For President-elect Gustavo Petro, Simón Bolívar’s sword, which was stolen by the M-19 guerrillas and handed over after agreeing on peace, was an essential object in the presidential inauguration ceremony. It symbolized his participation and his struggle within the insurgent group. At the same time, it means for many a “return” of it.
However, despite much trying, the team in charge of the event did not obtain permission to remove the sword from the House of Nariño. Sources involved in organizing the possession told WEEK that the outgoing government did not allow her to leave due to lack of security and policies to protect her.
Despite this reason, those involved in the organization assure that they had all the necessary permits and paid the policies to protect the artifact on the way to the Casa de Nariño.
WEEK He learned about one of the possible policies, which would insure Bolívar’s sword against various risks for a value of 1,000 million pesos.
According to the all-risk theft policy of the Previsora company, the insurance would be valid from 00:00 hours on August 7, 2022 until the end of the day, for a total of 24 hours.
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This insurance would cover material damage due to fire, lightning, explosion, water damage and flooding. Additionally, it protects itself against natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There would even be protection against a terrorist act.
Among the security measures that were requested, the close custody of the sword with four presidential guards appears. In addition, it was suggested that the transfer from the Palacio de Nariño to the Palacio San Carlos, in preparation for the walk, would be carried out in an armored vehicle.
Upon arrival at the Palacio de San Carlos, security would be provided by the Foreign Ministry. Then, in the Plaza de Bolívar, it would be in charge of the Presidency of the Republic together with the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá. All this, “accompanied, guided and guarded by expert personnel specialized in heritage conservation and restoration of the Ministry of Culture.”
Although the organizers assure that they fulfilled all the requirements and paid all the necessary policies, the Government did not allow the mobilization of the weapon. Petro’s team does not explain why the presence of Bolívar’s sword was denied and they argue that it was an act of “bad people”.
According to the team of organizers of the events of the possession, it is not the first time that there is a barrier imposed by the outgoing government. The organization of a brunch in the Foreign Ministry it would have been hindered three times, since it was not allowed to install the decoration and the necessary implements to carry it out.
In addition, it is rumored that the connection between the outgoing and the incoming first lady has not been entirely friendly, since there would be no close contact between the two and it is said that there was no guided tour of the Casa de Nariño by María Juliana Ruiz for Verónica Cook.
If the sword of Simón Bolívar does not appear in possession, it is a barrier to one of the wishes of the president-elect by the outgoing government. If so, in other aspects, the obstacles could mark the rhythm of the first months of government.