The Disappointment of Mello Castro’s Administration
Four years ago, the campaign for the Mayor of Valledupar began with hope and excitement. It marked the end of a government that left behind only superficial improvements to parks and numerous doubts in the eyes of oversight bodies, some of whom are now in jail or under investigation.
We believed that this new government would bring progress to Valledupar, especially because the ruler professed a fear of God. However, as time went on, that fear seemed to disappear, and everything became painted blue, symbolizing his political party.
During this time, a candidate emerged with the nickname Mello Castro. As a political strategy, he changed his name from José Santos Castro González to Mello Castro, which gained him followers. His slogan, “El Mello is going… to put order,” filled constituents with hope. He promised to address security, increase employment, improve traffic, public lighting, and cleaning services, as well as bring order to various departments and enhance the road network. In essence, he vowed to accomplish what his predecessor had failed to do.
However, it didn’t take long for disappointment to set in. Three and a half years have passed since then, and the figures speak for themselves. Under Mello Castro’s administration, Valledupar has become overrun by crime and the underworld. In 2021, there were 98 murders, followed by 121 in 2022, and 66 so far in 2023, totaling 285 homicides.
Never before in the history of Valledupar, not even during times of paramilitary violence, have there been as many crimes as during Mello Castro’s tenure. And that’s not even counting the alarming number of armed robberies, thefts, and extortions.
Every 50 minutes, our city experiences between one and five criminal acts. Valledupar has transitioned from a confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic to a confinement imposed by crime.
Valledupar now ranks as the fifth city with the highest unemployment rate among 23 Colombian cities, standing at 14.4%. Additionally, there has been a cumulative inflation rate of 12.2%. Clearly, Mello Castro failed to fulfill his promise of increasing employment.
The myth of “El Mello Va… a put order” has been shattered, leaving the city in a state of complete disorder. Mobility, public toilets, public lighting, and the road network are all in disarray. The traffic light system is damaged, and there is a lack of authority and order, allowing everyone to do as they please.
Curiously, during the recent accountability review, Mello Castro returns and presents figures that don’t add up anywhere except in his imagination and that of his advisors. Campaign bells ring once again, with candidates of all kinds. Some claim to be independent, others position themselves as redeemers, and there are even those with the endorsement of Mello Castro’s party, despite their legal difficulties resulting from their predecessor’s misdeeds. Unfortunately, all these candidates make excessive promises that will ultimately leave Valledupar empty-handed.
What were the initial promises made by Mello Castro’s administration and how have they fallen short?
Omises.
However, as the years passed, it became evident that Mello Castro’s administration was a disappointment. Despite his initial promises, security in Valledupar has not improved. Crime rates have continued to rise, leaving citizens feeling unsafe and vulnerable.
Employment opportunities remain scarce, with many residents struggling to find stable and decent-paying jobs. Traffic congestion only worsened, with no significant efforts made to improve the city’s infrastructure or public transportation system.
Public lighting and cleaning services are subpar, leaving the city’s streets and neighborhoods in a state of neglect. The order and efficiency that were promised by Mello Castro’s slogan have been replaced by chaos and inefficiency.
Furthermore, corruption scandals have plagued his administration. Several high-ranking officials have been implicated in corrupt practices, further eroding the public’s trust in the government.
Overall, the disillusionment felt by the people of Valledupar is palpable. They were promised progress and change, but instead, they have received empty words and broken promises.
Mello Castro’s administration has been a missed opportunity for Valledupar, with little to no positive impact on the city and its residents. It serves as a reminder of the importance of carefully selecting leaders and holding them accountable for their actions.
As the chapter of Mello Castro’s administration comes to a close, it is our hope that Valledupar will find a leader who can truly bring about the progress and change that the city so desperately needs.
It is time for the disappointment to end, and for Valledupar to once again have hope for a brighter future.
Valledupar, empty-handed – This article brings to light the dire situation facing the residents of Valledupar, a city that has fallen victim to poverty and despair. It sheds light on the numerous challenges they face on a daily basis and the heartbreaking reality of living in a community that is seemingly forgotten by the rest of the world.
The article’s title, “Valledupar, empty-handed,” perfectly captures the sense of hopelessness and desperation that plagues this once vibrant city. It highlights the lack of resources, opportunities, and support that the residents are grappling with, leaving them empty-handed and caught in a vicious cycle of poverty.
Reading this article, it becomes apparent that urgent action is needed to address the underlying issues causing this devastating situation. The government must take responsibility and prioritize the upliftment of Valledupar, ensuring that its residents are not left behind and forgotten.
It also serves as a call to action for organizations and individuals to step up and offer support to the community. Whether it be through raising awareness, providing financial aid, or offering skills training and employment opportunities, we have a collective responsibility to help Valledupar overcome these difficult times.
Valledupar’s story is a stark reminder that poverty knows no borders. It serves as a wake-up call for us to reevaluate our priorities and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of our fellow human beings, especially when they are living in such dire circumstances.
In conclusion, “Valledupar, empty-handed” serves as both a heartbreaking account of a forgotten community and a rallying cry for change. It is my hope that this article will spark conversations and actions that will ultimately bring about positive change for Valledupar and its residents.
This article about Valledupar being empty-handed truly sheds light on the dire and heartbreaking situation faced by residents of the city. The place that was once vibrant and filled with life has now been reduced to an empty and desolate shell.
It is truly disheartening to see how the people of Valledupar are struggling to make ends meet, with no jobs, no access to basic necessities, and no hope for a better future. The images of empty streets and closed businesses paint a grim picture of the reality they are living in.
The government must take immediate action to address the issues faced by the people of Valledupar. They cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the suffering of their own citizens. Efforts should be made to create employment opportunities, support local businesses, and provide essential services to the people who are left with nothing.
Furthermore, it is important for the international community to extend their support to Valledupar and its residents. Providing aid, resources, and investments can help rejuvenate the city and offer its residents a chance to rebuild their lives.
In times of crisis, it is crucial for communities to come together and support one another. Valledupar needs unity, resilience, and empathy from its fellow Colombians and the rest of the world.
Let us not forget the people of Valledupar who are suffering in silence, and let this article be a reminder of the urgent need for action. We must do everything in our power to ensure that Valledupar is no longer empty-handed, but filled with hope and prosperity once again.