Message from the US Embassy and Ambassador: Anne S. Andrew
This message was brought to the attention of The Costa Rica Star by the Costa Rica Living Yahoo Group. If you are not a member of this Yahoo Group considering joining it, you can network and engage with people from all over the world who live, retire, and work here in Costa Rica. You can see the original copy of the below message on this website here. This message is directed at US citizens and though The Costa Rica Star caters to all nations of the world seeking English news about Costa Rica, it is important to disseminate this notice for our American friends and readers.
Dear fellow citizens,
We are pleased to provide you with the inaugural issue of “American Connections” – a newsletter geared to issues and interests to U.S. Citizens. We will distribute this newsletter quarterly, highlighting embassy news, featuring community groups and conveying important information to citizens. We want to make this newsletter useful to you so please send us your thoughts or suggestions on what types of articles you would like to see.
The safety and security of American citizens continues to be a priority for me and our Embassy. We applaud the work that many of you are doing to make your communities safer. We know that the collective will of a community can make a difference and we look forward to continuing our work with you in the coming year. I invite to you to also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and to share this newsletter with fellow citizens.
We would like to wish you and your family a very healthy and prosperous 2012. May we all benefit from the wisdom of one of our Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin who once said: “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let every new year find you a better man.”
Sincerely,
Anne S. Andrew
U.S. Ambassador
Features In This Issue
-The U.S. Embassy in the Community
-Highlighting the work of Un Caribe Mas Seguro
-Searching for Regional Wardens
-Voter Information
-American Citizen Services Information
Contact Information
Regular Hours: 2519-2000
Emergencies: 2519-2000
Fax: 2220-2455
Email: acssanjose@state.gov
American Citizen Services
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8am-1130am and 1pm-3pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8am-1130am
Friday: 8am-10am
New Appointment System!
Please note that all ROUTINE SERVICES are now available by APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Appointments can be made by clicking here.
Enroll in STEP!
We encourage ALL Americans who are living in Costa Rica to please register on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Your enrollment allows us to get in contact with you in the event of an emergency.
Click here to enroll OR… Download it on your smart phone with this FREE App!
** We encourage you to forward this newsletter to other American citizens who may be interested in the information. To subscribe to the newsletter, please enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
U.S. Embassy San Jose in the Community: Limon
In October, Ambassador Anne Andrew visited the Limon area for the third time and participated in a number of activities that included: donating an ambulance to the Bambú de Talamanca community, visiting with local Peace Corps volunteers and meeting with indigenous groups.
The U.S. government supports social and economic development in other countries in an effort to promote peaceful and democratic institutions. The U.S. Embassy contributes to these efforts by working in partnership with the Costa Rican government to make this country and the world a better, greener, and more prosperous place. Read More.
Highlighting the Work of Un Caribe Mas Seguro
For the inaugural issue of the ACS newsletter, we asked Eric Haller of Un Caribe Mas Seguro to write a feature piece on the community safety work they are doing in the South Caribbean area. The group has done some interesting work in this region and the article describes their work in the community and the projects they’ve undertaken. The article also details some of the challenges and lessons the group has encountered. Read more.
Each newsletter will feature a different community group and the work that they are undertaking. If you are interested in featuring your group, please let us know by emailing acssanjose@state.gov.
Searching for Wardens
Are you involved in the American community where you live? Would people look to you in a time of crisis? The U.S. Embassy is looking for wardens to help us facilitate communication between the embassy and the American community, particularly during emergencies. Wardens often have close ties to the U.S. expat community; therefore they are often the fastest and most effective means to distribute information to Americans and are essential when normal communication channels fail. Read More.
Voter Information
2012 ELECTION CYCLE – BEGINS NOW
Be an active voter. Start thinking about your participation in the U.S. 2012 elections today! New absentee voting laws are in effect for the 2012 elections. You will no longer automatically receive ballots based on a previous absentee ballot request.
All U.S. citizens outside the United States who want to vote by absentee ballot in the 2012 primary and general elections must complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) every year if they wish to vote from abroad. Read more.