The Wheel Of Life Everyday In Venezuela

This article was first published on the 12th of June, 2020 by Patrick Carpen.

One of our correspondents from Venezuela sent us this article. It was written on the 1st of June, 2020 by a Venezuela citizen. The aim of the article is to illustrate the damaging effects of a dictatorship, sanctions and the danger of muzzling the voice of the people.

In Venezuela, dictator Maduro holds on to power through the military which is loyal to him, bringing crippling sanctions to the country. International observers are banned from observing elections in Venezuela and the people’s voice are virtually unheard in sham elections.

A similar situation nearly played out in neighboring Guyana, South America where the APNU/AFC government is trying to hold on to power even after losing the elections and telling international powers to stay out of their business.

The absurdity in telling the world to stay out of Guyana’s business is evident in the fact that Guyana manufactures hardly anything, more Guyanese reside abroad than in Guyana, Guyana’s military is incapable of defending its borders and Guyana depends on the world for its very survival.

Some Guyanese are probably under the highly mistaken idea that the recently commenced oil production will save Guyana from the damaging effects of sanctions and international isolation, but bear in mind that Venezuela has 50 times the proven oil reserve as Guyana does.

The Wheel Of Life Everyday In Venezuela

The serious crisis generated by the Venezuelan government forces millions of people to spend their days looking for ways to get ahead. The dawn of each new day in Venezuela is brings with it the vital question we ask ourselves, “what we will do today to eat at home?”

In Venezuela, we don’t live, we survive. Those of us who are betting on our country beat ourselves to get ahead, taking to the streets, looking for the normality of daily life in an increasingly abnormal country.

The daily routine for myself and many people begins when we leave at dawn to be able to reach a public transport that takes us to the work destination. And although all the energy is spent only to reach a transport, we try to cope with the situation by doing other things. For example, exercises such that will help to prevent illness in the uncertain Venezuelan environment.

I try to lead a healthy life because in this country you cannot afford to get sick. If you get sick, you cannot find medicine. And if I do find them, I may not be able to pay for them. If I have to go to a hospital, the conditions are even worse there. For these reasons it is preferable prevent an illness than to live to regret it.

However, I see the crisis as a storm in the sea. One hopes that there is calm, but if a wind blows, one has to go with it, surfing the wave. The uncertainty of what may arise in the country is something that keeps us nervous and alert.

It is important to survive the crisis by setting priorities. For example, I have stopped buying unnecessary things or treat myself in order to keep my son well. I have sacrificed my quality of life for survival. I am eating only twice a day and in fact there are people who do not even have one meal. One tries to help, but it is complex.

In addition to water and electricity shortages, crime is one of the most frustrating factors for all Venezuelans.

Venezuela today is a symbol not only of the drift of Maduro Chavismo, but of an unprecedented fight for survival in the country.

As you can see from the picture above, one tray of eggs in Venezuela costs 780,000 Bolivar Suberano (Venezuelan currency). The country’s currency is inflated to the point of having no value.