WILLEMSTAD — The Curaçao Parliament resumed its Central Committee meeting this afternoon with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, following a session earlier this week on the island’s security situation and developments in the wider region.
The meetings were convened at the request of opposition parties MAN-PIN, PAR and PNP after the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, a move that has drawn intense regional and international attention and prompted calls for clarity on Curaçao’s position.
Parliamentarians began discussions on Monday, asking Pisas extensive questions about the implications of events unfolding in neighboring Venezuela, including possible effects on security, border control and emergency preparedness. Pisas requested additional time to provide comprehensive answers, leading to the continuation of the session this afternoon.
Originally scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m., the meeting was delayed and is now taking place at 2:00 p.m., according to an announcement made yesterday by Silvin Cijntje, the Parliament’s clerk who spoke on behalf of the chamber’s chair.
During this week’s proceedings, members of Parliament pressed the government for detailed information on how Curaçao is monitoring and responding to the tense situation in the region, including diplomatic relations, civilian safety and coordination with partners within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and neighboring islands.
The opposition has emphasized the public’s right to transparent and up-to-date information on how the ongoing geopolitical shifts — particularly related to U.S. actions in Venezuela — might affect Curaçao’s security and economic stability. Debate topics include border vigilance, potential spillover effects, and contingency initiatives to safeguard the island’s interests.
Government officials have stressed the importance of calm and coordinated responses, noting that Curaçao continues to monitor developments closely while maintaining close communication with Dutch authorities and regional partners.
The continuation of the Central Committee meeting underscores the urgency of the issue for lawmakers and reflects the growing demand for clear answers as the Caribbean navigates a period of heightened geopolitical complexity.