Over the years I've had the opportunity to work with several Venezuelans who have emigrated to Puerto Rico. This one older lady in particular was very well educated and had a very good job at a pharmaceutical facility there. In coming to Puerto Rico, she left houses and family behind. She was pretty disdainful of Chavez, and I think it mostly had to do with the intolerance shown by his government regarding opposing viewpoints, as well as anyone, or any organization he perceived as a threat to his power. And it was well-known that his burning desire was to become President for life. He won a referendum to eliminate term limits.

But maybe it's a bit like Cuba, from which coincidentally Fidel Castro was one of his very best friends. Most if not all the people who have left Cuba hate Castro... and maybe it's the same with Venezuela. Those who have remained either have been unable to leave, or maybe they have genuine affection for their respective leaders.