ReCoRD

(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 1950s
• Some worry about what Valdes, who's been called ruthless, will be up to in Venezuela
• He's been hired to help end energy crisis, but critics say he lacks energy sector experience
• But others say Valdes, who has experience in government purchases, could help