Archive for March, 2010
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Under the new immigration law, there is an option for you. Beginning March 1, you can submit a petition at the Immigration Administration in La Uruca, which is to the west of San José, pay $100 and you can remain another 90 days.
Renewing status at the Immigration Administration is permitted only two times, at which point you must leave Costa Rica.
What if I miss this 90 day deadline?
If you miss the 90 day deadline, you have two options. You can pay $100 for every month you’ve remained in Costa Rica “irregularly” or you can leave the country.
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
The national weather service is calling for extremely hot sun conditions for the rest of the week, with temperatures hitting 39 Celsius in areas like Puntarenas and Guanacaste.
Rebeca Morera of the Instituto Meteriologico Nacional (IMN) Thursday and Friday will be the hottest days of the week.
Morera explains that in March and April the sun is directly overhead of Costa Rica and temperatures, as well ultraviolet rays increase.
Normally Guanacaste has high of 35 Celsius during the season, but this week it will be hotter than usual.
Others areas affected by the heat will also be the Central Valley where it could reach 35 Celcius in some areas, but drop down to 19 or 20 Celsius at night.
The IMN expects little in the way of rain, although the mountainous areas of the Central and South Pacific may see more precipitation than the lower lying areas.
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Yesterday morning, the Internet was flooded with the Press Release FROM the developer of a Jacó condo and hotel project suing its lenders, seeking arbitration on $120 million that has caused what it claims was a successful project on the verge of falling apart. No doubt the $120 million was an eye-opener of what is at stake.
The developer, Desarrollos Naturales de Costa Rica S.A., named Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economica and Banco Improsa S.A., as the defendant. It was pretty clear the developer wanted to make everyone aware of whom the “Bad Guy” was and sought public support. Banks have always been the portrayed as the Snidely Whiplashes.’
Just about every Social Media website (Twitter mostly) had the story copied from every major website like Yahoo, PRWeb and CNBC. Type in Desarrollos Naturales de Costa Rica S.A in Google and the first three pages are filled with the story.
Without getting into the legal grit, lawsuits of this nature have two things in common, money and most important, time, which they are trying to buy. Obviously, it appears to be some type of investment tactic for the developer, in a wishful wish the Costa Rica economy turns around, which it is.
Was it a surprise? Not really. The problem has plagued other Costa Rica developers, where banks have pulled their promises of financing and continuing to provide money for construction. In some cases, banks are now seeking to foreclose on the loans when developers have breached their promises to buyers. See Investing and Real Estate Tips and Real Estate Retirement.
For those that have been watching the Jaco project it represents either an icon or eye sore (depending on your political view) of development with a bit of controversy. The project is the last development that had no height limitation. Currently, the new Master Development Plan restricts height and density in and around Jaco, so real estate of this value and nature with breathtaking views of the coastline will be a hot item and one where an investment would be valuable.
On a fishing trip to Jaco last November, it was evident the project was running into problems, rust was developing on rebar and the place looked like a graveyard of workers for the contractor, ICON. A developer friend pointed out, they (the developers) were having problems getting people to commit to buy even if the lawsuit claims that over 75% of the project has been sold. Personally, for a massive project of this nature, I would think that the break even point would be around 50%. And as for the $120 million, God-knows what the true amount really is, it may only be half that.
Back in 2000, Jaco Beach started to become of the top real estate buys in Costa Rica that ranged from luxury ocean view and beach front villas and condos to smaller more affordable properties in and around the town. A few minutes north, Los Suenos Marina and Resort is one of the top places in Costa Rica.
It has become the largest and most developed beach town in Costa Rica because of its proximity to the capital city of San Jose. With the new highway almost completed, making it an hour’s drive from San Jose, investors and developers gambled on the overall property values in Jaco would soar. Back in 2007, Costa Rica surpassed Hawaii as the number one destination, with over one million tourists visiting.
Story by TT
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Did you know that skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in the world? The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer.
Over 1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year, and that does not include cases of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Recently, skin cancer has been diagnosed in more young people, proving that people are not taking the proper precautions. Learn how to prevent skin cancer and you’ll learn how to save your life.
1. Reduce Sun Exposure
* Especially between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.
2. Shade your Skin
* Seek shade under trees, or create your own shade with a hat, shirt, or umbrella.
* Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs. Make sure the fabric has a tight weave. Fabric that is wet or has a loose weave will allow more light to penetrate through to the skin.
* Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
3. Beware of clouds
* Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog. You can still get a sunburn on a cloudy day.
4. Remember about Reflection
* Water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s damaging rays.
5. Slop on the Sunscreen
* Use sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or more that contain both UVA and UVB protection.
* Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours (more often when working, playing, or swimming).
6. Avoid tanning salons and sunlamps
* These lights emit mostly UVA radiation – up to 2 – 5 times as much as natural sunlight. UVA radiation causes sunburn, premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
* The UVB radiation from tanning lights is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer and also contributes to premature skin aging.
7. Protect Children
* The most harmful effects of sun exposure occur during early childhood. Keep babies under 1 year out of direct sunlight. Once infants turn 6 months of age, begin using a sunscreen for added protection.
8. Spot Check Your Moles
Examine your moles and freckles every month to check for any changes. See your health care provider immediately if you notice:
* any new growth
* a mole or discoloration that appears suddenly or begins to change
* a sore that does not heal
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Latin pop star Ricky Martin has announced he is gay. “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man,” he wrote on www.rickymartinmusic.com.
Martin said a few months ago he decided to write a memoir and doing so brought him closer to a turning point. “Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And this is something worth celebrating.”
The 38-year-old became a father to twin sons via a surrogate in 2008 and at that time no details were given about the birth or the mother.
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
The Banco Nacional de Sangre (Blood Bank) is making call for donations as blood reserves are low and especially “type O Positive”.
The blood bank operates daily from Monday to Friday (only to Wednesday this week) at south side of the Zapote church.
If you want to donate, call 2283 7664 for more information.
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Desarrollos Naturales de Costa Rica SA (Desarrollos), the Developer and Admin of the largest luxury flagged condo hotel project under construction in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, has sued its lender.
The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) (in Spanish known as Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economica (BCIE)), its lending Partner and the Trustee Banco Improsa S.A. for $120 Million in damages.
Desarrollos filed for Binding Arbitration as agreed in the loan covenants, trust agreements and subsequent amendments in the Costa Rica Chamber of Commerce. Arbitration rules require a final ruling in 155 working days.
The Luxurious Project, in the top tourist destination of Jaco Beach, one hour from the Airport utilizing a recently inaugurated new highway, is currently 84% completed and 75% sold.
The suit claims that, starting January 2009, as the project prepared to commence closings, start-up the hotel and commence repayment of construction loans, arbitrary actions of the Lenders and Trustee violated the terms of the contracts, blocking sales, imposing abusive conditions and not fulfilling their commitments. The complaint alleges the Lenders incurred in breach of contract, breach of good faith, improper control, negligence, refusal to set a release price, disregard of customer rights, and breach of fiduciary duty by the counter-parties that has caused the successful project to collapse.
The lawsuit has been filed to protect the rights of Buyers, Suppliers as well as those of the Developers. Costa Rican Civil Courts have issued preventive measures to protect the interests of all involved until the final ruling is issued.
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is traditionally a hot and dry time of year. And this year it will be no different. However, it is also a reminded that the rainy season is around the corner.
Although the rainy season won’t hit the Central Valley and the Guanacaste region for several more weeks, it expected to start in the southern zone.
Meteorologist don’t expect any extraordinary event this season, as the rains will fall as normal, without any great effects of Hurricanes and Tropical Storms that are common in the Caribbean and Atlantic.
Notwithstanding, the Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) has started the process of preparation to help out communities from the heavy rains and flooding that may be part of the season’s experiences.
Local CNE committees have begun training programs all over the country.
The national weatherman says that the 2010 rainy season is expected to be within “normal parameters”, but there is always a need to be prepared for “climatic phenomena”.
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) announced the suspension of all tolls on the autopistas General Cañas (airport toll station), the Bernardo Soto (Naranjo), the Florencio del Castillo (Tres Ríos) and the Braulio Carrillo (Zurqui).
However, the tolls on the Próspero Fernández (San José – Caldera) will operate as usual. The road is operated privately under concession by Autopistas del Sol and does not come under control of the government.
The toll stations at Escazú, La Guacima, Atenas and Pozón will all operate normally.
The cost of the tolls that road are ¢1.930 colones in each direction. However, the price drops ¢100 colones beginning on Thursday as Autopistas reduces the toll cost on the road to reflect the reduced dollar/colon exchange rate.
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
This is what 1 reader had to say about a story we did called “Is Costa Rica Right?“
As a hotel owner let me explain to the readers how Costa Ricans” pay” for their health care.
