News (List View)

QCOSTARICA — I can’t make this up, it took the passing of a bill in the Legislative Assembly to allow the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) and the Fiscalia (Attorney General’s Office) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

And for the president, Rodrigo Chaves, vetoing the bill for it represents a risk of abuse by judicial authorities, and it also lacks justification for granting more power to institutions that, in his opinion, have demonstrated inefficiency.

“I vetoed the bill; I’m returning it to the legislators. The public has realized that the officials in the Attorney General’s Office and the OIJ, at the very least, are incompetent and arbitrary, and they apply the law as they please,” Chaves declared forcefully.

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The vetoed bill that amended Article 193 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to authorize judges to order searches at any time and day of the year, including weekends and holidays, in serious and urgent cases, was approved in the second and final debate on April 29.

The veto was made official on May 9.

However, beyond the legal arguments, the president was emphatic in his distrust of the actions of the Attorney General’s Office and the OIJ, citing cases such as Soresco, Cochinilla, and the Trocha Fronteriza, where, in his opinion, inefficiency or political manipulation was evident.

“As president, I will not sign a law that gives more leverage to those gentlemen and their superiors in the Third Court, nor to the current boss, applying the law as they see fit. You can’t give wings to a poisonous animal,” Chaves added.

The president accuses the judiciary of behaving like a political party following the raids carried out on Tuesday in the “Pista Oscura”, in what the president described “It was a show, a waste of resources, a disproportionate act… just like the Barrenador and Parque Viva cases,”, that wound up with the arrest of his former MOPT Minister, Mauricio Batalla and three other high-level government officials of his administration, among others.

In a message laden with criticism and warnings, Chaves hinted that the political future of the country—and of the judiciary itself—could change with the 2026 elections.

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“The antics of Randal Zúñiga, director of the OIJ, and Carlo Díaz, Attorney General, will not intimidate this president, nor my colleagues (…) In 1948, the people rose up; I’m not saying they’re going to do it now, but don’t pull the calf’s tail,” Chaves said forcefully.

The president openly questioned the legality and appropriateness of the 22 raids carried out by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the OIJ on Tuesday, calling them “a provocation to the people of Costa Rica” and “a comic opera intended to make a fool of oneself.”

Could it be that Rodrigo Chaves fears having his house raided at night?

President Rodrigo Chaves’ controversial decision to veto the bill sparked a wave of criticism from various sectors of the Legislature.

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Legislators from various political factions have described the veto as a setback in the fight against organized crime and, in some cases, have suggested that the president is acting out of personal fear of being subject to judicial intervention.

“It’s outrageous that the President vetoed the law that would allow 24-hour raids. All this would do is make police work easier and life more difficult for criminals,” criticized Eli Feinzaig of the Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP).

“It must be awful to be woken up in the middle of the night, especially when they’re about to break down your door to conduct a raid. In light of the Pista Obscura case at Liberia Airport, in which the president is a person of interest, I wonder if he’s already afraid that this could happen to him,” Feinzaig added.

Along the same lines, various other legislators, from different political parties, also lamented the executive branch’s decision.

“We believe it is a very good tool to continue combating organized crime, even more so considering that the judiciary has limited resources. Making the most of them is an option we learned about in the Legislative Assembly and that most of us believe was positive,” said Rocio Alfaro of the Frente Amplio (FA).

Monserrat Ruiz of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) called the veto “absolutely contradictory, inconsistent, and out of place.”

She added that the proposal guarantees due process, as any search warrant would still have to be issued by a judge.

“If the president is so interested in making this bill viable, we invite him to convene it immediately so that the commission of jurists can make the necessary changes,” she stated.

For his part, Alejandro Pacheco of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) maintained that “the security of all Costa Ricans is above any political or institutional conflict” and called on the other legislators to proceed with the resealing of the bill as soon as possible.

“It is regrettable that the President of the Republic vetoed the bill that allows judicial authorities to conduct searches 24 hours a day,” he concluded.

The only voice supporting the presidential veto is legislator Pilar Cisneros, head of the Partido Progreso Social Democrático (PPSD), the official government party, who harshly questioned the arrest of Batalla, and other high-ranking officials.

The future of the bill now rests in the hands of the legislators, who could attempt to reseal it to override the presidential veto.

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The University of Costa Rica officially launched Robotifest 2025, opening the call for girls, boys, and young people from all over the country to venture into the world of ingenuity and innovation.

The UCR School of Industrial Engineering, in charge of Robotifest 2025, will open the call for participation to all Costa Rican educational institutions and the general public from May 9, 2025, to October 15, at the following website: http://eii.ucr.ac.cr/robotifest/robotifest.html

This way, dozens of students will be able to participate in this scientific-technological event, considered the most important in the Central American region, and will have the opportunity to fully exploit their creative potential and present projects and technological solutions to address various problems that impact our daily lives.

To achieve this objective, the University of Costa Rica offers participants robust support in the form of training, workshops, and talks on disruptive technologies in Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Analytics, Aerospace Engineering, Educational Robotics, and technology in general.

The event will be held in a bimodal format, offering virtual and in-person activities. It will feature nine participation categories: Open Projects, Scientific Posters, Nao V6 with Choregraphe and Nao Python, Automata, Forecasthon, Factory Simulation Game, Aerospace Challenge – Lunar Mission, and IoT & AI.

Engineer Natalia Ureña Pérez, coordinator of Robotifest 2025, stated that the main objective of the project is to democratize knowledge in science, technology, innovation, and robotics.

“We invite all primary and secondary schools in the country to participate in this great opportunity, as well as anyone interested in innovation and robotics to be part of this learning experience. The event is open to the public and is free of charge,” said Ureña.

Promoting equitable access to knowledge

Robotifest 2025 is part of the University of Costa Rica’s substantial contributions to the country in the areas of science and technology. This project promotes equitable access to knowledge about robotic applications and intelligent systems of the fourth industrial revolution, as well as the application of science and technology from a social perspective, contributing to improving the quality of life of Costa Ricans.

For more information about this social action project, please visit the following pages: https://www.facebook.com/RobotiFestUCR and

RobotiFestUCR (@robotifestucr).

What are each of the challenges, challenges, and categories of Robotifest 2025?

In the “Open Projects” category, competitors must present a project that provides a solution to a relevant problem, with an innovative, viable, and functional prototype with automation, autonomization, and/or robotics applications.

In the “Scientific Poster” category, competitors must present a proposal that shows how a research problem has been addressed using a scientific method and its results analyzed systematically and with replicability.

The Nao V6 with Choregraphe and Nao Python categories are programming challenges at different levels of complexity to enable the NAO humanoid robot to execute the proposed challenges.

The Automata challenge involves presenting an artistic proposal with automation elements.

The Forecasthon category is a data analysis challenge to propose optimization of inventory levels by applying forecasting techniques.

The Factory Simulation Game competition consists of a virtual simulation platform, where teams must interact and make decisions to optimize the competitive results of a supply chain located in the context of a real factory.

The Aerospace Challenge-Lunar Mission category involves creating a rover capable of moving on the Moon that must meet the proposed challenges of moving and executing specific tasks after landing.

The IoT & AI challenge is based on building a minimum viable product that uses the Internet of Things and/or Artificial Intelligence to solve real-world problems.

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Every May 15 is celebrated in Costa Rica, the day of the farmer. This date was decreed by law 4096, published in 1968.

The day of the farmer is celebrated to honor the work that farmers do on the land and provide food to the Costa Rican population.

In Costa Rica, farmers play a very important role in the food, economy and progress of the country. Undoubtedly, agriculture has allowed the construction of towns, the creation of different occupations and the emergence of trades and professions.

From TCRN, we wanted to pay tribute to Mr. Guillermo Herrera Fallas, a farmer from Peréz Zeledón, Costa Rica.

A lifelong dream: To be a farmer.

He was born in San Pedro de Poás, Alajuela and as time went by, in 1975, already married, he moved to Pérez Zeledón to look for a farm to work with cattle, a dream he had since he was a child.

He dreamed of being a cattle rancher and being a chapulinero (a person whose main job or activity is to drive a chapulín or tractor); “at the age of 14 I was a day laborer, I went to work on other farms for a salary”, he said.

It turns out that he bought a chapulín for 3,500 pesos at that time and began to work on his own, harvesting sugar cane and coffee in Poás.

After some time, when he was already in Pérez Zeledón, Don Guillermo bought a piece of land. “I had been a butcher, I had had a butcher shop for 12 years in Poás. I always liked the countryside and I was always after it. And here I have made my life. I have four children. Six years ago my wife died. I sold the first farm I had bought and bought some small farms in the south and put cattle on them”.

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Don Guillermo learned to work in the fields when he was in school, through a project called La Estica, which was made up of veterinarians, “professionals in everything and with a lot of energy to teach you. And since I liked it so much, I was one of the first who learned to give subcutaneous injections, to palpate, to all those little things; I learned very young to mark contour ditches in the farms so that the land would not be washed”.

Countless valuable harvests

Today this great farmer is 84 years old and is still active as a farmer.
Not only has he worked with cattle on his farm, but he has also had sheep, whose meat he sold at the various local fairs.
He has taken numerous courses in the world of livestock farming and has the virtue of being very observant.
For three consecutive years he was the best coffee producer. “I was a good coffee grower, because at that time with La Estica in school I made coffee storage, I learned from Mr. Elías Jiménez, who was a mastermind in everything regarding coffee”.
Today he has 1,600 sticks of oranges. He continues to go to nearby fairs in Tinamastes and Dominical to sell his famous orange juice, considered by some citizens as the best!
“I am doing very well selling orange juice because all the people support me, because besides being very good, it is organic” he assured.

It is worth mentioning that he worked with lamb meat for six years, “I am a butcher, I know about cuts, I used to have lambs here, I used to raise them”.

An admirable experience…

Don Guillermo formed the Chamber of Cattlemen in Perez Zeledon, served as a director for more than twenty years, and was treasurer.

He still has cattle on his farm, but because of an operation on one of his knees, his children are now in charge. Meanwhile, he has his space, a small farm, 20 blocks where he works with oranges.

Little by little he has been adapting to things according to his age. When he realized that he had reached a certain age, he decided to resign from the Chamber of Cattlemen.

How has agriculture changed in recent times?

