WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Parliament returned to discussions yesterday about the political and strategic situation following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela on January 3, during which Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was removed from power. Lawmakers said Curaçao must carefully consider the new regional reality and assess how to respond to both risks and opportunities arising from recent events.
Several members of Parliament voiced concerns about preparedness and future direction. Sheldry Osepa of the Partido Nashonal (PNP) pressed the government for clarity on how well Curaçao is ready for the consequences of the upheaval in Venezuela. Osepa asked the Pisas cabinet for concrete plans to take advantage of the changing landscape — including strategies to secure better pricing for imported goods and to explore possibilities for renewed trade with Venezuela.
Osepa emphasized that conventional approaches will not suffice in this new environment and warned that Curaçao risks being left behind if it does not adapt its policies to the evolving geopolitical situation.
Opportunities and concerns
While concerns about security and economic fallout were prevalent, some parliamentarians also pointed to potential positive roles for the island. Opposition member Suzy Camelia-Römer of MAN-PIN suggested that the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) could serve as mediators between the United States and Venezuela. She argued that Curaçao’s position and relationships could be leveraged in diplomatic efforts in the region.
The debate follows broader regional uncertainty. In the aftermath of the U.S. operation — which has caused some travel disruptions and military tension across the Caribbean airspace — local governments have taken steps to reassure residents and monitor developments closely.
Opposition members reiterated the need for transparency, strategic planning, and clarity on how the government will protect Curaçao’s interests while navigating the shifting political landscape around Venezuela. With tensions and international reactions continuing to unfold, Parliament’s discussion highlights the complexity of balancing security, economic stability, and diplomatic engagement in a rapidly evolving regional context.