WILLEMSTAD – Members of Parliament expressed strong concern on Tuesday over rising regional tensions and their potential impact on Curaçao, during a debate held as part of the budget discussions on the portfolio of General Affairs of Prime Minister Gilmar ‘Pik’ Pisas (MFK). Across party lines, lawmakers made it clear that the government can count on broad parliamentary support in seeking greater influence within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on matters that directly affect the island.
A recurring theme throughout the debate was the view that Curaçao should not be sidelined when decisions are made that have immediate consequences for its security, sovereignty, and stability. Opposition MP Suzy Camelia-Römer (MAN-PIN) rejected the notion that Curaçao has little or no voice in these matters. She argued that the island does have options and should actively use them.
According to Camelia-Römer, Curaçao can and should align itself with Aruba and jointly engage with the Dutch ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs to convey clear boundaries. She stressed that Curaçao must articulate what it finds acceptable and unacceptable, particularly in the current geopolitical climate. She also announced her intention to work toward a motion of support for the government, noting that the prime minister is operating in a difficult context and deserves the full backing of Parliament. In her view, the Netherlands is likely to be receptive to Curaçao’s concerns if they are presented firmly and constructively.
PNP MP Sheldry Osepa, himself a former Minister Plenipotentiary, focused his remarks on the role of Curaçao’s representative in The Hague. He stated that the Minister Plenipotentiary must be fully engaged in substantive political and diplomatic processes, rather than being limited to ceremonial duties. Osepa emphasized that effective representation requires access, preparation, and the ability to sit at the table when key discussions take place.
He warned that if Dutch ministers claim not to be informed about sensitive developments that directly involve Curaçao—referring to reports surrounding the travel of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado via Curaçao—this signals a serious breakdown in communication. According to Osepa, Curaçao must be involved at the preparatory stage of such matters. If that does not happen, he said, something is fundamentally wrong in the coordination within the Kingdom.
The debate underscored a growing consensus in Parliament that Curaçao must assert itself more forcefully in Kingdom affairs, particularly in times of heightened regional instability. While acknowledging the constitutional division of responsibilities, lawmakers insisted that issues affecting Curaçao’s territory, airspace, and security require timely information-sharing and meaningful consultation.