OPPOSITION Leader Pennelope Beckles has expressed disappointment with the Government’s response to devastation in Venez­uela, following two massive earthquakes on Wednesday that toppled buildings in Caracas and left a rising death toll.Beckles yesterday described a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs as “insensitive”, questioning whether the communication was vetted.Speaking at a People’s National Movement (PNM) news conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Port of Spain, Beckles called on the Government to clearly state the nature of the assistance that will be provided to Venezuela, which she said should have been done from the outset.Beckles issued condolences to the people and government of Ve­nezuela on the tragedy, noting the death count has continued to rise.Beckles said the Government’s response should have been more specific as to what would be provided.She said that “in moments such as these, compassion, solidarity and leadership must guide the response”.Calling the Government’s release “disappointing”, Beckles said the response “failed to reflect the level of seriousness and diplomatic leadership this moment demands”.Beckles said Government must now move beyond words and clearly state what practical assistance this country is prepared to provide.Beckles noted that other countries have made direct offers of aid.Stating that Venezuela was Trinidad and Tobago’s closest neighbour, the Opposition Leader pointed out that T&T has a diplomatic mission in Caracas.