In the wake of destructive earthquakes that left a trail of death, injury and massive infrastructural damage across Venezuela, the highest-ranking representative of Antigua and Barbuda has formally offered the nation’s deepest sympathies to the affected South American country.
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams communicated Antigua and Barbuda’s collective grief through an official letter dated June 25, addressed to Carmen Velásquez de Visbal, Venezuela’s incumbent ambassador to the twin-island nation. In the correspondence, Sir Rodney instructed that the message of condolence also be passed to Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, the entire Venezuelan cabinet and the broader Venezuelan public.
“It is with profound sadness that we learned of the devastating earthquakes which have struck the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, resulting in the tragic loss of life, numerous injuries and widespread destruction,” Sir Rodney wrote in the formal statement.
The Governor General directed a special message of condolence to families who had lost relatives and close ones in the seismic events, adding sincere wishes that every person injured in the quakes would regain full health quickly and without complication. “Our thoughts and prayers are especially with the families who have lost loved ones. We also extend our sincere wishes for the swift and full recovery of all those who have been injured, and for strength and comfort to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he emphasized.
Beyond expressing sympathy, Sir Rodney used the letter to publicly reaffirm that Antigua and Barbuda stands firmly behind Venezuela as it begins the long, challenging process of recovery and reconstruction. “The people of Antigua and Barbuda stand in solidarity with the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during this difficult time,” he noted. “Please assure Her Excellency the President that we stand ready to support Venezuela in whatever way we can as the nation undertakes the difficult task of recovery and rebuilding.”
The official correspondence closed with renewed formal assurances of Antigua and Barbuda’s highest respect and unwavering solidarity, as Venezuela enters a period of national mourning for the lives lost to the disaster.