Venezuela's oil cradle pins hopes on US energy deals
Summary
Venezuela’s oil town of Mene Grande is drawing renewed investor attention as US-backed energy deals raise hopes of jobs and revival. But residents say blackouts, crumbling infrastructure and years of economic decline still define daily life.
Key Points
- Mene Grande, the birthplace of Venezuela’s oil industry, is once again attracting investors as US energy deals raise hopes of a revival.
- Donald Trump called Washington’s investment in Venezuela’s oil the “greatest deal ever made” and said it could boost US energy dominance for decades.
- Residents describe a town battered by blackouts, empty homes, poor roads and deteriorating infrastructure after years of crisis and emigration.
- Local people and small business owners hope new oil projects will bring work, but many say the benefits may arrive too late.
