Sister Cities Committe: Tampa and Barranquilla

SISTER CITIES
Committee
Tampa & Barranquilla
Tampa is Barranquilla's
oldest sister city, dating
to 1966.
September , 2024

A LEGACY OF
SISTERHOOD
AND DIPLOMACY
Barranquilla and Tampa
or almost six decades, Tampa has
proudly nurtured relationships with
Fnumerous cities across the globe
through the Sister Cities program, a
network of partnerships that foster
cultural, educational, and economic
exchange. Among our many
international connections, the bond with
Barranquilla, Colombia, stands out as
one of our most active and enduring
relationships. Since 1966, Tampa and
Barranquilla have been linked through
the vision of President Dwight D.
Eisenhower, who established the Sister
Cities program to promote peace and
understanding through "people-topeople"
diplomacy. This relationship has
not only embodied Eisenhower's vision
but has also become a beacon of
resilience and collaboration.
Over the decades, both Tampa and
Barranquilla have faced political,
economic, and social upheavals. Yet,
through these challenges, our
partnership has remained steadfast,
continuously evolving as new
generations step forward with fresh
ideas and renewed energy to build
stronger ties.
The connection between Tampa and
Barranquilla is more than a formal
Alfred Goldberg
President - Tampa Sister Cities
partnership—it is a genuine, deeprooted
bond that reflects the strength of
our shared values and mutual support.
We have celebrated cultural exchanges,
economic development initiatives, and
educational opportunities that have
benefited both cities, fostering
understanding and friendship across
borders.
In many ways, Barranquilleros have
become like family to Tampanians, with
a closeness that goes beyond
diplomatic ties and manifests in
community projects, shared
celebrations, and ongoing
collaboration.
As we look to the future, the Tampa-
Barranquilla relationship continues to
thrive, offering a model for other Sister
City partnerships around the world. It is
a partnership built on trust, respect, and
the belief that, together, we can
overcome challenges and create
opportunities for our cities to grow
stronger, more connected, and more
prosperous.
01

TAMPA AND
BARRANQUILLA
A notable example of the Sister City Relationship
s it is well known and
documented, the concept of a Asister city relationship proposed by
President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956
relied for its implementation on the
personal bonds of friendship and
understanding created between people
of good will, from different communities,
supported by effective and responsive
local governments [1,2].
The sister city relationship between
Tampa and Barranquilla established 10
years later by invitation to the Mayor of
Barranquilla, the Honorable Saul Pertuz
Jimeno from the Mayor of Tampa, the
Honorable Nick Chillura Nuccio [3] is a
notable example of the implementation
of this concept that, simple in its
appearance is deep in its impact. The
work that preceded it, and the long trail
of its implementation is filled with the
names of men and women of good will
from both communities.
It's really a joy to listen to Dr. Hernan
Leon relate with excitement his
experience in 1978 visiting Barranquilla
as a member of Tampa Sister Cities in
the company of Jim Turner its President,
with the objective of establishing
Fernando J. Falquez
Affiliate Director, Tampa-Barranquilla
Sister Cities Committee
professor and student exchanges
between USF and the Universidad del
Norte. Not only for the progress they
were making but for the reception they
were given by officials, faculty and
social entities like El Club Rotario, which I
believe had been in charge of the Sister
City relationship.
Dr. Leon later that year went back to
deliver 75 streetlights donated to
Barranquilla by the city of Tampa [4].
He mentioned by passing that later Mr.
La Madrid, President of El Club Rotario
helped to negotiate the lease of two
ambulances from Tampa delivered to
Mr. Pastor Garavito and approved by
Mayor Bill Poe.
The relationship with the Universidad
del Norte shifted to the technical side
with the work of professors from the
Department of Electrical Engineering of
USF among them Dr. Carlos Smith and
Dr. Wilfrido Moreno that by 1997 had
helped to establish the exchange
program. With the valuable
collaboration, technical and
02
SISTER CITIES

