Community Rallies at Plaza Simón Bolívar to Support Venezuela

The initiative collected essential supplies, including clothing, drinking water, medications, food, and other necessities for families left homeless, the injured, and others facing extremely difficult circumstances.

Prime Minister Mike Eman visited Plaza Simón Bolívar on Sunday afternoon and expressed his appreciation for the community's efforts to assist those hardest hit by last Wednesday's earthquake in neighboring Venezuela.

Prime Minister Eman emphasized that Aruba feels the tragedy in Venezuela deeply because of the long-standing historical, family, and brotherly ties between the two countries.

"We are here to support an initiative led by volunteers and residents of Aruba who care deeply about Venezuela. Many were born there, many have family and friends there, and we all share a deep concern for the tremendous tragedy Venezuela is experiencing," the Prime Minister said.

According to Eman, the donation drive at Plaza Simón Bolívar is a powerful demonstration of solidarity between Aruba and the Venezuelan community.

"There is no better way to begin healing such a profound tragedy than by coming together as a people, as a country, and as citizens, with each of us doing what we can to help those in need," he said.

Strong Community Support

The relief effort is being coordinated by Luisa Rincon-Peterson of Expresión Folclórica Viva Venezuela and Grupo di Baile Casas di Colombia, organizations that have long been active within Aruba's Latin American community.

The donation drive at Plaza Simón Bolívar is one of several community initiatives taking place across Aruba to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.

"The response has been overwhelming. Many people have contacted us asking how they can help. We encourage anyone who is able to donate medications, clothing, essential supplies, or packing materials to do so," Peterson said.

According to Peterson, arrangements have been made to transport the donated supplies to two locations in Venezuela. Local company Elvis Cargo will provide logistical support for shipping the collected materials.

The collection drive continued into Sunday evening, while several additional donation sites across Aruba remain open to receive contributions.

Community Encouraged to Continue Supporting Humanitarian Relief

"At times like these, we must come together, support one another, and show our humanity. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make life a little easier for people suffering in Venezuela," Prime Minister Mike Eman said.

The Prime Minister's visit to Plaza Simón Bolívar is part of Aruba's broader humanitarian response to the disaster.

On June 28, the Government of Aruba, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, the Aruba Red Cross, and the Crisis Management Office (CMO), facilitated the deployment of a first humanitarian response team aboard a Coast Guard aircraft. The team will provide medical care and humanitarian assistance to those affected in La Guaira.

The Government of Aruba continues to work closely with the Aruba Red Cross and other partners to coordinate medical, logistical, and humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister Eman said that while the first team of volunteers is already on the ground in Venezuela, the government is evaluating additional ways to provide support. These efforts include a broader joint relief campaign with the Aruba Red Cross in the coming days to collect more essential supplies, which could then be transported to Venezuela aboard a Royal Netherlands Navy vessel.