Author: allthingspanama.net

Following recent statements by Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment, Franz Tattenbach, international organizations Fins Attached and Marine Watch International, in association with the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, have announced the revocation of the 2024 Oceans Advocate Rob Stewart Award, which had been presented to Costa Rica in November of last year. The decision follows Tattenbach’s …

Read more “Costa Rica Loses Ocean Award Amid Shark Conservation Controversy”

Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez on Wednesday urged the government of Nayib Bukele to provide information about the 252 Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States, who have been imprisoned and held incommunicado in El Salvador for nearly four months. The migrants were sent to El Salvador by the Trump administration beginning March 15, accused—without evidence—of …

Read more “El Salvador Under Fire for Detaining Migrants Without Rights or Access”

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino pledged on Wednesday to do everything possible to convince U.S. banana giant Chiquita Brands to resume operations in the country, after the company shut down during a strike and protests that caused it millions in losses. Chiquita ceased operations and laid off about 7,000 workers at its Changuinola plant in …

Read more “Panama’s President Pushes for Chiquita’s Return After Massive Layoffs”

The Women’s Copa América, Latin America’s most important women’s football tournament, is a showcase of talent and a tool to help close the gender gap in football, said Ecuador coach Eduardo Moscoso in an interview. The 10th edition of the tournament, first held in 1991, will take place in Quito (elevation 2,850 meters) starting this …

Read more “Women’s Copa América Showcases Talent and Pushes for Equality”

Last November, Costa Rica received the 2024 Oceans Advocate Rob Stewart Award at the annual “Save Our Oceans” gala, organized by Fins Attached in Denver, Colorado. The event brought together conservationists, scientists, and supporters to promote ocean protection, with notable attendees including astronaut Michael Gernhardt, marine biologist James Sulikowski, and Costa Rica’s Environment Minister Franz …

Read more “Costa Rica Minister Slams NGO “Blackmail” Following Ocean Award”

Two people died following the strong earthquakes that shook much of Guatemala on Tuesday and caused various material damages, according to civil protection authorities. Guatemalans experienced a swarm of earthquakes Tuesday afternoon, the strongest registering between 4.8 and 5.6 in magnitude, with epicenters near the capital in the towns of Amatitlán and Alotenango, according to …

Read more “Guatemala Earthquakes Leave Two Dead and Several Injured”

Costa Rica’s growing insecurity, declining education system, and persistent infrastructure deficiencies are severely weakening the country’s competitiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), according to experts from the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED). Professor Velia Govaere Vicarioli and Karen Jiménez Morales, head of UNED’s Police Sciences Department, issued the warning, pointing to a …

Read more “Costa Rica Faces Investment Setback Amid Rising Crime and Infrastructure Failures”

IHOP and Applebee’s are bringing their breakfast and casual dining menus together in a new dual-branded restaurant at Plaza Tempo in Escazú. The chains, both owned by Dine Brands Global, announced the upcoming opening on social media, generating buzz among Costa Ricans wanting to have the combo of pancakes and burgers under one roof. While …

Read more “Costa Rica’s First IHOP-Applebee’s Opens in Plaza Tempo”

Canadian airline WestJet is adding new routes for the 2025–26 winter season, including expanded service to Costa Rica. Beginning in December 2025, the airline will offer more direct flights to Liberia, Guanacaste as part of its broader push to grow its winter schedule. For us here in Costa Rica, the standout addition is the first-ever …

Read more “More Canadians Headed to Costa Rica as WestJet Expands Liberia Routes”

Costa Rica’s tourism board is making it easier for locals to explore the country during the mid-year school vacation. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has launched a series of free digital travel guides through its “Vamos a Turistear” campaign. The collection includes 12 regional guides and 13 mini-guides, all available for free download online. …

Read more “Costa Rica Launches Free Digital Guides to Boost Local Tourism”