Venezuela’s Congress has approved the president’s request for expanded powers, effectively paving the way for him to rule by decree.
Nicolas Maduro’s request to enact laws for up to six months without consulting Congress is expected to gain final approval on Sunday and is intended, he says, to protect the country from US “imperialism”.
He made the move after Washington imposed sanctions on Monday on several top Venezuelan officials accused of human rights violations.
Maduro got more power to protect Venezuela from harm by the “external enemy”.
…. but he missed a point ……
If any country wanted to harm Venezuela, the worst thing they could do is ensure that Maduro stays in power.
“Venezuela is one of the very few countries with significant oil reserves which does not submit to U.S. dictates,” wrote Glenn Greenwald, the journalist who first published documents leaked by fugitive former U.S. spy contractor Edward Snowden.
“Such countries are always at the top of the U.S. government and media list of ‘Countries To Be Demonized’,” he said.
Hello, That was in 2013. It is now 2015 and everything has changed. Glen Greenwald wrote that for the Guardian, a U.K. newspaper beloved by let-wing intellectuals. Nothing wrong with that, and I read it too if only to appraise myself of what the dish of the day is of the different political fraternities. Frankly, I don’t know if the U.S.A. dictates but I do know that that there is always a top dog in a pack and if you are the strongest in that pack you automatically become top dog and get cursed for it at the same time, like it or not. There is nothing new in history, believe me but my life is limited and for now I’d rather put my bets on the U.S.A. than Venezuela.
Do not forget the comedy of errors in St. Kitts / Nevis. Your Prime Minister did not condem Doggie for twarting the demogcratic process in reference to the vote of no confidence (VONC). President Maduro, was looking forward to this power and was happy to jump on it as soon as he could. People of Dominica, please remember the same stick that beat the wild horse also beat the tame ones…..
A government has to do what it has to do as in the case of Venezuela’s government. I am not criticizing that.
Venezuela still continues to sell one million barrels of oil a day to the US. Why did Obama not cancel it since he placed further sanctions on Venezuela? He needs Venezuela’s oil for his country.
It goes both ways. It is too bad Venezuela does not withdraw selling oil to the US. See how the US will survive without Venezuela’s oil.
I do think President Maduro is considering his country and people who are in need of. Therefore, he continues to sell oil to the US.
Be careful what you wish for, the US doesn’t ‘need’ Venezuelan oil. The US could cut off imports entirely tomorrow but that would cause the country to collapse overnight and that would not be in anyone’s interest.
That’s correct. The US does not need Venezuela’s oil but Venezuela needs our money, that’t the reason they cannot stop oils exports to us. Maduro may be a dictator but he is no fool
US Citizen
Facts, you are totally misinformed. The U.S.A. today is self-sufficien in energy. Yes, Venezuela does export crude oil to the U.S.A., mainly to feed the three distilleries it owns in that country – yes the Venezuelans have large investments in the U.S.A., which have not been nationalized by the Americans. Venezuela’s crude is not of the highest quality, it has a high sulphur content, and is bought for heavy industrial use (bunker oil). As a matter of fact, some of the refined fuel is shipped back to Venezuela, which does not have sufficient refining capacity in its own country. The fact is that the U.S.A. can live without Venezuela’s oil and will soon be a competitor in that market, particularly with regard to liquified gas supplies.
Hahaha you’re funny. It’s the other way around bro. Venezuela needs the sales they get from the american market. If they withdraw the oil then they lose that huge source of income that is keeping this corrupt regime afloat.
@The Facts, If you feel the US need Venezuela more than Venezuela needs the US, then you question should have been: why didn’t Venezuela withdraw SELLING OIL to the US? The fact that the buyer (US) can put restriction on the SELLER (Venezuela), clearly tells me that the seller needs the buyer more. With all your foolishness, can you imagine what Venezuela would be like if the US decide to stop buying their oil? FYI America has many other avenues to get oil while Venezuela has no other sources to get money from.
america does not need Venezuela oil, check your facts. Venezuela need the sale more than the US,
He should have been concentrating on the well being of his own people first instead of playing big man and giving people like Skerrit a free ride. The people don’t even have toilet paper, what none sense is that. People have to lineup for miles to buy basic necessities. Does he not know of the old adage “Charity begins at home”
A democratic government is one voted by the majority of ppl. So whether some of u all like it there is a democratic elected government both in Venezuela and Dominica.
