The Costa Rican government is facing growing criticism after the murder of exiled Nicaraguan military officer Roberto Samcam, who was shot to death in San José on June 19 in what appears to be a targeted political assassination. Samcam had reportedly warned Costa Rica’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) about threats to his life, …
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Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly is intensifying its investigation into alleged links between public officials and organized crime. Earlier today, the Special Permanent Commission on Security and Drug Trafficking voted unanimously to summon former presidents Laura Chinchilla (2010–2014) and Luis Guillermo Solís (2014–2018) to testify before Congress regarding their potential connections to Celso Gamboa, a former …
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Although Poás Volcano has entered a more stable phase and the alert level has been lowered to green, the national park will remain closed for the time being, according to Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). Authorities say the popular tourist destination cannot reopen until safety conditions are fully assured. SINAC officials announced …
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Variety Magazine named our small piece of paradise a top filming destination in its latest featured article, “Ten Locations to Die For,” spotlighting our country’s famous landscapes and growing film industry. The recognition highlights Costa Rica’s appeal to filmmakers looking for varied settings, stable infrastructure, and eco-friendly production options, positioning it as a rising star …
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Recent studies claim that about one-third of adults in Costa Rica are considered obese and another third overweight. Which means about two-thirds of adults are carrying too many kilos. It is a serious enough problem that the Costa Rica Department of Health has declared obesity as a chronic disease. I am not sure what to …
Read more “Obesity in Costa Rica: A Growing Health Crisis After 35 Years of Change”
On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Chaves didn’t hold back. In his weekly press conference, he slammed the Supreme Court, calling it a “national disgrace” that’s “destroying the little credibility it has left.” His fiery words came just a day after the Court asked Congress to strip his immunity so he can face corruption charges. This clash …
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Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly has advanced a landmark bill targeting the regulation of virtual asset service providers (VASPs), aiming to bolster the nation’s defenses against money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The bill, processed under file number 22.837 and first introduced by the administration of former President Carlos Alvarado …
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Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino on Tuesday defended the construction of a new reservoir for the interoceanic canal and criticized those who oppose the project, which aims to secure water supply for navigation. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), the autonomous public entity that operates the canal, plans to build a 4,600-hectare reservoir in the Indio …
Read more “Protests Rise Over Panama Canal’s New Water Project”
Costa Rican authorities have extradited David Ochy, a former Panamanian presidential candidate, to Panama, where he faces charges of money laundering tied to the high-profile “New Business” case. Ochy, a businessman, was escorted by Interpol agents to Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, for his transfer to Panama, marking the end of his seven-month detention …
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Visitors to Costa Rica this month should be aware of an important change to the country’s currency. As of Tuesday, July 1, the old gold-colored ₡500 coin is no longer accepted as legal tender. This means it cannot be used in shops, restaurants, or any other commercial establishments. Although the coin has lost its validity …
Read more “Costa Rica Introduces New ₡500 Coin: Old One No Longer Valid”