By the A.M. Costa Rica staff In a pragmatic recognition of Costa Rican life, the economics ministry has listed beer in cans as one of the 53 products that make up the consumer basket on which the price index will be figured. The Instituto Nacional de Estadistica y Censos selected 266 possible items, and the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio picked the 53, which also includes some non-food products and personal hygiene items. The price index is weighted toward the products that a low-income family would buy. | The economics ministry will use the index to monitor prices in the marketplace and seek out what it calls distortions. The ministry said that the list is not supposed to be used for tax purposes or to motivate shoppers to buy items on the list. However, a recent proposal for a value-added tax exempted certain products in the basic consumer basket, called canasta basica in Spanish. The list appeared in the Sept. 9 La Gaceta official newspaper. |
Michael Copeland founded Rock Costa Rica after falling in love with the Lake Arenal area and moving there from Northern California’s Bay Area. He developed a deep affection and respect for the Tico people and for the Costa Rican philosophy of pura vida (“the pure life”) – a philosophy characterized by strong community spirit, perseverance, resilience in overcoming difficulties, enjoying life slowly and celebrating good fortune.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Beer is basic, economics ministry study determines
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Costa Rica prepares its first export of sweet chilli pepper to the US
The shipment is scheduled for the second half of December 2011
Costa Rica prepares its first export of sweet chilli pepper to the US
After two consecutive years of exporting fresh tomatoes to the US, Costa Rica now has the opportunity to export sweet chilli pepper to its North American neighbour through Del Monte, which has approximately 21 hectares in greenhouses in Buenos Aires de Puntarenas, Costa Rica’s State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) reports. Mr. Erik Cedeño, from the SFE, has announced that the first shipment is scheduled for the second half of December.
The SFE reports that in January 2009, following three years of intensive preparations, a protocol was signed permitting the export of fresh ripe tomato and chilli peppers to the United States. The first exporters to export according to this protocol were small producers from Zarcero, who shipped tomatoes in 2009, two weeks after the agreement was signed.
According to the SFE, as a result of the joint work undertaken by the State Phytosanitary Service of Costa Rica and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to identify areas of low prevalence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, it became possible to open the market for these products, and this could lead to opportunities for other tropical fruits and vegetables.
One of the regulations implemented by the United States for the export of chilli peppers and fresh tomatoes produced in Costa Rica was the requirement of having a government employee from the SFE permanently based at the packing plant and watching over production in the greenhouses.
Inspectors must supervise these crops on almost a full-time basis during the harvest season, which lasts three months, Mrs. Gina Monteverde, Head of Exports, declared.
In conjunction with Del Monte, the SFE´s Fruit Fly Programme is monitoring the presence of fruit flies in the greenhouses and in an area 500 metres wide.
Source: Peppers Today
Costa Rica prepares its first export of sweet chilli pepper to the US
After two consecutive years of exporting fresh tomatoes to the US, Costa Rica now has the opportunity to export sweet chilli pepper to its North American neighbour through Del Monte, which has approximately 21 hectares in greenhouses in Buenos Aires de Puntarenas, Costa Rica’s State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) reports. Mr. Erik Cedeño, from the SFE, has announced that the first shipment is scheduled for the second half of December.
The SFE reports that in January 2009, following three years of intensive preparations, a protocol was signed permitting the export of fresh ripe tomato and chilli peppers to the United States. The first exporters to export according to this protocol were small producers from Zarcero, who shipped tomatoes in 2009, two weeks after the agreement was signed.
According to the SFE, as a result of the joint work undertaken by the State Phytosanitary Service of Costa Rica and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to identify areas of low prevalence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, it became possible to open the market for these products, and this could lead to opportunities for other tropical fruits and vegetables.
One of the regulations implemented by the United States for the export of chilli peppers and fresh tomatoes produced in Costa Rica was the requirement of having a government employee from the SFE permanently based at the packing plant and watching over production in the greenhouses.
Inspectors must supervise these crops on almost a full-time basis during the harvest season, which lasts three months, Mrs. Gina Monteverde, Head of Exports, declared.
In conjunction with Del Monte, the SFE´s Fruit Fly Programme is monitoring the presence of fruit flies in the greenhouses and in an area 500 metres wide.
Source: Peppers Today
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Retire in Paradise on $32.25 a Day
Gringo Report
Millions of Americans have already fled the U.S. It’s true. According to an in-depth investigation by Money magazine, “250,000 Americans are leaving the country for good every year. And millions more are seriously considering it.”Why? To be blunt, many people can no longer afford to retire in the U.S. and keep their lifestyle. U.S. Social Security reports that it's sending checks to 442,000 Americans overseas.
