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Every May 30, Costa Rica marks National Journalists’ Day, a time to honor the vital role journalists play in upholding democracy. Established in 2010 by then-President Óscar Arias, the day commemorates the tragic La Penca bombing of 1984, where three journalists, including Tico Times reporter Linda Frazier, lost their lives. This year, the celebration unfolds …
Read more “Costa Rica’s Journalists’ Day: Press Freedom in Crisis”
Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, on Thursday demanded that unions lift road blockades to help facilitate an agreement that would end the strike at the Panamanian branch of U.S.-based banana company Chiquita Brands. Workers from the company, which laid off 5,000 of its 7,000 employees following a month of protests and millions in losses, continue …
Read more “Panama President Demands End to Road Blockades in Chiquita Banana Strike”
Reading about the massive fish kill on the Caribbean side—due most likely to pesticide and chemical run-off from banana plantations—reminded me once again of why I harbor a dislike for the monoculture industrial farming done in too many places in Costa Rica. I have lived near both pineapple and palm oil plantations. True, they provide …
Read more “Costa Rica’s Industrial Farms Are Harming Wildlife and Workers”
Costa Rica and France have announced a significant partnership to advance blue carbon conservation, timed strategically ahead of their co-hosting of the United Nations Oceans Summit in Nice, France. The French Development Agency (AFD) is providing substantial funding for the initiative, collaborating with Conservation International Costa Rica to safeguard coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, and …
Read more “Costa Rica, France Launch Blue Carbon Initiative Ahead of UN Oceans Summit”
Costa Rica’s southern region, home to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, boasts some of the planet’s richest biodiversity. Jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws thrive in rainforests that draw eco-tourists from across the globe. But local conservationists warn that infrastructure projects, like road expansions and potential electrification, could harm these fragile ecosystems if not …
Read more “Costa Rica’s Southern Infrastructure Push Raises Biodiversity Concerns”
Costa Rica’s proposed Law for the Development and Promotion of the Maritime Terrestrial Zone aims to loosen restrictions on commercial and tourist activities in our coastal public zones. However, the University of Costa Rica (UCR), backed by over 70 environmental and community organizations, warns that the bill threatens the nation’s ecosystems and coastal communities. The …
Read more “New Costa Rica Law Threatens Coastal Ecosystems and Local Communities”
Costa Rica is continuing to deal with a pressing public health issue: 68.5% of adults are overweight or obese, with women at 73.8% and men at 63%, according to a recent study. The 50-69 age group is hit hardest, with 45% classified as obese. This alarming trend prompted an executive decree recognizing obesity as a …
Read more “Obesity Crisis in Costa Rica Threatens Health and Economy”
Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves signed a constitutional reform on Wednesday allowing, for the first time in the country’s history, the extradition of Costa Rican nationals accused of drug trafficking and terrorism, the government announced. Once the safest country in Central America, Costa Rica ended 2024 with a homicide rate of 16.6 per 100,000 people—more …
Read more “Costa Rica Approves Extradition of Nationals for Drug Trafficking and Terrorism”
Costa Rica fell 2-0 to Catalonia in a friendly match at Barcelona’s Johan Cruyff Stadium, marking the return of goalkeeper Keylor Navas to the national team. Navas, who retired from international duty in May 2024, rejoined La Sele after a standout season with Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina. His presence bolstered Costa Rica’s defense, but …
Read more “Costa Rica Falls 2-0 to Catalonia in Keylor Navas’ Comeback Match”
The government of Panama declared a “state of emergency” on Tuesday in a Caribbean province where a subsidiary of U.S.-based banana company Chiquita Brands laid off about 5,000 workers following a strike that has caused millions in losses. The measure applies to the province of Bocas del Toro, where the company operates a plant whose …
Read more “Panama Declares State of Emergency After Chiquita Banana Strike”