Pumps, shovels, lighting equipment, and food supplies have been loaded onto pallets for shipment from Trinidad and Tobago to the people of Venezuela.
The relief supplies were organized by SEWA TT through the generous contributions of citizens across Trinidad and Tobago, along with support from several businesses.
There has been a massive international humanitarian effort pouring into Venezuela after the country was hit by two massive earthquakes on June 24.
SEWA TT, a local charitable organization launched its own disaster relief campaign in response to Venezuela’s plight.
President of SEWA TT, Revan Teelucksingh said his organization took a strategic approach to their relief response.
“Based on information from the Venezuelan Ambassador, based on information from people on the ground in Venezuela, SEWA TT has a team in Columbia that moves across to Venezuela and now they all are giving us feedback on what is required.”
He added that this information translated into the items which are presently being shipped to Venezuela.
“The money that we collect from the groceries, we are putting that together to purchase food items, tools and everything that is relevant towards Venezuela.”
The Member of Parliament for Naparima, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine commended SEWA TT’s efforts.
“Your commitment to service, your willingness to mobilize resources and your unwavering dedication to helping those in need are very commendable. You represent the very best of Trinidad and Tobago. I also wish to recognize an thank Total Tools and Persad’s the Food King for their generous support of this humanitarian effort.”
One of the major contributors to SEWA TT’s relief drive is a leading local supermarket group. The company’s Group Development Executive, Ishvani Persad, shared a message for the people of Venezuela.
“To the people of Venezuela, we want you to know that you are not forgotten. We stand with you. We are praying for you and we hope that this shipment brings practical help to those on the ground and renewed strength to those who are rebuilding their lives. If our actions can even inspire one more person, one more family or one more company to extend a hand, then together we have done far more than deliver supplies.”
The pallet which is being shipped includes tools including gasoline powered water pumps, heavy duty steel shovels, lighting equipment along with other heavy duty equipment and food supplies.