Santa Marta fortifies itself by land, sea, and air for the CELAC-EU Summit

In Santa Marta, expectations are high for an event described as historic. The Fourth Summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union will bring together heads of state, foreign ministers, and delegations from 60 countries on November 9 and 10. And although preparations are progressing in terms of infrastructure, hotels, and logistics, there is one issue that has become an absolute priority: security.

Local and national authorities have been working for months to ensure that the capital of Magdalena enjoys a smooth summit. The aim is to secure the city in the days leading up to, during, and after the international meeting, avoiding any risks or threats that could mar the diplomatic event.

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A joint effort

Camilo George, secretary of government and spokesperson for the local organizing committee, explained that Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello's instructions have been clear: to mobilize all institutional resources to coordinate a comprehensive security plan with the national government.

“Santa Marta has been preparing for months. The administration, led by the mayor, has given instructions to work closely with the Foreign Ministry, the DAPRE, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Culture to ensure the success of the CELAC-EU summit,” said George.

Behind this coordination are ongoing videoconferences and working groups involving senior officials from the Army, the National Police, the Navy, and the Air Force. Every move is planned in detail, from airport operations to security in tourist areas.

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Complete protection by land, sea, and air

The security plan calls for total security measures throughout the city. More than a thousand police reinforcements are expected to arrive, along with units from the Army's First Division, the Coast Guard, and the Colombian Air Force, based in Malambo.

“The city will be heavily guarded. Strategic corridors will be covered, especially those near hotels, from the airport to the historic center, the bay, Bolívar Park, El Rodadero, and Gaira. These are areas where the summit events will take place,” George explained.

Security will include access controls, air and sea patrols, surveillance systems with high-resolution cameras, and the presence of specialized intelligence, counterintelligence, and judicial police groups.

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“There will be security drones, snipers, and plainclothes security personnel. Every detail has been thought out, as required for this type of event,” said George.

All of this has one purpose: to ensure that leaders and delegations feel safe, but also that citizens can go about their daily lives without any risk.

The latent threat

The security situation in Santa Marta is no less serious. For years, the city has been facing the actions of organized armed groups, such as the Clan del Golfo and the Autodefensas Conquistadores de la Sierra Nevada, which are fighting for control of illegal income related to drugs and extortion.

This reality requires exceptional measures to be taken. The national government has arranged for the support of experts in presidential security protocols and international events, who have participated in high-level summits in Cartagena and Bogotá.

The reinforcement includes intelligence units dedicated to monitoring possible threats or suspicious movements in rural and urban areas. In addition, there will be strict control of land and sea access to the city, including the port and Simón Bolívar airport.

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Unified command and permanent monitoring

The Unified Command Post (PMU) will be the nerve center of the operation. More than 35 national and local entities will converge there to monitor everything that happens during the summit on a minute-by-minute basis.

“The UCC will allow us to have total control over security, mobility, health, and public services. It will be activated before November 7 and will remain operational until after the event closes,” George explained.

Monitoring will include satellite surveillance, direct communication with intelligence teams, and control of the perimeters where international leaders will be staying.

The Police reinforces public order

Coronel Jaime Ríos, commander of the Santa Marta Metropolitan Police, confirmed that the institution is ready to take on the challenge.

“We have designed a rigorous security plan involving all our specialist units. A significant reinforcement of the force is expected, especially in the perimeter where the summit will take place,” said the officer.

The plan includes units from the Explosives Squad, police, intelligence, and rapid response teams. There will also be checks at hotels, restaurants, and places where large numbers of people gather.

More than security, trust

The government wants visitors to not only feel safe, but also welcome. The strategy aims to ensure that delegations enjoy their stay, are able to visit some of the city's attractions, and perceive Santa Marta as a reliable destination.

Logistics include exclusive transportation routes, priority hospital care, monitored food services, and a contingency plan for public services. “Everything has been designed to show the city at its best,” emphasized the secretary of government.

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A historic opportunity

With just a few days to go before the event, Santa Marta is ready to welcome the world. For the first time, a summit of this magnitude will be held in Colombia's oldest city. And although the challenge is enormous, the authorities assure that the Colombian Caribbean is prepared to guarantee security, hospitality, and an international image worthy of the occasion.

“Santa Marta will be the center of global attention, and we cannot fail,” concluded Colonel Jaime Ríos, who assures that law enforcement agencies are ready to meet this challenge.

By Roger Urieles, for EL TIEMPO Santa Marta. On X @rogeruv

Editor's note: This text is an artificially intelligent English translation of the original Spanish version, which can be found here. Any comment, please write to berdav@eltiempo.com

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