00:00Despite geopolitical tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, in the moment of crisis in the Latin American nation, from two back
00:08-to-back earthquakes and outpouring of unwavering support from Guyana, a direct thank you to its president, Irfan Ali, from
00:15Venezuela's interim president, Delcey Rodriguez.
00:19Ali's message, as neighbors, we are ready to offer assistance within our capacity. Our love, prayers and thoughts are with
00:27the families of those affected.
00:29This followed up with actions, including food and medical supplies.
00:34Rodriguez's acceptance of the offer expressed through her public response, your message transmits solidarity, respect and a sense of neighborliness
00:43toward the Venezuelans.
00:45Former Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr. Amory Brown observing the discourse and signaling a difference in relation to this
00:52country, Venezuela's closest neighbor.
00:56Conspicuously absent from those acknowledgments, I must say, I have to say, has been the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
01:03and Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissessa.
01:062,295 people officially confirmed dead, 11,206 they treated for injuries, and a further estimated 43,000 to 50
01:16,000 missing.
01:18The way in which this country has put forward its willingness to assist is not sitting well with Dr. Brown,
01:24who quotes,
01:24The government of Trinidad and Tobago stands prepared to provide any requested support, and I want to highlight that term,
01:35requested support and assistance to the Venezuelan authorities where possible.
01:42The conveyance of that message from his point of view.
01:45So many provisos and apparently an indication that requests have to come from Venezuela for support to be availed to
01:59Venezuela.
02:00And that last phrase of where possible, that is not the language appropriate in a circumstance like this.
02:08The former minister's advice in that regard, a need for better vetting of statements released by the government.
02:14Personnel inclusive of rescue teams and soldiers are being sent from CARICOM states to Venezuela.
02:20A field hospital is also on its way, as the region rallies around the Venezuelan people in their time of
02:26need.
02:26In terms of the way forward for TNT, Dr. Brown places on the table a few other ideas,
02:31amid the relief aid that is being gathered, the bank account that has been opened and the logistics that are
02:38being fleshed out to provide transportation.
02:40His first call is for a statement patterned after that of President Ali.
02:45Is it too much to ask for Kamala Passat-Bissessa to have done something similar and to break her absence
02:53from the media,
02:54which is almost a year now, other recommendations, work with migrant groups, religious organizations, NGOs, the TTMA, etc., to raise
03:03additional support.
03:04I don't feel enough work has been done in this regard.
03:08It's a financial contribution, not just by opening an account, but a determination from the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
03:16Dr. Brown believes tangible relief supplies after eight days of disaster should have already been on the ground in Venezuela
03:24from TNT.
03:25Government, he says, can also consider a day of mourning in solidarity
03:29and taking on board a suggestion made for the halting of TNT's deportations to the disaster-stricken country.
03:37Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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