Thank you Limón! The beautiful Kindra Hernández, shows off her best in the closing ceremonies of the Carnavales de Limón which has now become a national tradition.  [Foto: Manuel Azofeifa/DIARIO EXTRA]

President Arias In His First TLC Protest
During the past protests of the Tratado LIbre de Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States (CAFTA), president Óscar Arias Sánchez, had been sitting on the sidelines. Today, he is living his first protest as president since taking office last May.

Betcorp Sells To Bodog
Australian online betting company Betcorp Ltd. said on Monday it would sell its gaming operations to Costa Rica's Bodog Entertainment Group SA  for us$9 million, exiting the business following a U.S. government decision to ban online gambling.

Legislature Desktop Computers Are A  Nuisance
After spending ¢35 million colones (us$67.500 dollars) to install computers, many still keep to the old, preferring to use pen and paper, while others say they lack the expertise to use a computer. So, the investment to install computers at the bench of each legislator in the Legislative Assembly, seems to be a total loss.

Limón Caranval Ends
More than one half million people attended the "Carnavales de Limón" this year, the local custom that has become an annual attraction for the Caribbean port town.

Panama Questions Canal Yes
Although the Yes triumphed in the referendum on the enlargement of the Panama Canal, the win poses Monday several questions due to the high rate of abstentionism and denunciations of irregularities.

Chavez: Venezuela achieves objective against U.S. in UN
Venezuela has achieved its objective within the United Nations despite trailing Guatemala, a U.S.-backed candidate, in previous rounds of voting for a UN Security Council seat, President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday.

Colombia, Chile to clinch free trade agreement
Colombia and Chile were set to reach a deal on a proposed free trade agreement, Colombia's deputy foreign minister Eduardo Munoz said here on Sunday.

Chile Debates Amnesty Law
Amid an atmosphere of tension, leaders from governing coalition parties are due to discuss President Michelle Bachelet's proposal Monday to abolish the repudiated Amnesty Law that benefits former oppressors.

Transport Strike in Uruguay
Over 20,000 truck owners and drivers, and nearly 5,000 taxi drivers began an indefinite strike Monday demanding reduced fuel prices, union leaders announced.


ENVIRONMENT:
Needed - More Money to Save Caribbean Sea
There has been considerable progress in research and diagnosis of the environmental problems plaguing the Caribbean Sea, but more international funds are needed for remedial measures before it is too late, experts warn.

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