The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Saint Lucia following an overwhelming show of solidarity during the closing of its Book of Condolences for the thousands of victims of the devastating double earthquake that struck central-northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026.
The memorial initiative drew senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and friends of Venezuela, all of whom gathered at the Embassy in Rodney Bay to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to offer condolences to the grieving nation.
Originally scheduled to conclude on July 9, the signing period was extended until July 16 after Acting President Delcy Rodríguez Gómez declared a period of national mourning. The extension also allowed regional leaders and dignitaries attending the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia to participate in the tribute.
Among those signing the Book of Condolences were Acting Governor General Felix Finisterre, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, former Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, Senate President Alvina Reynolds, Senator Virginia Albert Poyotte and Labour Party Political Leader Leo Clarke. They were joined by numerous officials who conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the families affected by the tragedy while reaffirming the longstanding friendship and diplomatic ties between Saint Lucia and Venezuela.
The ceremony also reflected broad international solidarity, with diplomats representing several countries paying their respects. Those participating included Saint Lucia’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Venezuela, Peter Lansiquot, Brazilian Ambassador Colbert Soares Pinto Junior, Cuban Ambassador Yenielys Vilma Regueiferos Linares, Palestinian Ambassador Linda Sobeh, French Ambassador Marie-Noëlle Duris, Mexican Chargé d’Affaires Karla Tatiana Ornelas, former Chinese Ambassador Stephen Hu and representatives of the Diplomatic Mission of Libya.
According to the Venezuelan Embassy, many of the messages left in the memorial book highlighted themes of Caribbean unity, resilience and friendship. Dignitaries also commended the Venezuelan Government’s emergency response under Acting President Rodríguez Gómez, recognising efforts to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and medical care to communities devastated by the disaster.
The Embassy said each signature recorded in the Book of Condolences will stand as a lasting symbol of the enduring friendship, mutual respect and regional cooperation shared between Venezuela and Saint Lucia during one of the South American nation’s most difficult moments.
