Although Simon Bolivar is an extremely celebrated figure in all of South America, the Venezuelan government designed a new monument and mausoleum in his honor in Caracas, which seems more like a representation of the current country's president Hugo Chavez. It's imposing and secretive, just like Chavez' reign, and there are quite a few people who are unhappy with the moving of Bolivar's remains.

MORE than 180 years after his death, the South American independence hero Simon Bolivar will be given an ostentatious and controversial new resting place in Venezuela thanks to his most famous modern-day follower, Hugo Chavez.

The Venezuelan President has commissioned a $A138 million, white-tiled and domed mausoleum in Caracas to pay homage to the nation's founding father.

But as Venezuelans await the twice-delayed inauguration, now scheduled for December 17, many see the structure more as an emblem of their President's highly personalised style of leadership.

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