Why is Saudi Arabia not targeted? It’s all about interest.
Yeah, pull the other one! Just like thr democratically elected President of Zimbabwe. Don’t insult my sensibilities please, they are bruised enough already.
Simple, because they do not talk the rhetoric like Venezuela and its leaders
one suggestion would be to read the book ‘animal farm’ might enlighten you a bit. when the liberators become the persecutors its nothing strange its time for change(again) lol. imagine fellas giving usa blows but they want their kids born there(not to mention accumulating wealth and property there) and nobody saying ‘hol allyu barrel!’ cambio man smiling boy, doh talk for studying aself yet it have a set dat want to burn down uncle sam like isis ask dem if they want to go and live in those countries and join d ‘liberacion” they chewing words. i agree america has its problems like all countries do but at least they appear to support democratic ideals of which we subscribe to as a nation. at least in america I see politicians being held accountable and face jail time for corruption etc whereas the status quo in these neo-socialist states is no accountability as long as you can control the masses.#bankruptsystemofgovernment.
Strangely enough so much has been said from the USA and Venezuela, and Roosevelt Skerrit has not opened his usual mouth to condemn the USA. Is he feeling something? Is he shaking in his pants? What about the ambassador and Cecil? No one saying a thing? They must be feeling something
Some people always think of the worst. I do think he is correct not to speak against the US. Do you recall, as posted on DNO a few years ago, Obama signed a loan of a few million dollars “for Dominica?” It pays to read well and remember these significant matters.
You must think further and not only on the surface. This is not to say that the PM has not been in touch with President Maduro and also through the embassy in D/ca. I am certain he did.
Folks, this flip -flop on the side of Skerrit and the DLP today is confirmation that they are feeling the fire of the US. Take a trip with me so we could prove their fear but please be sure to take special note of the date and times of what I am going to show.
First, here is DNO on Darroux: Gov’t looking at legislation “to guide” media – Monday, March 9th, 2015 at 8:50 AM. Notice the date and time.
Here is DNO on that same day, some 6 hrs. later: Obama declares Venezuela a national security threat
Al Jazeera – Monday, March 9th, 2015 at 2:55 PM. Are we getting it? Here is the key paragraph that caused this fear and flip-flopping, especially the last line:
The White House said the executive order targeted people whose actions undermined democratic processes or institutions, had committed acts of violence or abuse of human rights, were involved in prohibiting or penalising freedom of expression
So today Kelver had to back down because he mis spoke. LOL. They feeling it!
Obama should bomb the entire ALBA lot, they only oppress there people.
Moreihei that is a bit drastic and don’t forget we are a member of Alba too. These people only joined because they thought that would give them benefits thanks to the generosity of Hugo Chavez. But that is wearing a bit thin right now so expect that enthusiasm to cool right down. Idealism alone has never paid the bills.
Oh my God, the death of democracy in Venezuela. No more pretence.
Who said so? I would not think so. President Maduro must protect his country and also from invaders. Do you blame him after what Obama stated? Think further. You never know what the US is up to. Consider too that Maduro has enemies within his country as the opposition who may be collaborating secretly with the US. You never know.
This is the man backed by Roosevelt Skerrit, just as he backed Muhammad Gadaffi to the end. How can he possibly talk about leading a democratic country like that. We have to be very concerned because our leader is also showing tendencies to impose his personal authority and dismiss the relevance of parliament as a nuisance. Please Roosevelt, change course if you possible can before it is too late because if there is a reckoning you will not escape it yourself but don’t take all of us with you.
Utilize your common sense. Understand that people turn to who will financially help them. Does it mean he approves their policy? Maybe not.
