Days after deadly twin earthquakes rocked Venezuela and killed hundreds, activist Yesenia Gonzales has called for Trinidad and Tobago’s authorities to halt deportations to the South American country.
Gonzales yesterday expressed concern over the state of Venezuela, which she said had faced years of economic and humanitarian instability prior to the ousting of its leader Nicolas Maduro.
Gonzales said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s pledge of solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of the quakes was well received among migrants living in Trinidad and Tobago yesterday.
Activists told the Express yesterday that the devastation had placed yet another limit on migrants’ hope to restore stability to their home country.
Nearly six months since the US operation that ousted Maduro and returned diplomatic ties between the two countries, Gonzales said she feared the earthquakes would exacerbate an already difficult situation.
“There is no real change. As long as you have the regime in power, the problems persist. The dollar is going up and up; every day there are still violations of human rights.
“The Venezuelan people in Venezuela are working together to find people and rescue each other. It is the people who are trying their best. The army would throw tear gas in protests, but in this kind of situation their help is limited.
“We are getting international support and we are grateful. I understand the Prime Minister expressed that they are going to help. The country is worse than ever,” she said.
As such, she said she was issuing a call to Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander to halt deportations of illegal migrants in light of what she said was a massive tragedy on Venezuelan soil.
“I am begging the Government at this moment to halt the deportations. They are saying deportations will continue. Migrants come here to get food for their families. Please do not think about deportation right now, it will be a disaster. We have people working to get food for their families.
‘hope restored’: Activist Yesenia Gonzalez holds the Venezuelan national flag as she displays her joy yesterday outside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port of Spain.
—Photo: ROBERT TAYLOR
“I am asking the National Security Minister to have some compassion for the people. This is not the time. This is the time to pray for the country and see how you can help. Venezuela is going through grief, loss, everything, and everything is just a big tragedy. We are asking for prayer for our country,” she said.
Following a migrant registration exercise earlier this year, Alexander reportedly indicated the Government was looking into criminalising re-entry into the country after deportation.
The Express repeatedly attempted to reach Alexander for a response, but was unsuccessful.
