5 Key Facts About Panama Canal as Trump Demands Control

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to reclaim the Panama Canal if it doesn’t reduce tolls for American ships and accused China of being behind the waterway’s operations. Here are five key points about the canal: 1. Panamanian, Not Chinese Administration The 80-km waterway is operated by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), an autonomous public entity. …

Freedom of the Press Concerns Rise as Costa Rica Pulls Media Ads

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) expressed its concern and disapproval over the decision of Kölbi, the commercial brand of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), to withdraw its advertising from the program El Chinamo, produced by local media company Teletica. Kölbi’s action was announced in disagreement with the content of the section “El Chinaoke,” …

Technical Glitch Forces American Airlines to Ground US Fleet

American Airlines (AA), the world’s largest airline, resumed flights Tuesday after a technical issue forced the suspension of all its travel in the United States during peak holiday season traffic, according to sector authorities. “American Airlines reported a technical issue this morning and requested a national flight suspension. The suspension has already been lifted,” said …

Costa Rica Faces Major Health Crisis As Vaping Cases Hit 3000

According to Costa Rican health authorities, 2,939 people have presented vape-related disorders between January and October. Adolescents and young adults are the most affected by smoking-related diseases. Data also shows an alarming increase in the use of vapes, driven by the attractive image that the industry has projected onto these products, making them seem harmless. …

Jewish Sect Raids Guatemala Shelter After Child Abuse Investigation

Guatemalan officials said Sunday that members of an ultra-orthodox Jewish sect broke into a shelter attempting to recapture 160 minors taken from their compound two days earlier by authorities, who accuse the sect of child sexual abuse. The farm compound in Oratoria, southwest of Guatemala City, was raided on Friday by authorities to rescue 160 minors …

Panama Rebuffs Trump’s Threats to Reclaim Canal Control

The President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, rejected the threats made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about retaking control of the Panama Canal. “The canal is not under direct or indirect control of China, the European Community, the United States, or any other power. As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any statement that distorts this …

Costa Rica Surf Instructors Fight Back as Illegal Workers Flood Beaches

Surf instructors in Tamarindo and other beaches in Guanacaste have raised their voices against foreigners in irregular migratory status who engage in this same activity. Recently, they formed an Association of Instructors at Tamarindo Beach to advocate for their rights. According to Heyner Miranda, President of the Surf Instructors Association of Tamarindo Beach, this has …

Costa Rica’s Liberia Airport Handles 10000 Passengers Amid Runway Updates

As Christmas approaches and the high tourism season begins, Costa Rica is preparing to receive a large number of visitors. Today is one of the busiest days of the high season at Guanacaste Airport, according to projections by Coriport, the concessionaire of the terminal. With the operation of 40 aircraft and the inauguration of three …