Colombian minister’s Caribbean holiday amid earthquake crisis stokes fury
Colombia’s new housing minister has come under fire after it emerged that he took his family on a Caribbean holiday while the country was reeling from a devastating earthquake that left thousands homeless. The August 10 earthquake, which killed nearly 300 people in western Colombia, struck just three days after right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella took office. The 7.4-magnitude tremor…
Colombia's Housing Minister, Jaime Andres Beltran, has faced intense criticism for taking a Caribbean holiday while his country was coping with a catastrophic earthquake that killed nearly 300 people. The 7.4-magnitude quake struck just three days after right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella assumed office, causing widespread damage and rendering thousands homeless.
Photos and videos of the minister relaxing on a beach in Santa Marta emerged, prompting the opposition to threaten a no-confidence motion. Over 27,000 homes were destroyed, leaving many survivors sleeping on mattresses or makeshift beds. Beltran attempted to quell the criticism, claiming he was only spending time with his family and immediately returned to work on reconstruction efforts.
A week after the disaster, the focus has shifted to addressing the growing humanitarian crisis, with pop star Shakira visiting the quake's epicentre to deliver aid. President de la Espriella, a political newcomer, has been criticized for his handling of the crisis, from announcing rent subsidies to a controversial distribution of footballs bearing his slogan.
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