Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Personally, I know many Costa Ricans who live in poverty and are honest, caring individuals. What is happening is they are being threatened as well to keep their mouths shut by the thugs that are doing the crimes. The locals who have come into some money are also getting targeted. Imagine that, you finally get somewhere and a neighbor steals your things. The lack of an adequate police force and ways to punish criminals are what is causing this problem. By crime wave, I mean that it is increasing as more people see those getting away with crime, as the criminals become more powerful, they threaten even more and get away with more. It is very negative and increasingly violent cycle that needs to be stopped. Ticos and gringos alike need to work together in their diverse neighborhoods. People are scared both gringo and tico. In the area where we go most often in Costa Rica, the gringos have done much for the local community. They have rebuilt the school, they donate time and energy for life guards, they re-routed the river so that it stops flooding the village, they have started a local library and even given christmas presents to the children in the school. The community is strong there, both gringo and tico. It is the thugs that ruin this relationship. It is tragic.
[quote=”maravilla”]first of all, the perp is still in jail. A.M. costa rica mistakenly reported that Jason had been let out. of course, this incident is beyond horrendous. and there is no justification or defense for it, but i’m just curious as to why Ben Vaughan, who has lived here for 20 years, didn’t have (at least) CAJA insurance, which is now required of all legal residents. crime is a horrible thing; i was robbed 18 months ago, but they didn’t get very much, and i wasn’t there when it happened so i wasn’t ever in harm’s way. ramping up the paranoia on crime isn’t going to accomplish anything. and don’t think about going to mexico; the crime is worse there, AND they just kill you if you don’t have what they want, and even if you do. countries with high levels of poverty are breeding grounds for criminals — the locals watch the rich gringos move in with all those toys and gadgets and they want that too, but will never ever be able to afford it, and their thinking is that if you could afford to buy it the first time, you can also afford to replace it. this is simply a reality living in Latin America, some places worse than others. i wish Ben the strength to make it through this incident. no doubt his life will change forever, but he seems to have a whole community rallying for him. he’s lucky in that regard.[/quote]
Actually, the community concerned with escalating crime includes Costa Ricans who also have been getting ripped off. The lack of a police force is part of the problem. My intention is not to hype up paranoia about crime but to get people to acknowledge the problem so something can be done. I know some people who live in Mexico and yes, petty crime is bad. The drug trade creates the murders, just like in the US but they have a police force that patrols. What gets me thinking is I do not know one person living in Costa Rica who has not been affected by crime, some of it violent in the past 2 years. It is the rate that is scary. In the US, I do not know one person who HAS been affected by crime, and I know a lot more people in the US, during the last 10-20 years. Are you denying that something needs to be done?
Yes, i think I said in my letter that where I live now WE do not lock our doors, there is no threat of violent crime., Contractors come and go without anyone stealing from us…. the concern is that things in CR have become more than petty theft, more organized, “sinister”. In the US now, we subscribe to the fact that most violence occurs when someone is in the wrong area, they know the drug dealers, somehow they are related to the crime. What I see in CR is the scary notion , that because you are a gringo you are targeted. ACtually, I do not think many crimes in the CR garner the public attention that they should. That is the point of my letter. This crime was personally related to me. If I tried to look it up, it would non-existant. Everyone is afraid in CR to acknowledge the problem because one report in the common media would make real estate, tourism go in the tank. THAT is the problem.
[quote=”sueandchris”]Along this line….how many of you have suffered “significant” robberies? By that I mean actual break-ins where significant theft occurred? (I know that is a relative question.) We have heard stories of tools being stolen from sheds, and the proverbial small appliance theft. But I guess I wonder if any Forum members have had “whole house cleanouts”….thanks![/quote]Yes, living in Costa Rica one summer, there were several rental houses that got completely cleaned out, from the appliances to the doors…. very scary as there was no real consequence. “Barney Fife” did not have enough gas in his motorcycle to chase the criminals but they called in some “district” policia and caught the guys. The thieves spent a little time in jail and then were back to do it again soon later. Not uncommon.
