Finally, after a five-week delay, two Venezuelan vessels set sail for the island of Curaçao loaded with watermelon, lemon, avocado, and bananas. The status quo is celebrated with joy, drums, laughter, and ambition. Among them, the crazies paid tribute to the governor, who, for three years, said very little about the border closure and, for political reasons, remained silent and distant from those affected.
I remember the countless protests and complaints of the maritime workers. They demanded help time and time again, with no one extending a helping hand. Amid the persistent self-promotion of some Fedecámaras (Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce) spokespersons to claim someone else’s victory and the political indifference of those in power, the people of Vela and its mariners migrated. Some changed their route at sea, while others died in their attempt to reach the islands. Three years of tragedies, civil weariness, and despair. How does one recover lost time?
The paralysis of the economy in Falcón with the island of Curaçao increased extreme poverty in La Vela. According to estimates from the defunct board of commerce in the Colina municipality, around 15,000 mariners and their families were exposed to extreme poverty, and 300 formal and entrepreneurial businesses ceased to exist. At least 64 commercial vessels became inoperative, resulting in additional losses.
At the end of 2021, six customs and shipping companies closed their doors. The unemployment rate increased, and 30 direct and 50 indirect positions were left vacant, to name some of the consequences.
Throughout this time, the Chavismo blamed the sanctions and “political interference” by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
A few days before the reopening in April 2023, disbelief reigned in the coastal areas of Falcón. Seeing is believing! They were right. The bureaucratic burden did not allow the Venezuelan state to exploit fireworks on the D-day.
The mariners did not have money to pay for a passport, and there was a lack of foreign currency to cover expenses. More than 100 mariners from La Vela did not have the necessary documents to return to international work. The vessels were not prepared. Poverty is a reality. Inflation makes it impossible for exporters.
The long-awaited moment finally arrived for some. On May 7, two vessels and a group of mariners full of hope bid farewell with great joy at the artisanal dock, which also needs state investment. They will face the challenge of elevating Venezuelan dignity on the island and presenting Curaçaoans with the incomparable taste of Venezuelan fruits and vegetables. They will have to compete with Colombian and Dominican producers. They will have to find the best supplier and overcome bureaucratic obstacles.
Did La Vela and its maritime workers deserve three years of punishment? Trade exchange with the ABC islands represented 18% of Falcón's GDP in 2018.
Jhonattam Petit,
Venezuelan journalist
