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A Walk Through The Barrio, Catia, In Caracas, Venezuela

Today I went to Catia the biggest barrio in West Caracas with a population of 1.5 million. An amazing cultural trait that I’ve noticed in Venezuela is the way people walk up to me with no introduction and make political declarations. This one is about the CLAP (the government-subsided food packages):

The ‘CLAP; are government-subsidized food bags, which are up to 90% cheaper than market value and have been a lifeline for so many due to hyper inflation.

The delivery and distribution is a true community effort and was a pleasure to witness and like so many community actions, women are at the forefront.

The support for the government was undeniable. I provocatively asked one of the women, “Wouldn’t live [sic] be easier if the opposition came into power, sanctions would be lifted and life would be less harsh.” She cried in my face and explained that for her, the Washington-aligned opposition was the problem.

In all of the coverage in the Western Mainstream Media that you have seen of Venezuela, have you seen a video of a man filling up a plastic bag full of food provided by the government? But I am sure you have seen countless videos of people looking through plastic bags for rubbish. Ask yourself why.

Now one thing that I have to begrudgingly show appreciation to the likes of BBCWorld CNN MSNBC for is because you all do such a lousy job and render these people in invisible.

It makes it easy for me to make a good impression by simply speaking to them and asking them questions.

Seriously to receive such a warm welcome gives me the impression that not too many journalists from the ‘West’ have bothered to spend too much time in the ‘West’ part of Caracas.

Where the people are poorer, darker, don’t speak English and overwhelmingly support the government.

Finally, I am honestly amazed at the spirit of the Venezuelan people.

U.S empire throws everything at them and they continue to smile, joke, laugh and take pictures.

They joke about ‘Narco’ Rubio and then they continue to organise and mobilise. I have learnt so much from them.

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