Some Venezuelans residing in Winnipeg express a range of emotions following the U.S.-led military strikes and capture of President Nicolás Maduro, announced by President Donald Trump. Cristina Rodrigues Bonito, a Venezuelan who moved to Canada in 2014, described her mixed feelings, saying she felt a combination of joy, caution, and hope for the future. She emphasized the need for a peaceful and swift resolution. The capture of Maduro, along with his wife, followed a series of explosions and military activity in Caracas. President Trump stated that the U.S. would oversee the country until a suitable transition occurs, citing allegations against Maduro.
Jeanette Pantin Pérez, another Venezuelan in Winnipeg, raised concerns about the underlying motives behind the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, particularly regarding the country’s oil resources. Trump’s references to oil during a press conference raised skepticism among some Venezuelans, including Pantin Pérez, who hoped for a focus on human rights restoration.
Luiz Antonio Rodrigues Bonito, Cristina’s brother, acknowledged the potential impact of the intervention on Venezuela’s oil sector. Despite past positive experiences with American involvement in the industry, he highlighted the harsh living conditions in Venezuela that prompted his family to flee the country. Cristina expressed a desire for political change in Venezuela, hoping for a transition to a more stable and prosperous future.
A rally in Winnipeg saw participants protesting the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, criticizing the use of force and interference in a foreign nation’s governance. The rally attendees called for respect for Venezuela’s self-determination and urged Canada to take a stand against the U.S.’s actions. Various international reactions to the intervention were mixed, with some nations supporting the move and others condemning it. Pantin Pérez emphasized the need for legitimate and solid foundations for any changes in Venezuela, questioning the legitimacy of the recent events.
The Venezuelan diaspora in Winnipeg and beyond continues to navigate a complex web of emotions and hopes for a better future for their homeland, as political developments unfold.