Petrocaribe was a regional oil procurement agreement between Venezuela and Caribbean member states. The trade organization was founded on 29 June 2005 in Puerto La Cruz , Venezuela during the presidency of Hugo Chávez . Venezuela offered member states oil supplies on a concessionary financial agreement. Petrocaribe has been part of the " pink tide " in Latin America seeking to achieve post-neoliberal development in the region. In 2013 Petrocaribe established links with the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA) aiming to go beyond oil trade and promoting economic cooperation. The deal fell apart by 2019 after dwindling oil production, corruption, and oil price fluctuations took their toll.
38-637: In November 2022, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first country to resume receipt of oil under the PetroCaribe terms. In 2023, Venezuela stated that it intended to revive the trade program. The agreement was initiated with the aim of having solidarity with other countries in accordance with Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA), and developed from the Caracas Accord. The payment system allows for
76-620: A concessionary financial agreement. The initiative has provided the Caribbean member states with important hydrocarbon resources, which many do not possess on their territories, in exchange for services and goods. In the case of Cuba , a nation largely deprived of oil since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Petrocaribe has provided oil in exchange for medical doctors. As part of Cuba's efforts to spread its Energy Revolution campaign through ALBA, Cuban social workers traveled to 11 countries in
114-570: A real sports town because in these years there has been an increase in the Eastern sports fans. The city is the home of the baseball team Caribes de Anzoátegui (formerly known as Caribes de Oriente). The team plays at the Estadio Alfonso Chico Carrasquel , which has a capacity of 18,000 spectators. The city is also home to the professional basketball team Marinos de Anzoátegui (formerly known as Marinos de Oriente), which plays in
152-457: Is Cuba. It is still getting some oil through Petrocaribe and Cuba doesn't have the debt problems because it brokered a deal to pay for its oil by sending doctors to Venezuela. In 2022, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines received a shipment of oil from Venezuela under the terms of PetroCaribe, becoming the first country to resume PetroCaribe ties. In 2023, Venezuela announced its intention to revive PetroCaribe. In July 2023, CARICOM members called for
190-446: Is a major refining hub for the crude extracted in the states of Monagas and Anzoátegui . Puerto La Cruz is the terminus of the 145 km (90 mi) Carapito-Puerto la Cruz oil pipeline, the 155 km (96 mi) San Joaquin -Puerto la Cruz oil pipeline and the 184 km (114 mi) Anaco -Puerto la Cruz gas pipeline. The city is the gateway to a large national park . The beaches of Mochima National Park surround
228-606: Is an intergovernmental organization based on the idea of political and economic integration of Latin American and Caribbean countries. Founded initially by Cuba and Venezuela in 2004, it is associated with socialist and social democratic governments wishing to consolidate regional economic integration based on a vision of social welfare, bartering and mutual economic aid. The ten member countries are Antigua and Barbuda , Bolivia , Cuba , Dominica , Grenada , Nicaragua , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and
266-542: Is home to Puerto La Cruz refinery, one of the largest oil refineries in the country, which, with its 200,000 barrels (32,000 m ) per day processing capacity, supplies the domestic market and exports to other Caribbean countries such as Cuba and the Antilles . Also, at 50 kilometres (31 mi), the José Plant Complex is one of the primary processing facilities of the largest Venezuelan oil company , PDVSA and
304-532: Is located on the southern shore of the Caribbean. The elevation of the city varies between 767 and 64 metres (2,516 and 210 ft). The city position is at Latitude 10° 13' N and Longitude 64° 37' W. Typical temperatures vary between 25–28 °C (77–82 °F). Borders are represented by Mochima National Park , the North Eastern region, and the Coastal Mountains. The history of this settlement began with
342-666: Is to provide funding for social welfare programs within these nations. In July 2018, President Lenín Moreno of Ecuador distanced himself from ALBA, stating that the organization "has not worked for a while." In August 2018, Ecuador officially withdrew from ALBA. Karen Longaric , appointed as foreign minister by Jeanine Áñez 's interim government, announced the formal departure of the country from ALBA in November 2019 over "interference" in Bolivia's political crisis . Bolivia remained in ALBA after
