V

enezuela has lost its strong leader. Loved by the poor and needy of Venezuela, hated and detested by his enemies.

His speech at the United Nations General Assembly some years ago, when he criticized an American president by calling him a sulfurous smelling devil, brought him a standing ovation.

He joins the ranks of Fidel Castro of Cuba and Ahmadinejad of Iran by defying the Americans. Although the “Norte Americanos” hated him, they had to toe the line as 30 percent of Venezuela’s petroleum is consumed by the Americans. In a petroleum-reeking high-end poker game, Hugo Chavez held all the winning chips and he knew it. This controversial figure was reluctantly respected by leaders of Latin American countries but abhorred by his opponents.

To the poor population of Venezuela he was their Robin Hood. Venezuela is left with a vacuum of power and the next presidential elections in April will be a deciding factor.

Will the next president of Venezuela be as strong as Chavez? This is still a question mark.

Rest in peace, Hugo Chavez.

Lynna van der Zee-Oehmke
Arnhem, the Netherlands