Venezuela :

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake in northern Venezuela, west of Caracas followed a magnitude 7.2 earthquake after 39 seconds.

High casualties and damage are probable in aftershocks

Venezuela earthquake
June 25, 2026

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening. Over 1700 died with hundreds more injured and the death toll is expected to rise.

 

 

International Aid Grows As Search Continues for Venezuela victims

June 28, 2026

• Over 1,700 died in the June 24th deadly double earthquakes, which decimated infrastructure
• tens of thousands are believed to be missing.
• On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with those affected by the deadly earthquakes.

Speaking in Spanish instead of Italian, the Pope prayed for all those who were affected, saying, “As I pray to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased, I renew my spiritual solidarity with the families of the injured and with all those who have been struck by this tragedy,”.

He also expressed gratitude and encouragement to those working selflessly in the search and rescue efforts.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez reported support from 24 countries, including 521 tonnes of supplies, 86 specialised canine teams and over 2,741 search, rescue and technical support staff members.

 

 

 

 

Interim President of Venezuela’s National Assembly Jorge Rodríguez, confirmed over 430 aftershocks since Wednesday

 prompting people to sleep outside in fear that buildings would fall.

British Red Cross 29/06/2026

On 24 June 2026, two strong earthquakes, measuring at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck north-central Venezuela , causing catastrophic damage and impacting nearly ten million people.

At least 1,450 people have been confirmed dead and over 3,000 injured. Search and rescue efforts are underway in the most affected areas but many are missing and thousands of deaths are predicted.

Widespread destruction to homes and businesses, 700 buildings collapsed, damage to critical infrastructure of  airports, hospitals, transport and other public services. Disrupted power and phone lines isolate  communities.

Red Cross estimates that almost 10 million people could have been affected by these earthquakes with 500,000 needing urgent humanitarian assistance. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic. People have lost everything and are desperately searching for missing family and loved ones.

US doubles aid commitment to $300 million for earthquake response 29 june This is the largest response to any natural disaster the United States has mounted in this century in terms of personnel , money and speed. Over 300 search and rescue personnel from four teams are on the ground. US military personnel are assisting with relief efforts and 4 four US field hospitals are up.

The State Department says these funds will provide emergency medical care, food assistance, water and sanitation, shelter, protection, and logistics through organisations including Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services, World Food Programme and the Red Cross.

Sailors and Marines from the frigate, USS Fort Lauderdale, positioned off the coast of La Guaria, the main seaport, are using landing and amphibious craft to deliver aid to coastal areas and the US reopened the Simón Bolívar International Airport to help with international relief operations.

Survivors will be housed in temporary camps,

 

 

 

US Administration Leads Robust Life-Saving Response to Venezuelan Earthquakes

June 26, 2026

The United States is mobilizing an unprecedented, large-scale response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. The Administration deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) of over 250 , including specialized Urban Search-and-Rescue (USAR) teams, which will conduct crucial life-saving operations.

Life-Saving Support: The Department activated three Urban Search-and-Rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, Los Angeles County, California, and Miami-Dade County, Florida.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (USA-1), which deployed with 79 members and six canines, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (USA-2), which will land soon, deployed with 74 members and six canines, after transportation from U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (FLTF-1) is en route with 80 members and six canines and expected to arrive late Friday, June 26.

These USAR teams will conduct systematic search operations across collapsed structures, working to locate and extract survivors, and coordinate with local emergency responders and the Venezuelan interim government to prioritize the most heavily impacted areas.

Together, they bring over 200,000 pounds of specialized equipment. Each team is a multidisciplinary unit comprising firefighters trained in structural-collapse rescue, physicians and paramedics providing on-site emergency medical care, structural engineers assessing building integrity and collapse risk, and canine search specialists capable of locating survivors in rubble and debris fields.

All teams have prior international deployment experience. The Los Angeles and Fairfax teams have trained and deployed with the State Department and were activated in response to Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, where they surveyed affected areas in Jamaica, cleared debris to facilitate access, and assisted with the transportation of relief commodities to communities in need.

SOUTHCOM Logistical Support
The Department of State requested the uniquely specialized capabilities of the U.S. military to support State-led disaster response and humanitarian assistance operations in Venezuela. The Department of War (DoW) is playing a crucial role in securing logistics for the response, including by leveraging military assets already positioned in the region and forward deploying personnel to accelerate the delivery of life-saving assistance.

The DART and elements from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) are working together to implement life-saving activities in close coordination with partners on the ground, drawing on SOUTHCOM’s regional presence to ensure rapid and sustained operational support.  This includes:

1. 1. 1. U.S. Air Force C-17s transporting Urban Search and Rescue teams and load-movement equipment to Caracas;
      2. U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys conducting airfield assessments near the earthquake epicenter;
      3. U.S. Navy vessels USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings providing naval support in waters near Venezuela;
      4. U.S. Army CH-47 Chinooks deploying from Honduras to transport personnel and supplies;
      5. U.S. Space Force satellite imagery supporting damage assessment and prioritization of aid efforts.

SOUTHCOM’s involvement reflects the deepening civil-military partnership with the Department’s Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response (DHR), including the recent establishment of a U.S. humanitarian assistance hub in South Florida and the embedding of DHR disaster and humanitarian advisors at SOUTHCOM to strengthen coordination and technical expertise across the region.

Restoring Connectivity: The US – Starlink Partnership
When disaster strikes, restoring connectivity is critical to saving lives. The U.S. Government is working with Starlink to provide free satellite internet service to those affected by the Venezuelan earthquakes, rapidly deploying Starlink terminals to restore connectivity in the hardest-hit areas.

