Age: 28
Children: None
When did you arrive in Curacao?  2 years ago
How did you come to Curacao?   By plane
Profession in Venezuela:              Certified Public Accountant

Why did you leave Venezuela?
 Well, the situation was difficult and my family didn’t have the means to survive. I had some friends here who told me to come and who welcomed me into their home.
What were your expectations when you arrived in Curacao?
When I arrived I wanted travel back and forth, but I was offered the job where I worked for exactly two years. I started washing dishes and they were pleased with my work. So I decided to stay because I already had a job and I had somewhere to stay. At first I felt comfortable. But then the strong controls began and I moved from where I was living. My expectation was to be treated me differently. I expected to find a job in my profession, but that never happened.
How do you see your future?
 I would like to be here, in freedom, with my papers. To be able to leave and return to the island without any problem. Without any problems.
If the situation in Venezuela changes, what would you do?
 Well, I’ve thought a lot about that and I like being here. And yes, I would like to go and be with my family, but I would also like to be here as well.
Do you have a message or something you want to add?
 Well, we are not here because we want to be, but because of the whole situation in Venezuela. We want to be with our family. Thank you Curaçao. Despite all the circumstances, we are here in this country, we are working and trying to move forward.  We do not want to take anything away from Curaçao, we just want to work.  And to my countrymen I wish to say: Cheer up!

The world news on the situation in Venezuela is highlighted from many angles: from the poignant food and medicine shortages to developments at the global geopolitical level. But what is invisible in the reports about numbers, international problems and possible solutions is the true face of those displaced, the many undocumented, and therefore illegal, Venezuelans abroad.
 With this project, “The Hidden Voices of undocumented Venezuelans on Curacao”, we offer a chance for personal experiences to be heard, giving a voice in the media for these men and women, students and professionals, forced to live in the shadows of our society. My hope is that this project can change hearts and inspire support for those displaced and living in hiding by bringing attention to the individual stories from these hidden voices.