Caribbean seeking continued close relationship with Venezuela

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries say they are looking forward to “continued goodwill, friendship and cooperation” that has characterised their relationship with Venezuela following the electoral victory of Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, who had been chosen by the late Venezuelan Leader Hugo Chavez, was sworn into office over the weekend following his victory at the polls earlier this month. The ceremony was attended by several Caribbean leaders. In a congratulatory message, CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said that the regional bloc looked forward to the continued role of Venezuela in the forefront of South-South cooperation and Latin American and Caribbean integration.