MIAMI (WSVN) - City officials came together to announce a vigil in support of the Venezuelan people amidst the unfolding chaos in the South American country.
Doral Mayor Juan Bermudez, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and musicians Emilio and Gloria Estefan were present at Estefan’s Kitchen in Miami’s Design District.
On a big screen played a video from Fabiana Rosales, the woman recognized as the First Lady of Venezuela.
In it, she expressed gratitude for the support shown amid the crisis in her country, saying, “La libertad estas cerca, y ustedes son parte de ella,” which translates to, “Freedom is near, and you are a part of it.”
The show of support came after opposition leader Juan Guaidó called for a military uprising in an attempt to overthrow Nicolas Maduro.
“While it appears like a small thing, it’s probably the biggest thing we can do because the most important thing we can do from here is to support those inside Venezuela who are risking their lives day to day to bring about a change for an independent, sovereign and democratic Venezuela,” said Bermudez.
Maduro has since called for military unity against what he calls “traitors.”
The city officials announced a vigil that will be held at the restaurant.
“I think tomorrow is going to be a historical day,” said Emilio Estefan. “It’s going to be a very small production with a big message. A big message about hope. I think Miami is a place that reunites all the pain that we know.”
The production Emilio referred to is the Miami Orchestra, who will be playing at the Friday vigil.
“I’ve asked the Venezuelan musicians in the orchestra to accompany me, and it’s going to be absolutely fabulous,” said conductor Eduardo Marturet.
The vigil is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m.
“We, as a Cuban-American community, understand the horrors and atrocities of communism and how it affects, not only the Cuban people, but also the Nicaraguan people and the Venezuelan people,” said Suarez. “It is an essential moment that we can hope to maintain the attention on this humanitarian crisis.”
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