A revolving door cabinet has been an unfortunate staple of the administration of President Luis Guillermo Solis, but the latest departure of a top-level official has shaken Costa Rica in a most unusual manner.

For 26 months, Guillermo Santana did a less-than-stellar job as the director of the Rail Institute of Costa Rica. There were a few commuter train crashes, and there was also the dubious hiring of an unqualified consultant, who nonetheless provided useful advice and observations that resulted in the passing of a law to overhaul rail service in Costa Rica.

When former Director Santana announced his resignation, legislators in Costa Rica were divided. Some believed that just about anyone else could have done a better job, but most legislators wondered if something else was afoot; however, no scandal, nor corruption, nor nasty fallout with officials or politicians was detected.

The unexpected resignation of Mr. Santana after a new law to modernize the country’s light rail system became so suspicious that the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works scheduled a press conference yesterday.

As expected, the conference was teeming with journalists who were very curious as to why Director Santana decided to leave. Although he cited “personal reasons,” seasoned reporters knew better.

It so happened that a veteran journalist from Radio Columbia had investigated the salary history of Mr. Santana, who was making about $2,700 per month. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Santana was a tenured professor at the University of Costa Rica, a post he held for 30 years. His academic salary was more than $8,000 per month, and he was still paid that amount during his post as Rail Director.

A single question from the Radio Columbia journalist cleared the air, for Mr. Santana was forced to reveal that the university told him that he either had to return to teaching full time or forfeit his salary. Apparently, Mr. Santana performed quick math, as in $8,000 > $2,700, and thus he quickly resigned. Mystery solved.

Source: Regular broadcast, Radio Nacional 101.5 FM