Archive for August 24th, 2009
Monday, August 24th, 2009
A total of 40 corrupt “tránsitos” (traffic officials) have been fired during the current government according to the director of the Tránsito police force, Germán Marín, during an online chat on www.aldia.cr.
Marín was answering a question by a man who expressed concern of the “chorizos” (bribes) that may be demanded by Tránsitos once the new Ley de Tránsito takes effect starting September 23, when traffic fines multiply up to 20 times or more from the current.
The concern by many, expressed during the chat, centred on the requirement of a first aid kit that has to be included in every vehicle. Another concern by chatters is the requirement under the new law that a vehicle must have seatbelts for every passenger even if the vehicle does not come equipped with such. (more…)
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Monday, August 24th, 2009
The U.S. military has sent two specially equipped helicopters and 15 military personnel to aid in the search for an American missing in Costa Rica, according to the military and the missing man’s congressman.David Gimelfarb, 28, of Chicago, Illinois, was last seen August 11, when he went hiking in a Costa Rican national park. His parents have been searching for him with the aid of the Costa Rican Red Cross and friends of the missing man.
Gimelfarb’s congressman, Rep. Mark Kirk, D-Illinois, wrote to Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday requesting assistance from the U.S. military, and the military agreed to send UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, equipped with infrared sensors that can detect a human body by its emitted heat. There are 15 U.S. Air Force and Army troops, including medics, pilots, crew and communications specialists, accompanying the helicopters in the search, according to a military spokesman.
The helicopters and personnel are from a base in Honduras that houses a joint task force under the United States Southern Command. The task force’s mission includes supporting rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the region, according to a spokesman for the Southern Command.
The Blackhawk helicopters flew two missions Wednesday in support of the search and continuing the flyovers on Thursday, according to the spokesman, Jose Ruiz.
Gimelfarb was hiking alone when he disappeared, according to information posted on a Facebook page set up by his family and friends. He had traveled to Costa Rica to explore the volcanic region in the Rincon de Veija National Park, and he was last seen by a park ranger there before he entered an area of “dense rainforest,” according to the Facebook page.
“The search for David is particularly appropriate for military assets because this is one American lost in the jungle,” Kirk said in a phone interview. “right now we think it boosts the chances to find David.”
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Monday, August 24th, 2009
Honduras’s supreme court has rejected a Costa Rica-brokered deal to restore ousted President Manuel Zelaya to power and ordered his arrest if he returns.
The ruling also affirmed the legitimacy of the government of interim leader Roberto Micheletti.
The move comes on the eve of a planned visit by a delegation from the Organisation of American States (OAS), which backs the Costa Rican proposal.
It is unclear if the court ruling will affect the delegation’s plans.
The court reminded Mr Zelaya that he faces several charges – including crimes against the government, treason, and abuse of power – and would be subject to trial if he re-entered the country.
It said Mr Micheletti’s government had been installed as part of a lawful “constitutional succession”.
Correspondents say Mr Micheletti is increasingly confident that he will be able to remain in power until elections at the end of November.
The ruling is a blow to a proposal mediated by Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, to try to end the crisis.
Under the proposal, Mr Zelaya would be reinstated as president, while Mr Micheletti would return to his pre-coup post as the speaker of Honduras’s parliament, and early elections would be called.
Mr Zelaya has been in exile since 28 June when he was forced from office amid a power struggle over his proposals for a public consultation on constitutional change.
His critics said the move was aimed at removing the current one-term limit on serving as president and paving the way for his re-election.
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Monday, August 24th, 2009
Corcovado National Park is situated on the Osa Peninsula of south west of Costa Rica. The national park has been described as the most exuberant one in the Central America, which is richest in biodiversity. As per the National Geographic, it is ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth’. The park is not only the home for numerous flora and fauna, but also the home for plenty of wildlife.
The Corcovado National Park is going to present you a lifetime experience. The national park is a combination of 13 major ecosystems including highland cloud forest, lowland rain forest, mangrove swamps, jolillo palm forest and coastal marine habitat. It is also the right place to spot some of the endangered wildlife like Baird’s Tapir, Harpy Eagle, Scarlet Macaws, Red-backed Squirrel Monkeys, Jaguars and White-lipped Peccaries. Enjoy a romantic walk on the golden beach. You may also swim on the sea, but be careful as sharks and crocodiles are much common in the Corcovado Lagoon.
The national park has six ranger stations, among which 5 ranger stations are inside the park and they are connected by a network of trails. Trails are well constructed and you can take guide or walk alone through the trail to discover the forest. The stations have clean camping areas, potable water and telephone connection. Rented accommodation facilities are also available at these stations. Otherwise, you may carry your tent and enjoy a wild and rustic camping experience. The nearest town is Puerto Jimenez, which serves as an unofficial gateway to this national park. Plenty of lodging arrangements and restaurants are present here outside the park.
August through November is the rainy season at Corcovado. During this time, you may expect less tourists and better wildlife. January through April is the drier months and best for outside camping and trekking. Register with the park authorities in well advance, if you want the permission for camping or cooking inside the park.
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