It’s well known that Venezuela and Guyana have a dispute over oil, based around who has the rights to the territory of Essequibo.
The original plan was to to put out an article, addressing this dispute. However, fate had different plans.
A Caribbean Curveball.
Having visited Jamaica, the plan was to then visit the Latin Caribbean. Continuing our quest to get to know parts of the Caribbean that we’ve never been to.
However, visiting new territories can come with complications. So far the sake of simplicity and peace, it made more sense to go to Guyana instead.
After all, although technically Guyana is physically in South America. Culturally and politically, Guyana is Caribbean and part of Caricom.
Little did we know, that first part, it being part of South America and more specifically, next to Venezuela. Was about to slap us in the face. What we and perhaps most of the world was unaware of was the extent to which Venezuelans are unhappy with life in Venezuela.
Even in the aftermath of the ousting of Nicholas Maduro. Venezuelans have been actively leaving their homeland. When we arrived in Guyana. We soon learned that finding accomodation is challenging because Venezuelans have filled much of what normally would be available.
Guyana, Venezuela & The Big Picture.
In other words, looking at the issues between Guyana and Venezuela as though they were totally separate. Is outdated and erroneous. The reality of life on the ground in Guyana is that, to some extent, Guyana and Venezuela, are one.
Life in Venezuela for Venezuelans has (to some extent) directly impacted life in Guyana for Guyanese people. Moreover, there is a significant Venezuelan community in Guyana.
If nothing else, what the reality of life in Guyana and Venezuela is teaching us is that, we need to tackle the challenges within the region as a region. Proactively.
Instead of what is currently happening. That is, Guyana finding itself reacting, as one nation, in response to what is going on, within another nation.
The Aftermath Of Twin Earthquakes, Or Earthquake In Venezuela.
Currently, since disaster has struck. We have countries throughout the region and world, doing what they can to help Venezuelans bounce back from a natural disaster.
However, the truth is, that the international community and the region as a whole is already guilty of letting down Venezuelans. We’ve been letting Venezuelans down since Chavez.
Who failed to turn Venezuela’s oil wealth, into economic development that benefits Venezuelans long term. To be fair, it may be true that Chavez, did the best that he knew to do. However, the old saying about teaching someone to fish, rather than giving them fish, applies here.
Ultimately, Chavez funded policies that benefited the poor with oil profits. However, these policies failed to empower Venezuelans to take control of their destinies in a long standing way.
We failed Venezuelans again, by allowing Nicholas Maduro to continue failing them like Chavez did. The steady stream of Venezuelans leaving their country, should have prompted us to speak up on their behalf. Moreover, judging by the amount of Venezuelans in Guyana. It looks like the same failure is continuing right now as we speak, uninterrupted. (Except, by this new natural disaster).
Venezuela & Venezuelans, Deserve Better.
Essentially, we need to be more vocal about Venezuelans deserving better governance.
However, on a brighter note, hopefully what can come from this new natural disaster. Is increased awareness, of the plight of Venezuelans.
In 2026, we all need to hopefully do our part in helping Venezuelans rebuild their lives. However, we also need to support Venezuelans in keeping their government accountable.
Rising gas prices, is something that has affected us all. Whether directly, with the cost of fuel, or indirectly with the increased delivery costs caused by the rise in the cost of fuel.
Venezuelan oil should help ensure that gas prices world wide, have a limit on how high they rise. However, behind the scenes, the proceeds from the selling of Venezuelan oil. Has to also benefit the population of Venezuelans in their homeland.
Otherwise, we’d be just replacing one problem with another.
In 2026, it is time that we prioritise prosperity and progress, over corruption and greed.
Corruption and greed only ensures that the rest of us have to foot the bill. However, in 2026, as rational, civilised human beings, why would we let that happen?
