The Alliance For Change (AFC) is calling on the Government of Guyana to translate expressions of solidarity into tangible humanitarian assistance for Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck Caracas on Wednesday, even as President Dr. Irfaan Ali simultaneously announced Guyana’s readiness to assist its western neighbour.

The statements, issued independently but at roughly the same time, reflected a rare convergence between the government and the opposition party on Guyana’s response to a regional humanitarian crisis, despite the longstanding territorial controversy between Georgetown and Caracas.

The appeal comes as Venezuela grapples with one of the deadliest natural disasters in its modern history. Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country within a minute of each other on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction in and around Caracas and several other states. Authorities have declared a state of emergency as search-and-rescue operations continue amid dozens of aftershocks. More than 160 people have been confirmed dead, nearly 1,000 injured, and the toll is expected to rise as emergency crews search collapsed buildings for survivors.