In a message to the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago yesterday, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, Acting CARICOM Secretary-General said that the people of the Caribbean Community shared Japan’s grief over the tragic and escalating loss of life, and the displacement of thousands of Japanese through the “unimaginable effects” of the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit it.
The Acting CARICOM Secretary-General told the Embassy that CARICOM stood in solidarity with the government and people of Japan in affirming their confidence that the country would overcome “these most trying times” with the resilience and courage of the Japanese people.
The full text of the message reads:
“On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I express deepest sympathy to the Government and People of Japan in the face of the devastation wrought by the recent tsunami, spawned by the largest earthquake in Japan’s recorded history. Particular expressions of sympathy are extended to the residents of the coastal prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima who have been severely affected by this unprecedented disaster.
The People of the Caribbean Community are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and escalating loss of life which continues to be reported in the international media. CARICOM joins the international community in offering its deepest sympathies to the families of those who perished and are missing, and to the thousands of Japanese displaced by the unimaginable effects of this disaster.
Tragedies of this magnitude, triggering tsunami warnings across the entire Pacific and numerous other countries, underscore the importance of like-minded states collaborating in the vital area of disaster mitigation and preparedness.
The Japanese Government has been and continues to be a valued partner of the Caribbean Community, and the Community stands in solidarity with the Government and People of Japan and affirms its confidence that the courage and resilience of the Japanese people will enable your country to overcome these most trying times.”
