For those that have been long in this stock, sometimes its difficult to stand back and look objectively. Our SP has been in decline for sometime, now decimated by the latest news. A few statements and assumptions based on the facts as I see them:

- We are invested in a country that is currently THE world's political hotbed.

- Chavez wishes to align himself politically, ideologically and economically with China, Russia and Iran.

- There is a worldwide movement to ensure responsible mining practices and for general environmental protection.

- LC has a M & I resource of 20.8M ounces which WILL be exploited.

- There is an implied perception of bureaucratic corruption at all levels.

- Cultural, linguistic and logistical barriers have impeded our understanding of VZ commerce and governmental process.

- Presumption that the VZ government would prefer the KRY and GRZ projects be combined.

- A communication deficiency exists between Governmental Ministries.

- Management walks on proverbial eggshells as not to jeopardize their position.

- Permit fatigue has investors disgruntled and analysts skeptical.

Las Cristinas and Brisas are world class deposits that are economically, politically and socially strategic to the Chavez agenda. While environmental responsibility will garner heightened consideration, it will not facilitate the demise of these projects. The Bolivar State region has not been blessed by oil reserves and poverty will dictate cooperation. Industry and environmentalism will have to coexist. Chavez will not want the PSUV to lose representation in the State as November's tightly contested election approaches. The status quo is coming to an end. It may not be the lucrative returns we had anticipated, but I'm still believing we will be compensated financially. Emotionally, we may carry these KRY induced scars for life, lol.