Caricom saddened by Japan quake

TIMES INT'L

The unprecedented disaster in Japan, spawned by the largest recorded earthquake in that country’s history, has deeply saddened the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the regional grouping said in a statement last Friday.

In a message to the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago, acting Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite 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 this disaster.

At this time of grave difficulty, Ambassador Applewhaite said, Caricom joined the international community in offering deepest condolences to the families of those who perished and those who are missing.

“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,” she said. “Tragedies of this magnitude, triggering tsunami warnings across the entire Pacific and numerous other countries, underscore the importance of likeminded states collaborating in the vital area of disaster mitigation and preparedness,” Ambassador Applewhaite added.

The acting Caricom secretary general assured the embassy that Caricom stands 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.

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