For millions of people, the American dream has simply been priced out of reach. The cost of living... health care coverage... gas and utility bills... real estate prices... are all going through the roof. And the ever-shrinking dollar has just multiplied the pain.
Maybe you are already retired and need some better options, or perhaps you aren’t anywhere close to retirement. Nevertheless, it is important to think about and plan for your future. Like every phase in your life, you’ll be surprised at how fast retirement creeps up on you.
Don’t resign yourself to living a dull, difficult, and routine life. There is no reason for you to struggle with a small pension, Social Security, miserable climates, high utility bills, and outrageous medical costs.
Broaden your horizons and you can dramatically change the way you live—for the better. These are places where $1,000 per month will buy you a comfortable home in a beautiful setting, pay for your food and utilities, a housekeeper, gardener, country-club dues...and even leave you with money left over for entertainment and travel...
Obviously we are not trying to sugar coat the fact that it will be tough. Moving abroad will require drive, determination, motivation, and above all else adaptability. This is why we recommend that you thoroughly research all the countries that interest you. Make sure you visit before you move. A destination can seem like it is completely perfect on paper, but when you move there you might discover that you just don’t like the feel of the place.
I hope this report has provided you with a good starting guide.
And we want you to remember that this report is only the beginning. If you think you would like to retire to a beautiful overseas haven...well it’s a big world out there...and opportunities for a better retirement overseas abound.
Retire in Paradise on $32.25 a Day
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Property is registered in Zapote.
Property is registered in Zapote.
The Web page is www.registronacional.go.cr
Similar to the laws in the U.S. state of Louisiana,
real estate ownership under Costa Rica law is
divided into two elements. One person has the use
of the property and another has the ownership.
The person with the use is said to have an usufruct
(referred to as the in Costa Rica) of the
property, whereas the owner is called the naked
owner. When you own or purchase a piece of
property, you need to be sure you have the rights
to both.
Also, like in Louisiana, property can be held
indivision between one or more people. This
means each person can hold an undivided interest
in the property, none owning any particular piece
because each owns a portion of the whole.
The Web page is www.registronacional.go.cr
Similar to the laws in the U.S. state of Louisiana,
real estate ownership under Costa Rica law is
divided into two elements. One person has the use
of the property and another has the ownership.
The person with the use is said to have an usufruct
(referred to as the in Costa Rica) of the
property, whereas the owner is called the naked
owner. When you own or purchase a piece of
property, you need to be sure you have the rights
to both.
Also, like in Louisiana, property can be held
indivision between one or more people. This
means each person can hold an undivided interest
in the property, none owning any particular piece
because each owns a portion of the whole.
The first item to know if a property has a title.........
The first item to know if a property has a title, who owns the title and what type of property it is. The Registro Nacional keeps the records on titled property.
Real property has a finca number. Finca means farm in English but does not mean a country farm with chickens. The term means a section of real property. Even houses on lots in the city are parts of fincas. Finca numbers or farm numbers have two basic parts. The first digit defines the district in which the property is located. The last six digits is a unique identification number. For example a finca number (or lot number) in San José would look something like this: 1-000000. The one is for San José, and the zeros would be a real number identifying the property.
Property District Numbers:
1 – San José
2 – Alajuela
3 – Cartago
4 – Heredia
5 – Guanacaste
6 – Puntarenas
7 – Limón
Property Types
F – Filial
M – Mother
Z – Concession
Farms can also be further broken down into undivided interests. In these cases, an additional three-digit number is added to indicate the number of owners.
Real property has a finca number. Finca means farm in English but does not mean a country farm with chickens. The term means a section of real property. Even houses on lots in the city are parts of fincas. Finca numbers or farm numbers have two basic parts. The first digit defines the district in which the property is located. The last six digits is a unique identification number. For example a finca number (or lot number) in San José would look something like this: 1-000000. The one is for San José, and the zeros would be a real number identifying the property.
Property District Numbers:
1 – San José
2 – Alajuela
3 – Cartago
4 – Heredia
5 – Guanacaste
6 – Puntarenas
7 – Limón
Property Types
F – Filial
M – Mother
Z – Concession
Farms can also be further broken down into undivided interests. In these cases, an additional three-digit number is added to indicate the number of owners.
I do not believe in title insurance in Costa Rica.
I do not believe in title insurance in Costa Rica. Theoretically, all the title insurance companies are illegal because Costa Rica has a governmentally owned insurance monopoly. More importantly, the contracts of title insurance are so restrictive in Costa Rica, I know no one ever receiving money on a claim. Title insurance is something popular in other countries and is sold here to people who just have to have it because of their beliefs coming from somewhere else. There are better and cheaper ways to protect your property in Costa Rica.
The World's Best Retirement Haven
Plus, "we've been extremely pleased with the quality of the health care offered in Costa Rica. In our experience, it is superior in almost every way to the U.S. Doctors here are more accessible and hands-on than doctors in the U.S. They are very well-trained and qualified. There are a number of new medical facilities in San Jose that rival anything available in the U.S.," says Peggy.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Front Curb needed the once over!!
Costa Rica Filled With Baileys
Costa Rica Filled With Baileys
Bailey bridges are very popular in Costa Rica, as more and more are erected in the country, taking the place of permanent bridges instead of being used as a temporary solution to a long term problem.
Related
Bridge Collapse, An Accident Waiting To Happen
The Bailey bridge is the quick solution to a continuing problem in the country, as the story repeats year after year, as bridges are washed out and the ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT) uses the Bailey system in lieu of erecting a permanent structure.
How many Bailey's are in use currently in Costa Rica? The simple answer is, lots.
The Bailey is in no doubt a practical solution for emergencies. Experts, however, are voicing concern over the use of the structure as a permanent solution that is repeated in San José and small towns across Costa Rica.
The advantages of the Bailey bridge are many. They are easy to assemble, are lightweight and in a matter of days they can be in use.
The Bailey is a modular system that is easy to install but was never meant to be a permanent bridge, a fact that is recognized by the executive director of the Consejo Nacional de Viabilidad (Conavi), Carlos Acosta.
But, what is happening in reality is that the MOPT, under the premise of employing the Bailey, has stopped building bridges - up to 70 at the last count.
What is happening repeatedly across the country, communities are having to live through "funnels" for the lack of two lane bridges or capacity constraints for fear of collapsing structures.
Bailey bridges are not anchored to the ground, using strongholds and reinforcements to hold them in place and more expensive to, in terms of linear cost, than a permanent bridge.
This is a fact recognized by the ministro of the MOPT, Francisco Jiménez, who defends the increased use of the Bailey system by saying, "there is a lower cost overall due to less requirements for infrastructure".
The reality of the lower overall cost is the lack of maintenance.
The reality is that moore than one Bailey bridge in use is becoming dangerous by the day mainly due to the lack of maintenance, a problem that has plagued the MOPT for almost two decades and the reason for the poor state of condition of most of the permanent bridges in the country.
Bailey bridges are very popular in Costa Rica, as more and more are erected in the country, taking the place of permanent bridges instead of being used as a temporary solution to a long term problem.
Related
Bridge Collapse, An Accident Waiting To Happen
The Bailey bridge is the quick solution to a continuing problem in the country, as the story repeats year after year, as bridges are washed out and the ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT) uses the Bailey system in lieu of erecting a permanent structure.
How many Bailey's are in use currently in Costa Rica? The simple answer is, lots.
The Bailey is in no doubt a practical solution for emergencies. Experts, however, are voicing concern over the use of the structure as a permanent solution that is repeated in San José and small towns across Costa Rica.
The advantages of the Bailey bridge are many. They are easy to assemble, are lightweight and in a matter of days they can be in use.
The Bailey is a modular system that is easy to install but was never meant to be a permanent bridge, a fact that is recognized by the executive director of the Consejo Nacional de Viabilidad (Conavi), Carlos Acosta.
But, what is happening in reality is that the MOPT, under the premise of employing the Bailey, has stopped building bridges - up to 70 at the last count.
What is happening repeatedly across the country, communities are having to live through "funnels" for the lack of two lane bridges or capacity constraints for fear of collapsing structures.
Bailey bridges are not anchored to the ground, using strongholds and reinforcements to hold them in place and more expensive to, in terms of linear cost, than a permanent bridge.
This is a fact recognized by the ministro of the MOPT, Francisco Jiménez, who defends the increased use of the Bailey system by saying, "there is a lower cost overall due to less requirements for infrastructure".
The reality of the lower overall cost is the lack of maintenance.
The reality is that moore than one Bailey bridge in use is becoming dangerous by the day mainly due to the lack of maintenance, a problem that has plagued the MOPT for almost two decades and the reason for the poor state of condition of most of the permanent bridges in the country.
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