THE HAGUE – A rare display of cross-party unity emerged in the Dutch Parliament as lawmakers sharply criticized the Cabinet for failing to provide timely, transparent information to the governments and residents of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire regarding the escalating U.S.–Venezuela conflict.
During a heated session, MPs from parties including D66, GroenLinks-PvdA, the ChristenUnie, JA21 and BBB accused ministers of operating reactively rather than proactively, contributing to uncertainty among citizens living closest to the geopolitical flashpoint.
Several parliamentarians highlighted that local populations are heavily dependent on official briefings for situational awareness, especially because rumours and unverified reports circulate rapidly on social media. “When communication from The Hague is slow or incomplete, a vacuum emerges—and fear fills that vacuum,” one MP said.
The document reveals that internal government analyses have been underway for weeks, including classified assessments of Venezuelan military capacity, potential maritime threats, and the implications of U.S. operations. Yet much of this information has not been shared with island authorities in real time.
Ministers countered that they maintain “intensive contact” with local leaders, citing regular calls with the prime ministers of Aruba and Curaçao and the lieutenant governor of Bonaire. They argued that releasing certain assessments prematurely could generate unnecessary alarm or risk diplomatic repercussions.
Still, the Cabinet conceded shortcomings. Minister David van Weel acknowledged that communication “should have been more proactive,” and pledged to improve coordination with island governments and their crisis teams.
Lawmakers insist this shift must happen quickly. Given the islands’ proximity to Venezuela and their role in drug-interdiction operations, residents expect clear explanations of risks and the Kingdom’s readiness levels.
The parliamentary criticism marks a turning point: the ABC islands are no longer being treated as distant territories but as frontline communities whose security concerns deserve the same urgency as domestic issues in the Netherlands.