In Don Guillermo’s opinion, agriculture has changed in many ways. “The most serious problem we have had is that governments have been pushing us aside: farmers, those of us who work, those of us who produce, have been pushed aside. For us, everything is more expensive every day and what we produce is cheaper, so I have tried to produce something to make money without putting it as a big businessman”.

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The Tico farmer emphasized several challenges he faces through his work in the field, one of them is the weather, and the torrential rains and because of them, everything is flooded and it becomes difficult for oranges.

However, on the farm, he has maintained a soil conservation mechanism: “What I have are drains with an appropriate slope, so that there is no washing, I keep taking the water out of the farm and throwing it into the streams so that there is no washing. I learned everything from the man who taught us how to grow coffee in school. It hurts me a lot to see the rivers full of dirt when it grows”.

Advice for those thinking of starting a career in agriculture

As advice for people who want to start in the world of agriculture, Don Guillermo Herrera suggests that they should prepare themselves, and educate themselves with people who really know how to do things and want to help.

He recalled that he had wonderful help… When he lived with his grandparents for several years, he noticed that his paternal grandfather was very intelligent “and he said that I looked like him. He taught me to drive when I was 13 years old, with an empty bus from Alajuela to Poas, at that time there were few cars and you could, then I drove a truck”.

There are many teachings that Don Guillermo has, both in country life, as well as in his day-to-day life. In October of this year 2025, he will be 85 years old and for us at TCRN it was a pleasure to tell you his story today.

The Day of the Farmer is an opportunity to thank farmers for their work and recognize the importance of agriculture for Costa Rican society.

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Three great nights filled with tropical music, Latin flavor, and a family atmosphere will take place this May with Tropical Festival 2025, a musical event that will visit Guanacaste, Heredia, San Carlos, and San José, bringing together great artists from different genres in dance sessions that no one will want to miss.

Tropical Festival 2025 was born from the partnership between the renowned American company S&S Production LLC, with more than 14 years of experience producing international shows (led by producer Santo Santiago Díaz), and the Costa Rican production company W Productions, founded by Walter Ugalde, who has more than seven years of experience in the field of cultural, musical, and mass event production.

The production has confirmed the participation of national and international artists, including:

-Belkis Concepción y sus Chicas – first time in Costa Rica.

-Anthony, former member of La Makina.

-Luigui Manuel, international bachatero.

Los Peques de Guanacaste group, performing on all three dates.

-DJ JJ and DJ Rudy.

This will be the first large-scale event organized by W Productions under his personal label, marking a milestone in his professional career.

This event will take place on the following dates and locations:

-Thursday, May 15 – Cheers by Pepe, Lindora.

-Friday, May 16, Redondel de Nosara, Guanacaste.

Saturday, May 17, Nébula Center, Heredia.

-Sunday, May 18, Rancho El Vago, San Carlos.

Tickets are available through the platform www.publitickets.com and via WhatsApp at 7083-4049. Ticket prices start at $17 USD for general admission and $200 USD for VIP tables + service charges. (Prices apply to all three dates.)

This festival stands out for its family-friendly focus, as minors are allowed to enter and a large food court, cocktails, entertainment, and a safe environment for all ages will be offered.

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Costa Rica has played a key role as a bridge between Asia and Latin America in a relationship marked by South-South cooperation, mutual respect, and the absence of geopolitical calculations.

This was emphasized by Wang Xiaoyao, Chinese Ambassador to Costa Rica, who underscored the country’s strategic importance in strengthening bi-regional dialogue through the China-CELAC Forum, whose fourth ministerial meeting will be held on May 13.

In an interview, the diplomat reviewed the forum’s achievements in its ten years of existence and outlined the objectives of this new edition, which seeks to project a shared vision of development, integration, and revitalization.

How was the China-CELAC Forum founded?

In February 2011, 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries established the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Three years later, in January 2014, the CELAC Summit held in Havana approved the Special Declaration on the Establishment of the China-CELAC Forum, expressing the active willingness of the region’s countries to strengthen their comprehensive cooperation with China. In July 2014, President Xi Jinping visited Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, and Cuba) and attended the Leaders’ Meeting of China and LAC Countries in Brasilia. The two sides jointly announced the establishment of the China-LAC Comprehensive Cooperation Partnership, characterized by equality, mutual benefit, and common development, and decided to formally establish the China-CELAC Forum, which has become a new starting point for jointly building a better future for both sides.

Since then, China and Latin America have successfully held three ministerial meetings of the Forum, respectively in 2015 (Beijing, January), 2018 (Santiago, Chile, January), and 2021 (December, online). At each meeting, they have shared the outcome documents and a joint action plan for a period, comprehensively promoting China-LAC cooperation.

The very founding of CELAC reflects the strong will of Latin American countries to pursue unity, self-reliance, and common development. Although China and Latin America are geographically far apart, both are developing countries and, historically, have been deeply oppressed by imperialism and colonialism and have fought valiantly for their national independence and the freedom of their peoples. Currently, they are striving to pave the way for development and prosperity. The founding of the China-CELAC Forum represents the choice of China and Latin American countries to actively respond to future challenges and is also the result of the unity and self-reliance of the countries of the Global South. In 2014, Costa Rica assumed the pro tempore presidency of CELAC and has made an important contribution to the establishment of the Forum.

What achievements has the China-CELAC Forum achieved in the past 10 years?

First, an appropriate mechanism has been established to promote cooperation in various fields. For example, ministerial meetings, regular dialogues between the Quartet and national coordinators’ meetings, as well as a series of sub-forums have been institutionalized. To date, the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Business Summit has held 17 sessions and is creating new growth areas for cooperation in areas such as new energy, electric vehicles, and digital technology. The China-Latin America and the Caribbean Infrastructure Cooperation Forum has been held 10 times. The China-Latin America and the Caribbean Science and Technology Innovation Forum and the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Think Tank Exchange Forum have been held four times. The Forum on Local Government Cooperation has held three editions, while the sub-forums for Ministers of Agriculture, New Energy Cooperation, Transportation, Poverty Reduction, and Development have been very popular.

Secondly, practical cooperation has achieved remarkable results. When the China-CELAC Forum was founded in 2014, President Xi Jinping proposed striving to increase China-Latin America trade volume to US$500 billion within 10 years. In 2024, China-Latin America trade volume reached $518.4 billion, which almost doubled compared to that of 2014. 80% of the $35 billion financing package for Latin America announced by China has been executed, covering almost all

Countries with diplomatic relations with China in the region. In the past 10 years, China has provided Latin America with a total of 17,000 government scholarships and 13,000 training places in China and has launched more than 200 infrastructure projects, creating nearly one million jobs. Direct sea routes between the ports of Chancay and Shanghai, and between the port of Santana and Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, have opened new avenues for land and sea transportation between Asia and Latin America.

Third, China and Latin America have achieved integrated development. China has been the second-largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean for many consecutive years, and the first-largest trading partner of Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. China has established various types of partnerships with more than 10 countries in the region, more than 20 countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative, and five countries are China’s free trade partners. China has established 68 Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms in 26 countries in the region, and the Chinese New Year has been declared an official holiday in several countries, including Costa Rica. In international affairs, China and Latin America are firmly committed to multilateralism, vigorously upholding the authority of the United Nations. Both sides collaborate closely on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the G20, APEC, and BRICS. Last year, China and Brazil jointly issued the six-point consensus on the Ukraine crisis and launched the initiative to establish the Friends for Peace group at the United Nations, thus contributing to the strength of the Global South in defending world peace and resolving hotspot issues.

When will the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum be held and what are the expected outcomes?

The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum will be held on May 13 of this year. President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote address, in which he will review relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean, and propose important initiatives and measures for the development of relations between the two sides.

Two outcome documents are expected to be published: the Beijing Declaration of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and the Joint Action Plan for China-CELAC Cooperation (2025-2027). The Beijing Declaration will focus on the political consensus reached at the Meeting, while the Joint Action Plan for Cooperation will provide concrete planning.

Cooperation in all sectors between China and LAC in the next three years will benefit both sides in addressing the sharp rise of protectionism and unilateralism and countering the pressure of trade and tariff wars.

What can Costa Rica do as a link between China and Central America?

Costa Rica is the first Central American country to establish diplomatic relations with China in the new century, the first to establish a strategic partnership, and the first to sign the Free Trade Agreement with China. We have always valued Costa Rica’s important role as a link between China and Central America.

In 2014, Costa Rica assumed the pro tempore presidency of CELAC and contributed significantly to the creation of the China-CELAC Forum. Since then, Costa Rica has participated in all of the Forum’s ministerial meetings. Costa Rica sent Mr. Alejandro Solano, Vice Minister of Multilateral Relations, to attend this meeting. We are confident that this visit will contribute to building consensus between both countries not only bilaterally but also regionally, and will promote the development and prosperity of China, Costa Rica, and Latin America.

What message does China hope to send to the world through this Ministerial Meeting?

The theme of this ministerial meeting is “Planning Together for Development and Revitalization, Together Building the China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Community with a Shared Future.” This theme sends a very clear signal: China and Latin America belong to the global South, and both sides embrace the mission of pursuing development for the nation and well-being for the people. China and Latin America share a common destiny. The two sides will always unite, coordinate, and overcome difficulties together, setting an example for South-South cooperation.

In March of this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated in an interview that China-LAC cooperation is a South-South cooperation, characterized by mutual support and free from any geopolitical calculations. In our exchanges with LAC countries, China always upholds the principles of equal treatment, mutual benefit, and shared benefits, and never seeks influence or targets any party. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also noted that China-LAC cooperation has been welcomed because it respects the will of the LAC people, meets the needs of LAC countries, and provides a reliable option and a broad perspective for the revitalization of the region.

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The coral reefs off Tortuga Island, in the Costa Rican Pacific, are beginning to show signs of recovery thanks to a project led by the National Learning Institute (INA) and the Puntarenas University of State Distance Education (UNED).

This initiative, which began in August 2024, seeks to reverse years of environmental degradation through coral cultivation and transplantation techniques, involving local communities, academic entities, and the private sector.

In the area, which was previously assessed by a technical team, severe reef deterioration was identified, caused by factors such as sedimentation, marine pollution, and overexploitation of resources.

Already showing significant progress

This diagnosis served as the basis for launching a restoration plan that has already shown significant progress: 1,000 coral fragments were transplanted in 2024, and 300 more were added in the first three months of 2025.