This partnership is made possible by a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the U.S. Department of State and Starlink on June 11, 2026. The MOU leverages Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, an American innovation, to restore critical communications when crises and natural disasters damage infrastructure.

Under the agreement, DHR coordinates with Starlink to provide rapid connectivity to emergency responders, humanitarian organizations, and people in acute need. This response marks one of the first major activations of this partnership, demonstrating the real-world impact of the Administration’s commitment to harnessing American innovation in service of humanitarian response.

Humanitarian Assistance
The Administration is mobilizing $150 million in assistance to Venezuela, including:

1. 1. 1. $50 million in new bilateral awards to partners including World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services, the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF, and the World Food Program; and
      2. $100 million contribution to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Venezuela pooled fund.

Assisting Americans
The Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. The Department of State is working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens and their families in the affected areas. We are also monitoring conditions in Venezuela as recovery work proceeds. Americans in Venezuela can reach us 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 for assistance. Family and friends in the United States concerned about Americans in Venezuela can call toll free +1-888-407-4747. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy, review the Department’s Travel Advisory for Venezuela and follow @TravelGov and @USEmbassyVE on social media and WhatsApp “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” for the latest information.

Those who wish to donate or find other ways to help may visit the response webpage.

 

 

 

International donors of aid to Venezuela

June 25

Venezuela’s leaders expressed gratitude for offers of assistance and humanitarian aid.

Brazil mobilizes teams, field hospital and supplies

June 28, 2026

• Brazil is providing humanitarian support, deploying 71 firefighters — 36 already on the ground , 4 Civil Defense specialists, 4 technicians from the National Telecommunications Agency , 6 search dogs, a field hospital staffed by 48 Navy personnel, 100 water purifiers and over 111,800 medicines and medical supplies. Brazil deployed a fleet of Air Force aircraft. carrying the initial search-and-rescue team of 44 professionals, including firefighters and specialists. On June 27, two more flights carried the Navy’s field hospital, its medical team, medicine kits and water purifiers. A fourth flight is will carry a reinforcement team of 35 additional firefighters.
• Canada pledged an initial $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding.
• PRC is donating 100 million yuan (£11.1 million) of emergency supplies.
• Colombia, home to the largest Venezuelan population abroad, sent a  specialized search, rescue team of over 60 specialists, 4 canine units and 12 tons of technical equipment while hundreds donate essential supplies at community centers.
• Costa Rica sent a first team of responders with 3.5 tonnes of non-perishable food aid and 17 rescuers, 16 of them volunteers from the Red Cross, who extract trapped people, treat the injured, and support temporary shelters.
• The second Team of 48 search-and-rescue specialists from the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) includes firefighters trained for complex collapse scenarios, medical personnel, paramedics and specialists in cutting, extraction, and the life-detection technology. They carry several tons of specialized equipment and communications systems to coordinate operations on the ground. For the combined effort courier company DHL provided transport for supplies and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg financed charter flights to move brigades and equipment to the emergency zone.
• Dominican Republic A rescue team was the first international aid to reach La Guaira. A new search and rescue contingent from the Specialized Emergency and Disaster Mitigation Corps (Cemed), the Emergency Operations Center (COE), and Civil Defense on a Dominican Republic Air Force aircraft, will assist operations and support ongoing international emergency response efforts. The deployment is part of the government’s broader humanitarian response, which includes emergency supplies and additional support for communities.
• El Salvador sent 300 rescue personnel and paramedics, with 50 tons of equipment and humanitarian supplies .
• Ecuador arranged for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid

EU
In addition to €5 million worth of aid pledged over the weekend, a “humanitarian air bridge” will deliver essential supplies to affected areas. A cargo flight carrying 50 tons of shelter material, water and sanitation equipment, and education supplies departed from Copenhagen.

• 14 EU countries had already contributed to this aid operation, including a team of technical experts from Spain, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium and Estonia.
  France pledged 85 search and rescue specialists.
• Germany The German Air Force transported 48 members of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief and 4 search dogs to the disaster zone. The team forms part of the THW’s Rapid Deployment Unit for Rescue Operations Abroad (SEEBA).
  The Bundeswehr will fly humanitarian aid from the Malteser International.
• India dispatched two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft carrying an Indian Army field hospital, medical teams, and 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid under Operation Amistad. The 66-tonne relief mission reached Venezuela after a 23-hour flight , covering over 14,000 km from Delhi to Caracas, underscoring India’s expanding role as a rapid humanitarian responder in global disasters.
• Italy will deploy its air force and personnel from the Crisis Unit
• Mexico sent a contingent of 250 military troops, two Foreign Ministry officials, 18 search and rescue dogs and over 10 tonnes of aid, helmets, gloves, chainsaws and electric generators.
• Qatar launched an air bridge of 6 aircraft on 26 June with a team from the elite Qatari International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) to support the rescue effort in Caracas. Humanitarian aid shipment includes food supplies family tents, field hospitals, and shelter items to support families, provide emergency accommodation and address urgent humanitarian needs with advanced medical tech.
• Spain sent 54 military personnel from Spain’s Military Emergency Unit with specially trained search dogs, cameras and geophones for rescue operations.
• Switzerland allocated CHF1.5 million ($1.8 million) from its emergency aid fund for the operation to deploy 80 specialists from the Swiss rescue team including 22 members of the Swiss Armed Forces, 8 search dogs and 18 tonnes of emergency supplies and rescue equipment.
• Turkiye deployed search-and-rescue teams with equipment, operating in La Guaira, epicentre of the disaster and additional help is on its way.

 

UK 68-strong search and rescue team and £2 million aid for Venezuela

June 27th 2026 –

The United Kingdom deployed a specialist search and rescue team and announced an initial £2 million – $2.7 million- in humanitarian funding to support the response to the earthquakes that devastated north-central Venezuela.

