The Late Dictator – Hugo Chavez
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 10, 2013 (CUOPM)
St. Kitts and Nevis‘ Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Patrice Nisbett has expressed sadness at the passing of Venezuelan President His Excellency Hugo Chavez.
“On this sad occasion I extend my deep and sincere sympathy to you and the Bolivarian people for the immense grief that you are undoubtedly suffering as a consequence of the passing of the charismatic, popular and beloved leader, El Comandante, President Hugo Chavez,” said Mr. Nisbett in a message of sympathy to his Venezuelan counterpart, His Excellency Elia Jaua.
“We have long marvelled at his decisive, focused and successful crusade in support of the marginalized and impecunious majority in his country and followed with concern, his enduring struggle with an ailment which stymied and curtailed too early, his efforts in that regard,” said Mr. Nisbett, adding:
“Indeed, his passing is a huge loss for the masses to whom he fought so tirelessly to empower, but also for his Latin American and Caribbean counterparts. President Chavez’s deliberate and consistent outreach to the region especially with respect to the Petrocaribe and ALBA initiatives will long be reminisced upon and forever cherished.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Minister of Foreign Affairs recalled with appreciation Mr. Chavez’s “inspiration for the genesis of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).”
“His contributions through these programmes have made a positive and indelible impact on the socio-economic development of his own people and those throughout the region,” said Mr. Nisbett, who was scheduled to travel to Venezuela for the state funeral. Mr. Nisbett did not travel.
He added that the Government and people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis have long enjoyed very close and friendly relations with Venezuela and the tangible fruits of the cooperation realized during the late President’s tenure will perpetuate an endearment to his legacy by current and future generations.