Jamaica and GTRCMC express solidarity with Venezuela after devastating earthquakes | News
Jamaica and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Center (GTRCMC) have expressed their 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 losses of life, injuries, displacement, damage to infrastructure and widespread destruction.
In a formal letter dated June 25, 2026, the Honorable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaicaconveyed condolences 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 would like to convey our deepest condolences to you, the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, following the devastating earthquakes that recently struck your country, causing tragic losses of life, injuries and widespread destruction.” That’s what Minister Bartlett said.
The letter further noted that Jamaica was deeply saddened by the human suffering resulting from the disaster and recognized the immense challenges Venezuela now faces as rescue, relief and recovery efforts continue.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured and all the communities affected by this tragic event.” Minister Bartlett added.
Honorable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica
The GTRCMC also joined the Government of Jamaica, CARICOM, regional partners, international humanitarian organizations and the broader global community in expressing support for the people of Venezuela during this difficult period.
Minister Bartlett, in his capacity as founder and co-chair of the GTRCMC, said the tragedy was a reminder of the shared vulnerabilities faced by Caribbean and Latin American countries, particularly those exposed to natural hazards and dependent on community and tourism-related economies.
“On behalf of the GTRCMC, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and to all those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected. Venezuela is our neighbor, our partner and part of the broader Caribbean and Latin American family. In times of crisis, resilience must be expressed not only in words, but also in coordinated action, compassion and practical support.”
Minister Bartlett noted that earthquakes and other sudden disasters underscore the urgent need to strengthen preparedness, emergency response, infrastructure resilience and recovery systems across the region.
“Tourism-dependent and community-based economies are particularly vulnerable when disasters disrupt transportation, public services, housing, healthcare, cultural resources and visitor confidence. The task ahead is not just to rebuild, but to build back safer, stronger and more resilient,” Minister Bartlett added.
In his letter to the Venezuelan Minister of Tourism, Minister Bartlett also highlighted Jamaica’s close regional relationship with Venezuela.
“As fellow Caribbean and Latin American neighbors, Jamaica stands in solidarity with the people of Venezuela during this difficult period. We have long understood the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on our societies, economies and especially on 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 coming weeks.”
Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the GTRCMCThe Center stands ready to support recovery planning and resilience-building efforts as Venezuela transitions from immediate relief to long-term recovery.
“The GTRCMC is prepared to provide technical support in the areas of crisis management, destination recovery planning, resilience assessment, communications strategy and coordination with regional and international partners. As Venezuela transitions from immediate response to recovery, it will be important to protect lives, rebuild trust, support affected communities and ensure that reconstruction strengthens long-term resilience.”
Professor Waller further stated:
“Resilience is the ability to absorb shocks, recover with dignity, and emerge better prepared to deal with future crises. The people of Venezuela have shown strength in difficult circumstances before, and with regional and international solidarity, they will recover and rebuild.”
The GTRCMC has called for continued humanitarian cooperation, unfettered support for emergency response efforts, protection of vulnerable communities, and coordinated assistance in health, shelter, food security, transportation, tourism, and public infrastructure systems.
The Center also encouraged regional institutions, tourism stakeholders, universities, development agencies and private sector partners to support Venezuela’s recovery through expertise, emergency response, logistics, research and resilience planning.
The GTRCMC remains committed to working with partners in the Caribbean, Latin America and the broader international community to strengthen disaster preparedness, crisis response and recovery capacity.
Minister Bartlett concluded his formal message to Venezuela by expressing Jamaica’s highest consideration and sincere wishes for the safety, recovery and well-being of the Venezuelan people.
In this moment of grief and uncertainty, Jamaica and the GTRCMC reaffirm a central principle of resilience: crises may shake countries, but solidarity, preparation and collective action help communities rise again.
