Venezuelan embassy in Antigua launches campaign calling for return of Maduro

The Venezuelan Embassy in St John’s has launched an international advocacy campaign calling for the return of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who officials claim are being held in the United States.

The initiative, branded #BringThemBack, follows events the embassy says took place on 3 January, when a US military operation allegedly resulted in the capture of the Venezuelan leader and his wife. Embassy officials say the pair were transported to the United States, where they are now facing criminal charges.

The campaign was formally launched at a gathering at the Venezuelan Embassy on Thursday evening. Diplomats, faith leaders, members of the Venezuelan community and local supporters attended the event in a show of solidarity with Venezuela.

Venezuelan Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Carmen Velasquez, described the date as one of the darkest moments in the country’s modern history.

“I thank everyone who has come here tonight to stand with us,” she said. “Through prayer and unity, we are sending a clear message that peace and dialogue must prevail — not just in Venezuela, but across Latin America and the Caribbean. We pray for the safe and swift return of President Maduro and Cilia Flores.”

The ambassador said she was in Caracas at the time of the alleged operation and lived in the area where the incident reportedly occurred. She described being awakened by loud explosions and seeing aircraft, including helicopters without visible lights, as well as drones launching projectiles at several locations.

Those attending the event included Cuban Ambassador Sergio Martinez, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei, Senator Colin O’Neal, regional diplomats, representatives of the Antigua Christian Lay Movement, Pastor James Warner of the All Saints Fellowship of Believers, and members of the media.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Martinez condemned the alleged US action, describing it as an attack on Venezuela’s sovereignty, and paid tribute to those who were said to have lost their lives during the incident.

Senator O’Neal also voiced solidarity with the Venezuelan people, criticising what he described as the forceful removal of the leader of a sovereign nation within the Western Hemisphere.

The event concluded with prayers led by Pastor Warner and a candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of those reported to have died and in support of the return of the Venezuelan president and his wife.

The Venezuelan Embassy has since opened a Book of Condolences and has invited members of the public to sign as a gesture of support for the people of Venezuela.

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