The employer draws 9% off the Ticos salary for the CAJA, Social Security. The employer pays about 23% of the employee’s salary to the Caja. A Heavy hit.
That gives the Tico his 100% health care. PLUS. YES PLUS.
More than 3 days off work due to illness, I pay the first 3 at 50% and the Caja pays him 50% of his salary for any time off after 3 days. Even if it’s a year. There is a disability included if it’s permanent…..cancer, stroke etc.
PLUS. The employer is required to have a separate policy with INS, the governments insurance company, so if the employee gets hurt on the job, it pays 75% of his salary for time off. Even if it’s a year.
This is what they get for the 9% withdrawn. And you, dear reader?
PLUS. The employer is required to pay aguinaldo, a one month salaries bonus at the beginning of Dec every year so the Tico has some extra cashola for the holidays .Every employed tico is entitled, by law.
12 vacation days are paid and the worker is off. Non negotiable. They take the days off.
The Ticos that earn over 15K, I think, must pay 10% of their salary to the govt as an income tax. Earners, or companies, making more than 25K pay 15% flat.
There’s your retirement program.
Yep. Costa Rica, unlike the fallen empire, has things figured out. Of course when you’re not busy spreading DemoNcracy and FreeDumb…..bombing “evil” into the stone age to steal natural resources……..many, many, things are possible.
When the great Don Pepe # http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Figueres_Ferrer # re wrote the constitution in 1949, he had decided that Costa Rica was big enough and didn’t need to overtake the world and therefore abolished the military.
Imagine. No Ticos, nor their family members, under about 75 or 80 years, old have ever experienced, or financed war or aggression in any form.
They don’t call it Pura Vida ! for nothin’ !
Story by Dooooooglas
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Monday, March 29th, 2010
Tiger Woods will have his faithful caddy by his side when he plays at the Masters tournament – but not his wife.
Elin Nordegren will be winging it to her Swedish homeland while her louse-of-a-spouse makes his much-hyped return to professional golf on April 8.
“Elin does not want to go to the Masters and is preparing for a trip to see her family and friends in Sweden,” a source in Nordegren’s camp said.
“She is also being asked by Tiger to attend the Masters, even if for a half day, to look like she is interested in supporting his return to golf. But she would rather not be there.”
Woods has been desperately trying to repair his marriage to Nordegren – and reclaim his good guy public image – following revelations he cheated with a legion of shady ladies.
While Nordegren visited Woods while he underwent sex addiction therapy, she was nowhere to be seen when the world’s greatest golfer publicly apologized for being a heel.
Nor has Nordegren returned to the family mansion outside Orlando, which is where the scandal broke on Nov. 27 after Woods drove his SUV into a tree while apparently trying to escape his furious wife.
And when Nordegren flies home, she’ll be flying commercial – not on the family jet.
“Tiger’s plane is too ‘in your face’ for her now,” the source said. “She really does not want to go to Augusta, and it is easier for her to be far away than home in Orlando.”
Woods will be reunited on the green with caddy Steve Williams, a New Zealander who has made millions toting Woods’ clubs.
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Monday, March 29th, 2010
Nearly 20,000 cell telephone customers are entitled to compensation because their service failed, according to the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones.
That is the agency that regulates telecom services, and the target of the criticism for the massive outage is the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad. The Superintendencia cited a section of the new telecom law that gives users the right to compensation when there are outages.
The former monopoly known as ICE said it was making a list of the services that were affected in the second week of march to see how much the compensation should be.
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Monday, March 29th, 2010
The Costa Rican culture is a gentle, friendly one with its own curious courtesies. It is a non-confrontational, slower-paced society that is easy to adapt to if you understand a few basics.
Avoiding confrontation: Costa Ricans are very courteous. In general, confrontation and accusations are considered impolite, and Costa Ricans don’t like to stir the pot. You probably won’t see irate patrons at the customer service window and if you do, they certainly won’t be screaming obscenities or loudly threatening to call the Better Business Bureau.
“Could be” culture: Along the lines of avoiding confrontation, Costa Ricans are loath to say “no.” For example, if you ask a friend to dinner and he doesn’t want to go, he will probably say “puede ser” (maybe) instead of giving you a flat-out no. This is not an attempt to lie or mislead you; it’s simply the Costa Rican way of not hurting your feelings.
