Environment Hits: 68

Antigua and Barbuda Pledges US$150,000 For Venezuela Quake Relief

Environment Hits: 68
Environment Hits: 68

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Antigua and Barbuda has pledged a humanitarian contribution of US$150,000 to assist Venezuela’s relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American country this week.

delcveneAntigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Venezuela’s President Delcy Rodríguez.Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in a statement issued on Saturday, expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and sympathy to Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, the Venezuelan government and people.

“The Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda have learned with profound sadness of the devastating earthquakes that have struck the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, causing tragic loss of life, injuries to many, and widespread destruction of homes, public infrastructure, and livelihoods,” Browne said.

Announcing the financial contribution, Browne said the assistance reflected Antigua and Barbuda’s gratitude for the support Venezuela provided after Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda in 2017.

“When Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda in September 2017, Venezuela responded immediately and generously. At a moment when our sister island had become uninhabitable, the Government of Venezuela made available aircraft to transport the entire population of Barbuda to safety in Antigua,” he said.

“Accordingly, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will make a humanitarian contribution of US$150,000 to the Government of Venezuela to assist in providing relief to those affected by this terrible disaster.”

Browne said Antigua and Barbuda was also ready to explore, together with the Venezuelan authorities and regional partners, any additional practical assistance it could provide as relief efforts continue and reconstruction begins.

The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which struck Venezuela on Wednesday, have caused extensive loss of life – surpassing 1,400 by Saturday – and widespread damage, prompting offers of assistance from countries within and outside the region.