UK’s International Search and Rescue team of 68 personnel and six specialist dogs, departed from RAF Brize Norton on a Royal Air Force aircraft to assist in locating and rescuing people . The contingent of firefighters and specialists from 14 fire and rescue services led by Merseyside, carried drones able to safely assess structural collapses and identify hazards.The humanitarian field team, included logistics, aid and security specialists,

The UK is working with international partners to ensure support reaches those in need as quickly as possible. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the rescue teams were “deploying to save lives” and recalled the £2 million package for the humanitarian response. UK ISAR, part of the UK’s National Resilience capability, is on permanent standby to respond to disasters overseas .

Minister for the Armed Forces, Louise Sandher-Jones, stressed that the British military “moved quickly” to transport the personnel and equipment.

Experts from the Emergency Medical Team are assessing urgent health needs, an analysis that will inform any further medical deployment. The £2 million package will support both immediate activity and the wider international response.

The UK is a major contributor to global emergency funds, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which allocated resources for the response in Venezuela. The UK contribution adds to a broad international mobilization of rescue teams and humanitarian aid. Teams work against the clock in the coastal state of La Guaira, the epicentre militarized by the authorities to coordinate relief efforts.

 

 

 

Sewa International leads Trinidad &Tobago Relief For Venezuela

June 26, 2026

Non-profit SEWA TT is preparing to launch a structured relief campaign to support communities in Venezuela affected by Wednesday’s two earthquakes. While search and rescue efforts remain the immediate priority, the TEAM is mobilising resources to help families through the recovery phase, with a nationwide supermarket donation drive.

SEWA TT President Revan Teelucksingh says the voluntary service organisation has been coordinating with the Venezuelan Embassy to assess the most urgent needs. The philanthropic NGO opted for a financial donation model rather than collecting miscellaneous food items from the public. This approach allows .humanitarian relief supplies to be purchased in bulk, packaged into family-sized aid kits and transported more efficiently to those in need.

“So, we don’t have the capacity to assist in rescuing, but we are preparing for the relief and recovery stage, which comes immediately after. The things that are required most will be psychological help, medicine and medical help, food supplies, shelter and water. By the end of today, we would launch our supermarket drive, essentially asking the public to contribute financially through the supermarkets at their convenience.”

The organisation is accepting financial donations to fund aid transport and long-term recovery, with contribution details available on its official platforms

 

 

TRINIDAD launches Venezuela relief aid

2026, 06/26

Led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Trinidad Government is mobilising state agencies, the private sector and municipal corporations in a coordinated response to the crisis in earthquake-ravaged Venezuela.

The Foreign Ministry launched the initiative for a nationwide humanitarian relief effort following a stakeholder meeting including Minister Sean Sobers, Minister Khadijah Ameen, Ministries of Defence, Health and Homeland Security, through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Manufacturers’ Association, the American Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Energy Chamber and Sewa International TT.

The Government and private sector agreed on a coordinated relief programme to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people in the aftermath. Private sector organisations can deliver donations to Warehouse Sheds 1 and 2 on Amazon Drive at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. The Government will begin a public collection drive on June 29. Collection points will operate daily 8 am to 4 pm through all 14 municipal corporations, Tobago Emergency Management Agency and participating supermarkets.

The Government is encouraging the public and corporates to make financial contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund, Venezuela, at First Citizens Bank branches or via online banking.
To ensure relief efforts remain focused on immediate needs, the Government asks donors for specific categories including over-the-counter medical supplies, personal hygiene products, non-perishable food with a minimum shelf life of three months, bottled water, mattresses and cots. Limiting donations to these items would ensure aid reaches those affected quickly and efficiently while reducing logistical challenges.

The Government is coordinating with domestic stakeholders and the authorities in Venezuela to ensure the safe and early transport and delivery of all relief items. Officials reassured families with relatives travelling in Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago Embassy in Caracas contacted all nationals in Venezuela as tourists. Arrangements will facilitate their return home .

The public will receive updates as relief operations progress and assistance is delivered to victims of the disaster.

 

 

Quakes uplift T&T Cedros coast

June 28, 2026

A section of Trinidad’s south-western coast was thrust nearly 20 feet upwards in the aftermath of devastating twin earthquakes that rocked Venezuela trapping hundreds of marine animals among the rubble in a matter of seconds.

By yesterday afternoon Venezuela reported over 400 aftershocks and deaths rose to 1450 on its north coast. 559 km or 335 miles away in Cedros, residents discovered the raised seabed along an isolated strip of the Galfa coast on the morning after the quakes. Hundreds of dead or dying fish, crabs, clams and a stingray littered the uplifted shore. Small pools of bubbling water settled along the beach, some emitting an unidentified substance.

Spanish seamen named Cedros peninsula after its cedar trees. At this southernmost point in the Antillean Archipelago, Resident Kamal said uplifting was spotted on Thursday morning. “I felt delusional because it looked like it was raised. The whole area was supposed to be flat and I know it has mud volcanoes and plates running under here. It rose up the same night of the earthquakes. When I l looked at the land, there was fish. Within a split second, everything rose. If it was gradual, the fish would have escaped.”

Neil Sookram of YouTube channel “South West Adventures”, was shocked by the sight along the shore.“I saw an elevated beach, so I ventured further in and I realised the beach was completely lifted..maybe because of a fault line. There were dead fishes scattered, trapped under the rubble.”

Geologist Xavier Moonan said the phenomenon was likely the result of a reactivated slump caused by the saturated soil and rocks. The slump, a landslide that moves rock masses downhill, was likely triggered by the recent physical shifting and shaking as a result of the earthquakes.

