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More than 3,300 dead, nearly 17,000 injured, and an as-yet-unknown number of people missing. The toll from the twin earthquakes that devastated northern Venezuela on June 24 is still far from being determined. According to the latest government statements reported by the international press, more than 17,000 people have been left homeless. In all the devastated areas, national and international relief efforts are underway to provide aid to the population. In Saint Barthélemy, home to residents originally from the South American country, the earthquake and its deadly effects were met with deep emotion. This is true of the Ouanala’hospital association, formed by healthcare workers at the Irénée de Bruyn Hospital, including people originally from Venezuela. Furthermore, in response to their colleagues’ distress and out of solidarity, the association decided to organize a fundraiser to benefit the victims of the twin earthquakes on June 24.
To do so, members of Ouanala’hospital will set up a booth at the night market taking place this Saturday, July 11, at Espace Rockefeller in La Pointe. “We have several colleagues who come from South America, including Venezuela, and who have family there,” explains Anne-Laure, president of the association. “So this affects us.” When disasters strike in the Caribbean, associations and other organizations in Saint Barthélemy have a network in place to deliver donations, whether food, clothing, or medicine. “In this case, it’s more complicated,” Anne-Laure acknowledges.
Reaching Out to a Venezuelan Organization
At first, Ouanala’hospital considered reaching out to Doctors Without Borders, which is currently working in Venezuela. But a more direct solution was found through an Ouanala’hospital member who is originally from the earthquake-ravaged country. “ “Her sister is part of a local organization there that helps people in need,” explains Anne-Laure. The organization, called Formando vidas, supports families, prepares and distributes meals, and more. All donations collected on Saturday at the Ouanala’hospital booth will be forwarded to this local organization. “This way, we can be sure the funds will be used to help the people,” Anne-Laure assures us. “During the night market, people will be able to buy these cakes and other items that will be for sale, but they’ll also be able to make donations of any amount.”
“With ten dollars, you can do a lot”
Sitting next to the president of Ouanala’hospital, Maribel expresses her gratitude. A member of the organization, she is originally from Venezuela, where her entire family still lives. “I want to thank the entire hospital team,” she says, visibly moved. “They’ve thought of my country and of me—they have such big hearts. Over there (in Venezuela—Ed.), you can do a lot with just ten dollars. It’s a very difficult time. Children, the elderly—everyone needs help. The situation had already been complicated for several years under the dictatorship. Hunger, a lack of medicine, the U.S. intervention in January, and now this…”
At the night market this Saturday, July 11, Ouanala’hospital will therefore be appealing to the generosity and spirit of solidarity of the island’s residents.
