For weeks, Curaçao has watched the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela with increasing concern. As a small island just 70 kilometers off the Venezuelan coast and as part of the Dutch Kingdom — itself a close ally of Washington — Curaçao has repeatedly insisted on maintaining a neutral position. It is an understandable instinct for a small nation with limited military capacity and deep economic vulnerabilities.
But yesterday, our neutrality was tested in a way few expected: Venezuelan opposition leader and newly minted Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado secretly passed through Curaçao while fleeing her country, ultimately reaching Oslo. Her escape — reportedly facilitated in part through channels linked to the island — underscores a hard truth: whether we claim neutrality or not, Curaçao is already entangled in the geopolitical storm gathering around Venezuela.
Our Geography Is Our Destiny
Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire occupy one of the most strategic positions in the Caribbean. We sit in Venezuela’s “front yard,” and our airspace, maritime zone, and ports are routinely used for regional monitoring and humanitarian coordination by the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
For Caracas, that alone is enough to question our neutrality. For Washington, meanwhile, the islands’ location makes them essential to safeguarding shipping routes, intelligence operations, and regional stability.
Simply put: remaining neutral in all aspects is impossible.
Venezuela’s People Have Not Forgotten Curaçao
Before the collapse of Venezuela’s economy, Curaçao enjoyed decades of deep economic ties with its South American neighbor. Venezuelan tourists filled our hotels, shops, and restaurants. Their spending fueled our aviation industry, our ports, and countless small businesses. The refinery in Curaçao, supplied by Venezuelan crude, formed the backbone of our economic prosperity for generations.
If democracy returns to Venezuela, history tells us that the Venezuelan people — known for their gratitude — will not forget which nations supported their struggle. New opportunities may arise for investment, tourism, trade, and perhaps even energy cooperation.
In a region where prosperity is fragile and competition is growing, Curaçao cannot afford to stand aside and pretend that events unfolding just across the water have nothing to do with us.
A Post-Maduro Venezuela Could Transform the Caribbean
U.S. President Donald Trump openly declared last week that “Maduro’s days are numbered.” Whether or not one agrees with Trump’s rhetoric, it is undeniable that pressure on the Maduro government has reached unprecedented levels:
- The U.S. has seized multiple Venezuelan oil tankers, including the massive Skipper, which was intercepted after loading crude at José Terminal.
- Over 20 suspected drug-smuggling vessels have been destroyed since September.
- International sanctions continue to tighten.
- The Venezuelan opposition is more unified — and more globally recognized — than ever before.
Machado’s dramatic escape through Curaçao is not just symbolic. It signals that the opposition’s international network is strengthening and that cracks within the regime may be widening.
Neutrality Must Not Become Passivity
Curaçao does not need to — and should not — take sides militarily. But neutrality should not be confused with inaction.
As a responsible member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as a neighbor to Venezuela, and as a Caribbean nation committed to democracy and stability, Curaçao can:
- Support humanitarian pathways and safe transit for those fleeing persecution.
- Cooperate with international partners to prevent arms smuggling, trafficking, and destabilization.
- Advocate for diplomatic solutions and adherence to international law.
- Prepare for future economic reconstruction in Venezuela by strengthening trade, infrastructure, and education links now.
We can do all this while remaining legally neutral — but morally supportive of the Venezuelan people who suffer under an increasingly isolated regime.
When the Winds Change, We Must Not Be Seen as Silent Bystanders
When Venezuela eventually turns the page — and one day it will — nations that stood with its people will be remembered. Curaçao must ensure it is one of them.
Not because we seek conflict. Not because we are an extension of American policy. But because we are neighbors — bound by history, geography, and humanity.
Neutrality may keep us safe today, but engagement may secure our prosperity tomorrow.
Curaçao must walk carefully, but it must also walk purposefully. The future of our region depends on it.