The project employs modern techniques such as tree-like structures—vertical frames where coral fragments are attached—and drying racks, which allow for their development in optimal light and oxygenation conditions.

During 2025, additional platforms will be incorporated to increase cultivation capacity, facilitating the expansion of the coral garden and its subsequent integration into natural reef areas.

The tropical forests of the ocean

Corals are ecosystems known as “the tropical forests of the ocean” and are home to at least 25% of marine life and 33% of fish diversity, according to Rodolfo Vargas, an official at the INA’s Nautical Fisheries Center.

“In the Pacific, there are three species of coral that can adapt to the different structures used for their cultivation, which provide favorable conditions of light, oxygenation, and protection from predators,” he added. In Costa Rica, 77% of these ecosystems face serious threats, primarily due to human activity.

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Q24N (DW) Jose Mujica, widely known by his nickname, “Pepe,” was beloved for his modesty and progressive social reforms.

At the height of his political career as president of Uruguay, Mujica’s monthly salary was $12,500 (€7,200) — but he only drew one-tenth of it.

The rest he gave away.

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US$1,250 was “more than enough,” said Mujica, who would usually drive himself around in his pale-blue VW Beetle, which he refused to sell even when offered US$1 million for it.

This farmer from the west of the capital, Montevideo, never anticipated that he would one day achieve such popularity — and it was probably never his goal.

He told DW back in 2015, just before the end of his presidency, that he was a political animal.

“I’ve been in politics since I was 14 years old,” he said. “And if I don’t lose my wits, I’ll continue in politics until they carry me out feet first.”

Political underground to solitary confinement

Jose Mujica was born in Montevideo in 1935 to a farming family of Basque and Italian origin.

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Their circumstances were modest: Mujica was five when his father died, and he and his sister worked on the family flower farm from an early age.

He did go to school, though, and went on to study law, later dropping out as he became increasingly involved in the student movement.

Before long, Mujica and others founded the urban guerrilla group known as the Tupamaros. At the time, the early 1960s, there was mass unemployment in Uruguay.

Mujica dreamed of “a society without social classes.” To this end, he and the Tupamaros robbed banks, kidnapped politicians and planted bombs.

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Mujica always claimed that he had never killed anyone.

“We were naive, but one should not lose sight of one’s goal,” Mujica once said in an interview with DW.

His goals landed him in prison. He was convicted of murdering a police officer after a shootout with the police in 1971 and spent 14 years in prison, where he spent time in solitary confinement and was tortured.

Mujica later described this phase of life as “routine for those who decide to change the world,” adding that he had a great deal of time to get to know himself during his time in prison.

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Q24N (DW) Argentina’s Supreme Court has found dozens of boxes filled with Nazi material among its archives in its basement.

The 83 boxes hold documents including postcards, photographs and notebooks, as well as propaganda material, the court said on Sunday.

Court employees discovered the material by chance while preparing for the creation of a museum.

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“Upon opening one of the boxes, we identified material intended to consolidate and propagate Adolf Hitler’s ideology in Argentina during the Second World War,” the court said.

The court has invited Argentina’s Holocaust Museum to help document and preserve the materials.

Experts will also examine them for any clues that can “shed light on still-unknown aspects” of the Holocaust, such as international financing networks used by the Nazis, the court said.
Where did the Nazi boxes come from?

The boxes were sent by the German embassy in Japan to Argentina during World War II aboard a Japanese steamship, according to the history that the court was able to piece together.

Germany’s diplomatic mission in Argentina had claimed the boxes contained “personal effects”

But customs authorities at the time randomly searched several boxes and found the Nazi material.

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Concerned that the quantity and nature of the material could affect Argentina’s neutrality during the war, officials confiscated the 1941 shipment, the court said.

The case was then referred to the Supreme Court. It isn’t sure what action the court took at the time.

Argentina provides more access to historical documents

The basement find comes as Argentina’s national archive has digitized over 1,850 original documents on National Socialism for free public access.

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“The historical value of this material is enormous,” Argentinian author and researcher Julio Mutti told DW. For years, Mutti has studied connections between Argentina and the Nazis.

“These are extensive files,” he said, adding the documents contain information about Josef Mengele, the notorious SS doctor at Auschwitz who is known for his cruel human experiments, and Adolf Eichmann, a central planner of the Holocaust. Both went into hiding in Argentina after the war.

Ariel Gelblung, director for Latin America at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights organization documenting and researching Nazi crimes and the Holocaust, said the Argentinian government recently provided the center with a trove of documents that could provide clues on how Nazi fugitives financed their escape.

“We are specifically researching the financing of the flight of Nazis to Argentina,” he told DW.

“We are following a trail that no one has investigated before,” Gelblung added. “We are analyzing suspicious financial transactions that were disguised as diplomatic missions or accounting entries in the central bank archives.”

Crucial clues were apparently not to be found in the usual archives, and the Wiesenthal Center had requested more access.

“Many of the documents were in areas of the state that had not previously been considered in connection with the Nazi escapes,” said Gelblung.

What was Argentina’s role during World War II?

Although Argentina remained neutral for much of World War II, the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure

site notes that a “significant portion of Argentina’s population was of German origin” and that “Nazi propaganda was highly influential.”

Just months before the war ended, however, Argentina declared war against Japan and its ally, Germany.

Fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe, some 24,000 Jews entered Argentina between 1933 and 1943, according to the Holocaust Encyclopedia

Another 20,000 Jews entered the country illegally.

Argentina’s President Juan Peron, who came to power in 1946, was a prominent Nazi sympathizer and the country became a haven for Nazi Germany’s war criminals after the end of World War II.

Edited by: Zac Crellin and Wesley Dockery

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Q24N (Wire services) Argentine President Javier Milei’s office on Wednesday said that the leader had issued a decree to tighten migration into the country, cracking down on those with criminal records and requiring travelers to hold health insurance.

Milei’s office said in a statement that the measures were to ensure that public funds were spent on taxpayers.

In compliance with what was announced at the opening of ordinary sessions, President Javier Milei signed the Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) that deeply reforms the Argentine Migration Regime.

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The central objective, according to the official statement, is to restore migratory order and prevent abuses in the use of public services by foreign individuals who enter irregularly.

Expulsion of foreigners with criminal convictions

One of the most notable points of the decree is that, from now on, no foreigner with a conviction will be able to enter the country, and those who commit crimes on Argentine soil—regardless of the sentence—will be deported. This includes individuals who have received sentences of less than five years, which previously were not grounds for expulsion or denial of entry.

End of free and unrestricted access to health and university

Another relevant measure establishes that transient, temporary, and irregular foreigners must pay for health services and are required to have medical insurance to enter the country. The statement notes that in 2024, the Argentine State faced an expenditure of 14 billion pesos on medical care for foreigners without coverage.

In the educational sphere, national universities will be able to charge fees to temporary residents for services that are currently free for citizens and permanent residents. However, primary and secondary education will remain free for all residents, in accordance with Article 20 of the National Constitution.

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Changes in access to citizenship

The decree also tightens the requirements to access the Citizenship Charter, which will only be granted to those who have lived continuously in the country for at least two years and demonstrate a significant investment. In cases of permanent residence, it will be required to demonstrate sufficient means of livelihood and have no criminal record.

A shift in Argentine migration policy

The President’s Office justified these measures on the need to protect taxpayer resources and prevent public benefits from being used by individuals who do not contribute to the system. Milei’s administration aims to ensure that “taxpayers’ money is used on them and not on those who commit crimes or abuse the system.”

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The final message of the statement is clear: “Let all those who wish to inhabit Argentine soil know that in this country within the law, everything; outside the law, nothing.“

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Haunted Seattle Underground

When I visited Seattle, Washington, I couldn’t resist taking the famous Seattle Underground tour, hoping to bump into a ghost or two. The Seattle Underground—passageways beneath the old downtown—is widely reputed to be haunted. Tour guides regale visitors with ghost stories of shadowy figures and eerie encounters in these tunnels that were once the heart of the city. The subterranean streets have a dark history marked by violence and fire, and many believe some spirits never left. Visitors and guides alike have reported strange silhouettes flitting at the edge of vision, inexplicable whispers, and a heavy, eerie sensation in the air.

At one point during my tour, a woman in front of me suddenly yelped that something had tugged her hair. She whirled around and eyed me as if I were the prankster. I quickly put my hands up and protested, “Wasn’t me!” The group nervously laughed, but the incident set our hearts racing. Certain areas of the Underground are especially active, according to lore—an old bank vault and a former brothel are among the hot spots for paranormal activity. One popular tale involves a bank teller who was killed in a turn-of-the-century shootout; his ghost, nicknamed the “Banker Ghost,” is said to roam the vaults still checking his pocket watch. The old red-light district tunnels are reportedly stalked by the spirits of sex workers. A local psychic even claims to have conversed with the ghost of one madam, known as “Darling Dash,” who sadly doesn’t recall how she died.

The tour was fascinating, though I personally didn’t experience any supernatural events that day beyond a case of goosebumps. After exploring beneath the streets, I made a final tourist stop at the Seattle Space Needle looming over the city skyline. Soon it was time to head to the airport and fly back home, feeling both thrilled by Seattle’s history and a bit disappointed I hadn’t met a ghost in person.

A Majestic Farewell and an Unlikely Connection

On the flight home, the airline captain’s voice crackled over the intercom, urging us to peek out the left-side windows. There, piercing the clouds, stood Mount Rainier itself—majestic, snow-capped, and almost mystical against the sky. I pressed my face to the glass for a better look. The volcano’s presence was breathtaking and magical. In that moment I wished I had more time to explore Washington State’s wilderness, especially the towering beauty of Rainier. Little did I know I was about to stumble into a paranormal connection to that very mountain.

Not long after I returned to California, I was contacted by a Washington State Fish and Wildlife enforcement officer who needed my help with an investigation. (By trade, I’m retired from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, where one of my roles was serving as a Custodian of Records.) The officer was tracking down a hunter notorious for breaking game laws in both California and Washington, and I assisted by pulling some records on the suspect. As we wrapped up the paperwork, I casually mentioned my recent trip to Seattle and my side-interest as a paranormal investigator. That bit of small talk immediately caught the officer’s attention. He chuckled and said Mount Rainier has its fair share of crazy stories. In fact, over his years on duty he’d heard countless bizarre tales from locals—fishermen, hunters, campers, and hikers—who came out of the Rainier wilderness with unexplainable experiences. Sensing I was all ears, the officer decided to share a few of the eeriest reports he’d collected. (For professional reasons, he asked that I not publish his name, and I’ll respect that here.)

