Jul 7, 2016
A group calling themselves ‘outraged citizens’ walk through the streets of the capital demanding a stop to all privileges awarded to governmental institutions which have come to light in the last year and have enlighten the population to the inequality to those public institutions to those in the private sector. They further demand the end to the monopoly of petroleum distribution. The National Museum rejuvenates 900 historical relics from the times of colonial rule from Spain to the present. The Regulatory Authorities for Public Services have announced that they shall return to their old premises after spending USD$6.2 million in rent over the last 5 years. The highway to San Carlos, the north central of the country, will increase in costs by USD$71 million on a stretch of land covering 29 kilometres and which in 2,003 was calculated to be worth USD$188 million. The slow progress of this long awaited highway has been put down to law suits in expropriations. The Minister of Justice has proposed that small crimes could be punishable by work so to reduce the high population in jails. Small crimes has been proposed to that worth less than USD$380.00. Both State and Private Banks have increased their loans to Cooperatives and Solidarity Associations by more than USD$1,500 million The Costa Rican Institute of Technology has successfully performed the first startup of a device to convert high temperature plasma into energy by fusion. It is estimated that a gram of this plasma could provide 80 houses with its energy requirements. The Regulatory Authorities have put a hold to the methodology with which Public Transport fares are... leer más
Jul 1, 2016
Heavy rainfalls in the Province of Cartago is a real threat for landslides around the Irazu Volcano and the highway to the Atlantic Port of Limon which deals with about 80% of all cargo entering and leaving the country warns the National Emergency Committee. The rise in the international markets of the price of corn, wheat and soy is affecting the local markets prices such as chicken, eggs, pork and dairy products amongst others. The North West Provinces of the country, having suffered their worst drought in more than 40 years, are now past their average rainfall on an average year and have even experienced hail storms. The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity, with their experience in building dams and tunnels are considering venturing into building Public Works. The Board of Port Management and Development of the Atlantic Coast reprehend the management for not lowering costs which takes up 70% of the Institution’s costs and whom they had ordered to do. The National Museum will put together learning workshops for children in the up and coming half year’s holidays emphasizing in archaeology, biology and history. Heavy flooding affect the National Children’s Hospital inundating the bottom floor and basement putting at risk archives and some valuable equipment including a tomography. The Monte Llano Bonito (coffee farm) is paid USD$5,900.00 a hundredweight of coffee being this a record payment per hundredweight of coffee. This Farm is located in the area of Naranjo, Province of Alajuela. 32 Municipalities aspire to the Blue Flag Award given to those which manage to make the least impact to the environment. USD$450 million in loans for... leer más
Jun 23, 2016
A study shows that both male and females learn differently. It specifies that not necessarily in different schools but in different classes males and females learn differently and specially in mathematics, science and languages. Salary bonuses of the National Healthcare Systems account for 60% of its total remuneration. Professionals and technicians of middle management account for a 36.9% of payments followed by Healthcare professionals with 30%. The National Institute of Biodiversity informs that the country has 14,351 species of insects, 820 species of birds, 2,643 of plants, 901 fungi and lichens and 401 mollusks. Study of 115 years shows that the proliferation of Institutions, a total of 293, makes public spending difficult to control. In 1,900 the country had 39 public entities while it now has 332. Ex Comptroller states that the problem of duplicity between entities has its origins that each entity having its own legal departments. National Healthcare System’s bonuses and incentives are tied to a tangle of 70 different legal norms which is so complex to understand and should be carefully looked into so to prevent abuses that without doubt has increased the costs to the institution. Environmentalists criticize the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock whom they say lower the standards of the use of pesticides just to rush their inscriptions. National Healthcare System which had its birth in 1943 is found to have originated its privileges from a Union Strike of 33 years ago. The executive evaluates stagger the timetable of entry of Public employees so to relieve the unbearable traffic jams. Indigenous population in the south, hope to rescue their traditions and native language... leer más
