St Vincent and the Grenadines has joined other Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in providing humanitarian assistance to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the earthquakes on 24 June.
The regional humanitarian initiative saw the delivery of 88 containers of relief supplies at the Bolipuertos Port in La Guaira.
The shipment included food, medicines, construction materials, debris-removal equipment and 300 water tanks to support affected communities. St Vincent and the Grenadines contributed to the initiative alongside Guyana, Grenada, Belize, The Bahamas, Jamaica, and St Kitts and Nevis, complementing humanitarian support from other CARICOM Member States.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr Godwin Friday said that St Vincent and the Grenadines understands firsthand the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of standing together in times of crisis.
“The people of St Vincent and the Grenadines understand the pain and hardship that natural disasters can cause. We have faced our own difficult times, and we know how much it means to have friends and neighbours stand with you when you need them most. So, stand with our CARICOM partners and to extend a helping hand to the people of Venezuela.
We hope this contribution will bring comfort and support to families and communities working to recover and rebuild,” Prime Minister Friday said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investments and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, said the regional response underscores the importance of cooperation and solidarity among Caribbean nations.
“When our neighbours face hardship, we must be prepared to stand together and respond. This humanitarian effort demonstrates what we can achieve through regional cooperation and collective action. St Vincent and the Grenadines is pleased to contribute to this CARICOM initiative and to stand with the Government and people of Venezuela during this difficult period,” Minister Bramble said.
The shipment was received on behalf of the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, accompanied by the Vice Minister for the Caribbean, Raúl Li Causi. During a brief meeting with CARICOM representatives, Interim President Delcy Rodríguez expressed her sincere gratitude to the leaders of the participating CARICOM Member States for their humanitarian assistance, and requested that her appreciation be conveyed to Prime Minister Hon. Dr Godwin Friday and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister Gil also expressed his appreciation to CARICOM, describing the Community as a steadfast friend and partner whose solidarity reflects the strength of regional cooperation in times of need.
The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines remains committed to regional solidarity and cooperation, particularly in times of crisis and natural disaster.
