ON behalf of the citizens of Georgetown and on my own behalf, please permit me this opportunity to profoundly lament the death of the President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez Frías, and to express our sincere condolences. We are mourning the loss of a great friend and neighbour. His death is a great tragedy as he was a great politician who understood the needs of the poor.
 
Receiving the news of his death was sad and painful, not just for me, because Venezuela and the entire world have lost a great man and leader.   Hugo Chavez was without doubt a leader committed to his country and to the development of the people of Latin America.
 
Our prayers go out to President Chavez’s family, the people of Venezuela, and all who were touched by his generosity.
 
With kind regards and highest considerations.