-other regional leaders, CARICOM express solidarity
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali leads regional expressions of sympathy and support for Venezuela following two powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck near Caracas on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction, dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.
In a message to the Venezuelan people, President Ali said Guyana was deeply saddened by the scale and magnitude of the disaster.
“As neighbours, we are deeply saddened by the scale, magnitude and destruction caused by the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck Caracas yesterday and so far, claiming dozens of lives and injuring hundreds,” President Ali stated in a Facebook post.
He affirmed Guyana’s solidarity with Venezuela and said the country stood ready to provide assistance within its capacity.
“As neighbours, we are ready to offer assistance within our capacity. Our love, prayers and thoughts are with the families of those affected and the people of Venezuela,” the President added.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez, expressed gratitude for Guyana’s support.
In a statement made to ‘X’ formerly known as Twitter, Rodriguez wrote: “We would like to thank Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, for his solidarity and his willingness to offer support to the Venezuelan people during these difficult times. His message conveys solidarity, respect, and a sense of neighbourliness toward Venezuelans.”
Meanwhile, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago also expressed firm solidarity with Venezuela in the aftermath of the earthquakes, noting reports of significant seismic activity across the country, particularly in the capital, Caracas.
In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago said it remains mindful of the Caribbean region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and shared the anxiety being experienced by its neighbour during the ongoing assessment and recovery efforts.
The statement highlighted the long-standing fraternal bond between the people of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela and reaffirmed the government’s willingness to provide support and assistance to Venezuelan authorities if requested.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago stands prepared to provide any requested support and assistance to the Venezuelan authorities, where possible,” the ministry said.
The ministry noted that it continued to monitor developments closely through its diplomatic mission in Caracas, which was not significantly affected by the seismic event.
Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley expressed condolences and also offered assistance to the Spanish-speaking nation.
“Last night, I spoke with President Delcy Rodríguez to convey, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela after the devastating earthquakes that have taken lives, shaken communities and left so many families in anguish.
“Some will call what happened an act of God. What happens next must be acts of humanity, acts of kindness, acts of solidarity, acts of courage, and acts of practical love.
“Venezuela is our neighbour, and in this Caribbean family, pain does not stop at a border. Barbados stands ready to assist in whatever way we can,” she said in a Facebook post on her official Facebook page.
She added, “To every family grieving, to those waiting for word of loved ones, and to the first responders working through fear and exhaustion, please know that you are not alone.
Barbados stands with you in prayer, in compassion and in resolve.”
Meanwhile, the CARICOM extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and to all those affected by the disaster.
In a statement, the regional body expressed sorrow over the growing loss of life, increasing numbers of injuries and the extensive damage inflicted on homes and critical infrastructure.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela during this time of immense grief and offer prayers for a swift recovery to the injured and displaced,” the statement said.
CARICOM also commended emergency personnel, first responders and citizens engaged in rescue and relief operations under challenging conditions.
As rescue, recovery and damage-assessment operations continue, regional governments and organisations have pledged their support to Venezuela as it confronts the humanitarian and infrastructural challenges arising from the disaster.
Reports coming out of Caracas noted that more than 100 deaths have been recorded and more than 1,500 injured.
Rescuers are searching the rubble in Caracas and the state of La Guaira.
The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit a minute apart. The second was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900.
