I lived for over 30 years on the island of Curacao, which is just of the coast of Venezuela. In the 90's I visited Venezuela a few times, but already then it was a dangerous country. After Chavez came to power, followed by Maduro, who wrecked the country there is a negative travel advise for Venezuela. It is a country where you just don't go anymore. Perhaps you can still get away with the Aves Islands, but mainland Venezuela is an absolute no-go area.
Same goes basically for Colombia, that is also a country to avoid. Crime is rampant there, many armed robberies) of boats owned by foreigners, police will not do anything. Curacao is also not a safe island for boaters, you may get uninvited visitors at night as well.
So anyone thinking about going to Venezuela, Surinam, Colombia etc, just don't do it, your life is much more valuable than the few bucks you can save on fuel. There is nothing to see in these countries anymore, it has all gone to pieces.
As an FYI, Colombia is currently a popular cruising destination, at least for international cruisers (Americans find it difficult to get insurance coverage - even for liability).
Caribbean Safety & Security Network (HERE) is the clearinghouse for cruiser-related security and safety related issues.
We are strongly considering visiting Colombia next year (though not Venezuela due to security concerns). We have spent a lot of time in places where conventional Western wisdom (and the US State Dept) advises
'do not go.' Make no mistake, there is elevated risk in visiting developing countries even if you manage it by avoiding bad habits such as night-clubbing, drugs, and sex trade activities. Compared to the US, my biggest gripe about traveling in Mexico is you just don't know who's wearing the 'white hats' due to corruption. But for us, the
'juice is worth the squeeze' because the return is cultural enrichment that has changed our worldview (and frankly, is a great diversion from first world issues such as jockeying for a place in the pickup line at the high school: don't kids walk anymore??). We have come to love and respect America not out of arrogance, fear, and hubris, but because of what this country has accomplished. Although I still work hard to reduce my taxes, the significant tax base here results in a wonderful quality of life that few share - our street lights work, highways have signs, culverts divert water, public parks have mowed grass, and many more tiny things that make this a beautiful country.
Our new home in Florida is the epitome of safety and convenience which is great - a big benefit for us because it means we can leave it for long periods and travel to places including Colombia, Panama, Mexico, El Salvador, and other places. For us, retreating to the safety of western suburbia has it's merits, but leads to a boring existance that won't inspire an interesting eulogy when the time comes.
Long rant to say there are ways to reduce risk to acceptable levels and don't paint with too broad of a brush. Viewed from aboard, the US is no great shakes - we have concealed carry gun laws which is shocking to many people. We have mass shootings, car jackings, and all sorts of violent crimes. Some of our cities rival the world's most dangerous.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Stay at home - and die a boring life.
Peter