Campfire Tales from a Wildlife Officer

One chilling account the officer relayed came from a hunter who swore that something extraordinary happened to him two years ago in the deep woods of Mount Rainier. While tracking deer, this hunter spotted two figures roughly 300 yards away that nearly stopped his heart: one appeared to be a classic “Grey” alien—short, slender, with grayish skin and an oversized head—and just behind it stood a towering Bigfoot. For a few seconds, man and creatures stared at each other in mutual shock. Then, in a blink, the alien and the Sasquatch bolted, scampering off into the trees. The hunter was left trembling in the silence. Terrified, he decided to cut his expedition short and hike back to his truck before nightfall.

On his hurried trek out, the hunter stumbled upon a huge nest-like structure tucked beside a tree. It looked crudely woven together, far too large for any known Northwest animal. Mystified (and still frightened), he made a mental note of the location. Three days later, curiosity got the better of him, so he returned to that spot with three friends in tow to prove what he saw. But when they arrived, the massive “nest” was gone without a trace. His friends gave him a hard time, joking that his imagination was running wild. Still, the hunter insisted every word was true—and he felt vindicated enough to tell the officer because, as it turns out, another hunter had recently confided to that same officer about catching a glimpse of a Bigfoot in those woods. In his mind, two separate sightings meant something strange was truly out there.

The Goatman of Mount Rainier

Another unsettling story the officer shared involves a creature that sounds straight out of a nightmare. In June of 1998, a lone hiker was navigating a quiet trail on Rainier when he encountered a bizarre cryptid crossing the path. The being had the tall, muscular build of a man but the head of a goat, walking upright on two legs. The hiker froze as he noticed the creature’s feet ended in cloven hooves. Its fur was a grimy, dull white color, with mottled black patches across its goat-like face. In a few strides, this goat-man vanished into the brush, leaving the hiker speechless and shaken. The officer assured me that the witness was stone-cold sober during this encounter—no alcohol, no drugs—just a genuinely baffled person who struggled to make sense of what he saw. The so-called “Goatman” of Mount Rainier became one of those campfire whispers among park rangers, though sightings of this creature are exceedingly rare.

Eerie Legends of Mount Rainier

Beyond these personal accounts, I learned that Mount Rainier itself has long been a hotbed of paranormal lore. Over the decades, locals and visitors alike have reported all manner of supernatural phenomena in the shadow of the mountain. We’re talking ghostly footsteps trailing hikers on empty trails, ancient legends of mountain spirits, mysterious lights in the sky, and even inexplicable disappearances. Below are some of the most famous spooky legends and incidents tied to Mount Rainier’s imposing presence.

Camp Muir Trail and the Spirit of Tahoma

Camp Muir, a popular high-altitude camp for climbers on Rainier, is rumored to be haunted by “Tahoma,” the spirit guardian of the mountain in Nisqually tribe lore. According to legend, Tahoma (another name for Mount Rainier) can consume unwary explorers and trap them in a cavernous stomach within the mountain. Hikers on the Camp Muir Trail often report hearing phantom footsteps crunching in the snow just behind them. Yet when they stop and turn around, no one is there. The Nisqually people have long regarded Tahoma as a living entity, and even today some mountaineers believe the mountain’s spirit might take offense at arrogant adventurers. Those ghostly footfalls on the trail serve as a chilling reminder that Tahoma could be watching — and perhaps warning hikers to turn back.

The Original “Flying Saucer” Sighting

Mount Rainier holds a special place in UFO lore. In the summer of 1947, a pilot named Kenneth Arnold was flying a small plane near Rainier when he witnessed something that forever changed the language of the unexplained. He claimed to see nine shiny objects darting through the air in formation at incredible speeds. Arnold described their motion as “like a saucer would if you skipped it across water,” a phrase that led the press to coin the term “flying saucer.” His report was widely publicized and ignited the modern UFO craze in America. In the weeks and months after, a wave of other UFO sightings swept across the country. To this day, Washington State boasts one of the highest numbers of UFO reports in the United States. According to an Auburn Reporter article, over 7,000 UFO sightings have been logged in Washington, second only to California. And it all arguably began with Kenneth Arnold’s historic encounter near Mount Rainier’s peaks.

Eleven Ghostly Climbers of 1981

Even the most experienced climbers are not immune to Rainier’s mysteries. In June 1981, tragedy struck when an avalanche on the Ingraham Glacier roared down the mountain, claiming the lives of 11 climbers. In the years since, many have claimed that those lost mountaineers still make their presence known. Around the late spring anniversary of the disaster, some hikers and climbers report hearing disembodied voices carried on the wind or seeing shadowy human figures roped together, marching across the distant glacier before fading away. A haunting feeling of being watched often overtakes visitors in these high alpine areas. At the historic Paradise Inn (a lodge at 5,400 feet on the south slope), guests and staff have likewise reported odd occurrences—from unexplained footsteps in empty hallways to doors opening on their own. Many believe the spirits of the avalanche victims, or other lost souls on the mountain, may have found their way to this cozy lodge seeking warmth and company.

Ghosts, a Watchful Cloud, and a Hooded Figure

Not all of Mount Rainier’s ghostly legends are tied to a specific tragedy—some are just plain strange. Hikers at Reflection Lake, for instance, have told of an “intelligent” low-lying cloud that seems to follow people around. One traveler shared a story (featured in a Fodor’s Travel guide) about a shimmery, ground-hugging cloud that glided alongside them in eerie silence, keeping pace as they walked. The hikers couldn’t shake the feeling that something inside that cloud was watching them. Then, in an online thread, a Reddit user recounted capturing a photograph of a mysterious hooded figure lurking near the tree line during a hike. According to the post, merely seeing this cloaked apparition made both the poster and a friend feel suddenly ill and overwhelmed with dread — and that night they suffered vivid, disturbing dreams. Rangers have also quietly noted scattered reports of people hearing unidentifiable noises in the woods or experiencing the prickling sensation of invisible eyes on their back in various corners of the national park. Whether one credits vengeful spirits, nature elementals, or overactive imaginations, these tales contribute to Rainier’s reputation as a mountain alive with the unknown.

Mysterious Disappearances

Perhaps the most unsettling mystery of Mount Rainier is the sheer number of people who vanish there without a trace. Since 1989, at least 400 individuals have gone missing in Mount Rainier National Park, and many of those cases remain unsolved. In some instances, partial remains or personal effects are eventually discovered, but even then the cause of death or disappearance often remains unclear. Search-and-rescue teams sometimes find themselves utterly baffled — it’s as if the mountain itself selectively swallows people. These grim statistics serve as a sobering reminder: for all of Rainier’s beauty and wonder, its forests and slopes hold secrets that may never fully be explained.

Paul Dale Roberts, HPI’s Esoteric Detective
Halo Paranormal Investigations
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Email: [email protected]
Sacramento Paranormal Haunted Hotline: 916 203 7503

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Two peer-reviewed investigations uncover reports of severe neurological and cardiac complications following mRNA vaccination, raising questions and calls for greater transparency and research into vaccine safety.

Neurological Side Effects Documented in Case Reports

A recent review in the European Journal of Medical Research has compiled dozens of case reports pointing to post-vaccination neurological injuries that occurred after COVID-19 shots. The authors found an array of serious neurological complications reported worldwide between 2020 and 2022, many following mRNA-based vaccineseurjmedres.biomedcentral.comeurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. Among the most frequently documented were cerebrovascular events – blood clots and hemorrhages in the brain – including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), intracerebral hemorrhages, and ischemic strokeseurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. Several patients suffered inflammation of the spinal cord (transverse myelitis) or experienced the first signs of demyelinating disorders like multiple sclerosis soon after an mRNA shoteurjmedres.biomedcentral.comeurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. These effects typically appeared suddenly in the days or weeks following vaccination. While often transient or treatable, in a few cases the outcomes were severe or even fataleurjmedres.biomedcentral.com, underscoring that these adverse events, though uncommon, can carry significant consequences.

Doctors have also observed an uptick in reports of peripheral nerve damage and sensory impairments after mRNA vaccination. For example, cases of Bell’s palsy – paralysis of facial nerves – were recorded at higher-than-expected rates following Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shotseurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. Patients have developed facial droop or weakness within days of vaccination, mirroring incidents first noted during the vaccine clinical trials. Other reported injuries include Guillain–Barré syndrome (an autoimmune paralysis), seizures, encephalitis, and cranial nerve palsies affecting vision, hearing, and smelleurjmedres.biomedcentral.comeurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. In one series of post-vaccine cases, individuals suddenly lost their ability to taste and smell or developed tinnitus and hearing loss shortly after the jabeurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. There have even been instances of latent viruses reactivating – for example, shingles (herpes zoster) eruptions triggered in the wake of mRNA vaccinationeurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. Immunologists suspect that the intense post-vaccine immune response may, in rare instances, attack the body’s own cells or disrupt immune surveillance, thereby provoking these neurological issueseurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. The case report review notes that such side effects have occurred disproportionately in certain groups – for instance, people with pre-existing autoimmune conditions or other vulnerabilities appear more prone to adverse reactionseurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. This suggests some individuals’ bodies may be predisposed to overreact to the vaccine. Still, it remains unclear why most recipients have no serious side effects while a tiny minority suffer grave outcomes. The review’s authors stress that further investigation is needed to determine whether these reported injuries were coincidental or directly caused by the vaccineeurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. They emphasize that rigorous research and long-term follow-up are essential “to gather evidence” and discern any causal linkseurjmedres.biomedcentral.com.

Global Safety Data Echoes Concerns

Evidence from a separate study, published in Vaccine, reinforces these safety signals on a global scale. This analysis tapped into VigiBase, the World Health Organization’s international database of adverse drug reactions, which by 2023 had amassed around 40 million safety reports from over 130 countrieswho-umc.org. Researchers extracted individual case safety reports (ICSRs) for people who experienced serious health events after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Using a matched case–control design, they compared the profiles of those who suffered specific adverse outcomes (“cases”) with similar vaccinated individuals who did not (“controls”). This allowed the team to identify which serious adverse events were disproportionately reported following mRNA vaccination. The enormous scale of VigiBase provided a broad view: hundreds of thousands of post-vaccine adverse events were analyzed, spanning diverse populations and settings. The resulting data largely confirmed known risks while also shining a light on less-publicized reactions.

