Minister Melvin Bouva announced that the government wants to send rice, potable water and medication. Meanwhile the Venezuelan embassy in Suriname called on the Surinamese people to lend a helping hand by donating goods.

According to Bouva, Suriname started putting together a support plan in association with the Surinamese embassy in Venezuela and the Venezuelan embassy in Paramaribo immediately after it had received the news of the disaster. The Venezuelan authorities announced that medication, food, clothes and other necessary goods are urgently needed in Venezuela. “We will try to send what we can provide”, said Minister Bouva who added that he has already discussed this with President Jennifer Simons.

“Suriname is prepared to send rice, water and some medication. That is the support that the government can give.” The government is also considering sending manpower via the National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR). Meanwhile the Caricom is also preparing a regional aid operation. “We are uiting the regional efforts within the Caricom so that the region can also provide support”, said Minister Bouva. The Surinamese government also supports the donation drive of the Venezuelan embassy in Suriname. The embassy has asked citizens to donate potable water, canned food, clothes, medical supplies and flashlights.

The donations can be delivered to the Venezuelan embassy located in the Frederick Derbystraat from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. until the end of June. The donated goods will be shipped to Venezuela later this week. Minister Bouva asked the nation to lend a helping hand to Venezuela. At least 1,450 people have died since last week’s devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Thousands more are reportedly injured and many more are missing. More than 2,600 rescue workers from around the world had arrived by Sunday, the Venezuelan government said, noting that crews were being supported in their efforts by nearly 140 specially trained dogs.