Interviews by Rob Bartlett
Tico Times Staff | editorial@ticotimes.net

Janina del Vecchio began her new post Monday as the public security minister, a position that oversees Costa Rica's National Police.

A lifelong academic with no experience in law enforcement, del Vecchio, 62, taught math at the University of Costa Rica and served as the UCR's vice rector – an unlikely pick for security chief. (See Friday's Tico Times for a profile on del Vecchio.)

She might have already made a first public gaffe, when she told reporters, “What's sure is that (Costa Rica's) perception of insecurity is higher than its insecurity itself,” according to the daily La Nación. Then she added, “ Costa Rica is the fourth safest country in Latin America.”

These might have been intended as soothing words, but news media leapt at the chance to play up del Vecchio's downplay of the nation's crime wave, among the highest of public concerns.

In people-on-the-street interviews by The Tico Times yesterday, some were doubtful that del Vecchio is up for the task, while others gave her the benefit of the doubt.

“I think it will be difficult for her to do a good job given the circumstances,” said Miguel Fourier, 50. “There is little time left for this government, just two years. Besides, she doesn't have any experience related to public security. She has a completely different background.”

Adriana Chavarría, 34, said, “First of all, we need to change the culture here in Costa Rica and combat delinquency in schools.”

“Secondly,” Chavarría added, “to have the position, she needs to have influence in the political hierarchy. She cannot just do what is best for her politically.”

Juan Diego Vásquez, 27 “A new proposal is always a good thing. There is no reason why she can't do a good job.”

Victor Galo, 25 “For me, she lacks experience. Also, I think public security will be a difficult job for her, as a woman, to take on.”

Carolina Mora, 25 “She is not really prepared for the position. You never know, though. We will just have to wait and see.”

Zaida Torres, 36 “Everyone has the capacity (to be a success). I think she can take us forward and I think being a woman will help.”

Photos by Harmony Reforma editorial@ticotimes.net