KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica is providing humanitarian assistance to the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, following two devastating earthquakes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith has announced.

“Although Jamaica is still in its recovery and rebuilding stage, we have not forgotten the hand of friendship extended to us by Venezuela in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” Johnson Smith said on Tuesday.

“That support reached us at a difficult hour, and we are moved by the same spirit of friendship and regional solidarity as Venezuela now confronts this tragedy. Jamaica stands with the people of Venezuela as families grieve, the injured receive care and affected communities begin the difficult work of recovery and rebuilding,” she added.

The June 24 quakes in northern Venezuela resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, displacement and damage to communities, with the death toll now over 3500.

READ: Death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes rises to 3,535

Johnson Smith said the contribution from Jamaica is included as part of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) effort, which is being coordinated by the Government of Guyana.

She noted that the assistance forms part of Jamaica’s continued expression of solidarity with Venezuela and comprises a mix of pharmaceutical supplies and food items to support relief efforts in affected communities.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Venezuela was among the countries that extended support to Jamaica, providing over 46 tonnes of aid supplies including mattresses, sheets, hygiene kits and medical supplies for distribution as part of the country’s emergency response and early recovery efforts.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (March 4). (Photo: Donald De La Haye)