Oil spill pollutes Venezuela's coastal region

Mexico City (ANTARA) - A hydrocarbon spill originating from Trinidad and Tobago—the island nation in the Caribbean Sea—has affected the Paria Gulf and Venezuela’s coastal regions, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil stated via Telegram. “The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses its concern to the international community regarding the hydrocarbon spill originating from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, which has caused serious environmental damage in the Paria Gulf as well as the coastal areas of the states of Sucre and Delta Amacuro,” Gil said, as reported by Sputnik on Sunday. According to Caracas, initial technical reports confirm impacts on marine areas, coastlines, sensitive ecosystems, and fishing communities in Venezuela. The government also warns of risks to mangroves, wetlands, marine life, and strategically valuable biological resources. Venezuelan authorities have instructed the foreign ministry to immediately request full information on the incident, including action plans to contain and mitigate the oil spill’s impacts. Caracas also demands compliance with obligations under international environmental law and urgent steps to provide compensation for the damage caused. The statement affirms that Venezuela will continue to take measures to protect affected ecosystems and support impacted communities. As of this report’s publication, there has been no official comment from Trinidad and Tobago authorities. The Paria Gulf, which separates Venezuela and Trinidad, is a major oil and gas production area where environmental incidents related to oil infrastructure have occurred more than once in the past.