MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – News involving Venezuela’s longtime leader Nicolás Maduro is prompting strong reactions among Venezuelans living in the United States, including one Madison restaurant owner who says the moment brings relief after decades of watching his home country change.
Jeykell Badell, the owner of La Taguara Restaurants in Madison, says what’s happening now is deeply personal. He left Venezuela years ago and says his reaction reflects his lived experience growing up amid political and economic turmoil.
“Venezuela? I think it’s the most beautiful country in the world,” Badell said. “We are so receptive, fun, amazing. I mean, you go there and you go to a family, and you can be in the next five seconds you’re sitting on a table eating, having fun and laughing.”…