Independence day: Five people who built the Colombia we know and love

July 20 is Colombia’s independence day so we look at some key people in Colombia’s history.


Simón Bolívar – 1783-1830

Clemmie Pollard:

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  • In the article "July 20 is Colombia’s independence day so we look at some key people in Colombia’s history," published on July 20, 2019, the author Clemmie Pollard states that "Also known as ‘La Pola’, Bolívar’s lover is considered a heroine of Colombian independence." This assertion is completely wrong. "La Pola" was not Simón Bolívar's lover, they didn't even get to know each other. I suppose the author is referring to Manuela Saenz, an Ecuadorian woman who appeared on the scene several years after La Pola's death.
    As Colombia's most beloved heroine, this inaccuracy can be offensive to Colombians. Could you please correct the mistake?
    Thank you.