In the midst of the atmosphere of pessimism that seems to have settled in the country, as if we were trapped in a dead end, it is important to remember that, with the right mindset, there are indeed solutions and that what we need is will, dialogue, and determination to implement them.
We are immersed in a pessimistic attitude in which we do little or nothing to generate solutions. We have remained in criticism without even proposing ideas on how to solve the problems. Dialogue, so necessary to untangle complex knots, has become a conversation filled with insults. Thinking about how to move forward is an option that has been relegated to the permanent pointing of blame and not to proposals that allow us to advance.
There are indeed solutions. And there are solutions for all sectors and in all regions, to move the country forward, to achieve what Colombians want, which is nothing other than to do better to reduce inequality. If we all refocused our priorities on this, and not on criticizing for the sake of criticizing, the fate of the country, and that of Colombians, would be very different.
In the hydrocarbons sector that I represent, as president of the Colombian Association of Oil and Gas (ACP), we are committed to continuing to be part of the solution to one of the most serious problems facing the country, the fiscal deficit. The barrels of crude oil and millions of cubic feet of gas produced and marketed by companies would generate sufficient income for the country to face the current lack of solvency, in addition to guaranteeing the necessary energy supply for Colombians and all productive sectors.
Ensuring the operability of the sector is a win-win for everyone. Our sector could provide the national government with the necessary resources to address various crises that the country is currently facing: contributions for national security, which is going through a critical moment; and royalty contributions for the development and improvement of living conditions in the regions.
Changing the mindset as I suggest is not easy, but it is essential, especially after so many years of speeches that have fragmented our sense of national identity, our purpose as a country. However, even for the worst crises, there is a solution.
I am optimistic by conviction. I do not underestimate the very complex situation we are going through, but if we review some history, if we observe the growth of countries that had a reality similar to Colombia's a few decades ago, and see where they are today, we will realize that they transformed because they focused their capabilities on formulating solutions and paths to change reality.
Colombia's moment does not allow for further deepening the divisions that have harmed us so much. Instead, solutions do recover the possibility, which today feels at times lost, of looking to the future to allow Colombia to strengthen, modernize, and reconcile.
It is time to put on our citizen hats, and thinking of the common good, to act and express our vision with inclusive, constructive proposals focused on collective action.
By: Frank Pearl
Executive President of the Colombian Association of Oil and Gas (ACP)
Colombian Association of Oil and Gas