Venezuelan national Francisco Carillo has carved out quite a good life for himself in Malta, finding a job as a graphic designer for a gaming company and pursuing his passion of dance through several side projects.

In fact, you might recognise him as one of the gladiator-dancers from the music video of ‘Taboo’, Malta’s song at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

However, Francisco’s heart is now in his home country, which is in the middle of a severe political crisis that has seen millions flee the country, people resort to scavenging garbage bags for food and a national blackout plunge the entire country into darkness for days.

And from the other side of the world, he’s using his connections and social media reach to help organise the Venezuelan diaspora in Malta and to urge popular Maltese figures to spread awareness ahead of a planned food fundraising campaign.

“We are going through the worst economic and social crisis ever,” Francisco said in an Instagram video. “We have no food or medicine and hospitals have no other choice but to let people die. People are protesting on the streets for freedom and the government is ordering them to be killed. We really need a change, we really need your help, we really need you to know what’s happening in Venezuela because a lot of people are dying here.”

And several local artists and influencers have already showed their support, including Ira Losco

X Factor Malta rapper Owen Leuellen

Actress Taryn Mamo Cefai

And Hugo’s Group owner Luke Chetcuti

Others went a step further and left a personal message.

“This is so hard to watch! In my thoughts, [Francisco],” Tamara Webb said. “How can the government take away their dignity? [No] water an electricity or days already!”

“You just remind me of my mum, such a humble and powerful woman who was always there to help no matter what,” Christabelle said.

“Venezuela needs our prayers,” said Grazielle Camilleri.

“This breaks my heart,” said Sarah Zerafa.

Francisco is now planning to organise a campaign to encourage people and businesses to donate food and medicine to the people of Venezuela.

“I want to make a call to Malta, who really helped me. Contact me because we want to plan this day to collect food and medicines to send to Venezuela,” he said. “I would really appreciate if you could be part of this.”

Francisco Carillo can be contacted on Instagram – handle @Franks012

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]