There are times some of you make your brains work overtime and imagine what is not occurring and may never occur. Put aside your imaginings. It prevents you from being positive and happy.
Facts honestly, why are you always so contrary? As a simple person I don’t really understand that. Are you frustrated in love perhaps?
Skerrit is next, ruling by decree till 2050
Benjamin Franklin once said; ” Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.”
Unfortunately, Maduro needs a lot of advice but sadly those who should give him good advice keeps telling him what he wants to hear which is counter-productive to what he should be doing. Our dear leader El Supremo has gone moomoo on the subject instead of calling the Venezuelan ambassador to his office and telling him that Comrade Maduro needs to stop his BS and face the facts. Venezuela is headed for disaster and Madura is going to be out of office or civil war is a must.
Even Cuba has seen the light after decades and now sucking up to the USA so it should not take much for these leaders to see the light. The USA under Obama has become very very tolerant of its enemies and critics alike but make no mistake, they are NOT asleep. Uncle Sam has a way for getting even with those who disrespect and use its citizens and money for less than pallatable purposes.
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!…
You did not state this diplomatically. How do you know that President Maduro is not being advised and is not accepting? Some of you think and state what may not be occurring. One way or the other you do not know.
PM Skerrit is wise not to interfere in the business of Venezuela and the US. The person he should reprimand is Obama.
Leave well alone. Pray for those countries and yours including yourself and fellow nationals.
Is Skerrit’s Dominica next?
Remember what happened to Cauecescu of Romania? These guys never learn.
I think all the members of ALBA including Dominica should follow suit.
with all de opposition members that maduro have in jail of course he will be able to pass anything he want in parliament. Is like a group of big boys planning ‘their ting’.
Venezuela’s Congress is approving maduro’s request for expanded powers. To enact laws for up to 6 months without de approval of Congress.
To protect Venezuela from US “Imperialism”.
De Ambassador just come out showing a ‘so called’ copy of the Venezuela Constitution!!
While he accusing de US of attempting a coup but Maduro not brave enuff, not bold enuff to SHOW DE EVIDENCE OF US PLANNING A COUP AGAINST VENEZUELA!!!!
NO RESPECT FOR PEOPLES INTELLIGENCE!!!
LIKE WE ARE A BUNCH OF DOTISH!!
That is de record that my DLP Government want me to support?
In a similar situation here in Dominica i would expect our Parliament to give Rossevelt Skerrit similar privileges to protect de country from de influence of Lennox Linton and the UWP!!!!!
President Maduro, as any democratic government wants peace and progress in his country. People must obey authority. It is in the Bible. God is displeased with disobedient people. You are also one of them.
The world has too many radicals. They could be the cause of what they are experiencing as they do not help their country.
Venezuela leads and Dominica immolates and follows. As goes Maduro so goes Skerrit. Maduro first Skerrit next. They are indeed birds of a feather that flock together. Look out DOMINICA!!!
I hope you don’t really mean immolate bro. because my dictionary tells me that means “to kill or sacrifice by burning”. Perhaps you mean emulate (to equal or do better than), which would be bad enough
Thanks @Titiwi. I sure meant emulate. I can’t understand why I typed immolate. Thanks for the observation. I guess I just need to read over before I post.
That’s ok pal. Can happen to all of us. Nobody knows everything, leave alone is perfect!
Dominicans it’s time for us to think. Is this the kind of democracy you want for Dominica? Well, that’s exactly what Skerrit is prescribing for us, and we shall have it very soon if we don’t stand. I bet Skerrit supports that. Only time will tell!
Oh boy/girl. Why do you think like that? If you become as a radical and disobedient (if you are not yet that type of person), you may just experience it. Be smart. Obey and respect authority and you will have absolutely nothing to worry about.
Venezuelans are even bigger idiots than Dominicans… I thought they were a stronger minded people.
So what do you expect them to do? You want them to rise up? Will you go and assist them instead of being behind your computer and making such uncaring remarks, putting it mildly?
