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Costa Rica’s San Lucas Island Sees Kilos of Trash Removed in Cleanup

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Costa Rica’s San Lucas Island Sees Kilos of Trash Removed in Cleanup

Twenty-five volunteers hauled 381 kilos of trash—mostly plastic bottles and tires—off Cocos Beach on Costa Rica’s San Lucas Island. The cleanup, set in the Gulf of Nicoya, shines a light on our country’s growing plastic pollution problem, with debris choking mangroves and coastlines.

San Lucas Island sits just 10 to 15 kilometers from Puntarenas and Chacarita, near the polluted Grande de Tárcoles River, often blamed for funneling plastics into the gulf. The Tárcoles, along with tributaries like the Barranca and Jesús María Rivers, carries waste from urban areas straight to the Pacific.

Environmentalists point to poor waste management in nearby communities as a key driver, with tides dumping trash on the island’s shores. “We were shocked by how much debris the tides brought in,” said Montserrat Courrau, a spokesperson for Ruta 27, which backed the cleanup. “We wanted to clear the waste, handle it right, and create jobs for Guacalillo families.”

In Guacalillo, a nearby community hit hard by pollution, locals took on the task of washing, sorting, and packing the collected materials for recycling. Geronimo Ciuti, director of MareBlu, stressed the importance of immediate processing. “You can’t just collect trash and store it for later—no business will take it for recycling,” he said. He also noted Guacalillo’s economic struggles, saying pollution has stifled tourism compared to spots like Jacó or Playa Hermosa. “These areas aren’t drawing visitors because of the mess,” Ciuti added.

The cleanup is a small win in Costa Rica’s battle against plastic waste. The country churns out 564 tons of plastic daily, but less than 2% gets recycled, with most piling up in landfills or waterways. The Tárcoles River, dubbed Central America’s most polluted, is a major culprit, carrying trash to the Gulf of Nicoya. Despite a National Roadmap for Action on Plastics aiming for 91% pollution reduction by 2040, progress is slow. Municipalities often lack recycling programs, and good intentions—like bans on single-use plastics—falter due to limited resources and follow-through.

Community efforts, like the San Lucas cleanup, show promise, but experts say real change needs government muscle. Stronger policies, better infrastructure, and regional cooperation are critical to stop the flow of plastics. For now, volunteers and locals are stepping up, proving that even 381 kilos less trash makes a difference.

Costa Rica’s Defense Frustrates Mexico in Hard-Fought Gold Cup Stalemate

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Costa Rica’s Defense Frustrates Mexico in Hard-Fought Gold Cup Stalemate

La Sele faced off against Mexico in a tense, scoreless draw at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas during the final matchday of Group A in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. From a Costa Rican perspective, this match was a testament to grit, defensive discipline, and yet another great game by our one and only Keylor Navas, who proved why he’s still the heart of this squad.

The game started with Mexico controlling the ball, pushing forward with intent. La Sele, under Miguel Herrera’s guidance, stayed compact, absorbing pressure while looking for counterattacks. Early on, Alonso Martínez sent a dangerous cross into Mexico’s box, but no one could connect. Costa Rica’s defense, led by Juan Pablo Vargas, held firm against Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez, who tested Navas twice in the first half. Keylor’s double save in the 24th minute—a header followed by a reflex stop on Jiménez’s rebound—kept the score level and sent the Tico fans into a frenzy.

The second half saw more of the same: Mexico dominated possession, but Costa Rica’s backline refused to break. A controversial moment came in stoppage time when Mexico’s Santiago Giménez scored a stunning bicycle kick, only for VAR to disallow it due to an offside call. Social media erupted, with some Tico fans calling it justice, while others admitted it was a close call. Manfred Ugalde’s yellow card in the 84th minute showed Costa Rica’s fight, as they battled to keep Mexico at bay.

Navas was the standout, earning man-of-the-match honors with his commanding presence. His saves, especially against Jiménez’s volley, reminded everyone why he’s a legend. Costa Rica’s attack, however, lacked sharpness. Josimar Alcócer, who scored late against the Dominican Republic, couldn’t find space to create.

The 0-0 result left Mexico atop Group A on goal difference, while Costa Rica secured second place, setting up a quarterfinal clash with the United States. Both teams advance, but for Ticos, this draw feels like a moral victory against a Mexican side favored to win the group.

