MOLLY MONTGOMERY PHOTO
Hours after hundreds of thousands of protestors took to the streets of Venezuela, 30 protesters gathered in front of New Haven City Hall’s Amistad Memorial in New Haven to take up their chant: “¿Quiénes somos? Venezuela! ¿Qué queremos? Libertad!”
Who are we? Venezuela! What do we want? Freedom!
Despite the freezing New Haven weather, spirits were high as the protesters shouted round after round of cheers for Juan Gaidó, the 35-year-old head of Venezuela’s National Assembly. Amid a political, economic, and health care crisis in his country, Gaidó declared himself president of Venezuela on Jan. 23 and promised an end to Nicholas Maduro’s rule.
The rallies occurred a day before several major European countries are expected to recognize Guaidó as president. Spain, France, England, the Netherlands, and Germany all said they would support him if Maduro does not call for free elections by Feb. 3. Currently the U.S. backs Guaidó while Russia and China back Maduro’s efforts to remain in power.
It was the second time in little over a week that members of New Haven’s Venezuelan community have rallied on behalf of change in their native country.
Maria Hawke (at center in photo), a New Haven resident from Venezuela who organized the New Haven protest, called for humanitarian aid to cope with famine, free democratic elections, and a transitional government. She carried a sign that displayed images of starving children and read, “Venezuela needs humanitarian aid our people are dying from lack of food and medicine.”
Cenobia Garvie (pictured) moved to this area from Venezuela 24 years ago, leaving behind friends and family. She has been taking care of her visiting mother since July. “She might die from no food and no medical care, and I can’t have my mom going back to a place where she might die from either,” said Garvie. “It hurts me so bad seeing my family members. All I’ve done the past five years is send medical relief, food, money.”
The protesters jumped up and down to keep warm as Hawke led their cheers, and passing cars honked to demonstrate support.
“Mi presidente,” the protestors chanted, “es Guaidó.” My president is Guaidó.