Volunteers on Bonaire launch new aid campaign for Venezuela: “Medicines are now the most urgent need”

KRALENDIJK – A group of Venezuelan volunteers on Bonaire has launched a new collection drive for victims of the powerful earthquake in Venezuela. After an initial shipment of food, water, baby food, clothing and other relief supplies was sent, the focus for the next transport has shifted to medicines and medical supplies.

The campaign is coordinated by, among others, Anyela Cely, Karina Ramírez and Fanny Yedra. In addition, Gerardin Morales, Rossy Salazar, Wilfarly Medina, Jaquelin León and Yilexi Carolina have made their homes or businesses available as collection points.

The first supplies have already departed for Venezuela.

According to one of the Venezuelan organisers, the needs in the affected areas have changed: "We have received a lot of water, clothing and other relief goods. For the next shipment, medicines are the priority," she says. The list includes adrenaline, vitamin K, IV fluids, alcohol, disinfectant, gauze, bandages and gloves.

First collection drive

The first collection drive gathered food, water, non-perishable products, clothing and baby food, among other items. Cash donations were also made, which allowed volunteers on Bonaire to purchase the most essential goods themselves: "Everyone who donates money receives the purchase receipts. That way we can show exactly where every contribution went," said the organiser.

She also noted that the Chinese community on Bonaire made a significant contribution to the first relief shipment.

Free transport

The relief goods are transported to Venezuela free of charge by Juan, owner of the vessel Doña Monica, which regularly sails between Bonaire and Venezuela. "It is remarkable that he is making his ship available voluntarily. This means all donations can be sent without any transport costs," said the organiser.

The first supplies have already departed for Venezuela. Another vessel is set to depart for Venezuela this coming Thursday.

Criticism and appreciation

The volunteers also voiced criticism of the government’s response. While the European Netherlands and Curaçao have offered clear humanitarian support, a direct contribution from the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) has been absent. "Unfortunately, at first we mainly saw a statement of solidarity, but no actual humanitarian aid."

Since then, the OLB and telecom company Telbo have decided that residents of Bonaire can temporarily call Venezuela for free to reach family members.

The organiser called that a kind gesture, but stressed that the situation in Venezuela is different from what many people assume: "With all due respect, I think Venezuela needs a different kind of help right now. The phone networks have been suffering from outages for years. Even before this disaster, it was often difficult to make phone calls. Most people communicate via WhatsApp when there is internet available."

According to her, the need for medicines and medical supplies is currently greater than the need for additional communication options.

Collection points

For the new collection drive, donations can be dropped off at various locations on Bonaire, including:

Karina Ramírez – Kaya Isabel 1, Antriol and Fanny Lu Catering – Kaya Avelino Cicilia 11

Volunteers are asking residents to donate primarily medicines and medical materials. While the first drive yielded a great deal of food, water and clothing, the greatest need for the upcoming shipment is focused on medical supplies for the affected areas in Venezuela. "This situation is not easy," the organiser concluded. "I am incredibly proud of all the women who have opened their homes or businesses as collection points. Thanks to the solidarity on Bonaire, we can keep helping."

Bonaire.nu asked the OLB for a response. The OLB confirms that the free calling arrangement to Venezuela is the only form of support currently being offered. No response was received to the question of whether additional humanitarian aid is being considered.