San Marcos University presents the news of the day.

A member of the Judiciary expands on the families benefiting from the Surfers United for Costa Rica campaign.

Surfing Costa Rica - Surfers United for Costa Rica.

The Surfers United for Costa Rica campaign was born as a show of solidarity and support towards those most in need in the event of an emergency.

This campaign is a joint effort between organizations such as Fuerza Pública, Guardacostas, Federación de Surf, Surfing Republica, Christian Surfers, Surf Adaptado, Pura Vida Fighting For Kids and Guardavidas Jacó. We have come together to help and show solidarity with those who have the least at this time.

Surfing Costa Rica - Life on Chira Island.

This time the beneficiaries will be a group of 50 fishing families affected by the current crisis in the country.

The families of Isla Chira were selected thanks to a concern to help from the member of the Judicial Branch, Wagner Torres, who, due to a work investigation carried out previously in the area, concluded to support this sector of Costa Rica that has been affected.

Surfing Costa Rica - Life on Chira Island.

How were the families identified to be part of the program and collaboration?

A few years ago, around 2016 and 2017, we were conducting research and saw many of the difficult conditions faced by families. I decided to contact the Public Force to confirm the situation of families who almost entirely depend on fishing. We were able to identify these families, but primarily those who hadn't received assistance from IMAS (the Costa Rican Social Welfare Institute) or the Ministry of Education's food assistance program. So I asked Daniel Fernández, the Public Force officer in charge, to provide us with a list of at least 50 people whose situations were truly dire. We're talking about families living in shacks with dirt floors, tin walls, and other such conditions—in other words, in very challenging circumstances.

Surfing Costa Rica - Life on Chira Island.

How affected has the island been by COVID-19 in terms of jobs and income?

These families are affected because 90% or 100% of the families living in this area depend on fishing. Since all the restaurants and hotels are closed, the buyers who receive their fish are no longer purchasing the product. This is the source of the problem: the inability to provide for their families, and this is the direct impact on the area.

What other data would you consider mentioning regarding the income of an average family on the island?

Additionally, regarding income, I want to mention that besides not being able to cover basic needs, products like coffee, canned tuna, and even steak are very expensive for them—they're considered a luxury. They basically eat what the land produces, and they eat once or twice a day, under normal circumstances. Not all families are receiving assistance, so it's quite difficult.

Surfing Costa Rica - Life on Chira Island.

How would you motivate people in a message to join the cause and collaborate?

Each of us can reflect on what we've learned from COVID-19. Personally, it has led me to realize that we are all equal. Perhaps some of us have had better opportunities and, thanks to God's grace or blessing, we eat three or more meals a day, but even in this century, there are families who only eat once a day, sometimes not at all, or eat whatever they find in their yards. This is a reality; I'm not making this up because I've actually heard testimonies. I would tell those people that Isla Chira, in this case, is an island that needs us, and I would encourage them to think about this. Solidarity is something that distinguishes us as Costa Ricans. I want to remind surfers that if there's one thing that sets us apart when we're in the water, it's solidarity and respect. I believe these are things we should put into practice in our daily lives, and we should do our best to be considerate and look around to see what we can find, because there are others who are truly going through very difficult times. This isn't about feeling sorry for someone; it's about recognizing that we are all equal, regardless of race, economic status, or family type. Another point I want to emphasize is the unity of surfers who love this sport and enjoy the waves. These people who work in what is our entertainment now need us, and if we truly belong to the sea, we must give back and be grateful.

Surfing Costa Rica - Life on Chira Island.

Wagner is a wave lover and urges surfers to join this movement, firstly to show support and solidarity, and secondly to set an example of this discipline that over the years has been characterized by bringing great achievements to the country.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero