(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Acting Secretary-General has expressed deepest sympathies with the Government and the people of Brazil for the tragedies and destruction resulting from severe flooding and mudslides in Brazil’s south-eastern region, particularly the municipalities of Terespolis, Petropolis and Nova Friburgo.

In a message to the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Georgetown, Guyana, Ambassador Applewhaite said that the Community was “deeply saddened” to learn of the tragic and escalating loss of life in Brazil.

The Acting Secretary-General commended the “swift action” of the government in providing emergency response to the catastrophe.

The full text of the message reads:

“On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) I wish to express deepest sympathy to the Government and People of Brazil in the face of the continuous rains in the mountainous area of Serrana, causing severe flooding, mudslides and destruction in Brazil’s south-eastern region, particularly the municipalities of Terespolis, Petropolis and Nova Friburgo.

The Community is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and escalating loss of life which continues to be reported. CARICOM offers its deepest sympathies to the families of those who perished and to the thousands of Brazilians displaced by the unimaginable effects of this disaster.

CARICOM recognises that the efforts of the entire country will be needed in the reconstruction and redevelopment efforts in order to address the extensive damage caused by the flooding to Serrana’s infrastructure, crops and livestock. In this regard, the Community commends the swift action of the Government of Brazil in providing emergency response to this catastrophe.

Brazil has been and continues to be a valued partner of CARICOM and the Community stands in solidarity with the Government and People of Brazil and affirms its confidence that the courage and resilience of the People of Brazil will enable your country to overcome these most trying times.”

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org