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January 30, 2008
The all inclusive resort "Hotel Occidental Allegro
Papagayo" has been ordered to be shut down. Since April, 2007, health
officials have been monitoring a sewage problem and recently discovered
pipes dumping wastewater in an estuary that adjoins the hotel's
property. Tico Times Net
January 14, 2008
Costa Rica National Park fees to increase in 2008. Fees
have increased on average of 67% for 2008, from $3.00 to $15.00 to enter
National Parks. The average price is $10.00. Popular areas such as
Chiraipó National Park is now $15.00 and is double of the price in 2007.
There are 200 protected areas in Costa Rica including the National Park
System. Protected areas comprise 25% of Costa Rica's territory.
January 11, 2008
Located in Costa Rica are 400 phones which are placed in
hotels and areas visited by tourists for the purpose of placing
international phone calls. It is reported the phones are owned by a San
Diego Company named BBG. Further research indicates BBG has phones
thorughout Latin America and Europe. There have
been numerous complaints against the firm at the San Diego BBB. Reports
state that the company gouges customers for international calls and that
often operators will not discuss rates.
Complaints BBG Communications.
Reviews for
BBG COMMUNICATIONS INC
BBG Communications - websites appear to
be :
http://www.bbgusa.com/altindex.html
http://bbgcomm.com/
Further Information:
A.M. Costa Rica: Your English
language daily news source
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Tamarindo Beach is the third most popular
tourist destination in Costa Rica. In August 2007, it was declared by
the National Water and Sewer Institute as having dangerous levels of
fecal contamination. A number of businesses have been cited and closed
down for noncompliance of regulations. Efforts are being made to remedy
the situation in this tourist haven that does not have a sewage plant.
To date the blue flag which is present at beaches indicating clean ocean
waters has not been reinstated.
Tico Times
December 27, 2007-
Crime is on the increase in Costa Rica. Robberies are
now reported every 8 minutes compared to every 25 minutes fifteen years
ago. Murders are now committed at a rate of 7,7 per 100,000. In 2000 the
rate of 6.1 per 100,000. Conviction rates for criminal offenses are a
small 8 percent.
There has been an establishment of Tourist Police.
Nevertheless, police in Costa Rica are undermanned, poorly paid, and
often lack the resources to carry out their duties. Residents often
report lack of response from police.
Approximately 10,000 Canadians reside in Costa Rica and
the number is increasing. Costa Rica expects 2 million tourists in 2008.
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Related Articles Links:
Article on Crime in Costa Rica
Association of Canadian Residents in C.R.
Spanish
Word of the Day
Latin America
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