Editorial for 2017: We’ll see you “ahí”

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When Colombians feel resigned to a certain predicament, they tend to use a rather innocuous three-letter word: Ahí. Along the coast, this “there” is part of the lexicon used for justifying everything from acts of God to a mental or physical altered state. It’s rarely used when buying fruit.

So, if someone would ask a costeño what we can expect for this country as we embark on this new year, the answer would most likely be followed by the proverbial ahí – in other words – slightly better than the year before, but no significant changes on the horizon.

We are “here” after a rather tumultuous 2016 and as stated in my December editorial, some kind of “normal” now awaits. President Santos received his Nobel prize and that surely adorns his presidential desk. But even though he has less than two-years in office, this year the names of potential candidates to succeed him will emerge, and even though this is not an election year, the political machinery is being set in motion to present the platforms of the country’s first post-conflict leader.

The dreaded tax reform with its 19% VAT passed through Congress and even though it will be painful, it’s a necessary overhaul to increase the tax collection base and reap much-needed revenue for a nation that was hit hard by a slump in commodity prices, such as oil and coal exports.

Colombia has always prided itself for sound macro-economic management and the approval of the Reforma Tributaría will guarantee that credit rating agencies will continue to forecast positive economic growth for this nation, but less than the expected 2,5% Finance Minister Mauricio Cárdenas is hoping for.

And here we are with Trump – or in local slang: Ahí con Trump. As the world awaits his swearing-in ceremony this week – and an event watched by billions around the world – the 45th President of the United States and future commander-in-chief, has got to prove to the world that he can mend strained relationships with global partners, such as Mexico, China, Merkel’s Germany and the United Kingdom. Last year, it was all about words, promises to “Make America Great Again” at the expense of election rhetoric, threatening to scrap existing trade relationships, and pursue the “national interest” over international alliances.

I for one, believe we are going to see (and hear) a more benevolent Trump in the White House, open to compromise and dialogue with world leaders. In terms of Colombia, bilateral relations with the U.S. remain strong, and as a strategic partner in the hemisphere, we can expect more of the same.

The real challenge for those of us who reside in Bogotá, is the city-at-large, and Mayor Pen?alosa after a year in which he could begin to implement an extensive urban agenda, must follow through on his own election promises and address the many issues that affect our quality of life – from crime, to pollution, sanitation and, of course, mobility. This year, Bogota? has to get back on track, rather than mending long-term problems with short-term decision-making. Our sidewalks are shattered, our traffic in permanent gridlock, our streets overrun by recycling carts brimming with plastic and other waste.

It would be nice to think that this year Bogotá is going to make important progress with infrastructure, road repair works, and organizing its over-crowded public transportation system. The much-anticipated over-ground metro is still along way from breaking ground. So, in the meantime, ahí estamos – what you see, is what we’ll get. But it could get better, especially as the capital is such an important hub for business and culture.

It’s never easy to get back into the workflow after a well-deserved vacation, but here we are ready to take on the stories that are waiting to be told. Colombia, fortunately, is a land of many stories, and we consider ourselves fortunate to be living here.

We also feel fortunate to be able to deliver a comprehensive and trust-worthy newspaper every month, and in a year in which we will continue to grow our operations, both in print and on- line. And to coin our favorite expression of the month, when breaking news happens, we’ll be there – Ahí nos vemos!

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