PHILIPSBURG: --- Members of Parliament on Friday paused the start of the 2026 Budget debate to express heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that has left scores of people dead and many others affected.
Several Members of Parliament used their notification time to acknowledge the tragedy and to offer prayers for the Venezuelan people, recognizing the close ties between Sint Maarten and the Venezuelan community living on the island.
MP Sjamira Roseburg was among the first to address the disaster, expressing sincere solidarity with the people of Venezuela and wishing all those affected strength and a swift recovery.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected and we wish them strength and a swift recovery," Roseburg told Parliament before continuing with her other congratulatory messages.
Later in the session, MP Franklin Meyers echoed those sentiments, noting that Venezuela has already endured years of hardship and that another natural disaster would only deepen the suffering of its people.
"In the past couple of years that country has been through a lot, and to be hit with this natural disaster, I can only imagine what it is like and what they are feeling at this particular time," Meyers said while extending his prayers and thoughts to the Venezuelan people.
Other Members of Parliament including Francisco Lacroes also joined his parliamentary colleagues by expressing concern over reports indicating that nearly 200 people had reportedly lost their lives. He said his prayers were not only with those in Venezuela but also with members of the Venezuelan diaspora residing in Sint Maarten.
"I hope that they've gotten in contact with their families and that they could help them in any way possible," Lacroes said.
The expressions of sympathy reflected the strong cultural and family connections that exist between Venezuela and the Caribbean islands, including Sint Maarten, where many Venezuelan nationals have established homes and businesses over the years.
As Parliament proceeded with the national budget discussions, lawmakers first set aside politics to acknowledge the human tragedy unfolding in the neighboring South American nation, sending a united message of compassion and support to those mourning their loved ones.
