The Halo Foundation, in collaboration with Roberts & Co. Attorneys-at-Law, led by the Governor General’s Deputy Sir Clare Roberts, recently donated US$10,000 to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Venezuela’s Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Carmen Velásquez, expressed her appreciation for this humanitarian gesture. “Venezuela has suffered a serious setback through the damage endured by the earthquake on June 24th,” she said. “To date, there are close to 5,300 deaths, nearly 17,000 people with sustained injuries, and 18,000 homeless individuals.”
The Ambassador called for continued solidarity and assistance via relief supplies, including medicine, food, building materials, and financial contributions. “We have received help from a number of countries, including our CARICOM neighbors,” she continued. “But our efforts continue — because one suffering person is one person too much.”
Amsha Ann Eusebe, Chief Administrator of Roberts & Co. Attorneys-at-Law, voiced concern at the current plight of Venezuela. “We are our brothers’ keepers,” she emphasized. “There is no way we could stand idly by while our neighbors are suffering. Antigua is hurricane, earthquake, and tsunami-prone. At any moment, this tragedy could move even closer to home.”
Sandra Lady Williams extended heartfelt support to Ambassador Velásquez. She further thanked Roberts & Co. for being exemplary corporate citizens. “We’re here at Government House primarily to make a monetary contribution to the ‘From Rubble, We Rise’ campaign for the Republic of Venezuela. This would never have been possible without the generosity of Roberts & Co — and although they would have preferred to effect a quiet handover, I felt it necessary to thank the company publicly for the part they are playing and the leadership role they never fail to display. I also recognize the importance of sharing initiatives such as this with others, so that they too can become active in the rebuilding of a crumbled nation. Nothing is impossible once all hands are on deck. One brick at a time. One child at a time, pulled from below a mangled pile of steel. One prayer at a time.”
To donate to the official Venezuela relief fund, please give at www.caf.com/en/ or www.venezuelanoestasola.com/