Welcoming Colombians the Way They Have Welcomed Us
Dear Editor,
I have traveled to Colombia, and my experiences there have been nothing short of extraordinary. Whether visiting for medical care or simply as a tourist, I was struck by the way Colombians embraced us Antiguans — with kindness, respect, and genuine warmth.
From doctors who patiently explained every detail of treatment, to hotel staff who went out of their way to make me feel at home, I always felt welcome.
It reminded me that when we step beyond our shores, we rely on the openness of others to make us feel safe and valued. Now, with direct flights linking St. John’s and Cartagena, we have a chance to return that hospitality.
This new connection should be about more than leisure travel. Tourism is important, but Colombia has far more to offer Antigua and Barbuda.
Their health system is advanced, affordable, and accessible — something many Antiguans already benefit from when they seek treatment there. Imagine what it would mean to deepen that cooperation and even invite Colombian medical professionals to share their expertise here at home.
Colombia is also world-renowned for its hospitality and customer service training.
Those skills could strengthen our own tourism industry and provide new opportunities for our young people. In agriculture and trade, Colombia’s vast experience could help us reduce costs and boost food security, while organized migration could help us grow our population in a way that is both orderly and beneficial.
Of course, some among us still carry the old perception of Colombia as a drug haven. But that view is outdated. Colombia has made remarkable progress in tackling crime and rebuilding its reputation. To continue to judge Colombians by the hardships of their past is to deny the strides they have made.
If Antigua and Barbuda truly want to grow stronger and more resilient, we must look beyond narrow ideas of tourism and embrace deeper partnerships. Let us welcome Colombians not just as visitors, but as partners, neighbors, and friends — just as they have already welcomed us.
Sincerely,
Globe Trotter
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