Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has expressed her support for Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 strikes that toppled thousands of buildings across both countries on Monday.
"I am deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives in Turkey and Syria following the earthquakes that struck both countries," Persad-Bissessar said in a statement.
She went further in saying, "Many Trinidadians and Tobagonians have an ancestral bond with both Syria and Turkey and may have relatives affected by this tragedy. I wish to express my love, sympathy and support to our Turkish and Syrian communities in this time of crisis."
Turkish authorities have confirmed 1,762 deaths, with another 968 reported in Syria, after powerful earthquakes brought thousands of buildings crashing down in both countries. At least 12,068 others have been injured in the quakes.
Persad-Bissessar said, "My deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in this disaster. I hope that the survivors are found quickly and wish them a speedy recovery."