Local groups, alongside representatives from Cuba and Venezuela, recently converged at Bideau Park in Castries to loudly denounce the illegal military actions perpetrated by the United States against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
During the rally, participants unequivocally condemned the airstrikes executed in the early hours of January 3, which devastated several Venezuelan cities, resulting in the tragic deaths of approximately 100 individuals, nearly another hundred injured, and the unlawful kidnapping of Constitutional President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.
The demonstration, organized by the Saint Lucia–Venezuela Solidarity Association, drew participation from the resident ambassadors of Cuba and Venezuela in Saint Lucia, social organizations, local media outlets, members of the Cuban medical brigade, Venezuelan citizens, and Saint Lucians expressing steadfast solidarity with Venezuela.
Unyielding Condemnation of the Attack on the Venezuelan People
At the event, Trevor Heath, President of the Saint Lucia–Venezuela Solidarity Association, delivered a powerful statement that conveyed the absolute indignation and condemnation of the Saint Lucian people toward the actions of the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the kidnapping of the Venezuelan Head of State and his wife.
The organization categorically denounced the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean—a region designated as a Peace Zone—highlighting the looting of Venezuelan oil resources, the unlawful seizure of ships in international waters deemed acts of piracy, and the extrajudicial executions that have occurred under the guise of combating drug trafficking.
During the event, Tee White from the Caribbean Empowerment Group asserted, “Sovereignty is not granted; our ancestors fought for it. We cannot remain silent when it is under assault, as is happening in Venezuela today. Defending the Venezuelan people is inherently defending our own sovereignty.”
Journalist and analyst Earl Bousquet warned, “Beyond the Caribbean, there are overwhelming precedents of U.S. interventions in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Libya. These events serve as a crucial alert, as the crisis in Venezuela could be a precursor to what might unfold in other nations. This is not merely psychological warfare; these are tangible threats made with clear execution intentions.”
Jerome Wilness, representative of the JC Will Foundation, emphasized that the Saint Lucian people, particularly the youth, adamantly reject the events in Venezuela, recognizing it as a serious affront to the moral values and character that our society upholds.
The Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Saint Lucia, Leiff Escalona, expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering solidarity extended by authorities, social organizations, and everyday citizens.
She highlighted that “in every venue where I have been in recent days, someone approaches me to convey their resolute support for the Venezuelan people and government, alongside their outright rejection of this aggression.”
The Venezuelan diplomat reaffirmed that the Venezuelan people remain steadfast in defending their sovereignty, backed by the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, and stressed that “the Venezuelan people are boldly in the streets demanding the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.”
She also clarified that constitutional order and the full functioning of state institutions persist in Venezuela, noting that following President Maduro’s kidnapping, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice directed Executive Vice President Delcy RodrĂguez to assume the role of Acting President.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Saint Lucia, Yenielys Linares, also spoke forcefully against the illegal U.S. attack on Venezuela, declaring Cuba’s unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and paying a special tribute to the Cuban combatants who sacrificed their lives defending Venezuela’s freedom.
The day of protest concluded with resounding slogans of support and solidarity: “Long Live Venezuela!” “Release President Nicolás Maduro!” “Long Live Cuba!”