La República, one of the most important daily financial and economic newspapers in Columbia, published a commentary from Núria Vilanova titled “2016: year for peace and new challenges”, where it deepened the necessity to create an atmosphere of PEACE in Columbia. Only focusing on PEACE (written in capital letters) provides the ability to tackle challenges and generate new opportunities in the countries with the most future in Latin America this 2016.
From the point of view of people who don´t live in Columbia, but have the opportunity to visit and love the country, PEACE should only be written in capital letters. As a Spaniard that has lived and perhaps haven’t sufficiently celebrated the end of domestic terrorism, I can say that the end of this drama marks a before and after. It generates a different way of having relationships with the world, without having to explain how it is like to live with this silent war that interrupts normality with the news of meaningless lost lives from useless suffering.
From the point of view of whoever has a business in Columbia and knows their investors, PEACE opens a universe of important economic opportunities for a country that already achieved a relevant focus during the process of this year which should be accumulated after the definite end of this nightmare. PEACE adds something more attractive as it was set up in one of the most privileged markets that generate many expectations, especially in this moment of its deceleration in Latam. Countries like Panama, Dominican Republic, Bolivia and Nicaragua will lead the growth in 2016, even though there has been an inferior rhythm that existed a few years previously in these countries. Columbia will avoid the storm that is blooming in the surrounding area which is motivated by the recession in Brazil and Venezuela and also due to the slump in raw materials. Its GDP will grow by 3% this year, after 3.1% 2015. Together with Mexico, it will continue to be the most attractive economy between the countries that lead in the area.
Spanish native in Columbia, Pablo Claver has written a new book that will be published in the country titled, “Finally its Monday, I love working”, on the happiness of working. In philosophy, he has studied that to elaborate particular ideas, one need words that are in the dictionary… how can you think of something that doesn’t exist? Languages know the ideas and the vision of the world. I don’t know how to mediate exactly equally in German or Spanish. Language determines what we are thinking… and also in how we feel.
Claver told me that the language in Columbia has a clear role in leadership on the rankings of happiness from countries. They use expressions that are surprising or charming such as “can you give me a present of” (instead of “can I borrow” or “can you give me”). The constant use of the word “happiness” and the way of speaking that refers to “happy days”, “what a beauty” or “with pleasure”, instead of the dry “you’re welcome” in Spanish. If Columbia is able to maintain its positive spirit in such a difficult and prolonged situation, then what can´t be achieved when PEACE is a definitive reality and drives great potential.
We are living in a global world. The Columbian government was late in globalizing themselves, which is not strange when there were years of insecure paths, daily uncertainties, excluded zones due to violence… But while there are companies that are successful in Columbia and companies that have had to leave. I hope that this process will accelerate and that a new enthusiasm is added to the Columbian optimism. As a tourist, I had the opportunity to visit all around Columbia for one month and it surprised me to know that many Columbians are ready to leave the country or even ignore it rather than to travel around it. This is another aspect of the development through PEACE at the hands of tourism which is calling to be a very relevant activity.
I remember an encounter in the embassy with General Luis Mendieta who was then attached to the military. He spoke about his faith in life and how his family helped him overcome the most difficult moments when he was in captivity in the jungle, sometimes with a noose around his neck… The general was now tired, he wasn’t able to be on his feet much, and the years in the jungle took their toll on him. One day when he met us at home, the music started and he began to dance with his wife. With music, his pain disappeared… I hope that Columbia centers a great effort in taking advantage of music to receive investments, tackle and internationalize national tourism. This should help to expand the language and modes that make Columbia one of the happiest countries in the world. Happiness is a source of strength. One must take advantage of this and also add it to the benefits of PEACE.
