They each worked as university lecturers in Venezuela earning a combined monthly salary of US$6,000.
The high-paying and lucrative jobs of Johannys Bolivar and his wife Emeritta gave them status and all luxuries they needed.
But when Venezuela began facing its economic and political turmoil, the couple’s life and that of their two young sons began going downhill.
It forced them to flee their hometown in Arenales.
On Thursday, the couple spoke to Guardian Media about their troubling and unforgettable experiences faced under President Nicolas Maduro’s regime- one which they will never forget.
In the blink of an eye, they said the prosperous life they had built came crashing down.
For 16 years Rohannys, 40, a mechanical engineer lectured math and technical drawing at the Enexpo University in Barquisimeto.
His wife taught English, both taking home a combined salary of US$6,000 monthly.
The cushy positions and exorbitant pay allowed them to buy a luxurious house, a car and live in comfort.
However, due to the ongoing economic crisis, the couple said their salaries were slashed in 2018.
“It started going down and down last year until it reached US$5 a month. That is what were each receiving,” Johannys said.
They both had to chuck their jobs and look for other pursuits to earn a living.
Emeritta, 41, made empanadas that Johannys sold from a box on the streets at nights.
“I also had to hold down three menial jobs. We struggled. It was tough,” Emeritta recalled.
A Trinidadian woman who had vacationed in Venezuela and came to love the couple suggested they leave Venezuela in search of better opportunities and stability outside.
The woman invited them into her St Ann’s home.
They took up the offer.
Getting to Trinidad was their biggest problem, as the couple’s sons did not have passports.
Emeritta said she spent four months in Caracas battling to get their passports.
“I was sleeping on the streets. The military push you... they hit you and say bad words. They tell you that you would clean toilets in another country and become a prostitute. Their words were hurtful...it made me cry.”
Emeritta was branded a traitor for trying to abandon her country.
“They don’t know your situation. They don’t know what you are going through,” an emotional Emeritta said.
After arriving in our shores last August, Johannys worked for eight months at a Diego Martin supermarket, bagging groceries and packing shelves for $18 an hour.
“It made him feel inferior knowing that he was a professional in his field for many years and had to work in a supermarket. But there is no shame in a job....in any job. We were able to rise above the adversities coming here,” Emeritta said.
In June, the family applied for their registration cards.
However, Johannys was the only person who received his card last month.
“We were told we have to wait. I don’t know why. I am waiting,” Emeritta said with disappointment.
When the card expires in one year, the couple said they have no idea what will be their next step.
Last month, they began teaching English and maths at a Maraval school for Venezuelan refugee children.
“We received our first salary on Thursday and we went to open a bank account,” Johannys said.
A large portion of their earnings was wired to Emeritta’s mother who is ill and needs regular medication.
“My dream is to go back home because all my family is there. My mommy has Alzheimer’s...she doesn’t remember me,” Emeritta said, as fresh tears flowed from her eyes.
“Our children love it here and are learning English. We have a job. Your people have treated us with love. We have made so many friends.”
The couple said as much as they want to return home, they are fearful that Maduro’s regime will victimise them.
“Maduro is evil. He broke up my family’s life. I can never forgive him for that. If we go back home we will face victimisation for forsaking our country,” Emeritta said.