THE BOLIVARIAN Republic of Venezuela is the latest country in the region to show solidarity to St Vincent through the donation of 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid for persons affected by the ongoing explosive eruption at La Soufriere.

PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves

A Bolivarian naval vessel, AB Goajira (T-63) docked on the Grenadines wharf sometime after midday Monday 11, bringing with it 17,000 litres of water, beds and health kits for evacuees from “red zone” areas, who now occupy various shelters across the island.

RAUL LI CAUSI, a vice minister and president of the ALBA Bank

Two SUV vehicles were also brought on the ship to aid in the relief efforts.

“It is easier to defeat these obstacles together. We know it’s a tough time, but we know that the people from St Vincent and the Grenadines are resilient and we are sure that after this emergency comes and after the rebuilding process, you will come up stronger under the leadership of leaders like PM Gonsalves…” Raul Li Causi, a vice minister and president of the ALBA Bank said yesterday.

Li Causi extended greetings on behalf of President Maduro and the people of Venezuela, adding that SVG can always count on the Latin American country in times of difficulty.

He said the naval vessel will also help to build a “maritime bridge” from SVG to other countries in the region, who may want to extend aid in this time.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, explained that his government was granted permission to use the vessel, and the intention is to send it to St Lucia to access more water for persons in shelters.

“We want to thank President Maduro, we want to thank the government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. This is an example of solidarity in ALBA and it’s a wonderful thing to see the Caribbean and Latin American family coming together to the aid of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Gonsalves said.

SPECIALISTS FROM Venezuala arrived here yesterday to help in relief efforts

At least 15 technical persons from various fields disembarked the vessel yesterday as well, to help with ongoing relief efforts in St Vincent.

The prime minister said these persons will work within the framework of the Ministry of National Security, which also has
responsibility for disaster preparedness, and NEMO.

[[UPDATED at 5:13 pm on April 13, 2021 to correct an error in the quantity of water donated by Venezuela]]