(CNN) -- Ramiro Valdes, 77, is one of only four remaining original rebels led by Fidel Castro in the 1950s in Cuba. By Cuban standards, he has had a remarkable career, serving the Castro brothers loyally for years in a variety of posts, some which made him notorious. Now, Valdes has accepted a new task outside Cuba that is raising skepticism. He arrived this week in Venezuela as a consultant for that country's energy crisis. Venezuela is facing critical electricity shortages that have created rolling blackouts in some areas. The government of Hugo Chavez blames a long drought that has reduced energy production at the country's main hydroelectric dam, while others say the real problem is a lack of investment in energy infrastructure.Ramiro Valdes, 77, is one of only four remaining original rebels led by Fidel Castro in the 1950sSome worry about what Valdes, who's been called ruthless, will be up to in VenezuelaHe's been hired to help end energy crisis, but critics say he lacks energy sector experienceBut others say Valdes, who has experience in government purchases, could help
Furthermore, _ engineers are already familiar with the electric system and equipment in the country, he added. Venezuela's alliance with _ in areas such as medicine has resulted in a system in which Cuba purchases medical equipment that it in turn sells to Venezuela at a markup, he said. Venezuela's alliance with Cuba in areas such as medicine has resulted in a system in which Cuba purchases medical equipment that it in turn sells to _ at a markup, he said. That is, assess what equipment _ needs to meet its electricity needs and have the Cuban team purchase it and then sell it to Venezuela. That is, assess what equipment Venezuela needs to meet its electricity needs and have the Cuban team purchase it and then sell it to _.