Chavez was a great friend of Guyana – Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar said he received with deep sadness, the news of the passing of President Hugo Chavez Frias on Tuesday, hailing the socialist showman as a great friend of Guyana.
In a message, Ramotar said during his tenure as president of Venezuela, Chavez sought to promote harmony and solidarity between Guyana and Venezuela.

“The peoples of Guyana and Venezuela have benefitted in great measure from an enhanced programme of bilateral cooperation as a result of President Chavez’s continental and internationalist approach to development. Our current warm and friendly relations are a testimony to his efforts and commitment. We will value always his sincerity and friendship.”
The Guyanese leader said Chavez’s revolutionary ideals and fearless determination to achieve social justice and equality endeared him to the people of Venezuela and gave them hope for a better life.
“A committed integrationist, true to the philosophy of Simon Bolivar, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean nations. His memory would best be honoured by us working together to continue the process of integration of the Latin American and Caribbean region. His selfless battle is over, we will miss him greatly. I extend sincere condolences from the government and people of Guyana and in my own name to the government and people of Venezuela. Please convey these sentiments to his bereaved family and comrades. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time.”
Great politician
Opposition Leader David Granger said his party was saddened by Chavez’s passing. He spoke of the leftist leader’s role in calming tension at Guyana’s border and helping this country find markets for local rice farmers. Granger also spoke of Chavez’s relationship with the poor and working-class Venezuelans, saying it was a good trait in any leader.
Meanwhile, reactions to the death of a leader, who was both loved and reviled at home and abroad, poured in from around the world, with President Barack Obama saying: “At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez’s passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says that he is offering his “deepest condolences” to the people of Venezuela.
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner suspended activities after receiving the news. She and her late husband, Nestor Kirchner, were close friends of Chavez. And Russia’s UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin said of the death: “It’s a tragedy. He was a great politician,” while Bolivia’s President Evo Morales announced he would travel immediately to Caracas to pay his respects. Uruguayan president José Mujica is also expected to travel to Caracas.
Chile and Ecuador released official notes of condolence, while in Peru, a minute of silence was observed in Chavez’s honour. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos tweeted: “I profoundly lament the death of the president of Venezuela Hugo Chávez Frías. Our sincere condolences” – a message also echoed by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said she was mourning the loss of a great “friend” of her country, the BBC reported.