Bringing Freedom to the Murder Capital of the World

The Pope Foundation’s new Achiever Spotlight tells the story of Guillermo Peña Panting, a native of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, widely considered the most dangerous place on Earth outside of a war zone:

What would convince a talented, promising young man to forsake a life of ease in the United States and Europe and return to his home country — a country that’s currently considered the murder capital of the world?

For Guillermo Peña Panting, the answer is simple: freedom.

Gullermo’s home country of Honduras is enduring a season of drug-induced crime. With a murder ratio hovering around 86 homicides per 100,000 in population, Honduras typically tops charts of the most dangerous countries in the world.

And Guillermo’s hometown, San Pedro Sula, is widely regarded as one of the most perilous locales outside of a war zone.

Gang warfare and the drug trade have destabilized the country, particularly following a coup in 2009 that deposed the Honduran president. The country is a major drug transit from South America to the U.S.

But while thousands were fleeing the country, Guillermo saw nothing but opportunity. He decided to move back, bringing his passion for free markets, the rule of law, and individual responsibility with him.

“There is so much more I can do in Honduras than I could ever do elsewhere,” he said.

Read more Achiever Spotlights here.