One of the clearest findings involved cardiac inflammation. The study’s results corroborate that mRNA vaccines can in rare instances trigger myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the heart’s lining)factcheck.org. These cases were predominantly seen in younger male recipients, consistent with earlier observations by U.S. and European health agenciesfactcheck.org. Notably, the odds of developing myocarditis were highest after the second dose of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine compared to other doses or vaccine brandsfactcheck.org. This aligns with clinical data that showed the Moderna shot’s stronger immune response might also provoke a stronger inflammatory reaction in a small subset of peoplefactcheck.org. The fact that the same pattern emerged in the global WHO data lends weight to the causal link between mRNA vaccines and myocarditis. While these post-vaccine heart inflammations are typically treatable and much milder than viral myocarditis, they have led to hospitalizations and require careful monitoringfactcheck.org.

Beyond the heart, the worldwide pharmacovigilance data revealed other red-flag events associated with mRNA vaccines. The analysis detected signals for the very neurological complications highlighted in the case report review – reinforcing that those were not isolated anecdotes, but part of a broader trend. Rare conditions like transverse myelitis and Guillain–Barré syndrome, for instance, surfaced among the international reports at low but notable levels. Similarly, facial nerve paralysis and sensory disorders appeared across multiple countries’ safety filings after mRNA shotseurjmedres.biomedcentral.comeurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. In VigiBase, there have been “many reports” linking the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to problems such as loss of smell, vision disturbances, tinnitus and dizzinesseurjmedres.biomedcentral.com, mirroring the patterns seen in the smaller-scale case reports. The Vaccine study applied stringent statistical methods to these reports, and while it found that such events remain exceedingly rare, their presence in significant numbers worldwide raises concern that a genuine association exists. Crucially, the case–control approach helped rule out simple reporting bias as an explanation. By matching each case with similar vaccinated controls, the researchers could detect when certain serious diagnoses were disproportionately likely to follow vaccination. The upshot: even after accounting for background health factors, some serious ailments – though very uncommon – were significantly more frequent after mRNA vaccination than would be expected by chance. This includes inflammatory neurological syndromes and other immune-mediated injuries that align with the kind of autoimmune side effects documented in the case report revieweurjmedres.biomedcentral.comeurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. In short, the big data analytics are echoing the alarm initially raised by frontline physicians: a non-negligible number of people have experienced severe adverse reactions post–mRNA vaccination, and these incidents cannot be simply swept under the rug as coincidences.

Demands for Transparency and Further Investigation

The authors of both studies, while supportive of vaccination as a vital public health tool, contend that public health authorities must not ignore these safety signals. They argue that acknowledging and scrutinizing adverse events is essential for maintaining public trust. The European journal review pointed out that side effects have “always been part” of mass vaccination campaignseurjmedres.biomedcentral.com – an expected trade-off when inoculating billions in an urgent pandemic. However, the existence of rare adverse outcomes means that continuous vigilance is warranted. Regulators and vaccine manufacturers are being urged to increase transparency about known risks, update vaccine fact sheets as new risks are identified, and ensure robust systems are in place to support those who are affected. Independent experts say that open discussion of side effects should not be seen as fuel for anti-vaccine sentiment, but rather as a commitment to scientific integrity and patient welfare. “Finally, discovering whether these disorders are accidental or whether the vaccine is the main cause of them requires future studies, ongoing efforts to gather evidence, and long-term monitoring,” the review’s conclusion emphasizes eurjmedres.biomedcentral.com. In the wake of these findings, calls are growing for expanded long-term safety studies on COVID-19 vaccines – including research into genetic or autoimmune susceptibilities that might predispose certain individuals to harm.

Both new studies ultimately converge on a key point: greater public scrutiny and further scientific inquiry are urgently needed. The signal that some people have experienced serious health crises following mRNA vaccination – even at low rates – warrants a full investigation under the brightest of spotlights. Advocates note that public health decisions should be based on a clear-eyed understanding of all benefits and risks. With governments around the world considering booster campaigns and even mRNA technology for other diseases, it becomes even more critical to map out the safety profile of these vaccines in detail. Continued pharmacovigilance, independent data analysis, and open publication of results will enable the medical community to distinguish coincidental illness from true vaccine-induced reactions. Armed with that knowledge, policymakers can make informed decisions to maximize vaccine safety. The overarching message of these investigations is a persuasive one: the rare but serious harms linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines deserve honest examination, not dismissal. By confronting the issue directly and transparently, scientists hope to improve vaccine safety and uphold the public’s trust – ensuring that vaccination campaigns can continue with both confidence and accountability.

Costa Rican authorities have imposed a temporary ban on fishing in the Gulf of Nicoya from May 1 through July 3, aimed at protecting critical fish species during their breeding seasonticotimes.net. The prohibition, enforced by the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA), is designed to allow populations of shrimp, corvina, snapper, and white mullet to reproduce undisturbed, supporting the long-term sustainability of the fisheryticotimes.net. This annual measure also seeks to promote sustainable artisanal and sport fishing practices, ensuring that coastal communities such as Chomes and Isla Chira can continue to rely on the gulf’s resources in the futureticotimes.net.

Seasonal Ban Aims to Protect Breeding Fish

A fisherman displays a juvenile shrimp, one of the species given a reprieve during the seasonal fishing ban in the Gulf of Nicoya. Shrimp, along with corvina (sea bass), snapper, and white mullet, are key commercial species that spawn around this time of year in the Gulf of Nicoya. By halting fishing activities during the peak breeding months, authorities give these populations time to regenerate and boost their numbersticotimes.netticotimes.net. INCOPESCA officials note that allowing fish stocks to recover now will help secure catches for roughly 1,400 fishermen in the coming yearticotimes.net. The gulf’s ecosystem has been under pressure from overfishing, warming ocean temperatures, and pollution, so the seasonal ban serves as a crucial defense to prevent further decline of marine life in this vital estuaryticotimes.net.

The Gulf of Nicoya is one of Costa Rica’s most important fishing areas, home to the nation’s largest concentration of artisanal fishing communitiesmarviva.net. More than 2,600 local fishermen across 29 coastal villages depend on the gulf’s waters for their livelihoodsmarviva.net. In recent months, many of these fishers reported almost no catch at all, signaling a severe depletion of resources before the ban beganmarviva.net. Experts attribute the decline to factors such as illegal fishing, overfishing, poor fisheries management, and pollution, which have taken a toll on fish stocksmarviva.net. Against this backdrop, the seasonal ban is seen as a necessary intervention to allow fish populations to rebound and to avert a deeper socio-economic crisis in the region’s fishing communitiesmarviva.net.

Coverage, Exemptions, and Enforcement Measures

The fishing ban covers a broad stretch of the inner Pacific gulf, extending from Punta Torres (also known as Peñón) across the waters near Isla Negritos and Punta Cuchillos, all the way to the mouth of the Tempisque Riverticotimes.net. During this period, both commercial and artisanal fishing operations are suspended in the designated zone. Certain limited exemptions are in place: licensed fishers are permitted to catch barracuda using hand lines in specific areas (zones B and C), and gathering mollusks is allowed except in the event of a red tide – a toxic algal bloom that can contaminate shellfishticotimes.net. Aquaculture activities, such as fish or shrimp farming in captivity, are not affected by the banticotimes.net.

Enforcing the ban is a coordinated effort between INCOPESCA and the Coast Guard, involving both sea and aerial surveillance. Patrol boats conduct regular sweeps of the gulf to deter and catch would-be violators, while drones are deployed to monitor remote or extensive areas from aboveticotimes.net. Officials have the authority to issue fines and sanctions to anyone caught fishing illegally during the closed seasonticotimes.net. These enforcement measures have been strengthened in recent years to improve compliance. However, challenges remain – reports indicate that illicit fishing practices, such as shrimp trawling by unlicensed vessels, persist in the gulf despite the banticotimes.net. According to local fishermen, some illegal operators take advantage of the reduced presence of lawful competitors and the limited patrol coverage to sneak into the gulf and fish during the banmarviva.net. This ongoing challenge has led fishing community leaders to call for even more rigorous surveillance on the water and stricter controls at landing sites to ensure the ban is respectedmarviva.net.

Impacts on Marine Life and Coastal Communities

The primary expected impact of the closure is ecological: by preventing fishing during critical breeding months, the ban helps replenish populations of important species in the Gulf of Nicoya. Past seasonal closures, which have been implemented annually since 1985, have aimed to protect spawning seasons and maintain biodiversityticotimes.net. When adhered to, these closures can increase the abundance of young fish and shrimp that survive to adulthood, ultimately boosting catches once the season reopens. The long-term benefit for fishermen is a more sustainable and productive fishery, avoiding the collapse of stocks so that future generations can continue fishing the gulf’s waters. INCOPESCA emphasizes that the health of the marine ecosystem directly underpins the livelihoods of those in the fishing sector; protecting breeding cycles now is an investment in the stability of the catch for years to cometicotimes.net.

In the short term, the ban does impose economic hardship on those who fish for a living, as they must halt their normal activities for over two months. To mitigate this impact, the government provides financial assistance to licensed fishers during the closed season. Each licensed fishing operation (including both boat owners and crew members with permits) is eligible for a monthly subsidy of ₡145,000 (about $230) from the Instituto Mixto de Ayuda Social (IMAS) while the ban is in effectticotimes.net. This subsidy, which is roughly equivalent to a basic monthly income, is paid out in installments and is intended to help fishing families cover essential expenses when they cannot earn from fishing. Even so, administrative delays in disbursing these funds have caused frustration among some fishermen, especially early in the ban periodticotimes.net. Despite these hiccups, the financial support is a critical lifeline for many, preventing an abrupt loss of income in communities that are already economically vulnerable.

