Jaime Andrés Beltrán apologizes for vacation during earthquake emergency

Colombian Minister of Housing, Jaime Andrés Beltrán, has issued an apology following public criticism over social media photos showing him vacationing in Santa Marta. The trip occurred while the country is managing the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction efforts following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake.

Beltrán stated that he intended to apologize to families who felt offended by the images, but maintained that his presence on the coast did not mean he had abandoned his duties. He asserted that he has been working in affected territories and participating in government strategies since the first day of the emergency.

Defending his decision to spend time with his family, Beltrán cited his “nature as a father,” remarking that there is little value in building houses for Colombians if the homes of the officials themselves are destroyed. He emphasized that the government's priority remains the rapid and efficient execution of the reconstruction plan for affected communities.