No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveCosta Rican lawmakers block U.S. Coast Guard cutter from docking

Costa Rican lawmakers block U.S. Coast Guard cutter from docking

The USCG Sherman of the United States National Coast Guard on Friday canceled a scheduled arrival in Costa Rica because lawmakers at the Legislative Assembly were unable to discuss and approve the required permit on time.

The Coast Guard vessel is part of a joint patrol program between Central American nations and the U.S. government, and was due to arrive in the country on July 2. 

U.S. officials requested the permit three weeks ago, according to a U.S. Embassy press release posted Friday on its website, but lawmakers ended the session without even discussing the petition. 

Under Costa Rican law, armed vessels require a permit issued by the Legislative Assembly in order to dock in national ports. U.S. Coast Guard and Navy ships need to dock at ports in the region to replenish fuel, food and to transfer evidence or suspects arrested at sea to local authorities.

Eric Nelson, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, lamented the cancellation, as he believes the patrol program “is a vital tool to improve security in the region.”

“We regret that the visit of the USCG Sherman was canceled and we hope that the Legislative Assembly grants the permits soon,” he added.

According to U.S. Embassy data, U.S. ships participating in joint patrols in the Pacific and the Caribbean in the past 18 months have prevented the traffic of some 200 tons of cocaine and 35,000 pounds of marijuana, and 441 suspects have been handed over to local authorities. 

Trending Now

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel...

Costa Rican Court Orders Release of Migrants Deported Under Trump Deal

A court on Tuesday ordered Costa Rican authorities to release foreign migrants who had been detained in a shelter after being deported under an...

Costa Rica Green Hotels Lead Global Sustainable Tourism

Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism grows stronger every year, with our green hotels setting a high bar for eco-conscious hospitality...

Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

I am 81 years old and have had teeth removed, bridges, and cavities fixed several times to sustain my ability to eat and function....

El Salvador Slams Paris Fashion Show Inspired by Cecot Mega-Prison Inmates

The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, joked on Saturday that he could send inmates from his mega-prison to France, after they were represented...

Fishing, Wildlife, and History in Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado is a magical and charming town. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems, best known for its world-class sport...
L. Arias
L. Arias
Reporter | The Tico Times |
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica