Venezuela has not closed its doors to possible intervention from its Caribbean neighbours. In fact, according to Venezuela’s ambassador to Guyana Reina Diaz, Caracas needs that support in the face of the country’s deepening political crisis. At a news conference yesterday in Georgetown, Diaz urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states to stand with the Nicolas Maduro administration which has been rocked by violent anti-government protests. For eight straight weeks, angry demonstrators, including opposition forces and various civil groups, have taken to the streets demanding fresh elections. They blame Maduro for the economic crisis they say has caused shortages of food, medicine and basic supplies. The death toll has climbed to 49, according to international media reports. Diaz stressed that the Venezuela government remains committed to holding peaceful dialogue to ease the tension, even as she pointed fingers at “radical sectors of the political opposition”.
