The JW Marriott in Caracas, Venezuela, has become the epicenter of the US's controversial intervention in the country, dubbed by some as a 'spooks hotel'. This five-star establishment, once a symbol of Venezuela's economic and political stability, now buzzes with the murmurs of US officials, diplomats, and spies, orchestrating a potential takeover. The hotel's restaurant, corridors, and meeting rooms echo with discussions about Venezuela's future, from political fragmentation to economic growth, all under the watchful eye of the US government.
As diners savor their breakfasts, conversations revolve around election strategies and the dire state of Venezuela's electrical grid, a topic that resonates with the frequent blackouts plaguing the country. The US presence is palpable, with North American accents blending with the local Spanish, and US marines in baseball caps and walkie-talkies adding to the surreal atmosphere. The hotel's receptionist greets US government guests, some staying for an extended 26-27 days, indicating a prolonged US involvement.
The JW Marriott, effectively serving as the US embassy, stands in stark contrast to the dilapidated state of the actual embassy building, closed for seven years due to the collapse of diplomatic relations. The hotel's 17 floors, nearly 300 rooms, gym, and pool provide a luxurious backdrop for the US's strategic maneuvers. The nearby Juan Sebastian Bar, a jazz and salsa nightclub, offers a release valve for foreign visitors, while the hotel's restaurant plays Tom Jobim's 'Triste', a song that poetically warns against living off fantasies.
However, the US's influence extends beyond the JW Marriott. A few miles away, at the Cayena, a luxury hotel, big-money deals are being struck. Foreign tycoons, including billionaires, are flocking to this venue, seeking opportunities in mining and privatization. The mood among Caracas-bound capitalists is optimistic, despite lingering doubts about Venezuela's future and democracy. The Renaissance hotel buzzes with the optimism of a Venezuelan oil man who predicts a bright post-Maduro future, declaring it the 'best country in the world'.
Yet, the US's involvement in Venezuela is not without controversy. Patriotic members of Venezuela's elites, relieved to see Maduro gone, privately bristle at the idea of their country becoming a US colony. The streets reflect this discomfort, with a socialist economist, Oswaldo Pacheco, denouncing the government's 'neocolonial collaboration' with Trump at a Workers' Day rally. Pacheco accuses the new rulers of following US orders, plundering resources, and exploiting workers, painting a picture of a country grappling with the complexities of its newfound relationship with the US.