380-537: The 2009 Honduran coup d'état . The Caribbean nations Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia also joined. Jamaica , at the invitation of Chávez, and Mexico , at the invitation of Ortega, were invited to join the ALBA countries. Chávez also invited the countries of Central America to join ALBA, and invited Argentina to use SUCRE . In the 11th Summit of ALBA in February 2012, Suriname, Saint Lucia and Haiti requested admission to
418-452: The 2023 ALBA Games . In October 2009, ALBA leaders agreed at a summit in Bolivia to create a virtual currency, named the SUCRE . "The document is approved," said Bolivian President Evo Morales, the summit host. President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez announced "The sucre [is] an autonomous and sovereign monetary system that will be agreed upon today so that it can be implemented in 2010." As of 2015,
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#1732869105143456-781: The Belize Petroleum Energy Company to coordinate for the project. Barbados denied that it had succumbed to pressure from the United States , which has a strained relationship with Venezuela , as the reason, but has not ruled out agreeing to Petrocaribe in the future. On August 31, 2005, Energy Minister Anthony Wood said that they are weighing options over signing Petrocaribe. In April 2011 Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez renewed his offer for Barbados to join Petrocaribe. Panama applied for membership on 3 March 2009 and initially said it would continue to join Petrocaribe under
494-525: The Holy Cross (Spanish: Santa Cruz ) as their religious symbols, celebrating their patron saint on 8 November (Spanish: Dia de la Virgen del Amparo ) and iconography on 3 May (Spanish: Dia de la Santa Cruz ). By 1868 the first church was built, and slowly the name of the town was changed to Puerto de la Santa Cruz (English: Port of the Holy Cross ), later shortened to Puerto La Cruz. Puerto La Cruz
532-580: The 13th Summit of the Alliance, which occurred in Havana, Cuba. Ecuador withdrew from ALBA in August 2018. Bolivia 's interim government withdrew in November 2019 during the political crisis , but the newly elected government of Luis Arce rejoined following the 2020 Bolivian general election . Amid the international isolation Russia is facing due to the invasion of Ukraine , ALBA invited Russia to participate at
570-597: The Caribbean and Latin America to help develop energy efficiency projects in those countries. Launched in 2005, TeleSUR is a media network that provides news and current affairs broadcasts throughout the ALBA bloc. The network has an internet based television channel and is a cooperative effort between the governments of Venezuela , Cuba and Nicaragua . PETROSUR is an inter-governmental energy alliance between Venezuelan PDVSA , Argentinean YPF , and Brazilian Petrobras nationalized oil companies. The goal of this initiative
608-567: The Grenadines and Venezuela . Suriname was admitted to ALBA as a guest country at a February 2012 summit. The agreement was proposed by the government of Venezuela , led by Hugo Chávez as an alternative to the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA or ALCA in Spanish, an agreement proposed by the United States ), which never materialized. This Cuba–Venezuela Agreement, signed on 14 December 2004, by Presidents Chávez and Fidel Castro ,
646-605: The Polideportivo Simón Bolívar (formerly known as Polideportivo Luis Ramos), better known today as the Caldera del Diablo. The city has 2 football stadiums. The Jose Antonio Anzoátegui stadium , with a capacity of 40,000 spectators, hosted some of the Copa América 2007 matches among teams from Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Ecuador. The stadium is the home ground of the football team Deportivo Anzoátegui , which plays in
684-658: The US State Department's chagrin. After Venezuela had invested in developing Haitian infrastructure, and after the Haitian government convinced Chevron to deliver the oil from Venezuela, on 8 March 2008 the first shipment of oil was received. Honduras became the 17th member of the alliance in December 2007, under President Manuel Zelaya , but left the organization after the 2009 coup d'état before rejoining it in May 2012. Belize set up
