Costa Rica CAFTA from a British Standpoint
Working in an international office after an event of this magnitude is quite interesting as there are opinions from all over the world and everyone has a different perspective. It is a great way to see all possible sides of a situation. I have been compiling all of their opinions on the recent vote and it will be interesting to see the difference between the people that have lived who were born here and the people who have adopted this country as their new home.
I am still collecting all of the different reactions, but here are two from the British crew.
¨I think the whole agreement will be great for building international trade connections and overall it will increase the general income of the country. However, smaller industries in Costa Rica will suffer as bigger and more prosperous companies from America especially will take over. Everything has good and bad points and luckily Costa Rica is a very peaceful country so now the vote has been made and the country can continue with day to day living.¨
-Caz, 21, is a student living here for a year on her placement for university and also lived here last summer for three months.
¨I feel that as the vote was so close that they should not pass the deal with such a close opinion.¨
-Richard, 25, has lived here for three years with his Tica wife.
¨I can see how the yes vote brings both the negative and positive aspects. As I have only been here for a short time [one month] it has been interesting following the debate. Of course with either outcome people were going to get hurt and then others would be gaining from it. Its just the way it goes, I guess. ¨
-Tom, 21, is also a student from England here for a year on his placement for university. This is his first time in Costa Rica.
| Written by alanp |
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Filed under: Costa Rica News on October 8th, 2007
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It would have been more interesting to also read the opinion of some of the many foreigners who have actually lived here long enough to understand how this country really works. This would have avoided publishing silly answers such as “they should not pass the deal with such a close opinion,” an answer that indicates the person has no idea what the referendum law says.
Jeanina it sounds like you are pro-cafta, however with a country so split on a decision can the government really allow something to pass with a slight majority. The benefits of CAFTA will be seen in the coming months and I hope that your country does not get destroyed for the benefit of the $$ which it appears that your government does and there are many examples to back this up.
With regards to referendum law what idea is necessary. I am stating that in such a case maybe Costa Rica should look towards Europe, a country with more experience. However it has been past and I am sure the influx of gringos will make you happy Jeanna
Although Richard’s syntax is a bit difficult to disentangle, I have three comments regarding his comment: 1) With regard to Richard’s advice that Costa Rica “look towards Europe, a country with more experience”, Richard seems unaware that Costa Rica is about to begin negotiating a free trade agreeement with Europe as we “speak”. 2) Richard also seems to be unaware that Europe is not a country, but a continent made up of many countries. 3) As for the potential influx of Gringos, Richard should take note of the fact that the first ones to arrive since the signing of CAFTA were Germans. Oh my, we’ll probably be overrun by Europeans AND Gringos.
What is important about decisions made via referendum in Costa Rica is that the law says all it takes to win is the vote of the majority, that is, half plus one of the voters. That is how this democracy works. Whether I am pro or against CAFTA is not the point here–we could talk about that, though. Any side would have liked an ample victory, and nobody likes to lose, but there is a long way between that and questioning the validity of the results.
I agree that the country now needs to focus on moving past the division and going forward with what the results of the referendum. It would be a hard hit for the country to not abide by its own democratic processes, as it would put the entire system at doubt.
I have lived here for 4 yrs now I love Costa Rica. I’m not exactly sure what this aggreement is all about. Yes, I’m a Gringo & the US has many things to be proud of but sometimes we Gringo’s think we know what is best for everyone else & impose our will on them. I’ve seen much proverty here & if this treaty helps them, then I think it is good but if it is only for some American companies to get cheap labor, then I think it is bad. Since it has passed, I hope it works for the people here as they are great people.