“When it slumped downward, it lifted the coast, part of the beach and the seabed.. out of the water. It happened so quickly that it caught fish, crabs and stingrays off guard and they were left out of the water, where they eventually died. Boulders rolled and crushed the stingrays. …they could not get out of the way. It happened in a matter of seconds. When the area was scooped up, the animals were scooped up as well. The beach was lifted up because the hillside was tilted down.”

Moonan said the event had occurred before, citing movement of land in the area in the aftermath of a 6.9 magnitude earthquake near Trinidad in 2018 which also affected Los Iros. Last year, activity at the Los Iros mud volcano caused a similar up-thrust along the shoreline, cratering a number of bordering farmlands. The two events are not necessarily connected.

“It’s a similar area and when Trinidad gets a shake or when something from Venezuela translates along the faults, here in these weaker zones there is movement”.

While no homes or farms were nearby, an oil company building was damaged . Moonan noted the presence of bubbling pools and natural oil seeps along the shore.

“One of the pools has oil, because the area slipped and the faults are a bit more open, it is coming out along the fault. Los Iros and this area are slipping—they are nowhere near stable anymore. In this scenario, it is pretty difficult to put things in place to make it stable because of how the cliffs are. Cliffs will eventually collapse no matter what you do”.

He urged visitors to exercise caution.

 

 

 

Venezuela, Trinidad Oil-spill tiff

2026, 06/25

Venezuela claims a second major oil spill from Trinidad which may have security and economic consequences. Following an immediate investigation, state-owned oil company Heritage Petroleum of T&T found no evidence to support the presence of large amounts of hydrocarbons in the Gulf of Paria a 7,800 km2 (3,000 sq mi) shallow (180 metres (591 ft) semi-enclosed inland sea between the east coast of Venezuela and the island of Trinidad, geologically part of the mainland until 10,000 years ago.

It separates the neighbours by 15 kilometres (9.3 mi; 8.1 nmi) at its narrowest and 120 kilometres (75 mi; 65 nmi) at its widest points. Semidiurnal tides have a range of 1 metre. One of the best natural Atlantic harbours, jurisdiction is split with Venezuela controlling 62.3% ( 4,859.4 km²) and Trinidad controlling 37.7% (2,940 km2 ).

The latest diplomatic row sparked by allegations that an oil spill in Trinidad waters fouled Venezuelan shores and fisheries is not an environmental dispute but tension between neighbours connected by history, divided by geopolitical alignments.
.

In 1821, Venezuela gained independence from Spain which had authority in Trinidad from 1592 until it became British in 1797.

Proximity led to migration of Venezuelans to Trinidad from the 19th century, to cultivate cocoa and invest in Angostura bitters in 1875 then the Angostura rum distillery in 1924, while others came to learn English.

Migrants from Trinidad in the 20th century worked in Venezuelan mining and oil industries. Cultural exchange advanced and 45,000 -200,000 refugees entered Trinidad since 2015, while over 40,000 fled to Guyana where Venezuela claims territory including the petroliferous offshore.

Hostility in Caracas followed T&T support for the US campaign against trafficking in narcotics, arms and migrants, for security to combat surging crime, while T&T LNG and petrochemical industry sought Venezuelan gas from the totalitarian neighbour. However, with US intervention, Venezuela granted Shell a licence to extract 1.7 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas from the Loran field in Venezuelan waters via the Shell Manatee platform in T&T waters and processed at the Beachfield facility.

Optimism is palpable and, following the generosity of earthquake aid donors, Venezuela will recover with investment and hopefully welcome democracy by Christmas.

T&T must now offer Chaguaramas to the USA for a modern Naval Base with RADAR to protect Port-of-Spain and Revitalisation projects in the Gulf and usher in a New Year with more energy resources and a friendly regional community enjoying a durable peace In complex geopolitics,

 

 

 

Venezuela seeks solid T&T ties

15 June

As energy and investment prospects grow, Venezuela is positioning itself as one of the region’s most significant investment opportunities, with sweeping reforms in its energy sector, expanding oil production and growing prospects for cross-border collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago. At the American Chamber of Commerce Trinidad and Tobago’s 33rd annual general meeting and business forum, president of the Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce Amaru Liendo said the country is undergoing a major economic transformation, creating opportunities across energy, infrastructure, logistics, healthcare and other sectors.

“We have the biggest oil reserve in the world and we also have a lot of gas that is not yet fully certified. There is a big opportunity to continue to explore.”

Venezuela’s oil industry is recovering after years of decline, with production rising from one million barrels per day at the start of the year to between 1.2 million and 1.3 million barrels daily. Forecasts suggest production could reach at least 1.5 million barrels per day next year.

“This is a huge amount of money. This is a huge amount of opportunity. Without major investment, Venezuela could rise to 1.5 to 1.8 million barrels per day. With additional investment, we can easily reach 3 billion barrels per day of production, because we have done it before.”

Reforms to Venezuela’s hydrocarbons legislation improved competitiveness and are attracting international investors.

“We passed from being the least competitive country to being in the middle of the ranking with that law.”

He highlighted efforts to improve transparency in the energy and mining sectors.

“Fortunately, we now have a transparent market for our oil and all the oil is being traded by American ethical, honest and transparent companies paying the full market price.”

Venezuela’s vast mineral resources are attracting growing interest from international companies as authorities move to formalise and regulate mining operations.

“There are a lot of American companies and non-American companies arriving and the government is committed to fighting criminal organisations conducting illegal mining activities.”

Opportunities for T&T
One of the most immediate opportunities for T&T lies in the energy relationship, particularly through the Dragon gas field project.

