A new police presence, located above the liquor store at the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) and Doña Maria’s restaurant intersection in Uvita, was met with positive reviews as a continuation of the collective consciousness for “Pura Vida.” The expeditious rate of infrastructure expansion, residential growth and tourism progress has marked the impressive and contrasting frontiers of the south Pacific as a minted jewel now accessible for all travelers alike, and not only for the extreme adventure tourists or expats.
The newly paved Costanera Sur that passes through the hot spot destinations of Jaco, Quepos and Dominical, leads 18 km all the more south to the genuine heart and authentic atmosphere of Uvita. With the geography traversed with jungle and namesake national park beaches such as Bahia and Ballena, it is no wonder why the density of traffic from weekend locals and tourists, or expat and Tico settlers, has steadily increased.
Opening before the holidays, the new office has provided daily comforts and peace of mind by regulating speed, local and tourist traffic, and by looking out for the general well being of the residents.
In a country boasting no military and a low crime rate, Uvita police officers have met no cross fire and have been seen as unthreatening while at the same time serving as a protective security measure in regards to the subtext of possible increased danger to the area on account of its rapid growth and progress.
The new Uvita police office is viewed as a collaborative effort and they feel themselves within the baton-passing of managing and grooming their community. Residents state the officers have addressed some of their main concerns, such as slowing the traffic of cargo vessels over the connecting bridges and intersections upon entering the towns. This duty alone has received jovial responses from the locals and the tourists who are unaccustomed to pedestrian rules in a new country. Throughout the holidays the officers have been visible on the highway, checking cars passing through and providing useful information to tourists. Smiling and helpful, they can also be seen daily walking the premises around the Supermercado to assist the elderly, or provide listening ears to local suggestions on improving the area.
The new office is heralded as a step in the proactive direction, providing peaceful, positive living standards as small southern towns refashion themselves in response to their growing popularity.