ORANJESTAD (AAN) – CMO Prepares Certified Team for Venezuela Relief Mission following the powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela, with Aruba’s Crisis Management Office (CMO) leading the logistical planning for the country’s humanitarian response. Director Rino Hermans said the agency began coordinating preparations immediately after the disaster to ensure that trained personnel could be deployed quickly and effectively.
Prime Minister Mike Eman was present at Jet-TNCA FBO at Queen Beatrix International Airport to see off Aruba’s first humanitarian delegation of 11 volunteers traveling to Venezuela. Hermans explained that the initial deployment focused on sending certified logistics specialists capable of assessing conditions on the ground and preparing for the next phase of medical assistance.
The two CMO specialists assigned to the mission are certified in disaster logistics and coordination and received specialized training in the Netherlands. Their responsibilities include evaluating humanitarian needs in the affected areas, gathering critical information, and maintaining continuous communication with the CMO’s operations center in Aruba. The information collected will guide the preparation of two additional relief flights planned for the following week, ensuring that only the supplies and equipment most urgently needed are transported.
Hermans noted that the first 72 hours after a major disaster are typically dedicated to search and rescue operations. As that phase concludes, humanitarian assistance and medical care become the primary focus. He said the initial assessment by Aruba’s advance team is essential to preparing medical personnel and relief supplies for the next stage of the mission.
The CMO Prepares Certified Team for Venezuela Relief Mission initiative demonstrates Aruba’s ability to respond rapidly to international emergencies despite its small size. Hermans emphasized that continuous investment in professional training has strengthened the country’s disaster response capabilities, allowing Aruba to contribute both locally and internationally.
The humanitarian mission was made possible through close cooperation between the Crisis Management Office (CMO), Aruba Red Cross, and several national and international partners. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mike Eman, the Government of Aruba coordinated the logistical, administrative, and diplomatic preparations required to deploy the country’s first humanitarian assistance team to Venezuela.