Many fishermen are using the downtime productively by participating in community improvement and conservation projects, often in coordination with INCOPESCA and local municipalities. Fishing organizations have organized activities such as cleaning up beaches and public spaces, painting schools in coastal villages, and even patrolling nearby sea turtle nesting sitesticotimes.net. In addition, groups of fishers are working on restoring mangrove forests along the gulf’s shoreline, recognizing that healthy mangroves provide important nursery habitats for many fish and shrimp speciesticotimes.net. Training programs are also being offered during the ban, teaching best practices in responsible fishing techniques and proper fish handling for quality, so that when the season reopens, local fishermen can operate more sustainably and add more value to their catchticotimes.net. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also help foster a sense of stewardship and positive engagement among the fishing communities during the closure period.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the fishing ban is widely acknowledged as important for conservation, it faces several challenges that could undermine its effectiveness. One issue raised by critics is that the timing of the closed season does not perfectly align with the breeding cycles of all species it aims to protectticotimes.net. For example, the prized corvina (a type of sea bass) may spawn outside the May-to-July window, meaning a significant portion of its reproduction might not actually be safeguarded by the current schedule. Such mismatches can reduce the ecological benefits for certain species. Some have suggested that more species-specific data should be used to adjust the timing or duration of future bans so that they cover the true peak spawning periods of each major fish species in the gulf.

Another major challenge is enforcement. Even with patrols and drone surveillance, the expanse of the Gulf of Nicoya and the number of landing points along its coast make it difficult to completely prevent poaching. Fishermen have reported that during the closed season, illicit fishing continues under the cover of darkness or in less-monitored areas, with offenders using small boats to avoid detectionmarviva.net. The presence of illegal fishing undermines honest fishers who comply with the rules and can negate some of the conservation gains if too many fish are taken during the breeding season. Local fishing leaders from communities like Isla Chira have urged authorities to increase both sea patrols and on-land inspections (such as checking markets and docks for illegal catch) to improve compliancemarviva.net.

Resource constraints also pose a problem. INCOPESCA has a limited budget for extensive monitoring operations, and the Coast Guard patrols tasked with covering the area have many other duties along Costa Rica’s coast. The government’s capacity to enforce regulations across all of the gulf’s waters is strained, which is why community cooperation is so vital. The success of the ban largely hinges on fishermen understanding the long-term benefits and voluntarily adhering to the rules. To that end, INCOPESCA has been conducting outreach to encourage compliance, but winning full community support remains an ongoing effort.

Outlook and Long-Term Fisheries Plan

The Gulf of Nicoya fishing ban is a central component of Costa Rica’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Plan for 2025–2030ticotimes.net. This multi-year plan lays out a roadmap for sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation across the country. By aligning the annual closed seasons with this plan, authorities aim to institutionalize the protection of breeding grounds as a recurring part of fisheries management. The plan emphasizes scientific data and ecosystem-based management, suggesting that measures like the Gulf of Nicoya ban will continue to be refined and enforced in the coming years to maximize their positive impact on fish populations.

Officials involved in crafting the plan highlight the importance of involving local communities and various fishing sectors in the process. However, the plan has faced some criticism for not addressing every stakeholder’s needs. In particular, the sport fishing and tourism sector — which is economically significant, contributing an estimated $500 million annually to Costa Rica’s economy — has been noted as receiving little attention in the new strategyticotimes.net. Sport fishing operators have expressed concern that their activities and input were somewhat overlooked, representing a gap in what is supposed to be a comprehensive approach to fisheries managementticotimes.net. This gap is something policymakers may need to consider as they implement the plan, to ensure that all forms of fishing, including catch-and-release sport fishing and charter operations, are managed sustainably and fairly alongside commercial and subsistence fishing.

Looking ahead, Costa Rican authorities and coastal communities will be closely watching the outcomes of this year’s Gulf of Nicoya closure. Positive signs — such as increased catches in the months after the ban or evidence of larger fish populations — would reinforce the value of the policy and provide momentum to continue the practice in future years. There are also calls for more investment in enforcement technology and personnel, which could be addressed if additional funding is allocated under the 2025–2030 plan. Education and awareness will remain key: INCOPESCA is continuing its radio and social media campaigns to inform the public about the benefits of the ban and to encourage consumers to purchase legally caught seafoodticotimes.net. Consumer cooperation can reduce demand for illegally caught fish, complementing the enforcement efforts.

As the seasonal ban approaches its end date in early July, INCOPESCA officials have reiterated their commitment to both preserving marine ecosystems and supporting the fishermen who depend on them. They acknowledge that the success of this initiative ultimately depends on everyone’s participation – government agencies must effectively enforce the rules, fishermen must comply and engage in conservation, and the public should support legal and sustainable fishing practices. Only with strong community support and vigilance will the Gulf of Nicoya’s rich marine life be safeguarded for future generations ticotimes.net.

Multiple former officials were taken into custody early this morning in Costa Rica as part of an expanding investigation into a ₡21.8 billion (≈ $41 million) no-bid contract to overhaul the runway at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. The scandal, which has shaken one of the country’s main tourism gateways, centers on accusations of bribery, falsified documentation, and misrepresentation of storm damage.

According to the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), raids were carried out at 22 sites nationwide, leading to the arrest of ex-Minister of Public Works and Transportation Luis Amador and former Director of Civil Aviation Fernando Naranjo, among others. Prosecutors say they have “uncovered evidence of a bribery scheme tied to the contract award, and our investigation is far from over.”

The controversy began after Tropical Storm Bonnie struck in July 2022, prompting a national emergency declaration. In June 2023, Executive Decree No. 44.072 extended that emergency to the Liberia airport, allowing the government to bypass standard procurement procedures and award the runway project directly to construction firm Meco. However, an August 2023 technical report by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation found no clear link between storm-related damage and the runway’s condition, noting that images and data used to justify the decree were outdated or failed to show significant deterioration.

President Rodrigo Chaves dismissed Amador and Naranjo in March 2024 amid public uproar, but calls for accountability only intensified. The Prosecutor’s Office has opened case file No. 24-000030-1218-PE to examine potential crimes including ideological falsehood and corruption, with several high-level figures—such as former Minister of the Presidency Natalia Díaz and National Emergency Commission head Alejandro Picado—also under scrutiny.

In response to today’s arrests, President Chaves maintained his innocence: “I’ve always acted with integrity and in the best interest of Costa Rica. I trust the courts will get to the bottom of this.” Meanwhile, airport authorities reassured travelers that “the runway repairs are still critical. We’re doing everything we can to keep flights safe and on schedule.”

News of the detentions has sparked protests in Liberia, where residents and business owners fear fallout on the region’s vital tourism economy. “This airport keeps our town alive,” said one demonstrator. “We can’t let corruption mess it up.”

QCOSTARICA — In the early hours of this Tuesday morning, the Fiscalia (Prosecutor’s Office) and the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) carried out 21 raids, and arrested, among others, the former MOPT Minister Mauricio Batalla, the president of the National Emergency Commission (CNE), Alejandro Picado and director of Civil Aviation, Marcos Castillo, in the case nicknamed “Pista Oscura”, related to an allegedly irregular contract for the improvement of the Guanacaste Airport runway in Liberia, in 2023.

Not on the raids list is former MOPT Minister, Luis Amador.

Following the work of judicial officials, Amador’s defense attorney expressed optimism regarding the direction the prosecutor’s office and the OIJ’s investigation is taking into the case.

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“Don Luis has not been identified as one of the people linked to the raids being carried out today in that case, much less one of the people being detained in any way by the prosecutor’s office (…) Seeking to detain Luis Amador under these conditions would be absolutely inappropriate because it must be remembered that, unlike the other defendants in that case, Luis Amador already gave a statement last year, because from the first moment he learned of the existence of the case, he requested an appointment to testify,” Huertas said.

On March 12, 2024, President Rodrigo Chaves fired Amador for allegedly allowing a customized contract for the MECO company to repair the Guanacaste Airport runway. The former official is being investigated for alleged ideological falsehood in this regard. Amador currently lives in Canada, where he teaches.

Meanwhile, Amador’s successor, Mauricio Batalla, was arrested this Tuesday morning.

The raids took place in Curridabant and Pavas, as well as in Oreamuno in Cartago and Santa Barbara de Heredia, including homes, the office of the MOPT (Ministry of Public Works and Transportation) and Conavi, and the construction company MECO.

According to the judicial police’s thesis, the CNE requested that the Executive Branch include the canton of Liberia in an emergency decree to address the damage caused by the effects of tropical waves 11 and 12 and Tropical Storm Bonnie, which affected the northern region and not the Guanacaste area in 2022, according to Randall Zúñiga, head of the OIJ.

This allowed bidding processes to be processed under the emergency regime. The contract for the runway repair was awarded to the company Meco.

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The initial bidding amount was around US$40 million, but after value engineering, the project increased by US$4 million. The OIJ investigation focuses on this increase, alleging corruption.

After the project was awarded, the construction company proposed applying “value engineering,” claiming that it wasn’t necessary to intervene in certain underlying layers, as they claimed they were in good condition.

This approach analyzes materials, processes, and designs to identify areas where costs can be reduced.

Initially, the head of the executing unit objected, which led to pressure from the detainees, according to the OIJ. Eventually, the individual was replaced, allowing for the approval of the value engineering and the subsequent contractual modification in favor of the contractor.

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Batalla resigned from his position earlier this year to run for president in the 2026 elections but later decided not to do so due to the revelation of sexual harassment allegations against him.

“We hope that these actions taken today by the prosecutor’s office imply that the investigation is somehow being directed where it truly belongs, which is not toward Luis Amador, but toward the National Emergency Commission as the competent authority,” Huertas concluded.

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QCOSTARICA — Mauricio Batalla, former minister of the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT), was arrested this Tuesday, part of a series of 23 early morning raids by the Organismo de Investigacion Judicial (OIJ) in various areas of the metropolitan area.

Present at the raid on the Batalla home was the Attorney General, Carlos Diaz.

Also, arrested were Alejandro Picado, head of the National Emergency Commission (CNE), and Marcos Castillo, director of Civil Aviation, among others.

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The raids were also carried out on officials of the Conavi and the construction company MECO, in Curridabat, Pavas, Oreamuno in Cartago, and Santa Bárbara de Heredia.

All are linked to alleged irregularities in the repair of the runway at the Guanacaste Airport (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport) in Liberia, Guanacaste, in 2023.

The same incident that saw the departure of former MOPT Minister Luis Amador and to some extent the former minister of the Presidency, Natalia Diaz, who according to the Attorney General are persons of interest in the case.

