The secretary general of the Asociación Nacional de Empleados Públicos y Privados (ANEP), Albino Vargas, told listeners of "Radio Monumental" on Friday that there are no planned protests no marches, no blockades.

We are holding off all protestations for Monday, when the government can expect "something big".

"On Monday we would like to bring people in from all parts of Costa Rica, to demonstrate our unhappiness of all with the current government", Vargas expressed.

The public institutions most affected by the protests are the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE).

All ICE offices in San José have been closed since Thursday and remain closed over the weekend. Normally they are open (except the downtown offices) on Saturdays.

Customers who want to pay their phone and electrical bills can do so at any supermarket or the Fischel pharmacies, that are tied in to ICE's billing system. Customers wanting a new cellular telephone can do so at authorized ICE retailers.

However, any other type of transaction regarding telephone and electrical service that requires a counter visit, mus wait.


At some hospitals and clinics they are short on staff, those not striking are taking up the slack. Medical services have not been affected, just the time to see a doctor will be longer than usual. Private hospitals and clinics, like CIMA hospital and Clinica Biblica are not affected.

Government offices are normally closed on Saturday and Sundays, so no problems there.

Schools that are open Saturdays will be closed. Teachers are taking the weekend to reflect matters.

So, overall, the weekend will be just another "normal" weekend in Costa Rica. There will be some protestors out there, maybe a roadblock or two, just to keep the movement going.

Costa Ricans love their weekends and why mess it up with a strike. After all, the movement is work related - salaries, free trade, Riteve - that has nothing to do with having fun and relaxing.

Our predictions for the weekend: enjoy!

Pura Birra. Oh, sorry, Pura Vida.