00:00The government says four Trinidad and Tobago nationals remain in Venezuela following Tuesday's powerful earthquake, with arrangements now being made
00:08to bring them home safely.
00:10In an update on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign and Caracom Affairs confirmed that there have been no reports of
00:16TNT nationals being killed or injured in the disaster.
00:20The Ministry said the four nationals had traveled to Venezuela to participate in a sporting event and are being assisted
00:27through emergency consular channels.
00:30The statement reads, quote, Minister Sobers has activated the relevant consular and emergency response channels to facilitate temporary accommodation, ground
00:40transportation and the earliest safe travel arrangements for the athletes and their guardians back to Trinidad and Tobago, end quote.
00:49The operation is being coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Foreign and Caracom Affairs and the Ministry of Sport and
00:56Youth Affairs.
00:57Sport Minister Philip Watts says, quote, I have been in direct contact with the president of the Trinidad and Tobago
01:04Table Tennis Association to provide updates and reassurance regarding the well-being of our young athletes and their guardians, end
01:12quote.
01:13Watts says no effort is being spared as it relates to the stranded nationals, adding, quote,
01:18I wish to assure the national community that the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign
01:24and Caracom Affairs remain in continuous communication with Trinidad and Tobago's diplomatic representatives accredited to Venezuela to support the athletes,
01:34end quote.
01:35The minister also expressed deep concern for their safety and emotional well-being.
01:40He said, quote, I affirm that every effort is being made in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and
01:47Caracom Affairs to ensure the secure and orderly return of our nationals to Trinidad and Tobago as soon as conditions
01:55allow, end quote.
01:56Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said Trinidad and Tobago's embassy in Caracas sustained only superficial damage but remains temporarily inaccessible
02:06because of the extensive road closures in the area.
02:10The ministry is urging any nationals in the affected areas who require assistance to contact the embassy and register their
02:17presence while officials continue to monitor developments in close coordination with Venezuelan authorities.
02:24The numbers to contact are on your screen.
02:27The government has also reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago's solidarity with the people of Venezuela as recovery efforts continue.
02:35Our Vashita Wari, Rupnarein, TV6 News.
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