Rawlings pays last respects to Chavez

Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings has in a message of condolence to fallen Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, prayed that those who take over from him will be able to “carry on the difficult responsibility”.

President Rawlings, who signed the book of condolence in Caracas on Friday March 15, wrote: “Those whose lives have been violated by the savagery of capitalism know your worth, Commandante. Let us hope those you fought and died for can carry on the difficult responsibility of this battle.”

The former President who travelled to Caracas on Wednesday March 13 also viewed the mortal remains of President Chavez before it was transported in a huge convoy of thousands of Venezuelans to its final resting place at a Caracas museum.

Prior to his departure to Venezuela, the former Ghanaian leader lamented the failure of African leadership to show open sympathy on the passing of the Venezuelan leader and wondered whether they felt intimidated by the West.

The former President said he was disappointed that flags did not fly at half-mast in African countries for a man who had bridged the gap between South America and Africa and also defended his African credentials at every opportunity.