Jose Ángel Pereira was unjustly detained and held captive in Venezuela for almost five years, from November 21, 2017 to October 1, 2022. Pereira was a member of the so-called CITGO6.
His only crime was being an American. Before being taken hostage, he spent thirty-five years as an oil company executive and CEO of Citgo Petroleum (a US-based refinery complex and extensive gas station distribution center).
Pereira earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Universidad de Oriente (UDO) in Venezuela in 1985.
He joined Corpoven, S.A. (today Petróleos de Venezuela-PDVSA (Venezuelan State company), the fifth largest oil company in the world at that time.
In 1989 he completed his Master of Business Administration at Florida International University through a joint program with Universidad De Oriente (UDO).
In 2012, he received a Diploma in International Taxation from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Throughout his career, Pereira held several management positions in various PDVSA subsidiaries worldwide.
He was assigned to numerous joint ventures of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) with Ente Nationale Idrocarburi (ENI), including ENI—Italy, Inpex—Japan, China National Petroleum Company (CNPC)—China, Statoil—Norway, Total—France, and Chevron. Conoco and Exxon—USA
He was chief financial officer of CVP (a subsidiary of PDVSA's international joint ventures) and rose to become CEO of Citgo Petroleum, replacing Nelson Martínez, who later became Minister of Petroleum and president of PDVSA.
Pereira was part of Venezuela's large oil and petrochemical projects in the 1980s, launching PDVSA to become one of the top five companies in the international oil business.
He was actively involved in several management positions, including the "Apertura Petrolera" (privatization of oil fields in Venezuela) in the 1990s, the most extensive privatization of state-owned companies at that time.
Pereira was instrumental in directing the internationalization of PDVSA in the late 1990s and early 2000s and in the renationalization of PDVSA in 2006-2007.
He was also part of the PDVSA team that created the Venezuelan Petroleum Corporation (CVP). This subsidiary managed more than forty JVs with international oil companies in Venezuela.
His strategic leadership promoted him to the positions of CFO and CEO of US-based Citg Petroleum, which he held until his retirement.
While at the peak of his career as CEO of Citgo (the sixth largest refinery complex in the United States), Pereira was called to attend a business meeting in Caracas at the headquarters of Petróleo de Venezuela (PDVSA), (Citgo's parent company).
That day, the Venezuelan regime accused him of corruption, espionage and treason, among other false charges, and captured and imprisoned him. This nightmare lasted 1,775 days: four years and eight long months.
After the United States government orchestrated his release, Pereira focused on defending and supporting hostage families enduring similar nightmares and broken trials.
His experience made it clear that what he survived can help others who struggle to overcome, thrive and succeed in any circumstance.
He now speaks to spread a message of resilience, hope, faith and survival in a speech titled:
"From Captivity to Freedom: Overcoming adversity and trauma to build resilience: with a message of Love, Faith and Hope"
Pereira is proof that we can conquer anything.
| http://www.joseconnect.com | |
| View profile |
Hostage US is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports families of Americans taken hostage or wrongfully detained abroad and supports hostages and detainees when they return home.
Each year, an estimated 200 Americans are taken hostage overseas. We are here to help families survive this terrifying ordeal and help former hostages rebuild their life after captivity. For more information on Hostage US please visit www.hostageus.org
Hostage Aid is a non-profit NGO 501(c)(3) that was recently established in September 2020 by a group of former hostages from around the world, families of hostages and subject matter experts, all of whom, based on their different personal experiences as well as suffering have banded together to fight for the release of hostages globally while aiming to prevent this inhumane act of hostage taking from occurring against other innocent people.
HAW will complement the great work that is being carried out by other important organizations that help and advocate for hostages. In addition to providing humanitarian relief and support to current and former hostages who were unlawfully detained, HAW is aiming to work closely with technology experts and different stakeholders to scientifically address the hostage taking “business model” by identifying ways to target different components of this model and disrupt its operation. This will be done by a state-of-the-art scientific and data-driven approach to state sponsored hostage taking which is being developed as a tool with an aim to put an end to hostage taking.
To this end, HAW is in the process of initiating a hostage tracking system powered by artificial intelligence that will assist governments struggling to deal with the global hostage crises and can be used as a significant tool to achieve tangible outcomes.
See www.hostageaid.org for more.
Inspired by the life, work, and moral courage of American journalist, educator and humanitarian James W. Foley, we catalyze action, research and policy to advocate for freedom of all US nationals wrongfully detailed or held hostage abroad, to ensure government accountability to prioritize their safe return and to educate and protect journalists and international travelers.