According to the OIJ’s thesis, the National Emergency Commission requested that the Executive Branch include the canton of Liberia in an emergency decree to address the damage caused by the effects of tropical waves 11 and 12 and Tropical Storm Bonnie, which affected the northern region and not the Guanacaste area in 2022, according to Randall Zúñiga, head of the OIJ.

This allowed bidding processes to be processed under the emergency regime, that is skipping the normal checks and balances with respect to tenders for public works, including approval by the Comptroller’s Office.

The contract for the runway repair was awarded to the company MECO. The allegation is that the tender bid, as it was written, could only be completed by MECO, bypassing competing contracts with the experience and resources, such as the PEDEGRAL, overrunning costs by US$4 million in the US$40 million tender.

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The OIJ is investigating the increase, meanwhile, the Attorney General’s office is investigating the process.

After the project was awarded, the construction company proposed applying “value engineering,” claiming that it wasn’t necessary to intervene in certain underlying layers of the runway because they were in good condition.

This approach analyzes materials, processes, and designs to identify areas where costs can be reduced.

Batalla resigned from his position earlier this year to run for President in the 2026 elections but later decided not to do so following the revelation of sexual harassment allegations against him.

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His predecessor, Amador, after being fired by President Chaves, began a self-imposed exile and left for Canada in March 2024. He returned to Costa Rica in November following a request by the Attorney General’s office, to give testimony, in which he pointed fingers at President Rodrigo Chaves, for skirting blame where it was due.

Earlier this month, Amador made his intentions public to seek the presidential nomination to run for president in 2026. So far no political party has endorsed him as their candidate.

In a nutshell, the Guancaste Airport, a fundamental premise for the economy of Guanacaste and the country before, required urgent repair to guarantee the continuity of the airport’s operations due to deterioration since 2020. Judicial officials allege that corruption occurred due to the expedited processing and exceeding of costs.

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QCOSTARICA — Legislators, in their majority,  approved on Monday an amendment to Article 32 of the Constitution allowing the extradition of Costa Rican citizens accused abroad of terrorism or drug trafficking.

The initiative received 45 votes in favor, without dissension by the legislators present in the Legislative Assembly, in the first of three debates required to amend the Constitution. Twelve legislators were absent from the debate and vote.

The second debate and vote is expected this Tuesday afternoon.

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When definitively approved, Article 32 of the Political Constitution will read as follows:

Article 32 – No Costa Rican may be compelled to leave the national territory, except in cases of international drug trafficking or terrorism where extradition has been granted by the Courts of Justice, in strict adherence to the fundamental rights and procedural guarantees recognized in this Constitution, international treaties, and laws.

This reform, however, will require additional legal reforms to be implemented, as Costa Rica’s current laws and international extradition treaties do not contemplate the extradition of Costa Ricans. The Executive Branch, as responsible for the country’s international relations, must renegotiate bilateral treaties to allow its nationals to be extradited for these crimes.

Likewise, national legislation will need to be adjusted to reflect the permissibility of extradition of Costa Ricans, and what requirements judges must follow when deciding whether a Costa Rican is extradited to another country.

The reform was declared constitutional by the Constitutional Court or Sala IV as it is commonly referred to, which upheld the Legislative Assembly’s authority to amend the Constitution as long as its internal balance is respected. In their ruling, the Sala IV judges stated that the extradition of Costa Ricans, under the proposed terms, does not violate fundamental rights or contradict the principles of progressive human rights.

Typically, initiatives require to debates and voting to pass into law. Because this initiative is a constitutional change, three debates are required.

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The reform will represent a momentous shift in Costa Rican security policy at a time when violence linked to drug trafficking and organized crime has reached unprecedented levels.

The historic decision marks a key step in the fight against transnational criminal networks that have found legal refuge in Costa Rica due to the current constitutional prohibition on extraditing nationals.

The change promoted by the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) seeks to close a legal loophole that, according to various political voices, has contributed to the impunity of criminals linked to organized crime.

“This is the clearest and most forceful message we can give to the public: that this Legislative Assembly is committed to working for the safety of Costa Ricans,” said Alejandro Pacheco, the PUSC faction.

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The vote came just days after a call from President Rodrigo Chaves, who urged legislators to support the reform.

Several legislators warned that, while the measure represents progress, it should not be considered a magic bullet to the growing insecurity in the country.

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Costa Rica stands as one of the few nations in the world without a standing military, a remarkable political and social decision that has shaped its identity for over seven decades. While many countries allocate significant resources to national defense, Costa Rica has chosen a path of peace, prioritizing education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The absence of an army in Costa Rica is not merely an administrative decision—it reflects the nation’s commitment to democracy, diplomacy, and human rights. 

The Historic Abolition of the Military 

The turning point in Costa Rica’s history came on **December 1, 1948**, when then-President **José Figueres Ferrer** abolished the national army. In a symbolic gesture, he famously took a sledgehammer to the walls of the army’s headquarters, marking the official end of military forces in the country. This decision was later enshrined in **Article 12 of the Costa Rican Constitution**, which was ratified in 1949. It declared that **“the Army as a permanent institution is abolished”**, effectively ensuring that Costa Rica would move forward without military forces. 

This decision followed a brief **civil war in 1948**, triggered by contested presidential election results. The war lasted only 44 days but caused significant damage to the country. In the aftermath, Figueres and his political allies believed that disbanding the military would prevent future conflicts and allow the country to focus on building democratic institutions. Since then, Costa Rica has redirected its financial resources toward education, healthcare, and social welfare. 

Prioritizing Peace Over Military Power 

The abolition of the army in Costa Rica was not merely about eliminating military forces—it was an ideological shift toward prioritizing peace. The country embraced diplomacy as its main defense mechanism, strengthening international alliances and advocating for peaceful conflict resolution. Costa Rica has become a global leader in **human rights, disarmament, and environmental sustainability**, proving that national security can be achieved through diplomacy rather than warfare. 

One of the key reasons Costa Rica can maintain its military-free status is its **stable political system**. Unlike many nations that struggle with internal conflicts, Costa Rica has invested heavily in democratic governance, ensuring fair elections and strong institutions. The rule of law and civilian governance have contributed to social stability, reducing the need for an army to enforce order. 

International Support and Strategic Alliances 

Despite not having an army, Costa Rica is not entirely defenseless. The nation relies on **international alliances** to safeguard its sovereignty. It maintains strong diplomatic relations with the United Nations, the United States, and neighboring Latin American countries. While Costa Rica does not possess a formal military force, it does have **police and border security personnel** who handle internal security threats such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and natural disaster response. 

Costa Rica is also a member of several **international organizations**, including the **Organization of American States (OAS)**, which provides mechanisms for collective defense and diplomatic conflict resolution. In the event of a serious external threat, allies such as the United States have historically pledged support to Costa Rica, ensuring that the country’s sovereignty remains protected. 

Economic and Social Benefits of No Military 

One of the biggest advantages of not having an army is the **financial freedom** it provides. Many countries allocate billions of dollars to military expenditures, diverting funds away from vital sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. In contrast, Costa Rica has channeled its resources into **social welfare programs**, leading to better living standards for its citizens. 

For example: 

– **Education:** Costa Rica boasts one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America, with free public education available to all citizens. Without military spending, the government has invested heavily in schools, universities, and research institutions. 

– **Healthcare:** The country has a **universal healthcare system** that ensures citizens receive medical care regardless of their income level. Public hospitals and clinics provide services at a fraction of the cost seen in many developed nations. 

– **Environmental Conservation:** Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability, dedicating large portions of its land to **national parks and protected areas**. The country has ambitious goals for carbon neutrality and renewable energy, further strengthening its commitment to peace and ecological well-being. 

Challenges of Not Having an Army 

Despite its successes, Costa Rica’s military-free approach is not without challenges. The absence of an army means the country must rely on **diplomatic resolutions** in times of potential conflict. In rare cases, territorial disputes have tested Costa Rica’s security policies. 

For instance, in **2010**, a border conflict arose between Costa Rica and **Nicaragua** when Nicaraguan troops entered Costa Rican territory near the **San Juan River**. Costa Rica, unable to respond militarily, took the issue to **international courts**, seeking diplomatic intervention. The International Court of Justice eventually ruled in Costa Rica’s favor, proving that diplomacy could resolve conflicts effectively. 

Additionally, Costa Rica faces threats from **drug trafficking and organized crime**, as cartels from South and Central America use the country’s location as a transit point. Without military enforcement, Costa Rican law enforcement agencies must work harder to combat illicit activities, relying on **regional cooperation and intelligence-sharing**. 

The Global Impact of Costa Rica’s Example 

Costa Rica’s decision to abolish its army is often hailed as a **remarkable model for peace** in an era where military tensions dominate international affairs. The country actively promotes **non-violence, disarmament, and international cooperation**, proving that a nation can remain secure without a traditional military force. 

Costa Rica hosts key international organizations, including the **United Nations University for Peace**, where students from around the world study conflict resolution and diplomacy. By serving as a symbol of peace, Costa Rica inspires other nations to prioritize humanitarian efforts over military aggression. 

Costa Rica’s lack of an army is not a weakness—it is a testament to the country’s commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights. By abolishing its military in 1948, Costa Rica chose a path of diplomatic resolution and national prosperity, proving that stability can be achieved without warfare. While challenges remain, the country continues to thrive by investing in education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. 

Costa Rica’s example challenges conventional notions of security, demonstrating that true strength lies not in weapons, but in diplomacy, social progress, and global cooperation. In a world where conflict persists, Costa Rica stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that peace is possible.

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Life is an unpredictable journey, filled with moments of joy and hardship. While challenges are inevitable, how we navigate them defines our resilience and strength. Staying positive during difficult times is not about denying pain or pretending struggles don’t exist—it is about cultivating an inner sense of hope and perseverance that allows us to move forward despite adversity. 

The ability to remain positive during hardships is a powerful trait that nurtures emotional well-being, strengthens faith, and fosters personal growth. It is an intentional practice that requires mindset shifts, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace change. 

Understanding Hardship and Perspective 

Hard times come in many forms—loss, financial instability, health struggles, or personal disappointments. When faced with challenges, it is easy to fall into despair and focus solely on what is going wrong. However, perspective plays a critical role in shaping our experiences. 

Instead of viewing hardships as insurmountable obstacles, consider them opportunities for transformation. Every difficulty presents a lesson, a chance to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. When we shift our perspective from one of defeat to one of growth, we gain emotional and mental strength. 