Jun 13, 2016
As the National Healthcare Systems approaches its 75th anniversary, 15,000 patients are added to its waiting lists each month. Recope, the State owned Distribution Company of petroleum reports a loss of USD$11 million for the 2,015 fiscal year. This report includes payments of USD$28 million in retirement benefits to 450 employees. Owners of bonded warehouse container yards meet with the Minister of Public Security and Customs Officials extending their worries over an increase of container thefts from their yards. This year alone 9 containers have been stolen by masked individuals with heavy weaponry subduing their guards. The Ministry of Public Security pleads with the Treasury resources to buy 10 highly technical and moveable radar systems to detect light planes involved in the drug trade. With the entry of the Reventazon Hydroelectric Plant early this year, The National Institute of Electricity (ICE) has decided to close The Moin 1 Thermal Power Plant. 2,015 saw 75.2% of electricity produced by Hydraulics, 1% by Thermal, 12.8% by Geothermal, 10% by Wind and 0,01% by solar. Investigative reporting by “La Nacion” has found that there are 153,000 patients awaiting a doctors’ appointment or surgery with the National Healthcare system. One patient was given an appointment for a knee ultrasound in the year 2,022. The World Bank projects downwards this year’s growth to 3.3% from its original projection of 4%. 59 items from the 104 on the food price index have fallen in price this year. National Bank (State Owned) officials have been found to get benefits from the Company they supervised in taking care of the Banks maintenance. A partial tally of loses... leer más
Jun 6, 2016
Local scientists find that canine distemper, a common viral infection to dogs are affecting the Wildlife cat families. Regulatory reforms are being looked into by the Housing Authorities so to reduce the costs of multistory apartment blocks for the needy Drug pushers are using ice cream, sweets, fruits, pencils and earrings to get children hooked on drugs at schools. This has become a very high priority to both teachers and local authorities to combat. A higher petroleum bill will hit the population the most as a fiscal reform bill is disgusted in congress. Higher prices will hit the fishing industry, transport and electricity the most. Associations and Chambers from the private sector insist that government wasteful spending and privileges to wages and bonuses is a problem that has not been properly tackled. The Central Bank informs that wood farming is contributing 2% to the GDP. A further 3,065 hectares is reported to have registered to the activity. The compulsory Worker’s Insurance Risks has become 7% cheaper as reported by the Insurance Regulators. A new National Centre for Conventions highlights a new way of building by using Solar Panels, Botanic Gardens and Led Lightning; the Centre will have a capacity for 4,600 persons and have 16 convention rooms. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock having put further sanitary controls on exports of pineapples, has been objected too by producers who claim that with only 15 days of having these new measures in place, they have experienced an increase to their production of USD$2.3 million. National Healthcare System reports that 30% of patients do not complete their treatment causing emergency consultations... leer más
May 30, 2016
Drought has taken a heavy toll in the Province of Guanacaste where the Tempisque River’s flow has halved. 17 businesses that have concessions to draw from its flow to irrigate crops, local towns and villages all have been hit with the diminishing flow and unemployment in the area has risen. Authorities also have limited resources to control illegal poaching from the flow. The Turrialba has now been spilling out ash for 36 hours constantly. 16 flights to the US have been cancelled and some have been rescheduled from the International Airport in Liberia Guanacaste. 150 centenary trees in the Capital of San Jose have been treated with success. A controversy between the Ministry of Health and The National Healthcare System arose as to who should pay for three different and free flu vaccination shots. 6 of the 7 ex-presidents have joined together and asked the Government to support The American Democratic Charter drawn up by The Organization of American States and directed to the Venezuelan Government. The flowing out of Volcanic Ash extends those areas hurt not only to agricultural and dairy activities but also to human and wildlife respiratory infections. The Treasury urges other Ministries to look for a way to limit salary increases for the 2017 Budget, while they differ with the Ministry of Public Education to the 8% of the GDP Law which they claim has been manipulated. The Electoral College orders all political parties to have 50% of women in positions of election on their Legislature Lists to Congress. Farmers from Coronado, 61 kilometres from the Turrialba Volcano, report a heavy fall of ash in... leer más
