WILLEMSTAD – On Monday, May 12, 2025, Curaçao’s Prime Minister Gilmar ‘Pik’ Pisas and the Council of Ministers formally welcomed Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof during his working visit to the island. The day began with a bilateral meeting between the two prime ministers, followed by a joint session with the full Council of Ministers of Curaçao.
The discussions addressed several key topics concerning cooperation between Curaçao and the Netherlands.
A central topic was the refinancing of the Dutch-issued bond loan to Curaçao. Finance Minister Javier Silvania explained that a formal request has been submitted to the Dutch State Secretary of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and urged Prime Minister Schoof to give the matter due attention, describing it as urgent.
The Council also discussed Curaçao’s intention to abolish the visa requirement for nationals of the Dominican Republic seeking entry to the island. While a decision has already been made by the Council of Ministers of Curaçao, implementation falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as visa policy is part of the Kingdom’s foreign affairs. The goal remains to strengthen tourism, economic, and cultural ties with the Dominican Republic within the framework of broader Kingdom visa policy.
Another concern raised by the Curaçao government was the planned increase in the Dutch air passenger tax on long-haul flights, which could negatively affect tourism. A significant portion of Curaçao’s tourists come from the European Netherlands, and the island fears this tax could undermine travel demand.
The talks also covered the implementation of international sanctions under the Kingdom Sanctions Act. Curaçao reiterated its legal obligation and willingness to enforce UN and EU sanctions but stressed the need for sensitivity to the island’s economic and geopolitical context.
Dutch Delegation
The Dutch delegation included Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Bart van Poelgeest (Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs), Roald Lapperre (Director-General for Kingdom Relations), Saskia de Reuver (Acting Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten), Anna Sophia Posthumus (Director of the Government Information Service), and Joris Groen (Prime Minister’s advisor). Bo Melchers, policy advisor at the Dutch Representation Office in Willemstad, was also present.
Curaçaoan Delegation
All ministers of the Council of Ministers of Curaçao participated, as well as Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel, Secretary of the Council of Ministers Cherise Balentin, Chair of the National Reform Commission Caryl Monte, Acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs Djurick Comenentia, and Acting Deputy Secretary of the Council of Ministers Kristel Hooi.
The meeting was held in an open and respectful atmosphere, with both parties emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
