The tragic death of three family members as their vehicle fell of the bridge over the river Las Vueltas, near Parrita, brings a renewed promise by the transport minister for bridge repairs.

Taxi Drivers Upset Over Fare Hike
Taxi fares went up yesterday and those most upset with the increase are taxi drivers themselves, who see a decrease in ridership with each hike.

Education Minister Assures Classes Will Start on Schedule, Following Theft of Computers
Some will do anything to avoid going back to school, including stealing computers from the offices of the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) - education ministry - the same computers that was being used this week to maintain information for the school year set to begin on Febr

Kubera Venture Capital Group Announces Master Plan for Community in Nosara
Kubera Venture Capital Group, LLC, a privately held real estate investment and development firm,  announced the release of the Master Plan for its 110-unit gated residential community, Jade Azul, in Nosara, Costa Rica.

U.S. Real Estate Developer Sets Sights on Costa Rica
For the past 52 years, The Jack Parker Corporation has used phrases such as "luxury living," "breathtaking views" and "waterfront paradise" to entice buyers to purchase its high-rise condominiums in New York and residential projects along both coasts of Florida.

Strong Winds Cause for Alert in The Air and Sea
Strong winds have caused authorities to declare a "green" alert for the Caribbean and north Pacific coasts.


Ortega Wants Simple Headquarters
Sandinista Daniel Ortega, who will be sworn into the Nicaragua presidency on January 10, will not occupy the Presidential Palace but will move government headquarters to the Olof Palme Conventions center, it was announced here.

Panama President Thanks Cuba
Panamanian president, Martin Torrijos, expressed appreciation for Cuban solidarity towards his country and recalled the friendship between his father Omar Torrijos and the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

Raul Castro, Torrijos Team Up
Panamanian President Martin Torrijos is on his second to last day in Cuba, after bilateral collaboration topped a meeting with Cuban Vice President Raul Castro.

Venezuela to Have Psychologist VP
A few days before his inauguration ceremony on January 10, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has already begun a governmental reshuffle by appointing a new interior minister and vice president, the latter a psychologist.

Lack of Paraguayan Diplomatic Image Deplored
President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Higher Chamber, Senator Alfredo Ratti, Thursday denounced the limited diplomatic image of Paraguay, due to the absence of Paraguayan ambassadors in important countries of the world.


BOLIVIA:
Coca, Poverty and Hope
Just about any crop can be grown in the heart of Bolivia's fertile Yungas region, say local farmers. But only coca has prospered. And although it is the only crop that brings anything close to a living income, local campesinos are still steeped in poverty.