Daily Edition: San José, Costa Rica, August 03, 2005
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Archbishop Condemns
Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests
The Archbishop of San José, Hugo Barrantes, yesterday condemned sexual abuse against minors, which he classified as an immoral sin, adding that when it has been committed by priests it has “caused a lot of hurt.”
(Click for more)
Two Men Killed
During Pilgrimage
Two young men died after being struck by cars while making the annual pilgrimage to the Basilica in Cartago this week; hundreds of other pilgrims saw emergency crews before they saw La Negrita, the dark-skinned statue depicting the Virgin Mary, in whose honor they made the walk.
(Click for more)
Legislators Could Choose
Ombudsman Tomorrow
After nearly two months without a permanent ombudsman, the Legislative Assembly may finally do tomorrow what it was legally required to do by July 3 – name a new person to the post.
(Click for more)
August 03
Honoring Argentine Singer Carlos Gardel
Tango show with 20 artists, including dancers, musicians and orchestra, Aug. 3-4, 8 p.m., Melico Salazar Theater. Info: 207-2025.
Jazz and Calypso Concert
With the idea of exploring the relationship between calypso and jazz, musicians Manuel Obregón and Manuel Monestel will start a series of concerts tonight at 10 p.m. with calypso musicians from Limón, Bluefields, Nicaragua and Bocas del Toro, Panama, at Jazz Café, San Pedro. Info: 816- 2283.
Q&A with Performers of Madam Butterfly
Performers of Madam Butterfly, currently being presented in the National Theater, will share their experiences and opinions with the public during an open exchange at the National Theater, 10 a.m. Info: 240-0333 x 205.
By Rebecca Kimitch
Tico Times Staff
rkimitch@ticotimes.net
Archbishop Condemns
Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests
The Archbishop of San José, Hugo Barrantes, yesterday condemned sexual abuse against minors, which he classified as an immoral sin, adding that when it has been committed by priests it has “caused a lot of hurt.”
“Sexual abuse against minors is immoral from any point of view. It is with reason that society considers it a crime, and it is also a horrible sin before the eyes of God,” Barrantes declared.
Barrantes made the statements before a congregation of thousands at the end of their annual traditional pilgrimage to visit the Virgin of Los Angeles, patron of Costa Rica, at the Basilica in Cartago, east of San José.
In the presence of President Abel Pacheco, as well as many government ministers and legislators, the archbishop said, “The sexual abuse of children and youth by priests has caused a lot of hurt, indignation and confusion.”
Barrantes also spoke against corruption and poverty in Costa Rica, where, he warned, the gap between rich and poor widens every day.
During a mass offered to the Virgin, Barrantes said he has “discovered much poverty and misery. I have ascertained that two Costa Ricas exist: one of impenetrable mansions and luxury and another of the simple people.”
According to Barrantes, “We no longer speak of inequality but of open exclusion. Our poor brothers are excluded from the well-being generated by economic growth. It is no longer possible for them to come out of their lamentable situation on their own.”
“I am conscious of the efforts made by our President to combat poverty. I also wish to commend his decision to eradicate the vice of corruption in public office and his defense of life, a guarantee established in our Constitution,” he added.
Barrantes also criticized the media for its “sensationalism, advertising craze, unilateral views and the superficiality that clouds minds and atrophies the criteria that readers and television and radio audiences end up adopting.”
-ACAN-EFE
Two Men Killed
During Pilgrimage
Two young men died after being struck by cars while making the annual pilgrimage to the Basilica in Cartago this week; hundreds of other pilgrims saw emergency crews before they saw La Negrita, the dark-skinned statue depicting the Virgin Mary, in whose honor they made the walk.
Two men, 21 and 28, died in San José suburbs while walking toward Cartago. One was killed by a drunk driver in La Uruca Saturday evening, the other on the General Cañas highway in Belén Monday evening, the Red Cross reported.
The Red Cross mobilized more than 1,500 medical volunteers who assisted 3,684 pilgrims with injuries or medical conditions. Muscular pain topped the list of problems, with more than 2,000 people treated. Volunteers also treated two people for heart attacks and dozens for burns, dizziness, drunkenness, falls and wounds inflicted in a fight. Thirty-six were hospitalized for further treatment.
Carlos Gutiérrez, assistant national rescue chief, said in a statement, “From the point of view of patient care it has been a good operation, thanks to the fact there has been strong control of the resources at our disposition.”
Police dispatched a helicopter and 1,450 officers on foot, horse and motorcycle and in patrol cars to enforce public order throughout the pilgrimage.
They arrested 40 people since Saturday, the Public Security Ministry reported. Four adolescents were arrested for blocking traffic and charging drivers ¢300 ($0.80) for passage; one man was arrested for carrying a blunt weapon; two young men were arrested for making lewd gestures to passing women; two car guards were fighting; three men were arrested for beating their wives in plain view while walking; two people were arrested for carrying drugs; and one person was arrested for robbery. Police confiscated small amounts of cocaine, marijuana and crack from people on the pilgrimage as well, the ministry reported yesterday.
See Friday's print or online pdf edition of The Tico Times for more on the Cartago pilgrimage.
Legislators Could Choose
Ombudsman Tomorrow
After nearly two months without a permanent ombudsman, the Legislative Assembly may finally do tomorrow what it was legally required to do by July 3 – name a new person to the post.
Legislative debate was scheduled to begin today to decide on a new ombudsman, who acts as a liaison between the public and the government, particularly when people feel their rights are being violated.
Legislators have agreed to begin debate this afternoon and continue tomorrow morning. A vote could come by noon if there are no more speakers.
However, various legislators told Channel 7 TV News they are still undecided about which candidate they will support; if previous naming votes are any indication, consensus cold be difficult to reach.
The Ombudsman's Office has been without leadership since early July, when Ombudsman Adjunct Max Esquivel was required to leave the post. Legislators had until then to name a new person to the post, but neglected to do so (TT, July 8). Esquivel filled the post for the month following the exit of former ombudsman José Manuel Echandi, who left after not being renamed to the position.
Candidates for the post include Daniel Camacho, Lilliana Arrieta, Miguel Ángel Quesada, Juan José Echeverría and Lisbeth Quesada, although someone outside of this group – selected by the naming commission – could also be chosen.
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