Jersey set to send humanitarian aid to Venezuela

Jersey is looking at sending emergency humanitarian aid to Venezuela, following the devastation caused by twin earthquakes.

At least 1,700 people have died since the earthquakes hit on Wednesday, with tens of thousands of others still missing.

Foreign rescue workers, sniffer dogs, and satellites have been drafted in to help, as workers say the window to find survivors under the rubble is rapidly closing.

Deputy Carolyn Labey, speaking in the States Assembly as she was re-elected as Jersey's International Development Minister, said:

"We are thinking about allocating £250,000 - £100,000 to Save the Children and £150,000 to British Red Cross, who are there on the ground, ready to assist."

A Venezuelan man living in Jersey has begun an appeal for aid, after the earthquakes killed his brother.

He is collecting items at his workplace, Beanina Barber Shop on Beresford Street.

A gofundme page is also collecting money to pay to ship the donations to South America.

Channel 103 went along to speak to Mariano:

La Cantina restaurant in St Helier is also accepting donations.

Owners Ant and Catherine got in touch with Channel 103:

"Catherine is from La Guaira (one of the hardest hit cities) and seeing what has happened to her hometown has been absolutely heartbreaking. Many of her family members and friends have been affected by this tragedy.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, will be a true blessing. We are collecting clothing, baby supplies, nappies, medicines, and other essential items.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Ant and Catherine x"

However, Deputy Labey told the States Assembly:

"I did notice that some people are looking to give physical goods here, I would counsel against that.

"Not wishing to be ungrateful to people that feel the need to physically do something, but there are issues with transporting goods, the customs fees, and the time-lag in getting the goods there, and you never really know if it's going to end up with the right people.

"So we prefer to channel monies through our agencies that we've done due diligence on and they are on the ground and are aware of exactly where the needs are."

In a statement sent before Deputy Labey's comments, Jersey Overseas Aid said it is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation and remains in regular contact with is partners on the ground - including the United Nations, Red Cross and Save the Children.

JOA added that it is reviewing the latest information to make sure support is timely, targeted and responds to the greatest need.