Aruban Red Cross Volunteers Share Their Experience During the Mission
During State Secretary Eric van der Burg’s visit to Aruba, Prime Minister Mike Eman, together with Van der Burg and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Robert Candelaria, met at CMO with the volunteers and professionals who contributed to the humanitarian mission in Venezuela following the earthquake. During the meeting, both authorities expressed their gratitude and deep appreciation for everyone who took part in the operation, both in Venezuela and from Aruba. Special attention was given to the members of the Aruban Red Cross, CMO, the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defense, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and all other individuals and organizations that contributed to the mission.
Appreciation on Behalf of the Dutch Government
State Secretary Van der Burg indicated that it was important to meet personally with the team and express how much the Dutch Government appreciates the work they carried out. He highlighted that when an emergency arises, the Red Cross, CMO, Defense, and various other organizations stand ready to act. According to Van der Burg, the mission was demanding, not only in logistical and physical terms, but also emotionally. The team faced a lot of suffering and situations where not all victims could receive the support they needed. Despite this, the volunteers and professionals showed courage, dedication, and humanity.
Van der Burg recalled that immediately after the earthquake he contacted the leaders of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. He stressed that the quick reaction shows the importance of cooperation and solidarity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. “With this, we show how important humanity and solidarity are. There are times when we may have differences of opinion, but when reality demands action, we stand together,” Van der Burg expressed.
Historical Ties Between Aruba and Venezuela
Prime Minister Mike Eman highlighted the special relationship that exists between Aruba and Venezuela. Aruba has a large Venezuelan community, and the historical, cultural, and family ties between both countries go back several centuries. According to Prime Minister Eman, Aruba experienced the tragedy not only as an island in solidarity with a country in need, but also as a community that feels a deep connection to the Venezuelan people.
Shortly after the earthquake, the Government of Aruba met with CMO and national justice and security organizations to evaluate the situation and determine how Aruba could help. From that moment on, preparation and coordination for the mission began.
Prime Minister Eman recognized the Aruban Red Cross and CMO for their quick reaction. He thanked the Ministry of Defense for the support provided so that the Aruban team could reach Venezuela on time and safely via a coast guard aircraft. Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Venezuela also maintained close contact with the team. Representatives of the embassy visited the group to verify that they were well installed and in a safe place. This support was particularly important given the concerns regarding security in the country. “We wanted to help, but at the same time we wanted our people to stay safe. This mission shows the added value that the Kingdom feels,” Prime Minister Eman expressed.
Experience of the Aruban Volunteers in Venezuela
Marylaine Lopez of the Aruban Red Cross shared that the mission consisted of long days, many hours of work, and difficult conditions under the intense heat of La Guaira. The Aruban team worked alongside the Venezuelan Red Cross, various humanitarian collaborators, and the Urban Search and Rescue unit (USAR-NL) from the Netherlands. When the team arrived in the affected area, practically nothing was prepared. They had to help everywhere and in every way necessary.
During the mission, they worked in camps, hospitals, and, during the final days, on the streets of the affected areas. There they could see the destruction up close and feel the fear and pain of the inhabitants. “Twelve days seems like a lot, but it wasn’t enough. Most of us wanted to do more. We did what we could do, we worked hard, and we are very proud of the work we accomplished,” Lopez shared. The mission provided a new experience for various members of the team. At the same time, Lopez expressed the hope that Aruba will never have to go through a similar tragedy. The magnitude of the destruction is vast, and the recovery of the affected areas will take a long time.
Marla Thiel of the Aruban Red Cross, who previously participated five times in humanitarian missions in Haiti and other countries, shared that the experience in Venezuela was different, but emotionally very impactful. One of the toughest moments was when the team visited the affected areas and could speak directly with the inhabitants. Thiel told of a man who lost his wife, his three children, and his mother during the disaster. Despite his immense loss, the man decided to stay at the site to help other families search for their loved ones.
The testimony showed the deep pain that many survivors carried, but also their strength and solidarity with one another. Thiel indicated that the psychological consequences of the disaster are concerning. Venezuelan Red Cross personnel reported that they were treating people in severe emotional crisis after losing family, home, and their means of livelihood. “You must stay strong and keep helping wherever you can. The situation is serious, and recovery will last a long time,” Thiel expressed. Lopez and Thiel were also present during a final 14-hour period of the operation to rescue Hernán Gil Flores. They provided support near the ambulance and assisted with the transport of a patient to the hospital.
Recognition for the Effort
Both Prime Minister Eman and State Secretary Van der Burg emphasized that the mission was made possible thanks to cooperation between different organizations and the dedication of everyone involved. The recognition was not only for the team that traveled to Venezuela, but also for those who stayed in Aruba to coordinate transport, materials, communication, security, and other logistical aspects.
Prime Minister Eman gave a special thank you to CMO, under the coordination of Rino Hermans; the Aruban Red Cross, the Ministry of Defense, Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and all other entities that contributed to the mission. Van der Burg highlighted that the effort shows that solidarity within the Kingdom works in all directions. Just as the countries are prepared to help Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius during hurricane season, Aruba and the other countries within the Kingdom can also count on cooperation when an emergency arises in our region.
The meeting at CMO concluded with words of gratitude and recognition for the courage, dedication, and humanity of all the volunteers and professionals who contributed to the humanitarian mission.
