THE People’s Progressive Party is deeply grieved over the untimely passing of Comrade Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan President. He was a great friend of the party and Guyana, and a brilliant statesman who charted a new course for his country, despite opposition from local and foreign elements. Due to the progressive shifts he promoted in domestic and foreign policies, he won the hearts of the vast majority of Venezuelans, and particularly the working people and the poor.

Born on July 28, 1954, as Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias, he straddled the hemisphere like a colossus and blazed a trail that saw Venezuela leading the struggle against foreign imperialist domination, for the continent to be free. He gave genuine assistance to countries and peoples in unfortunate circumstances, such as Haiti, Nicaragua and many others.

Chavez was a revolutionary who worked tirelessly to bring fundamental and lasting changes in the world that would see the elimination of poverty, the end of oppression and exploitation.

He carried on in the best tradition of our continent’s heroes, such as Bolivar, Marti, Sandino and Cheddi.

The People’s Progressive Party-Civic salutes the memory of Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias, a brilliant statesman, firm friend and good neighbour.  May his soul rest in peace.