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Maduro should learn from Xi Jinping

Published:Monday | February 11, 2019 | 12:00 AM

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Venezuela is home to the world’s largest oil reserves, with approximately 300 billion barrels of oil; yet the wealthiest Latin American country is experiencing one of the worst sociopolitical crises in modern times.

Visionary and wise leadership is so scarce, and I think this is a perfect example of the lack thereof. Hardline leadership cripples even the wealthiest of nations.

Nicolás Maduro should take a page out of Xi Jinping’s book – hold the line, but leave enough room for trade and economic development; tolerate your enemies for the good of the people; use that wealth to forge stronger multilateral partnerships and expand international influence; leverage that influence on the global stage; be the political chess player; and become a country that everyone needs.

The suffering and socio-economic instability is unprecedented and could have easily been avoided with a diplomatic but firm approach. The only thing that has been proven here is that Maduro simply does not have the tenacity to handle so much power and to lead in a time of difficulty. With his nation at the brink of financial collapse, I think it’s time he throw in the towel if he really means his people well and allow fresh minds to lead Venezuela out of this mess.

DERVILLE LOWE

derlo71@gmail.com