SLHTA Expresses Solidarity with Venezuela Following Devastating Earthquake

Castries, Saint Lucia — June 25, 2026 — The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) extends heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquake which struck the country on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The SLHTA is deeply saddened by reports of loss of life, injuries, displacement and damage to communities across Venezuela. At this difficult time, the Association joins with the people of Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean in expressing sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and all communities now facing the painful task of recovery and rebuilding.

The Association also extends special words of comfort to Her Excellency Leiff Escalona, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Saint Lucia, and to the staff of the Venezuelan Embassy in Saint Lucia, with whom the SLHTA has enjoyed a meaningful and productive relationship over the years.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ambassador Escalona, the Embassy team, and the people of Venezuela as they confront the human and national impact of this tragedy,” said Noorani Azeez, Chief Executive Officer of the SLHTA. “Venezuela and Saint Lucia share important bonds of friendship, culture and regional cooperation, and in moments such as these, those bonds must be expressed through compassion, solidarity and support.”

The SLHTA notes with appreciation the longstanding collaboration between the Association and the Venezuelan Embassy, particularly in areas of cultural exchange, youth development and community enrichment. This relationship has included support for music training initiatives for children and young people in Saint Lucia, including workshops in choir, wind and string instruments, as part of a broader effort to expose young Saint Lucians to artistic development, discipline, mentorship and cultural cooperation.

One of the most inspiring examples of this partnership was the recent strings workshop, organised with the support of the Venezuelan Embassy and the SLHTA, which provided young Saint Lucian students with training in violin, viola and cello. The programme brought together music teachers from Venezuela and Saint Lucia and reflected the power of culture to build bridges between nations, nurture talent, and create positive pathways for youth.

The SLHTA believes that these acts of collaboration represent the best of Caribbean and Latin American friendship. They remind us that diplomacy is not only expressed through formal meetings, but also through shared investment in people, culture, education and the next generation.

“As an Association, we value the relationship we have built with the Venezuelan Embassy,” Mr. Azeez added. “The work we have done together in support of young people in Saint Lucia has left a positive mark, and it is in that same spirit of friendship that we now stand with Venezuela in this moment of grief and hardship.”

The SLHTA extends its sincere hope that rescue, relief and recovery efforts will bring comfort to affected families and strength to the people of Venezuela. The Association further expresses confidence in the resilience of the Venezuelan people and offers its continued solidarity during the challenging days ahead.