Centre of Caracas, Venezuela, June 2024

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Dear Friends,

I hope this email finds you all well and happy. Those in the northern hemisphere enjoying summer, while those in the south are hopefully getting some pleasant chills and perhaps even the joys of winter!

In a few weeks' time, I will be celebrating my first anniversary in Venezuela. When reflecting on my time here, the first thing that comes to mind is a sense of utmost gratitude and privilege to be spending a part of my life in this country. I dare say that I have simply fallen in love with Venezuela and its people. The country is breathtakingly beautiful in terms of landscapes. Towns and cities are full of colour and charm. Surprisingly, even Caracas, which internationally has a poor reputation, is nothing like what I initially expected. Despite all the odds, it is an exciting and bustling metropolis, filled with culture, charming cafés and restaurants, and very distinctive neighbourhoods. Some parts of the city may not be ‘obviously beautiful’, they could even be considered ugly, but when you give them a try and immerse yourself slowly in their cultural and social textures, you suddenly have to give in and fall in admiration! I suppose you have guessed what I wanted to say… it is more about the people rather than just buildings. All of a sudden, when you enjoy and appreciate people, everything looks colourful and tempting, even grey blocks and endless shanty towns. Again, you may have guessed it: I find the people of Caracas, and Venezuelans in general, to be some of the friendliest on the planet. As people are so easy and accommodating, I have managed to make multiple friendships. I have come to know a variety of local people who have kind of adopted me and look after me here. They represent people from many walks of life. Some are families of befriended taxi drivers, some are local shop owners, casually acquainted artists, or business people. It is probably one of the few times that I remember that during my professional posting I have more local than international friends (although I have some amazing international friends and colleagues as well). I like my life here very much!

As far as work goes, I enjoy working here a lot as well. The team I work with here in Caracas, but also in my regional office in Panama City and finally at HQ in Brussels, is very competent, hard-working but also extremely friendly and what I call ‘human’. The humanitarian context in this country is very complex and worrying at the same time. For various reasons (one of them being that I do not want to bore you) I will spare you the details, but just mention that levels of poverty are mind-boggling, and more often than not these translate into humanitarian suffering for millions of people. Access to basic health, potable water, widespread food insecurity, and conflicts cause unnecessary deaths, malnutrition, and diseases, and also force people to migrate within the country or out of it. These migrations frequently cause abuse, and assault and tend to end up tragically with people often falling victim to slavery or, in many cases, dying. It feels frustrating to be able to do so little to assist. Despite working really hard, because of strains on resources, very limited access to people in need (for a variety of political, logistical, or physical reasons), we only are able to reach a small part of those who should be supported. Sometimes, I think that working in this ‘business’ for such a long time, I should get used to this reality, but somehow this is not happening. Seeing the people suffer the way they do here genuinely makes me feel impotent, sad, and sometimes angry. It takes a lot of energy to work with these negative feelings, so that they can be a source of motivation. I need to admit, this is a difficult posting from that perspective.

I do have some ‘out of Venezuela’ experiences as well! Just a few months ago, I visited Mum in Poland, and together we ventured on a wonderful trip to Japan. We visited Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and Kobe. You can’t even realise how happy and glad I was to be able to travel with Mamma. Experiencing a new country, which is so different to Poland or Europe was so special. While I loved Japanese food and architecture, Mum seemed to have enjoyed the parks, plants, and nearly-perfect organisation 'of everything'. Besides Japan, we also travelled around Poland, with a memorable visit to the breathtaking city of Wroclaw and the nearby (Disney-like) Castle of Ksiaz. When travelling around Japan and Poland, Mamma and I had a chance to meet some of my former colleagues and friends whom I had not seen for ages. My Japanese friend, currently based in Tokyo with whom I used to work in South Sudan, and then my Australian friend, visiting Warsaw, based in Ukraine, with whom I worked in Ethiopia. Meeting them was wonderful. It was also great that Mum had a chance to get to know them, as somehow, it gives her a bit of insight into why it is that I enjoy my work so much.

I should also mention to those of you interested in following the life of Tahir that he is well. He and his sweetheart, now wife, Amna, live on the outskirts of Toronto, and are happy! I only regret that I have fewer chances to see them personally. The fact that Tahir still does not have a Canadian passport, and the fact that travelling out of Venezuela is a bit more challenging and costly compared to a lot of other places, makes these reunions difficult. Hopefully, Tahir will soon be able to finalise his Canadian naturalisation processes, and this should make his travels less restrictive. Can’t wait to see them both, even if we speak and communicate often.

Talking of naturalisations, I am also pleased to inform you that I am now officially a naturalised citizen of Portugal (hurrah), and therefore a proud dual national of my native Poland and adopted Portugal.

Finally, I should advise you that in a week, Venezuela goes to the polls to choose the new president. While observing the politics and the electoral process is very interesting to me, as a foreigner, many Venezuelans are worried about the future of their country, even if at the same time, there is a strong sense of optimism as well. While no one really knows how the situation will evolve, there is a possibility (even if not hugely likely) that after the election, the country may experience some disturbances. This, in turn, may mean cuts to the internet and challenging communication. I am writing about this, as it may be somehow challenging to contact me. If that happens, please rest assured that I am well looked after by my organisation and well prepared to go through whatever may be coming.

