Venezuelan Fishermen Face Fear and Economic Strain Amid US Naval Presence in Caribbean

Venezuelan fishermen in Güiria and Cumaná are grappling with increasing fear and economic strain due to the heightened United States naval presence in the Caribbean Sea, impacting their livelihoods.

• Fishermen in Güiria experience heightened anxiety over potential confrontations with the United States naval forces, which are patrolling the Caribbean Sea to combat the illegal drug trade.
• In contrast, Cumaná fishermen report a more stable economic situation, attributing their resilience to different fishing routes and less direct exposure to U.S. naval operations.
• The economic strain in Güiria has led to increased human migration, as local fishermen seek better opportunities abroad amid the uncertainty created by the U.S. presence.