These measures are based on the new paradigm of risk management that has been established to generate safer conditions in the face of an eventual volcanic situation," Solis said. This new security paradigm established that the visit to the crater vantage point will be for 20 minutes and in groups of 50 people. and an online ticket sales system was implemented which will allow for an orderly entry. |
A.M. Costa
Rica wire services
photo
The Poás Volcano National Park was closed April 9, 2017 due to the strong eruptions of ash and magma. The trail to Botos Lagoon and the picnic areas will not be re-opened for the moment. The deputy minister of Environment, Pamela Castillo, reported: "We also articulate important efforts with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and NGOs to strengthen the economic reactivation of the area through other activities that do not depend on the opening of the park. For this reason, close work with the communities has been fundamental.”
|
| _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Increase in number of people in jail |
|
By A.M.
Costa Rica staff |
Justice and Peace Ministry
courtesy photo
These will be
financed by the Drug Addiction Institute and the
Alcohol and Drug Dependency Institute and will
start operating in the first quarter of 2019.
The administration set the goal of building 3,000 new spaces to house more prisoners as part of the plan to improve the infrastructure in the jails. It is estimated that by 2019, nearly 700 spaces will be built to house prisoners and by 2020 there will be 1.500 more spaces. |
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| House - Apartments For Rent (paid category) |
|
Furnished House Inside Gated Property  Beautiful house, surrounded by a
wonderful nature. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath on private property
close to town. $650.00 Includes Electric, Internet,
WiFi, Cable TV, water. In Santa Barbara de Heredia.
American owner lives on site, quiet, secure.
For more photos and information write to organicfarmhouserental@gmail.com Code: 9386-072918 |
 Tropical
Homes
of
Costa Rica is offering the
best selection of vacation homes, condos and
long-term rental homes in Playa Flamingo, Playa
Potrero and Playa Brasilito on the Pacific Gold
Coast of Guanacaste. A wide selection of private
residencies is providing an excellent choice for
your stay in this
beautiful part
of Costa Rica.We are offering homes for every budget and every need. Please visit our Web page at www.tropicalhomesofcostarica.com or contact us at rentals@tropicalhomesofcostarica.com or call at (506) 2654-5442 Code:9325-082618
|
| Real Estate For Sale (paid category) |
Jaco Oceanfront
Furnished Condo
 Jaco Oceanfront Condo in excellent condition, completely furnished, with air conditioning, hot water, private parking, equipped gym, large pool and garden area, and 24 hour security. Contains: large bedroom, bath with shower, living/dining area combined with kitchen, equipped with new refrigerator, TV, furniture and cooking equipment. Granite table and counter tops. Continuous cross-current ocean breezes. Located at the south end of Jaco on quiet extensive beach away from noise, traffic and city tourism. Monthly maintenance of $221 includes water, security, cable/internet and pool and garden maintenance. Asking price: $145,000. Contact numbers: (506) 8820-9768 or
(506) 2240-2240.
Code: 9380- 090118
Colinas
Del Sol
Fenced Gated Parcels  Fenced Gated Parcels for Sale
* Colinas del Sol is a fenced and gated project in a
quiet area. * There are 88 clear titled parcels. *
Mountain areas with great views.* Gently sloping level areas ideal for hobby farms, gardening, fruit trees. * Quiet place to get away from the busy city and beach crowds. * All lots have gravel roads to them, water and electricity at each. * Parcels are 5,000 sq. meters or larger, starting at only $50,000 USD * Located in Libertad, Guanacaste, northwest Pacific area of Costa Rica. * 20 minutes to the Liberia International Airport * 15 minutes to the Pacific Beaches * 10 minutes to Medical Facilities * 25 minutes to the Liberia Hospital * 5 minutes to Vista Ridge Golf Club. In Costa Rica, Jeffrey Sandi Murray: jsandimurray@colinasdelsolcr.com In the USA and Canada contact Jim Day: jimday50@aol.com or USA call +517-484-3675 For more information: www.colinasdelsolcr.com Code: 9342-090318 |
 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
Costa Rica's
first Realtor specialized in Eco Properties,
Eco Consulting, Green Living and Hotel Real
Estate & Hotel Consulting. Own farm with
sustainable development project under
planning.
 • Specialized in the Central and South Pacific, Hotels in the whole country. • Great network of Realtors, to find your dream property. • Homes, condominium & luxury homes. • Eco lodges and hotels. • Green properties and waterfalls. • Farms and project developments. • Property management in the Jaco/Garabito area. • Hotel Real Estate and Hotel Consulting. Emails: info@ecorealtorscr.com peter@hotels4salecostarica.com Visit our sites: www.ecorealtorscr.com www.hotels4salecostarica.com Telephone: +506 8825-6556 US phone: 1-626-461-7851 Skype: ecorealtorscr Follow us on Facebook: ecorealtorscr Green NAR designee, member of the CCBR, CRGAR Code:9368-112118
|
|
Business For Sale
(paid category) |
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 HolleyE-Mail: jimmy6902001@yahoo.com Local CR phone: (506) 8912-5651 Code:9333-072318
|
Three
Cabins in La Fortuna
San Carlos  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
|
| Related (paid category) |
 Browse Wyndham Timeshares
for sale and rent by owner in Costa Rica at bargain
prices. We connect existing timeshare owners with those
looking to buy or rent a timeshare on the resale market.
Wyndham timeshares on the resale market are up to 50% cheaper than those sold through the resort. Already own a timeshare and looking to sell? Stop Looking for a timeshare exit team and let BuyaTimeshare.com help you find a buyer or renter. Code:9369-042919
|
... Costa Rica Solar
Serving All of Costa Rica Invest in Solar now, affordable, reliable... Wipe out your electric bill in one shot! Now With More Watts per Panel, Smarter and more Capable Enphase Micro Inverters mean Less Cost and more Flexibility for You. Fully Guaranteed! Canadian Solar Enphase Micro Inverters New experienced install crews CALL TODAY! Paul (506) 8898-9398 Email: Paul.Furlong@CR-Solar.com WEB: http://www.cr-solar.com/en/ Blog: www.crsolar.net Code:9382-122118
|
|
Foreigner
suspected of money laundering
|
|
|
By A.M. Costa Rica staff Investigations, monitoring and follow-ups carried out by agents of the Money Laundering Division from the Judicial Investigating Organization resulted in the detention on a money laundering allegation a 24-year-old naturalized Ecuadoran of Asian origin who was in Costa Rica as a tourist. The investigation began several weeks ago when the man was detected at the Juan Santamaría Airport entering the country with a large sum of money. This was not the first time the man had entered the country and declared a large sum on money. He lived in an apartment located in a luxurious building in Paseo Colón, agents said. As part of the investigation, a search was made of the apartment. The suspect was arrested and a luxury car was seized. According to the documentation, the luxury car was purchased with $65,000 in cash. An additional $468,760 was found hidden in the apartment, now evidence in the investigation. Police also was seized two computers, two cell phones, a banknote counting machine, storage devices, stacks of 1,000 colon notes and and stacks of dollar banknotes. |
Judicial
Investigating
Organization courtesy
photo
$468,760 was found hidden in the apartment, now evidence in the investigation. Investigators that this shows that the stored money was to be distributed to third parties. The detainee's information was passed with a report to the Public Ministry to determine his legal status. Officials report that the man was given three months of preventive detention. |
U.S. Income
Tax Services 
