Maduro and Venezuela, CARICOM ties

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - THE FIERCE battle to elect a successor to the late President Hugo Chavez is over but a heavy cloud of uncertainty hangs over Venezuela amid today’s official ceremony for Nicolas Maduro to take the oath as new head of state of that influential oil-rich nation. With seven known deaths and scores of injured during a clash of government and opposition supporters following official declaration of the results, both President Maduro and his opposition challenger Henrique Capriles have the immediate challenge of ensuring a climate of peace for constructive dialogue. While he was Chavez’s first choice as successor, Maduro’s surprising razor-thin victory over second-time unsuccessful candidate Capriles could prove most challenging for his presidency over the next six years.