administrative, of Dr. Javier Paez, over
twenty professors from Uninorte earned
their Doctoral Degrees from USF[5]. This
relationship formalized into what is now
the exclusive dual certification
exchange program between USF and
Uninorte is administered by USF WORLD
[6].
Every year as many as fifty students
come to USF from Uninorte to pursue
their graduate work. The Tampa-
Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee
now welcomes them with an event
organized by our member Yasmeen
Armoush, an MS graduate from USF. This
year the Mayor of Tampa, the
Honorable Jane Castor capped the
student welcome with a Proclamation
naming August 23rd 2024 a Day of
Barranquilla in Tampa. We were
fortunate to receive the Consul General
Cesar Felipe Gonzalez and a delegation
of distinguished members of AmCham
and other business and trade
organizations from Barranquilla who
delivered a City Report to a large
number of local city and business
organizations.
Barranquilla’s delegation in Parks and recreation
mission in Tampa, 2012
In 2012, a delegation of AmCham led by
Ms. Victoria Ibañez visited Tampa with a
mission to study the Parks and
Recreation facilities of the city. They
took that information and under the
leadership of Mayor Alejandro Char, the
program Vamos al Parque was initiated
that after ten years of continued work
earned Barranquilla the prestigious
Prize for the City from the Ross Center
of the World Resources Institute. This
encounter was arranged by the
Tampa-Barranquilla Sister Cities
Committee under the direction of
George Martinez.
Tatiana Angulo, Carnaval Queen of Barranquilla 2025
with the Tampa-Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee.
These are examples of the social,
educational and biodiversity
relationships that Tampa and
Barranquilla share. But the nexus that
ties us together, like a dual chemical
bond, are El Carnaval de Barranquilla
and its counterpart the Gasparilla
Parade. Every year we wait with much
anticipation for the visit to Tampa from
the reigning queen of the Carnaval de
Barranquilla. There is not an event that
elicits such excitement in our
community, such emotion and
happiness, than having the privilege to
share some moments with the queen,
like we just did with her Majesty Tatiana.
We thank the organizations Carnaval de
Barranquilla en Tampa Bay led by Patsy
Morlando and the Fundacion Silvia
03

Castano led by Silvia Castano for
arranging Tatiana' visit. We will now take
that energy and joy to the Gasparilla
Night Parade early next year.
These are but a few illustrations of the
many relationships and events that
unite us. A few of the names of men
and women of good will who made it
and make it possible, with my apologies
to those I left out like el amigo Elias
Chewin, el Dr. Max Pena and many
others.
Click here to watch
Mayor Jane Castor’s
remarks
We are now looking forward to the
sixtieth anniversary of our sisterhood
relationship asking you, especially
those who will be sixty years old then, to
join us to prepare a spectacular 60th
anniversary Celebration.
Barranquilla, Colombia, Tampa's oldest sister city.
References
1. https://sistercities.org/about-us/ourmission/our-history/
VIDEO
2. https://sistercities.org/timeline/birth-peoplepeople-program/
3. 6. https://www.usf.edu/world/forpartners/global-partnerspotlights/colombia.aspx
4. Interview wit Dr Hernan Leon. F. Diaz, F. Falquez.
09 09 2024
5. Interview With Dr. Wilfrido Moreno. F. Falquez
09 102024
04
SISTER CITIES

BARRANQUILLA - TAMPA
SISTER CITIES DAY
ayor Jane Castor and
representatives from the City of
MTampa's Sister City Barranquilla,
Colombia celebrated their longstanding
relationship Friday, as Castor
proclaimed August 23, "Barranquilla,
Colombia Day."
The mayor was joined by
representatives of Sister Cities,
Barranquilla Delegation representative
Vicky Ibañez and Cesar Felipe González
Hernández, the Consul General of
Colombia in Orlando.
"Our partnership today is about building
bridges, not just between governments,
but between communities, businesses,
and individuals – whether it’s through
trade, cultural exchanges, or education,"
said Mayor Castor. "Today, I am
honored to recognize and celebrate the
58th anniversary of this wonderful
relationship."
Tampa’s relationship with Barranquilla,
Colombia has been in place for nearly
six decades, since 1966. It is the city's
oldest Sister City. Sister Cities
International, which was founded back
in 1956, started with a simple yet
powerful idea:
To bring people from different
cultures together
To help us understand one another
better
And ultimately to promote peace
05