Match Stats

TeamPossessionShotsShots on TargetCornersFouls
Costa Rica42%83412
Mexico58%145610

This performance showed our team can compete with the best in CONCACAF. With Navas in goal and Herrera’s tactics, Costa Rica heads to the knockout stage with confidence, ready to face the U.S. on June 28.

Rights Groups Condemn El Salvador Over Arrest of Anti-Corruption Lawyer

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Rights Groups Condemn El Salvador Over Arrest of Anti-Corruption Lawyer

The justice system of El Salvador has admitted a habeas corpus petition in favor of lawyer and humanitarian activist Ruth López, a critic of President Nayib Bukele’s government, but failed to address her “arbitrary detention,” according to the NGO representing her. López, head of the anti-corruption unit at the humanitarian NGO Cristosal, was arrested on May 18, accused of illicit enrichment by the Attorney General’s Office, in a case that international organizations have denounced as part of a government strategy to silence human rights defenders.

Upon admitting the habeas corpus request, the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice appointed a judge to whom López may appeal to assess the legality of her detention. Cristosal described the decision on social media platform X as a “positive and unusual act.”

However, the ruling “does not acknowledge the arbitrary detention” and “fails to address the violation of due process” during López’s arrest, which Cristosal said was “carried out through deception and degrading treatment.” Furthermore, Cristosal claims the court endorsed the application of measures under the state of exception—typically used for gang members—and did not uphold the constitutional 72-hour limit for administrative detention before appearing before a judge.

López, 47, was brought before a judge two weeks after her arrest. During a hearing on June 4, she was ordered to six months of provisional detention, a decision that her defense appealed this past Wednesday. Despite what Cristosal calls a “serious deterioration of judicial independence,” the organization is demanding that the Constitutional Chamber and the appointed judge fully uphold the habeas corpus “in strict accordance with the Constitution, with objectivity,” and take into account “the serious violations of due process.”

As a Cristosal activist, López had been investigating alleged corruption in the Bukele administration, criticizing his security policies, and assisting 252 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. and imprisoned in a maximum-security facility in El Salvador. According to prosecutors, López allegedly committed illicit enrichment a decade ago while advising then-president of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Eugenio Chicas, who was also arrested in February on the same charge.

Bukele, who now rules El Salvador with near-total power after being re-elected in 2024 with 85% of the vote amid his anti-gang crackdown, accuses his critics of leftist political activism.

Assassinated in Exile: Roberto Samcam Laid to Rest in Costa Rica

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Assassinated in Exile: Roberto Samcam Laid to Rest in Costa Rica

To the cry of “justice,” the remains of retired Nicaraguan Army Major Roberto Samcam, a staunch critic of the Daniel Ortega government who was assassinated Thursday in Costa Rica, were buried Sunday in a cemetery in the capital, San José. Samcam, 66, was killed by eight gunshots fired by hitmen who broke into his home in Moravia, in the northeastern part of San José, where he had been exiled since 2018.

His coffin, taken to a cemetery in San José, was draped with the flags of Nicaragua and Spain, the latter having granted him nationality in 2023 after the Ortega government stripped him of his Nicaraguan citizenship, as it did with hundreds of other dissidents.

“We are deeply grateful to the Costa Rican authorities and the U.S. State Department for their swift condemnation of our father’s murder and their willingness to assist Costa Rican authorities in achieving justice,” said Gabriel Samcam, one of the former officer’s sons. He called for identifying both the “material” and “intellectual” authors of the crime.

A day before the murder, in an interview, Samcam had “warned that Nicaraguan intelligence cells operate in Costa Rica with the goal of monitoring and targeting political refugees,” his son recalled, noting that his father’s remains will stay in Costa Rica “until Nicaragua becomes a republic again.”

Nicaraguan human rights advocate Gonzalo Carrión, himself exiled in Costa Rica, stated that “the center of that [assassination] order is in Nicaragua” and urged the Costa Rican government to take the crime seriously and pursue a thorough investigation.

More than 70 Nicaraguan exiles, including intellectuals, journalists, and political and human rights activists, called for international protection on Friday following Samcam’s killing. Various organizations, including the United Nations, voiced concern over the assassination and called for protection for exiles and refugees and a full investigation.

