Patrick J. O'Donoghue's round up of news from Venezuela

Education Minister Adan Chavez has ratified the implementation of the new Bolivarian education curriculum for next year, 2009. Chavez insists that the timetable for debate has been extended to allow for greater understanding and exchange of opinions. At the beginning of 2008, the Ministry started courses for primary and secondary school teachers but the sessions are facing sabotage from school parents and teachers in parts of eastern Venezuela. The opposition has rejected the curriculum, accusing the government of trying to introduce ideology into the educational system and introducing by stealth modifications to the Constitution that were rejected in the ballot box on December 2, 2007. The Minister denies the charges and maintains that he is open to dialogue, proposing that educational zones organize discussions to include all the social sectors, non-governmental organizations and universities.

The Venezuelan Association of Catholic Schools (AVEC) says it is preparing counter- proposals to the Ministry on the new curriculum, highlighting what it calls the essential values in education. The organization will present the Minister a document at the end of May. Last week in Zulia and other States teachers met to discuss and hear the government side of the argument during a week-long study session during which classes were suspended.

The proposed curriculum is expected to become the opposition's main cause célèbre this electoral year.

Energy & Petroleum Minister, Rafael Ramirez says the government is preparing to break the reciprocal protection agreement signed with the Netherlands in protest over abuse on the part of some oil companies. Referring to the conflict with ExxonMobil, which has succeeded in freezing Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) assets in the Netherlands, Minister Ramirez has made it clear that Venezuela objects to the fact that foreign companies can register as Dutch companies and he cites the practice adopted by a Chinese oil company, Eni Italia and even ExxonMobil taking advantage of a loophole in the mutual protection agreement. Venezuela is preparing its legal offensive to have the freeze order in the Netherlands lifted at a hearing in the Hague planned for the end of the month.

The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (USB) has announced the launch of a new weekly party newspaper which will be called, "To the Left." PSUV leader and journalist, Vanessa Davies says the newspaper will be a tool for members in their political and ideological formation and will include contributions from members to promote participation and the building of the party from the bottom upwards. The first edition is expected to appear on Monday.

It would appear that only two of the currents of opinion inside the pro-government National Union of Workers (UNT) will sign up for the proposed government trade union central. The Bolivarian Socialist Force (FSBT) and the Alfredo Maniero Movement will form the backbone of the new organization, which is expected to come into force in time for May Day celebrations. The Workers in Revolution Collective (CTR), Socialist Union Autonomy and Socialist Wave are laying down conditions before entering, while the C-Cura has announced it will continue in the UNT. FSBT coordinator, Oswaldo Vera whose group is promoting the new central has announced that the executive committee will consist of presidents of federations.

The divisions inside pro-government centrals are indicative of a pluralist resistance to the government steam-roller in the wake of a similar decision taken by several pro-government political parties not to enter the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com