The Government has launched a nationwide humanitarian relief effort for earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, mobilising state agencies, the private sector and municipal corporations in what it describes as a coordinated national response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
In a media release issued today, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said it launched the initiative on the instructions of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar following a high-level stakeholder meeting convened jointly with the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government.
The meeting brought together Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen, senior representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Health and Homeland Security, through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, ODPM, as well as executives from the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, the American Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and Sewa International TT.
According to the release, the Government and private sector agreed on a coordinated relief programme to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of Thursday’s devastating earthquakes.
As part of the initiative, private sector organisations can deliver donations to Warehouse Sheds 1 and 2 on Amazon Drive at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.
The Government will also begin a nationwide public collection drive on Monday, June 29. Collection points will operate daily between 8 am and 4 pm through all 14 municipal corporations across Trinidad, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency, TEMA, and participating supermarkets.
The Government is also encouraging members of the public and corporate Trinidad and Tobago to make financial contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund, Venezuela, established at First Citizens Bank. Donations can be made at any branch or through online banking.
To ensure relief efforts remain focused on the country’s immediate needs, the Government is asking donors to contribute only specific categories of supplies.
Requested items include over-the-counter medical supplies, personal hygiene products, including feminine hygiene items, non-perishable food with a minimum shelf life of three months, bottled water, as well as mattresses and cots.
Officials said limiting donations to these items would help ensure aid reaches those affected quickly and efficiently while reducing logistical challenges.
The Ministry added that it is working closely with domestic stakeholders and Venezuelan authorities to coordinate the safe transportation and prompt delivery of relief supplies.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is currently coordinating with domestic stakeholders and the authorities in Venezuela to ensure the safe and early transport and delivery of all relief items,” the release said.
Officials also sought to reassure families with relatives travelling in Venezuela.
The Ministry confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago’s Embassy in Caracas has made contact with all nationals known to be temporarily in Venezuela as tourists.
According to the release, officials have confirmed that all Trinidad and Tobago nationals are safe, and arrangements are already in place to facilitate their return home at the earliest opportunity.
The Government said the public will continue to receive updates as relief operations progress and assistance is delivered to those affected by the disaster.
