Tag-Archive for "Costa Rica"
While there has been a “man-o-war” invasion in the last few weeks, nothing like this comes up on our shores here in Costa Rica. I saw this on a funny forum post and I love pranks.
Once again more opinions coming out about the final results of the Copa Natural Balance Open in Playa Guinones or Nosara, Costa Rica. The 18 year old surfer from Jaco, Jair Perez, won his first contest in the Open category in Nosara, Costa Rica. For those in attendance at the Playa Guiones contest of the Circuito Nacional de Surf sponsored by DayStar Properties it was the most memorable contest performance in memory. In this contest, not only did Jair win his first open category but he beat the 5th and 6th rankded surfers in the world. This is quite an accomplishment for the young surfer out of Jaco, Costa Rica.
According to the latest numbers, 15,000 people lost their jobs in Costa Rica during the month of December 2008 . Business closings and reduced revenue due to lower international consumer spending are the main reasons. Simply listen to the latest newscast and you will hear about worldwide job loss and rising unemployment in the economic superpowers. Costa Rica depends mostly on tourism for its revenue but it has reached out in the past to attract manufacturers to augment that revenue. But that is not even a good hedge bet today, Sylvania announced it will be closing its plant in Pavas, leaving another 200 josefinos unemployed.
Unfortunately, business closings will not stop with the Sylvania plant. Leading economists are predicting the cliche “things are expected to get worse before they get better.” Many in the international banking business say the economic downturn will last more than two years. Last year, Costa Rica’s unemployment level was near 5% and in 2009 is expected to rise to 6%.
In an thinly veiled attempt to reduce the economic downturn effects on job loss, UCCAEP, Costa Rica’s union of private businesses said it will be presenting a bill to congress called the “Law of Employment Protection in Moments of Crisis”. Their proposed law would present temporary changes to the more…
Iron Maiden’s world tour has added Costa Rica to their list of tour locations. The concert is planned for March 3rd and is their second time visiting Costa Rica. Last years reception for the legendary hard rock band was spectacular. The fans sold out the show and the groups was overwhelmed with their Central American reception. Many rock bands pass up countries in Central America because of logistics and lack of historical data of fan support. In February 2008 Iron Maiden took the chance to play in Costa Rica, but this year they need not worry about predicting the concerts attendance because it was sold out a few days after the tickets went on sale. more…
Every year thousands of tourists visit Costa Rica with ideas of experiencing adventure, tropical rain forests, wild animals, and surfing. While the majority of these adventures are safe and relatively low risk, it is the alternative activities or spontaneous decisions that pose very high risks. What are some of these alternatives? Suffice to say, anything in which your participation when gone awry could cause grave injuries. Why?
While Costa Rica boasts the traditional 911 emergency number, it is nothing remotely similar to the USA, Canada, or European systems. To demonstrate differences, just a few basics about the other countries system: US,CA; rapid response under 10 minutes, stabilization for transport and trauma care at hospital, European;rapid response under 10 minutes, stabilization & trauma care brought to scene. All have Enhanced-911 services; callerID with physical address, coordinated radio command & control of fire-police-EMT. And all come equipped for the job.
In Costa Rica, while authorities may claim rapid response is a high priority it does not exist. Furthermore, the noted basics of the other countries systems does not exist here. When you dial 911 in Costa Rica, you are sent to a central office in San Jose where they attempt to coordinate a response.
Red Cross Central Operations upgraded in 2001 from donation by Japan
Often, when they call the local Red Cross or Cruz Rojo there is no answer. If you become incapacitated during the call, no luck locating the origin of the call, hence, no location information. When a response is received and the Red Cross arrives they often are ill-equipped to deal with any emergency other than their training. Equipment is often non-functional, or non-existent and hospital transport can be upwards to 2 hours depending on your location and that meter begins after they arrive on the scene which can take up to an hour. more…
