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In light of the recent events
in Venezuela and throughout
our America it is imperative to
redefine or re contextualize the
word Solidarity. And it’s not
just a new conceptualization
that is merely semantic or only
for discussion. It is about taking
theory into practice, because
in addition to speeches we
need actions. It means concrete
actions to influence and prevent
the abrupt interruption of the
progressive processes that have
given great hope to a big part of the planet
and that show us that “another world” is
possible. A fairer, more equitable, more
habitable world.
This will be possible if we understand the
new role of solidarity.
Eternal Commander Hugo Chavez
insisted on reviving the ideas of our
Liberator Simon Bolivar regarding the
unity of the peoples to defend their
sovereignty, self-determination and
independence. But that this was only
possible if they worked together, together
in a just and necessary solidarity.
Solidarity with the peoples of the
world, in Venezuela, is enshrined in our
Constitution. In other words, it is an
essential part of our culture, our politics
and our conception as a nation – being in
the solidarity with the world.
Article 152 of the Constitution of the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela says:
“The international relations of the
Republic serve the ends of the State as
a function of the exercise of sovereignty
and the interests of the people; they
are governed by the principles of
independence, equality between
States, free self-determination and
nonintervention in their internal affairs,
the peaceful resolution of international
conflicts, cooperation, respect of human
rights and solidarity among peoples in
the struggle for their liberation and
the welfare of humanity. The Republic
shall maintain the finest and most
resolute defense of these principles and
democratic practices in all international
organs and institutions."
There we see the essence of the Homeland
as per the legacy of Chavez. With respect
for the principles of independence, equality
between States, self-determination and,
importantly, non-intervention in internal
affairs. We advocate for human rights and
solidarity between peoples in the struggle
for their emancipation and the well-being
of humanity.
Our singer of the people Ali Primera told
us that, “Homeland is the man” (and the
woman), meaning that Humanity, in a clear
allusion to the Cuban liberation fighter
José Martí, who had already proclaimed
“Humanity is homeland”; that is, we must
feel and encourage the natural bonds we
share with our brothers and sisters around
the world: we are all humanity, that is
the only way we can understand true
solidarity. Solidarity becomes imperative,
necessary and urgent to face the dangers
threatening not only our progressive
process which, incidentally guarantees
the continuity of humanity, but also to
struggle against the rapid development
and uncontrolled savagery capitalism
exercises on our countries, on our people
and on progressive governments that have
taken charge of their own destiny.
In the political will and testament of
Hugo Chavez, called “Plan for the
Homeland”, solidarity is also enshrined as
a fundamental axis. Among its
historical objectives the Plan for
the Homeland states that, while
continuing with the defence,
expansion and consolidation of
our national independence and
strengthening the foundations
of the irreversibility of national
sovereignty, the plan drawn up by
Chavez indicates that we should
all of us “ ensure the continuity
of progressive processes” and
“strengthen national identity
and our culture”, thereby
contributing to the” development of
a new international geopolitics which
embody a multicenter and multipolar
world that would achieve the balance
of the universe and ensure world
peace “. A peace that undoubtedly also
ensures the perpetuity of the species.
Chavez speaks of a multipolar world,
“without imperial domination and with
full respect for self-determination.”
For this reason, it is essential to
have solidarity between individuals,
between peoples, between nations.
In addition, to achieve that goal, we
must maintain the coordination and
strengthening of social movements
to reinforce the integration
among people; and actively
involve groups and organizations
It is essential, in this new stage, as Hugo
Chavez said, “You recover, regroup,
re-articulate the scattered forces,
demobilized, demoralized or confused
by the adversary or by our mistakes.
Our enemies prefer us scattered,
disjointed and locked in sterile arenas,
because they know that this is the way
to stop the progress of revolutionary
democratic forces.”
As President Nicolas Maduro ratified
in January this year during the Fourth
Summit of Heads of State and
Government of the Community of
Latin American and Caribbean States
(CELAC), “I welcome all the solidarity
that has been received by the people of Bolivar and Chavez to the adversities
which we have lived in in recent years.
We are a popular, Bolivarian and socialist
Revolution hounded by the imperial
power” ... therefore, “We protect in a
jealous manner the respect between
our governments between our countries
so that the union of of our community
continues to reign."
So this is where the importance of local,
regional and global alternative media
comes in. Only alternative medias, such
as the one of my friends, colleagues and
comrades, “Fire This Time” with whom
we celebrate today its 10th anniversary,
can show these fundamental aspects for
the meaning of solidarity (as a word, as
speech, but as well in action), and it is
imperative to recognize and retake our
humanity and make a commitment
to defend the whole planet as Hugo
Chavez taught us.
As authentic, accurate and timely
independent information sources
that do not follow the imperial and
hegemonic line of international news
agencies and the mass media allied with
transnational corporations and therefore
subject to its capitalist, neoliberal interests
and exploitation, alternative media is
a fundamental tool for solidarity, for
the defense of the planet and for the
preservation of humanity. An example
of this is Fire This Time, those whose
efforts and gallantry contribute to the
fight against the Media Dictatorship
(in Venezuela), as Professor Luis Britto
García mentioned in his work that bears
the same name.
This work is a reflection of the role of
social media in recent years, while a
tribute to the journalists, owners of media
companies and alternative media who
have defended freedom of expression
and information despite all pressures
from the economically powerful sectors.
And analyzes the role of social media
in recent years, specifically with regard
to creating a variety of opinions aimed
at destabilizing the legal, political and
economic order in Venezuela replacing
the work of traditional political parties.
Projects like Telesur, which currently
is under threat, demonstrate how
alternative media is established as a
different source of information beyond
the information imposed by mainstream
media. This kind of alternative
media can influence and contribute
directly to the defence of movements
and progressive governments that
today are under threat worldwide.
Finally,
Solidarity between peoples and the
defence of alternative medias, represents
the defence of the future of our planet
and ensure the integration between
our people and the continuation of the
progressive processes worldwide, so
we can ensure the preservation of our
humanity, making each of us “more human
towards humanity”. “ (Ali Primera).
Many thanks comrades.
Viva FIRE THIS TIME!
Viva la Solidaridad entre los Pueblos!
Follow the Venezuelan Consulate in Vancouver on Twitter:
@ConsuladoVenVan
To read the full report from the Fire This Time 10th Anniversary Celebration click here
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