Why We Must Defend The Bolivarian Revolution In Venezuela

Last Month saw Fra Hughes in Venezuala.

Having just returned from a 10 day on the ground visit to Caracas and Carache in the Yaracuy province of Venezuela, I have been astounded by the social progress and social programmes adopted by the elected government of Venezuela from Commandante Chavez to President Maduro.

A country that has had 20 elections in 20 years and the people still overwhelmingly affirm the socialist advances of the socialist government.

Arriving at Caracas International Airport

The illegal sanctions imposed on the Bolivarian revolution have led to an estimated 40,000 deaths from untreated cancers {radiation machines in need of repair} an increase in TB and Malaria, diabetes related deaths, high blood pressure conditions all unmedicated {embargo on life saving medicines continues}.

Fuel shortages, electricity black outs, food inflation lack of female sanitary products, the fall of the bolivar, frozen assets worth 50 billion in foreign banks, 340 million lost the Venezuelan economy and a suspension of the programme for progress on social and infrastructure projects is having an effect on the people and society.

Simon Bolivar

I visited the mausoleum of Hugh Chavez, a man who followed in the steps of Simon Bolivar the Great Liberator, who helped free Venezuela, Equador and Columbia from Spanish colonial rule, Chavez envisioned a Venezuela, a South America and a world free from capitalist Imperialist Financial colonisation in a world of equals.

The people of the region, many of whom are still inspired by this vision as am I.

74% of the national budget is spent on social programmes to include housing ,health, welfare agriculture and infrastructure.

The Barios of Caracas are now accessed by Cable cars alleviating a one to two hour walk laden with heavy food or water for the most vulnerable in society who inhabit places like San Augustin on the mountain above Caracas.

Cable cars to access the Barios.

A social housing project building over 2 million new homes to replace the slum dwellings in the Barios is at an advanced stage.

One in three children are accessing free education and one in nine attend free universities, poverty has been reduced from 40% to 20 % and extreme poverty from 20 % to 5 % . Child mortality rates are falling and adult literacy rates are rising.

Social Housing project to include health clinics and schools

Welfare pensions, unheard before Chavez are becoming the norm, giving life and hope to the elderly, free health care, modern homes and sanitation combined with subsidised food, electric, rents and fuel has brought millions out of despair and into a growing social economy.

Part of the food soverignty delegation visiting

Carache collective farms with Pueblo A Pueblo

The human crisis which is beginning to affect Venezuela is man made.It is not from natural disasters but from American foreign policy, American politicians and business moguls who cannot allow a socialist government to spend taxes on the people with social payments which give life to the vulnerable but not profits to the elite and global companies

Traditional farming methods cultivation the farmlands for Pueblo A Pueblo in Carache

If we desire a future built on humanity justice and freedom we must support President Maduro.

We must help the ordinary people, who have gained so much in only a few short decades, who stand by the vision of Chavez and the Bolivarian revolution.

Haste Siempre Victoria. Another world is possible! End the illegal sanction on Venezuela Now

Signing No To Trump petition downtown Caracas

⏭ Fra Hughes blogs @ The North Belfast Journal: A View From Napoleon's Nose.