Farewell, President Chavez – courageous leader of socialism!

Fri Mar 08, 2013

The Venezuelan-Vincentian Friendship Association (VENVIFA) notes, with deep sadness, the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias. We extend condolences to and solidarity with his family, the Venezuelan people, his party, and the government.{{more}}

President Hugo Chavez was defined and distinguished by his unshakable commitment, indeed his determination to build a socialist society, that is, A SOCIETY FREE OF HUMAN EXPLOITATION. This earned him the profound love of the vast exploited majority, especially the poor, and the unrelenting hatred of the tiny exploiting rich minority, both in Venezuela and outside. Despite their relentless battering attacks, he stood firm with the poor, nationalizing Venezuela’s massive oil and other resources in their interests.

Guided by an altruistic internationalism, he shared those resources with many peoples the world over. We in St Vincent and the Grenadines know this only too well. Note, for example, equipment and personnel for our international airport, subsidized gasoline and cooking-gas, more scholarships for our young, to mention a few.

In response to our 2011 letter to him during his medical treatment in Cuba on the occasion of his birthday, President Chavez told us that the demands of his office resulted in his insufficient attention to his own health. He promised to address this insufficiency. Alas, despite his gallant efforts, he has lost the battle against cancer. But he won many battles against the capitalist cancer in his homeland and, in the process, has inspired many to follow his selfless example.

The words of Nicaraguan poet laureate, Rubén Darío, on the death of José Martí, are appropriate: “Oh Cuba, the blood of Martí was not yours alone; it belonged to an entire race, to an entire continent; it belonged to the powerful youth who have lost probably the best of teachers; he belonged to the future!” These words can apply to Chavez.

On this the occasion of the death of President Chavez, the Venezuelan-Friendship Association (VENVIFA) re-affirms its commitment to its mandate “of promoting the most extensive and mutually beneficial relationships of friendship, co-operation, solidarity and support among the peoples of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and of St Vincent and the Grenadines, in the context of unity and integration of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean”.

Michael Browne
President of VENVIFA

SVG/Cuba Friendship Society mourns loss of President Chavez

It is with great sadness that the St Vincent and the Grenadines Friendship Society mourns the death of President Hugo Chavez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

In his 14 years in power, President Chavez has proven to be a true and reliable friend of the Vincentian and Cuban people, and indeed the peoples of the entire western hemisphere. He was a spearhead for the wider regional integration movement and a source of inspiration to the long-suffering and perennially oppressed people of Latin America. Testimony of this can be seen in the growth of the progressive movement throughout the region and its accession to power in democratic elections in several of these countries, which has dynamically changed the political map of Latin America and altered the balance of forces.

Though President Chavez died before beginning his fourth term, he has left a lasting legacy in the fight against poverty and exploitation, the struggle for equality, the battle to end the unjust isolation of Cuba and has extended a hand of friendship and solidarity which has hugely benefitted the poor of the region.

His memory will live on in the annals of history, following in the footsteps of Chatoyer, Jose Marti and Simon Bolivar.

Renwick Rose
President, SVG/Cuba Friendship Society

GHS: President Hugo Chavez, may your vibrant spirit continue to inspire us all

The Girls’ High School is deeply saddened by the passing of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Our school remembers with gratitude his generosity towards us which was demonstrated in very tangible and significant ways.

May his vibrant spirit continue to inspire us all.

The Girls’ High School

WINFA extends condolences to people of Venezuela

The WINFA family extends sincere condolences to the government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, following the passing of the late President Hugo Chavez.

He has made significant contribution to the development of our sub-region through ALBA, Petrocaribe and other mechanisms of support. We share in the grief of the loss of such an important son of the region.

May his soul rest in peace.

Windward Islands Farmers Association