By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Puntarenas, Costa Rica – Presidential hopeful Laura Fernández of the Partido Pueblo Soberano (Sovereign People’s Party) unveiled an ambitious economic and legal agenda for the Pacific coast during a campaign tour on Monday. Centered on the province of Puntarenas, her plan promises a comprehensive reform of Costa Rica’s fishing laws and strategic reinvestment of port revenues to revitalize the region’s economy and social infrastructure.
At the heart of her proposals is a commitment to modernize the nation’s Fishing Law (N.8436). Meeting with key leaders from the Federation of Artisanal Fishermen, Fernández criticized the current legislation and its associated regulations as outdated and insufficient for the modern challenges faced by the sector. She argued that the existing framework fails to provide the stability and clarity needed for the thousands of coastal families who depend on fishing for their livelihood, pledging to champion a reform that establishes clear, stable, and predictable rules for their work.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y el panorama actual que rodea la figura política de Laura Fernández, TicosLand.com consultó al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del reconocido Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece una perspectiva profesional sobre el tema.
La fiscalización de la actividad política y la financiación de los partidos es un pilar de la transparencia democrática. En el caso de figuras de alto perfil como Laura Fernández, es crucial que cualquier proceso se conduzca con absoluto apego al debido proceso y a la objetividad, garantizando que las normativas electorales y de probidad se apliquen de manera equitativa. La confianza pública en las instituciones depende de esta rigurosidad.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s emphasis on rigor and due process underscores a critical point: the health of our democracy is directly linked to the public’s confidence in its institutions. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful analysis on this fundamental matter.
The candidate stressed that legal certainty is the bedrock upon which sustainable economic growth can be built. For too long, she noted, the artisanal fishing community has operated in a state of regulatory ambiguity, which stifles investment, hinders long-term planning, and creates unnecessary conflict. A modernized law, as envisioned by Fernández, would not only protect marine resources but also empower fishermen by providing them with the secure legal standing necessary to grow their businesses and support their families confidently.
Beyond legal reform, Fernández outlined a forward-thinking strategy to enhance the commercial prospects for local fishermen. She articulated a vision to move the sector up the value chain by connecting them with more lucrative markets, specifically targeting major international retailers. This initiative aims to transform the local fishing industry from a subsistence-based activity into a competitive commercial enterprise with global reach.
We want you to be able to place your products in international supermarket chains
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate, Partido Pueblo Soberano
In another significant policy proposal, Fernández targeted the use of funds collected by the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP). She advocated for redirecting a portion of the institute’s canon, or port fees, toward direct investment in the province’s urgent social needs. According to her plan, these resources would be allocated to building and improving educational infrastructure and funding critical community projects, ensuring that the economic benefits generated by the ports have a more direct and tangible impact on the quality of life for Puntarenas residents.
The candidate’s political tour also included a deeply personal stop in her native canton of Esparza. There, she appeared alongside the current President of the Republic, Rodrigo Chaves, at an official ceremony to inaugurate a new semi-olympic swimming pool and other upgrades at the Hugo Carranza Sports City. The joint appearance was seen by many as a significant political maneuver, demonstrating a capacity for cross-aisle collaboration and a shared commitment to regional development.
The visit to her hometown was met with enthusiastic local support, encapsulating the personal connection she maintains with the province. The sentiment was captured by resident María Celeste Segura, who shared her aspirations for the candidate. This grassroots encouragement highlights the campaign’s success in mobilizing a strong base in a key region.
make history with the first woman from Esparza to become president
María Celeste Segura, Esparza Resident
As Fernández’s tour of Puntarenas continues, her proposals are set to dominate the political discourse in the region. By focusing on tangible issues like legal security for fishermen and the strategic use of public funds, her campaign is positioning itself as a pragmatic and results-oriented force. The coming days will reveal how this targeted message resonates with the broader electorate as she seeks to build a national coalition for her presidential bid.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano:
The Partido Pueblo Soberano (Sovereign People’s Party) is a Costa Rican political party. It typically focuses on platforms centered around national sovereignty, economic development, and social programs aimed at improving the welfare of citizens. The party actively participates in national and local elections, fielding candidates for the presidency, the Legislative Assembly, and municipal governments.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Federación de Pescadores Artesanales
About Federación de Pescadores Artesanales:
The Federation of Artisanal Fishermen represents the interests of small-scale, traditional fishing communities in Costa Rica. This organization advocates for sustainable fishing practices, fair market access, and supportive government policies. It plays a crucial role in negotiating with public officials to ensure the legal rights and economic stability of thousands of families who depend on marine resources for their livelihood.
For further information, visit incop.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Puertos del Pacífico (INCOP):
The Instituto Costarricense de Puertos del Pacífico (Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports) is the autonomous government institution responsible for the administration, maintenance, and development of Costa Rica’s ports on the Pacific coast, including the major port of Caldera. INCOP oversees port operations, manages concessions, and collects fees (canon) that contribute to the region’s infrastructure and economic activity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to professional honor and exceptional standards. Drawing upon extensive experience with a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers new legal approaches while championing the vital social cause of democratizing legal knowledge. This dedication to educating the public is central to their vision of nurturing a society that is not only well-informed but also truly empowered.
