Prime Minister Godwin Friday has announced that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will provide $100,000 USD in financial support to assist Venezuela in the wake of a “horrific” natural disaster.
Addressing the House of Assembly, the Prime Minister detailed the devastation caused by two massive earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Describing the events as some of the deadliest in the country’s “living memory,” the Prime Minister reported that the catastrophic tremors caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage in the capital, Caracas, and La Guaira.
The Prime Minister informed the House that the confirmed death toll has reached nearly 2,000 people, though United Nations estimates suggest the final number could exceed 10,000 as recovery efforts continue. More than 11,000 people have been injured, with at least 4,500 requiring hospitalization.
“Numbers never tell the full story in a disaster,” the Prime Minister stated, drawing a parallel to the nation’s own recent experience with Hurricane Beryl. He emphasized the long-term trauma survivors will face, noting that the disaster’s impact would be felt for “the rest of their lives”.
The $100,000 USD pledge is part of a coordinated effort by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), spearheaded by the Government of Guyana and managed by the CARICOM Secretariat. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains “fully committed” to supporting the reconstruction process both through CARICOM and via bilateral channels.
He highlighted the “enduring friendship” between the two nations, which dates back to the early 1970s and was formally established with diplomatic ties in 1981. “Our shared humanity calls upon us all to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” the Prime Minister remarked.
The government is maintaining close contact with Venezuelan authorities through Ambassador Gareth Bynoe, who remains on the ground in Venezuela to provide regular updates. Additionally, Minister Bramble has been in contact with his Venezuelan counterpart to convey condolences and reaffirm the nation’s readiness to assist.