MPs demand clarity on US military actions and risks for Caribbean part of the Kingdom

THE HAGUE--Members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday voiced serious concern about rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela and the potential consequences for all Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, in particular Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. The issue was central in a debate of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs with Minister Van Weel (Foreign Affairs) and Minister Brekelmans (Defense).

With ten of the fifteen parliamentary factions present, the committee stressed that the potential consequences of a worsening conflict in the region’s “front door” are being treated very seriously in the House. Members focused on the safety of the islands, the continuity of food and goods if sea routes are disrupted, the risk of a decline in tourism, and the possibility of an influx of refugees from Venezuela.

Minister Van Weel stated that there is “no acute threat at the moment”, but acknowledged that the Netherlands lacks full insight into the United States’ intentions because Washington does not share all relevant information. He explained that several “what if” scenarios are being developed and emphasized that there are frequent consultations with the Prime Ministers of Aruba and Curaçao and the Island Governor of Bonaire. On the basis of current information, he said there are no indications that a large flow of refugees must already be anticipated.

Minister Brekelmans likewise underlined that there is no immediate threat and that the military movements of both the United States and Venezuela are being closely monitored. He described the likelihood of the islands becoming directly involved in a military conflict as low. At the same time, he confirmed that emergency plans are being prepared for situations in which supplies to the islands might be at risk, for example if shipping routes are disrupted. The Ministry of Defense is cautious about increasing military capacity on the islands, since such a step could be interpreted negatively by Venezuela, but is ready to provide support within 48 hours if disruptions to logistics chains threaten essential supplies. A navy supply ship has already been sent to Curaçao.

Members of Parliament Katy Piri (GroenLinks–PvdA), Don Ceder (ChristenUnie) and Mpanzu Bamenga (D66) called for clearer communication, stronger preparedness and more transparency regarding the role of the United States in the region and the protection of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

Katy Piri stressed that rising tensions and recent attacks on alleged drug boats at sea are “a source of great concern” for the Kingdom, given that Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao lie only a few dozen kilometers from the Venezuelan coast. She warned about possible knock on effects, such as disrupted imports if insurance companies are no longer willing to insure ships, and questioned whether sufficient stocks are available to bridge any interruption in supplies. Piri asked the cabinet to guarantee that the Dutch presence on the islands will be strengthened in order to answer questions and address concerns. She requested clarity on emergency plans in case of military escalation, possible involvement of the islands in a conflict, or the arrival of a large group of Venezuelans seeking protection.

She also questioned the legality of recent US actions against alleged drug boats, noting that the United States has not provided evidence that these attacks are legitimate, and called on the cabinet to join France, the UN and Human Rights Watch in condemning what she described as clear violations of international law. Piri further asked detailed questions about the use of airfields on Aruba and Curaçao for US counter narcotics flights, the forthcoming expiry of the treaty that allows such use and whether the government intends to extend it.

Don Ceder emphasized that people on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao “simply want to know: are we prepared, are we safe, and is the Netherlands ready.” He recalled that defense is a Kingdom responsibility under the Charter and that the countries are obliged to assist each other in matters affecting Kingdom interests. Ceder expressed disappointment with what he described as the cabinet’s wait and see attitude and asked why Parliament had not received a more proactive analysis of the security situation and the support the Netherlands is prepared to offer if the situation worsens. He requested an update on the implementation of his recently adopted motion to strengthen defense capacity in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, including what reinforcements have already been made and how local authorities have responded. Ceder also raised concerns about food security, economic vulnerability, potential declines in tourism, higher import costs and the likelihood of more refugees from Venezuela, urging the cabinet to map alternative supply routes and to be ready to support both the countries and the special municipalities of the Caribbean Netherlands if pressures increase.

Mpanzu Bamenga addressed his remarks directly to people in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten who were following the debate and “are deeply worried” about developments in the Caribbean. He referred to two US warships that passed close to Curaçao in November just outside territorial waters, four alleged drug boats shot and sunk near the east coast of Bonaire and a US fighter jet that flew close to waters north of Aruba on 20 November. Since September, he noted, the United States has begun destroying alleged drug boats in the Caribbean without regard for international law; according to Bamenga this now involves 23 boats and 87 deaths, including one vessel later reported to have been en route to Suriname rather than the United States. He highlighted reports that two crew members, clinging to debris from their destroyed boat, were bombed again by US forces. He pointed out that the largest US warship in the world has now entered the Caribbean and said that “the Netherlands remains silent” while the UN and France have already condemned these actions as human rights violations.

Bamenga asked whether the cabinet is willing to speak out against the US actions, as the UN and France have done, and what precedent is set if the Netherlands remains silent about conduct that does not fit within international law. He questioned why the Netherlands continues to share intelligence with the United States regarding the Caribbean region, and urged the government to stop doing so immediately, following the example of the United Kingdom and Canada. He also called for clear information to be provided to residents of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, including through printed guidance on what to do in an emergency, and stressed that this must be available not only in Dutch but also in English and Papiamentu.

Bamenga asked whether the cabinet can rule out with certainty that US aircraft using the airport on Curaçao are involved in any way in the recent US actions in the Caribbean, and requested clarification on statements by former President Trump on social media that airspace over and around Venezuela would be “closed for eternity”, particularly regarding the implications for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. He concluded by stressing that “we are one Kingdom” and that the Netherlands has the same responsibility for the safety of Willemstad, Kralendijk and Oranjestad as it has for The Hague and Amsterdam, and called on the cabinet to show concrete action in defense of international law and the security of all Kingdom citizens.

Minister Van Weel acknowledged that communication can and should be more proactive, especially toward the local population, and said that improvements will be made in consultation with island administrations. The committee debate will continue in a two minute round in which parliamentary groups can submit motions.

‍