(CNN) -- The Secret Service scandal has all the elements of a salacious story: Sex, alcohol, national security, politics, exotic tropical settings and sex -- or did I already mention sex? But beyond the breathless coverage and oh-so-shocked commentary lie some serious repercussions. The scandal originated in the Colombian city of Cartagena when an agent allegedly refused to pay a local woman the agreed fee of $800 for her sexual services at the historic white-arched hotel where American taxpayers paid for him to sleep while traveling on official duty. Colombia has asked the White House to issue an official apology for tarnishing the country's image. The city of Cartagena, the country's top tourist destination, is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its residents are bristling under the harsh and damaging spotlight.
@highlight
After the Secret Service scandal, Colombia asked President Obama to apologize
@highlight
Frida Ghitis: Obama shouldn't apologize, but he needs to start taking Latin America seriously
@highlight
She says the U.S. has been ignoring, at its own peril, a region amid its renaissance
@highlight
Ghitis: Obama should push for stronger economic ties and partnership with South America
That's because @placeholder has truly performed a miracle, emerging from half a century of armed conflict and horrific violence to a position of strong economic growth.