“The Dragon field could boost the economic relationship , revitalise that relationship and be a source of LNG supply.”

However, Venezuela’s wider gas potential extends far beyond Dragon.
“We are burning gas every single day that could power the whole T&T territory. If we recover that gas, we could cover all the necessities of T&T.”

A major challenge facing Venezuela remains its electricity system, in a state of collapse after years of underinvestment.

“We have power outages of 6 to 8 hours per day in almost every part of the country except Caracas.”

Reforms are allowing private sector participation in the industry for the first time.

“The government authorised participation of the private sector in the electricity sector. This never happened in the past. If we are able to change the approach of managing the electricity sector from a private standpoint, we are going to get better results.”

Liendo identified logistics, ports, transportation, healthcare and pharmaceuticals as sectors offering significant opportunities for foreign investors.

“Several ports are underserved, infrastructure is destroyed and capacity is obsolete by international standards.”

Venezuela’s healthcare system presents substantial opportunities for private investment.

“Only 1.6% of our population has access to private healthcare. More than 90% are outside of the system. That’s a big opportunity.”

Liendo encouraged T&T businesses to consider entering the Venezuelan market. AMCHAM Venezuela Centre for Investment, Commerce and Competitiveness assists investors with market entry, regulatory guidance and business matchmaking.

“Venezuela and Trinidad are not only connected by geography, they share an energy future. Now is the time to build it together.”

 

 

 

 

Canada to deepen trade and investment ties with T&T

June 2, 2026

CANADIAN High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago Michael Callan says that the commercial relationship between the two countries is based on centuries of shared history. Building on this strong foundation, he is very optimistic about further growth in trade, education, security and commercial relations, even as both countries navigate a challenging global environment. Callan described Canada as “open” and “accessible” and noted long-standing ties through migration, education, culture and business. Many nationals from T&T settled in Canada , particularly in the Toronto area and the relationship continues to deepen through people-to-people connections.

Canadians operating in T&T benefitted from decades of commercial engagement and there is still “a lot of work to be done” in expanding economic cooperation. Canadian firms in the downstream industries have been present for decades and supported thousands of families with well-paid professional jobs for generations. Canadian banking giants Scotia, RBC and CIBC are part of daily life. However, others make less visible contributions to T&T every day.

Screaming Power, of Picton, Ontario, was engaged by the utility T&TEC to assist customers in managing their energy usage. In clean technology, Kaizen Environmental Services (Trinidad), a subsidiary of a Canadian company has a successful operation undertaking major environmental projects. Canadian company, FreeBalance, contracted by the Ministry of Finance, has a partnership with Trinidad Systems Ltd to market public financial management software solutions, which helps government institutions plan and manage budgets, assets and human resources more effectively.

Local companies established themselves and are expanding into Canadian markets. KC Confectionery Ltd successfully exported its new ginger mint line extensions to Canada last year. Sunshine Snacks uses potatoes from Canada to create its innovative Chipsters snack, fashioned after a Canadian product.

Countries are operating in a “difficult global context,” with diversification and stronger partnerships becoming increasingly important. Canadian companies always seek transparency and predictability in their investments. He cited collaboration in security and law enforcement, including engagement involving the T&T Police Service, cybersecurity initiatives and cooperation with Canadian federal agencies. Canadian soldiers are in T&T working with their Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force colleagues to strengthen joint military planning and ensure both countries are prepared to work together should the need arise.

Community organisations continue to play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations and he praised the work of volunteers and community members who maintain connections between both countries over many years. The Canada Club of T&T is a community initiative established by the High Commission of Canada in May 2025 to connect Canadians, alumni and friends of Canada in T&T. It serves as a network for sharing experiences, opportunities and fostering connections through online exchanges and local events.

Callan advised that it is important for diplomats to move beyond diplomatic circles and connect with citizens from all walks of life. He continues to engage with different parts of society, such as during his visit to St Dominic’s Children’s Home in partnership with the Samaritan Movement, to experience artistic talents and learn how the High Commission could support their aspirations for the future.

Callan acknowledged recent changes to Canada’s immigration system, noting that movement between the countries remains highly active through work, education and family ties. This is facilitated by Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) programme, which allows anyone with a valid US non-immigrant visa, or who has held a Canadian visa within the last ten years, to secure entry into Canada quickly and conveniently online.

Tourism and aviation are areas of continued collaboration. Airlines including Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines maintain connectivity . He was excited about Canada hosting portions of the FIFA World Cup on June 12.

Trade between Canada and the region continues to grow and 97% of products from West Indies enter Canada tariff-free under existing arrangements. On broader international trade agreements involving Canada, Callan explained that these opportunities open doors around the world, with Canada connected to Europe, Asia and the Americas through free trade agreements, air, sea and land links. This is a major priority for Canada as it continues to work to reduce trade barriers and improve commercial access around the world,

In Education, over 30 Canadian universities participate annually in outreach activities involving students in T&T, reflecting continued interest in Canadian tertiary education opportunities. In times of global uncertainty Canada wants to reinvest in its friends. Canada and T&T share a time zone, language, legal tradition and extraordinary cultural ties. Trinis are thriving in Canada and continue to be warmly welcomed to study, perform, explore, and do business—tariff-free.

Collaboration between business organisations and trade agencies in both countries will remain important as Canada and T&T seek to expand economic and commercial ties further. He said there is an excellent upcoming opportunity through the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce which is organising a trade mission to Canada in August, with a focus on Toronto Area. This is a great opportunity for local companies to find new Canadian partners as relations get stronger.

Pioneers from Canada built schools and ministered to the agricultural workforce from 1868, leaving a permanent legacy in the professions and women’s progress in many fields.

