WILLEMSTAD – The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States and the rising tensions in the region have triggered a wide-ranging debate in the Curaçao Parliament, with opposition lawmakers voicing serious concerns while also pointing to potential opportunities for the island.
Opposition MP Sheldry Osepa questioned whether Curaçao is sufficiently prepared for what he described as a “new reality” in the region. According to Osepa, the current situation requires a different mindset and concrete strategic choices. He argued that simply continuing existing policies, particularly regarding the refinery and economic development, would mean missing critical opportunities.
Osepa called on the government to present clear plans on how Curaçao can benefit economically from the shifting geopolitical landscape. Among the questions he raised were how the island could secure better prices for imported goods, restore trade relations with Venezuela, and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. He also suggested that Curaçao should once again consider placing an economic representative in Caracas, as was done in the past, to identify opportunities in trade, tourism, and investment.
From the MAN-PIN party, Suzy Camelia-Römer emphasized Curaçao’s potential role as a neutral facilitator between the United States and Venezuela. She pointed to the Curaçao House in The Hague as a possible venue for dialogue and confidence-building initiatives.
Coalition MP Juniël Carolina highlighted another possible upside, suggesting that Curaçao could further develop itself as a regional financial and logistical hub amid changing trade and transport patterns in the Caribbean.
Despite these more optimistic perspectives, opposition members stressed that their primary concern remains the island’s stability and security. Camelia-Römer warned that the situation could have far-reaching consequences and criticized the lack of detailed information from the government. While Curaçao has been described as a neutral “zone of peace,” she said it remains unclear how the government is preparing for potential increases in migration, transnational crime, and maritime security challenges.
She also questioned how the government is acting on unanimously adopted parliamentary motions calling for increased assistance in air and maritime surveillance. According to Camelia-Römer, while officials have stated that multiple crisis scenarios are being considered, no substantive details have been shared. She pressed for clarity on preparations for possible refugee flows, rising criminal activity, or further military escalation, as well as on whether the government’s policy priorities or governing program may need to be adjusted.
Additional concerns raised included screening procedures for Venezuelan arrivals by air, the financing of potential emergency shelter, and whether the economic risks for local businesses with ties to Venezuela have been properly assessed.
PAR MP Quincy Girigorie echoed the call for transparency, stressing that while no one can predict the future with certainty, the government has access to intelligence and expert advice. He argued that the public deserves timely and accurate information. Girigorie also asked how often Curaçao consults with Dutch ministers responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and interior relations, and how Curaçao’s interests are safeguarded within the broader Kingdom context.
He further raised questions about airspace agreements, lessons learned from recent events, and whether aviation rules may need to be reviewed. Girigorie also asked for clarity on the status and role of the U.S. Forward Operating Location at Hato Airport, now officially designated as a Cooperative Security Location.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas is expected to respond to the questions and concerns raised during the debate later this week, with Parliament awaiting clearer insight into how the government plans to navigate the evolving regional situation.