Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has revealed that she spoke with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez two days after devastating earthquakes struck the neighbouring country, as Trinidad and Tobago moved to launch a major humanitarian relief effort.
The disclosure came in correspondence exchanged between the two leaders and released by the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday. The exchange followed a diplomatic note from the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs on July 13, transmitting a letter from Rodríguez to Persad-Bissessar expressing the gratitude of the Venezuelan Government and people.
The embassy said the correspondence conveyed the “heartfelt appreciation” of Venezuela for the sympathy, solidarity and support extended by the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago following the earthquakes on June 24.
In her July 8 letter, Rodríguez described Trinidad and Tobago’s support as “a beacon of hope in times of sorrow” and said it reaffirmed that “the path between nations is solidarity.”
Responding in a letter dated July 14, Persad-Bissessar thanked Rodríguez for her message and recalled their telephone conversation on June 26, during which she advised that Trinidad and Tobago had activated a major public-private sector humanitarian relief initiative for Venezuela.
The Prime Minister said the first shipment, comprising more than 230 tonnes of relief supplies, arrived at the International Port of La Guaira on July 10.
She also said Trinidad and Tobago continues to work with Venezuelan authorities to facilitate the delivery of requested vaccines via Caribbean Airlines and has approved a series of overflight requests from several countries to support international humanitarian relief operations destined for Venezuela.
“As Trinidad and Tobago’s closest neighbour, Venezuela occupies a special place in our region and in our hearts. Please be assured that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will always stand ready to support the people of Venezuela whenever they are confronted by natural disasters or humanitarian challenges requiring assistance,” Persad-Bissessar wrote.
She added that the countries’ shared geography, history and longstanding friendship call for compassion, solidarity and practical support in times of adversity.
The Prime Minister also assured Rodríguez that Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to working closely with the Venezuelan Government to support the country’s recovery and strengthen bilateral relations.
“My Government looks forward to partnering with the interim Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the interests of the people of both nations,” she wrote.
Persad-Bissessar ended the letter by assuring Rodríguez of her “continued prayers and steadfast support to the Government and people of Venezuela.”
The Office of the Prime Minister said the exchange of correspondence reflects the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela as recovery efforts continue following the earthquakes.
