On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and express our heartfelt sympathy to Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, the Government of Venezuela, and the entire Venezuelan people at this time of immense grief and hardship.
The people of Antigua and Barbuda know from painful experience the anguish and uncertainty that accompany such disasters. We also know the immeasurable value of genuine friendship and timely assistance.
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. That compassionate act of solidarity and good neighbourliness remains deeply etched in the memory of our nation. It is an expression of friendship that Antiguans and Barbudans will never forget.
Today, it is our turn to stand with the people of Venezuela.
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. While modest in comparison to the scale of the need, this contribution is offered in the spirit of friendship, gratitude, and Caribbean and Latin American solidarity.
We also stand ready to explore, together with the Venezuelan authorities and regional partners, any additional practical assistance that Antigua and Barbuda may be able to provide as relief efforts continue and the long process of recovery and reconstruction begins.
Natural disasters remind us that no nation is immune to the forces of nature and that our greatest strength lies in our shared humanity and our willingness to help one another in times of adversity.
The thoughts and prayers of the people of Antigua and Barbuda are with the people of Venezuela. We are confident that, with the resilience and courage for which they are renowned, they will overcome this tragedy and rebuild their communities.
May those who lost their lives rest in eternal peace, may the injured recover swiftly, and may comfort and hope sustain the people of Venezuela in the difficult days ahead.
