Venezuelan senior citizens are subjected to humiliation and shortages. Some of them depend on their children abroad to survive. After a lifetime of being productive members of society, it takes a toll on their psyche. Maduro accuses them of supporting the Colombian mafia by reselling the cash from their hard earned pension, too.
More than 1,500 people entered The Economist’s Open Future essay contest and one of its four finalists in the Open Borders category was our very own Juan Carlos Gabaldón. Here’s his essay for you.
The Venezuelan diaspora has a vital role that isn’t often mentioned. Sending money, food or medicine, is only part of it. But our diaspora can help by offering moral support, advice, words of encouragement and a virtual shoulder to lean on, too.
Almost two years ago, the Dr. Pastor Oropeza Venezuelan Institute of Social Security in Barquisimeto stopped receiving Aldurazyme, the medicine used to treat Hurler Syndrome in children from Lara and Portuguesa states.
The most recent editorial in the New York Times about Venezuela, argues that Trump should just stay out of it. It’s a nice try but it falls flat because of the weak and naive arguments it presents. Hey, it’s the thought that counts!
Humanitarian crisis and large-scale human rights violations are usually enabled by insufficient response from the international community. Venezuela is no exception. Those who once behaved as the silent accomplices of the Venezuelan regime, are now struggling to handle the massive influx of immigrants determined to escape the country’s crisis.
Long lines are back. They never left entirely, but they did become a rare sight. After Maduro’s paquetazo, panicked citizens are buying everything they can. Food, medicine, gas and cash are scarce, but fear and anguish are not.
Henrique Capriles went from public idol to political orphan. His alleged shady relationship with Odebrecht has hurt what little was left of his dying leadership. Capriles stands alone, while a headless opposition cries for help amidst social and economic collapse.
This school year, 15% of schools may shut down: between 400 and 500 preschools, elementary schools and high schools won’t be able to open in September. The new economic measures put a noose around the neck of parents and representatives, teachers and students alike.
As the hegemony’s restrictions increase, local media in Venezuela face an existential threat thanks to the latest economic measures. And all over the country, some of them are closing shop for now… How do we know it’s not for good?
We’ve been able to hang on for 22 years in one of the craziest media landscapes in the world. We’ve seen different media outlets in Venezuela (and abroad) closing shop, something we’re looking to avoid at all costs. Your collaboration goes a long way in helping us weather the storm.