Jamaica and GTRCMC Stand in Solidarity with Venezuela Following Devastating Earthquakes

Jamaica and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) have expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, causing tragic loss of life, injuries, displacement, infrastructure damage and widespread destruction.

In a formal letter dated June 25, 2026, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, conveyed sympathies on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, and the Ministry of Tourism, to His Excellency Daniella Cabello Contreras, Minister of Tourism of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, and the Ministry of Tourism, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to you, the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that recently struck your country, causing tragic loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction,” Minister Bartlett stated.

The letter further noted that Jamaica was profoundly saddened by the human suffering resulting from the disaster and recognised the immense challenges now confronting Venezuela as rescue, relief and recovery efforts continue.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and all communities affected by this tragic event,” Minister Bartlett added.

Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica

The GTRCMC has also joined the Government of Jamaica, CARICOM, regional partners, international humanitarian agencies and the wider global community in expressing support for the people of Venezuela during this difficult period.

Speaking in his capacity as Founder and Co-Chair of the GTRCMC, Minister Bartlett said the tragedy was a reminder of the shared vulnerabilities faced by Caribbean and Latin American nations, particularly those exposed to natural hazards and dependent on community-based and tourism-related economies.

“On behalf of the GTRCMC, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and to all those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected. Venezuela is our neighbour, our partner, and part of the wider Caribbean and Latin American family. In moments of crisis, resilience must be expressed not only in words, but in coordinated action, compassion, and practical support.”

Minister Bartlett noted that earthquakes and other sudden disasters underline the urgent need to strengthen preparedness, emergency response, infrastructure resilience and recovery systems across the region.

“Tourism-dependent and community-based economies are especially vulnerable when disasters disrupt transport, public services, housing, health systems, cultural assets, and visitor confidence. The task ahead is not only to rebuild, but to build back safer, stronger, and more resilient,” Minister Bartlett added.

In his letter to Venezuela’s Minister of Tourism, Minister Bartlett also emphasised Jamaica’s close regional relationship with Venezuela.

“As fellow Caribbean and Latin American neighbours, Jamaica stands in solidarity with the people of Venezuela during this difficult period. We have long understood the devastating impact that natural hazards can have on our societies, economies, and particularly our tourism-dependent communities. It is our sincere hope that the resilience and strength of the Venezuelan people, supported by the international community, will guide the country’s recovery and reconstruction in the weeks.”

Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the GTRCMC, said the Centre stands ready to support recovery planning and resilience-building efforts as Venezuela moves from immediate emergency response towards long-term recovery.

“The GTRCMC is prepared to offer technical support in crisis management, destination recovery planning, resilience assessment, communications strategy, and coordination with regional and international partners. As Venezuela moves from immediate response to recovery, it will be important to protect lives, restore confidence, support affected communities, and ensure that rebuilding strengthens long-term resilience.”

Professor Waller further stated:

“Resilience is the capacity to absorb shock, recover with dignity, and emerge better prepared for future crises. The people of Venezuela have demonstrated strength in difficult circumstances before, and with regional and international solidarity, they will recover and rebuild.”

The GTRCMC has called for continued humanitarian cooperation, unobstructed support for emergency response efforts, protection of vulnerable communities, and coordinated assistance across health, shelter, food security, transport, tourism and public infrastructure systems.

The Centre also encouraged regional institutions, tourism stakeholders, universities, development agencies and private-sector partners to support Venezuela’s recovery through expertise, relief assistance, logistics, research and resilience planning.

The GTRCMC remains committed to working with partners across the Caribbean, Latin America and the wider international community to strengthen disaster preparedness, crisis response and recovery capacity.

Minister Bartlett concluded his formal message to Venezuela by offering Jamaica’s highest consideration and heartfelt wishes for the safety, recovery and well-being of the Venezuelan people.

At this moment of grief and uncertainty, Jamaica and the GTRCMC reaffirm a central principle of resilience: crises may shake nations, but solidarity, preparation and collective action help communities rise again.