Kissing friends: It’s traditional to greet friends, family and personal acquaintances with one kiss on the right cheek. Many times, this is a light kiss or even an air kiss accompanied by a kissing sound. Costa Ricans also say goodbye with a cheek kiss.
Tico time: Costa Ricans are famous for their lack of punctuality to appointments, dates, and anything but the movies (to which they always line up hours in advance!). Everything is “ahora” – in standard Spanish, “now,” but in Costa Rican culture meaning “later” or “manana” (tomorrow). Your best strategy is to adjust to Tico time and always tell your friends to arrive an hour or two before you’d really like to see them. The exception to this rule is in business, where Costa Ricans take appointment times seriously.
Pura vida: Pura vida means “pure life,” but more than anything, it’s a way of living. This phrase symbolizes the Costa Rican idea of letting things go, taking things slow, and enjoying all of life’s pleasures. You’ll hear it used as an answer to “How are you?”, as well as to say “Thank you,” “You’re welcome,” or simply to greet your friends.
Dress code: Costa Ricans take pride in their appearance and dress well. In business situations, both men and women dress conservatively, and for women this usually means a pantsuit. Outside the office, locals dress informally, though men rarely wear shorts except at the beach. Women of all sizes wear very tight and revealing clothes – bras are often color-coordinated to match an outfit’s accessories (shoes, belt, and jewelry).
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Monday, March 29th, 2010
Five beaches lost their “blue flag” in 2009, meaning they did not perform up to standard when measured for pollution and the health of their ecosystem.
The beaches include Bejuco, El Rey, Hermosa de Garabito and Quesera, all in Puntarenas.
Of the 81 beaches participating in the program, 61 were recognized with blue flags.
Topping the list with five stars are Guanacaste’s Punta del Madero and Playa Blanca de Punta Leona near Jacó.
Flags were also awarded to communities, protected areas, schools and watersheds in recognition of activists’ commitment to environmental protection and conservation. Three hundred and thirteen entities were recognized with blue flags in total.
“Since 1996, the Blue Flag Ecological Program has been a national distinction, with international significance, for these communities, beaches and institutions that excel in the common objective of living in a better Costa Rica,” said Ricardo Sancho, president of the Costa Rican Water and Sewer Institute (AyA).
“Today, I celebrate with the winners, who have accomplished their highest hopes for the environment and the protection of water resources … making Costa Rica an environmental leader, which is where we want to be.”
President Oscar Arias, who was present at the award ceremony in INBio Park on Friday morning, said, “We’ve done everything possible to contribute to sustainable development in Costa Rica. Each one of the millions of trees planted … each square kilometer of forest we’ve protected … each school that received the Ecological Blue Flag, each beach we’ve cleaned, each river we’ve rescued, each species we’ve defended are testimonies to a government deeply committed to environmental issues.
“Today, our country – Costa Rica – is greener than it was four years ago, and the world knows it.”
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Monday, March 29th, 2010
Drivers not buckling in children, or not having a first aid or emergency kit won’t be fined by the Policía de Tránsito according to the ministro de Obras Públicas y Transportes, Marco Vargas.
The minister made the announcement with the start of the Semana Santa exodus, as traffic officials begin their Semana Santa spot checks on all major highways and bi-ways across the country.
The new Ley de Tránsito that went into effect on March 1, 2010, calls for a driver to ensure that children 12 years of age and under are in the proper child restraint, in addition to ensuring that the vehicle carries a first aid, emergency kit that includes a triangle and a fire extinguisher, among other items.
And it is just that, minister Vargas explained, the no clarity in the law of what is to be contained in the the kits and the type of appropriate seat.
Article 32 of the Traffic Act stiputales a fine of up to ¢293.400, plus costs, for not restraining a child in an appropriate seat and ¢146.700, plus costs, for not having an emergency and safety kit in the vehicle.
Another item on the “temporary exclusions” list is air bags, jumper cables and jack and wrench to change a tire.
However, the minister was quite clear that speeding and reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be punished to the letter of the law.
Speeding over 20 kilometres the posted limit, driving over 120 kilometres per hour and/or with alcohol blood reading of between 0.50 and 0.74 all come with a fine of ¢293.400 colones for each offence. Driving with a 0.75 or over means a direct pass to the nearest jail and courthouse.
Not respecting a traffic signal, like running a red light, making a “U” turn, talking on a cell phone phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, etc, are subject to fines of ¢220.050 colones.
Minister Vargas said that “all” the articles of the Traffic Act will be applied once the legislators approve the respective reforms.
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