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travel
news review
9
November '98
Costa Rica's reputation as a gay-friendly country took a bashing over
the weekend when protesters in the Guanacaste region along the Pacific
coast delayed 300 gay and lesbian tourists, most of whom were US citizens,
from leaving the country. The tour group, organized by Los Angeles-based
Atlantis Events, was preparing to head back home after a week-long stay
in a rented resort, the Blue Bay Village Papagayo. The protesters, reportedly
organized by a local priest and politician who want the Costa Rican government
to ban gay tours altogether, blocked the only road to the airport with
tires and wood, preventing the tour buses access. Federal police, in riot
gear, had to be called in to break up the melee and to clear the road.
Eventually the tour buses were able to get through, but not without protesters
waving sticks and clubs at the tourists and shouting anti-gay sentiments.
Although no one was injured in the clash, gay and lesbian tour groups
should be aware that local intolerance does exist in parts of Costa Rica.
20 October '98
An almost week-long strike by 700,000 public sector workers turned violent
last weekend after the Labor Minister, Hernando Yepes, declared the strike
illegal and sent in police to disperse the crowd. The strikers are protesting
against government austerity measures that include privatisation of some
industries and a cut in next year's wage increases. Negotiations are expected
to go forward during the week. Although most services are running as normal,
travellers are advised to avoid crowds and public demonstrations.
12 August '98
Local flights into the cities of San Jose Del Guaviare and Uriba
(approximately 150km/90mi southeast of Bogota) have been canceled due
to a renewal of violence by guerrilla forces in the area. The resurgence
of violence is considered by some to be a final farewell to departing
President Semper. President Andres Pastrana was inaugurated on Friday
and has promised top priority to peace talks with the rebel military groups.
The government is considering creating a demilitarized peace zone in the
area of San Jose Del Guaviare and Uriba for the talks. The zone would
encompass the area south to Macarena and San Vicenta del Caguan.
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