PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has extended a hand of solidarity with the Government and people of Venezuela in the aftermath of one of the most devastating calamities the country experienced in its recent history.
This is indeed a noble act by President Ali and by extension the Government of Guyana. Regardless of our border controversy which is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) there is one incontestable fact, namely that Venezuela is geographically our western neighbour and has been so for over a century.
There is a saying that one can live without one friend but not without one’s neighbours. This is all the truer during times of distress as is currently the case with Venezuela. Over two thousand lives were lost in the recent earthquakes and the numbers keep climbing with each passing day.
It is the living, however, that need the care and attention of the government and the international community, both financial and technical. In a situation as dire as the country is experiencing, no amount of aid can be considered too many, especially when it comes to humanitarian aid.
It is in the above context that that the decision to dispatch assistance to the people of Venezuela affected by the tragedy has to be seen.
This gesture of support was publicly acknowledged and welcomed by Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. The relief efforts were coordinated by no less a person than Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips in collaboration with officials from the Civil Defence Commission, the Guyana Police Force and the private sector.
This is indicative of the high importance Guyana has placed on the relief efforts to bring humanitarian help to the victims of the deadly earthquakes.
It is worth mentioning that Guyana not only was quick to mobilise critically needed items such as pharmaceutical products, medical supplies and food products but also played a leading role in the coordination of relief efforts within the broader CARICOM region.
This is yet another manifestation of the leadership role the country is playing in the wider Caribbean region.
President Ali has demonstrated by his actions that leadership is best served when it is anchored in the pain of humanity and the cries of people during times of distress.
The full extent of the damage in terms of deaths and destruction is still to be determined. What will be remembered for a long time is the alacrity with which countries, organisation and individuals responded to the cries of humanity.
In this regard, President Ali and the Government of Guyana have not been found wanting. Indeed, President Ali has demonstrated that when it comes to dealing with a humanitarian crisis, differences can and must give way to the higher cause of humanity.