Some 300 Venezuelans and sympathetic Latinos took to the streets of New York yesterday to call for the resignation of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Demonstrators gathered peacefully in Times Square and, brandishing Venezuelan, Mexican, and American flags, marched to the Simón Bolívar monument in Central Park.

The demonstration was organized by journalist Miguel Hernández’s group, Venezuelan Ex-Patriots’ Civil Resistance, as well as Andrés Prince and Social Artistry Venezuela (SAVE) Directors Beatriz and Manuel Kohn, Alfredo Olarte, and Mercedes Alvaraez.

“The goal of this peaceful demonstration is to show the world that America supports Venezuela’s struggle to reinstate democratic ideals,” said Hernández. He added, “We are demanding the resignation of President Chávez and calling for new elections.”

Venezuelans waved their flags and shouted, “Not one step back,” and “Chavez out now,” among other chants. In accordance with the adage, “He who does not bend stands with Chávez,” demonstrators crouched down in unison and later stood to express their joy.

Among other Latino supporters at the rally were Ecuadorian Beatriz Zambrano, whose Uruguayan husband now lives and works in Venezuela, as well as Argentinean born “Giovanni,” who accompanied his Venezuelan friends from New Jersey. Mexican born José María Barrionuevo, an analyst for Venezuelan and Mexican markets at investment banking firm Barclay’s, commented, “What happens in Venezuela is not just an issue in Venezuela, but in all of Latin America.”

According to its organizers, the demonstration was unique because it united Venezuelans from all over the metro area as well as Latin Americans who support the return of democracy to Venezuela.