An Innocent Abroad...

12^th January, 2014

The Ambassador of The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

1 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2HW

Dear Mr. Ambassador Dr. Samuel Moncada,

I wish to ask for your response as to why a Venezuelan Police Official would appropriate money from me without a receipt or due process.

I have spent much time in your beautiful country in recent years. My first visit was during 1999-2000 when I was an Exchange Student between the University of Essex and U.L.A. Merida. Since then I have visited three more times, including my most recent trip of 30/11/2013 – 07/01/2014, of which I wish to discuss with you.

The purpose of this trip was not only tourism and visiting friends, but to investigate opportunities for investment and potential future business. I am now seriously disillusioned.

After this vacation in Merida I required transport to Caracas, (06/01/2014), in order to embark on my flight to the U.K. There were no domestic flights available. Equally I was unable to secure an overland coach ticket due to lack of functioning transport. Therefore I had to pay a huge amount of money for a Taxi from Merida to Caracas. I have much experience of International Travel in THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES and I do understand these problems. I wish only to explain the situation.

However, en route to Caracas my taxi was stopped by a Police Captain at a police checkpoint on the main Highway. My Passport and Travel Documents were in order. I was asked for proof of my Yellow Fever Inoculation. I did not have this with me as it is my understanding that it is not a legal requirement for this journey. The Police Captain told me I would have to pay “about 4000Bs. or about 5000 Bs. as a Fine (Multa)” and then go to a Clinic for the Injection and return with proof. I find it odd that the police official was unsure of the exact fine...

Equally, I was not sure of the legality of the situation, whilst feeling increasingly threatened, nor desiring of a second, and quite unnecessary, injection, I declined to pay. Further and now more aggressive demands were made. Not having this amount of (extra) cash currently with me, and nor wishing to miss my flight, I refused.

I was then forcefully threatened with Arrest and Imprisonment.  

I did calmly offer to telephone the retired Honorary British Consul for the State of Merida for his advice and input. (Dr. Robert Kirby PHD is a personal friend of mine)*

The situation then calmed somewhat.

It was then suggested by the Police Captain that for 1000Bs. he could “make the situation disappear”. It was made very clear to me that I had no choice but to pay him this cash. This money went directly in his pocket and I was permitted to continue my journey. The taxi driver explained that this was just an example of the “usual corruption” and appeared surprised that I was not accustomed to it!

I feel I should note that whilst the Police were busy with me, at approximately the same time, on the same day  Monica Spears and her British husband was being murdered close by.

Please do let me have your thoughts on this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours sincerely, [redacted for this Blog] (letter sent, proof on file)

* (Vice-Consúl Británico en la ciudad de Mérida y Profesor de la  U.L.A y Profesor de la Universidad Estatal de Pennsylvania, EE.UU).