FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2000
CONTACT: Blase Bonpane, 323/852-9808,
San Jose, Costa Rica — The privatization of Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity) known as I.C.E. has led to a popular uprising. The Institute is responsible for water, telephone and electricity in Costa Rica.
David Wright, a U.S. citizen who was beaten and jailed by Costa Rican police reports that hundreds of protesters have been arrested and held. He says that five people have been killed. David may be reached by phone at 011-506/245-4032 (call between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM Los Angeles time).
Teletica, Channel 7 in San Jose, Costa Rica has extensive footage of this uprising. 011-506/220-3796 or 011-506/220-3797. Ask for journalist Ruben Quesada.
Former President of Costa Rica, Nobel Laureate Oscar Arias of the National Liberation Party is supporting this privatization as is incumbent President of Costa Rica, Miguel Angel Rodriguez.
The privatized I.C.E. is expected to raise rates by 400% . There is no plan to raise the salaries of the employees.
Blase Bonpane, Ph.D., Director