Aruban Chinese community gathers 42 pallets of aid for Venezuela in three days
Prime Minister Mr. Mike Eman visited the Aruba New China Club Cooperative Association, where the Chinese community in Aruba is gathering a large quantity of donations of basic necessity products for the Venezuelan people. During the visit, the Prime Minister took a close look at the efforts made and spoke with William Ng, spokesperson for the Aruba New China Club, and Grislynn Hernandez, director of the VeneAruba Solidaria Foundation.
In just three days, the initiative managed to gather 42 pallets of merchandise that will be sent to Venezuela. The donations consist of food, water, personal hygiene products, and other essential items for those affected by last Wednesday’s earthquake.
Prime Minister Mike Eman highlighted that the response from the Chinese community is an example of how Aruba unites in times of need. “For us, this is a moment where the community comes together. Communities of all nationalities living in Aruba are responding to the great need in Venezuela. Today we see the Chinese community displaying a very great sense of solidarity. Many of them also have family ties to Venezuela, which makes the sentiment even stronger.”
He added that the action demonstrates the commitment of the different communities in Aruba to help those who need it most. William Ng explained that after an urgent meeting, the Aruba New China Club made a call to merchants, families, and members of the Chinese community to contribute with their donations.
“In three days, we managed to gather 42 pallets. Everyone lent a hand. Some contributed with merchandise, some helped with labor, and others also made monetary donations.” According to Ng, the donations include, among other things, corn flour (hariña pan), rice, sugar, crackers, water, canned food, rubbing alcohol, gloves, mops, and various other basic necessity products. He indicated that the collection is ongoing and that they expect more donations to arrive in the coming days.
During his visit, Prime Minister Eman thanked the Chinese community for their commitment. “On behalf of the Government of Aruba and also on behalf of the Venezuelan people, thank you very much to the Chinese community in Aruba. You have been part of Aruba for many years and, together with your efforts, we can provide relief to the Venezuelan people.”
Currently, the Aruba New China Club is working with different partners to coordinate the transportation of the donations to Venezuela. Among the options being considered is maritime transport, which would allow the goods to reach the area with the greatest need.
Prime Minister Eman also informed that Aruba’s medical mission in Venezuela continues to develop. According to the latest information, the Aruban professionals who arrived in Venezuela have already started working in temporary hospitals, while the Government of Aruba is coordinating the next group of medical personnel who will go to reinforce assistance in the emergency area.
The Director of the VeneAruba Solidaria Foundation, Grislynn Hernandez, expressed her appreciation for the Aruba New China Club’s initiative and for the solidarity that the Aruban community continues to show to the Venezuelan people. She indicated that the support gathered by Aruba in recent days represents an important sign of hope for the affected families.