Following the proclamation, the
delegation participated in the Business
Forum between entrepreneurs from
both cities, where they explored new
collaboration opportunities, shared
experiences, and discussed
perspectives on growth and
development potential.
Mayor Jane Castor and Vicky Ibañez, Executive
Director AmCham in Barranquilla
During the ceremony, Castor described
how Tampa and Barranquilla have a lot
in common – similar weather, both
have vibrant economies and are port
cities with thriving international airports.
For 58 years, both cities have
collaborated with exchanges of art,
music commerce, education and civic
endeavors.
Thank you for the friendship,
cultural connections, and
continued bond that you’re
helping to keep alive
between our two cities
This forum included representatives
from Tampa International Airport, who
highlighted
Barranquilla's
competitiveness and the similar
application of best business practices
for the commercialization of various
services. They also shared different
projects related to technical training,
bilingualism, gas sector companies,
artificial intelligence, and capacity
building, among others.
Mayor Jane Castor
Also present at the ceremony was
former Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who visited
Barranquilla during his time as Mayor of
Tampa in 2012. Castor said before her
term ends, she hopes to make the same
trip.
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SISTER CITIES

BARRANQUILLA:
“GOLD DOOR
OF COLOMBIA”
ince, December 8th, 1946,
SBarranquilla is known as the “Gold
door of Colombia”: “Puerta de Oro de
Colombia”. Designated by the President
of Colombia, Mariano Ospina Perez, at
the Inaugural Ceremony of the 5th
version of the Caribbean and Central
American Olympic Games.
The first version of Puerta de Oro de
Colombia is given by the condition of
port city: maritime, fluvial and
Barranquilla area. It is worth
remembering that the capital of the
Atlantic moved everything that entered
through the old dock of the neighboring
municipality of Puerto Colombia,
inaugurated on June 15, 1893.
This dock, which became the third
longest in the world, worked 24 hours a
day.
César Felipe González
Consul General of Colombia in Orlando
That is to say, the movement of cargo
and passengers did not stop. It was the
first port of entry and exit of the country,
through which migrants from Europe,
Asia and the Middle East entered, as
well as new technology and machinery.
It was the gateway for everything
coming from the rest of the world to
Colombia.1.
For this and for other reasons, but
mainly because Barranquilla received
the migrants after World War I, and
World War II, as well as an important
migratory waves from the European
and Arabic regions; where they found a
mixture of cultures, that sparked as a
miracle, a society that by itself, started
to send their investments, as well as
their families (second generation) to
Miami.
Because they were close, and they were
having certain similar commercial
07

traditions, and with the time, second
and third generations started to look up,
that they felt not in their place; and they
began to get back to their own
mainland, that it was Barranquilla, and
started to take back their investments
to empower the City and its Port,
bringing to Barranquilla, a huge
influence within the Great Caribbean
Basin, and highlighting the city, as a
modern city.
Actually, Barranquilla is applying
commercial traditions in a similar
manner, as the main cities in the State
of Florida, like Tampa and Miami, so the
entrepreneurs and businessmen may
feel that, they are talking on a
commercial environment based on
responsibility, and long commercial
traditions to maintain and promote joint
goals and achievements.
I cannot be more honest, when I say
that I am proud as Colombian, for the
transformation that Barranquilla is
having, and invite you to raise your
hand, to visit and embrace
Barranquilla…. People that have not
visited yet Barranquilla, to do it, to see
how the miracle occurs, so it is not just
to watch the city, is to smell the attitude
of having a wonderful city, proud of
emerging as a better city and port.
Our invitation is to look at
Barranquilla as a place
where you really feel like at
home.
César Felipe González
Consul General of Colombia in Orlando
References
1.Periódico El Tiempo. 09/20/2022
08
SISTER CITIES

A SPECIAL WEEK
IN TAMPA:
Honoring decades of sisterhood with Barranquilla
t was a special week in Tampa. On
August 23rd, the Sister Cities Commi-
Ittee led by Fernando Falquez, welcomed
a delegation from Barranquilla,
Colombia to reaffirm our sisterhood
between both cities with the Honorable
Mayor Castor, Councilman Guido
Maniscalco, Director of the City council ,
Javier Marin, Director of Economic
Development and Alfred Goldberg,
President of Tampa Sister Cities.
We also welcomed the Honorable
Colombian Consul general, Cesar
Gonzalez and the former Mayor of
Tampa, Bob Buckhorn.
Barranquilla is Tampa’s oldest sister
city, since 1966 and we are so excited to
continue our collaboration together.
We then continued our morning with a
business forum that included many
business leaders in Tampa. They had
the opportunity to talk about the
important work their organizations
contribute to our city. Vicky Ibañez from
AmCham in Barranquilla, and her
delegation also presented their
perspective on the trade and business
Yasmeen Armoush
Sister Cities Committee
relationship between Tampa and
Barranquilla. This briefing was designed
to explore new avenues for business
and trade between the dynamic
regions of Barranquilla and Tampa.
Attendees were able to learn insights
into investment opportunities and
collaborative initiatives that can drive
growth and innovation in both cities.
The following day, we hosted a student
welcome event for the students
transferring from the Universidad del
Norte to USF in Tampa. This initiative
was started by Yasmeen Armoush, in
2023 and was a success the first year so
she organized the event for this year for
the welcome to be held at Busch
Gardens.
This event was done in collaboration
with USF World. The morning began with
an Orientation at USF World and
afterwards a day at Busch Gardens.
Thanks to Busch Gardens, Community
members and organizations, it was a
very special day for the students!
09

