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 …

Christmas Trees in Costa Rica Connect Cultures and Traditions

Driving to the Universidad Nacional in December was a family tradition for my daughter and me. Under the solstice sun and trade winds, Allison and I walked around the forestry school’s Christmas tree nursery in Heredia, north of San José, until we found a sapling with the right height and form. Back at home, decorated …

Costa Rica Sharks Face Extinction as Scientists Race Against Time

Costa Rica is home to 93 species of sharks and rays, representing 8% of the global diversity of these marine animals. However, over half of these species (56%) are endangered. Locally, they face challenges such as high fishing pressure, lack of information, illegal fishing, and limited resources for monitoring and control. On Tuesday, December 3, …

Inter-American Court Rules Against El Salvador in Historic Abortion Case

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights condemned El Salvador this Friday for denying an abortion in 2013 to a woman, publicly known as Beatriz, despite her life being at risk and the fetus having a congenital malformation. For the first time, the continental court ruled on a case related to abortion, which is prohibited in …

Guatemala Rescues 160 Children From Religious Group Amid Abuse Claims

Guatemalan authorities rescued 160 children this Friday from a property belonging to the Lev Tahor sect, an ultra-orthodox Jewish group under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of minors, reported the Minister of Interior and the Prosecutor’s Office. “Operation allowed the rescue of 160 minors who were allegedly abused by a member of the Lev Tahor …