SVG Joins CARICOM Humanitarian Mission for Earthquake-Hit Venezuela 

By S.Browne. Updated 3:40 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has joined fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states in providing humanitarian assistance to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, 2026.

The earthquakes, which measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred within a minute of each other, caused widespread destruction in parts of Venezuela, damaging homes and infrastructure and triggering a major humanitarian response.

Venezuelan authorities have reported thousands of deaths, injuries and displacement as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

According to a July 15 press release from the Office of the Prime Minister, St. Vincent and the Grenadines contributed to the regional initiative alongside Guyana, Grenada, Belize, The Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Kitts and Nevis.

The CARICOM humanitarian mission saw the delivery of 88 containers of relief supplies to the Bolipuertos Port in La Guaira. The shipment included food, medicines, construction materials, debris-removal equipment and 300 water tanks to support communities affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday said St. Vincent and the Grenadines understands first-hand the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of standing together during times of crisis.

“The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines understand the pain and hardship that natural disasters can cause. We have faced our own difficult times, and we know how much it means to have friends and neighbours stand with you when you need them most. So, stand with our CARICOM partners and extend a helping hand to the people of Venezuela. We hope this contribution will bring comfort and support to families and communities working to recover and rebuild,” Prime Minister Friday said.

Dr Friday told Parliament on July 2, 2026, that the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines would contribute US$100,000 to CARICOM’s relief effort for Venezuela, describing the disaster as “a horrific” tragedy and reaffirming the country’s commitment to supporting Venezuela’s recovery.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble said the regional response highlights the importance of Caribbean cooperation and solidarity.

“When our neighbours face hardship, we must be prepared to stand together and respond. This humanitarian effort demonstrates what we can achieve through regional cooperation and collective action. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is pleased to contribute to this CARICOM initiative and to stand with the Government and people of Venezuela during this difficult period,” Minister Bramble said.

The shipment was received on behalf of the Government and people of Venezuela by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yván Gil, accompanied by Vice Minister for the Caribbean Raúl Li Causi.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez expressed gratitude to the leaders of the participating CARICOM member states for their humanitarian assistance and requested that her appreciation be conveyed to Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Minister Gil also expressed appreciation to CARICOM, describing the Community as a steadfast friend and partner whose solidarity reflects the strength of regional cooperation in times of need.

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines said it remains committed to regional solidarity and cooperation, particularly in responding to crises and natural disasters.

END