CATUCZA, ADI MPST, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENING UNITY, SECURITY, AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY

On March 13, 2025, the Chamber of Tourism of Cóbano, Santa Teresa, and Mal País (CATUCZA), the Integral Development Association of Mal País and Santa Teresa (ADI MPST), and the Local Government held a follow-up meeting with Vice Minister of Security Erick Lacayo, the Public Force, and the Tourist Police. The meeting addressed concerns about recent violent incidents in the area, and agreements were made to reinforce security and strengthen peaceful coexistence in the region. As a result, two new motorcycles and telecommunications equipment were delivered, and 57% progress was reported on the construction of the new police station.

TEAMWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

During the meeting, Vice Minister of Security Erick Lacayo and Commissioner of the Migration Police Enrique Argüedas called for collaboration among public institutions, the local government, the private sector, and the community. Their goal: to ensure that the local population has access to employment opportunities through training and education, while also promoting the formalization and regularization of foreign workers who contribute to the local economy.

In response to this initiative, on March 22, 2025, a second meeting was held with the participation of the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Andrés Romero; Vice Minister of Governance and Immigration, Omer Badilla; CATUCZA, ADI MPST, and the Public Force, with the Local Government invited.

During this meeting, CATUCZA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all affiliated businesses operate in compliance with current regulations and emphasized the need for a skilled workforce. ADI MPST presented its existing employment exchange platform, which will soon be linked with job opportunities offered by CATUCZA-affiliated businesses, and highlighted the importance of comprehensive training, including English language learning as a key tool for better employment access.

A FUTURE WITHOUT BARRIERS: TOWARD AN INCLUSIVE AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY

The District of Cóbano has long been a cultural crossroads, where diversity enriches local identity and strengthens the dynamism of the destination. Today, more than ever, we are working together to reinforce what unites us: safety, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

CATUCZA, ADI MPST, and the Local Government reaffirm our commitment to a future free of xenophobia and full of opportunity for all. We envision a district where the 44 nationalities that reside in the region continue to build a legacy of unity and mutual respect.

We dream of a place where our children grow up without barriers, learning from an early age to value the richness of diversity and to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and safe world.

The development of our community is a collective effort—working together to create a prosperous, safe, and opportunity-filled tourism destination.