I will be finalising this message before it becomes too long. Please do write when you can. I will be so happy to hear from you. As a reminder, you can reach me either at info@romanmajcher.eu.

And here is the link to my latest photo albums in case you would like to have a look: https://www.romanmajcher.eu/blog-2/files/7d9a8e4ebb1ee5b2dbdf379b7235313b-141.html.

Sending my warmest regards to all of you,
Roman

Simon Bolivar's image on the mural, Caracas, Venezuela, January 2024

There is only one week left until the presidential election in Venezuela. The entire country is in the midst of preparations for the event. Political rivals are campaigning, and people are making up their minds on how to vote.

As a foreigner, I feel excited to observe the process and look forward to the outcome. Yet, I am aware that the results will have an immense impact on the lives of millions in this amazing country. While I will refrain from expressing my preferences, I genuinely hope and wish that the election will be a great celebration of the wishes of the people of Venezuela.

While we all hope that the process will be peaceful and joyful, I wish all my Venezuelan friends that their dreams come true, whatever those dreams may be!

Photo Credit: Tal Cual, Sucre, Venezuela, July 2024

You may have heard that Hurricane Beryl caused significant devastation across various countries in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been severely affected, and aid and recovery operations are ongoing.

Sadly, as the media report, the northern province of Sucre in Venezuela has also been badly impacted, with many thousands of people losing their homes and properties. The destruction is severe. Given my job, I am sure you can rightly guess that I am very interested in following up on the overall situation. The last nine days have been filled with attempts to understand the needs and support those who are working tirelessly to address them. The work has been emotional in many ways, as it is truly heartbreaking to see people enduring so much suffering. Hopefully, the efforts of countless people delivering aid to those affected will bring at least some relief to those in need. Here, my gratitude and words of highest respect go to the teams of Venezuela Civil Protection, as well as the local Red Cross, doing truly heroic work in helping the affected people.

Casco Viejo in Panama City, Panama, June 2024

Today, I am stepping out into the vibrant streets of Caracas, joining many others in the annual Pride March. This is not just another event on the calendar; it is a significant, powerful statement of solidarity, visibility, and resistance. As I prepare to march, I feel pride, excitement, and a deep sense of happiness. Here’s why this march is so important to me.

Pride is a celebration of our diverse identities and the beautiful spectrum of human experiences. In a world that often tries to fit people into narrow boxes, Pride is a time to break free and celebrate the unique and varied ways in which we express ourselves. Today, I march to celebrate the richness of our community—our different stories, backgrounds, and identities. Each person marching is a vibrant thread in the colourful tapestry of humanity, and I am honoured to be a part of it.

The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over, especially in places where legal protections and societal acceptance are still lacking. In Venezuela, as well as in my native Poland, the struggle for equal rights and recognition continues, and today’s march is a powerful reminder that we must keep pushing forward. I march to stand up for the rights of my LGBTQ+ siblings, to demand equality, and to insist that our voices be heard. This march is a protest against discrimination and an assertion of our right to live freely and openly.

Today, I march to honour the trailblazers who paved the way for today's generation. The history of the LGBTQ+ movement is filled with brave individuals who risked everything for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. From the Stonewall Riots to local activists who have tirelessly worked for change, their courage and determination inspire me. By marching, I pay tribute to their legacy and commit to continuing their fight for justice and equality.

The Pride March is not just about celebrating the present but also about envisioning a better future. I march for a world where everyone, regardless of how they identify, can live without fear of prejudice or violence. I march for future generations, so that they can grow up in a world that embraces them for who they are. Every step we take today is a step towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.

There is something profoundly uplifting about coming together with others who share your struggles and dreams. Pride is a time to connect, support, and uplift one another. Today, I march to foster a sense of community and solidarity. In a world that can often feel isolating, Pride reminds us that we are not alone. Together, we are stronger, and our collective voice can bring about meaningful change.

As I join the Pride March in Caracas today, I do so with a heart full of hope and determination. I march to celebrate, to protest, to honour, and to envision a better world. This march is a powerful reminder of our collective strength and the importance of standing together. No matter where you are or who you love, you deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. Today, we march for a world where everyone can live with pride.

Happy Pride!

PS. The pictures from the event will follow soon!

Delta Amacuro, Venezuela, April 2023

Last week, as you may remember, I participated in work meetings where we discussed planning for our work in 2025. One major topic we need to address is the forced migration of millions across the American continent. To illustrate the scale and gravity of this issue, I thought it would be helpful to highlight the following points:

Forced Migration in the Americas

Forced migration has been a significant, often tragic, component of the history of the Americas. From the transatlantic slave trade to modern-day displacement due to conflict and environmental disasters, forced migration shapes the demographics, cultures, and societies of the continent.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade

One of the most brutal forms of forced migration in the Americas was the transatlantic slave trade. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homelands and transported across the Atlantic to work in plantations, mines, and homes across the Americas. The Middle Passage, as it was known, was notorious for its inhumane conditions, with high mortality rates due to disease, malnutrition, and abuse.

