Senior Reporter
kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
With Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro declaring victory in the country’s presidential elections last Sunday, despite the opposition party and others claiming they have contrasting evidence, T&T should prepare for another “great exodus” from Venezuela.
Human rights activist Sofia Figueroa-Leon told Guardian Media yesterday that there are already foreign newspaper reports stating that 18 per cent of the population could leave Venezuela if Maduro does not demit office.
Figueroa-Leon said this would be hard on neighbouring countries like Colombia, which the United Nations High Commission for Refugees states has nearly three million Venezuelan refugees and migrants.
“These people have to find jobs and where to live, so imagine an exodus of over 100,000 Venezuelans coming to Trinidad. Right now, Trinidad is not too fine economically. What is going to happen? And I am saying that our Government is not putting anything in place,” Figueroa-Leon said.
She said not every Venezuelan who sets foot in T&T is good, professional or educated. With many of them headed here, she said the Government should set up a computerised centre with help from Interpol or the Venezuelan authorities to access their criminal databases. That way, national security agencies here can screen migrants to imprison the criminals and repatriate them. She said the Government should also give those who can contribute to the country a chance.
“I live in a world where every human is your brother.”
Venezuela’s National Electoral Council issued a preliminary report on July 29 stating that Maduro had won the election with 51 per cent of the votes over opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. On Friday, the council said it tallied nearly 97 per cent of votes, which showed Maduro’s victory with just under 52 per cent. The Opposition, however, claims to have evidence its candidate won the major votes.
Figueroa-Leon said Venezuela’s constitution states that the council has 48 hours to present the tally of all the states, counties, districts, parishes and various embassies.
“Today is seven days since the Venezuelan elections. They have not released the final tally. What does that tell you?”
Figueroa-Leon said she has a signed document of the tally in Trinidad, as others have in Venezuela, that shows Gonzalez won the election. She said that with the United States of America showing an interest in the outcome, Maduro would not be able to demit office easily unless he negotiates refuge status in another country.
As for why Venezuelans would want to leave their country, she said people started to see how Maduro supporters began living lavishly with mansions and helipads. Only they can afford cars and houses to live comfortably, she added.
Noting that the Venezuelan minimum wage was actually US$5 per hour, and citizens received US$20 as an economic war bonus, she said people cannot think or speak against the government, as agents force people to hand over their mobile phones for inspection. She said Guardia Nacional forcefully inspected her cousin’s phone and imprisoned her for the past five days without laying a charge or issuing a fine.
“If they see any post that your friend sends you that or anything against the government, you are going to prison.”
She said primary schools indoctrinate students, portraying former president Hugo Chávez as a saviour. Meanwhile, many educators have left the system.
“Those now looking to leave were waiting for the election and saw no need to leave because everyone said the opposition would win.”
Figueroa-Leon said while Venezuelan children may not get an education, the women will get no respect and the men exploited here in Trinidad, they will still earn significantly more money cleaning someone’s home.