CULTURE CONNECTING
TAMPA AND BARRANQUILLA
he sister city relationship between
Tampa and Barranquilla goes far
Tbeyond formal agreements. Over the
years, culture has played a key role in
bringing the two cities closer, with the
Barranquilla Carnival standing out as
one of the most celebrated events
shared between them.
Recently, Tatiana Angulo Fernandez de
Castro, the Carnaval Queen of
Barranquilla 2025, visited Tampa and
was recognized by Tampa Sister Cities.
This honor not only highlights her role as
an ambassador for one of Colombia’s
most vibrant festivals but also
emphasizes the cultural bond that has
grown between the cities thanks to the
carnival.
Alfred Goldberg, President - Tampa Sister Cities Committee;
Tatiana Angulo, Carnaval Queen of Barranquilla 2025 and
Fernando Falquez, Director Tampa-Barranquilla Committee
Tatiana’s visit is another reminder of
how culture remains a foundation in this
sister city relationship. Tampa and
Barranquilla continue to build a shared
story where music, dance, and
traditions unite hearts.
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SISTER CITIES

THE UNBREAKABLE BOND BETWEEN
BARRANQUILLA AND TAMPA:
A path of opportunities for future generations
By:
Mateo Racini Serje
BBA - Universidad del Norte
www.linkedin.com/in/mateo
-racini-serje
he history of the relationship
Tbetween Barranquilla and Tampa is
a living testament to how citizen
diplomacy can strengthen ties between
nations and create significant
opportunities for their populations.
Since 1966, when both cities became
sisters, there has been a constant
exchange that goes beyond the formal,
creating a solid bridge in economic,
cultural, and educational terms.
The impact of the bilateral agreement
between Tampa and Barranquilla
The bilateral agreement between
Tampa and Barranquilla reflects both
cities' commitment to continuing to
develop their relationship as sister
cities. This agreement is based on
friendly cooperation, uniformity, and
mutual benefit, with the goal of
promoting and expanding economic
cooperation and cultural exchanges
between the two cities.
A key aspect of this agreement is the
intention to promote exchanges in the
fine arts. Art exhibitions, music, dance,
and other cultural activities not only
enrich the lives of citizens but also
create a space for mutual
understanding and appreciation. This
cultural exchange has been
fundamental in building bridges
between the two communities, allowing
the residents of Tampa and
Barranquilla to know and understand
each other better.
11

In addition to culture, the agreement
also focuses on education, promoting
the establishment of contacts between
educational institutions in both cities.
This educational exchange is perhaps
one of the most outstanding
achievements, as it has allowed
students, researchers, and teachers to
share knowledge and experiences that
benefit both Barranquilla and Tampa.
The cooperation in research and the
training of teachers have strengthened
the universities in both cities, enabling
them to stay at the forefront in their
respective fields.
The agreement also covers science and
technology, two areas that are essential
for development and competitiveness
in the 21st century. Through
collaboration in these fields, Tampa and
Barranquilla have been able to share
advances and knowledge that have
benefited their communities.
Additionally, the focus on youth and
sports has created opportunities for the
young people of both cities to connect,
learn, and grow together.
The Importance of the Sister Cities
Barranquilla – Tampa Committee
Since its inception in 1966, the Sister
Cities Barranquilla - Tampa Committee
has been the cornerstone of a
relationship that has lasted for more
than five decades. Under the umbrella
of Sister Cities International, this
committee has been crucial in
promoting exchanges in diverse areas
such as fine arts, technology, sports,
and education. The sisterhood
relationship between Barranquilla and
Tampa has been pioneering, creating a
network of cooperation that has
benefited both cities for decades.
For many years, this committee has not
only worked to promote tourism and
culture but has also laid the foundation
for a robust commercial and academic
relationship. With the mutual
commitment to continue exploring
business opportunities and educational
exchange, this agreement remains a
pillar in the relationship between the
two cities, facilitating better
understanding and cooperation among
their inhabitants.
The Arrival of Academic Transfer
Agreement
One of the most valuable fruits of the
relationship between Barranquilla and
Tampa is the Academic Transfer
Agreement between Universidad del
Norte (Uninorte) and the University of
South Florida (USF). Established in 1993,
this program has been a cornerstone in
the academic cooperation between the
two institutions. Over more than three
decades, hundreds of students have
had the opportunity to participate in
this exchange, obtaining not only a
degree from their home university but
also one from the foreign university.
12 SISTER CITIES