By the way, it happens in Florida too in communities with snow bird populations. You can not leave a rental empty. If you leave, build a bodega and put all of your important things in there. Better, yet, live simply…..Check out Sanbuenasgolfresort.com This is a new development in the pre-construction phase close to Uvita in the southern zone. Prices are very reasonable due to its “newness”. We have friends who are investing in this project and it looks good. The area is very relaxed and laid back. Definately, Costa Rican feel. We have bought property in the area and if we could afford it would buy into this development.
Koty
If you are interested in Green building in CR check out San Buenas Golf Resort in the southern zone. The architect just got an award for creating the “greenest home on the planet” and his new plans for the area are absolutely stunning. The plan is for the development to be self-sustaining. they will keep the majority of the project green by using cluster building. It is going to be an eco-sensitive golf resort, the first in the southern zone. How can a golf resort be eco-sensitive? Well, they are replacing Milina trees, which are toxic to the environment and re-planting with trees indigenous to CR. In addition, they are using new grasses which do not require hericides or pesticides (they only need salt water). They are also replacing a cattle farm. Cattle is one of the worst things for the environment. The project has already given back to the community by giving money for the local school to improve their structure and plans many more community oriented bonuses, including improving the community water supply. Email me off of the forum if you are interested or check out sanbuenasgolf.com. We are interested in this development and endorse it becauuse of its ecologically responsible approach and community involvement. I am sorry if this crosses the commercial line for this post but it really is a great project.
Koty
My parents did a tour with Caravan and were very happy. It was reasonable in price and a good overall tour or popular places in Costa Rica. They also were happy because they were in a bus accident while on tour (not Caravan’s fault) and Caravan gave them a free tour for their inconvenience. My parents are in their 70s but many others in the group were much younger.
Koty
Does that mean that the plano reguladors are being approved for each individual municipality? If so then, the municipality can grant concessions? I was under the impression that each municipality no longer could grant its own concessions. Has that changed? this was the issue that was brought to the courts a while back and determined that there would be one governmental agency issuing concessions. Is this true or am I confused/ Your right…. concessions are a pain in the a…….
Hi, we are involved in weekly conference calls with a golf project in Dominical/Uvita area that we are developing and the guys down there say it is raining , but not unusual. Sunny in the morning and then clouds roll in about 3:00, like clock work. No big deal.
Koty
If you check the research you will see that child immunizations have saved many more children than they have hurt. There is actually no scientific evidence that immunizations cause autism. Not getting immunized definately does increase chances of getting rubella, polio etc. The fact is, most of the anecdotal accounts of autism caused by vaccinations is a coincidence of timing of the vaccine and when autism strikes young children. If you actually go back and read these accounts (which I have done, being in the field of autism)there were many signs of autism prior to the vaccine being administered. Go by the facts, no just what someone’s opinion is. By the way, my 5 year old just had his well child check for kindergarten today. He received all the boosters and also a first shot for Hep A (recommended because we frequently travel to Costa Rica and Central America where this is a threat). I feel confident that he will not be at risk for getting many of the diseases that other children get. Ask anyone who was around before the polio vaccine was available what they think about vaccines. Also, I am not into giving my child unnecesaary drugs and we are organic and antibiotic/hormone -free at my house. We just recently had an outbreak of measles last winter in my area of the country, basically because many of the immigrants are not vaccinated against this. Glad my child is protected.
Koty
When we were down there in April we drove from Dominical to Quepos and it took us 45 minutes instead of the usual 2.5 hours. You could see the work that has been done and they posted that the work should be done soon and how much the country is spending on it. (Can’t remember how much though thought it was 17 million to be completed in 2008).
Koty
I think I saw that picture IN Men’s Health Magazine. I don’t believe it was him. for some reason I pictured this pasty white fat computer sort of nerd. Looks good to me…. dont really care if its really you or not!
Koty
Is this related to Grandview Estates in Siquirres? We looked at the property and loved the land. Let me know what you think.
Koty
Last time we stayed at hotel Pura Vida. A beautiful little family owned hotel with the most heavenly home made gourmet dinners and breakfasts. You have to order ahead if you want dinner. Its spendy but wonderful after a full day of travel. It has a beautiful view of Poas and wonderful gardens. They are in Alejuela, just past the courthouse.
Koty
