The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has pledged US$150,000 in humanitarian assistance to support relief efforts in Venezuela following the deadly earthquakes that have claimed hundreds of lives and caused widespread destruction.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the contribution on Saturday, expressing sympathy to the people of Venezuela and extending condolences to families who lost loved ones.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and express our heartfelt sympathy to Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, the Government of Venezuela, and the entire Venezuelan people at this time of immense grief and hardship,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister said Antigua and Barbuda understands the impact of natural disasters, recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, which left Barbuda uninhabitable.

He noted that Venezuela came to Antigua and Barbuda’s aid during that crisis by providing aircraft to evacuate the island’s entire population to Antigua.

“That compassionate act of solidarity and good neighbourliness remains deeply etched in the memory of our nation. It is an expression of friendship that Antiguans and Barbudans will never forget,” Browne said.

He said the humanitarian contribution reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to returning that gesture of friendship and supporting Venezuela as it responds to the disaster.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Pledges US$150,000 for Venezuela Earthquake Relief.