by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, March 6, 2013 – Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has described the death of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela as a tremendous loss to Grenada and the Caribbean region.

The 58-year-old Venezuelan leader died on Tuesday after a two-year battle with cancer.

Dr Mitchell on Wednesday expressed condolences to the family of President Chavez and to the Government and people of Venezuela as he signed a book of condolences at the Permanent Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations in New York.

Dr Mitchell was accompanied by Venezuela’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jorge Briceno and Grenada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dessima Williams.

He said that President Chavez has been a true champion for the working people of his own country and across the Americas. “He has been a dear and exemplary friend to Grenada, indeed to our entire region,” he said.

“Chavez will be remembered for his unswerving commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people and his example is worthy of emulation by all leaders across the Americas and beyond.”

“Grenada extends our fullest solidarity and support to the government and people of our sister nation, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and assure you, that we hold in the highest esteem, the memory and legacy of your illustrious son, my brother Hugo Chavez, of who we will remain ever so proud.”

Venezuela was among the first countries Grenada had established diplomatic relations following Independence from Great Britain in 1974.

PHOTO: PM Mitchell writes message in a book of condolences inside the Permanent Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations in New York, March 6, 2013. Grenada Mission/Michael Bascombe