 

Shell signs five agreements with Venezuela to advance oil and gas projects

June 11, 2026 Carl Surran, SA News Editor

Venezuela’s government signed five agreements with ‌Shell on Thursday to advance oil and gas projects, including the company’s participation in the 7 Tcf Loran offshore gas field, Reuters reported.

Venezuela had already signed preliminary agreements for the projects earlier this year with Shell , one of the few large foreign firms that has taken early advantage of ⁠new energy investment opportunities following the January ouster of the Maduro regime.

Loran and another Venezuelan gas project involving Shell – the 4.2 Tcf Dragon field – are expected to allow the country to begin exports of abundant reserves of offshore gas, starting with supplies to Trinidad for processing into liquefied natural gas.The agreements boost Shell to the top of Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA’s list of partners for key energy developments.

BP also is poised ⁠to participate in the Loran gas field and in the neighboring Cocuina-Manakin offshore gas project, according to separate agreements with the Venezuelan government signed in April.

 

Venezuela: Repsol signs MoU to explore and develop new oil acreage

17 June 2026

The company reached a memorandum of understanding with the Venezuelan government and PDVSA to assess the potential development of the Horcón area, located southeast of Lake Maracaibo.

The parties expressed their intention to conduct feasibility studies on potential opportunities in the Venezuelan offshore.

The agreement was signed today in Caracas by Repsol CEO Josu Jon Imaz and Acting President Delcy Rodríguez; Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao; and PDVSA President Héctor Obregón. They addressed Repsol’s progress in Venezuela to ensure the growth in activity, as well as payment mechanisms and the planned crude cargo schedule.

Repsol signed a memorandum of understanding with Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) to assess the potential development of a new area of Horcón, located southeast of petroliferous Lake Maracaibo.

The agreement was signed today in Caracas during a meeting between Repsol CEO Josu Jon Imaz and Executive Managing Director of Exploration and Production, Francisco Gea, with the Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez; the Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao; and PDVSA President Héctor Obregón. The meeting reviewed the operational progress of Repsol’s assets in Venezuela and the investments committed to ensure continuity and growth of activity, payment mechanisms associated with existing agreements and the crude cargo schedule planned for the coming months.

The Horcón area is located between the Barúa and Motatán fields, part of Repsol’s portfolio of assets in Venezuela, with oil-producing fields of Petroquiriquire and Petrocarabobo and the Cardón IV gas asset. Through this agreement, the parties expressed their intention to advance the analysis of offshore gas opportunities, with the aim of deepening studies and data on gas reservoirs in the Venezuelan offshore. This MoU reinforces Repsol’s commitment to Venezuela, where it has maintained operations since 1993.

In March 2026, Repsol and Eni signed a strategic agreement with the Venezuelan authorities and PDVSA to ensure the sustainability of natural gas production during 2026 at the Cardón IV asset −50% owned by each company − and to strengthen the long-term stability of operations. In mid-April, Repsol signed another agreement with Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and PDVSA, subject to the fulfillment of conditions, which allows it to regain operational control and increase oil production at Petroquiriquire (60% PDVSA and 40% Repsol). The agreement also seeks to ensure payment mechanisms and strengthen the operational framework of its activities, under the framework agreement signed in 2023.

Source: Repsol

 

 

 

 

Repsol Wins New Deal to Widen Presence in Venezuela

Rigzone,June 19 2026

Repsol SA signed a new agreement with Venezuela’s Hydrocarbons Ministry and state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela (PdVSA) “to assess the potential development” of a new area southeast of Lake Maracaibo, near the Spanish company’s existing portfolio.

“The Horcón area is located between the Barúa and Motatán fields, which are already part of Repsol’s portfolio of assets in Venezuela, together with the oil-producing fields of Petroquiriquire and Petrocarabobo, and the Cardón IV gas asset. Through this agreement, the parties also expressed their intention to advance the analysis of offshore gas opportunities, with the aim of deepening studies and data on gas reservoirs in the Venezuelan offshore”.

The signing ceremony in Caracas, witnessed by Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, also reviewed payment mechanisms associated with existing agreements and the crude cargo schedule planned for the coming months. Earlier Repsol executed an agreement with the government and PdVSA under which Repsol would grow its Venezuelan gross production by 50 percent within 12 months and triple it over the next three years.

“Repsol’s gross production of oil in Venezuela currently amounts to around 45,000 barrels per day, mainly in Petroquiriquire”, Repsol said April 16 announcing the agreement.

Repsol would reassume operational control of the Petroquiriquire field, where it owns 40 percent and PdVSA holds 60 percent, according to the agreement.

“The Framework Agreement establishes the necessary conditions to advance in the fulfillment of the production goals established by the partners, subject to PdVSA’s scheduling of heavy crude cargoes equivalent to Petroquiriquire’s production. The Framework Agreement – originally signed in 2023 and subsequently amended in 2024 – provided for the mechanism to extend the duration of the Petroquiriquire field concessions and incorporated the Tomoporo and La Ceiba fields.”

Among other conditions for the production increase, Repsol must be able to use proceeds generated in Venezuela.

Repsol said the agreement had been executed within the United States Treasury’s General License (GL) 50A. The licence, which provides exemptions from US sanctions against Caracas, requires oil or gas taxes or royalties owed to the Venezuelan government or PdVSA to be paid into accounts designated by the U.S. government. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control issued the licence February 18, over a month after the ouster of Nicolás Maduro.

GL50A said, “Any payments of oil or gas taxes or royalties to the government of Venezuela, PdVSA, or any PdVSA entity must be paid into the Foreign Government Deposit Funds or any other account as instructed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury”.

