 |
COSTA RICA |
| |
Carnavales
de Limón Suspended!
At the last minute the carnavales de Limón
were suspended on Friday, a day after they
began. The ministra de Salud, María Luisa
Ávila, explained that the organizers did not
comply with all the Salud requirements to
minimize the health risk to visitors.
Ministra Avila added that the organizing
committee committed as series of
non-compliances, like the proper collection
and handling of garbage, as was demanded by
health officials; as well security measures
were lacking and no public washrooms in
public areas.
The ministra said that her officials had
demanded that a private security firm be
hired to provide safety for the visitors.
Avila added that her office had give
authority to permit "bars and restaurants",
but only the bars were opened.
The carnavales de Limón was scheduled to run
until Sunday October 18.
The suspension did not allow the traditional
crowning of the festival queen on Friday
night, nor will the "tope" (horse parade)
take place today as programmed.
The news of the suspension surprised area
residents and left many visitors from all
over the country with, what to do now?
Ministra Avila said that the carnavales can
resume is and when organizers meet the
requirements. Talks are expected between
organizers and the Dirección Regional de
Salud, including Monday, which is a holiday
in Costa Rica, said Avila.
Ministra Avila emphasized that the local
community and organizers have her complete
support and vote of confidence. But remained
firm that the carnavales will not resume
until ALL the requirements are met.
Last year Salud authorities cancelled the
carnavales de Limón entirely due to an
outbreak of Dengue and the year before due
to a piling of garbage in the port city when
the municipality ran into labour problems
with the collectors, fearing health risks.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
