Yesterday our new president, Oscar Arias, was sworn in. Nobel Peace Prize winner Arias , 65, vowed work to stabilise the Central American country’s economy and to govern with a commitment to democracy and human rights. My experience in talking to "the people" is that there is much hope that he can make some changes for the better here in Costa Rica.

Yet despite the numbers of people supporting Arias, several thousand protesters marched outside to demand Costa Rica not ratify the Cafta free-trade agreement.

The protesters – among them union members, students and academics – argue that the Central American Free Trade Agreement will only benefit big business.

Mr Arias believes the deal will help to create jobs and strengthen the economy in Costa Rica.

Mr Arias, of the National Liberation Party, narrowly defeated 51-year-old Otton Solis, of the Citizens Action Party, in a poll in February.

He is best known for winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 after helping to broker an end to civil wars in Nicaragua and El Salvador.

"From today on, we will have a defined path regarding honesty and ethics in public office," Mr Arias promised in a half-hour inauguration speech.

"I haven’t arrived at this post to please any particular group, but to defend the interest of Costa Rican society as a whole."