How was the money invested?
We bought a used commercial refrigerator, which had a cost of 350 thousand colones. If
it had been purchased new its price would’ve been 1,100,000 colones. In addition, since the cook had removed a commercial stove, we needed to purchase a new one but we did not have enough money. So I took the stove to my repair shop and fixed it there, since it is the only repair shop in Nosara that has the machinery needed to repair that type of appliance. In order to fix the stove we had to purchase all the necessary parts, which had a cost of 325 thousand colones. We paid another 150 thousand colones to the hardware store for several outstanding bills. With what was left, we repaired the restroom doors, which were all broken.

Do you have the bills and receipts that support what you are saying?
Yes, I have all the receipts but I’m using them to create an inventory in order to present it to my lawyer.

On April 21st, you were notified of the accusation so you could argue your position and exercise your right to defense. Why didn’t you do so?
I did not do it because I am not a lazy person and only lazy people have the time to do those things. Photocopying documents, going to Nicoya, photocopying some more...I have to work; I have my repair shop.

Nonetheless, the Board’s regulations state that the accountant must have all the bills for the up to date incomes and expenses and this was not the case.
I am aware that I had to submit the bills and receipts in order to defend myself, but my fellow Education Board members were not communicating with me, which prevented me from doing my job. However, the day that they summon me and request that I submit the bills and receipts, I will have a report ready, which
is being written by my attorney. And then I will present the bills and receipts that correspond to what was acquired with the million colones that Orlando donated, as well as for the money raised at the Fiestas’ parking area. In addition,
I will report the almost 600 thousand colones that I spent out of my own money.

Interview with Zulay Salas Valenciano, Nicoya’s Regional Director for the MEP

By Emiliana García

Did you advise that Juan José López Castillo be dismissed?
There was an investigation done by the Supervising Adviser, Damaris Díaz Hernández, and its results indicated that a replacement should be requested by the Municipalidad, which is the entity that appoints the Juntas de Educación (Education Boards) members, so the file was sent and they made the resolution.

But Juan José López Castillo says that he has not yet been notified?
The Municipalidad is the one responsible for making the notification. In addition, a copy of the resolution is sent to the institution’s principal.

So then, what happens to the Board now?
Another meeting must be called in order to present a new payroll to the Municipalidad, and so they can replace the person that is now being removed from office.

More Regional News

From Dogs to Pigs – Free Animal Clinic Provides Health Care to Over 200 Animals in Nosara

Nosara – Despite the fact she was about to lose her leg, the small black dog looked at peace as she lay on the table. As one of many bystanders, I stand waiting to see what will happen next. Just then, I hear a man’s voice come from behind me say, “That’s my dog.” More >

Fire at the Mini Súper Delicias del Mundo
“A huge cloud of smoke came over me”
Patricia Jimenez, co-owner of the store

Guiones – On Wednesday, August 4th, at 11:20 p.m. Manuel Pérez, an employee of a construction site located across from the Mini Súper Delicias del Mundo, heard the supermarket alarm system go off. Half and hour later, he saw the smoke. More >

Celebration of Nicoya’s Anexión
President Laura Chinchilla made promises to the Nicoyanos

Nicoya’s Municipalidad is currently struggling with a 140 million colones deficit in the 2009 budget which has the municipality scurrying to find a solution. The deficit was reported, back in April, to the Concejo Municipal (Municipal Council) by the Municipalidad’s Internal Auditing Department, which explained to the Council the difficult financial situation that the Institution is facing. More >

The Municipalidad Facing a ¢140 million deficit struggles to complete construction works

Nicoya’s Municipalidad is currently struggling with a 140 million colones deficit in the 2009 budget which has the municipality scurrying to find a solution. The deficit was reported, back in April, to the Concejo Municipal (Municipal Council) by the Municipalidad’s Internal Auditing Department, which explained to the Council the difficult financial situation that the Institution is facing. More >

INS’s 2002 Donation for Schools is Still Missing
• Donation amounted to almost ¢41 million colones
• The Asociación de Juegos Deportivos Nacionales was the organization responsible for financing

Nicoya’s Colegio Agropecuario and the Escuela de San Martín are still waiting for the almost ¢41 million colones donation that was made by the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) in 2002 for the improvement of their sports facilities. More >

Serapio López Fajardo School in Nosara has problems with the school board
Municipalidad Removes President of Nosara’s
Education Board

The Concejo Municipal (Municipal Council) unanimously voted to remove Juan José López Castillo, President of the Junta de Educación (Education Board) of the Escuela Serapio López in Nosara, from office due to apparent financial anomalies that took place during his time in office. More >

PLN, ML, PUSC and PAC Have Elected Their Candidates for Nicoya’s Mayor Elections

Four political parties have their candidates ready so that, on December 6th, the Nicoyanos will be able to elect their next Mayor, who will be in charge of the Municipalidad during the next six years. More >

US Consul visit in Nosara
Consul General to crowd: Fight crime together

The crowd couldn’t wait to vent. Before Paul Birdsall, Consul General of the U.S. Embassy to Costa Rica, could get out his thoughts on deterring crime, the crowd erupted with a litany of frustrations about the thefts and burglaries taking place in this coastal tourist town. More >

Interview with Grecy Castrillo Hernandez – Nicoya’s OIJ Operations Coordinator
“Crime in Nosara is not violent”

Has there been a rise in crime rates in Nosara?
Yes, whenever there is a growth in tourism, there is also a growth in delinquency.

According to Jason Vargas, Chief of Nosara’s Tourist Police, during the past nine months crime rates have not increased. Do you agree?
Yes, and not only did it not increase but it even decreased, not drastically, but we are aware that it has decreased.
More >