The U.S. Increases Support to Costa Rica through Merida/CARSI Initiative

San Jose – April 23, 2010

Ambassador Anne S. Andrew and Foreign Minister Brugno Stagno signed the amendment to the letter of understanding on the Merida Initiative between the U.S. and Costa Rica. Thanks to this amendment, Costa Rica will receive more than two million additional dollars in support ($2,640,000) for the second year of support of the plan.

The majority of these funds will go to providing police professionalization training for the Fuerza Publica as well as the Judicial Police (OIJ), modern police equipment, and continued support for the Costa Rican Coast Guard. 

The Merida Initiative changed its name to the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) to focus more directly on Central America. The change was announced during the signing ceremony. With these resources, the U.S. Government aims to help its Central American partners break the power and impunity of criminal organizations; strengthen border, air, and maritime controls; improve the capacity of justice systems; and curtail gang activity as well as diminish drug demand. 

The opening of the Science Corner and academic facilities at EARTH University-La Flor is a demonstration of the US government’s commitment to partner with a campus dedicated to the generation of innovative ideas aiming to promote development through entrepreneurial spirit, social justice, technological innovation and the creation of alternatives to protect the environment.

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