Jamaica's House of Representatives holds silence for Venezuela earthquake victims

The House of Representatives opened its Tuesday sitting by turning attention to the human toll of recent earthquakes in Venezuela, pausing legislative business to signal solidarity with the South American country.

At the outset of proceedings, Speaker Juliet Holness spoke on behalf of the chamber and the wider Jamaican public, offering condolences before asking those present to observe a moment of silence for the victims.

"Before we proceed to the business of the House, I wish to pause to acknowledge with deep sadness the devastation experienced by the people of Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes and significant aftershocks which recently affected that country," Holness said.

She directed sympathies to Venezuela's government and citizens, with special mention of families mourning the dead, people who were hurt or forced from their homes, and those believed still trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

"On behalf of this Honourable House, and indeed the people of Jamaica, I extend our sincere sympathies to the government and people of Venezuela. I extend our sympathies especially to the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, displaced, and otherwise affected, and for many who are still lost under the debris."

Members further expressed compassion "to all those as they continue to endure the painful consequences of this tragedy".

"At moments such as these, we are reminded of our shared humanity and of the importance of regional and international solidarity in times of crisis. We therefore keep the people of Venezuela in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn, recover, and begin the difficult process of rebuilding," the Speaker said.

Holness then invited parliamentarians, members of the press, visitors in the public gallery, and everyone else in the Chamber to stand for a silent tribute to those affected by the disaster.

The earthquakes that drew Tuesday's response struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. Two major tremors, recorded at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit less than a minute apart and left widespread destruction across the region. Authorities report that at least 1,943 people have died, more than 10,500 have been injured, and tens of thousands remain unaccounted for while search-and-rescue operations continue.