Guyana dispatches 88 containers of relief to quake-hit Venezuela

…donations also received from other CARICOM nations

In response to last months’ twin earthquakes that devastated sections of Venezuela, approximately 88 containers of disaster relief supplies are ready to be shipped off to the neighbouring country.

This was revealed on Sunday by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is leading Guyana’s coordinated humanitarian response to support communities affected by the recent earthquakes.
PM Phillip was at the time visiting the BK Wharf in Kingston, Georgetown, where the relief supplies were being loaded onto the Mega and Motti vessel, which is expected to depart for Venezuela today.
Prime Minister Phillips said the initiative reflects the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity in responding to the needs of neighbouring countries during times of crisis. He explained that the shipment was made possible through the combined efforts of the Government of Guyana, CARICOM partners, the local private sector, civil society organisations, citizens, and members of the Venezuelan community in Guyana.
“We have been able to put together 88 containers with relief supplies for the people of Venezuela. These 88 containers comprise donations funded by Guyana, Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Grenada, and this boat is expected to depart tomorrow for Venezuela,” Phillips stated on Sunday.
According to the Prime Minister, the relief shipment includes medicines, food supplies, dry goods, canned goods, non-perishable items, approximately 300 water tanks, and other disaster relief supplies.
Prime Minister Phillips recounted that the mobilisation builds on the national response directed by President Irfaan Ali, who tasked him with leading and coordinating the relief effort, which forms part of a multi-agency response involving the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), private sector bodies, and other partners who supported the collection, sorting, loading, and dispatch of supplies

Worked around the clock
The Prime Minister thanked all those who worked around the clock over the past seven days to make the shipment possible, expressing gratitude to the donors, members of the Joint Services, the business community, civil society organisations, and Guyanese across the country.
He recognized NEW GPC INC; John Fernandes Limited; Muneshwers Limited; ANSA McAL; RSD; GAICO; the Suri Group of Companies; Tropical Shipping; Banks DIH Limited and BK Group of Companies for their significant support, noting that the contributions included relief supplies such as pharmaceuticals and food items, equipment, logistical assistance, transportation, containers, trucking, crane services, and other resources needed to prepare the shipment for dispatch.
In fact, local pharmaceutical company, NEW GPC Inc, donated $20 million worth of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to support those affected by the disaster in the neighbouring country.
Meanwhile, CDC Director General, Colonel Nazrul Hussain, who had accompanied the Prime Minister during Sunday’s visit to the wharf, said the shipment was strengthened by the range of items mobilised, including approximately 300 black water tanks and two pieces of earth-moving equipment, which complement the 88 containers of disaster relief supplies.
He noted that the contributions from the private sector, civil society, Guyanese families, CARICOM partners, and members of the Venezuelan community in Guyana reflect a shared humanitarian commitment to supporting affected communities in neighbouring Venezuela with dignity and care.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister was joined by the High Commissioner of Belize to Guyana, Gale Miller Garnett, during the visit to the wharf.
This move to mobilise humanitarian aid for Venezuela, comes days after interim President Delcy Rodríguez, expressed gratitude to President Ali after he extended solidarity and support following the disaster.
His message was seen and welcomed by President Rodríguez, who commended Guyana’s commitment to good neighbourliness in a posted on social media.
On June 24, the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes caused extensive damage in parts of Venezuela near the country’s capital.
Based on the latest reports coming out of Caracas, more than 3,300 persons have died and another 16,700 were injured from last month’s twin quakes, while nearly 50,000 others are still unaccounted for and thousands others displaced. Rescues are still combing through collapsed buildings with the hopes of finding survivors. So far, at least 6,000 persons have been pulled from the rubbles.
Nevertheless, this show of solidary and support between Guyana and Venezuela comes as the two South American neighbours are embroiled in a decades-long border controversy. The matter is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is expected to deliver a ruling sometime later this year or early next year.