"What I would really like to know, is it Venezuelan Ministry ineptness causing this delay, or is it Hugo???"

I think corruption plays as big a factor as any of these two reasons. jmo

If there is corruption involved with issuance of the permit then Hugo is involved. There is too bright a light being shown on this for someone to get away with a "Permit for $$$" quid pro quo unless the 'big guy' is getting a cut. Likewise...at this point the permit is NOT the environmental minister's decision. It is above his pay grade. And to think that Hugo is not totally aware of the situation is ludicrous.