https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/26/venezuela-says-overloading-caused-deadly-migrant-shipwreck
On December 6, a boat on the way to Trinidad and Tobago sunk due to an excess of people on board. Over 5.4 million Venezuelans have fled Venezuela, seeking refuge from the political and economic crises within the country. The 41 people aboard the boat with a maximum capacity of 8 passengers were the latest victims of this tragedy, attempting to flee the chaos in Venezuela and forced to turn to desperate and deadly measures. 29 of the victims on board have died. This event shows the dangers evoked upon refugees searching for an escape from the country. As part of the investigation into what happened, the owner of the boat and of the land where the refugees began their journey have been arrested by Venezuelan authorities.
This article highlights the hardships for those suffering in Venezuela right now. The country has been in political turmoil for years, and the economic situation has worsened recently due to the pandemic and lack of government action. These factors have increased the number of refugees fleeing the country, and this article shows the risks associated with this. Refugees have become so desperate to escape the situation in Venezuela that this overwhelms any impending dangers, causing escapes to become more and more risky. In May 2019 Trinidad and Tobago took in over 16,000 refugees, and 3 boats were also lost en route to the country that year. These Caribbean islands have received a lot of criticism with how they’ve handled the incoming refugees due to their lack of support and action. This is obviously difficult for these islands as they’re struggling to deal with the pandemic, but are also receiving refugees from another country who are potentially bringing the virus with them.
This issue connects to what we’ve discussed in class by looking at it through the levels of analysis. By looking at it from a regional level, focus is put on the interactions between Venezuela and other places in the region, such as Trinidad and Tobago. Because of the islands’ proximity to Venezuela, they’re forced into the political topic of asylum. Through a state level, one can look at the ongoing chaos in the country politically and economically, putting many citizens at risk for their well beings. Lastly, from an individual level one can look at the actions of President Nicolas Maduro who has placed the country under an authoritarian rule.