Venezuela represents a promising future for Latin America. Amicus
supports the government’s attempts to utilise the country’s
resources and wealth for reforms to benefit working people, the
poor and the landless. Through these innovative policies, such as
the oil for doctors policy for example, the Chavez administration
is now on its way to meeting the
Millennium Development
Goals. These goals which include poverty reduction and
human development, are three years ahead of the 2015 deadline set
by the United Nations. Opposition from the US Government continues
to be a problem as efforts to intervene and de-stabilise the
democratically elected government persist.
Chavez recently secured a third term winning 60% of the vote.
The election held on 3rd December 2006 saw a high
turnout, it was closely monitored by hundreds of international
observers and who declared them to be free and fair.
Simple facts
Since being elected in 1998 the following has been achieved by
President Chavez:
- 1.2 million Venezuelans can now read and write thanks to the
government’s literacy programme
- Between 1996-2002 post natal mortality rates have declined by
38% making Venezuela one of the countries with the lowest infant
mortality rates in Latin America
- A national chain of pharmacies makes prescription drugs 30 to
40% cheaper than the going commercial rates. Victims of HIV/AIDS,
cancer and chronic diseases receive treatment and medication at no
cost.
How can you help?
Join the Amicus solidarity bank to find out the latest
efforts on supporting and campaigning in solidarity with Venezuelan
trade unionists. To inform yourself with the most recent
developments log onto the Venezuelan Information Centre
website Amicus is affiliated to this UK based NGO.