722-563: The arrival of the Spanish to the northern coast of what would eventually become Venezuela. In 1780, the Christian Mission of Pozuelos (English: small wells ) was founded by indigenous natives. On 9 April 1862, a group of 26 families from Margarita Island decided to settle in Pozuelos Bay. As time progressed, this settlement adopted the Virgen del Amparo (English: Virgin of Amparo ) and
760-400: The city there are various universities, institutes and colleges, among which are the following: Universities Institutes Schools and Colleges International schools: Spanish Language Schools Despite the importance, the city also has a good efficient sports infrastructure; however, work has been carried out in the local sports complex for its full restoration, and to turn it into
798-452: The city. Places such as Isla de Plata, Playa Conoma, Isla Arapo and Playa Arapito are known for their beauty. To the west of the city is the terminal of one of the main ferry lines linking Isla Margarita with the mainland, while to the east is a private marina that caters for tourists and visitors. Day trips are available to visit national park islands such as Playa El Faro, Los Chimanas, Cachicamo and Isla Borracha. In addition to tourism,
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#1732869105143836-519: The deal that it seeks to cut out the middleman in such transactions: "We're not talking about discounts...We're talking about financial facilities, direct deliveries of products, [and] infrastructure." Petrocaribe had a total of 18 members: Antigua and Barbuda , Bahamas , Belize , Cuba , Dominica , Dominican Republic , Grenada , Guatemala , Guyana , Haiti , Honduras , Jamaica , Nicaragua , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Vincent and Grenadines , Saint Lucia , Suriname , and Venezuela . 12 of
874-549: The development of renewable energy, burdened these small nations with billions of dollars in debt – and spurred corruption. Venezuela oil industry is in turmoil. Venezuela's oil rigs, which had been producing nearly 3 million barrels of crude oil a day in 2014, produce now less than a million barrels a day. In addition to the economic collapse of Venezuela, U.S. sanctions against the country made it almost impossible to route bank payments to Venezuela. The only country receiving crude oil from Venezuela at this type of preferential treatment
912-590: The launch of this initiative was August 2007, but since the announcement in March of that year has not been re-appointed over the project. The first phase of construction of the Metro urban network is expected to last approximately two years to complete. According to various estimates, this would reduce by 50% the volume of traffic that is logged daily in this metropolitan area . This ambitious project involves an air transport infrastructure, with additional sections on land. In
950-437: The major international banks have established their regional headquarters in the city. A large number of commercial businesses, and large shopping centers are progressively being developed. Large avenues cross the city, from north to south, and from east to west. Among them are: Puerto La Cruz has several ports from which many destinations, attractions, and shopping facilities can be reached. Margarita Island can be reached by
988-528: The members were from the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM). At the first summit, 14 countries joined the trade organization: Antigua and Barbuda , the Bahamas , Belize , Cuba , Dominica , Grenada , Jamaica , Saint Lucia , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Suriname , and Venezuela . At the third summit, Haiti and Nicaragua joined the union. Guatemala joined in July 2008 but left
1026-454: The nearby city of Barcelona. According to various sources, local authorities awaited the signature of President Hugo Chávez after negotiating an agreement between the mayors of Puerto La Cruz (Sotillo Municipality) and Barcelona (Bolivar Municipality) and the Chinese company Transtech Engineering Corporation for the construction of a network of modern mass transportation . The target date for
1064-674: The new president, but Panama remains a non-member. The first summit, which launched the project was held in Puerto La Cruz , Venezuela. The second summit of Petrocaribe was held in Montego Bay , Jamaica. The third summit was held in Caracas , Venezuela and the fourth summit was held in Cienfuegos , Cuba, in December 2007. The seventh summit was held in Caracas, on 6 April 2013. The membership of Honduras
