Compromiso Ciudadano: Lessons from ColombiaCall Number: DVD HV 6433.82 .C7 S256 2010
Publication Date: 2010
Marcela Camarena, student at St. Mary's University, moderates this panel discussion and begins by introducing the two speakers. Tatiana Sultzbach is the Manager of Diversity and Inclusion for the Methodist Healthcare System and is a St. Mary's University alumna. Ms. Sultzbach was born in Colombia and she shares her experience growing up in Colombia and her parents' decision to move the family to Boston. She briefly explains the "Plan Colombia" which is how Colombia is getting back on its feet after years of violence. Dr. Alejandro Velez, professor of Economics and International Business at St. Mary's University, shares how his family left Colombia when he was twelve. He also details the "Plan Colombia" which began in 2002 and is an atttempt to eradicate the narco-traffic in Colombia. So far it has resulted in the FARC ceding territory it had unrightfully claimed and a general pacification of the country, although much still needs to be done. Dr. Velez shares a video of a Charlie Rose interview with Sergio Fajardo, former mayor of Medellin, Colombia and who was running for the presidency of Colombia. Dr. Velez also shared a video showing what he called the "real" Colombia; he wanted to make sure the audience did not leave with a negative image of Colombia in their minds -- Colombia is not the most dire place to be. He further explained how drug traffic taints the "legal" economy. Mexico could very easily be the next Colombia and the panelists hope that Mexico learns from Colombia's fight with narco-trafficking to save lives and time. A question and answer period concludes this presentation. (76 minutes)