There are over 100,000 Venezuelans and Venezuelan Americans living in Miami, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that thousands would come together to voice support for their home country.
Nicolas Maduro was first elected president of Venezuela in 2013 and has since “reigned” over the impoverished South American country. An involved politician with socialist ideologies, Maduro’s policies are not for the people. His goals have instead focused on self-interest, and his attempts to use the natural resources of Venezuela for his own benefit have all been for his personal motives rather than what’s best for the country as a whole.
Maduro’s reelection in 2019 shocked the world, mainly because of the unlikeliness of it. His policies were proven to be even more disastrous than in previous years. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, it worsened the country’s already existing problems. 9.3 million Venezuelans were left to deal with food insecurity, and over 7.7 million have since left the country. It became obvious that voting to reelect the President who created such devastation would be a poor choice, but again and again, he somehow won. Whether it was through intimidation or even the fact that political parties weren’t represented on the ballot, Maduro’s method to ensure that he would remain in power has been a series of destructive decisions. His alliances have grown to include socialist and communist countries such as Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China. Because of this, the United States has declared their support of the Venezuelan people and their fight towards democracy.
On July 28, 2024, Maduro was elected for his third term as the President of Venezuela, which the majority of the free world refuses to recognize as valid. Data polls have proven that Maduro’s opponent, Edmuno Gonzalez, won this election by a landslide. However, despite the fact that over 50 countries support Gonzalez’s presidency, the Venezuelan military still backs Maduro, ensuring that his policies are passed and can influence the country.
The news quickly reached Miami, an international city with a large Venezuelan population, and on Saturday August 17th, a rally was organized in Bayfront Park. The Downtown Miami protest lasted several hours and was made up of thousands of individuals who were united with a passion for justice. Participants marched with signs demanding a recount and a review of the election results. They insisted that they were not there to promote Venezuelan culture, but instead send a message to the rest of the world that the Venezuelan people are not giving up. Famous hispanic figures, such as Willy Cherino, Arturo Sandoval, and Venezuelan music artist Danny Ocean made an appearance at the peaceful protest to help promote the cause.
Unfortunately, the people who march in Venezuela have yet to enjoy their ability to speak out. Those who have the courage to do so are often met with military backlash. 2,000 have already been imprisoned and 25 have been killed. Peaceful advocacy has been met with open fire shootings, and from within, it seems like there is no hope for the inhabitants of the socialist country.
The protest here in Miami is just one of 300 around the globe that have displayed their support against Maduro’s terrible regime through local advocacy. It is a testament to the people who live here, and is just one example of how we can come together as a community to involve the world in helping others.