Bro the venezuelan people have their shortcomings but don’t take this news as this being a failure on their part. The people who approved this decision are all bought off by the government. Those who aren’t will support it anyway because either a) they don’t care because they are so well off that the deplorable state of the country doesn’t affect them or b) they stand to gain something from this corrupt regime. They have managed to maintain support for this long by stringing people along with economic incentives in various forms. Granted there are still people who support them without any type of financial interest, but most are so blinded by ideology that they can’t see straight.
” Congress is expected to gain final approval on Sunday and is intended, he says, to protect the country from US “imperialism”.
Well, if there was any doubt in the mind of those Dominicans who supports the Venezuela regime, and believe that democracy exists in Venezuela: there it is; a full blown dictator is head of Venezuela. How can one man rule by decree in order to protect a country from United States imperialism?
Politicians like to talk in a language they believe most people will not understand. I doubt the U. S have a policy, or practice, or advocacy of extending any power, dominion over any nation. I donot see any direct territorial acquisitions or gaining indirect control over the political, and or economy of Venezuela or any other country; for that’s what imperialism entails. That junta dictator, is fooling himself!
If anyone is fooling themselves is you. It is so funny when you said quote “Politicians like to talk in a language they believe most people will not understand” well isn’t ‘t Obama doing just that. How naive are you to believe that a Country like Venezuela is a threat to the US simply because of human rights and democracy issues. Another of your foolishness quote. “I doubt the U. S have a policy, or practice, or advocacy of extending any power, dominion over any nation” What a fairy tale belief. Do your read. Why keep your self in perpetual ignorance by habouring such belief, very sad. Here is something you must know, in international politics it is never about democracy and human rights it’s about the interests of states. No matter what you are told in history lessons. You should also remember what was said by Henry Kissinger quote “America has no permanent friends or enemies, only interests”
Gary appears to have skin in the game and I can sense his discomfort with what is going on with his Venezuelan masters.
Padna de issue is de Venezuela congress giving de president de powe to act against de citizens without its approval.
You see what de US congress is doing to Obama for similar reasons.
I lived in de US for years.
Is de US de one blocking Venezuela from having toilet paper on de shelves?
New York is littered with Citgo gas stations.
Who you fooling
De Venezuela government has no checks and balances and neither does Dominica under Skerrit
African Americans can protest in Ferguson………why can’t de ordinary Venezuelan citizen.
Maduro sees Venezuelans fighting for their rights and dignity…..he trying to convince the world
That is de US dat planning a coup….AND HE BOLDLY CANNOT PRODUCE ANY EVIDENCE….HE CAN’T EVEN PRODUCE A TINY BIT OF EVIDENCE
I would boldly show De evidence for de world to see
Castro done bow down before he die!
Lesson #1
Gary, say what you like, but I must ask you, how many times in history you found the United States of America attempt to annex any country on earth? You cannot name one! St. Croix and St. Thomas was sold to the United States of America by the Dutch for finical gain. I do not know how America came by Puerto Rico.
There may be a couple of islands in the South Pacific flying the American flag apart from that the America was never into colonization, nor imperialism of any nation. If they were the Philippines would still be under U.S. control. I reiterate, people such as Obama have to ensure their credibility remains in tack. Obama is at the moment the most powerful leader of any nation on earth today.
Venezuela is no competition to the United States, neither in wealth, nor in military strength: So I ask you Gary, what purpose would Obama have to speak that language if the intelligence collected on Venezuela could not substantiated? And by the way Venezuela annex Bird island from…
To alas
I”m bewildered by the foolishness of your comment. You are so naive. I will tell you this, The US is not the reason why there is a shortage of toilet paper in Venezuela, your comments carry statements which can be described as lazy thinking on your part . You are looking at appearances and making comparisons relative to degrees in difference, an example of this is your statement quote “African Americans can protest in Ferguson………why can’t de ordinary Venezuelan citizen” You live in NY city have you not seen what happened to the Occupy movement when they tried to demonstrate. When you make the statement quote “De Venezuela government has no checks and balances and neither does Dominica under Skerrit” this statement reflects someone with irrational thinking.
