The impact has gone beyond the Venezuelan borders. Sixteen countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Iran, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Peru, Belarus, Nigeria, among others decreed National Mourning in the wake of this event that represents a hard blow on the spirit of the Latin Americans.
The messages acknowledged the man and the Bolivarian leader for his skills as a statesman, his militancy for the poor of the world and his dream of attaining social justice in Venezuela, Latin America and the world.
The statement of renowned U.S. filmmaker Michael Moore proved the admiration and respect the Venezuelan leader deserved for the courage he showed while carrying out his political project: “Hugo Chavez declared the oil belonged to the people. He used the dollars obtained to eliminate 75% of the extreme poverty(In his country), provide free health & education for all,” Moore tweeted. “That made him dangerous. The US approved a coup to overthrow him even though he was a democratically-elected President.”
Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, a great commercial partner of Venezuela, has said about the Venezuelan revolutionary: “one of the greatest statesman and leaders of our time, a great hero, a passionate patriot and the fighter for independence.” He later added: “an exceptional man who loved life and who dedicated his life to the service of his country.”
Equally, Nigerian head of state Goodluck Jonathan voiced the sentiment of his people and the reason to decree seven days of National Mourning in that sister nation: “To weep for Chavez together with Venezuelans, and for his admirable efforts to improve the living conditions of marginalized citizens.”
President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Mohamed Abdelaziz joined the countless number of heads of state paying tribute to the late Venezuelan president: “To honour the spirit of this great international militant and recognizing his principle positions in favour of People’s rights to self-determination and independence and his standing with the poor.”
Tribute messages to Chavez increase as the hours pass. The world turns their eyes to Venezuela and bows to the undying virtue of a man who fought for the poor of the world.