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| GIVE Peace a Chance: President Oscar Arias greeted schoolchildren yesterday during a ceremony to celebrate the anniversary of Costa Rica abolishing its army on Dec. 1, 1948. Yesterday's act was specially staged for the President, who was away in Mexico for the Dec. 1 event. Arias called for all countries in the world to follow Costa Rica's example by abolishing their troops and investing instead in healthcare and education. |
Photo courtesy of Dicine S.A. |
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| MOPT Denounces Year's Increase in Highway Deaths |
Despite national efforts to promote safer driving and the use of pedestrian walkways, the number of deaths in roadway accidents continues to increase, and the death toll so far this year has already surpassed last year's, according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT). |
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| Study: Region's Indigenous Gaining Voice, Still Struggling with Inequality |
Latin America's indigenous groups have become social and political actors in the region in what has been one of the most significant phenomena during the past 20 years, according to a study released Friday in Santiago, Chile, by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin Ame rica and the Caribbean (ECLAC). |
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| Taiwan Donates $250,000 to Police For Computer Equipment |
| The Taiwanese government Friday donated $250,000 to help police throughout Central America exchange information about car theft and other crimes, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry. |
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December 11
Christmas Party
Universidad Nacional (UNA) throws a party for 200 children from low-income families in Heredia, north of San José. Celebration includes concert of Christmas Carols, food, fireworks, 5 p.m., in the front of the university's Heredia campus.
Free Jewelry-Making Classes
For kids ages 5 and up, today through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Haiku Beads and More, Escazú, west of San José. Info: 588-0742.
Mundo Loco Concert
Peregrino Gris, Celtic music, 7 p.m., Jazz Café, San Pedro, east of San José.
Edited By Amanda Roberson
Tico Times Staff | aroberson@ticotimes.net
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MOPT Denounces Year's
Increase in Highway Deaths
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Despite national efforts to promote safer driving and the use of pedestrian walkways, the number of deaths in roadway accidents continues to increase, and the death toll so far this year has already surpassed last year's, according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT).
During 2006, 278 people died in roadway accidents; as of Nov. 30 this year, these accidents had already claimed 292 victims, the statement said.
Public Works and Transport Minister Karla González blamed the deaths on drunk driving and a lack of responsibility among pedestrians and bikers.
“It is urgent that drivers understand that they cannot drive in a state of intoxication, kill innocent people and destroy their lives and others',” Gonález said, according to the statement. “And we also cannot continue thinking that the highways are for playing and biking without following minimum safety norms.”
The number of cars on the roads has quadrupled since 1986, creating the need for particular caution, González said.
During the past 11 months, studies carried out by the ministry have found that many pedestrians do not use crosswalks and pedestrian bridges and that bikers often ride in the fast lane and fail to use reflective clothing and gear. These choices can unfortunately be fatal, the statement said.
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Study: Region's Indigenous Gaining
Voice, Still Struggling with Inequality |
Latin America's indigenous groups have become social and political actors in the region in what has been one of the most significant phenomena during the past 20 years, according to a study released Friday in Santiago, Chile, by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin Ame rica and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
However, despite indigenous groups gaining a voice in society, more must be done to boost their socio-economic status and combat problems they face, such as much-higher-than-average infant mortality rates, according to the study.
"The common denominator for indigenous populations is the structural discrimination that affects them, which is manifested in marginalization, exclusion and poverty," reads the document, entitled “Indigenous People of Latin Ame rica: New Obligations for 21st Century Democracies.”
The report notes that, according to 2000 census data, the region's indigenous population exceeds 30 million people, the great majority of whom live in the South American Andean countries, Mexico and Central Ame rica.
A total of 671 different groups of indigenous peoples are recognized as such by countries, according to the report, which noted that there is diversity in the groups' territorial and demographic structure and socio-economic status.
Percentage-wise, the largest concentrations of indigenous are in Bolivia, Guatemala and Peru, where they make up 62%, 41% and 32% of the population, respectively. In the remaining countries of the region, the indigenous population does not exceed 10%, ECLAC said.
Across Latin Ame rica, infant mortality among the indigenous is 60% higher than in the rest of the population, the commission said.
The highest rates of infant mortality among indigenous populations are seen in Paraguay, with 72.1 deaths for every 1,000 live births, and in Bolivia, with 63.3 deaths. Conversely, infant mortality rates among the indigenous are lowest in Chile and Costa Rica, with 11.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in both countries.
To address this and other problems faced by the indigenous, ECLAC said it is important for governments to take into account the specific demographic, cultural and territorial characteristics of these peoples.
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Taiwan Donates $250,000 to
Police For Computer Equipment
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The Taiwanese government Friday donated $250,000 to help police throughout Central America exchange information about car theft and other crimes, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry.
The funds will go toward the Central American Information System Network (RECSI), an Intern et system through which Intern ational Police (INTERPOL) and local police can share information quickly and securely.
In Costa Rica, the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), Department of Intelligence and Security (DIS) and Public Security Ministry will benefit from the program, the statement said.
The OIJ will use the system to update INTERPOL databases with information on stolen cars and passports, while the Public Security Ministry will use it to efficiently access information available through INTERPOL.
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