Hire Now
Message Gustavo
See how it works
Book Gustavo with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Gustavo is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Gustavo
Gustavo Ocando Alex is an experienced journalist and newspaper editor settled in Maracaibo, western Venezuela. He currently develops his journalist career as a freelancer for BBC World News, The Miami Herald (USA), NPR (USA), Armando.Info (Caracas, Venezuela) and has collaborated with features for The New York Times. He recently worked as Chief Editor in Version Final Daily. Ocando’ specialties are chronicles and profiles. He details stories and underline relevant data through a literate manner. He describes himself as an apostle of the "new journalism" taught by masters of this exciting profession, such as Gabriel García Márquez, Gay Talese, Jon Lee Anderson, Miguel Angel Bastenier and Alberto Salcedo Ramos. He also has led two newspaper redesigns: La Verdad Daily in 2012 and Version Final Daily in 2015. He graduated in 2004 from University of Zulia’s Social Communication School, but since December 2001 he has portrait stories and people’s voices about politics, business, metro, crime, show business, world and even sports matters inside and outside Venezuela. His daily tribunes since then have been La Verdad daily -13 years-; El Nacional daily -two years-; Version Final -one year, current job-; and Tendencia, Climax-El Estimulo, GkillCity.com and Descifrado, among other magazines since 2005. Ocando Alex covered US Presidential Elections in 2012 in Ohio and Chicago invited by US State Department. He can successfully write reports both in Spanish and English.
Portfolio
On the Crystal Clear Beaches of Venezuela, the Crisis is Disguised: 'There's Nothing Like Being Here'
The article explores the economic challenges faced by vendors on the beaches of Venezuela, particularly in the state of Falcón. Despite the picturesque setting, vendors like Vladimir Ríos and Johnny Bolívar struggle with fluctuating incomes and fees imposed by the government organization Inparque. The article highlights the broader economic crisis in Venezuela, with references to President Nicolás Maduro's unfulfilled promises of infrastructure improvements. Local governance issues are also mentioned, with Osnel Arnias acknowledging insufficient resources. Despite these challenges, vendors express a strong attachment to their homeland, preferring to endure economic hardships rather than emigrate.
Corina Yoris, the renowned philosopher whom the opposition in Venezuela nominates as presidential candidate
Corina Yoris Villasana, a philosopher and academic, has been announced as the opposition's presidential candidate for Venezuela's July 28 election. She will represent María Corina Machado, the primary winner, and the Plataforma Unitaria coalition. Yoris is a professor at the University of Salamanca and has recently been named to the Venezuelan Academy of Language. She has been critical of the arrests of Vente Venezuela party leaders and has been recognized for her academic work. The opposition's primary results, which Machado won with 92%, were discredited by the government, but the opposition continues to respect them. Yoris also shares her interests in gardening and European football on social media.
Henry Kissinger Dies, the Strategist Who Shaped U.S. Foreign Policy in the Second Half of the 20th Century
Henry Kissinger, the influential strategist who shaped U.S. diplomacy in the latter half of the 20th century, has passed away at the age of 100. As Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford, he played a key role in Cold War events, practicing realpolitik and expanding U.S. influence globally. His actions, including the opening of relations with China, negotiations with the Soviet Union, and support for military dictatorships in Latin America, left a lasting and controversial legacy. Kissinger remained active until his death, advising politicians, writing books, and managing a consultancy firm. His Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 was one of the most disputed in history, and he faced accusations of war crimes for his policies in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Possible alliance between Ecopetrol and PDVSA, uncertain for Colombia and favorable for Venezuela
Experts suggest that a potential alliance between Colombia's Ecopetrol and Venezuela's PDVSA, announced by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, is unclear and could be uncertain for Ecopetrol while being favorable for PDVSA. Former Colombian Minister of Finance and former Ecopetrol President Juan Carlos Echeverry criticized the idea due to PDVSA's mismanagement and political uncertainty in Venezuela. However, the alliance could benefit Venezuela, especially after the US eased economic sanctions to encourage political agreements with the opposition. Colombia is considering this alliance to secure gas reserves in anticipation of potential shortages due to El Niño and to support energy transition. The alliance depends on technical evaluations and the approval of Ecopetrol's Board of Directors, with the aim of ensuring energy security in a cost-effective manner for Colombia.
