Comments on: Poverty persists in Costa Rica, creates divide and unrest

By: Parritaman

Parritaman — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 00:31:00 +0000

The elite families that control the Costa Rica government impose outrageously high import taxes on virtually everything, making it impossible for many Ticos to buy anything new. The import taxes on a refrigerator is over 80%, an items which is a necessity of life.

By: Ken Morris

Ken Morris — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:48:34 +0000

Be careful about asserting that the social gaps are “based” upon education and location, since this can confuse individual with structural causes. Sure, better educated people do better financially, but a better-educated citizenry doesn’t by itself create better jobs. In areas like Puntarenas, where the economy is primarily devoted to tourism, fishing, and manufacturing, there aren’t enough jobs demanding education to absorb everyone who has it. Thus the educated from there move to the Central Valley. However, the economy of the Central Valley isn’t creating enough of the kinds of jobs that require a good education to absorb all those with one, and in fact un- and underemployment of university graduates is widespread. To keep telling Ticos to get a better education is at this point almost like selling them snake oil. The more important challenge is to build the kind of economy that prioritizes an educated workforce, and this won’t happen until Costa Rica stops favoring its service sector, in particular tourism, and moves toward different economic development initiatives.

By: William Beavers

William Beavers — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 02:04:03 +0000

What part of CR do you live, I would like to help 8353-8345

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 01:18:52 +0000

Many children go to bed hungry here. They come by my house asking for food. I give what I can. Now I buy a little extra so I have something to help them out.

By: Michael M. McCain

Michael M. McCain — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 18:03:47 +0000

Ha, ha, right. ~;o)

By: Fhuh Kew

Fhuh Kew — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:33:41 +0000

Have you seen the new stadium! How about Lieberbergers road to war on the northern frontier?
Next up? Space Program! Once the collapsed road is fixed so they can go to Liberia and consult about consulting with consultants.

By: Mary Hogan

Mary Hogan — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:33:41 +0000

Were the houses in the picture some of the ones built with Luxury Home Tax monies?

By: John J. Vallier

John J. Vallier — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:33:39 +0000

Be Careful don’t let any Political Secrets OUt!