Since October 3rd, Nicaragua has reinstated a 20% tax on merchandise that enters the country in trucks via Peñas Blancas. The tax was lifted in April after pressure by truck drivers, but was reinstated in a note dated September 28th, the same day that Costa Rica decided to take Nicaragua to court over the issue of navigation rights on the San Juan River.

3 superb goals by the Guatemalans in 30 minutes dampened the Ticos euphoria over qualifying for the World Cup in Germany next year. A goal by Roy Myrie on sheer hustle salvaged the Ticos honor somewhat and Jafet Soto had a chance to make it interesting with a penalty shot that sailed high, but by and large fans were disappointed with the outing.

Even though Guatemala had to win and Costa Rica was already qualified, the coaches and players had said they wanted to keep up the momentum with a good showing. Well, on to Plan B - which is open up space on the calendar for friendly matches.

The first division teams are willing to possibly end the season early, which might give the national team a window of 2 months before the World Cup, plus any matches they can schedule in the meantime with other qualifiers.

Trinidad and Tobago beat Mexico 2-1 to qualify under their own efforts and the US beat Panama 2-0 at home to clinch first place in the round robin tournament.

Today will be the 3rd day of strikes by water workers as they rejected the 7.28% salary increase offered by the government. They insist that their salaries are 18% lower than other government workers. They will present a “new” counterproposal that will insist on the raise.

The National Weather Institute has forecasted rain over most of the country due to a low pressure system in the Caribbean, which will move north and dump rain here. The forecast predicts rain on the Central and South Pacific, and low level clouds in mountainous areas, including the Central Valley.

Be careful of fog when driving and floods are sure to occur due to saturation of the earth.

Although calm returned to the Immigration Offices yesterday, most users who were able to get a spot in line had camped out on Monday night at the offices. Many came prepared with blankets, panchos and beach chairs. Most said they really needed to renew or obtain their passport urgently due to upcoming trips or in order to process visitor’s visas in embassies of other countries.

Accounts of people selling spaces for as much as $250 were reported in local media.

Although the fans aren’t biting, players and coaches are ready to leave everything on the field. Amidst the backdrop of 650 deaths from mudslides caused by deforestation and rain from Hurricane Stan, the Guatemalans will play Costa Rica tonight in a must win match.

The Guatemalans also need a little help from their “friends” Mexico, who whupped them 5-2 on Saturday opening the door for Trinidad. If Mexico does win or tie in their visit to Trinidad, then Guatemala may qualify by beating Costa Rica, by what ever score. A Guatemalan loss or tie would hand the chance to the Caribbean team.

No matter which team qualifies fourth, they will face a playoff with a team from Asia in order to secure the ticket to the World Cup. The same situation will determine a possible 5th qualifier from South America.

According to a new poll in Al Dia Online, the players get the credit for Costa Rica being able to qualify for the World Cup next year:

Who Deserves the Most Credit for Our Ticket to Germany?
The players - 39 ( 44%)
The Fans - 30 ( 34%)
The Coach Alexandre Guimaraes - 16 ( 18%)
Hermes Navarro y the federation - 3 ( 3%)
88 - Votes

(Hermes voted twice) just kidding

In the no surprises here category, bureaucracy has been blamed for the delay in necessary work on the Liberia International Airport. Civil Aviation authorities delayed the submission of an environmental impact permit, so the time period alloted expired and they had to begin the process anew.

The work was to begin in mid September and the contract was won by Pedregal, but a crucial document was not signed by the Minister of Public Works, Randall Quiros due to the fact that he was travelling in Spain. The actual permit and bidding process was begun in December of last year by authorities at the airport.

The work consists of adding an additional jetway near the terminal in order to increase the airport’s capacity from 7 jets and 12 smaller planes to 10 large planes and 17 small planes.

Businesses in Guanacaste are also asking for more personnel at the airport in order to reduce waits during high season. Currently there are 70 security officers, 16 immigration officers, and 9 customs agents. The private sector has asked Rogelio Ramos, the Minister of Public Security for 15 more security officers, 15 more immigration officers and 4 more customs officers. Ramos stated that “since last month we are preparing a report about the personnel needs in the airport in order to avoid a high season collapse.”

Is Costa Rica saving the best for last? Yesterday, the Nicaraguan congress approved CAFTA with a vote of 49-37. Meanwhile, Pacheco has yet to send the pact for discussion, and will possibly send it sometime after October 20th, when he returns from Spain.

The pact will take effect on January 1, 2006 among the countries who have ratified it: the U.S., Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador y Dominican Republic.

The Coral Princess Halmilton was the first of 147 ships that will arrive in Limon this season. Each ship normally has between 1500 and 2000 passengers.