Prime Minister Mike Eman contacted Marylaine Lopez, Calamity Coordinator of the Aruba Red Cross, who is in Caracas along with the first humanitarian delegation from Aruba to provide assistance following the strong earthquake that shook the region of La Guaira, Venezuela. During the conversation, Lopez reported that the team of 11 volunteers is working together with various international relief organizations in the affected area.
During the video call, Mrs. Lopez mentioned that some moderate aftershocks were still being registered, but according to her, all members of the delegation are well and the operation continues normally. “The fact that we are stationed together with several other countries and that we have the necessary support gives us a lot of peace of mind. We are completely safe,” Lopez informed Prime Minister Eman, who is closely monitoring all developments from Aruba. The Calamity Coordinator explained that the Aruban team has already started its work. Right now, they are managing an emergency pharmacy, where they have already helped over 100 patients with the distribution of medicine and basic medical care. Furthermore, during the night, the Aruban volunteers provided support in the triage area of a temporary hospital, where approximately 360 patients passed through to receive medical attention.
Prime Minister Eman thanked the volunteers for their dedication and shared with them that the people of Aruba are following their work with great pride. “We have received many positive reactions from the moment we said goodbye to you at the airport. Aruba deeply appreciates the great effort you are making to help the Venezuelan people,” Prime Minister Eman said via the video call. He also indicated that the Government continues to monitor the situation closely and that preparations to send a next delegation—consisting of doctors, specialists, and surgeons—are continuing in close coordination with the Venezuelan Red Cross.
Marylaine Lopez confirmed that the team’s morale is high and that they remain focused on their mission to provide assistance to the people who need it most. The Government of Aruba will continue to maintain permanent contact with the delegation in Venezuela and continues to coordinate the next phase of humanitarian aid that Aruba is providing to the Venezuelan people.
