WILLEMSTAD – The political party MAN-PIN has expressed deep concern about escalating tensions in Venezuela and the strained relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Venezuela, which have led to a reduction in Dutch diplomatic representation in Caracas. These developments, coupled with repeated warnings from the Secretary-General of NATO, have prompted the party to request an urgent meeting of the ‘Seniorenconvent’, Curaçao's senior parliamentary council.
NATO's Secretary-General has highlighted the growing risk of hybrid warfare, which involves a mix of traditional armed conflict, terrorism, cyberattacks, disinformation, influence campaigns via conventional and social media, and economic and political pressure. While Europe is not officially at war, NATO stresses that the region is far from at peace.
Adding to the concern, the Dutch government recently advised its citizens to keep emergency supplies and cash on hand in case of war. Furthermore, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense has announced the strengthening of aerial defense systems in the Caribbean, including drone detection capabilities. These measures are heavily influenced by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and its impact on global stability.
Recognizing the potential implications of these regional and global developments for Curaçao, MAN-PIN has called for an urgent meeting of the Seniorenconvent with the agenda item titled: “Regional and Global Tensions That Could Affect Our Nation.” The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the ramifications of these geopolitical tensions and to consider preparatory measures to ensure the security and well-being of Curaçao’s citizens.
The requested discussions will focus on several key issues:
Analyzing the current geopolitical situation concerning Venezuela and the Caribbean region.
Addressing NATO’s warnings and the Dutch government’s advisories and their potential impact on Curaçao’s security.
Evaluating emergency preparedness measures and identifying areas for improvement.
Strengthening collaboration with partners in the Kingdom, as well as regional and international allies, to ensure stability and security in the Caribbean.
Developing a communication strategy to inform and prepare citizens for potential scenarios.
MAN-PIN has emphasized the urgency of these discussions and has urged the president of the Seniorenconvent, Gilbert Doran, to convene the meeting as soon as possible. The party believes proactive planning and transparent communication are essential to safeguarding the nation in the face of these uncertainties.