Dundee Owner Released from Jail, Closes Teen Facility
Narvin Lichfield, owner of the embattled behavior modification program Dundee Ranch Academy, told The Tico Times during an interview Saturday that he was closing the controversial teen facility indefinitely, and that all but "30 or 40" of the 200 students have already left.
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Grupo de Rio Concludes Cusco Summit
CUSCO, Perú (AFP) - The Grupo de Rio XVII summit concluded yesterday with the signing of the "Cusco Consensus," a declaration of the 19 Latin American countries to fight poverty, strengthen democracy, increase regional security, promote fair trade and preserve cultural identity.
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BWIA Inaugurates Flights to C.R.
As part of Costa Rica's efforts to attract new flights here, British West Indies Airways Limited (BWIA) last Thursday night inaugurated its first direct flight between Trinidad and Tobago and San José.
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May 26

Round Table "Who Takes Care of Our Children?"
To be held by Dr. Luis López, Neuro development specialist, Dr. Sonia Chávez, pediatrician, M.Sc Ana Teresa León, psychologist and M.Sc. Ana Cerdas, director of the Pre-School Dept. at the Ministry of Education, 6-9 p.m., at Manuel Jiménez Auditorium, Administration Building, La Nación Newspaper, Tibás. Free entrance. Info: 296-2034.

Democrats Abroad Meeting
With guest speaker Jim Criste, talking about the New Peace Corps in C.R., meeting and political update at 11 a.m.; lunch, at 12; speaker at 12:45 p.m., at private home/restaurant of Mike Forbes, Urbanización Los Anonos, Escazú (directions 289-6087). Call Dorothy Sagel 249-1856, Ruth Dixon 494-6260.

Photo Contest
Hurry Up! This is the last week to deliver your photos, just remember the requirements, free topic, include an explanation of the photo, day, place, where it was taken, and meaning, in a sealed envelope with personal data, deliver photos before May 30 to Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Awarding Ceremony June 30. Info: 277-3253.

Seminars in Expotour
Mon., May 26, 8:30 a.m., "Manejo de las Ganancias y la Era de Internet;" 11 a.m., "Free Trade;" 2 p.m., "Tourism Management in Hard Times;" Tues., May 27, 9 a.m., "European Tourist Market," 1 p.m., "Latin America Tourist Market, Herradura Hotel, Ciudad Cariari.

Dundee Owner Released from Jail, Closes Teen Facility
By Tim Rogers
trogers@ticotimes.net

Narvin Lichfield, owner of the embattled behavior modification program Dundee Ranch Academy, told The Tico Times during an interview Saturday that he was closing the controversial teen facility indefinitely, and that all but "30 or 40" of the 200 students have already left.

"We are closing the facility until we have a legal definition from the government about what we can and can't do," said Lichfield, shortly after being released from jail. "Most of the students have already left and the rest are leaving Sunday."

The Child Welfare Office (PANI) and representatives of the U.S. government are reportedly monitoring the exodus.

Lichfield was released from jail Friday around midnight after being held for 24 hours on allegations of detaining children against their will, coercion and human rights violations (TT Daily Page, May 23).

Prosecutor Fernando Vargas had requested the judge give Lichfield a six-month preventive prison sentence, but the academy owner was let out on the conditions he not go near Dundee Ranch until all the students have left the country. Lichfield and his Costa Rican wife are also prohibited from leaving the country for the next six months, while investigators continue their probe of the WorldWide Association of Specialty Program's (WWASP) now-defunct correctional facility.

Lichfield denied allegations that he had been shipping students to WWASPS notoriously tough facility in Jamaica. However, according to parents, several dozen Dundee students have already arrived at the Jamaica camp.

Vargas said that he has received one formal complaint against Dundee from a former student, who testified to physical and emotional abuse at the facility. But the prosecutor said he is worried that his case against Lichfield will fall flat if all the students are allowed to leave before giving depositions.

"I am fighting with child welfare authorities to let kids give declarations before they leave the country," Vargas said Saturday. "Without them, I don't have a case."

Lichfield, meanwhile, said Saturday that he and his lawyers are in the process or assessing damage and filing a counter lawsuit against Vargas, who sparked a week of rioting and chaos at Dundee last Tuesday when he told the students that they did not have to remain their against their will (TT, May 23).

The academy owner said he will work with the government to define a clear set of operating rules and then reopen the academy. He expects many of the students to be sent back, claiming "most of the parents loved what was going on here."

Lichfield, who compares himself to Joan of Arc, said: "if people are worried about human rights, they should try spending the night in a Costa Rican jail. My place was Club Med in comparison."

Read Tico Times Top Story for more on Dundee, plus complete coverage in next Friday's print edition.

BWIA Inaugurates Flights to C.R.

As part of Costa Rica's efforts to attract new flights here, British West Indies Airways Limited (BWIA) last Thursday night inaugurated its first direct flight between Trinidad and Tobago and San José.

Shaky Start. First British West Indias Airways' (BWIA) flight from Trinidad and Tobago arrives Thursday night, missses connecting press conference. See Story.

In a rather turbulent start, the Boeing 737 flight arrived in Costa Rica several hours late - after the press gathered at the airport to welcome the inaugural flight had given up and gone home.

Nevertheless, the plane's arrival marks the beginning of semi-weekly direct flights between Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago. The BWIA flights will arrive in Costa Rica on Mondays and Thursdays and depart for Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesdays and Fridays, according to a press release.

With 60 years of flying experience, BWIA is one of oldest Caribbean airlines, servicing 23 destinations in the Caribbean, Venezuela and several cities in the U.S., Canada and England (Manchester and London). The airline will offer Costa Rican travelers new connection options to North America and England.