00:00PNM political leader Penelope Beckles began Thursday's opposition media briefing by extending condolences to the people of Venezuela following the
00:09devastating two huge earthquakes that have left hundreds dead and injured while worsening the country's humanitarian and economic challenges.
00:18I also pledge our support for any humanitarian assistance and also to provide to be provided during this difficult time.
00:32But Beckles quickly turned her attention to Trinidad and Tobago's official response, arguing that the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom
00:40Affairs failed to demonstrate the level of leadership and diplomatic engagement the tragedy warranted.
00:47The government must now move beyond words and clearly state what practical assistance Trinidad and Tobago stands ready to provide.
00:58The Ministry's statement expressed solidarity with Venezuela, saying this country, quote, stands prepared to provide any requested support and assistance
01:07to Venezuela authorities where possible, end quote.
01:11Beckles questioned why the government had limited its offer to assistance only if requested, arguing that Trinidad and Tobago should
01:19have taken a more proactive approach.
01:21This government has decided that the people of Venezuela, if they request support, then they will be prepared to assist.
01:32She also pointed to what she described as stronger diplomatic outreach by other regional leaders, noting that some personally contacted
01:40Acting President Delcio Rodriguez in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
01:46Beckles further observed that while Rodriguez publicly thanked numerous countries for their expressions of solidarity, Trinidad and Tobago was not
01:54among those acknowledged.
01:56You have to remember, death and disaster is a time when you forget whatever personal issues that you have.
02:05I mean, we are talking about diplomatic relations and it, to me, it would have given Trinidad and Tobago an
02:13opportunity to actually demonstrate that, listen, notwithstanding whatever, this is a disaster.
02:21Beckles said she personally reached out to Venezuela's ambassador to convey condolences and support.
02:26Ravashita Mwari Rupnarein, TV6 News.
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