The Constitutional Chamber ordered the Sámara Beach Chamber of Tourism and Commerce to reinstate Patrick McGoey to the organization after he was kicked out following statements he provided to The Voice of Guanacaste.
McGoey had expressed his disagreement with the proposed Law for the Development and Promotion of the Maritime Land Zone (Spanish acronym: ZMT), which would allow commerce and furniture on the beaches. According to McGoey, who chairs the Sámara Beach Integral Development Association, the bill encourages the privatization of beaches.
We firmly believe that the beach should remain a shared space for the enjoyment of all, both locals and visitors,” McGoey had said at the time.
On October 24, 2024, two days after the article was published, the Chamber of Tourism notified McGoey of his disaffiliation “for carrying out activities contrary to the stability and harmony among associates.” They also pointed out that the statements he provided defamed the tourism organization.
The president of Sámara’s ADI filed an appeal for protection against the Chamber of Tourism on March 16, 2025, considering the action a form of censorship of his freedom of expression.
In the appeal, McGoey argued that the disaffiliation occurred without due process by not giving him the opportunity to present his defense. He also indicated that the immoral conduct he was accused of committing was not explained in detail.
“It was only a letter of expulsion from William [Juárez, Chamber of Tourism fiscal advisor] and there was no further explanation,” he told The Voice.
The court ruled in favor of McGoey: the chamber did not follow due process or give him the opportunity to present his defense, the resolution states.
“The resolution of October 24, 2024, is invalidated, and the appellant is reinstated in the full exercise of his rights as a member of the Sámara Beach Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Association, without discrediting the defendant association’s ability to initiate a new procedure,” states the resolution dated May 30, 2025.
The Chamber of Tourism’s fiscal advisor, William Juárez, stated that they will accept the resolution. “Either it’s done or it’s done… An order from the court must be accepted as is,” Juárez commented. “The court is right. We carried out the adverse procedure,” he admitted.
The court also ordered the chamber to pay damages caused to McGoey due to his expulsion.
“It’s a step in the right direction… but I won’t be satisfied, nor will I relax until this situation is over. The court said they have to re-affiliate me. They haven’t contacted me, and I’m not in the [Chamber’s] WhatsApp group again. They must also pay my legal fees,” McGoey commented.
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