Atleast 19 people have died and hundreds more have been injured in protests in Colombia against right-wing President Iván Duque Márquez's tax overhaul, which was intended to aid economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The protests have drawn tens of thousands of people to the street, and the marches across the country have evolved into protests against economic inequality and rising poverty in the Latin American country.
The United Nations is 'deeply alarmed' by bloodshed in the protests as it has accused Colombia's security forces of using excessive force against protesters. Even though President Iván Duque announced on Sunday that he would withdraw the tax reform, protests have continued in Colombia's major cities. Colombia's defence minister said illegal armed groups had infiltrated the protests and were to blame for the demonstrations descending into chaos and vandalism.
Amidst all the violence and destruction that Colombia is facing, Miss Universe Colombia 2020 Laura Olascuaga Pinto has arrived in the USA to compete for the prestigious title. Laura took to her social media to express her feelings at the situation where she wrote, “We want to stop along the way to raise our voice and give visibility to what is happening in Colombia: NO MORE DEATHS, NO MORE VIOLENCE. COLOMBIA NEEDS PEACE.”
Laura representing the Miss Universe Colombia organization also went live with Caracol TV’s presenter Rochi Stevenson to join in the prayers, praying to Holy Rosary for the union and peace of Colombia. In the moment of faith and hope they prayed, “For peace and tranquility to reach all our hearts, may you be beloved God intervening in the best for the people of Colombia, do not let us fall and help us find the best options for the benefit of all.”
With the force of union and a message to not destroy, not hate, not criticize and to be a part of the change and not of disunity, they prayed for God to gull their hearts with peace, tranquility and a lot of love. Laura also made sure to make her country’s misery visible at the international stage as she said, “I will use my voice to make visible everything that is happening in our country.”
For Laura, being a beauty queen and representing Colombia at Miss Universe 2020 stage means representing the strength, dedication and passion of Colombians. She has arrived in Florida to represent the dream of her country at the international stage.
Miss Universe 2020 will be held on 16th May 2021 in Hollywood, Florida. The delegates will be staying at the Hotel Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida, USA. Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.
We wish Laura a successful journey as she comes out as one of the strongest contenders and send our prayers to the people of Colombia and wish for them to attain peace and prosperity.