Ronald Acuña Jr. gana el premio al Jugador Más Valioso de la Liga Nacional
El venezolano Ronald Acuña Jr. fue nombrado unánimemente como el Jugador Más Valioso de la Liga Nacional en las Grandes Ligas, convirtiéndose en el tercer venezolano en ganar este premio. Acuña Jr., con 25 años, logró un hito histórico al alcanzar el primer “40-70” en la historia de las Grandes Ligas, con 41 jonrones y 73 bases robadas. Jugando para los Bravos de Atlanta, tuvo un promedio ofensivo de .337. Los finalistas para el MVP de la Liga Nacional fueron Mookie Betts y Freddie Freeman de los Dodgers de Los Angeles. En la Liga Americana, el japonés Shohei Ohtani ganó su segundo MVP de manera unánime. Acuña Jr. se une a Miguel Cabrera y José Altuve como los únicos venezolanos que han sido reconocidos como el pelotero Más Valioso en las Grandes Ligas.
The horror of migrant kidnapping in Mexico
A Venezuelan migrant, Nancy, recounts her harrowing experience of being kidnapped by the Cartel del Golfo along with her niece while attempting to reach the United States. They were among many migrants subjected to threats, violence, and extortion in a warehouse in Tapachula, Mexico. After her sister paid a ransom, Nancy was released and continued her journey, eventually being detained and deported by U.S. authorities. The article also discusses the broader issue of migrant kidnappings in Mexico, with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledging the problem, and the Mexican government's efforts to address it. The U.S. government is working to manage irregular migration and protect vulnerable migrants, while the number of irregular migrants in Mexico has reached unprecedented levels.
President Milei, target and scourge of the Latin American left
The recent diplomatic conflict between Argentine President Javier Milei and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, culminating in the expulsion of Argentine diplomats from Bogotá, highlights Milei's confrontational stance towards left-wing leaders in Latin America. Experts suggest Milei aims to position himself as a regional leader among right-leaning governments. His controversial statements have strained relations with Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico, while his foreign policy approach is criticized for lacking clarity. The article also touches on broader regional political dynamics, including tensions involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other leftist leaders.
Does no one earn the minimum wage in Venezuela as the Minister of Labor says?
The article critically examines the statements made by Venezuela's Minister of Labor, Francisco Torrealba, regarding the minimum wage. It highlights that despite government claims, many workers earn below the minimum wage, and the indexed bonuses do not cover basic living costs. Experts argue that the government's economic policies are ineffective, with high inflation and low wages compromising the future of public workers. The article also challenges the defense of these policies by the Central Bolivariana Socialista de Trabajadores, pointing out the inconsistencies and practical issues faced by workers.
What would happen to the negotiation with the government if María Corina Machado wins the opposition primary?
The outcome of the Venezuelan opposition's primary election in October, particularly if María Corina Machado wins, could significantly impact ongoing negotiations between Nicolás Maduro's government and the opposition in Mexico City. Analysts suggest that Machado's victory could lead to a more radical stance against the government and potentially alter the dynamics of the dialogue. The negotiations, which began in August 2021 to address electoral guarantees, economic sanctions, and social aid, have been stalled since last year. International actors, including the United States and European countries, continue to push for a negotiated solution, but patience is waning due to the lack of progress. The article also touches on the potential influence of the U.S. electoral cycle on the White House's strategy towards Venezuela.
Today's 'Top 5 from Venezuela' September 4, 2023: Visa applications for Curaçao multiply
Visa applications for Curaçao have tripled since the reopening of borders with Venezuela in April. Failures in the voting center search platform of the National Primary Commission (CNP) were reported by users. Comedian and businessman Benjamín Rausseo, known as 'Er Conde del Guácharo', confirmed his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential elections. New electrical service drops were reported in several regions, including the Greater Caracas, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. The investigative portal Armando.info revealed Public Ministry investigations into alleged corruption involving two senior officials from the Baruta mayor's office, accused of receiving half a million dollars in exchange for construction permits. The official exchange rate in Venezuela is Bs. 32.81 per dollar, while the parallel market rate is around Bs. 34.44.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
Want to see more portfolio samples?
Sign up to paydesk, it’s free!
Log In
Sign Up
×
Gustavo's
confirmed information
✓
Financial institution
Verified Jul 2019
✓
Phone number
Verified Jul 2019
✓
Joined
Jul 2019