Ortega, a 79-year-old former guerrilla who has ruled Nicaragua since 2007—and previously in the 1980s—is accused by critics and human rights groups of establishing a “family dictatorship” alongside his wife Rosario Murillo, who turned 74 on Sunday and was named co-president in February through a constitutional reform.

Mexican Influencer “El Arturito” Falls for Costa Rican Cuisine at Silvestre

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Mexican Influencer “El Arturito” Falls for Costa Rican Cuisine at Silvestre

Arturo Lemmen, a Mexican food critic known as “El Arturito” to his social media fans, used to think Costa Rican cuisine was nothing to write home about. That all changed during a recent trip to San José’s Silvestre restaurant, where a “secret” tasting menu left him raving about the country’s flavors.

At Silvestre, in the historic Barrio Amón, Lemmen dove into a culinary journey guided by an illustrated map of Costa Rica that came alive with each dish, tying flavors to the nation’s landscapes and culture. The meal kicked off with pejibaye chips and mayonnaise, paired with a crisp Pilsen beer—his pick over the popular Imperial. A Tico maule, a house cocktail with Cacique, followed, which he called “super tasty.”

The first dish, a yucca croquette with plantain jelly and ayote, blew him away. “It’s like a painting,” he said, noting its nod to a Costa Rican artist and its sunrise-like flavors. Lemmen’s enthusiasm grew with every course. A sardine croquette and a tostada crafted from fish bones showcased wild creativity, while a corn dish stuffed with corn paté and a mini steak encebollado brought authentic Tico comfort food to new heights. He snapped his fingers after each bite, sharing his excitement with followers.

The main course, a pork sausage he mistook for choripán, had him grinning. “This is spectacular,” he said, savoring its bold flavors. Off-menu, he ordered a charcoal-grilled beef tenderloin and shared it with his audience, clearly hooked. The standout “El Talamanca” dish, with hieroglyphics made from onion ash, earned praise for its stunning look and taste.

Dessert sealed the deal: an “oreja” pastry filled with guava cream, among other sweets, left Lemmen marveling at the originality. His video of the experience racked up thousands of likes, with Costa Ricans cheering his newfound love for their cuisine. Comments flooded in, celebrating how Silvestre, led by Chef Santiago Fernández, showcased the nation’s culinary soul.

Lemmen’s visit proves Costa Rica’s food scene is far from ordinary. Silvestre’s innovative dishes, rooted in local ingredients like yucca, pejibaye, and corn, are putting the country on the map for food lovers everywhere.

Here is a video about it that they translated into English:

Costa Rica Aims to Close Paternity Leave Gap with Bold New Proposal

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Costa Rica Aims to Close Paternity Leave Gap with Bold New Proposal

A new bill in Costa Rica aims to give fathers in the private sector a full month of paid paternity leave, matching the benefit public sector workers already enjoy. Right now, private sector dads get just eight days—two days a week for four weeks—to bond with their newborns. Public sector fathers, on the other hand, have four weeks. The proposed law, known as the Law for Paternity Leave in Costa Rica (file number 25.049), wants to close this gap, calling it unfair treatment that goes against equal rights under the law.

Congresswoman Luz Mary Alpízar Loaiza, from the Social Democratic Progress Party, is behind the bill. She argues that all fathers, regardless of where they work, have the same family responsibilities. “Parenthood should not depend on the type of employment. All sons and daughters deserve the same support, love, and presence in their first days of life,” she said. The bill would change Article 95 of the Labor Code to ensure equal leave for all workers, no matter their contract.

The push comes as concerns grow about family challenges in Costa Rica. The United Nations Population Fund’s 2025 State of World Population Report found that 11% of people see unequal caregiving duties as a reason not to have kids. The report also points to a gap between how many children people want and how many they actually have, driven by money, social pressures, and cultural norms. Extending paternity leave could ease some of these burdens, encouraging shared parenting responsibilities.

If the bill passes, employers who deny the leave could face serious consequences, including paying an indemnity equal to six months’ salary, on top of honoring workers’ rights. This reflects the bill’s strong stance on fairness. Costa Rica’s current private sector leave lags behind countries like Chile or Uruguay, where fathers get longer, paid time off, and far behind European nations like Sweden, where parents share months of leave.

The bill has sparked debate, with supporters saying it’s a step toward equality and critics questioning the cost to businesses. Posts on X show public interest, with many backing Alpízar Loaiza’s effort to level the playing field. As the Legislative Assembly reviews the proposal, it could mark a big shift in how Costa Rica supports new families, ensuring fathers have more time to be there when it counts most.

