Plight of Venezuelans

SIR – I write to highlight the plight of a friend of mine who lives in Venezuela.

Until two years ago, she was the owner of a small company making windows. She employed 12 people and the business had a good reputation for its products. Over the past few years the Venezuelan government repeatedly asked for more taxes and she spent many hours attending meetings with ministry officials. They were unyielding in their approach and on several occasions the central bank dealing with her accounts prevented her from withdrawing funds. Over time it became completely impossible for her to continue her business.

She suffered repeated break-ins from criminal gangs, and the removal of the machinery for manufacturing. It became impossible to obtain raw materials, as everything she needed was priced beyond reach. Bribery of government officials was required to obtain basic necessities. She couldn’t drive her vehicles because it was impossible to find tyres.

Naturally, the business closed. Now her former employees join the others in queues hundreds of yards long trying to buy food and toiletries from supermarkets with nothing on the shelves. Their savings are worthless, so they cannot afford the goods sold in black markets.

Venezuela is a country rich in natural resources, with a talented population. I have read Jeremy Corbyn’s views about Nicolás Maduro’s presidency and I shudder to think what would happen here if those same, extreme socialist policies were applied. Andrew James

Warwick