Tensions Rising

Nicaraguan Flags on the boat we were on to Isla Ometepe.

   Last week I wrote to you about the border dispute between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, that rose from the fact that a Nicaraguan dredging project had been allegedly dumping sediment on Costa Rican land damaging property and protected land. While the countries have been seeking to create a diplomatic solution, this week the situation intensified when a Costa Rican police helicopter found Nicaraguan troops on Costa Rican land. The Organization of American States awarded the piece of land, called Calero Island, to Costa Rica last year, after the countries had been disputing the border. Nicaraguan troops took a Costa Rican flag down, put up a Nicaraguan flag, set up camp with weapons, and damaged property. Due to this, Costa Rica called an emergency meeting with the OAS in order to settle the dispute before any further intrusions occurred. Most of the anger is over the fact that Nicaragua would send troops into a country with no military. This is a huge violation of international norm. However, in my opinion this is just a show for attention; there is no real intention to attack. Why would Nicaragua do something that would set almost all of the Western Hemisphere against them?

On the beaches of Isla Ometepe.

What has really interested me is the reaction of the Costa Ricans. It seems as if this week, xenophobia towards Nicaraguans has increased three fold. Nicaraguan migration to Costa Rica is very similar to that of Mexicans moving into the USA. Many Costa Ricans become upset because they say that the Nicaraguans come and use their social services without paying, take up jobs, and overpopulate cities. Worst of all, I have heard Costa Ricans say that Nicaraguans are born violent people, and come to Costa Rica just so that they can kill their wives. The Costa Rican people have been nothing but amazingly nice to me since I arrived more then two months ago, so it’s very strange to be hearing this from so many people. It’s terrible how a border spat between two governments can cause such hatred and tensions between their people. While immigration is a huge issue, the answer is not to be xenophobic. I have seen these feelings in the  USA, just as I am sure my family experienced it when the first arrived in America. It is truly disheartening to realize that it happens in so many parts of the world, especially in “peace loving, “ Costa Rica where everything is Pura Vida, and a large percentage of the population is foreign. I hope the border dispute ends quickly and peacefully, and that the entire region can change its negative attitude towards its neighboring countries. Without a change in attitude it is hard to see any progress occurring at all. It has been an enlightening week as far as learning about Costa Rica-Nicaraguan relations,  and it has made me realize even great people with the best intentions can say hurtful, educated things, and the only solution is to learn about the true problem and understand one another.  

A mural in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica, saying "Save the Earth."
Just an example of Costa Rica's commitment to peace.