Caribbean leaders have expressed solidarity with Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, leaving dozens dead, thousands injured and widespread damage in their wake.

The earthquakes caused significant destruction across affected areas, with reports indicating that 235 people were killed and more than 4,300 injured.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said she contacted Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez to offer condolences and support following the disaster.

Mottley said Venezuela’s challenges were felt across the region, describing the country as a neighbour and part of the wider Caribbean family.

“Venezuela is our neighbour, and in this Caribbean family, pain does not stop at a border,” she said, adding that Barbados was prepared to assist in any way possible.

Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell also extended condolences to the Venezuelan people, expressing sadness over the loss of life, injuries and damage caused by the earthquakes.

Mitchell said the rebuilding process would not be easy but expressed confidence in the resilience of the Venezuelan people.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Venezuela,” he said.

Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali also offered support, despite ongoing tensions between the two countries over a long-running border dispute before the International Court of Justice.

Ali said Guyana stood in solidarity with Venezuelans affected by the disaster and was prepared to provide assistance within its capacity.

“As neighbours, we are deeply saddened by the scale, magnitude and destruction caused by the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes,” Ali said.

He added that Guyana’s thoughts and prayers were with the families who lost loved ones and everyone affected by the tragedy.