Besides Repsol, GL50A covers Britain’s BP PLC and Shell PLC, Houston-based Chevron Corp, Italy’s state-controlled Eni SpA and Paris-based Établissements Maurel & Prom SA.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order that bars the judiciary from interfering with Venezuelan funds – designated as “Foreign Government Deposit Funds” – collected by the U.S. The presidential order January 9 stated:

“Unless licensed or otherwise authorized pursuant to this order, any attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process is prohibited, and shall be deemed null and void, with respect to the Foreign Government Deposit Funds”.

 

 

 

Venezuela power sector for private investment after blackouts

June 4th 2026 –

Venezuela’s National Assembly gave initial approval to reform of the electricity law that opens the sector to private investment through long-term concessions, in an effort to reverse the collapse of a service battered by blackouts for two decades.

The measure ends the monopoly held for over 15 years by state-owned National Electric Corporation (Corpoelec), though it still requires a second debate and final ratification in the coming days. The text allows private companies, mixed enterprises and firms with minority state ownership to take part across all chains of the service, alongside the state.

It also provides for an overhaul of the tariff scheme —with rates that reflect the real cost of service and allow a reasonable return— the end of long-standing subsidies, and the operational decentralization of Corpoelec.

The reform is part of the economic conversion Venezuela has pursued since January, . The process, which has already reached the hydrocarbons and mining frameworks, has the explicit backing of the US administration, which argues the changes will revive commercial activity to the benefit of US companies and the Venezuelan population.

The electricity crisis spans 20 years. Corpoelec was created by decree in 2007, alongside nationalization of Electricidad de Caracas, one of the oldest companies. The system, which prior to 2007 had operated under a mixed and regionalized scheme, began to falter from a lack of maintenance and new investment.

In 2009, a severe drought left the Guri hydroelectric plant at critical levels and ushered in a routine of rationing. It was followed by the first major national blackout in 2013 which left 80% of the country without power for more than a day— and, in March 2019, the longest in Venezuelan history, lasting 6 days, which crippled telecommunications, water and health services.

The firm Derwick received over 2 billion dollars in direct awards to buy obsolete and overbilled equipment, according to reports by Transparencia Internacional Venezuela. The government attributed the 2019 blackout to an alleged “international attack” by US intelligence services. Today, the structural failures persist: in Zulia and the Andes, outages last up to 8 hours a day, while Caracas and the east of the country maintain a more stable supply. For experts, the shortcomings are a “bottleneck” for the recovery of the oil, gas and steel industries.

 

 

 

 

Houston to Host Venezuela Summit on Energy, Investment and Development

June 22, 2026

On September 17, 2026 Global leaders, investors, policymakers & SME’s will explore opportunities for international cooperation & Venezuela’s future economic development.

Houston, Texas, will host the Venezuela Reawakening Summit, an international gathering of energy leaders, investors, business executives, policymakers, economists, legal experts and development professionals from the United States, Venezuela and the global community.

The summit is designed to facilitate dialogue, foster strategic partnerships and identify practical opportunities that may contribute to Venezuela’s long-term economic development and the sustainable reactivation of key sectors of its economy, including energy, infrastructure, services and human capital development. Beyond its economic focus, the initiative is centered on people.

The event seeks to promote discussions around responsible development, social impact, workforce readiness, community engagement and the creation of opportunities that can positively impact Venezuelan citizens both inside and outside the country. The summit takes place during a period of evolving regulatory frameworks, changing geopolitical dynamics and growing international interest in Venezuela, holding some of the world’s largest hydrocarbon reserves and significant potential across multiple sectors of the economy.

Participants will engage in discussions focused on:

1. 1. 1. Energy sector opportunities and challenges
      2. International investment and financing considerations
      3. Regulatory and compliance frameworks
      4. OFAC and international sanctions compliance
      5. Legal considerations for doing business in Venezuela
      6. Community impact and workforce development
      7. Public-private collaboration opportunities
      8. Sustainable economic development strategies

The Main Platinum Sponsor will be Banesco Banca Universal and SAI Group USA. The event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities and specialized breakout sessions designed to generate actionable insights and foster meaningful connections between stakeholders.

Featured keynote speakers include internationally recognized industry and economic leaders:

1. 1. 1. Ali Moshiri, former Chevron executive and international energy advisor, will discuss investment opportunities, advantages and challenges related to Venezuela.
      2. Francisco Rodríguez, renowned economist and public policy expert, who will address Venezuela’s macroeconomic outlook and its potential role as an energy hub within the Americas.

Specialized breakout sessions will address critical topics including

1. 1. 1. OFAC compliance and sanctions,
      2. Venezuela’s legal and regulatory framework,
      3. security and infrastructure considerations and
      4. community impact and human capital development.

A key objective of the summit is to strengthen connections between small and mid-sized enterprises in the United States and Venezuela while facilitating constructive dialogue among business leaders, subject matter experts, policymakers and institutional stakeholders.

The event will also support the development of a comprehensive White Paper summarizing key findings, recommendations, and opportunities identified during the summit. The document is expected to serve as a resource for business leaders, stakeholders and policymakers interested in understanding emerging opportunities and challenges associated with Venezuela’s future development.

José Pereira, Founder of Venezuela Reawakening LLC, said,

“The Venezuela Reawakening Summit is designed to create meaningful dialogue, connect organizations, and generate practical solutions that contribute to Venezuela’s long-term recovery and prosperity. By bringing together leaders from multiple sectors and perspectives, we hope to foster collaboration, share expertise and identify pathways that support sustainable economic growth and positive social impact.”

The summit will take place in Houston’s Energy Corridor, one of the world’s most recognized centers for energy innovation, investment, and industry leadership.

