Across the Caribbean concern is being expressed about the implications of civil unrest in Venezuela and what this might mean for the long term future of PetroCaribe, the concessionary agreement which underpins most Caribbean economies through the supply of oil at concessionary prices on deferred terms.
The recent demonstrations are the biggest political challenge Venezuela’s ruling PSUV has had to face since President Maduro took office in April 2013. However, support for what is happening has largely not crossed over from the middle class to the working class and the poor, and appears unlikely to do so.