Bienvenidos to Venezuelans

THE EDITOR: As a Trinidadian, I found it quite embarrassing to read comments submitted by Claire Foster and Allison Hovel on the increasing presence of Venezuelans in Trinidad. Their crude remarks serve only as examples of the levels of ignorance, selfishness and snobbery which have no place in our blessed nation. I have the opportunity to visit Venezuela regularly and each time I return home I thank God I am fortunate enough not to experience the levels of abject poverty that exist there. Venezuela is the world’s fifth oil producer, yet it is not uncommon to see countless children sunburnt from selling items on highways and roads from sunrise to late night when they should be in school. Venezuelans are some of the most hard working people I know, struggling to make ends meet in a crippled economy which has still not recovered from the effects of last year’s political uprising. Businesses open seven days a week until 10 pm to a population of which roughly 80 percent live below the poverty line.

The wealth is unequally distributed and filters down to a small percent of the population, of whom many are foreigners. Trinidadians are numbered among those there owning boats, BMWs, luxurious apartments and living like kings, seemingly quite happy and at home. Despite their circumstances, the real wealth of these Latin Americans exude through their friendliness and incomparable talent. I am always impressed at the craft work, local merchandise and high quality services (in the beauty industry) given at a very, very low price. The best manicure and pedicure I ever got was from a guy named Luis whom I always visit when I come over. But what stands out is the welcoming attitude from a Venezuelan when they hear I am Trinidadian. Men and women are eager to show me wallet photos of their family and try to converse in the little English they know. I have been offered to be taken to nightclubs, sailing and any place of interest with no strings attached, other than to enjoy myself while in their homeland. They have a patriotism I wish was more seen in TT, other that at Carnival time when “all ah we is one.”

My Trinidadian boyfriend who works as an expatriate there is loved like a brother by many of all ages. I can easily attest to the naturally friendly nature of most Venezuelans, many of whom say they have Trinidadian ancestry. A Trini who owns a roti shop in a town called Anaco, which is always filled with Venezuelans clamouring for curry, roti and kurma is proof that the cultures cannot be apart. Ms Foster and Ms Hovel need to recognise the inescapable closeness of our two countries, and that what makes a Venezuelan much more marketable in his own country is the ability to speak English. Some are almost embarrassed they cannot speak English to you when it is you who are in their territory! The real reason they come to Trinidad, apart from wanting a better life, is it is inexpensive to learn English here. This does not mean prostitution, drug smuggling and other illegal activity committed by these South Americans, or any non-national, in TT should be condoned.

But while some stay, there are many who return home better off and with memories from our people whom they (Venezuelans) say they love. I am sure Ms Foster and Ms Hovel have numerous cousins, uncles and tantys living overseas, so why complain about foreigners here? There are much more important issues in our country to worry about other than hearing a strange accent when you telephone a business place. Perhaps they are slightly offended by the effect the naturally sexy Latin women has on our men! So please, Ms Foster and Ms Hovel, get over it. And to Venezuelans studying/living here, Bienvenidos Chamos!

ROXANNE ARTHUR
Diego Martin