Caracas, September 19 (RHC)-- The Bank of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America has pledged to allocate $2 million for the reconstruction of Barbuda. Speaking during a televised broadcast, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, said the funds will be accompanied by a commission of Venezuelan technicians who will participate in the reconstruction of homes adapted to face future climatological phenomena.

The island, comprising the duo Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, took a direct hit from Category 5 Hurricane Irma, destroying over 90 percent of building structures.

Arreaza stressed that the program will be a joint venture with the government of Antigua and Barbuda and Petrocaribe and ratified the willingness of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to assist the people of Barbuda to overcome the destruction.

"President Maduro was in contact with the Prime Minister of Barbuda Gaston Browne during this episode," adding that Venezuela is prepared to do all it can in the name of solidarity with sister countries of the Caribbean.

Amid Antigua and Barbuda's devastation, Venezuela sent over 10 tons of supplies to the Caribbean islands, including mattresses, medicine, boots, and cases of water, as well as a roster of rescue personnel. The Bolivarian National Armed Forces also transported 20 firefighters and 34 civil defense personnel to the hurricane-struck islands.