Trade unionists and members of public made direct contact with the revolution in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Wednesday 30th March.

Two Venezuelan leaders for La Victoria (one hour west of Caracas) spoke to the group in the first international Internet conference between British activists and Bolivarian revolutionaries in Venezuela.

Over 30 activists from around Britain, some travelling over 80 miles, heard the Venezuelans deliver their message in Spanish through an interpreter prior to watching the film documentary, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised in a cinema in Wolverhampton. Héctor Díaz Piña spoke to the group about the role of the People of Venezuela in defending their national sovereignty. Mr. Piña has a clear understanding of the dynamics and structure of revolution due to his extensive study of revolutions around the world. He was in contact with then Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chavez while Chavez was in Yare penitentiary and was also in his bodyguard unit in Aragua state.
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This was during the period when Chavez toured the country from March 1994 forward, developing support all over the country. Carlos Ojeda provided a vision from the active membership in the trade unions. Carlos described the infrastructure of non-violent revolution and explained why Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias has such massive support by Venezuelan workers. Carlos is a local leader who helps people in communities understand and develop their roles in the Bolivarian revolution.

Using the internet based software Skype, participants were able to listen to and talk with activists in Venezuela and the US. The meeting heard contributions which covered the increasing democratization of the country with massive participation of millions of people determined to make their lives better. The importance of deepening the mass participation in the process, linked with building support for the revolution across South America and worldwide, was recognized and discussed.

Following the meeting, at which people asked questions of both the Venezuelan activists and Les Blough, founder of Axis of Logic in the United States, all participants stayed to see the important film documentary The Revolution will Not Be Televised. For the overwhelming majority, this was the first opportunity they had to witness the historic documentary. The particpants enthusiastic reception and comments demonstrated proof of peoples interest in the ongoing revolution in Latin America and their anger at the illegal attempts by the US and fascist opposition to bring down the Chavez government.

Those who delivered the discussion and film agreed to hold similar international events in the future. They also recognize that the role of women in the revolution in Venezuela was critical and plan to bring Venezuela's Bolivarian women present in the future. The next session of the increased solidarity work will watch the film, enter the Oil workers, which shows the magnificent role played by women in defeating the bosses lockout.

The potential for using the new technology is increasing daily. With the ever increasing manipulation of the news by the big business media, novel and imaginative use of this technology will assist all workers worldwide in defending themselves and resisting lies and fascism. The next meeting using this technology is scheduled to be held in New Zealand on April 9th. The technology used will enable Venezuelans to speak with any country in the world and, bearing in mind the tough time that Bolivarian Groups are having in Miami, this would be an ideal setting to hold a future Skype conference.

Any groups interested, from any country in the world in setting up an international conference of this nature, should contact the author of this piece.

Andy Goodall
Coordinator Venezuela Solidarity UK
 andy.goodall@venezuelasolidarity.org.uk
www.venezuelasolidarity.org.uk