RAP Caribe

What if a single letter could spark a revolution? In 1835, Juan José Nieto Gil penned a letter to President Santander. This letter, written from the heart of Cartagena, laid bare the inequalities faced by the Caribbean region. This act of defiance, right here where we stand, became a cornerstone of the RAP Caribe. The RAP Caribe, short for Región Administrativa y de Planificación del Caribe, is much more than just an administrative body. It’s the embodiment of Nieto’s dream: a unified Caribbean region with the power to shape its own destiny. Nieto, a Cartagena native who later became President of the Republic, envisioned a region where the Caribbean’s vibrant culture and economic potential could flourish. For years, the dream of a unified Caribbean region remained just that: a dream. Discussions about resource allocation stalled progress. However, in 2019, the Ley Verano finally provided the tools for the RAP Caribe to become a reality. The RAP Caribe, encompassing eight northern departments, now tackles the political, economic, social, environmental, and cultural challenges facing the region. It seeks to bridge the gap between the Caribbean’s 21% of Colombia’s population and its mere 15% share of the national GDP. The RAP Caribe represents a new chapter in the Caribbean’s story. It’s a story of empowerment, aiming to create a future where the region’s unique strengths are harnessed for the benefit of all its people.