Why Costa Rica’s Northern Huetar Region Struggles Despite Its Riches

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Why Costa Rica’s Northern Huetar Region Struggles Despite Its Riches

Costa Rica’s Northern Huetar Region, a sprawling area of 9,790 square kilometers, is home to over 437,000 people across districts like San Carlos, Upala, Los Chiles, Guatuso, Sarapiquí, and parts of San Ramón and Grecia. Famous for its vast landscapes and well-visited vacation spots like La Fortuna, Arenal Lagoon, and Caño Negro wetlands, the region should be a beacon of prosperity. Yet, poverty and inequality cast long shadows over its potential, leaving many residents trapped in economic hardship.

The region is often described as embodying Costa Rica’s “new rurality,” where traditional farming lifestyles are giving way to Agroindustrial jobs and diverse income sources, a shift called pluriactivity. Pineapple, sugar cane, papaya, and coffee fields dot the landscape, and tourism is growing, but the wealth these generate doesn’t reach everyone.

A 2021 Central Bank report pegged the region’s contribution to national GDP at a mere 4.66%, the second lowest in the country. Meanwhile, the 2023 Social Development Index (IDS) paints a grim picture: 84% of the region’s districts rank in the low or very low development categories. Only pockets like La Fortuna and Ciudad Quesada, buoyed by tourism, buck the trend.

Unemployment hovers at 7%, and nearly 30% of families live below the poverty line—7% higher than the national average. These numbers reflect deeper issues: inadequate education, crumbling infrastructure, and stark social inequities. Areas like Medio Queso are particularly hard-hit, grappling with migration, inequality, and criminal networks.

“The region could be a powerhouse for production and tourism, but it’s held back by gaps that keep people marginalized,” said Dylanna Rodríguez Muñoz, who leads the Socio-environmental Kiosks for Community Organization program. She points to places like Medio Queso as “no man’s lands” where institutions have largely failed.

Recent discussions, with experts from the University of Costa Rica highlighting the region’s natural wealth alongside its poverty, unemployment, and state neglect. A recent article we wrote noted rising poverty and declining education as threats to Costa Rica’s broader competitiveness, with the Northern Huetar Region feeling these pressures acutely. The World Bank’s updated 2021 poverty lines, set at $3 per day for low-income countries, underscore the global context of these struggles, though Costa Rica’s upper-middle-income status masks regional disparities.

Experts and locals alike are calling for a new approach—one that’s territorial and inclusive. They want policies tailored to the region’s unique needs, not one-size-fits-all solutions. Coordinated efforts between government, universities, and communities could unlock sustainable development, ensuring the region’s riches benefit all its people. Without action, the Northern Huetar Region risks remaining a paradox: a land of plenty where too many have too little.

Internet Cut in Panama Near Costa Rica Border Amid Bocas del Toro Unrest

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Internet Cut in Panama Near Costa Rica Border Amid Bocas del Toro Unrest

Panamanian authorities suspended internet and mobile phone services on Saturday in the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro, following President José Raúl Mulino’s declaration of a state of emergency after nearly two months of protests against his government, according to official sources.

On Friday, Mulino suspended the rights to assembly and free movement in the region, where protest groups caused damage to the airport, several businesses, and government offices, and continued blocking roads. The National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) announced on social media platform X that, based on the emergency decree, “a temporary suspension of mobile and residential internet service in the province of Bocas del Toro has been coordinated until June 25.”

ASEP clarified that internet access remains available for health services, businesses, and government entities. The demonstrations, which began almost two months ago and turned violent on Thursday, have resulted in one death, more than a hundred arrests, and dozens of injuries, including 13 police officers, according to authorities.

The state of emergency in Bocas del Toro temporarily suspends constitutional guarantees such as protection against home searches and personal communication surveillance. The National Police reported that early Saturday morning, “criminals forced open the door” of a medical supply warehouse in the banana-producing city of Changuinola, Bocas del Toro.

Since April 28, President Mulino’s government has faced ongoing protests in Bocas del Toro opposing a pension reform law. Until last week, banana workers were leading the demonstrations, but after their union reached an agreement with the government, other groups affected by the reform have continued demanding the full repeal of the law.

