The history of my place of residence, Guarenas, is undoubtedly rich and full of important events. However, one that has left a mark on me and that I consider important is the famous Guarenazo of 1989. Although more than three decades have passed, this epic event is still alive in the memory of many people.
On Monday, February 27, 1989, the people of Guarenas, from very early in the morning, demonstrated their discontent by reacting against the economic measures such as the increase in the price of gasoline and other basic products, which had been announced by the government; indiscriminate increases in fares were generated in the bus terminal of Guarenas; quickly the people overflowed the streets and overtook the police authority, violently breaking into private property.
Jheremycg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The spark unleashed by the so-called Guarenazo lit the fuse of the powder keg of accumulated injustices within the popular masses, quickly spreading this anarchic reaction to Caracas and other places, and soon after to almost the whole country, this sad event becoming known as the Caracazo, except that the chaos started in the city of Guarenas.
Both Caracas and Guarenas presented images of destruction and the demonstrations still remain in my mind. By chance I was on the street and I had gotten my first formal job in a company that owned a network of supermarkets, I witnessed in the middle of the avenue robberies to people and looting of commercial establishments.
It was a time of uncertainty and generalized discontent. People took to the streets to express their discontent and demand changes. Although the initial protests were peaceful, they quickly turned violent and the situation got out of control. The government responded with repression and violence, which only worsened the situation and increased the violence.
Prensa Presidencial, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
I managed to get home, I managed to catch a bus and all the passengers were very scared. I remember how our neighborhood was filled with barricades and people protesting. Everything was chaotic and the authorities seemed overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation. For several days, the city lived in a state of constant tension.
My mother, aunts, grandmother and I were locked in an apartment praying and worried for our safety and that of other family members and friends.
At that time I realized that the actions of a government can have a direct impact on the lives of its citizens. Popular discontent does not come out of nowhere, but is a consequence of unjust policies and a lack of response to the needs of the population. Moreover, I understood the importance of expressing our opinions and fighting for our rights in a peaceful manner.
This was a momentous episode in history, as it marked a turning point in the struggle for rights and political change. As a result of this event, many Venezuelans in general became aware of their power as citizens and the need to be heard.
This event reminds me that the struggle for rights and justice is constant and that we must be vigilant to avoid repeating similar situations. It is necessary to remember this part of our history in Venezuela to avoid repeating similar episodes and build a better future, especially in this tumultuous time we are living in the country today in which the ghost of February 27th threatens to repeat itself.
A big greeting to all, this is a piece of my country's history that invites me to reflect on a massacre that we must not forget.