The first gain from this program is
undoubtedly for the students. By
participating in this program, students
have the opportunity to immerse
themselves in an international
educational experience, acquiring skills
and knowledge that are highly valued in
the global job market. Additionally,
these students can expand their
network by interacting with professors,
colleagues, and professionals from both
countries, giving them a unique
competitive advantage.
For Uninorte, having USF as an ally has
been an opportunity to access worldclass
resources and knowledge. The
collaboration in research, especially in
areas such as health, has allowed
Uninorte to advance in its mission to
offer quality education and contribute
to the region's development. On the
other hand, USF has also greatly
benefited from this relationship, as
having Uninorte as a partner has
allowed USF to diversify its academic
offerings and attract high-caliber
international students.
My personal experience as a
participant in the Academic Transfer
Agreement
In 2022, I had the privilege of
participating in the Academic Transfer
Program between Uninorte and USF, an
experience that has left an indelible
mark on my life. Graduating with
degrees in Business Administration and
Finance from two such prestigious
institutions has been, without a doubt,
one of the most important
achievements of my life. I was honored
to receive several awards and
scholarships that are testament to my
efforts during my academic career,
such as the Dean's Advisory Board
Leadership Award, the USF International
Transfer Student Scholarship, and the
SFSP Business Faculty Scholarship, as
well as the invitation to join the
prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Honor
Society (BSG), which recognizes and
honors “the top 10% of undergraduate
students, the top 20% of graduate
students, and all doctoral students who
have successfully defended their
dissertation at an AACSB accredited
business school.”
Moreover, my time in Tampa was an
enriching mix of challenges and
discoveries. Upon arrival, I found myself
immersed in a completely new culture,
where every day was an opportunity to
learn something new. Tampa’s diversity,
with its blend of cultures and traditions,
allowed me to expand my perspective
and better understand the world
around me.
In addition to the academic aspects,
the experience of living in a city like
Tampa was, in itself, a life lesson. From
walks along the Riverwalk to sunsets
over Tampa Bay, every moment was an
opportunity to appreciate the beauty
and diversity of the place. This
experience taught me the value of
13

stepping out of my comfort zone and
exploring new opportunities, a lesson I
will carry with me forever.
A Message for Future Students
To all those considering participating in
the Academic Transfer Agreement or
any similar experience, I say: there are
no limits to what you can achieve. I am
living proof that with determination,
effort, and the right support, it is
possible to reach goals that seem
unattainable.
This program has taught me that no
matter where we come from, our
circumstances do not define our
future. What truly matters is the passion
with which we pursue our dreams and
the perseverance with which we face
challenges. Every obstacle along the
way is an opportunity to grow and learn,
and every achievement is a reward for
our effort.
Finally, I want to leave you with this
message: never underestimate the
power of your dreams. Each of you has
the ability to leave a mark on the world,
to make a difference. No matter how
great the challenges you face,
remember that within you is a strength
that can overcome them. Seize every
opportunity, learn from every
experience, and above all, never stop
dreaming.
The future is full of possibilities, and
each of you has the power to build the
path toward your dreams. Dare to take
the first step because the journey is
worth it!
Join our community!
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14
SISTER CITIES

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Edition in collaboration with AmCham in Barranquilla
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SISTER CITIES
Committee
Tampa & Barranquilla
sistercitiestampabarranquilla
sistercitiestampabarranquilla
Edited in collaboration with AmCham in Barranquilla
September , 2024