The federation’s groups of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador issued this message of consternation over the death of Hugo Chavez.

“Hugo Chavez’s struggle in Venezuela encouraged, strengthened and guided many social movements and organizations as well as communities and governments Latin America. For this reason he made a historical contribution to the new generations that are faced with a capitalist system that marginalizes, exploits, destroys and commodifies common goods to benefit a few, in the detriment of the majority of the world’s population”, reads the declaration.

It also claims that the support for the Bolivarian Revolution “is a key challenge at this time for all Latin American and Caribbean peoples and we rise to the challenge”. The groups also warn “the whole world to pay attention to what happens in Latin America and specifically in Venezuela to support the Venezuelan democratic process through mobilization and solidarity”.

“We, the world’s poorest, the workers, the landless peasants or the peasants who are being expelled by agribusiness corporations, the indigenous displaced by mining, the human rights activists who resist in every corner of the Americas, shall have a moment of silence on this black day in our history to mourn and say goodbye to comrade Hugo Chavez.”, reads the declaration transcribed below.

Declaration of Friends of the Earth Latin America and the Caribbean (ATALC)
A minute of silence to mourn our comrade Hugo Chavez; Let’s Keep up The Fight Guided by His Example

Friends of the Earth Latin America and the Caribbean (ATALC) – which is part of environmental federation Friends of the Earth International- is filled with consternation and deep sorrow over the news about the death of the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias. This will be a historic day in the Latin American struggle because he was an example of dedication, courage, political clarity, anti-imperialism and solidarity similar to unforgettable men and women like Simon Bolivar, Augusto César Sandino, Ernesto Guevara, Fidel Castro Ruz, Farabundo Martí, Monseñor Oscar Romero, Manuelita Sáenz, Juana Azurduy and many more.

As we stand committed with social and environmental justice and respect for human rights in Latin America and the world, without people exploiting others or being exploited, we deeply appreciate the historical role played by Hugo Chavez to achieve these goals with the firm support of the Venezuelan people, particularly of millions of impoverished, excluded and exploited men and women who saw in the Bolivarian Revolution a historical opportunity for redemption, development and national sovereignty. We hope this process will continue to move forward.

As Latin American men and women, sons and daughters of this black, indigenous, “mestizo”, rebellious and spoliated continent we recognize the unparalleled contribution of Hugo Chavez and the Venezuelan people to peoples’ integration based on peace, the confrontation of a common enemy, the complementarity and solidarity of the peoples, the social organizations and grassroots movements.

Hugo Chavez’s struggle in Venezuela encouraged, strengthened and guided many social movements and organizations as well as communities and governments in our Latin American fatherland. For this reason he made a historical contribution to the new generations that are faced with a capitalist system that marginalizes, exploits, destroys and commodifies common goods to benefit a few and in the detriment of the great majority of the world’s population.

We, the world’s poorest, the workers, the landless peasants or the peasants who are being expelled by agribusiness corporations, the indigenous displaced by mining, the human rights activists who resist in every corner of the Americas, have a moment of silence on this black day in our history to mourn and say goodbye to comrade Hugo Chavez.

We go back to work, to the struggle, to the streets, the communities, the radios, the universities, the schools to honor a life dedicated to struggle, as our dear comrade did.
Today he becomes a constant inspiration and an eternal example for all.

The Bolivarian Revolution is already a victory not only of Hugo Chavez and the Venezuelan people, but it is a collective effort that needs to be strengthened more than ever.

To support it is now a key challenge for the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean. We warn the whole world to pay attention to what happens in Latin America and specifically in Venezuela to support the Venezuelan democratic process through mobilization and solidarity.

Until Victory always, comrade Chávez!

Friends of the Earth Latin America and the Caribbean – ATALC
March 5, 2013.-