PRESS RELEASE: Dominica’s Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency, Dr. Philbert Aaron has stated that the relationship that Dominica now enjoys with Venezuela would not have been possible without the bold actions of Simon Bolivar who liberated Venezuela and Latin America from Spanish colonial rule.
Dr. Aaron made the revelation at a lecture by Dominican historian Dr. Lennox Honychurch on the topic: Simon Bolivar and the Independence of Venezuela and Latin America at the Old Mill Cultural Centre recently.
“It is for us in Dominica and definitely for the Government of Dominica a very happy occasion. It is an occasion that is full of meaning for all of us…. that the events that took place, beginning 200 years ago, across the Caribbean sea, would have tremendous impact on so many lives. This relationship that we have today with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela could not have been possible without the bold actions taken by so many actors including the liberator Simon Bolivar 200 years ago.”
Dr. Aaron, who is also Dominica’s Ambassador to the ALBA, added that it is “ a testament to the kind of event that took place over 200 years ago that this relationship descends from abstraction and touches Dominican lives in the most concrete ways in matters of sea defence, in matters of help in times of disaster, in matters of energy and in other areas of day to day life”.
The ALBA Ambassador added that despite the criticisms of Dominica’s bilateral relationship with Venezuela, the Dominica Government remains committed to the relationship.
“It would not be totally honest to deny however that the relationship is not without its detractors. But what I think needs to be emphasized is that in the face of these criticisms, the Honourable Prime Minister has stuck with this relationship and in fact has deepened that relationship, has widened that relationship to the point that today the relationship between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the most dependable partnerships that Dominica can count on. That relationship is a practical relationship. It based on principles- principle of independence, principles of respect of sovereignty of independent countries, that kind of principle.”
Dr. Aaron also paid tribute to all those who made sacrifices for the liberation and independence of the Venezuelan people.
“ In honour of that relationship as well as in honour of the sacrifices of all those who have struggled for Venezuelan independence, all those who have struggled for the dignity of the Venezuelan people, I have to say on behalf of the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government, Your Excellency, thank you very much for the conduct of that relationship and please note that we understand that Venezuelan independence in no small measure strengthens Dominica’s independence. We know that, we appreciate that, “ Dr. Aaron concluded.
Also in attendance at the public lecture were President of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool and Mrs. Liverpool, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Dominica Her Excellency, Carmen Martinez de Grijalva, Members of Cabinet, students from the Dominica State College, staff from the Cultural Division and officials from the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Cooperation.
– Sean Douglas, Government Press Secretary
If only more than 94 people would read about this.
Be happy with u all Daddy Chavez,he is’t mine’s good luck to u all.
Soon we will get to know about our Daddy Chavez, time will tell,it’s till early, i do not have enough kerchief’s to borrow u all because i need it when the time rich because i am also a Dominican, and a true one.
Simon Bolivar was the Liberator but Hugo Chavez is now the oppressor.
What a ridiculous statement. Bolivar was a great liberator, but after so many years our countries have changed significantly and bear very little resemblance to the colonies of yesteryear. The leaders also bear little if any resemblance to the great liberator. Hugo Chavez is no Simon Bolivar. The reporter on this piece must have been scrunting for news, treating such a piece of senseless rhetoric as a ‘revelation.’
Anyone with eyes and ears in their head knows full well that this relationship is due to a geopolitical game being played by Chavez. The only reason he is paying attention to small countries like Dominica is because he is trying to put together a bloc of countries to oppose the USA, which he hates. Our political leaders don’t tell us much, but it could be that they too are playing the game, to get what they can get from Chavez while they can. But they have to be careful not to really antagonize the US by playing ball with it’s enemy. Can you imagine the media portrays Dominica’s prime minister as an ally of Chavez? and that a recent international conference had the stated purpose of advancing socialism? I am frankly worried, you are known by the company you keep, and the world knows that Chavez is a thug.
That’s right.
Stupes!!! Just regurgitating something that was written for him to read.
The struggles of Simon Bolivar is filled with sacrifice, truthfulness. He never tried to impose his ideas on any country. Foreign relations is not about personality, but accountability, transparency and mutual respect for each others sovereignty. Neo-colonialism or exerting a domineering influence on poorer nations has to be a thing of the past. Sharing of information with the public on matters of foreign relations should always be welcomed. The truth very often hurts. Why should we not believe at all times that ‘THE TRUTH SHALL SET US FREE?’ Why do many people get seriously offended by factual statements?
If we acquaint ourselves and understand the history of Venezuela’s Independence struggles and the important role Simon Bolivar played, it must be concluded that he fought colonial oppression, he fought against unscrupulous big business, plantation owners, intellectuals who supported colonial oppression and those of the Bourgeoise class who controlled the commanding heights of the Venezuelan economy. He strongly condemned and fought against those who sought to enrich themselves by illegal means and amass massive wealth through corrupt Govt practices and the exploitation of the natural resources of the country and the masses.
Simon Bolivar would denounce the indiscriminate sale of the country’s passports to all and sundry, knowing that such a policy would spell disaster for respect of the country’s sovereignty. Simon Bolivar would never allow his country to issue diplomatic passports to crooks like those who receive Dominica’s diplomatic passports and now languishing in US prison on charges of fraud.
Simon Bolivar fought consistently against foreign control of Venezuela’s resources unlike in Dominica where we as policy prefer to hand over control of our resources like geothermal resources and mining to foreign companies or work with foreigners instead of with local NGOs like WEF in building the Waitikubuli National Trail.
‘The relationship is not without its detractors’ AAron said. The people of Dominica have a right to request from their Govt information regarding the Agreement signed between Dominica and Venezuela or any other country. What is the secret? Why the refusal to act according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and adhere to Article 19 of that convention. The people have a right to seek, and receive information pertinent to National development that would affect their lives. If Govt enters into any agreement with a foreign country on behalf of the people, isn’t it fair and good practice of governance that the people get to know or are informed about the MOU?
What about Sovereignty? Simon Bolivar would at all times respect the sovereignty of a nation. Simon Bolivar would seriously discuss an issue with his counterparts in another country before hastily making any statements that would deem to be controversial. For example, The announcements by the present Venezuelan leader regarding building an oil refinery in Dominica, or establishing a coffee plant without first engaging and getting the people’s views on those matters were out of order and ill-advised. No consideration was given to the protection of Dominica’s environment and the possible negative effects on our tourism product. Many questioned Govt just accepting, without question, Venezuela’s intention to build a coffee plant at a time when authorities here are aware of the situation with declining acreages in coffee. Was there any consultation with Agriculture officials or with farmers of the country?
Simon Bolivar must be turning in his grave to know that such unilateral pronouncements and actions as well as lack of information to the people on the MOU could be accepted in this 21st. century. Simon was an honest, diligent integrationist not a self-centred, egoistic, nacissist leader.
I have said it and I will say it again, contrary to what he thinks, Hugo Chavez is not the reincarnation of Simon Bolivar…
Down with ALBA and long live the OECS.
You think the OECS can help Da in these hard economic times…we are an independent country and we can link up with who we want!!
I agree with u 100%, could not have said it better!!!!!!!
I hope we are also pepared to suffer the consequencs for our actions, Dominica is too small to play with fire be careful, we could get burn .