Costa Rican Surfer Takes Third in US Open
Costa Rican surfer Leilani McGonagle put in an impressive performance at the 2023 US Open surfing competition in Huntington Beach, California last weekend, achieving a third-place finish. The 25-year-old competed well against world class opponents before losing to Australian veteran Sally Fitzgibbons in the semifinals on Sunday. Her 30-minute semifinal battle with Fitzgibbons was a close contest that saw the lead change several times. Despite just missing out on the final, McGonagle was praised for her fighting spirit and promised to keep working hard after the brilliant showing. Leilani McGonagle certainly looks to be a rising star and her podium result proves she can compete with the world’s best. She will look to continue her form when the Challenger Series resumes in October, which could soon see her qualify for the elite World Championship Tour.
Record Traffic Reported at Costa Rica’s Airport
Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica saw its highest air traffic in 13 years from January 1st to June 30th, 2023, according to recently released data from management company AERIS. The airport served 2,878,884 passengers, a 5.3% increase over 2019 and 23.1% more than 2022. AERIS Executive Director Ricardo Hernandez credited the ICT and DGAC for making it easier for tourists to visit and Costa Ricans to travel abroad. The airport currently partners with 25 airlines flying to 35 destinations, and AERIS aims to further these relationships while expanding routes and flight frequency. Analysis shows more millennial and generation X travelers, with North Americans still dominating arrivals. With a focus on the traveling public, Juan Santamaría International Airport is poised for continued growth.
Saudi Arabia Expresses Interest in Costa Rica Canal
Costa Rica has recently seen a surge of enthusiasm for the proposed interoceanic canal traversing the country, with Saudi Arabia’s government expressing interest in investing a potential $10-15 billion in the project. Chancellor Arnoldo André Tinoco has discussed the prospect with Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, and the country is now reexamining the canal’s feasibility. Global shipping companies are yet to conduct the necessary pre-feasibility studies, however, and with past misconduct allegations casting a cloud over the project, strict transparency standards must be adhered to. Despite the challenges, Saudi Arabia’s deep pockets could make the project a reality, transforming Costa Rica into a global shipping hub.
Costa Rica Detains Alleged Al Qaeda Linked Terrorist Wanted by FBI
Costa Rican authorities recently announced the capture of alleged Al-Nusrah terrorist group member Mohamed Abdelaal Mohamed Shaker, an Egyptian national wanted by the FBI for providing logistics support to the group in Syria. After receiving an international alert, Costa Rica’s Anti-Terrorism Unit coordinated with the Professional Migration Police and San José Municipal Police to apprehend Shaker. Al-Nusrah emerged in 2011 as an offshoot of Al Qaeda and has been linked to violent attacks. In the past, Costa Rica has detained suspected members of Al Qaeda and ISIS. Officials say continued vigilance and intelligence sharing with allies allowed them to identify this threat, and that they will keep cooperating to combat extremism and prevent the country from becoming a terrorist safe haven. It’s unclear if Shaker will be extradited to the U.S. or Syria.
