AMBASSADOR Lolita Applewhaite, Acting Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed the “deep sadness” felt by CARICOM at the loss of life and destruction wrought by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked New Zealand, in particular the city of Christchurch, on 21 February, 2011.
In a Note Verbale to the Government of New Zealand through its High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, the Acting Secretary-General noted the poignancy of this disaster in light of a series of earthquakes which hit that area since September 2010, according to a release from the Secretariat.
Ambassador Applewhaite said that CARICOM joins with the rest of the international community in solidarity with New Zealand.

The full text of the message reads:

“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has learnt with deep sadness of the tragic loss of life, widespread destruction and continuing trauma wrought by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake of 21 February 2011 and the subsequent series of aftershocks in the southern cities of New Zealand, particularly Christchurch. This disaster is all the more poignant as it is the latest in a series of earthquakes that have hit the area since September 2010.
The Caribbean Community joins the international community in extending its regrets to the Government and People of New Zealand and expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the injured and the missing, and all those who have been displaced and affected by this latest earthquake.
Tragedies of this magnitude, occurring in such quick succession, underscore the importance of like-minded states such as ours, continuing to collaborate in the vital area of disaster mitigation and preparedness.
The Government and People of the Caribbean Community express our support for the people of Christchurch as they set about the process of recovery and reconstruction. The Caribbean Community is confident that the courage and resilience of the People of New Zealand will enable your country to overcome this latest tragedy.”