Fugitives in Costa Rica can be extradited

An official of the Costa Rican Embassy told Newsday yesterday that while no official extradition treaty exists between that country and Trinidad and Tobago, fugitives from TT who flee to that country can be extradited once the TT Government presented necessary documents to prove that charges had been laid against the individual.

Responding to questions about strategies that would be adopted now that a TT national had allegedly fled to Costa Rica after a summons had been issued to him in connection with the Piarco Airport controversy, the official stated that the Embassy had received no official notice about a fugitive as yet. However, he explained that once charges have been officially brought against the individual the TT Government can request that he be deported. “If the Costa Rican authorities are aware of his whereabouts and can get hold of him, then they can arrest him and start the extradition procedures once all the necessary documents are presented,” he stated. These documents include a warrant of arrest, information on the laying of the charges, an affidavit of laws from the Director of Public Prosecution stating that a law has been broken, and evidence to support the charges. He asserted, however, that it was important that the crime of which he was convicted be punishable by law in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican judicial system has criminal extradition agreements with Argentina, Belgium, China, Colombia, Italy, Nicaragua, Peru and Spain.

An official with a Government ministry, who preferred to remain unnamed, revealed that once official charges were laid, the Government would be seeking “international cooperation” to ensure that the individual is returned to Trinidad. He refused to elaborate on the exact meaning of the term “international cooperation.” He noted, however, that nothing could be done until official charges have been laid. Trinidad and Tobago presently has extradition treaties with the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and all other Commonwealth countries, as well as the Netherlands.

TT is expected to host its third Trade and Investment Mission to Costa Rica from March 15 to 18. A collaborative effort between the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturer’s Association (TTMA), the Tourism and Industrial Development Company of TT (TIDCO) and the Export/Import Bank (Eximbank), the mission is expected to expand regional business opportunities. It will coincide with the ratification of a trading agreement between Costa Rica and Caricom. Trade and Industry Minister Kenneth Valley could not be reached for comment yesterday