A New Year – A New Venezuela?

I know so many people that have shared stories of their businesses being torn away from them. Large and small, simply in a government takeover. Guised as independence and a better life for all simply became another failed nation like Cuba. Family businesses that employed many citizens shuttered. Democracy gone and trampled.

I had the chance to visit Venezuela on a cruise years ago when the government began taking over stores. At first, it was recommended not to get off the ship, but I wanted to witness what was taking place. We hired a professional driver that did not leave our side. There were lines in front of every store. We drove to a shopping mall that was about the size of the old Broward Mall.

It was right before Christmas, but the lot was virtually empty. It was really eerie, almost post-apocalyptic, the three of us walked about 20 minutes in the mall with most shops shuttered. The ones that were open had their gates partly closed for safety. I went into one which sold cosmetics to check the prices. In U.S. Dollars, a simple bottle of Calvin Klein was $375 Dollars. The only store with a line was a toy store. The gate was closed and opened, only allowing a few buyers in at a time.

We drove a bit further to a restaurant on the water. It was lovely and the only place that was crowded. We had to insist that our driver remain and eat with us as workers were not allowed. They had to eat outside.

I am sharing this due to the fact that many people have an opinion, but they do not have experience. They go off of online commentary without knowledge and worse without facts. Sure, these are historic times. Yes, there is uncertainty, but it is the right thing.

Could you imagine our police officers coming to a commission meeting and having to tell us they are doing a drug raid? I do not think so. Even with the shock and awe Maduro knew his days were numbered.

The question remains how long will the newly sworn in President remain in power. 283 of the officials who won the election last May were sworn in. The one main problem is that these are still mostly Marxist and socialist. According to reports there will be some time until a new election, but America will be working to get the country back on its feet.

The oil companies’ involvement which is being called out as Trump takeover of the nation’s oil assets is not the full picture. Actually, it's Exxon and Mobile going back in and taking back over the assets they owned that were stripped away in 2007 without just compensation.

If helping the economy helps the people of Venezuela it will be all worth it. Let’s hope the plan works and the country does get back on its feet.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!