North Wales salutes Chavez achievements

We held a celebration of the life and contribution of Hugo Chavez in Delyn wine bar in Mold. It is something of a testament that a comrade leading the revolution in Latin America can pack out a large venue in north-east Wales.

Comrades from all corners of Wales came to the evening, as well as some from across the border in Manchester, Chester, Merseyside and the Wirral.

People across the political spectrum were there including Cymru, Communist, Labour and Alliance for Green Socialism party members. Community campaigners and many trade union activists also came along.

Rachel Boothroyd from Venezuela Analysis spoke about the grassroots organisation of the Venezuelan people and Wales secretary of the Community Party Rick Newnham provided a Marxist perspective.

I was honoured to chair the evening and, if I may be so bold, would like to paraphrase my opening contribution: "Campesinos, companeros, ffrindiau, comrades all. We meet to celebrate the life and contribution of el commandante Hugo Chavez to the progressive, Bolivarian and distinctly Latin American revolution that empowers the people of Venezuela and stands up to the rich and powerful.

"Countries including Ecuador, Cuba and Nicaragua are proving that another world is possible.

"One built on solidarity that puts the interests of the masses before that of private profit and rejects neoliberalism, austerity and cuts.

"If we consider the names of some of the worlds great leaders - Allende, Mandela, Neruda, Fidel and Raul Castro, Che, Ho Chi Minh among others - they provided the leadership but ultimately it is the masses, the people who decide the destiny of the revolution.

"Hugo Chavez, we salute you and pledge to uphold the ideas for which you lived.

"Adios comrade, todos somos Chavez, todos somos Maduro. Hasta la victoria siempre."

Trevor Jones

Secretary, Deeside Trades Union Council