FedEx is disappointed by the unexpected action by the Venezuelan government and regrets its impact on the business community.

We're working with the government to clarify whether our services will be affected by these actions.

I'm glad to see the government take some action to stop firms from illegally receiving Federal small business contracts, however, I think the fine is too small. This firm received millions of dollars in awards for several years by falsely claiming to be a small business. A one- million-dollar fine is a drop in the bucket for a Fortune 1000 firm. They should be permanently debarred from doing business with the government.

The government undertook the quarantine policy as a symbolic gesture. They were under pressure from the business community to demonstrate to their trading partners and political partners that they could contain the disease.

This settlement solidifies the idea that local community leaders can pressure the central government, through illegal and violent action, into giving those communities what they want.

The government deeply regrets what it has done.