ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) — Grenada has assured Venezuela that it will stand behind the South American country “no matter what”.

Foreign Affairs Minister Elvin Nimrod, addressing the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries over the weekend, said Grenada also understands the situation confronting the Spanish-speaking country.

“Grenada stands behind you in solidarity no matter what… We understand the present challenge and we want to tell you that we believe your cause is right and just and we will stand behind you no matter what,” he told the ceremony whose guest of honour was Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, who thanked Grenada for its years of friendship.

Nimrod said that Venezuela has contributed to the country’s development since the relationship was established by Eric Gairy administration in 1977.

“Grenada has benefited much from Venezuela. It is surely 40 years of productive and successful years of bilateral relationship, we appreciate it,” said Nimrod, who explained that it was impossible to list all the assistance received from Venezuela.

However, he made special mention of the Miracle Eye Care programme, assistance towards the expansion of the General Hospital building and the PetroCaribe agreement which provides for Grenada to receive cheaper oil from Venezuela.

“We understand friend and love and for your assistance we will stand by you always,” he said to the audience that also included government ministers and members of the diplomatic community in Grenada.

Last Friday, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, called on Venezuela to halt the use of violence and other tools of repression against opposition demonstrators who are protesting defense for the rule of law in the country.

The OAS said that one demonstrator was killed and several others wounded and detained as they clamour for fresh elections in the country.

“This is an authoritarianism that hides behind the armed forces that, far from acting as the forces of order, act as the forces of repression and terror. It is an authoritarianism that, in its escalation of hatred and shame, also infects the armed forces with hatred and shame.

“This self-described civic-military regime is responsible not only for the loss of democracy and for the critical food situation in Venezuela, it is also responsible for inciting hatred through repression,” he said.

Venezuela has experienced a downturn in economic fortunes following the drastic decline in the global price for its main commodity, oil.