Meet Henry González
María Alejandra Becerra Castillo 10A
What would you like to be doing if you weren’t a teacher?
“When I went to a school trip, I dived for the first time in my life, and there I discovered I had chosen the wrong career.” This is what Henry, our chemistry teacher, told us as he confessed he would have loved to be a professional Marine biologist and diver because, when he dived, he got the opportunity to discover an amazing new world. Despite that he discovered his passion for the marine world a little bit late, he told us it was on his bucket list to take diving lessons and in that way have the opportunity to learn more about this magnificent place. He says that even though we usually tend not to take the time to do this sort of thing, he’s convinced that he won’t wait any longer, and someday soon he will be able to do it.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
When we consider the opportunity of having superpowers, we don’t think of others or of something that will benefit them, we usually think about something that will be fun and not common, such as having the superpower to freeze people; but Henry is the exception, he told us that he would like to have the power to make people good and fair, because he has noticed a lot of people who usually tend to be selfish and arrogant, and they don’t take into account the wellbeing of others. Henry believes by having this super power, he will be able to change the greed and selfishness in people and in that way the world will be different.
Interview with Marta Salamanca about The Peace Process
María Camila Suárez Doria 10A
An interview to social studies teacher Marta Salamanca about her opinion towards the peace process that is undertaken by the Colombian government and the FARC in Habana, Cuba.
What is your opinion towards the peace process that is taking place between the government and the guerrilla groups in Habana, Cuba?
My opinion about the peace process, as you may have noticed in my classes, is very positive: I completely agree with it. I think it is the most important historical process that has ever taken place in Colombia. The government and the guerilla groups have tried to end the conflict pacifically many times, but they have never been successful. Nevertheless, the time to (finally) make peace in this country has arrived. I think that we have a very good team, which is well prepared, and so far they have reached very important agreements in Habana. Additionally, I think that we as citizens have to support the peace process, because this long story of conflict in Colombia has caused several problems, in many different aspects: not only in human lives and displacement but also socially and economically.
Were you supporting about the peace process since the beginning?
Yes. I have been supporting it since the beginning, and it is a position I have maintained. I think that starting a peace process was the right thing to do, and I have believed in it since the beginning. When it started I thought it was proper, the time to end this conflict had come. Nevertheless, I also thought it was a very difficult issue.
Which are the most important agreements the negotiating table has reached to?
Making concessions is fundamental in any peace process: each part has to grant something. There are two ways of seeing it: the concessions made by the guerrilla groups and the ones made by the government. I think that one of the most important agreements is transitional justice. As Humberto De la Calle once said “we have to swallow some frogs” (nos tenemos que tragar algunos sapos). I think that the biggest Tod, that we as a society have to swallow, is the one about transitional justice. However, this agreement is the only way to finally reach peace: for FARC there would be no purpose to sit at a table if they are going to get the same sentences as if they did not go through the process. Because of this, I think that transitional justice is a crucial concession. Another concession I consider important is the one referring to political participation. These agreements will enable FARC to give up weapons, and to participate in politics as a party. We live in a democracy where everyone (even FARC) can participate. On the other hand, I think that the most important deal has been the first one: the land reform, because it is the solution to one of the most important problems that historically our country has had, in fact this issue is one of the origins of the conflict.
At any point of the conversation you feared it was going to end?
Yes of course! Actually I am very worried right now because of the entire situation that is happening in “la Guajira”. I think that this has been one of the most critical situations the process has faced. I think that the insurgent group not only broke the rules that were settled but also the trust the negotiating team, the government and the society had on them. I also feared that the peace dialogues were going to end when general Alzate was kidnaped.
Do you think that the government and the guerrilla groups are going to (finally) make “peace” on March 23rd?
Mmm…no. I think that some main points and final accords are going to be signed by the negotiating team, but they are not going to “make peace”. Let me tell you something: peace is a long way to go; it is a long term issue. It is not something that you can make in a day. Making effective the entire set of agreements signed In La Habana table is the hardest thing to do. Even if they sign all of those accords in March, Colombia is not going to get peace immediately. However, many things will change as soon as peace is signed, for example the number of homicides.
Which mechanism of popular participation do you prefer for legitimizing peace: a plebiscite or a Constituent Assembly?
I definitely prefer the plebiscite, because it is the fastest and the easiest way. To call a constituent assembly implies to change the constitution and to ask society to approve each and every single point. Imagine people having to vote about fifteen agreements! Besides many (for example peasants) would probably not understand what is going on. It will be a complicated, difficult and slow process.
How is the Colombian economy going to be affected if the negotiating team is able to sign a peace treaty?
Economically speaking Colombia is going to win a lot with peace. Not only typical economic indicators such as GDP, income per capita, GDP annual growth rate etc. are going to be positively affected and grow ,but also unemployment and inflation will reduce. Additionally the budget that the government is currently giving to the military can go to other fields like education, which would represent investment in the country’s infrastructure.
Economically speaking what do you think about the post-conflict and the economic challenge it represents?
Yes, the post conflict has a high cost economically speaking. However, a very important part of the budget comes from the international community; nevertheless, all of us (the Colombian society) are going to have help financing it.
Do you think that it is necessary to make a tax reform? It is going to be the third one done during six years of the Santos administration.
We have to do it. I know that people do not like tax reforms and I understand why: it is something that “affects our pocket”. However, our economy is dealing with two major economic challenges: The post conflict and the fiscal deficit. These big issues make a tax reform necessary. We as a society need to make sacrifices. The problem here is corruption and clientelism, which makes the money that is collected in taxes to go to someone’s pocket. I say this as a citizen and as an economist.
Do you share the predictions about 2016: a tough year for the international and national economy?
Yes. I think it is going to be a tough year not only for the Colombians, but also for the rest of the world. Many countries are facing a profound recession. I think it is going to be a hard year for everyone; our country (for example) is facing major challenges especially the post conflict.