The Jamaican Government has pledged US$250,000 to support CARICOM’s humanitarian relief efforts in Cuba and Venezuela, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith announced during a post-Cabinet briefing at Jamaica House.

According to the minister, Cuba continues to face a severe humanitarian and energy crisis due to ongoing fuel shortages and the lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa, while Venezuela is recovering after being struck by two major earthquakes on June 24.

Johnson Smith also extended Jamaica’s sympathies to the people of Guyana, Japan and Ghana, who are also recovering from recent tragedies.