Bolivia's Roadblocks: Vendors and Workers Face Destitution

Roadblocks in Bolivia Cripple Terminal, Leaving Vendors and Workers Destitute Santa Cruz, Bolivia – Ongoing roadblocks in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, have brought the normally bustling Bimodal Terminal to a standstill, leaving hundreds of vendors and workers facing severe economic hardship. The situation, captured in a recent video report, reveals the human cost of the ongoing political unrest. "Each day of these blockades is a day without food for those of us who sell at the terminal," stated J. Carlos Calvimontes, a journalist interviewed at the scene. The video shows a stark contrast between the usual activity at the terminal and its current emptiness. One vendor, Yanba, who normally earns between 150 and 160 Bolivianos daily selling snacks, reported her income plummeted to just 60 Bolivianos during the blockades. "It's half," she sighed, holding up a small bag of unsold goods. Another worker, G. Gabriel, a luggage handler, echoed the sentiment, stating, "With this blockade, there's nothing, barely enough to eat." The video underscores the vulnerability of those who rely on daily income, highlighting the broader economic consequences of political instability. The hope is that a swift resolution to the roadblocks will allow these individuals to return to their livelihoods.