Costa del Kickback?
Alcatel SA has set up an internal team to investigate the implications of corruption allegations involving Costa Rica's former president Miguel Angel Rodríguez.

Alcatel is horrified by the claims.

In a prepared statement, it "stresses that the company conducts its business with transparency, following laws and regulations, both locally and internationally," and says it has established an "internal team to analyze this information."

It adds: "If necessary, Alcatel will take appropriate measures in accordance with its statement on business practices, and in any case will fully and openly collaborate with the local authorities."
 

September Month of Earthquakes
This year has been a relatively quiet year as far as earthquakes is concerned. However, September was an exception.

The Red Sismológica Nacional - the National Sismological Institute - reports that in September there were 390 shakes, up from the 346 reported in August.

Experts believe that is a good thing, that energy is being released in small tremors rather than one big one.

Dominical in the southern zone is the most active area. In September 62 reports were made in the area, or two a day. Most of the earthquakes reported were of low intensity and barely felt.
 

Tuesday Will be a Day of Protest
Tuesday will be a day of protest in Costa Rica. What was to have been a day of protest against the government's policies - state monopolies, Riteve, rising gasoline prices, the free trade agreement - will be day to show solidarity against corrupt officials, following the recent scandals involving two former presidents and public officials.

A call is being made by directors of the universities for the wearing of white. Sonia Marta Mora, director of the Universidad Nacional (UNA), said "the march is for national dignity and democracy."

Mora added that the march will be peaceful but full of energy.

Expected to take part in the march are in addition to university students, farmers, housewives, businessmen and private and public sector employees.

The march will assemble at 9am in front of the Parque La Merced (the westerly end of Avenida Segunda) and will end at the Parque Nacional in front of the Monumento Nacional.
 

Leading sectors
According to the most recent data on the Gross Domestic Product disclosed by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, the transport and telecommunications sectors were the leaders in growth this year's second quarter.

The two sectors grew by 9.7 percent, followed by construction at 9.3 percent, while the manufacturing industry remained almost stagnant.

Food exports grew 25 percent
The exports of the Costa Rican food industry increased by 25 percent the first seven months this year; thus, this became the top sector in increasing sales abroad.

According to the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER), while food sales abroad amounted to $290 million the first seven months in 2003, this year they went up to $363 January through July this year.