CARIBBEAN-POLITICS- OECS sends condolences to Mexico after earthquake

CASTRIES, St Lucia, Sep. 9, CMC – The subregional grouping , the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) , has sent condolences to the government and people of Mexico following a catastrophic earthquake late Thursday.
“On behalf of the Government and People of St Lucia, I extend condolences to the Government and People of Mexico and in particular to the families of the victims of the catastrophic earthquake which shook Mexico yesterday,” said OECS Chairman, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.
“The Government of Mexico continues to be a true friend of St Lucia and at this time we must let them know that our hearts are also with them even while we battle natural disasters in our own region.
“This is really a time for us to come together as a Caribbean region and assist as much as we can and wherever we can.
Added the Prime Minister – “I am confident that the strong will and determination of the Mexican people will assist them in dealing with the loss of lives and property caused by the devastating quake.
“We offer our prayers as the search and recovery efforts continue. Let us all keep our friends in Mexico in our thoughts.”
On Friday, the governor of the southern state of Oaxaca, Alejandro Murat said the death toll from the powerful earthquake had risen to 32.
The quake hit offshore in the Pacific on Thursday at 11:49 pm (local time) about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the coastal town of Tonala in far southern Chiapas state.