The Amer Fakhoury Foundation fights for all victims of illegal detention as well as victims living under radical and corrupted governments. We look to provide advocacy, emotional, and financial support to the victims and their families. We work to ensure anti-torture laws are created and implemented in countries that enforce torture on helpless victims.
Our founders are the daughters of the late Amer Fakhoury. Amer was kidnapped and held hostage by Hezbollah, a recognized terrorist organization. Separated by force from his family, and under extreme physical and emotional torture, Amer was coerced to sign false documents which were later used against him to keep him imprisoned in Lebanon. After several months of his family and the United States Government fighting for his freedom, Amer was finally released on March 19th, 2020. However, due to the torture, abuse, and maltreatment he received during his unlawful detention, he passed away shortly after his return home. Together, we will fight tirelessly to advocate for the release or rescue of hostage victims.
With your help, we can save lives, bring justice to those denied it, and comfort to those impacted.
Pre-orders
44
Funded
Days left
0
$30 Order Today + Support the Hostage Community
40 readers
Order "From Hero to Villain" and support the hostage community.
Jose has selected the following organization to donate 30% from each sale as a contribution to help aid their important efforts:
1) Foley Foundation
2) Hostages US
3) Hostage aid worldwide
4) Amer Fakhoury Foundation
Following the checkout, you will be given the option to specify an organization to receive your donation, otherwise it will be split equally to all 4.
Additionally, as first to support Jose on his journey to publishing, readers who order a copy through Publishizer will also receive an invitation to a free group masterclass with Jose live on Zoom.
1 copy
Free shipping
$50 Signed Print Copy
3 readers
Readers who pre order this bonus will receive a copy signed personally by Jose!
+ 30% donated to support the hostage community
+ Free group masterclass with Jose live on Zoom.
1 copy
Free shipping
$500 5 Print Copies + Exclusive Group Masterclass with Jose
0 readers
5 Print Copies of "From Hero to Villain"
+ 30% donated to support the hostage community
+ Exclusive group masterclass with Jose live on Zoom.
5 copies
Free shipping
$996 Group Speaking Engagement (Virtual) + 25 Copies
0 readers
Through these various speaking topics, Jose Pereira shares his story of being held hostage and how we can overcome adversity through resilience, hope, love for the family, and faith in God. He discusses how he survived his tragic experience daily, week by week, month by month, year by year until he returned after 1775 days of captivity.
With this bonus, readers receive 75 copies and a Virtual Speaking engagement with Jose, selecting from the following Speaking Topics:
FROM CAPTIVITY TO FREEDOM: EMBRACING RESILIENCE AND THE POWER OF HOPE, LOVE, AND FAITH
TRANSFORMING TRAUMA INTO TRIUMPH: REBUILDING YOUR LIFE AFTER CAPTIVITY
DISCOVERING INNER STRENGTH: UNLEASHING THE POWER WITHIN YOU
THE ROLE OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS: FINDING AND GIVING HOPE TO THE HOSTAGE COMMUNITY
EMBRACING POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: THRIVING BEYOND ADVERSITY
**This can be upgraded to a live, in person event for an additional cost. Email to learn more **
25 copies
Free shipping
The other day, I was awakening for my morning prayers and offering of Gratitude and to make the set up of my Monday morning Podcast “Building Resilience “, and I turn on my phone and open LinkedIn and it appeared this surprising review of my book (a 5 pages review) that got me speechless!!!!!
I couldn't imaging the dedication she took to make this wonderful , incredible, marvelous and beautiful description in a review in whats the essence of my book.
God bless you Laura Gabriela Mogoi you definitely MADE MY DAY!!!!!!!
If you haven’t ready it yet,I will put here the link to the book⬇️
If somebody want a FREE digital version, just email me and I only will ask you to put a review in my Amazon account.
THE REVIEW:
From Laura Gabriela Mogoi
"From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the CITGO 6" by José Pereira is a book that not only
recounts a story of injustice and suffering but also delves deep into the human experience, revealing the extraordinary capacity of the human spirit to find strength, hope, and even rebirth in the darkest moments. This book is not just an account of the events experienced by José Pereira, but a profound reflection on the fragility of freedom and the strength to face the darkest adversities.
José Pereira guides us through a journey that begins with a prominent role within Citgo Petroleum, a company that represents the "crown jewel" of Venezuela's energy sector. His narrative is rich in details about his past, his experiences in the oil sector, and the successes that led him to the peak of his career. However, it is evident how fate can change in an instant.
José Pereira describes with almost surgical precision the moment when his life radically changes: a business trip turns into a nightmare of five years of unjust imprisonment in Venezuela.
