WILLEMSTAD — The security situation in the Caribbean remains unpredictable amid mounting geopolitical tensions, Dutch naval leadership has affirmed, stressing the importance of a continued defence presence on and around Curaçao.
“The world around us is unsettled, and the situation in the region is unpredictable. That is exactly why our presence here is of great importance,” said Commander Walter Hansen, the Commandant of the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Caribbean, during the Defence Caribbean New Year’s reception on Wednesday evening.
Addressing a gathering that included the governor, ministers from Curaçao’s government and interim Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, Hansen underscored the core mission of Dutch forces in the region: protecting and stabilising the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. In part of his address delivered in Papiamentu, Hansen reiterated the commitment to the island’s safety: “E seguridad i protekshon di nos dushi Kòrsou” — the safety and protection of our beloved Curaçao — “is a responsibility that we, together with our Coast Guard and partners, can and will continue to carry.”
Hansen recalled remarks he made at the same event a year ago, when he warned that global instability could impact the Caribbean. “That observation remained relevant throughout 2025,” he said, noting that international conflicts persisted and that what happens globally can affect the region.
Those concerns materialised later in the year as tensions escalated between the United States and Venezuela. Since August, military friction between the two nations has grown, with rhetoric and operations unfolding close to Caribbean waters. In early January, a U.S. military operation resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an event that prompted security alerts across regional airspace and diplomatic concern.
Hansen acknowledged that the swift developments surrounding Venezuela have been unsettling for many. “This is taking place in our vicinity,” he said. “The ABC islands are geographically on the front line. That causes people concern, and I understand those concerns.”
His remarks come as the Netherlands continues to monitor the situation closely. Dutch authorities have stated that, based on current analysis, there is no direct military threat to Curaçao or neighbouring islands, even as U.S. naval forces reduce their presence following the Maduro operation.
The commander’s address highlighted the role of Dutch Defence and the Caribbean Coast Guard in ensuring stability, including maritime security, surveillance and joint readiness with international partners. He reiterated the importance of cooperation with regional allies, in line with recent deployments and joint operational efforts.
The speech reflects ongoing concerns about regional security dynamics and underlines the Dutch forces’ commitment to maintaining readiness and support for the islands, even as geopolitical winds continue to shift.