Written by Keyea Caullette

Osa’s Cascadas del Mar has a ‘no stone turned’ approach to rain forest development.
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is one of the countries most underdeveloped and pure regions. It has been described by National Geographic as “the most biologically-intense place on Earth”. It is hard to get to but well worth it once you manage. It is known for secluded beaches, sport-fishing, surfing, hiking, rafting and whale-watching, however, it will soon be known as home to one of Costa Rica’s most environmentally conscience luxury real estate communities; Cascadas Del Mar.

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Filed under: Business on June 25th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by Keyea Caullette

Falsified Marriages are a Common Way for Immigrants to Overstep Immigration Issues.
Costa Rica has become a safe heaven to many other Central and South American citizens looking for less violence in their communities, better work opportunities, and an all around better quality of life. There’s been an increase in Colombian, Nicaraguan, and Dominican Republican immigrants over the past few years; however, it’s the illegal immigration of Dominican Republican women with Costa Rican marriage certificates that is stirring up controversy inside Costa Rica’s tropical borders.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on June 25th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by Keyea Caullette

The question remains, will carbon neutral go bananas?
President Oscar Arias has recently publicized his goal to cut Costa Rica’s net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2021. Costa Rica has already approved a plan of action that includes many different projects that have already been launched to become the first nation ever to offset all its carbon dioxide emissions. If the country can achieve his goal by 2021 Costa Rica will celebrate making environmental history as well as Costa Rica’s 200 years of independence.

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Filed under: Business on June 25th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by Erin Raub

Avila Turns Simple Objects into Works of Art.
At first glance, the works of Costa Rican artist Ricardo Ávila seem inoffensive, everyday. But his exhibition, ¿Cómo Vamos? (How Are We Doing?), is anything but simple.

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Filed under: Living on June 25th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by Erin Raub

Children Preform a Typical Dance Routine in Liberia, Guanacaste.
It seems that each week, San José fills up with a new activity: gallo pinto consumption en masse, 9-day long book extravaganzas, international art festivals, and a whole host of smaller events designed to please any art or culture lover. Now, dance lovers will share in Costa Rican cultural offerings, as July brings breakdancing competitions, international dance routines, urban dance, and beautiful folkloric compositions to both San José and the country’s smaller towns.

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Filed under: Living on June 25th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by Mireille Darras

Costa Rica May Pass the Oil Price Burden on to the Commuter with new Gas Taxes.
Minister Rodrigo Arias has announced that the Executive Power presented a new bill to the Legislative Assembly that would eliminate the 97.59 colones tax that is now imposed on Diesel fuel, and that in turn, regular and super gas prices would rise, directly affecting regular commuters; a decision might prove to be difficult to swallow by some.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News, Travel on June 25th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by Keyea Caullette

A Gold Mine in Puntarenas, Costa Rica was Closed Down for Pollution.
On April 23 of this year Costa Rica’s president Oscar Arias gave an executive order to end a 6-year ban on open-pit mining for precious metals in Costa Rica. The order gave the green light to a gold mine located just a few miles from the Nicaraguan border and has proved to be a rather controversial issue as both Nicaragua and environmentalists in both nations have been upset by the decision.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on June 24th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by Keyea Caullette

A Boardwalk is in Store for Costa Rica’s Jaco Beach.
It’s become apparent that the ever so popular pacific beach town of Jaco is diligently doing its best to try and relinquish the title of Costa Rica’s best party surf town. Not only have many real estate projects begun to call Jaco their home, other major developments such as a new and improved Jaco water plant, and plans for a sewage system are helping to shape up the town’s image. The Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce and other major local investors are doing their part to improve the rapidly growing beach town as well.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on June 24th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by Erin Raub

Traffic Accidents are One of the Main Causes of Death in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s roads are infamous and, though often riddled with potholes, these long stretches of asphalt and dirt are the only way to wind your way through magnificent rural hills and beachside towns. However, as many tourists and new residents quickly discover, Costa Rica’s roads are not just a comedic exercise in dodge-the-crater, but are also quite dangerous, causing too many fatal accidents each year. To combat the country’s rate of road fatalities, the General Comptroller (the organization that distributes governmental funds) has approved a ¢500 million ($1 million) grant for road security construction projects.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on June 24th, 2008 | No Comments »
Written by macsurf

I was completely incredulous when I read the lead story in Costa Rica Pages’ June, 23 edition about Costa Rica’s intelligence service that, according to the article, reports only to President Arias.

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Filed under: Reader Opinion & Stories on June 24th, 2008 | 2 Comments »