SVG Commits US$100,000 Through CARICOM support Venezuela

An image featuring Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday. Photo credit: Agency for Public Information (API).

By S.Browne. Updated 1:46 p.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday has announced that the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines will contribute US$100,000 to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) relief effort for earthquake-ravaged Venezuela.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Dr Friday said the contribution forms part of a regional response being spearheaded by Guyana and coordinated by the CARICOM Secretariat.

Dr Friday said St Vincent and the Grenadines would “continue to be supportive bilaterally and as part of the coordinated CARICOM effort” as Venezuela begins the long process of recovery and reconstruction.

Dr Friday told Parliament that the death toll had climbed to nearly 2,300, with more than 11,000 people injured and over 4,500 hospitalised. He added that the United Nations estimated the number of deaths could rise significantly as search and recovery operations continued.

“The UN estimate is that it could go to 10,000 or more. That is a horrific disaster and a toll that is hard to comprehend,” Dr Friday said.

Dr Friday said St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador to Venezuela, His Excellency Gareth Bynoe, has remained in Venezuela and has been in regular contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, keeping the Government informed about the unfolding situation as circumstances permit.

Dr Friday also said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, had been in contact with his Venezuelan counterpart to convey condolences, express solidarity and reaffirm St Vincent and the Grenadines’ readiness to assist.

“On behalf of the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I wish again to reiterate our deepest condolences to those families of persons who were lost in this tragedy,” Dr Friday said.

Dr Friday said St Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela have shared an enduring friendship dating back to the early 1970s, predating this country’s independence, with formal diplomatic relations established in 1981.

“Our shared humanity calls upon us all to be our brothers and sisters’ keepers,” Dr Friday said.

He reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to supporting Venezuela throughout its recovery.

“My government remains fully committed to supporting the people of Venezuela and working closely with the government and other partners in CARICOM throughout the recovery and reconstruction process.”

He also expressed confidence that Venezuela would recover from the disaster.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Venezuela at this time. As a resilient people, we are confident that they will work through this difficult time and rebuild lives, homes, businesses and communities. And may God continue to be with them.”