First Day at the Colombian Cabinet

Committee believes that a drastic re-organization of the Columbian military and police forces is essential

By Molly Henderson, Journalist

The majority of the first committee session’s caucuses were centred around one specific question: how does a country regain sovereign control that has been appropriated by extra-governmental organizations? Among the numerous solutions offered, one stood out prominently: a drastic re-organization of the Columbian military and police forces was absolutely essential. Re-organizational strategies included increasing police benefits and salary (to reduce incentive to accept bribes from cartels), creating specialized anti-corruption task forces within police units, and bolstering military and police recruitment. 

Opposition to these proposals was founded primarily in an aversion to national debt, which would inevitably be accrued following an increase in subsidies for police and military. To this, the delegate representing General Marquez responded: “I would rather leave the next generation indebted than in a country torn to pieces by civil war.” This sentiment was echoed by several fellow committee members. 

Another major point of discussion was the state of the country’s infrastructure. Columbia’s Social Services Representative advanced the need to create physical unity in the country through the construction of roads and bridges; this would allow the military to gain access to swathes of paramilitary-controlled regions. It would also create a sense of national cohesion. 
Public directives “The Carrot and the Stick” — a two-pronged anti-corruption incentive, “Mining” — land mine removal, and the American-sponsored “Save Bogotá” — a dispatch of three CIA agents and two army battalions to defend the capital, were passed.