The Daily Journal. John Barrett, the United States Chargé d’Affaires for Venezuela, said Wednesday that no significant obstacles have hindered the distribution of humanitarian aid to the areas affected by the June 24 earthquakes. He also stated that non-governmental organizations have not reported any confiscation or detention of relief supplies.
Barrett made the remarks in response to questions about allegations from several civil society organizations claiming that Venezuelan authorities had withheld part of the international assistance.
“The NGOs—I have spoken with many of them—have not reported any major problems distributing their aid and relief supplies to the community members who need them,” Barrett said during a briefing with reporters.
The diplomat explained that the logistics network deployed by the United States, with support from the Department of War, has enabled humanitarian aid to reach “virtually any person or location” within the disaster zone.
“The government has honored our request to expedite the response,” he added.
Barrett said Washington remains confident in the distribution system established with humanitarian organizations operating on the ground and affirmed that aid continues to reach affected communities on a steady basis.
“We feel very confident… in our ability to work with our NGO partners on the ground to make sure these supplies reach the people who need them,” he said.
U.S. humanitarian assistance reaches $300 million
The official explained that the United States has committed more than $300 million to the humanitarian response following the earthquakes. The assistance includes search-and-rescue teams, field hospitals, food, drinking water, temporary shelters, and sanitation supplies.
According to Barrett, more than 310 U.S. specialists are currently participating in rescue operations. Those teams have already saved five people, including a mother and her young son, and also located an American citizen who had previously been reported missing.
Oil revenue will help finance reconstruction
When asked how long international support would continue, Barrett said Washington will maintain its assistance for as long as necessary.
“The scale of this disaster requires a long-term effort… We will continue working for as many weeks, months, and as long as necessary to meet these needs.”
Barrett also said that revenue from Venezuela’s oil sector will help finance the country’s reconstruction. According to the diplomat, the earthquakes did not cause significant damage to the country’s oil infrastructure, allowing those resources to support housing, healthcare, sanitation, and electricity projects.
Finally, he stressed that the emergency has not changed the strategy of President Donald Trump’s administration toward Venezuela. Once the critical rescue phase concludes, Washington will resume its agenda focused on the country’s economic recovery and political transition.
