San Cristóbal, November 30, 2024.- The Tourism Ministers of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) read a document containing 25 proposals to strengthen the tourism sector in the region during the 6th ALBA-TCP Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Tourism.

Jorge Arreaza, ALBA-TCP Executive Secretary, read the document in front of tourism officials from Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Venezuelan Minister of Tourism, Leticia Gómez, and Cuban Deputy Minister of Tourism, Yamily Aldama Valdéz, both emphasized the need to continue strengthening the sector by creating mechanisms to facilitate integration and the promotion of tourism routes. These efforts would be supported by air, sea, and land transportation, as guaranteed by Venezuelan Minister of Transport, Ramón Velázquez Araguayán, who participated in the meeting held in Táchira State as part of the Venezuela International Tourism Fair (Fitven 2024).

Among the agreed points was the consideration of studying the implementation of an ALBA electronic visa, as well as identifying strategies and approaches for target markets, Arreaza explained while presenting the document.

One of the proposals approved by the tourism authorities was to organize the first regional tourism fair of the bloc in 2026.

Additionally, Nicaragua’s Minister of Tourism, Anasha Campbell; Grenada’s Minister, Adrian Augustine Thomas; and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Minister, Melnecia Aleena Marshall, highlighted the importance of establishing common criteria to facilitate the certification of tourism products.

The final document of the meeting included proposals such as the training of tourism professionals, sharing information on visa policies of ALBA countries, simplifying migration processes among bloc nations, and creating a free transit area to promote the development and marketing of multi-destination tourism products.

The meeting was attended by Raúl Li Causi, President of the Bank of ALBA; Sebastián Michel, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia; Gareth Bynoe, Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and National Coordinator for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to ALBA-TCP; special guest from the Republic of Honduras, Mario Roberto Nuila Coto; and Micah Walter, Business Development Officer at Dominica’s Ministry of Labour.

In this context, Executive Secretary Jorge Arreaza emphasized that tourism is a tool for integration and a mechanism to promote trade and economic growth. “Tourism represents an opportunity to get to know each other,” he concluded.

Caracas, November 28, 2024. As part of efforts to strengthen the strategic relationship between Venezuela and Antigua and Barbuda, a Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Cooperation in various areas of mutual interest was signed this Thursday at the ALBA-TCP headquarters. The agreement was formalized between the Venezuelan People’s Power Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and Blue Economy of the Caribbean island nation.

During the event, Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Gaston Browne “for his trust in ALBA, his trust in Venezuela, and, of course, for taking the initiative to join Agroalba.”

Arreaza underscored the importance of uniting efforts in the “production of food for life, which can contribute to the social prosperity of our peoples, our youth, and the future of Caribbean nations.” He also highlighted that this is the second agreement signed under Agroalba, the first having been recently formalized with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Furthermore, he emphasized that this agreement represents a win-win relationship: “Undoubtedly, this is a win-win agreement for all the Bolivarian Alliance countries that join,” while noting that African countries have also expressed interest in participating in Agroalba.

On the other hand, the Venezuelan People’s Power Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, explained that this alliance is designed to function as a synergy mechanism aimed at fortifying the agricultural and food systems of the peoples involved.

Gil remarked, “This is a project that not only supports the food sovereignty of ALBA countries but also represents an important economic development opportunity for the agricultural sector of our people (…) It is a truly revolutionary alternative, as it goes beyond economic ends. While we want economic sectors to progress, invest, and develop, the ultimate goal is integration, joint growth, the exchange of experiences, and, above all, ensuring food security.”

Additionally, Venezuela’s People’s Power Minister for Productive Agriculture and Lands, Menry Fernández, affirmed that this memorandum “will ensure for our people the greatest possible happiness and the highest levels of agro-food security and sovereignty.”

Anthony Smith, Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and Blue Economy of Antigua and Barbuda, highlighted that “these are critical programs designed to combat poverty and support the eradication of social challenges. They also help promote the active participation of our citizens in defending our independence and sovereignty as ALBA members, based on solidarity and cooperation.”

It is worth noting that the event was also attended by Alex Saab, People’s Power Minister for Industries and President of the International Center for Productive Investment (CIIP in Spanish), as well as Camila Fabri, Venezuela’s Vice Minister of International Communication.

Caracas, November 28, 2024. A meeting with the promotional teams of the Antifascist International of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) was held this Thursday in La Carlota, Venezuela. This initiative aims to shield the region from imperial attacks that destabilize its peoples.

“Here are the souls and minds willing to stop this fascist outbreak, who undoubtedly embrace the good, the stability of humanity, in the face of the mortal illness of capitalism,” the Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance, Jorge Arreaza said.

