Dear Tico Times:

As a result of the coincidence of two holiday “shopping seasons,” Costa Rican television now offers a glut of commercial advertising.   One shopping season is the upcoming commercial extravaganza of Christmas, and the other is the political extravaganza of presidential elections.

  Do we notice much difference in the marketing strategies employed in these two events?   Not really.   We see smiling people and hear catchy, upbeat music while an earnest voice promises all manner of goodies.   Yes, indeed, there's no other time like election time when candidates sound and act like Santa Claus.

I say ‘Bah, humbug!'

Michael Cruit
Osa Peninsula

Dear Tico Times:

Regarding last week's article on municipalities by Chrissie Long (TT. Letters, Nov. 13):

One of the principal challenges I face as mayor is to ensure respect and value is given to local autonomy. Similarly, I must make sure the political and civil society is recognized in decision-making.

(Another challenge) is the issue of a sewage system in the canton. Belén needs (a sewage system) in order to guarantee a better quality of life for citizens, but also to protect our aquifers and our water.

On the other hand, the central government must give resources to municipalities, according to the law, so that each municipality is able to achieve proper management of the annual budget. Only at that point should it engage local leaders in the compliance of government plans, which were created by municipal mayors. If aid from an international corporation exists, it would be possible to obtain additional resources to implement government plans or plans for sewage, roads and storm-water drainage.

The foundation of a successful municipality is to have adequate and trained staff, which engages in each of the projects that take place in the area. (With the staff's help) the efficient collection of taxes, proper internal control and distribution of funds makes Belén what it is today.

All this – without forgetting innovation, sound decision-making and learning from other municipalities – has been used to strengthen our municipality.

In an equal manner, we have developed partnerships with public industry, private organizations and nonprofits, which have helped ensure the welfare of our people.

Horacio Alvarado
Mayor of Belén

Dear Tico Times:

In her interview with Director of Immigration Mario Zamora (TT, Oct. 23), reporter Chrissie Long asked: ‘Tourists can now renew their status without ever having to leave the country. What is the procedure for doing so?'

Zamora replied: ‘All they need to do is meet the requirements (See Box).'

The box listed the requirements for residency as an investor and had nothing to do with renewing a 90-day tourist visa.

So, the question remains: Can a tourist renew his visa without leaving the country and, if so, how is a visa renewed?

B.H. Knight
Heredia

Editor's Note: We apologize for the confusion. The complete – and extensive – answer on this subject was left out for lack of space. It is as follows.

Extension of Tourist Visas

Requirements for filing for an extension of a tourist visa from within Costa Rica:

1. The request must be presented to the Im migration Administration before visa status expires. It must include the name of the applicant, nationality, number and type of passport, precise address in Costa Rica, phone number, parents' names, place and location of birth, and the reasons for requesting a status extension. This application must be authenticated by a lawyer or signed before the officer processing the request. It also must indicate a place or fax number where the applicant can receive notifications.

2. Completed records form. These can be found in the information pages of the Immigration Administration Web site: www.migracion.go.cr.

3. Three recent passport photos.

4. A certified copy of all of the pages of the applicant's passport, plus the original, to be presented before the processing officer. If the document is in a language other than Spanish, it must be accompanied by a translation.

5. A certified photocopy of a departure ticket from Costa Rica.

6. Proof of economic means sufficient to sustain oneself through the period of time requested.

7. In situations in which the person requesting a visa extension is of special relevance in an area of science, economics, culture or politics – and was invited by a state entity or private institution – a letter of economic support from the institution that invited that person to the country must be presented.

8. In situations relating to specialized medical treatment, the patient must provide an application certified by the hospital and a doctor explaining the necessity of the treatment and the need for the patient to remain in the country.

9. A receipt confirming the deposit of $3 (or the equivalent in colons) in the Banco de Costa Rica, account 242480-0.

In no case can the extension of a tourist visa be for a period longer than 60 days.

SOURCE: Immigration Administration.