I must say you are very arrogant to say that The Venezuela Government cannot produce evidence of a Coup d’état, the truth is for those that seek it.
Francisco is too blind to see or too naïve to understand the imperialist nature of the United States. They may not seek the direct acquisition of territory but they do seek indirect control over other countries’ economy and politics. Through multinational corporations like Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Dole, Tyson, Chiquita Citi Bank, Chase and Bank of America, they dominate our region’s and the world’s energy, food and financial markets.
With behemoths like Walmart and Nike, they exploit cheap labor in Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and other poor countries. Can you imagine being paid 54 cents per hour in Mexico or 49 cents in Vietnam to produce Nike shoes that sell for almost one hundred US dollars? Granted, they create a few low paying jobs with no benefits but demand tax concessions, anti union laws and vast expanses of leased land at $1.00 per year lease in open ended contracts.
Why doesn’t the US give back Guantanamo to Cuba? Why was Cuba forced to give up 45 square miles…
“Dole, Tyson, Chiquita”
Okay Stout Man, beat up on me if you wish, nevertheless I can only counter you with the above, to prove you wrong. Dole Tyson, and Chiquita are no longer in the scheme of things they left the neck breaking dying Banana industry to you, since the disease which is wiping the banana plants out of existence.
As for all the names of the big Banks you named the are also irrelevant to imperialism since just about all of them operate in the major and more developed countries of the world. The oil companies you name they also operate in the more developed nations, and besides if they go into a country to drill for oil they do it with the consent of some government. They are not in Venezuela from where you get your oil, so I do not even understand your argument!
Hahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahah!
The unraveling of Venezuela reminds me of an old saying:The chickens are coming home to roost.
And I am referring to the reckless and irresponsible strategy that Mr. Skerrit pursued with respect to the economy of Dominica.
Rather than seek to develop domesctic resources, albeit with some foreign assistance, Mr. Skerrit chose international begging, especially from Venezuela, as the primary strategy for national development.
This rather short sighted and self serving strategy has exposed the soft underbelly of Dominica and we have Mr. Skerrit to blame for putting us is this very unenviable position where we are tethered to sinking ship and our leadership has no credible reponse as to how we extricate ourselves from this embarrassing mess.
At this moment of uncertainty and risks, a viable domestic banana in industry would at least soften the blow from the coming loss of subsidies from Venezuela.
Your view regarding the events taking place in Venezuela in regards to Dominica can be described as ludicrous. This is not about the chickens are coming home to roost, it is your lack of understanding, cause of which is you partisan political belief. Why don’t you remove that blinder. Do you know how foolish you sound when you use the word begging in such cortex to describe Venezuela assistance to Dominica. Why are you denying the importance or turning a blind eye of such assistance, very sad indeed on you part for such a ludicrous comment.
Poor boy. I see you clinging to straws. Someday you will be forced to confront reality.
Hmm you sound like some non english speaker using a translator. I wouldn’t be surprised, when things start getting bad the government will look for all avenues where they can spread misinformation or curb the spread of accurate information. You are criticizing people’s opinions but what about yours? You think this article is good news? That a man who has gained a track record of incredible incompetence in such a short time is given even more power?
Mark my word, there will be civil war in Venezuela. It is just a matter of when.
It is not about making your words, it’s about your ignorance of something you do not understand, international politics.
Gary please, you are entitled to your opinion but now you really sound conceited by inferring that your fellow Dominicans can not possibly as smart as you and are dumb and ignorant. Remember, pride comes before the fall.
Coming soon to a theater near you!
And Shaka regardless the people will still love their…smh
What a consumate hypocrite and insidious operator.
That’s what he intended to do all along and he simply used the US as a cover to give expression to dictatorial propensities.
This is more reason why Dominica should distance itself from this enemy of democracy lest our already fragile democracy withers on the vine.
Skerrit has time to distance himself from Maduro and the longer he waits the more ackward his position. Just remember how silly Skerrit looked as one of the last remaining supporter of Ghadaffi before his demise.