He emphasized that the world demands immediate attention from organized peoples. “We must be grateful to the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, for being the great convener and for offering Caracas as the center of the antifascist struggle to the peoples of the world,” he added.

Arreaza noted that while the United States’ blockade policy against Venezuela has impacted Petrocaribe, a program born from ALBA, “we will soon resume social projects supported by oil. (…) ALBA is entering a new phase, as we approach the 20th anniversary of the Alliance’s creation, we will hold a summit in Caracas to announce the next stage of ALBA-TCP.”

Alejandro Rusconi, a representative of ALBA Movements (Evita Movement from Argentina), stressed the importance of peoples remaining active in the streets, continually spreading the message of integration and resistance against fascism.

Peter Lansiquot, National Coordinator of ALBA-TCP from Saint Lucia, denounced fascism, stating, “It is responsible for killing the poor, the humble, and that is why we must fight against this monster.”

Earl Bousquet, a historian from Saint Lucia, reminded attendees that Petrocaribe, ALBA, and social movements must serve as the banner for a new front in the struggle.

Concluding the event, Executive Secretary Jorge Arreaza highlighted the crucial role of the Bolivarian Alliance, stating that “it belongs to the peoples; it is the only entity capable of imbuing all social movements and peoples with unity and solidarity.”

Venezuela hosted an event of youth from countries belonging to the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP). The event took place this Saturday within the framework of the World Congress of Antifascist Youth and Students.

Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance, addressed the young attendees, emphasizing the importance of establishing ALBA Youth—a new initiative to be created within the regional bloc.

“All our peoples have a history of popular struggle, and their faces reflect diversity. That is what ALBA represents: the convergence of all struggles, of all liberation processes of our peoples. We have so much to draw upon—each of our nations has examples of indigenous resistance, Afro-descendant resilience, and the efforts of those who fought for our independence. These are the examples we must follow,” Arreaza stated.

He recalled that the Bolivarian Alliance, which will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary, serves as a vital platform to oppose domination—a principle at its core since its founding by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro.

In this context, Arreaza underscored that young people must embrace ALBA’s spirit of unity and solidarity among nations, contrasting it with free-market capitalism. “ALBA was born by providing healthcare, by training doctors… I urge you to study ALBA and Bolívar,” he added.

Arreaza also announced plans to hold the first ALBA Youth meeting during the first quarter of 2025.

Meanwhile, Greece Colmenares, Minister of the People’s Power for Youth and General Secretary of the Youth Wing of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (JPSUV in Spanish), stated that young people gathered in Caracas are called upon to build a better future and advance an antifascist agenda.

Finally, Colmenares emphasized that youth have the responsibility to integrate into the Bolivarian Alliance, recognizing it as an essential space for regional struggle and the defense of the people.

Managua, November 20, 2024. Through a statement issued on November 19, the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity of Nicaragua denounced and rejected an “outrageous bill passed by the United States House of Representatives that, under the name of Bolívar, seeks to insult the memory of the Liberator while attacking Venezuela’s sovereignty.”

The statement declared: “In the face of this new outrage by the imperialists of the Earth, in the face of their audacity to touch Bolívar with their vile hands, we, the Peoples who know them, who condemn them, and who can see in their infernal thirst for more war and terrorism, their decline and their end, declare ourselves united in Permanent Vigil, courageous as we are, from a History where they can never identify us as subjects.”

Nicaragua also repudiated “these agonizing death throes of those who have destroyed the world” and expressed unwavering solidarity with the shared struggle of these two brotherly nations, both members of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

On the other hand, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, expressed gratitude for Nicaragua’s support, sharing a message on Telegram:

“I appreciate the words of support and solidarity from Brother President Daniel Ortega, Vice President Rosario Murillo, and the noble Nicaraguan people. Yankee imperialist infamy has not and will never prevail over Venezuela or the free peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean. The name and eternal legacy of our Giant Bolívar and Commander Chávez must be respected. The Great Homeland will always triumph! United at all times and in all circumstances!”

The Government of Dominica held the official groundbreaking ceremony for its international airport development project on Saturday, November 9, 2024, in the town of Wesley.

According to a statement from Government Press Secretary Dionne Durand-Smith, the Government of Dominica entered into a contractual agreement with Montreal Management Consultant Establishment (MMCE) in June 2021 for the construction of the International Airport. By March 2023, contractors had commenced mobilization, site excavation, and backfilling work.

“We recognize that the International Airport is a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, enhancing Dominica’s global connectivity and creating numerous employment opportunities,” she said.

She also emphasized the Government’s commitment to building a prosperous Dominica and fostering growth in tourism, trade, and business.

Dominica News Online

Caracas, November 10, 2024 – The National Meeting of ALBA Movements, Venezuela chapter, held in Caracas from November 8 to 10, concluded with the release of a Political Document condemning Imperialism and Fascism.

