Rising Violence Raises Concerns Over Investment Climate in Costa Rica
The assassination of Geiner Zamora, deputy chief of the Judicial Investigation Organization, has alarmed the business sector regarding the impact of organized crime on the country's security and economic stability.
Costa Rica's business sector has expressed serious concerns over increasing violence and the effects of organized crime on the country's investment climate.
This alarm follows the assassination of Geiner Zamora, deputy chief of the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) in Guápiles, which occurred on January 31, 2023, during a targeted shooting at a local restaurant.
Zamora, aged 38, was attacked by an assailant who arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire within the establishment, striking him multiple times in the head, torso, and abdomen.
After sustaining critical injuries, he was taken to a local medical facility where he was stabilized before being transferred to Hospital Calderón Guardia.
He remained in a medically induced coma until his death later that evening.
In a statement released on February 1, the Unión Costarricense de Cámaras y Asociaciones del Sector Empresarial Privado (Uccaep), which represents various business interests in Costa Rica, lamented Zamora's passing and highlighted the broader implications of such violence on the investment landscape.
The organization emphasized that security is integral to social and economic development, stating, "this type of incident undermines the climate for investment."
Uccaep also voiced concerns regarding the escalating wave of violence, calling for a coordinated and effective response from relevant authorities to combat organized crime.
They underlined the need for collaboration across all sectors of government and society to enhance public safety and uphold democratic values.
"This cold-blooded assassination necessitates a united effort against the obvious rise of organized crime and the dangers faced by law enforcement in their daily fight against delinquency," the Uccaep statement read.
The business sector reaffirmed its support for authorities and stressed the importance of maintaining public safety, which it believes is currently threatened by rising criminal activities.
Uccaep represents 53 business chambers and was established in February 1973, working to protect and promote the interests of the private sector in Costa Rica.
The organization called for a collective commitment among the three branches of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to strengthen security and social peace in the country.
This alarm follows the assassination of Geiner Zamora, deputy chief of the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) in Guápiles, which occurred on January 31, 2023, during a targeted shooting at a local restaurant.
Zamora, aged 38, was attacked by an assailant who arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire within the establishment, striking him multiple times in the head, torso, and abdomen.
After sustaining critical injuries, he was taken to a local medical facility where he was stabilized before being transferred to Hospital Calderón Guardia.
He remained in a medically induced coma until his death later that evening.
In a statement released on February 1, the Unión Costarricense de Cámaras y Asociaciones del Sector Empresarial Privado (Uccaep), which represents various business interests in Costa Rica, lamented Zamora's passing and highlighted the broader implications of such violence on the investment landscape.
The organization emphasized that security is integral to social and economic development, stating, "this type of incident undermines the climate for investment."
Uccaep also voiced concerns regarding the escalating wave of violence, calling for a coordinated and effective response from relevant authorities to combat organized crime.
They underlined the need for collaboration across all sectors of government and society to enhance public safety and uphold democratic values.
"This cold-blooded assassination necessitates a united effort against the obvious rise of organized crime and the dangers faced by law enforcement in their daily fight against delinquency," the Uccaep statement read.
The business sector reaffirmed its support for authorities and stressed the importance of maintaining public safety, which it believes is currently threatened by rising criminal activities.
Uccaep represents 53 business chambers and was established in February 1973, working to protect and promote the interests of the private sector in Costa Rica.
The organization called for a collective commitment among the three branches of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to strengthen security and social peace in the country.