1102-409: The organization in November 2013 stating that Venezuela had not provided them with the ultra-low financing rates that they had been promised. Haiti had not been initially invited to the talks, since Venezuela did not recognize its then post- Jean-Bertrand Aristide government. However, Hugo Chávez actively "courted" newly elected president René Préval when he took office, much to Chevron, Exxon, and
1140-543: The organization. Haiti was granted the special status of permanent member and the other two countries were named special members, while awaiting their full incorporation. In July 2013, Chávez was honored posthumously by the nine member countries of the group and special guests Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Suriname, Guyana and Haiti at the group's 12th Presidential Summit in Guayaquil, Ecuador. In December 2014, Grenada and Saint Kitts and Nevis were accepted as full members during
1178-528: The purchase of oil at market value for 5%-50% up front with a grace period of one to two years; the remainder can be paid through a 17-25 year financing agreement with 1% interest if oil prices are above US$ 40 per barrel. The agreement builds on payment terms from the San José Agreement and the Caracas Energy Accord . Energy and Petroleum Minister and President of PDVSA Rafael Ramírez said of
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1216-610: The removal of U.S. sanctions from Venezuela which prohibit them from purchasing oil under the favorable terms of PetroCaribe. ALBA ALBA or ALBA–TCP , formally the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America ( Spanish : Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América ) or the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples' Trade Treaty ( Spanish : Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra América – Tratado de Comercio de los Pueblos ),
1254-461: The transport service operated by Conferry and Gran Cacique Express (which resumed its activities in December 2006). The beaches located on the islands of Mochima National Park may also be reached from Lechería. In Guaraguao, Puerto La Cruz, there is also a terminal for the export/import of the crude oil processed at the city's refinery. Puerto La Cruz does not have its own airport and uses Generál José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport , in
1292-423: The virtual currency is being used to compensate trade between Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, and especially Ecuador and Venezuela. In addition, Suriname is a "special guest member" that intends to become a full member. Based on the earlier San José Accords (1980) and Caracas Energy Accords (2000) between Venezuela and a number of Caribbean states, Petrocaribe was founded in 2005 to facilitate oil trade under
1330-607: The Áñez government was defeated in the 2020 Bolivian general election . Puerto La Cruz Puerto La Cruz ( Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpweɾto la ˈkɾus] ) is a port city located in Anzoátegui State , in Venezuela . It is the seat of the Juan Antonio Sotillo Municipality . The city has road connections to the state capital, Barcelona , to Lecheria and to Guanta . The city of Puerto La Cruz
1368-488: Was aimed at the exchange of medical and educational resources and petroleum between the two nations. Venezuela began to deliver about 96,000 barrels of oil per day from its state-owned oil company, PDVSA , to Cuba at very favorable prices. In exchange, Cuba sent 20,000 state-employed medical staff and thousands of teachers to Venezuela's poorest states. The agreement also made it possible for Venezuelans to travel to Cuba for specialized medical care, free of charge. When it
1406-511: Was launched in 2004, ALBA had only two member states, Venezuela and Cuba . Subsequently, a number of other Latin American and Caribbean nations entered into this 'Peoples' Trade Agreement' (Spanish: Tratado de Comercio de los Pueblos , or TCP), which aims to implement the principles of ALBA. Bolivia under Evo Morales joined in 2006, Nicaragua under Daniel Ortega in 2007, and Ecuador under Rafael Correa in 2009. Honduras , under Manuel Zelaya , joined in 2008, but withdrew in 2010 after
1444-640: Was revived after suspension because of the 2009 Honduran coup; Guatemala became an official new member of Petrocaribe. Summit also propose deeper cooperation between Petrocaribe states and states of ALBA on basis of new economic zone. Summit had discussion also about tourism, air traffic and food security. The 11th Summit was hosted by Haiti in Port-au-Prince . As of 2019, PetroCaribe has mostly dried up because of Venezuela's eroded domestic production and refining, but political and commercial ties in some prominent cases have endured. Critics say PetroCaribe suppressed
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