The impact of the transatlantic slave trade was profound, altering the social and economic landscapes of the Americas. It entrenched racial hierarchies and systems of oppression that continue to affect societies today. Nevertheless, the cultural contributions of African slaves are a testament to their resilience and have significantly enriched the cultural fabric of the Americas.

Indigenous Displacement

Indigenous populations across the Americas have also experienced significant forced migrations. The arrival of European settlers led to the widespread displacement of Native American, First Nations, and other indigenous communities. In the United States, policies such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830 resulted in the infamous Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans were forced to relocate from their ancestral lands to designated "Indian Territory."

In Central and South America, Spanish and Portuguese colonisers similarly displaced indigenous populations, often through violent means. The legacy of these displacements is still evident today, with many indigenous groups continuing to fight for land rights and cultural preservation.

Contemporary Issues/Conflict-Induced Displacement

In the modern era, forced migration in the Americas often results from conflict. Countries like Colombia have experienced prolonged internal conflicts that have displaced millions of people. The Colombian civil war, involving government forces, paramilitaries, and guerrilla groups like the FARC, has forced countless families to flee their homes, seeking safety within the country or as refugees abroad.

Similarly, political instability and violence in Central American countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala have driven large numbers of people to migrate, often undertaking perilous journeys to seek asylum in the United States. The phenomenon of "caravans" of migrants travelling together for safety and solidarity has captured international attention, highlighting the desperation and determination of those fleeing violence and poverty.

Environmental Displacement

Climate change and environmental disasters are increasingly contributing to forced migration in the Americas. Hurricanes, floods, and droughts have devastating effects, particularly on vulnerable communities. The Caribbean and Central American regions are notably susceptible to such events, with hurricanes regularly displacing thousands of people.

Additionally, slow-onset environmental changes, such as desertification and sea-level rise, threaten livelihoods and habitats, prompting migration. For instance, coastal communities in places like the Caribbean islands and the Gulf Coast of the United States face existential threats from rising sea levels, leading to both temporary and permanent displacement.

The Response to Forced Migration

Addressing forced migration in the Americas requires a multifaceted approach. Governments, international organisations, and civil society must work collaboratively to provide humanitarian assistance, ensure the protection of human rights, and create pathways for legal migration.

Moreover, addressing the root causes of forced migration is crucial. This involves promoting peace and stability, fostering economic development, and tackling climate change. For indigenous communities, this also means respecting land rights and cultural autonomy.

In conclusion, it is fair to state that forced migration in the Americas is a complex issue rooted in historical injustices and exacerbated by contemporary challenges. Understanding its causes and consequences is essential for developing effective and compassionate responses. By acknowledging the resilience of those who have been displaced and addressing the systemic issues that force people to leave their homes, the Americas can move towards a more just and equitable future.

Contemporary design of a Portuguese passport

Some of you may remember that eight years ago, I decided to make Portugal my second home. As my life has turned into a never-ending journey involving countless travels around the world, it is somewhat difficult to define what home is in my case. Having written this, I am very happy that Portugal has become, along with Poland, my European base, or homeland, if you will. As far as I feel about it, I treat Portugal and Poland as my emotional homes. Both of these places are dear to me, and I visit them frequently. You will therefore not be surprised to read how overjoyed I was last week. Finally, after years of waiting, I received confirmation that I have become a naturalised Portuguese citizen. My Portuguese birth certificate has been issued, which confirms that I am Portuguese and allows me to apply for a Portuguese ID card and a passport (which I will be doing here at the Portuguese Consulate in Caracas).

So this time, I am writing to you as a proud Portuguese/Polish dual national, celebrating with joy!

Centre of Panama City, Panama, March 2024

I am travelling to Panama tomorrow. It will be a short visit for work. During my four days in the country, I will be meeting with colleagues from my organisation to discuss our operational plans for 2024 (for the LAC region). In the evenings, I will be catching up with old friends who are based in Panama City. I am really looking forward to the trip, however short it may be!

Caracas, Venezuela, May 2024

As you might have gathered from my previous posts, I had an incredible time on my European/Asian holiday. Travelling with Mum around Japan and Poland was both special and fun, creating plenty of cherished memories. My short layover in Istanbul on the way back to Caracas was equally amazing. The Turkish metropolis is simply breathtaking, and if you haven’t been, I highly recommend a visit.

Now, I’m back in Caracas, balancing a busy work schedule with enjoying life here. We’re all gearing up for the Venezuelan national elections, which are crucial not only for the country but also for our work. No matter the outcome, we will need to adjust our programmes and strategies to align with the new landscape.

Next week, I’m off to Panama City for meetings with our regional teams. We’ll be discussing our work in Venezuela and the LAC region for 2025, and I’m really looking forward to it. Plus, travelling to Panama always means reconnecting with old friends, which is a lovely bonus.

Stay tuned for more updates soon!