Over 37 Venezuelan social movements and more than 40 Communes highlighted the importance of defending unity and the Bolivarian Revolution, which faces sanctions imposed by the United States government along with unilateral and coercive measures.

Strengthening People’s Power as a central focus for the integration of grassroots organizations was another key conclusion of this national meeting.

“We have agreed to communicate the following to the Venezuelan people and our brother nations: We celebrate this meeting as a space to strengthen the unity of the Venezuelan popular movement in all its beautiful and powerful diversity, united in defense of the Bolivarian Revolution and, more specifically, advancing along the communal path toward socialism,” the participants stated in the document.

Secondly, they resolved to deliver the document to the nation with the aim of fostering the communalization of the Revolution “with our contributions for this new stage of socialist transition and for the National Congress of the Historical Bloc.”

As a third point, the document established: “We declare ourselves in an active and permanent struggle against the imperialist agenda and against fascism, which, through violence, discrimination, and the denial of Chavismo, seeks to strip the Bolivarian Revolution of the political power legitimately won by President Nicolás Maduro through popular victory.”

The meeting also served to create a common agenda of struggle, which will now be implemented across different regions of the country to expand and strengthen the organization and outreach of ALBA Movements, Venezuela chapter.

Additionally, the social movements agreed to hold a symposium titled “Communalizing ALBA” on November 29 and 30 to contribute insights for the ALBA-TCP Summit of Presidents and Heads of State, which will be held in December to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Alliance.

ALBA, Communalization, and Social Movements

Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of ALBA-TCP and Vice President of Communes of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV in Spanish), emphasized: “To talk about the communalization of our peoples is also to talk about decolonization. It means returning to Simón Rodríguez and his originality, his project that cannot be a mere copy… It is about how, from this territory, we can definitively change the structure of social and economic order.”

He expressed that imperialist aggression, with its attempts on lives and its violent agenda, must be fought through communalization, uniting the people and rural workers, with productive alliances and policies encompassing all sectors of society.

Arreaza also urged the Communal Councils and communes of Venezuela to renew leadership, engage in debates on economic ideas and management, and prepare for the challenges that will emerge within the country.

He concluded, “Comrades, we are at war, and we must secure the spaces of the Revolution for the Revolution. We cannot allow the right-wing to take power next year in the regional elections.”
Arreaza further stated that ALBA is unique because, within the Bolivarian Alliance, social movements can also set agendas, direct the government, and share experiences that can be replicated quickly.

Strategy: Unifying the People’s Forces

Hernán Vargas, political coordinator of ALBA Movements, asserted that the weapon against imperialism and fascism is the communalization of the people.

“We are living in a moment of civilizational crisis imposed by the capitalist order, a crisis of imperialism that has especially targeted Venezuela and other nations with great force in recent years. Moreover, we are facing a time when fascism is regrouping its strength across the continent and has recently launched an intensified offensive against Venezuela. In this context, what we have been discussing in recent months is that the only viable strategy is to unify the people’s forces, reclaim ALBA as a project, and make communalization the core of our strategy. This is what has brought us together over these past few days.”

Ana Maldonado, a member of ALBA Movements, explained that the debate sessions were held at the Venezuelan School of Planning and included social movements from the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP) representing 15 regions: Aragua, Amazonas, Bolívar, Capital District, La Guaira, Lara, Mérida, Miranda, Portuguesa, Táchira, Zulia, and Guárico.

Spokespersons from ALBA Movements proposed that the Bank of ALBA should develop initiatives to support organizations in various sectors to strengthen the productive development of the region.
They also discussed the need to promote dialogues between social organizations and regional authorities to foster new forms of communication and organization in close collaboration with the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America.

In conclusion, the ALBA-TCP secretary emphasized that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been used as tools by right-wing forces to provide resources for destabilizing and exerting control over countries they aim to overthrow.

“This is a reality… NGOs are an instrument of war; the funds used support efforts to undermine the Revolution and promote political destabilization,” Arreaza warned, referring to the upcoming inauguration of President Nicolás Maduro on January 10.

Caracas, November 6, 2024. – A Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation was signed at the headquarters of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) this Wednesday in Caracas. This agreement, forged between Venezuela’s People’s Power Ministry for Productive Agriculture and Land and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labor, marks the inaugural cooperation under the Agroalba initiative.

ALBA’s Executive Secretary, Jorge Arreaza, extended a warm welcome to the officials, expressing that it is an honor for ALBA to launch this new phase of solidarity-driven cooperation.

