The pact has helped Chavez promote his vision of regional independence from the United States. He used the summit to blame Washington for international economic problems, and called US military spending in Iraq "madness."

He also denied criticism from Venezuelan opponents who say he is giving away Venezuela's oil wealth.

Reading from an opposition statement accusing him of "bribery diplomacy," Chavez mused: "It's very probable this was written in the U.S. Embassy."

Some Petrocaribe member countries have the option of paying partially for oil with services or goods such as rice, bananas and sugar.

To help boost agriculture, Chavez said Venezuela will donate US$460 million from its oil proceeds annually to create an aid fund providing farming supplies and machinery in the region. He also offered to supply subsidized fertilizer to other countries.
... iht

Great man. Any of this in the 'free and fair' USA media? Doubt it!

I love it---a socialist who is true to his word. But the only thing you'll hear about him in the USA is bullshit and lies attacking him. The capitalist profiteers can't stand the fact that cheap oil might be sold or --God forbid--TRADED for bananas to countries who need help, not as for their SUV's and conspicuous consumers.