In a significant setback, the Pan American Games slated for 2027 will no longer be hosted in Barranquilla. The government of Gustavo Petro failed to meet the payment deadlines stipulated in the contract with Panam Sports, amounting to around USD 4 million for organizational rights. Despite Barranquilla City Hall fulfilling its financial commitment of USD 1.25 million on time, the failure of the national government to comply has left both local and national figures disappointed.
Former Minister of Finance, José Manuel Restrepo, and current rector of the University EIA expressed his dismay on Twitter, deeming the situation shameful. “This is frankly shameful. It is inconceivable that we lose this opportunity due to the ineptitude and negligence of the Ministry of Sports,” he declared. He questioned how the region, particularly the Caribbean and Atlántico, can strive to be a tourism powerhouse with decisions and inactions like these.
“After efforts to make Barranquilla the venue for the 2027 Pan American Games, today we lose this option due to non-compliance with payments by the national government. What a lack of everything,” he continued. He concluded by stating that the photo and logos associated with this incident will endure in history as an example of incapacity to execute.
Former Deputy Minister of Finance Juan Alberto Londoño added an ironic touch by terming this episode a “new triumph for the Gustavo Petro government.” Meanwhile, Jaime Cabal, President of the National Federation of Merchant Entrepreneurs (Fenalco), voiced his regret, emphasizing that the loss of the Pan American Games venue is not just a blow for Barranquilleros but for all Colombians who missed the opportunity to host the continent’s most prestigious multi-sport event.
