Venezuela Sends Humanitarian Aid to Cuba and Jamaica 

By R.Butcher. Updated 12:48 p.m., Friday, October 31, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Venezuela has sent humanitarian aid to Cuba and Jamaica on Thursday, October 30th, to support the countries’ recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and to demonstrate solidarity with the affected populations.

A total of 20 tonnes of supplies were sent to Jamaica, while 26 tonnes were dispatched to Cuba. Additionally, a ship carrying more than 3,000 tonnes of aid is being prepared for departure in the coming days.

The Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, noted that the operation was activated after the substantial damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, which brought intense rains, strong winds, and severe impacts on infrastructure in Jamaica, as well as significant damage in Cuba.

To Cuba, 26 tonnes of supplies were sent via the national airline Conviasa, including food, individual and double mattresses, medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and omeprazole, as well as medical equipment and supplies such as adhesive bandages, gowns for surgeons and patients, surgical caps, sterile gloves, and standard wheelchairs. Gil added that preparations are underway to send a ship with more than 3,000 tonnes of additional aid in the coming days.

The shipment to Jamaica, which will be delivered by the Vice Minister for the Caribbean, Raúl Li Causi, comprises a range of essential items to meet the immediate needs of the affected population, including mattresses, food, medicines, and medical supplies.

The minister contrasted Venezuela’s response with that of other nations, stating that while some focus on creating instability and threatening peace in the Caribbean, Venezuela and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) have come forward to offer solidarity and support.

He also highlighted that the humanitarian operation coincides with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Cuba–Venezuela Cooperation Agreement between Commanders Hugo Chávez Frías and Fidel Castro Ruz, describing it as the “seed of today’s true union of peoples” — a system founded on solidarity rather than trade.

The chancellor recalled Cuba’s invaluable assistance to Venezuela 25 years ago, when the island sent doctors and teachers who helped launch social programmes such as Barrio Adentro and Robinson. “Today, we repay that solidarity,” he said.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Venezuela, Jorge Luis Mayo, expressed his deep gratitude for the assistance, describing it as a constant demonstration of brotherhood between the two nations and their governments. He noted that Cuba continues to receive this social and material support regularly from its Bolivarian sister nation.

He further emphasised that the United States’ blockade policy has hindered Cuba’s economic recovery and its ability to confront natural disasters.

In this regard, Venezuelan diplomacy stood firm: “While the empire betrays nations, threats do not travel here — medicines do, which is what truly matters to the people.” The minister described the comprehensive cooperation agreement signed 25 years ago as an exemplary model of how relations between nations should be conducted.

This solidarity mission stands as an example not only for the region but for the world, demonstrating the essence of South–South cooperation — a legacy of Commanders Chávez and Fidel — in line with the principles of ALBA-TCP.

This article was written by Oskarlys Salazar and published on the official website of Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry.