THE HAGUE — Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eddie van Marum has expressed pride in the leaders of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom for the “rapid and clear way” in which they informed their citizens about the recent U.S. military action in Venezuela and its potential implications for the region.
In a LinkedIn message published after an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom — convened following the developments in Venezuela — Van Marum said that leaders from Aruba and Curaçao communicated effectively with residents during a period of uncertainty.
“Today, at an extra Council of Ministers of the Kingdom, we reflected on the impact on the Caribbean islands,” Van Marum wrote. “Last weekend, the events in Venezuela surprised all of us. Representatives of Aruba and Curaçao shared how their people experienced the situation.”
Van Marum acknowledged that such developments can cause unease among the population. While noting that there is no immediate military threat to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, he stressed that the situation continues to be monitored closely. “Together with the ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, we emphasized that the Netherlands stands ready to offer assistance where needed — whether logistical support, coastal patrols or crisis management,” he said.
He also expressed relief that the situation had largely returned to normal by Sunday, including the resumption of regular flight operations in the region. Despite this, Van Marum warned that vigilance remains essential. “Stability and safety for all residents of our Kingdom — whether they live in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao or in Europe — come first. We remain in close contact with the islands and stand ready. Because in uncertain times one thing is certain: we do this together.”
His remarks reflect broader concerns within the Dutch government about regional security following U.S. military strikes in Venezuela. The Netherlands has repeatedly stated that although it does not participate in the U.S. operation, it is tracking developments closely and preparing for any possible contingencies.
Van Marum’s praise for local leadership highlights the importance of coordinated communication between Dutch and Caribbean authorities during periods of geopolitical instability — particularly given the Caribbean islands’ proximity to Venezuela and the heightened public interest in regional developments.
The full outcomes of the Council of Ministers’ meeting have not yet been released publicly. According to Van Marum, official decisions were not yet definitive, but further updates will be shared as appropriate.