Resolution No. 2019-18 Supporting a Recognition of Democracy in Venezuela - March 21, 2019 RESOLUTION NO. 2019-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
AVENTURA, FLORIDA, DENOUNCING THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
UNDER VENEZUELA'S DICTATOR NICOLAS MADURO; SUPPORTING
A RECOGNITION OF DEMOCRACY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Aventura seeks to stand in solidarity with the people of
and from Venezuela, both locally and abroad; and
WHEREAS, Venezuela's once robust economy, ranked 4th in the world, as well
as the country's growing democracy and middle class, have declined to a failed state,
now one of the lowest ranked global economies, under the leadership of Hugo Chavez,
an ardent socialist, followed by his successor, dictator Nicolas Maduro; and
WHEREAS, Venezuela has been subjected to an unprecedented man-made
humanitarian crisis, including extreme food and medicine shortages, resulting in
thousands of children dying of malnutrition, and malnourished people contracting
formerly eradicated diseases. Many Venezuelans are not able to afford basic needs
such as food and toiletries; and
WHEREAS, in Venezuela, the freedom of the press has been greatly curtailed,
and crime has increased substantially. Maduro has recently seized the equipment of
journalists who dared to ask questions that he did not like. Further, Maduro has forged
dangerous alliances with countries backing terrorist groups; and
WHEREAS, the recent 2019 Venezuelan presidential election, marred by
boycotts, fraud and credible claims of vote-rigging, caused the elected leader of
Venezuela's National Assembly, to take the reins of the troubled country on January
23, 2019. The Interim President has been recognized as the legitimate leader of
Venezuela by the United States, Canada, Israel, Brazil and many other countries around
the world; and
WHEREAS, Maduro has refused offers of humanitarian aid, used force and
violence against innocent persons in order to obstruct and destroy trucks carrying
donated foods and medical supplies, and has refused to relinquish his unlawful hold on
power, thereby causing more harm to persons and further economic destabilization in
Venezuela; and
WHEREAS, it is clear that Venezuelans want and need a change, and that hope
needs to be restored in that country; and
City of Aventura Resolution No. 2019-18
WHEREAS, the City Commission wishes to support the federal government of
the United States in recognizing a democratically elected Interim President, and to join
in denouncing the humanitarian crisis being created and perpetuated by Nicolas
Maduro.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF AVENTURA, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. Recitals Adopted. That each of the above-stated recitals are
hereby incorporated herein and adopted.
SECTION 2. Recognition. That the City Commission hereby supports
democracy in Venezuela and denounces the humanitarian crisis being fostered by
Nicolas Maduro.
SECTION 3. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall become effective immediately
upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner Landman, who moved its
adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mezrahi, and upon being put to a
vote, the vote was as follows:
Commissioner Denise Landman Yes
Commissioner Gladys Mezrahi Yes
Commissioner Marc Narotsky Yes
Commissioner Robert Shelley Yes
Commissioner Howard Weinberg Yes
Vice Mayor Dr. Linda Marks Yes
Mayor Enid Weisman Yes
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of March, 2019.
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City of Aventura Resolution No. 2019-18
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ENID WEISMAN, MAYOR
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ATTEST:
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ELLISA L. HORVATH,
CITY CLERK
APPROVED A TO LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
CITY ATTORNEY
This Resolution was filed in the Office of the City Clerk this 21st day of March, 2019.
CITY CLERK
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