OIJ Warns: Costa Rica Now a Key Warehouse for Drug Lords

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OIJ Warns: Costa Rica Now a Key Warehouse for Drug Lords

Costa Rica’s recent drug busts, with tons of cocaine and marijuana seized across the country, shine a harsh light on its deepening role in global drug trafficking. What was once a quiet transit point has morphed into a key warehouse for international cartels, fueled by the country’s geography and strained police resources. The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) and Public Security Ministry warn that these massive seizures are only scratching the surface of a much larger problem.

Michael Soto, OIJ’s deputy director, says this isn’t a new issue. “Costa Rica’s location, smack between South American cocaine producers and big markets like the U.S. and Europe, makes us a natural hub for distribution,” he said. The country sits in the heart of a trafficking corridor, with cartels exploiting its position to store and move drugs. But geography isn’t the only factor. Soto points to a lack of resources across police forces, leaving borders and coasts vulnerable. “We struggle to protect our territory, and that weakness lets criminal groups set up warehouses here,” he added.

Public Security Minister Mario Zamora explains how this shift happened. Decades ago, cartels used Costa Rica mainly for logistical support—refueling boats or stocking food for drug runs. Now, they’ve turned the country into a storage hub. “Traffickers break up their routes to dodge controls, using Costa Rica as a collection point,” Zamora said. This strategy, common across Central America, has worked well here, with cartels stashing drugs in remote warehouses before shipping them north or across the Atlantic.

The numbers tell a grim story. In 2024 alone, Costa Rica seized over 70 tons of drugs, mostly cocaine and Colombian marijuana, according to OIJ reports. While much of the cocaine is bound for export, Soto notes a troubling rise in local processing and consumption. “Marijuana use has spiked significantly, and we’re seeing more cocaine stay in the country too,” he said. This growing domestic market adds another layer to the challenge, as cartels find Costa Rica not just a warehouse but a profitable side market.

Zamora and Soto both stress that the problem isn’t just about drugs passing through. Cartels have embedded themselves, exploiting weak spots like underfunded coast guards and porous borders. International reports note that Central America’s role as a drug corridor has only grown, with Costa Rica as a prime example.

The government is pushing back, with OIJ coordinating with U.S. and European agencies to track shipments and dismantle networks. But without more funding and manpower, the cartels’ grip tightens.

U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica Mandates Public Social Media for Student Visas

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U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica Mandates Public Social Media for Student Visas

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica announced a new rule for anyone applying for F, M, or J nonimmigrant visas, which cover academic students, vocational students, and exchange program participants like professors, researchers, and au pairs. Starting immediately, applicants must set all their social media profiles to “public” to allow U.S. authorities to review their online activity as part of the visa process. This change aims to verify applicants’ identities and ensure they pose no threat to the United States, according to a statement posted on the embassy’s social media.

The U.S. State Department says visa decisions are tied to national security, so they’re using every tool available, including social media, to screen applicants. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube will be checked for content that might show hostility toward the U.S., its citizens, or its values. Applicants don’t need to share passwords, but they must remove privacy settings to give consular officers full access to their posts, photos, and videos. The embassy stressed that this step helps confirm applicants are eligible and plan to follow visa rules.

This policy comes after the U.S. paused student visa interviews in May to overhaul its vetting process. Now, embassies worldwide, including in Costa Rica, are resuming appointments for F, M, and J visas but with stricter guidelines. The embassy advises applicants to check its official website for available slots, as the added screening may slow things down. Some reports suggest consular staff could face delays since reviewing social media takes time, especially with the 446,000 student visas issued in 2023 alone.

For Costa Rican students and exchange participants, this means preparing social media accounts before applying. Many young people keep their profiles private to protect their personal lives, but that’s no longer an option for these visas. The rule has sparked debate, with some worried about privacy and others seeing it as a fair step for U.S. security. A State Department cable, reported by Reuters, instructs officers to flag any “hostile attitudes” toward U.S. culture, government, or principles, though it’s unclear exactly what counts as hostile.

The policy applies globally, affecting students from Spain, India, and beyond but for now, Costa Ricans hoping to study or join exchange programs in the U.S. should review their online presence and stay updated on appointment schedules through the embassy’s website.

This new layer of scrutiny reflects the U.S. government’s focus on tightening visa processes. As the embassy resumes interviews, applicants need to act quickly to comply with the social media rule and secure their spots.

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