Indeed, one of the most genuine aspects of the book is the portrayal of Pereira's personal transformation. At the beginning, we see a man who has reached the pinnacle of his career, a leader in the oil industry who has dedicated decades to his profession. However, when his freedom is taken away, a side of José Pereira emerges that few know: that of a deeply spiritual man who rediscovers faith and finds comfort in the Scriptures. This transformation is told with a sincerity that strikes the reader, showing how adversity can reveal a person's true nature and lead to inner growth that goes far beyond material success.
The true power of this book lies in José Pereira's ability to convey his experience with disarming vulnerability. He hides nothing: the most painful details of his captivity, the physical and mental tortures, the suffering inflicted by the separation from his family. But like a golden thread running through the narrative, there is a resilience that shines on every page.
José Pereira is not just a survivor; he is a man reborn from the ashes of despair, transformed by his experience into someone stronger, wiser, more spiritual. It is precisely in these moments of weakness that the book becomes extraordinarily powerful. José Pereira shows us that even in moments of deepest despair, love for his family and faith in
God were the pillars that sustained him. The description of his attempts to keep hope alive, through clandestine letters exchanged with his wife, is particularly touching and represents one of the most authentic and human elements of the book.
Another aspect that makes this book unique is the way José Pereira reflects on his life and the meaning of suffering. The descriptions of meetings with people of great culture and wisdom during captivity, the rediscovery of faith and the Bible as a source of strength and inspiration, are moments that give the book a mystical dimension. These moments are testimonies of the human ability to find light even in the darkest places.
Through his words, we understand that captivity was not just an unjust punishment but also a kind of "spiritual laboratory," where he was able to reassess his priorities, rediscover the value of family, and deepen his understanding of faith. José Pereira often cites the Scriptures, finding parallels between his experience and biblical stories, particularly that of Job. These references are never forced or rhetorical but emerge as genuine reflections that add depth to his narrative.
A particularly touching aspect is the description of his relationship with his wife, Mervis. José Pereira reflects with deep gratitude on his wife's unconditional support, which made his journey of survival and transformation possible. Their relationship, tested by years of forced separation, emerges as a resilient love story, capable of withstanding any storm. Their bond emerges as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that love can truly overcome any obstacle.
Pereira describes with affection and gratitude the unconditional support of Mervis, which was crucial for his mental and emotional survival. This bond, described with affectionate and sometimes moving details, makes the book not only a story of suffering but also a celebration of love and fidelity.
Finally, "From Hero to Villain" is a book that also speaks of redemption. Pereira is not just a man who survived a great injustice; he is a man who emerged from the experience with a new vision of life and a burning desire to help others. His decision to become a resilience coach and motivational speaker is the natural result of his journey of personal growth. In this sense, the book is also a message of hope for anyone going through a difficult time: Pereira shows us that with faith and determination, it is possible not only to survive adversity but also to transform it into a source of strength and inspiration for oneself and others.
The book is not just a chronicle of events but a meditation on the importance of faith, family, and forgiveness. It is an invitation to reflect on our lives, the choices we make, and how we face adversity; it is an invitation never to give up, to find strength in God and in the people who love us, and to turn even the most devastating experiences into opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
"From Hero to Villain: My True Story of the CITGO 6" is an essential read for anyone who
wants to explore the depths of human resilience. Pereira's story is not just that of a man
unjustly imprisoned, but that of a soul that found light in the darkness and now shares it with the world, offering a testimony of faith, love, and hope that will resonate for a long time in the hearts of readers.
"From Hero to Villain" is not simply a book to read but an experience to live! Dearest José Angel Pereira, your book is more than a simple testimony; it is a beacon of light for all those who face darkness. With extraordinary strength, you have turned your captivity into a universal lesson of courage, faith, and resilience. Thank you for having the courage to relive those moments and share with us the deepest truths of your journey.
You have taken pain and fear and turned them into a story of hope that resonates with truth and authenticity. Your narrative is powerful not only because it tells a fight for survival but because it shows us that even in the most adverse conditions, we can find the strength to rise, love more deeply, and believe in a better tomorrow.
With your testimony, you have given readers an invaluable gift: proof that light can triumph over darkness, and that the human heart is capable of infinite resilience. Your story is not just a recounting of what you have lived through but a manifesto of what it truly means to live— with all the passion, vulnerability, and strength that define humanity.
Thank you, José Angel, for opening your heart and soul to us. Your book is not just a personal legacy, but a legacy for humanity, a reminder that even in the most difficult moments, we can find our way to redemption and peace. Your words will stay with us, inspiring us to always seek the best in ourselves, even in the face of the greatest adversities.
May your story continue to touch and transform lives, as it has with mine and those of many other readers. Thank you, José Angel, for showing us what it truly means to be human.