The Power of Positive Thinking 

Maintaining a positive outlook does not mean ignoring reality; rather, it means choosing hope over fear. Positive thinking fosters resilience and helps us navigate tough situations with clarity. When we approach challenges with optimism, we become more solution-oriented and adaptable. 

Some ways to cultivate a positive mindset include: 

– **Gratitude Practice:** Focusing on gratitude shifts attention from what is lacking to what is abundant in our lives. By acknowledging the blessings we have—even during difficulties—we foster emotional resilience. 

– **Affirmations:** Words hold immense power. Speaking positive affirmations can help redirect negative thoughts and reinforce confidence. Phrases like “I am strong enough to overcome this” or “This challenge will lead to growth” can change the way we interact with adversity. 

– **Visualization:** Envisioning a positive outcome can shape the way we approach difficulties. Imagining success, healing, or personal breakthroughs fosters motivation and keeps us focused on possibilities rather than limitations. 

Resilience: The Key to Overcoming Hardship 

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties, and it is deeply connected to maintaining a positive outlook. Building resilience involves nurturing inner strength, developing coping mechanisms, and cultivating faith in one’s ability to overcome adversity. 

Some practical ways to develop resilience include: 

– **Adapting to Change:** Hard times often bring unexpected shifts in life. Learning to embrace change instead of resisting it makes overcoming obstacles easier. Flexibility allows us to navigate transitions with strength and acceptance. 

– **Developing Emotional Awareness:** Understanding and processing emotions is essential for resilience. It is okay to feel sadness, frustration, or fear, but the key is not to dwell on them indefinitely. Allowing emotions to flow rather than suppressing them enables growth. 

– **Seeking Support:** No one needs to face challenges alone. Surrounding ourselves with supportive people—friends, family, or even professionals—provides encouragement and perspective. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Finding Meaning in Struggles 

Difficulties can often feel meaningless and overwhelming, but finding purpose in hardship transforms our experiences. Many spiritual and philosophical traditions emphasize the idea that suffering can lead to wisdom and transformation. While pain is uncomfortable, it teaches valuable lessons that shape character. 

To find meaning in struggles, consider: 

– **Growth Perspective:** Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What can I learn from this?” Challenges push us beyond our limits and reveal strengths we may not have known existed. 

– **Faith and Spirituality:** Many people find comfort in faith during difficult times. Spiritual beliefs can provide guidance, reassurance, and a greater sense of purpose. 

– **Acts of Service:** Channeling pain into meaningful action, such as helping others, can shift focus from personal struggles to broader impact. Acts of kindness not only help others but also provide emotional healing. 

Self-Care During Hard Times 

One of the most important aspects of maintaining positivity is prioritizing self-care. Hardships can drain energy, making it essential to nurture mind, body, and soul. 

– **Physical Well-Being:** Exercise, proper nutrition, and rest contribute to mental clarity and emotional stability. Neglecting physical health during tough times can exacerbate stress. 

– **Mental and Emotional Care:** Engaging in activities that promote relaxation—such as meditation, journaling, or hobbies—provides an emotional reset and enhances positivity. 

– **Spiritual Practices:** Prayer, meditation, or reflection can offer solace and deepen inner peace. Connecting with spirituality often brings reassurance and guidance. 

The Role of Hope 

Hope is the driving force behind perseverance. It is the belief that despite current difficulties, better days are ahead. Even in the darkest moments, holding onto hope keeps the soul alive and encourages forward movement. 

Cultivating hope involves: 

– **Surrounding Yourself with Positivity:** Seek environments and people who uplift and inspire rather than drain energy. Positivity is contagious. 

– **Limiting Negative Input:** While being informed is important, excessive exposure to negativity—whether through social media, news, or toxic relationships—can overwhelm the mind. Balancing input with uplifting content fosters optimism. 

– **Setting Small Goals:** Achieving small milestones, even amid difficulties, creates momentum and restores confidence. Progress does not have to be dramatic; every step forward counts. 

Embracing the Journey 

Life is not meant to be perfect or free from hardship. Difficult moments are as much a part of our existence as joyful ones. Instead of fearing challenges, embrace them as stepping stones toward wisdom, strength, and purpose. 

Remaining positive during hard times is a conscious choice—one that requires effort, trust, and resilience. It is about refusing to let adversity define us, about recognizing the temporary nature of struggles, and about believing in the possibility of renewal. 

Hardship does not last forever, but the strength we cultivate in those moments remains. By choosing hope, seeking growth, and nurturing resilience, we rise above challenges and step into the fullness of life with courage and optimism.

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The Grecia Campus of the UCR is promoting a comprehensive effort that combines teaching, through the Water Resource Management program, scientific research, social action, and community participation to address the serious deterioration of aquatic ecosystems in the Alajuela canton.

Within the framework of the Surface Water Quality in the Rivers of the Grecia Canton project (C3095) and the Systematization of Community and Territorial Management of the Agualote River initiative (Pry01-65-2026), the university has implemented innovative actions such as the use of clay spheres with microorganisms (Bokashi), which function as natural water decontamination systems. This simple yet powerful technology oxygenates rivers and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria that degrade pollutants, involving the community in its production and application. Clay spheres with microorganisms (bokashi) are a simple technology that oxygenates rivers and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria that degrade pollutants.

A Living Project

The recent Agualote River cleanup is part of the efforts being carried out to restore the ecosystem and empower local communities in its care and defense. This strategy has allowed students and teachers to work side by side with organizations such as the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), the Ecological Blue Flag Program (PBAE), the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), and various biological corridor associations, such as the Citizen Water Observatories (OCA) project and the National Alliance of Rivers and Basins of Costa Rica (ANRCCR).

“We want rivers to be part of the local imagination,” emphasizes professor Rocío Chamorro, explaining initiatives such as river labeling and knowledge generation for communities and businesses.

Participating students, such as Leonardo Barrantes and Yendri Salazar, emphasize that urban and industrial growth in Grecia poses new challenges for water resources, making genuine involvement from the business sector and new residents crucial.

UCR, through this comprehensive approach, contributes to anticipating major pollution problems, proactively strengthening social and environmental awareness.

John Diego Bolaños, professor of the Integrated Water Resource Management program, emphasizes that the initiatives respond to a need to generate scientific knowledge and social action to raise awareness of the environmental challenges of water resource care and quality.

Commitment to sustainable regional development

Through its projects at the Grecia Campus, the University of Costa Rica reaffirms its commitment to sustainable regional development, demonstrating that science, education, and social action, together, are forces capable of positively transforming territories and ensuring a cleaner and more just future for all.

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QCOSTARICA — While reviewing the first years of President Rodrigo Chaves’ administration, Pilar Cisneros, head of the Partido Progreso Social Democrático (PPSD) – Social Democratic Progress party, addressed opposition criticism and put the challenges facing the government into perspective.

Cisneros recalled the conditions under which, according to her, the Chaves administration received the country.

“What country did Rodrigo Chaves Robles receive? One of the most unequal countries in the world, a country where the public administration has made mistake after mistake after mistake that led us exactly to where we received this country,” she firmly stated.

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The PPSD legislator was emphatic that expectations of a rapid transformation are unrealistic.

“So, do you want us to fix Costa Rica in three years? Well, no, it can’t be done. You see, it can’t be done. That’s absolutely impossible. Fix all the schools, improve security, and make the infrastructure overcome the fifty-year gap. No, it can’t be done. Neither we nor anyone else will be able to do it,” she stated.

Cisneros also took the opportunity to contrast the model that, according to her, the current government is proposing with that of previous administrations.

Finally, the legislator supported President Chaves’ call to reform the role of public institutions.

“As Rodrigo Chaves said, and with this I conclude, we don’t have to defend the institutional framework. We have reached a point where we have to defend citizens from the institutional framework, which deceives them, doesn’t serve them, doesn’t set deadlines, doesn’t solve problems, and only puts obstacles in their way,” the legislator concluded.

Chaves’ mandate ends in a little less than a year, on May 8, 2026.

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Costa Ricans will elect a new president in the national elections slated for Sunday, February 1, 2026, and the newly elected president will take office at noon on May 8.

To serve as President, a person must be Costa Rican by birth and be at least 30 years of age. Interested persons must seek the nomination of one of the political parties, which is generally granted through internal processes.

The Political Constitution prohibits the sitting president from consecutive reelection. Consequently, Rodrigo Chaves is ineligible for a new term. Furthermore, it stipulates that government ministers and directors or managers of autonomous institutions must resign their positions twelve months before the election if they wish to run for president or vice president.

In the last few months, Chaves has made public that he is considering the possibility of leaving office before July 31, 2025, to run for legislator.

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“Very honestly, is it an option? Yes. Our legislation allows it. Yes. It is being considered. Yes. Who will make the decision? Rodrigo Chaves Robles,” said Pilar Cisneros, last month on the Radio Nuestra Voz program hosted by journalist Amelia Rueda.

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QCOSTARICA — Starting today, May 12, the fees for passport, DIMEX, and ControlPas processing will change, according to an official statement from RACSA and Correos de Costa Rica (Post Office).

The new price for processing a passport or DIMEX will be ¢8,203.5 + VAT, while the ControlPas process will cost ¢8,303.5 + VAT.

The above costs are only for processing, in addition to the cost of US$75 for a Costa Rican passport, the cost for a DIMEX card (first issue, duplicate, or renewal) is between US$95 and US$133, and US$3 for the ControlPas.

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According to both institutions, the adjustment responds to the need to cover current operating costs and continue investing in technology, with the goal of maintaining an efficient, secure service with high quality standards.

“Correos de Costa Rica, with the technological support of RACSA, has offered passport services since 2012 and has maintained its rates unchanged ever since. This adjustment is undoubtedly necessary to continue providing quality service with the availability and speed that characterizes it, always grateful to our customers for their preference,” stated Katherine Pacheco Jiménez, Commercial Manager of Correos de Costa Rica.

For her part, Marielos Brenes, service leader at RACSA, emphasized that the rates had not been changed in over a decade, making this update essential to ensure the sustainability of the system.

Payments can be made through the virtual branch or directly at the counter at the time of the appointment. The service includes delivery of the document to your home or to any post office branch in the country.

RACSA and Correos de Costa Rica currently operate 25 electronic service counters throughout the country, where procedures are handled for both minors and adults.

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No word yet from the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) of any changes in its fees.

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