I don’t know Mr Skerit’s relationship with Khadaffi, but I have always understood the one between Shavez and yours truly Mr K. What we have in Dominica is the early stages of dictatorship. Shavez was just a bit sharper than the current guy, and Mr cannot wait, his opponents are either in jail or even dead and he sees his time running out so what better than to distort Obama’s ruling and go for the juggle. To those who wish to believe him this makes perfect sense. What we in Dominica have to do, is to get people in the countryside to explain to them what is going on. The Roseau area people are attuned to news events as there is more correlation between TV and Radio talk shows, even then work should be done there as well. Skerit will not deplore this declaration coming from Venezuela because these are his gang members and he is just getting set to make his own disguise when the time comes. The Venezuelian Ambassador was quick to condemn Obama to inflame D/cans to sound off on…
continued: against America. But wait he may not want to blow off America either because he did not choose either of those repressive countries for his son’s nationhood. America is important one wants it to be. Wake Up Dominica before it is to late.
The US would never tolerate the protests and sabotage taking place in Venezuela. They encourage and finance strife and violence in those countries that restrict exploitation of the working class. Obama himself is called a communist for giving lip service to the working class and doing the bidding of the military industrial complex. He is just trying to save his hide from impeachment. He has to tread lightly with his executive orders.
If the US is serious about human rights they have to turn their sights on Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Middle Eastern Kingdoms that violate women’s rights and behead prisoners. They supported apartheid in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia and overthrow legitimate governments in the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Chile, Congo and elsewhere. They terrorized Jamaica and now Venezuela. If you supported the PLO, SWAPO, MPLA or the Sandinistas you were called terrorist, but if you sabotage Cuba or Venezuela, you’re their hero. Cuba was isolated; now what?
Venezuela is done Maduro,give your people freedom,your a doomed man.
Do you live in Venezuela. Why are you so arrogant, such a comment shows ignorance on your part.
Gary, you keep calling people ignorant in all your comments. It is my firm belief from reading your comments that it is you who is the ignoramus> You sound lick the braying animal, continue to sing for your supper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do YOU live in Venezuela? Tell me what it’s like making long lines just to get basic goods. Tell me how easy it is to get us dollars from the bank. Tell me how much you spend on average a month just to eat. Tell me how safe it is to walk the streets with even anything of slight value. Tell me what’s it like feeling so damn safe with this constant police/national guard patrol. You think this government is a joke? Wait till you all start hearing stuff – the best is yet to come. They already started messing with the internet so it probably won’t be long now :S
A fine example of a democracy that Skerrit is trying to emulate. First he tries to muzzle the press, what’s next, governance by decree? I wonder what he will use as his excuse.
Utter foolishness.
Some people allow their imagination to run away with them. You are trying to scare D/cans and for what? This is what some of you are doing.
Maduro…..This is “Madness”…..real nonsense. This is 2015 wake up. You have circled yourself with Prime Ministers and Presidents and Head of State as your friend who cannot support you, as their own countries and islands governance and governments are also being abused and corrupt.
Stop this nonsense and bring democracy back to Venezuela.
NO matter how much you Huff and Puff you are only shooting yourself in the foot and your friends cannot help.
Get rid off this dictatorial attitude……
Some of you are so ungrateful. Did you not appreciate Venezuela’s help?
As a saintly person said: “Gratitude to people is gratitude to God.” Think about that.
If anything happens to D/ca, it will be brought about because you wished it. This will be a punishment for some of you who project your hatred for Venezuela. The reason you do so it is because the PM is on diplomatic terms with President Maduro. This is how some of you people operate and feel. It is not good at all nor for you.
Your comments depict this very well. Thou Shalt Not Hate. It is as murdering someone and from the heart. You are carrying this with you. It is bad for you both mortally and spiritually.
The making of a dictator!!
Well look it. 1979 era all over again. This is the kind of ideology our leader upholds. Socialism does not work. Few work hard majority become lazy. We are taking soft tactics in Dominica when kelvar talking about introducing plans to censor media. This can never end good.