“We would like to begin by expressing our deepest gratitude to President Nicolás Maduro’s government for initiating this project with a spirit of solidarity. This new Agroalba program will enable us to ensure food for our peoples and bring necessary investment to our countries to develop the agricultural and livestock sectors, especially in the Eastern Caribbean,” Arreaza stated.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, emphasized the importance of joining efforts within the ALBA-TCP platform to create synergy in agricultural investments. He highlighted the benefits of generating profitability for farmers and, above all, advancing the development of rural areas.

Agroalba aims to establish food sovereignty within the ALBA region as its primary goal. “We must have a region that is also safeguarded in terms of food security,” Gil stated.

Venezuelan Minister for Agriculture and Land, Menry Fernández, pointed out that this first agreement is a foundation for continued regional growth.

“This initial Memorandum embodies the genuine integration of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is the first step toward strengthening our unity,” he said.

Fernández further noted that Venezuela already achieves 100 percent production in certain agricultural goods, positioning the country to export food at a significant level.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Rural Transformation, Saboto Caesar, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, describing it as crucial for all ALBA member states.

“We are sowing seeds today that will yield results in the future. I encourage everyone to embrace solidarity; we must contribute food to other Latin American countries,” Caesar affirmed.

The event was also attended by Alex Saab, President of the International Center for Productive Investment (CIIP in Spanish); Camila Fabri, Venezuela’s Deputy Minister for International Communication; and Raúl Li Causi, President of the Bank of ALBA.

Caracas, November 4, 2024 – The capital of Venezuela served as the epicenter for the establishment of the Parliamentary Network of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) this Monday, within the framework of the World Parliamentary Forum against Fascism convened by the National Assembly.

The first vice president of the Venezuelan Parliament, Pedro Infante, initiated this network of deputies from the Alliance, emphasizing that this meeting is crucial for strengthening the fraternity and sovereignty of the countries in the region.

“The ALBA chapter must be fortified, especially in these times… It is essential for exchanging experiences and enhancing our capacities to combat fascism,” he stated.

The Executive Secretary of ALBA-TCP, Jorge Arreaza, affirmed that the Alliance represents the path to regional unity and the integration of peoples, highlighting the significance of this parliamentary network.

“Our leaders are urging us to prepare for a new era, where ALBA will be at the heart of an anti-fascist world. The parliamentary world is fundamental as it formulates laws and listens to the grassroots to construct this new era. We need to communicate with one another, in Spanish and English, as well as our dialects, to understand and articulate our positions, ensuring we do not move forward separately,” he warned.

Arreaza expressed gratitude to the National Assembly of Venezuela for convening the World Parliamentary Forum against Fascism, a space that enables the creation of this network.

Ana María Mari Machado, Vice President of the National Assembly of Cuba, condemned the United States’ blockade against Cuba as a genocidal policy. “This parliamentary network is something we owe to ourselves, allowing us, from our parliaments, to discuss integration and support for our foreign policies.”

Additionally, Joachim Henry, a senator from the ‘Laborista’ Party and Minister of Social Equity of Saint Lucia, emphasized the importance of the ALBA-TCP Parliamentary Network during times of sanctions and blockades. “On behalf of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, I thank you for this initiative… It will bring clarity to our peoples.”

Peter David, a member of the House of Representatives of Grenada, asserted that this network should serve as a platform to demand the lifting of the blockade against Cuba and Venezuela.

“We are also here to fight against fascism. We need solidarity to continue advancing what Fidel (Castro) and (Hugo) Chávez initiated… We have ALBA to combat fascism and to keep working towards unity… Through our parliaments, we can fight against fascism,” he added.

Rolando Enríquez Cuéllar, a deputy from Bolivia, stated that the ALBA-TCP Parliamentary Network is the result of the efforts of Commander Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro. “The unity of parliamentarians cannot be limited to speeches; we must build our revolution step by step,” he emphasized.

On the other hand, Ashelle Morgan, senator and parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, highlighted that this network can create a block of solidarity against fascism.

Similarly, Silvia Ayala, the second alternate secretary of the board of directors of the Legislative Council of Honduras, indicated that the member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance are essential for confronting threats such as coups, blockades, and other assaults from national and international right-wing forces.

To conclude this session, Infante proposed the establishment of a promotional team in each ALBA country capable of laying the groundwork for creating a Parliament of the Bolivarian Alliance. The foundational proposal for this network will be presented to the National Assembly of Venezuela on Tuesday.

He also urged that each parliament of the Alliance, and every team of promoting deputies, elevate the foundational document to their parliaments to present a conclusive proposal during the 20th anniversary of ALBA-TCP on December 14.

Some of the objectives of the ALBA-TCP Parliamentary Network include combating fascism, generating coordination, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences in social, economic, cultural, health, and other areas.

In this first meeting, they agreed to strengthen relations between parliaments and encourage the formulation of norms and policies consistent with the objectives of the Bolivarian Alliance.