Venezuelans in US optimistic after death of divisive leader

After the government announced the 58-year-old leftist died, ending his 14 years in power, Venezuelans crowded into Venezuelan-themed restaurants in Miami, home to the largest expatriate community in the United States.

“Finally! Finally! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!” said Maria Elena Prati, 47, who waved a Venezuelan flag in the Miami suburb of Doral, often referred to as “Doralzuela” because of its large Venezuelan community who make up 21 percent of the city's population and are mostly vehemently opposed to Chavez.

After Chavez took power in 1999, tens of thousands of middle- and upper-class Venezuelans fled the country, complaining of rising crime and shrinking economic opportunities. Many resettled in south Florida, joining the much larger virulently anti-communist Cuban exile community.

According to a 2010 U.S. Census, around 215,000 Venezuelans live in the United States, an increase from 91,000 in 2000. Venezuelan expat communities have also grown in Houston and New York.

At “El Arepazo,” a popular Venezuelan restaurant in Doral, people poured in to watch TV reports covering the death as they contemplated a post-Chavez Venezuela.

Many expressed concern that Chavez's death could mean more political instability and uncertainty in the coming months.

On Tuesday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said the country will hold a presidential election within 30 days.

The vote will likely pit Vice President Nicolas Maduro, who Chavez appointed as his political successor, against Henrique Capriles, the centrist opposition leader who lost to Chavez in an October election but enjoyed widespread support among Venezuelan expatriates living in the United States.

(Related stories on page 6)

“We have a chance to chart a new path,” said Mary Jenny Parra, a 42-year-old publicist. “May Chavez rest in peace, but more than anything, I hope for peace in Venezuela because I fear we're heading into a very turbulent period.”

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