Ambassador H.E. Richard Mc Phail has presented his Letter of credence to the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, H.E. Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias. The President welcomed the Ambassador and invited him to a brief discussion. During the discussion the Ambassador expressed deep gratitude to the President for the tremendous assistance given to Grenada by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela over the years but specifically in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan and the reconstruction of the General Hospital. They also discussed the strengthening of ties between both countries. To this end an invitation was extended to the President to visit Grenada and he responded that he would like to do so for the opening of the “Simon Bolivar Village” later in 2005. The President indicated that he wants to move speedily to implement the ‘”PETROCARIBE” Agreement, which was recently signed here in Venezuela as this is meant to be for the benefit of the populations in the various Caribbean islands. He also indicated that he wants to have bilateral agreements signed with Grenada in areas of health, sports, and education. He specifically mentioned the “Miracle Mission” which is done in collaboration with the Republic of Cuba. President Chavez said that his Government understands the plight of the Grenadian people during the reconstruction era. The Ambassador indicated that Grenada is still in need of tremendous assistance. The President indicated that Venezuela is willing to assist even more in the reconstruction process. The Ambassador was accompanied by Secretary at the Mission Mrs. Patricia Garcia de Flores and family member (granddaughter of Grenadian George Mc Phail, uncle of Ambassador’s father) Ms. Blanca Mc Phail, who lives in Venezuela. Source: Office of the Prime Minister