Much to the relief of authorities in many countries around the Caribbean region and the Dominican Republic in particular, the Venezuelan government has discarded the possibility that the death of Hugo Chavez would alter the circumstances of the Petrocaribe Agreement, which provides oil at favorable prices and payment conditions.
Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez said that the policy of President Chavez is “still in force” and “more alive than ever.” He said that his comrade Nicolas Maduro has made the commitment that he will not change one iota of the fundamental issues of the policy created by Hugo Chavez. This includes Petrocaribe, according to Ramirez, who added, according to Hoy newspaper, “we will fulfill President Chavez oil policy of program…”