Jamaica’s House of Representatives on Tuesday paused proceedings to express solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the recent earthquakes that devastated parts of the South American nation.

At the start of the sitting, Speaker of the House, Juliet Holness, extended condolences on behalf of the House and the people of Jamaica before inviting members 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.