Additional information, registration details, sponsorship opportunities, and event updates are available at:   www.venezuelareawakening.com

Venezuela Reawakening LLC is a Houston-based organization dedicated to fostering dialogue, collaboration and strategic partnerships that support Venezuela’s future economic development. Through conferences, educational initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, the organization seeks to connect international expertise with opportunities that contribute to sustainable growth, responsible development and positive social impact.

English Media Contact -José Pereira
Email: [email protected]

Spanish Media Contact -Patricia Contreras
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.venezuelareawakening.com

Also:  [email protected]

 

 

 

SLB ‘digital transformation’ of Venezuela’s oil sector after PDVSA deal

Oilfield services contractor, which maintained a presence in country, signs long-term agreement to help modernise aging oil infrastructure

Robert Stewart North America Energy Correspondent 11 June 2026

SLB signed a long-term agreement with Venezuela’s PDVSA to help revitalise and modernise the oil and gas sector.

 

SLB, PDVSA enter Venezuela E&P MoU

June 12, 2026

The two parties plan to collaborate to modernize the oil and gas industry in terms of digital capabilities, production efficiency and workforce skills.

The framework agreement focuses on:

1. 1. 1. technology,
      2. AI enablement and
      3. workforce development.

SLB has signed a framework agreement with PDVSA to support the revival of Venezuela’s oil and gas sector. Their memorandum of understanding (MoU) sets out the basis for a collaboration in exploration, field development, production, digital initiatives, and workforce training/development.

“Venezuela’s oil and gas sector has substantial resource potential, and realizing that potential will require technology, digital integration and long-term talent development.” said SLB CEO Olivier Le Peuch.

One of the main areas of focus will be affecting a digital transformation of Venezuela’s oil and gas industry, using connected data, predictive models and AI-enabled workflows to strengthen efficiency and speed up decision-making.

In addition, the MoU provides a framework for a broader cooperation across exploration, field development and production. This includes improving performance at mature fields, heavy and extra-heavy crude reserves, optimizing infrastructure and supporting the establishment of future resources. The two parties will work with local academics to foster expertise and technical capability of the workforce.

 

Venezuela a key supplier in India’s post-Hormuz strategy

Rakesh Sharma and Sudhi Ranjan Sen, June 04, 2026 (Bloomberg) –

India signaled interest in deeper energy ties with Venezuela, including sourcing crude supplies and investments in the oil sector, after acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Rudrendra Tandon, secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “The government is aggressively seeking new sources of crude oil and energy to ensure India’s energy security. So Venezuela is an opportunity and part of our plan. In the energy sector, we see perfect complementarity. In our spot purchases, Venezuela has already emerged as the third-largest supplier this month.”

Rodríguez’s June 3-7 visit coincides with India’s renewed effort to broaden its sources of crude after the Iran conflict blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which almost 40% of the country’s oil supplies flowed before the war.

India imports about 90% of the crude it consumes. Venezuela has become an increasingly attractive source of energy for the world’s third-largest oil consumer.

India received a shipment of Venezuelan oil in April after a year-long hiatus as Washington eased sanctions on the OPEC producer. The shipments climbed to about 283,000 bpd in April, the highest since March 2020, according to Kpler.

The data analytics firm estimates June arrivals could increase to 380,000 bpd in a sign of Venezuela’s growing importance in India’s energy mix. The leaders discussed potential Indian investments in Venezuela’s pharmaceuticals, mining and critical minerals sectors, though no major agreements will be signed during the visit. Any investments, including in energy, would be subject to commercial negotiations between companies and would be taken up separately at a later stage.

 

 

 

Delcy Rodríguez in India as crude trade expands

Sudhi Ranjan Sen and Rakesh Sharma June 02, 2026 (Bloomberg) –

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week, with energy security expected to dominate discussions as India seeks to diversify crude supplies disrupted by the Iran war.

Randhir Jaiswal of the Ministry of External Affairs said bilateral discussions with Modi “will involve the full spectrum of India-Venezuela relations and explore avenues for further cooperation in energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals and health care,”

Rodríguez’s June 3-7 visit coincides with India’s renewed effort to broaden its sources of crude after the Iran conflict blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which almost 40% of India’s oil supplies flowed before the war. India imports 90% of the crude it consumes.

India received a shipment of Venezuelan oil in April after a year-long hiatus as USA eased sanctions on the OPEC producer. Shipments climbed to 283,000 bpd in April, the highest since March 2020, according to Kpler. The data analytics firm estimates June arrivals could increase to 380,000 bpd in a sign of Venezuela’s growing importance in India’s energy mix.

Reliance Industries Ltd. has been among the largest buyers of Venezuelan crude after it signed a term agreement in 2012 to source as much as 400,000 bpd from Petroleos de Venezuela SA. The billionaire Mukesh Ambani-controlled company is among the few Indian refiners capable of processing the heavy, sulfur-rich Venezuelan crude.

State-run ONGC Videsh Ltd. seeks to expand its presence in Venezuela. The overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corp. holds stakes in the San Cristobal field and the Carabobo-1 block. ONCG Chairman Arun Kumar Singh said last month the company expects to receive a license under Venezuela’s new regime and is hopeful of increasing production from the assets.

For Caracas, deeper engagement with one of the world’s fastest-growing oil consumers offers an opportunity to rebuild its economy after years of isolation. This will be Rodríguez’s sixth visit to India and her first since becoming acting president in January. She will be accompanied by cabinet ministers, including those in charge of foreign affairs, economy and finance, science and technology, communications and transportation.

 

N.B.  Link to :-

Caracas, Venezuela

📅 29–30 September 2026

The Venezuela International Oil & Gas Summit (VIOGS 2026)