WASHINGTON - On the morning of day 1, Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath visited the U.S Department of State together with members of the Curaçao delegation and Prime Minister of Aruba, Mrs. Wever-Croes to meet with the Special Envoy to Venezuela Mr. Abrams.
The meeting was an opportunity to personally detail the impact of the situation in Venezuela on Curaçao and Aruba and in extension the state companies Refineria di Kòrsou i Aruba and Curoil. Mr. Abrams and US counterparts were keen on understanding the latest developments in the island nations.
Prime Minister Rhuggenaath explained overall the decline in economic activities between Venezuela and Curaçao has impacted the Curaçao economy by an estimated 25%.
Curaçao is thankful that OFAC, in agreement with the Department of State has granted Curaçao a special license, which provides our national companies an exemption on the sanctions in the short run. However, the sense of urgency in finding a solution for our refinery remains, also given the impact on our local energy sector.