The execution of General Manuel Carlos Piar on October 16, 1817, marked a tragic turning point not only in Venezuelan history but also in the lives of his family members, who endured profound suffering and persecution in its aftermath.
The Immediate Aftermath in La Guaira
Following Piar’s execution, his family, residing in La Guaira, faced immediate and severe repercussions. The political climate was charged with tension, and association with a figure deemed a traitor by the ruling authorities rendered his relatives targets for retribution. The stigma attached to Piar’s name forced his family into hiding, as they feared for their lives amidst the hostile environment.
Flight to Bonaire: Seeking Refuge from Persecution
The relentless persecution compelled many of Piar’s relatives to flee to the nearby island of Bonaire. In this foreign land, they sought to escape the incessant scrutiny and danger that plagued them in Venezuela. The betrayal they felt upon learning that Simón Bolívar, a leader Piar had loyally served alongside, had ordered his execution, compounded their anguish. This sense of betrayal and the ensuing shame forced them into exile, seeking solace away from their homeland. 
Erasing the Piar Name: A Legacy of Fear and Stigma
In both Curaçao and Bonaire, the Piar family grappled with the heavy burden of their association with Manuel Piar. The fear of execution by enemies or the pervasive stigma of being related to a man labeled a traitor led many to avoid or conceal the Piar name. This erasure of their identity was a painful yet necessary measure to ensure their survival in an era where political affiliations could dictate one’s fate.
The Enduring Pain of Manuel Piar and His Family
Manuel Piar’s personal suffering culminated in his execution, a fate sealed by political machinations and racial prejudices. However, the torment did not end with his death; it extended to his family, who bore the brunt of societal scorn and persecution. Their forced migration, the abandonment of their identity, and the constant fear for their lives underscore a narrative of suffering that history often overlooks.
The Piar family’s ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the collateral human cost of political strife and the enduring impact of historical injustices on the lives of those connected to pivotal figures in history.
Tico Vos is a professional photographer, producer, and tourism specialist. He has been documenting the History, Culture, and News of Curaçao. This site is a documentation of the history of Manuel Carlos Piar.
